Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1915

Taken from the Western Times

[Printed in Exeter]

Inquests

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.

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included:-  Alford; Aplin; Arscott; Arthurs; Barber; Barratt; Barrett; Bastin; Bath; Bayliss; Bearne; Berry; Bevens; Bickel; Bickley; Bidgood; Bishop(2); Blackmore; Blatchford; Bolt; Bond; Boobier; Boston; Bowden; Bowell; Bowers; Bowman; Brealey; Bright; Brock; Broom; Brown; Brusey; Bulley; Burnet; Burrows; Cann; Carnall; Carpenter; Causley; Chamber; Chantrell; Chapman; Chenneour; Clarke; Clements; Cocker; Cockram; Codner; Colenso; Collings; Collypriest; Cook; Cooke; Courteney; Cox; Crabb; Creedy; Crispin; Crook; Crooke; Croump(2); Dare; Davis(2); Daw; Dilrew; Dixon; Doidge; Drew; Easterbrook; Easton; Elliott; Elms; Fisher(2); Fishwick; Flew; Flipp; Foale; Fone; Fowler; Foxworthy; France; Fulford; Gale; Gibbings; Gilbert; Godbeer; Gove; Greenslade; Gregory; Griffin; Groves; Hall; Hancock(2); Hardcastle; Harfield; Harper; Harris; Hart(2); Hawkes; Hawkins(3); Haycroft; Hazell; Heard; Henley; Hepburn; Hill(2); Hitchcock; Hobbs; Hore; Houghton; Hutchings; Isaacs; Jeffery; Jennings; Johns; Jones; Joslin; Karslake; Kerr; King(2); Knight; Lancey; Lapworth; Letheren; Lewis; Lippett; Lucraft; Lyons(2); Maddaford; Maiman(2); Marks; Marshall(2); Martin(2); Maunder; Mayhew; Miller; Millers; Mitchell; Moore; Mudge; Nancekivell; Newberry; Newbery; Newton; Nicholls; Nickolls; Norrish; Osborne(2); Packer; Palmer; Parker; Parkman; Partridge(2); Pavey; Peathyjohns; Peek; Perring; Phillips(2); Philpott; Pickard; Pike; Pillar; Piper; Pope; Prout(2); Radford; Rice(2); Richards; Riddle; Roberts; Rowse; Rudall; Russell; Salter; Saltern; Scholes; Seldon; Shapland; Sharp; Shields; Simpson; Sing; Skardon; Skinner; Sloman; Smale; Smith(2); Snell; Solari; Soper; Southwood; Sparkes; Spiney; Stamp; Stansmore; Stephens; Swift; Tapp; Taylor; Thomas; Tidball; Topham; Treby; Trim; Tucker(3); Vanstone(2); Varicas; Vicary; Viggers; Vince; Webber(2); Westcott; Westlake; Whiddon; White; Widger; Wilkinson; Williams; Wills; Wilson; Wilton; Winson; Wood; Woodman; Woolf; Yockney.

Western Times, Friday 8 January 1915
TOPSHAM - Found Drowned. Inquest On Missing Wonford House Inmate At Topsham. - An Inquest was held at Topsham Vestry yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, relative to the death of HERBERT CORNELIUS HANSARD YOCKNEY, aged 51, whose body was found in the river Exe yesterday morning. - Dr W. B. Morton, Medical Superintendent at Wonford House, Exeter, identified the deceased, who, he said, had been a voluntary boarder at the House since 1911. There were no restrictions on deceased, who showed no suicidal tendencies. MR YOCKNEY left Wonford House just before 3 o'clock on January 1st, saying he was going for a stroll until tea time. As he did not return information was given to the Police. - P.C. Crago, of Exminster, said that on January 6th he received information that there was a body in the Exe, but on going to the spot indicated was unable to see the body owing to the incoming tide. Next morning at 4.30 he recovered the body at Turf Cupboard in the Exe, about 100 yards from the bank, and in two feet of water. Nothing, other than private communications were found on the deceased, who was wearing a wristlet watch which had stopped at 2.48 and he had on him £2 3s. 2d. in cash. Witness had made enquiries but no one apparently saw the deceased in the neighbourhood. - Dr W. Ashford said that it was evident that the body had been in the water for several days. There was an abrasion on the forehead and one on the nose, which he believed were sustained after death. Bruises that were on the knees might have been caused during life, or shortly after. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

SIDMOUTH - Visitor's Body Recovered From The Water At Sidmouth. - An Inquest was held at the Cottage Hospital, Sidmouth, yesterday, concerning the death of MR BASIL W. HARDCASTLE, aged 67 years, who was visiting Sidmouth for the sake of his health. The body of the deceased gentleman, who was a member of the firm of Messrs. Spain Bros. and Co., accountants, of London Wall, was found floating in the sea on Wednesday. - Mr David Sing Capper, a cousin, who resides at Hampstead, said he saw deceased on Christmas Day, when he appeared to be in normal health and spirits. He had been suffering from sleeplessness and nervous breakdown, owing to the trying times in business owing to the war, whilst he was also worrying over the fact that, being an old colonel of volunteers, he was able to do practically nothing in the present crisis. - William Smith, a fisherman, and P.C. Pugsley, gave evidence as to the recovery of the body from the water, and Dr Colclough, of Sidmouth, stated that death was due to drowning. - MRS HARDCASTLE, wife of the deceased, said there were no financial or other worries connected with the firm, which was of good business standing. Deceased had a mental breakdown, and had already been in a nursing home previous to his coming to Torquay. He had been at Sidmouth ten days and seemed to get worse. Wednesday morning, however, he appeared to be better, and while dressing was quite jovial. He went out at 10.35 and as he went down the road he waved his stick to her. He had never had a fit and she had no reason to suspect that he would do himself any harm. - The Coroner said there was nothing to indicate that the deceased intended to commit suicide. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Saturday 9 January 1915
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Bideford last evening, on MRS ELIZABETH COLENSO, 67, widow of a sailor, and who had been living with her mother, aged 88, at the Meddon-street Almshouses. Deceased, who had been complaining lately of her health, was found dead in a chair. Dr Grose said the post mortem examination disclosed a rupture of the heart, which was weak and fatty. It was an unusual case, and only the second of heart rupture in his experience.

Western Times, Tuesday 12 January 1915
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Buckfastleigh Fatality. Jury Recommend Safety Rail For The Bridge. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday in the Town Hall, Buckfastleigh, touching the death of MR NICHOLAS MILLERS, of Bridge-street, who fell in the Marle on Thursday evening when leaving his work at six o'clock in the evening. His Majesty's factory inspector was present. Mr P. Jackson was Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by MARGARET CAUNTER, an adopted daughter, who said she resided at Bridge-street. Deceased was 78 years of age. He was no relation of hers. He was a casual labourer and on Wednesday he started working for Messrs. Hamlyn Brothers Ltd., in their dye-house. He had a wife who was blind, but there was no family. She saw him before he went to work on Thursday five minutes to two. He never complained about anything, his sight was all right and his hearing. He enjoyed very good health for his age. She was told of the occurrence on Thursday evening at six o'clock. In answer to the Inspector, witness said he went to work at six in the morning on Thursday. - Dr Sidney Rice Williams said he found a scalp wound on the left side of the head, which was the only one except some bruisings received in going down the stream. The lacerated wound had bled considerably. The other appearances of the body were consistent with that of drowning. His opinion was that he was stunned and drowned, and the cause of death was drowning. - Frederick William Bennett, of the Institute, Buckfastleigh, employed at Hamlyn Brothers, said he saw deceased on Wednesday and Thursday and he was helping about the dyeing of wool. On Thursday evening when he came out of his shop it was about two minutes to six. Deceased came from the wool dyeing vats which were in the yard, and in going home he would be in a straight line with the wooden bridge. The lights of the factory were all in at the weaving shed and he saw him enter on the bridge and on reaching the other side, saw him go over. He shouted for help from the men who were behind him, and whilst doing so saw deceased go over the weir. He asked Cox to go down to the Foundry, who went with others to see if they could catch the body. - The Inspector inquired if the bridge was used by anybody else and witness said, "Yes, by several." - Ernest Co., Chapel-street, Buckfastleigh, and R. C. Clement also gave evidence. - A verdict was returned of "Accidentally Drowned," and a rider was added recommending that the owners have the bridge suitably fenced.

Western Times, Wednesday 13 January 1915
BRIXHAM - Formidable Disaster. Body Of A Sailor In Brixham Trawl. The Inquest. - On Saturday the Brixham trawler "Varuna" recovered in the Channel the body of one of the crew of the battleship "Formidable," and brought it to Brixham. - Yesterday afternoon Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened the Inquest, Captain Manley being chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Inquiry, as two Admiralty witnesses who were connected with the "Formidable" had gone to Lyme Regis instead of Brixham. Several of the survivors of the battleship, it would be remembered and some dead men had been landed at Lyme, and an Inquest held there. This was probably how the mistake arose. - The foreman asked if the information which they had obtained from the 70 survivors landed at Brixham would be of service in connection with the Inquiry. - The Coroner replied that any information which Jurymen had received would probably be of some service, although they must have sworn evidence before they could arrive at a verdict. - JOSEPH CHANTRELL, of Stockton-on-Tees, a member of the Naval Reserve, identified the deceased as his son, ALEXANDER, who was 18 years of age last month. He was a steel sheet galvaniser, and a stoker in the R.N.R. on the "Formidable." Deceased's mother received a letter from him bearing the postmark January 1st, the day the ship went down. She received the letter on the following day and he said he hoped the ship would go into harbour and that he would get a free pass, so that he might get home. - John Brusey, a Brixham skipper, of the trawler "Varuna," said they left Brixham on January 8th, and after going 35 miles south by south-east, of the Berry, the Start being north-west, they shot their trawl about 6.30 in the evening and fished until 4.30 next morning. At 9.30 they hove up the trawl and discovered the body. They returned straight to port and informed the Police. - By the Foreman: During the ten hours the trawl was down they covered anything up to 25 miles and the body might have been anywhere in the bottom between those points. - P.S. Bolt said the body was dressed in blue jersey, sailor's flannel shirt and a pair of canvass trousers and socks. The name "A. CHANTRELL" was pencilled on the waistband of the trousers. In the pocket was a penny. There was no mark or bruise of any description except one small circular one on the left shin, the size of a sixpence. The body could easily have been identified. That morning the coastguard from Lyme Regis informed him that two witnesses had arrived there by mistake and would arrive at Brixham later in the day. The Commander of the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, had also informed him of the mistake. - The Inquest was adjourned until three o'clock. - On resuming, Harry Snowden, of Strood, Kent, chief stoker, said he was lately on the "Formidable," and knew deceased, who was a stoker. Just after midnight on January 1st CHANTRELL went below to keep his four hours' watch as witness came off. Witness was asleep in his hammock when about 2.20 a violent noise awakened him and an awful smell of burning. It was quite nauseating. Just afterwards the battleship listed to starboard and witness got on some clothes and went on deck. Boats were put out, but he did not see deceased again. They left the ship and pulled round, picking up men in the water, as many as possible. Just as they filled up the ship was struck against on the port side. Numbers were left of the ship. - The Coroner: the majority went down with her? - Witness: Yes, about two-thirds. - There was great difficulty in launching the boats? - There was a list on the ship and the rough weather. - A Juryman: And there was no steam to get out the boats, I suppose? - Witness: No; we had lost that. Three boats got away the cutter, the pinnace and the launch. - The Coroner: A light cruiser picked up three boats. You would not expect to see a submarine out in such a rough sea? - Witness: No; we have always been told that it would be blind and could not see. - Arthur Petts, of Chatham, stoker, said on the last day of the old year the deceased was smoking on deck at about 8 o'clock in the evening. Witness jumped from the forecastle and getting into a boat, was landed at Lyme Regis. - The Coroner said it was a matter of common knowledge that the "Formidable" was destroyed and sunk in the Channel on January 1st. He read an extract from Lord Crewe's speech, stating that the Admiralty were convinced the cause of destruction was two torpedoes from a submarine and that the victims had died like heroes. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased came to his death by Drowning, as a result of the sinking of the ship "Formidable" on the 1st January, during operations of war, and added a rider that the Jury wished to express their sincere sympathy with the friends and relatives of those who lost their lives and wish to suggest to the Admiralty that when bodies of the deceased crew are brought in by fishermen, the Admiralty should compensate those men for their loss of time, otherwise they feared bodies may be left to float about in the Channel and not brought to port. - The Coroner: A very fit and proper recommendation. - A Juryman said it should be pointed out that the trawler concerned had been in port on Saturday, Sunday and that day and could not go to the fishing grounds until Wednesday. That meant a loss of from £10 to £12 to the men. - The Coroner thought application should be made to the Admiralty representatives at Brixham by the skipper. A coastguard officer said no application had been received by him. If one did, he would forward it. P.S. Bolt said he would talk with the skipper of the trawler and explain the position. - The father of the deceased said he was very grateful for all that had been done. He broke down when handed the penny, the only coin found on the deceased.

Western Times, Thursday 14 January 1915
EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, last evening on WILLIAM HENRY NEWBERRY, aged 55 years, a painter and naval pensioner, who died on Tuesday. Evidence was given by Dr Kingdon Frost, and relatives, to the effect that deceased contracted lead poisoning in his work and for some time past had been receiving compensation. The disease had got a complete hold upon him, paralysis and affection of the brain being noticeable towards the last.

DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, on holding an Inquest at Dartmouth, was told by Capt. John Walker, of the s.s. "Nicholas," that the deceased, GEORGE STANSMORE, 48, was a fireman on the steamer, and a native of Devonport. The deceased complained to him of suffering from cramp, and he gave him medicine. The deceased suggested that a piece of bacon which he had eaten had caused the illness, but witness had examined the piece and found it quite wholesome. Dr Sparrow attributed death to strangulation of the hernia, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Friday 15 January 1915
BAMPTON - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest held yesterday at Bampton on WILLIAM WEBBER, aged 66 years, a farm labourer, who was employed at Lower Boubier Hill Farm, Bampton. Deceased, who hailed from Thorverton, went hedging on Tuesday and as he did not return in the evening a search was made and his body was found by Chas. Maunder, his master. It was lying beside the hedge upon which deceased had been engaged. Dr T. W. W. Bovey deposed to making a post-mortem examination. There were no marks of violence, but the body presented signs of heart trouble. The sudden death was due to syncope.

Western Times, Monday 18 January 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - On Saturday Dr Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, South Molton, regarding the death of MR HERBERT RUSSELL, farmer's assistant, of South-street, South Molton, Mr W. A. Madge was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS EMMA RUSSELL, widow, who was greatly affected and spoke with much difficulty, occupied a seat by the Coroner. She said she last saw her husband alive on Friday morning at half-past seven, he then being outside the house in a cart. He then seemed all right. He had suffered badly from rheumatism. Witness did not see what happened while deceased was in the cart, but when she came out of the house he was dead. - William James Taylor, saddler, of Barnstaple-street, South Molton, deposed that he was in South-street on Friday morning just as a detachment of the Devonshire regiment was leaving the town. Witness was walking in front of the band. Near Mr G. Searle's blacksmith's shop he observed MR RUSSELL approaching, driving a horse and butt. Deceased was standing up. Witness had played in a band for 25 years, and his first thought was what deceased's horse would do in passing the band. As a matter of fact the animal went past very quietly. He (Mr Taylor) threw up his hand by way of bidding deceased good morning and MR RUSSELL nodded in response. The horse then turned its head towards the footpath and witness stood by in readiness to take it by the head if it became restive; but deceased had perfect control of the animal, and it went past the procession quietly. After saying "Good-bye" to some of the soldiers whom he knew, witness returned to South-street and to his surprise saw MR RUSSELL lying in the bottom of the butt, apparently dead. - Mr Gilbert, a Juror: Did you notice anything unusual in MR RUSSELL? - In my opinion he was quite usual; he was standing up driving and had perfect control of the horse. - Mrs E. Huxtable, South-street, South Molton, stated that when MR RUSSELL came up to his front door MRS RUSSELL came to her (witness's) house and said that he was ill. She asked witness if she had a little brandy, but she had none. Witness went out and saw MR RUSSELL and, observing that he was very ill, she fetched Dr Nicholl. That was about 9.30 a.m. - Dr Nicholl stated that he found deceased sitting up in the cart, supported by a Policeman. Witness made an examination at once, and in his opinion he was dying, if not dead, at the time. Witness could not hear the heart because of the crowd of people around. He had made a post-mortem examination. there were no external marks or wounds. The only organ diseased was the heart; the other organs were all right. The heart was very enlarged and weighed 31 ounces, about three times the ordinary weight. the valves were quite incompetent to perform their work. There was old pleurisy on the right side. In his opinion death was due to syncope. - Replying to a Juror, Dr Nicholl said he did not think the fact of deceased meeting the band had any effect; had he been startled in that way it would have affected him instantly. The deceased was liable to sudden death at any moment, even when he was talking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". On the proposition of Mr Daniel Bennett, a Juror, the Jury handed their fees to the widow.

Western Times, Tuesday 19 January 1915
EXETER - Infant's Death Through Upsetting A Pan Of Boiling Water At Exeter. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest relative to the death of NORMAN ALFRED BARRATT, aged 1 year and 9 months, the son of ALFRED BARRATT, a painter, of Larkbeare Cottages, Holloway-street. Deceased was admitted into the Institution on December 27th, suffering from severe scalds, sustained through his upsetting a pan of boiling water over himself. Death took place on the 16th inst. - The father of deceased complained to the Jury that he and his wife were not allowed to see their son during the whole of the illness. MRS BARRATT was much upset over the affair, and he considered that it would have comforted her greatly if she could have visited the boy once. - A Juryman: I think it's hard lines on the parents. - Dr Fisher, the House Surgeon, who said that the child's death was due to cardiac failure following the septic condition of the scalds, made an explanation with regard to MR BARRATT'S complaint. He remarked that the City did not seem to realise the importance of keeping a strict rule at the Hospital. When he was made House Surgeon, they had a considerable amount of infectious disease in the Children's Ward. Thus, he asked the Committee to insist upon the exclusion of visitors from the "Bowring," or Children's Ward. But visitors were allowed to see children that were in a dying condition. he had a responsibility. visitors suffering from infectious diseases, probably in the early stages, came into the Ward and affected the children. Some time ago a child in the Bowring Ward caught measles, most probably from a visitor, for on its admittance, a considerable time before, it was unaffected. As a result, the whole of the fourteen children in the Ward caught measles, and three of them died. That was a terrible thing to happen and it showed the need for caution. For the past twelve months they had not had a case of infectious disease in the Ward, so the rule of exclusion had worked well. Visitors were allowed in the general wards, and only last week one of the patients contracted scarlet fever, no doubt brought in by some friend. - MR BARRATT: What about looking through the window? You don't get scarlet fever in the corridors. - Continuing his explanation, Dr Fisher said that it was not thought up to the last that the boy BARRATT was so dangerously ill that it was necessary to give the parents permission to see it. They did not anticipate death. Apart from the parents, he (Dr Fisher) was more affected than anyone at the sudden death. Had he known the seriousness of the child's condition, he most willingly have allowed MR and MRS BARRATT into the ward. It was an unfortunate case. He did all he possibly could. If one had asked him the night before whether the child would die, he could not have answered in the affirmative. The rule affected all. There was one child who had been in the Ward for twelve months without seeing visitors. He was doing his duty in guarding the public. - MR BARRATT said he gathered from the nurse that on Wednesday the child's condition was serious, because he was vomiting. The hospital authorities could easily have let them look through the glass door. - While continuing to make bitter complaint, the parent was silenced by the Coroner. - The Foreman (Mr R. Patch): Yes, I think that is enough; the doctor's explanation satisfies us. - The Coroner: At first blush one fancies one should be allowed to see a child. But Dr Fisher thought the child was going to be all right. They had every sympathy with the parents - (Hear, hear). - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Wednesday 20 January 1915
BURLESCOMBE - Quarry Accident. Workman Killed By Fall Of Rock At Holcombe Rogus. - A fatal accident which occurred on Saturday at Whipcott Quarry, Holcombe Rogus, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner for the District, at the Royal Oak, Burlescombe, yesterday. Deceased was named SAMUEL JAMES HARPER, an employee at the quarry. - Evidence of identification was given by the son, HENRY JAMES, a quarryman, who said his father was 48 years of age, and was a foreman at Whipcott Quarry, where he had worked about four years, having all his life been at quarry employment. Last Saturday, about 12.30, witness was drilling a shot hole and deceased was standing close by talking to him. A small vein of the rock, about a ton, broke off and pitched on deceased, burying him with the exception of his head and shoulders. He seemed to die immediately. In answer to the Mines Inspector, Mr Boydell, witness said he was standing on a ledge above the ground, and deceased was on the ground. The depth of the quarry was about 60 ft, or 70 ft., and deceased was standing under an overhanging portion. No shot had been fired on that particular bed on Saturday morning and witness did not notice any danger. - Dr G. R. McDonald said the skull and right arm were fractured and the body was bruised. Death was due to the fracture of the skull and was probably instantaneous. - Walter Cross, a labourer, who was near the spot when the accident happened, said deceased was got from under the stone in about ten minutes, but seemed dead as soon as he was struck. The sides of the quarry, witness thought, were properly maintained to avoid danger. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Station yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of the infant child of MR and MRS ARTHUR WILLS, of Lower Summerland-street, Exeter. The child was born on Wednesday last and died on the Saturday. - Evidence was given by the father, a cab driver, and Nurse Melhuish, who attended the case, and found the child dead. - Dr Brash said the child was dead when he arrived. He had examined the body. Death was due to convulsions. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

TORQUAY - Morphia Victim. Dentist's Death From Accidental Overdose At Torquay. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden held an Inquest at Torquay Police Station yesterday on MR CHARLES BROOKING PHILLIPS, aged 50, retired dentist, of Templestowe, Carey Crescent, Torquay, who died on Sunday. Mr Dennis Thomas watched the proceedings on behalf of Mrs Whitworth, proprietress of Templestowe. HENRY PHILLIPS, London, Surgeon, identified the body as that of his brother, who, he said, had for four or five years suffered a great deal and took morphia to deaden the pain. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. There was no reason except the pain why he should do so, and he was quite frightened himself of this morphia taking habit. He only took it when the paroxysms of pain were at their crisis. Witness understood that the deceased was enjoying his life in Torquay, and had even made arrangements to go for a motor ride on the following morning. - Forbes T. Clarke, who had been in deceased's service for five years, said during the whole of that time deceased had been a great sufferer. Deceased only took morphia occasionally. The last time was a few weeks ago. - Witness left him all right on the Wednesday night and he was all right on the Thursday morning, and asked witness to get the motor read by 9.45 to take him to the meet. When witness returned he was flushed and witness supposed he had been taking morphia. Deceased asked him if he would telephone for the doctor. - By Mr Thomas: He used to take half a tablet; he never complained except of pains. - By the Coroner: He never said anything about taking his life. - Dr Spong said he knew the deceased intimately. He had never given the slightest intimation of any intention of taking his life. He had attended him for about 18 months; he was a great sufferer from locomotor ataxy. Deceased knew the full danger of morphia, but was inclined to make light of it. He took a quarter of a grain for a dose, but half a grain would have been quite safe. When witness saw him on Thursday he was semi-conscious and showed symptoms of morphia poisoning. Dr Stabb and witness did all that was possible, but convulsions ensued on Saturday night and he died early on Sunday morning. It was possible that deceased with his professional knowledge, had taken a stronger dose by mouth instead of, as usual, by making an injection, and by this means had accidentally taken too strong a dose. - Clarke, recalled, said the syringe on Thursday was as he left it the night previous, and had not been used. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show that deceased took his life, but they know that death was due to an overdose. The Jury found that death was due to Misadventure, caused by Accidentally taking an Overdose of Morphia.

Western Times, Friday 22 January 1915
TIVERTON - Crushed To Death. Awful Fate Of A Tiverton Man. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned Wednesday at an Inquest held at the Tiverton Hospital on the body of JOHN THOMAS ARTHURS, electrical engineer and smith, who was crushed to death on Monday morning while oiling some shafting at Messrs Starkey, Knight and Ford's Brewery. Mr C. H. Morris, H.M. Inspector of Factories, Plymouth, was present. - The evidence given by two or three employees of Messrs. Starkey, Knight and Ford suggested that while in the act of oiling the revolving shafting, deceased's coast or waistcoat had been caught, and he was drawn in between the wheels and crushed to death. To reach the shafting deceased had used a ladder. - Mr T. H. Ford, managing director, said the shafting, which was automatically oiled, was 6ft. 7in. from the ground. The automatic oilers were filled periodically and should have been filled when the shafting was not in motion. There was no rule to that effect, but the firm expected that a man of deceased's experience - he was an employee of twenty years' standing, and most trustworthy and efficient - would not attempt to oil the shafting while in motion. - The Inspector said on an inspection he would pass the shafting without making any comment. But if he knew that an employee was sent there to oil the shafting he would examine the couplings, etc. As far as he could see no blame whatever was attached to the firm. It was the custom of the Department to order all shafting under 6ft. 6in. high to be fenced: But this shafting was 6ft. 7in. high. He was surprised that a man of the deceased's experience was oiling the shafting while in motion. - Police-Sergt. Denning said he arrived on the scene within a few minutes of deceased's death. Save for his socks and boots deceased's body was absolutely nude, the clothes being coiled round the shafting for a distance of about three feet. The clothes were all in tatters. Deceased's arms had been wrenched from the shoulders and were hanging in the sleeves from the shafting. A ladder was placed against the shafting and the oil can (produced) was lying near deceased's feet. - Dr Pollock described the injuries, which were of a fearful nature.

Western Times, Saturday 23 January 1915
WHITCHURCH - Tired Of Life. The Suicide Of A Labourer Near Tavistock. - Yesterday afternoon, at Middlemoor, near Whitchurch, Tavistock, Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of ARTHUR RICHARD SLOMAN, aged 47, a farm labourer, who had been in the employ of Mr Ratcliffe, of Holwill, Middlemoor, and who shot himself in his father's garden at the bottom of Plaister Down Lane, on Wednesday. Mr S. Compton Lundie was Foreman of the Jury. - MABEL ELSIE SLOMAN, sister of the deceased, stated that her brother had been very strange in his manner of late. He had no monetary trouble, but he had been worrying about a brother who was in the Navy in the North Sea. On Wednesday he took his gun and said he was going to shoot a bird, but twenty minutes later she found him lying in the garden. She raised an alarm, with the result that two soldiers came to her assistance. The memorandum produced was in her brother's handwriting. It stated: "Dear Sister ELSIE, - As I am tired of living any longer, as I am in trouble, I hope you all - father and all - will forgive me. I will pass over Fox and Fowler's account, and also National Deposit to you to draw and divide up. (Signed) ARTHUR SLOMAN." - Pte. Smith, R.M.L.I., deposed to finding the body, with a gun under it. - P.C. Nankivell stated that the deceased had been strange of late and seemed to brood over the war. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said that in his opinion the injuries to the head wee self-inflicted. - Mr F. Radcliffe, of Holwill, gave the deceased an excellent character and said he had seemed for the past few days gloomy and depressed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity," and expressed their sympathy with the family.

BRENTOR - Mr Coroner R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Brentor on the body of MR J. RICE, farmer, of Brentor, who died from injuries sustained on the G.W.R. line between Brentor and Lydford, as the result of being knocked down by a train. Mr Gow was chosen Foreman of the Jury. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. Deceased, who had lived at Brentor for about forty years, was 82 years of age and unmarried.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Station last evening relative to the death of WILLIAM RADFORD, a farm labourer, aged 63, living in Cowick-street, St. Thomas. FRANK RADFORD said he saw deceased on Tuesday evening, when he seemed in his usual condition of health. He had complained of giddiness and had been treated for bronchitis. Thomas Cross said about quarter past five on Thursday morning he saw deceased lying in the gutter in Bartholomew-street. He was dead. Dr J. W. Pereira said death was due to ruptured aneurism of the aorta. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 25 January 1915
LAMERTON - Tragic Death Near Tavistock. - HENRY DOIDGE, an old and respected inhabitant of Lamerton, near Tavistock, went to the village Post-office on Friday to transact a little business, and on returning to his home he met his wife at the door ,and said to her: "Mother, take the money; I'm going." He had barely completed the sentence when he suddenly fell forward, and it was afterwards found that he had expired. The deceased had been in indifferent health for some little time past, but was able to get about. He leaves a widow and three sons, for all of whom much sympathy is felt in their tragic bereavement. The Police were sent for, as also was Dr Leslie Watt, of Tavistock, who made a post-mortem examination of the body. - At the Inquest held on Saturday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 26 January 1915
WITHYCOMBE RALEIGH - Withycombe's Loss. Sad Death Of DR J. DEE SHAPLAND: The Inquest. The death took place at his residence, Burnside, Withycombe, on Saturday night of MR JOHN DEE SHAPLAND. Deceased, who had resided at Withycombe for about 25 years, formerly practised in the village as a medical man, and retired twelve years since. He was for many years Medical Officer for the parish of Withycombe under the St. Thomas Board of Guardians. He was 75 years of age and was twice married. DR SHAPLAND ailed on Friday evening, but his demise on the following evening was quite unexpected. - An Inquest was held at the Withycombe Institute yesterday afternoon to Inquire into the circumstances of the death. Mr H. Tweed, the Deputy Coroner, was present, and Mr H. J. Long was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS SHAPLAND stated that her husband awoke on Saturday morning at 2.15 and complained to her of feeling unwell. He said he had a slight pain in his stomach and got up and walked about the room. She asked him to have some whisky and water. He said he would, and added that something he had partaken of at dinner had disagreed with him. Witness gave him the whisky and water and he also took an aperient and went back to bed. He slept until 7 o'clock when he asked for a mustard poultice, which she applied. Deceased took some castor oil and vomited. DR SHAPLAND did not get up and witness retired to bed at nine on Saturday evening, and about ten minutes afterwards deceased said "Oh, Oh" and expired. he had been in the habit of prescribing for himself and had had gastric attacks very often. She did not consider him sufficiently ill to call in a medical man. On Saturday afternoon deceased said, "I wonder if Dr Gordon would come and see me?" - he was very fond of Dr Gordon. The coachman telephoned for Dr Gordon, who, however, was unable to come. But deceased recovered later in the day, and as he appeared much better Dr Gordon was not called again. Deceased had meat extract at times during the day. - Harry John Edwards, coachman at Burnside, said he went to the deceased's room on Saturday afternoon when he told witness he did not feel very well. He saw DR SHAPLAND on Friday, when he was walking on the verandah. - Dr Hanna stated that he was called on Saturday evening soon after ten, as it was feared that DR SHAPLAND had passed away. He found that DR SHAPLAND was dead, but at the time he was unable to certify the cause of death. He subsequently made a post mortem examination, and found that the heart showed signs of muscular degeneration. The left lung indicated extensive pleurisy of old standing and at the base of the right lung there were signs of bronchial pneumonia. In all probability the bronchial condition originated from influenza, and that in conjunction with the degenerated heart, was quite sufficient to cause death. Death was due to heart failure, following on bronchial pneumonia. - The Coroner pointed out that they had heard from MRS SHAPLAND that the deceased had been in the habit of doctoring himself, but it would have been better had medical assistance been called earlier in this instance. He had had a similar case in the town earlier in the day, and in both cases it would have obviated inquests had that been done. - MR SHAPLAND (a son of the deceased) said his father had some strong views on some subjects, and one of his objections was to having medical attendance if it could be avoided. He believed only in calling a doctor if the symptoms appeared serious. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - Mr Long, on behalf of the Jury, expressed their sympathy with the family, and with MRS SHAPLAND and her young family. DR SHAPLAND had been long resident among them, and they regretted his death in the village. - The Coroner concurred and MR SHAPLAND, as representing the family, thanked the Jury for their sympathy in this their time of bereavement. They were only sorry that they met under these circumstances, but they were grateful for the kind expressions of the Jury towards them.

EXMOUTH - Declined To Have A Doctor. An Old Lady's Death At Exmouth. - An Inquest was held at the Temperance Hall, Exmouth, yesterday, before Mr H. Tweed, Deputy Coroner for the District, concerning the death of ELIZABETH CHAMBER, aged 67, wife of an Army pensioner, named DANIEL CHAMBER, of 1 Church-street. - The husband of the deceased stated that his wife went to bed on Thursday because she was suffering from a severe cold. She declined to have a doctor. At eight o'clock on Friday evening she told witness she was getting better, because her cough was not so bad. Witness went to sleep about nine o'clock, and at 11.30 he found that his wife had been out of bed and was trying to get back again. She was weak and appeared very ill after he had assisted her back to bed. He called Miss Rose Jefford to go for a doctor. When he returned to the bedside he felt that deceased's hands were getting cold, and that she was insensible. She was dead when Dr Hanna arrived, ten minutes later. - Rose Jefford also gave evidence; and Dr Hanna said he saw the deceased at twelve o'clock on Friday night. She was lying in bed and dead. he could not state the cause of death and had since conducted a post-mortem examination and ascertained that death was due to double pneumonia. He did not think that anything could have been done for the deceased had medical aid been summoned earlier. - The Coroner commented on the pity it was that an Inquest should be necessary in such a case, but it could not be dispensed with because no doctor had been called in. It was, however, unfortunate that medical assistance was not called before the woman died. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 27 January 1915
TORQUAY - Officers Shot. Graphic Story Of Witnesses of the Tragedy At Torquay. - Yesterday afternoon Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened the Inquest at the old Torquay Town Hall on LIEUT. ERNEST SIMPSON, of the Army Service Corps, and SUB-LIEUT. ARTHUR HART, R.N., 22, who was connected as sub-flight-lieutenant with the flying branch of the Naval service, both of Devonport, who were accidentally shot in the Torbay-road, Torquay, on Sunday evening, by a rifle bullet fired by Pte. George Harris, 19, of Exeter, who with Pte. Donald Pullman, 28, of Bournemouth, was on duty as sentinels. The privates belong to the 7th Devon Cyclist Reserve (Territorials). The officers were returning to Plymouth in a car belonging to a brother naval officer which was driven by Mr Murton, engineer, in the service of the Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company, at Devonport. - Mr E. Hutchings watched the proceedings on behalf of Ptes. Harris and Pullman, while Supt. Crooke, Capt. Gorwyn, of the 7th Devons and other officers were present. - Capt. J. W. H. Thompson, 11th Service Division, watched the proceedings on behalf of the military authorities and Lieut. Tosswill was also among the officers present. Mr C. Field Fisher represented the widow of LIEUT. SIMPSON. There were nearly a score of witnesses and a large attendance of the public. - Mr A. Brown was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES HART, Superintendent Pharmacist at the Royal Naval Hospital, Devonport, identified one of the bodies as that of his son, BERTRAM WELBY HART, 22 years of age on Saturday. He was a Flag-Sub-Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Air Service. About two o'clock on Sunday afternoon witness saw him at the Hospital. He was staying with witness on sick leave since December 3rd, from Hendon, where he was stationed. Witness understood he was going to Yelverton for a motor drive, but did not know with whom he was going. - Alfred Henry Listen, of Tavistock-terrace-road, Walton-on-Thames, architect, identified LIEUT. ARTHUR ERNEST SIMPSON, as of the Army Service Corps. He was 42 years of age, married and had two daughters. He was a solicitor in civil life before he joined the army. - Harold Francis John Merton said he was staying at the Royal Hotel, Plymouth, but lived at 29 Abbey-road, St John's Wood, London. He was an engineer in the employment of the Marconi Wireless Company, and engaged in wireless work at Devonport. He had known LIEUT. SIMPSON, who was stationed at Granby Barracks for some months. LIEUT. SIMPSON had lunched with witness at the Royal Hotel, Plymouth, on Sunday and afterwards LIEUT. HART joined them and suggested a run in the car, which belonged to Lieut. Thompson, R.N. They came to Torquay and had tea at the grand about 5.30. They went to the Torbay Hospital in the car to see a friend, who had come in for the afternoon. By this time it was nearly seven o'clock, and they started back for Plymouth. Witness asked a Policeman on the front as to the lighting arrangements and he replied that no headlights were allowed on the Torbay-road, and they proceeded with only side and tail lamps. On reaching Paignton witness turned on the head-lights and found they were burning dimly, as the accumulators had run down. They decided to return to Torquay for new ones. They proceeded slowly back to Torquay on account of the trams running without lights. On reaching Belgrave-road they were stopped by two military patrols. These men had rifles, but not bayonets. One, he believed, had a blue cap. - The Coroner: Were they in uniform? - Witness: Yes. They called out "Stop," not "halt," or any ordinary challenge. Witness pulled up the car in the middle of the road. They were all three standing together. The patrols, or sentries, levelled their rifles at them, one at the ready and the other at the shoulder, until witness topped the car. He kept the engine running. They got out of the car, one of the sentries keeping about six paces in front of the motor with his rifle at the ready. The shorter man of the two then said, in a very disrespectful and rather insulting way, that he was going to search the car. His friends were both, of course, in uniform. LIEUT. SIMPSON asked by what authority they proposed to do so and why no non-commissioned officer was in charge. The answer was very disrespectful and the tone carried more than the words. - The Coroner: It is a matter of opinion what is disrespectful. If you tell us the words used we can form our own opinion.. Witness: I would not like to swear to any words. The man shouted, but there was no necessity to do so. An argument ensued as to the right to search and this occupied three or four minutes. - The Coroner: Exception was taken to the search? - Yes, said witness, by both deceased. - The Coroner: Could you give any details on the argument - was there any strong language? - There was high talking. Both were strongly objecting to the search. - "Did they resist?" asked Mr Hacker. - No resistance was made. - The Coroner: Was the search proceeded with? - Witness said it was. The men used a pocket flash-lamp for the purpose. He did not join in the argument, as he was a civilian. There was a crowd of from 15 to 20 persons looking on, and they were mostly on the footpath. The men said they were acting under orders. - Witness said the crowd was right behind the sentries, but there was no pushing - at any rate he did not see any. - The Foreman: Was the crowd in any way hostile? - Witness: They were hostile to us. - The Coroner said there were a number of witnesses to call and adjourned the hearing till Friday, at 11 a.m.

Western Times, Saturday 30 January 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Resumed Inquest On The Two Officers. Remarkable Evidence. - Mr Coroner S. Hacker resumed the Inquest at the Old Town Hall, Torquay, yesterday, into the death of SUB-FLIGHT-LIEUT. BERTRAM WILBY HART, 22 years of age, Royal Naval Air Service, and LIEUT. ARTHUR SIMPSON, married, 42 years of age, Army Service Corps, formerly a London solicitor, who were shot in the Torbay-road, Torquay, on Sunday evening after being held up by a military patrol in their motor-car, while on their way to Devonport. George Harris (Exeter) and Donald Pullman (Bournemouth), two privates of the 7th Devon Cyclist Reserve, the former of whom was charged at the Police Court this week with causing the death, and Pullman of aiding and abetting, were present in Court today; also the fathers of the two officers, Capt. Gorwyn, of the 7th Devons, Capt. J. W. H. Thompson, of the 11th Service Batt., Devons, on behalf of the military authorities; Mr E. Hutchings, who represented the two privates, and Mr C. Field Fisher, on behalf of MRS SIMPSON, the widow. - At the opening of the Inquest on Tuesday, evidence of identification was given and Mr Harold Francis John Merton, Marconi wireless engineer, told at great length the story of the tragedy, he having accompanied his friends, the officers, on their motor run from Devonport, and being the driver of the car when it was challenged by the patrol. Briefly, his evidence was that while on the return journey their accumulators gave out at Paignton, and they were returning to Torquay for fresh ones, when they were stopped by two men in uniform. The officers, who were in uniform, objected to the car being searched, but eventually consented. Then they were very annoyed because the sentinels said they were not satisfied and must detain the car while they sent for the Colour-Sergeant. The number of the car was tied on in front on a piece of cardboard, while behind the number was merely printed on. A heated altercation ensued during which Mr Murton alleged that Pullman pointed his rifle at LIEUT. HART and said that if he moved he would shoot. While witness was sitting in the car he heard a report and looking round saw LIEUT. HART falling and smoke, he believed, coming from Pullman's rifle. When he got out of the car he found LIEUT. HART dead and LIEUT SIMPSON dying on the ground behind the car, he having been standing directly behind LIEUT. HART talking to witness and in a direct line with the course taken by the bullet. Witness stated that the sentries were disrespectful, peremptory and insulting in their manner to the officers. - All the available space in Court was occupied by the public yesterday and it was nearly noon before the Coroner had finished reading the evidence and conducting the preliminaries to the resumption of the taking of further evidence. - The Coroner mentioned that there was a good deal of evidence to deal with, which would occupy the greater part of the day, if not more. - Evidence was read over and Mr Murton expressed the desire to amplify certain statements. The note of the evidence was "no bad language was used." Bad language was certainly used after some time. The conversation had become rather heated. - The Coroner: By whom? - Witness: I should say the three of us. - "Much?" asked Mr Hacker, to which the reply was "Some swearing." - Mr Murton still expressed the opinion that it was the tall sentry (Pullman) who fired the shot. - The Coroner: How far do you think he was away when the shot was fired? - About six feet. - Did he move about at all? - He was not standing perfectly still. - Did he move towards the sentry? - I don't think so. - Were you looking at the sentry when the shot was fired? - No. - Where was the other sentry? - In front of the car, I believe. - Mr Hutchings: Was the body of the sentry six feet away, or the end of the rifle? - Witness: I am talking of the sentry; the rifle was nearer. - Mr Fisher inquired if LIEUT. SIMPSON was standing at the rear of the car or by the side at the time of the argument. - Witness: He was resting his arm on the hood. - Mr Fisher: Did he participate in the argument at this time? - Witness: Not at that time. - Dr H. K. Lacey, who attended to LIEUT. SIMPSON on Sunday night, said he was living but unconscious. He first saw a wound in the left armpit. It was not bleeding. The officer died while he was applying remedies. On examination he found death was due to haemorrhage caused by bullet wounds. The bullet entered in the upper and back part of the left arm, breaking up the bone, severing up the main artery and nerves, making a wound in the base of the armpit, entering the chest through the eighth rib, damaged the left lung, went through the ninth rib and lay buried in the muscles of the back. He produced the bullet, which was slightly bent. It was examined by the Jury. The direction of the bullet was changed after entering the body. There were no traces of alcohol. - Police-Constable Mugridge stated that he was on duty in the Torbay-road on Sunday evening. He saw a crowd of people between the King's Drive and the Belgrave corner. He noticed a stationary motor-car in the middle of the crows, and hearing an altercation between a naval officer and a soldier he proceeded to the spot. All the lights had been put out except those on the ar. As he was making his way through the crowd he heard the report of a rifle. At this time he could only see one of the soldiers (Pullman); the other was too short to be seen in consequence of the crowd blocking the view. The taller one was standing by the car. Witness could not say with which soldier the naval officer was having the altercation. Pullman was facing the naval officer, as if he was having the altercation; this could be seen as he was making his way through the crows. He did not, however, see the rifle which caused the report. Immediately the rifle went off the naval officer fell to the ground. He blew his whistle and as no one came he ran to the Belgrave Hotel to telephone to the Police Station. - The Coroner: Was anything said by either of the sentries. - Witness: I asked which one of them fired the rifle and Harris, (the shorter of the two) came forward and said he did so. - The Coroner: You don't know where he was standing? - "I could not see him," said the Constable. - The witness added that he took both soldiers to the Police Station, the Colour-Sergt. stating that he would take their post in the Torbay-road. On the way to the Police Station Harris said, "It was an accident; the people behind knocked my arm and the rifle went off." - The Coroner: That was in reply to a question? - No; he volunteered the statement. - The Coroner: What became of his rife? - It was taken away from him at the Police Station. - You did not see the short sentry at all? asked the Coroner. - "No," replied witness. "He was hidden from me by the crowd." - "What did you think was the size of the crowd?" asked Mr Hutchings. - "Two hundred, and they were crowding around the car and the sentries," was the answer. - Mr Hutchings: What was the altercation you heard? - Loud talking, but I could not hear what was said. I was winding my way through the crowd when I heard the rifle. - Mr Hutchings: You took both the sentries into custody? - Yes. - Mr Hutchings: Why? - Witness made no reply, but, pressed on the point, stated: "I did not take them into custody until I had orders." - "Whose orders?" was the next question. - "Well," replied the Constable, "the Colour-Sergeant said he would remain there while they went to the Police Station." - "Was not this what occurred?" suggested Mr Hutchings. "Did not the Colour-Sergeant say they were to go and report to the Police Station?" - "I did not hear him," said witness. - Mr Hutchings: You did not see anything, but heard the rifle go off. Why then did you take the men into custody? - Because they confessed. - "But that was not until afterwards, on the way to the Police Station," said Mr Hutchings. - Witness: Who said so. - Mr Hutchings: You have just done so in your sworn statement. Did I understand you to mean that he said so on the spot? - Witness: On the spot. - Mr Hutchings: Where did this take place? - On Sheddon Hill. - "That is 200 yards away" remarked Mr Hutchings. "Why did you take these men into custody before this? - Because on the spot I asked the elder sentry who fired the rifle and Harris replied that he did. - The Coroner: I don't think he understands. Did you charge them with murder? - My Inspector and Sergeant were with me when they were taken to the Station. - The Coroner: Did you charge them with murder? - I did not exactly charge them with murder. - The Coroner: But you charge men with crime before you arrest them. did you do it in this case? - No sir. - The Coroner: What did you do then? - Well, the Sergeant and Inspector - The Coroner: Possibly they can tell us? - Yes, sir. - Mr Hutchings: When did you first see the Inspector? - Just before the dead body had gone to the Hospital. - Mr Hutchings: This was some minutes later. Were you given any orders by the Inspector then? - No, I was given no orders. They were all talking together. - Mr Hutchings: You took the sentries in charge. Can you explain why you did that. - Witness said he had reason to believe that they had caused somebody's death. - Answering other questions, witness said the soldiers carried their rifles to the Police Station. The weapons were examined at the top of the Albert Steps. Pullman unloaded his rifle and Harris showed him a spent cartridge. He could not say positively that this was taken from the rifle. - Pte. John Wm. Botterill, R.A.M.C., stationed at Paignton, said that on Sunday evening, with some companions, he was going along the Torbay-road, when he was attracted by a large crowd around a motor car. Mr Merton was sitting in the car. Witness pushed his way through the crowd and went to the car between two sentries. Pullman was standing about three feet away from the car, and just in front of it. Both were on the road side of the car, Harris being by the side of the naval officer. The sentries were holding their rifles at the "Ready." Witness asked Pullman the reason of the commotion and the sentry drew his attention to the number plate, and mumbled something, the effect of which he had forgotten. Pullman was not saying anything, but there was an altercation between the naval officer and Harris. - The Coroner: Was there any heated words or threatening? - There was no threatening. HART was speaking about the number plate, and said he had come from Plymouth and Devonport, and that he had passed sentries and satisfied them. Then he said, "Why man, can't you see I am a British naval officer?" At the same time he put his hand to his breast saying he had a number of letters to prove that that he was a sub-Lieut, so and so. the sentry said in a very discourteous manner, "I don't want to see any letters; stand there and wait until my colour-Sergt. comes." The sentry also used the expression "Shut up your yap." The officer said: "Don't talk to me like that; do you know who you are talking to; you are talking to one of your superior officers." - I was looking direct into the officer's face at the time, continued witness, and these were the last words he uttered. About ten seconds later I was shocked by a report and saw the fire coming out of Harris's rifle, which was still held at the ready. At the same time I saw the sub-lieutenant drop. There was about seven feet between the officer and the sentry. I heard Lieut. HART say, "My God." Turning to Harris, who was still standing there, I said, "Whatever have you done that for?" and Harris replied, "He should not stand there arguing the point." I went up to HART. I was a R.A.M.C. man. The Constable was leaning over him and I heard another man who had been feeling his heart say that death had been instantaneous. The officer was put into a motor-car and driven away. - The Sergeant came up and he said that I had witnessed what had taken place. The crowd surrounding the sentries asked how it had happened. Witness heard Harris reply, "It was an accident." The Sergeant said to the sentries, "You had better come with me," and the reply was that they could not leave their post. Then their Sergeant came along and gave them leave to go to the Station. "With my friend, Willcocks, and the Police Officers and the sentries, we walked up Sheddon-hill. Just before we moved off, Harris ran out, stopped an officer who had a bright light on his motor cycle and told him he must have an oil lamp. The officer smiled and said he could not turn down his lamp any lower. - Walking up the hill, the detective and sergeant went on in front, leaving the Policeman, sentries and myself and Willcocks behind. My friend Willcocks suggested that the rifle should be unloaded and they agreed. Pullman asked Willcocks to hold up his overcoat to catch the cartridges as they were ejected. Five came out, I believe, and he thought five other cartridges. Pullman pointed out to witness that he had ten live cartridges. - The Coroner: Were those cartridges that came out live or spent cartridges? - Witness: I cannot say. I did not examine them. - The Coroner: You would not say that any of them had not been discharged? - I would not swear to that. - Witness, continuing, said while this was going on, Harris was trying to get his cartridge out, but he could not do so. My friend went over and took over his rifle, but I did not see who took out the cartridges. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said he did not notice any jostling on the part of the crowd. - By Mr Hutchings: He was looking at the naval lieutenant and could not see behind. The crowd was trying to get as near the motor car as they could. - Mr Hutchings: Did you hear the request as to whether the occupants of the car were to be allowed to proceed? - Witness: No, sir. - Did you hear anything said that they were not satisfied with the number of the car? - No. - Did you hear either of the patrol say that the occupants of the car should not go until the colour-sergeant arrived? - Yes. Did you hear the request that somebody should fetch the colour-sergeant? - No. - Did either of the patrol ask for the names and particulars? - No. Did you see either of them read something? - No. Did you hear LIEUT. HART say it was all d..... rot? - No. Did you hear either of the patrol say, "If you move I will shoot?" No. did you see either of the patrol present his rifle at one of the occupants of the car? - No; they were at the "Ready" all the while. - Was the rifle presented to LIEUT. HART'S face? - No. Did HART remonstrate with either for pointing the rifle at him? - No. Did you hear LIEUT. SIMPSON say to Mr Merton, "If the fool shoots he will kill 50 people?" - No. Was not the statement made by LIEUT. HART as he fell, "My God! he has killed me?" - I did not hear the last words. Did Harris say, "I have shot him, but I did not know how it happened; somebody must have 'jitted' my arm?" No. - You are not prepared to pledge your oath that Harris did not say it? - No. Mr Murton did not tell us that Harris said "shut up your yap." Are you quite sure he said it? - Yes, in a low voice. Might it not have been heard by Murton? - He said it might have been loud enough for anybody to hear. It might have been said by someone in the crowd? - It was not. You don't agree with Mr Murton that it was to Pullman that LIEUT. HART wanted to show letters? - No. From what you say, the shooting might have been an accident? - Yes. - John Henry Willcocks, butcher, of 42 Victoria-street, Paignton, said he was with the last witness, but missed him in the crowd. He heard Pullman say, "If this car moves I shall fire;" and corroborated Botterill's evidence as to Harris saying to LIEUT. HART, "Wait until the colour-sergeant comes," and "Shut up your yap." He heard someone shouting in the crowd. After the shot he saw a figure in khaki, LIEUT. SIMPSON, stagger forward from the back of the car. Two men rushed to his assistance, and he fell to his knees, staggering again. Witness carried LIEUT. SIMPSON to a car and then went with his friend, Pte. Botterill, Police Officers and sentries to the Police Station. When up near Sheddon Hill he asked the sentries if the rifles were loaded and when they answered "Yes," he suggested that they should unload them. Five live cartridges were ejected. Witness examined them as they were ejected into his coat, and then he examined five others which Pullman took from his pocket. They were all loaded cartridges. Then while Harris held his rifle witness caught hold of the safety catch and took out the magazine with only four cartridges and Harris took another five out of his pocket like the other man. - The Coroner: Did you take the empty cartridge out of the rifle? Witness: No. - Did you talk to him about it? - Yes; I said what have you done with it, and he said, "I have taken it out." - By Mr Hutchings: There was not much noise among the crowd, but there was some talking. He did not hear anything that was said. - Charles W. Rowe (Torquay), who witnessed the occurrence, said he heard one of the soldiers say that he had orders to stop all cars between seven and eleven and one of the officers asked what was the name of the captain who gave the order. - A name was given. The naval officer then walked to the back of the car, and said, "..... fine thing to be stopped in the highway when fighting for one's country." Someone in the crowd said, "You are not the only one who is fighting for your country." The search of the car was made, there being no restrictions. As a tram came along, the motor car was moved into the side of the gutter. Witness heard the naval officer give his name as LIEUT. THOMPSON, R.N., adding, "This is my friend, LIEUT. SIMPSON." They then spent a minute or so in examining the number-plate, and the sentries informed the officers that they were not satisfied. The naval officer asked if the sentries intended to keep them there all night, and were told that a colour-sergeant would have to be sent for, and the occupants would have to wait till he came. It was Harris who said this. The naval officer got out of the car and made a movement towards the tall sentry. Almost at once he heard the report of the rifle and at the time he thought it was Pullman who fired the shot. The naval officer appeared to be very excited. The civilian sat in the car the whole time. The flash was just about on a line with the tall sentry's rifle. The naval officer staggered, recovered himself, and fell, saying, "My God, he has shot me." There was some conversation and voices were raised. There were high words, but witness did not hear them, as the crowd was making too much noise. When the car was moved to the gutter, the tall sentry said, "If that car is moved, I shall fire." Witness thought the sentry believed that as the naval officer had got into the car he intended to drive off. - The Coroner: Was there any answer to what the sentry said? - Yes, HART replied, "If you ..... shoot me, see what will happen." - Mr Hutchings elicited from witness that the numbering of the car was somewhat irregular. - Mr Hutchings: Let me put it to you in another way. Assuming that a car wanted to alter its number plate between Dartmouth and Torquay, might it have the appearance of this? - Would it be consistent with the number? - Yes. - "Did you see anything disrespectful on the part of the sentries towards the officers?" asked Mr Hutchings. - "Not when the officers were asked to have their car searched," said the witness. - Was the crowd pressing round the car? - It was pretty thick. - Referring to the sentry's remark that if the car moved he should fire, Mr Hutchings asked if witness knew that some cars had electrical standards inside whereby the car might be started without the occupant getting out? - Witness: Yes. - Questioned as to the remark of LIEUT. HART, "It is a ..... fine thing to be stopped in this way, fighting for one's country," witness said the naval officer was very much annoyed. The army officer did not have so much to say. - John Grimdell, J.P., of Hull, a visitor to Torquay, also stated that the two sentries called out "Halt!" when they stopped a car. It was searched and the car went on after everything was found in order. Within a few yards a second car was stopped. This belonged to deceased. Whilst the search was being made, an argument was going on, the occupants appearing to be indignant at being stopped. The tall sentry said, "If you move, I will shoot!" The occupants never attempted to move the car until asked by someone to make room for a tramcar. The bulk of the people were at the rear of the car facing the muzzle of the gun. The two officers were in and out of the car several times. He heard the report of the rifle, and on looking round saw LIEUT. HART lying on the ground. He appeared to be dead. - The Coroner: Can you tell the Jury who fired the shot? - The answer was in the negative. There was no resistance on the part of the officers and no threats. The only threat was on the part of the sentries. - James Michelmore, 5 Dunmore-road, Torquay, ex-petty officer of the Royal Navy, another spectator, said considerable "argumation" went on between the officers and the sentries. When the naval officer got into the car, the engine was started and the taller sentry said, "If you move I will shoot." The engine was stopped again. LIEUT. HART then got out and called the shorter of the two sentries, who went towards him and made some remark. Then somebody in the crowd shouted out, "If the sentries cannot talk to you, an officer, I can." This brought all the uproar among the crowd, during which witness heard the report. Witness was standing by the left side of LIEUT. HART at the time. He was facing the sentries and six or seven feet away. He could not see from which rifle the bullet came. - The Coroner: Was there anything to show or indicate whether the rifle was discharged intentionally or accidentally? - No, sir. I could not swear to anything. There was a crowd of quite 50 persons at the back of the sentries. - Mr Hutchings: When you rushed to the spot the car was stationary; the engine was not running, and only a civilian was in the car? - Some time after LIEUT. HART got into the car, the engine was restarted, and then it was that the sentinel threatened to shoot if the car moved, and the engine was stopped again and LIEUT. HART got out? Is that correct? - Yes, sir. - You don't agree with the gentleman from Hull who said there was no crowd about the sentries? - There were about 50 people. Witness heard the report, but could not say exactly how the sentry was holding the rifle. - The Foreman: Is it not possible that the engine was purring quietly at the time, being a new one, only you did not hear it in the noise of the crowd, and that it was only when someone put his foot on the accelerator that you heard the engine? - Witness: Something or other like that; I only heard the engine at the time I was there. - The Coroner recalled Mr Murton, who stated that the engine was stopped, and only started again when the body of the lieutenant was taken to the Hospital. - Frederick Gayton, grocer, Torquay, who was in the company of Mr Lowe, corroborated. - The Inquiry was adjourned to Wednesday next at 11.30 a.m. - Mr Hutchings asked that the Jury should view the car in the position it was on the night of the tragedy. Mr Murton said he believed the car was in London and he promised to get it down if he could, because it would be much more satisfactory to him. [Description of the funeral of ARTHUR ERNEST SIMPSON, Lieutenant, Army Service Corps, died Sunday, January 24th, 1915 at the time of the shooting tragedy followed.]

COLEBROOKE - Officer Killed While Riding A Horse Near Exeter. The Inquest. - The Deputy County Coroner for the district, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Horwell Down House, near Exeter, the residence of Mr Joseph Milner, yesterday afternoon, relative to the distressing fatality which occurred on Thursday afternoon on the Langford-road, and which resulted in the death of a Lieut.-Colonel of the R.A.M.C. named ROBERT BURNET. He had resided at Falmouth previous to the outbreak of hostilities and had been mobilised at the beginning of the war. He had been in Exeter during the last couple of months and staying at the Southernhay Hotel. COLONEL BURNET was the County Medical Officer of Health in Cornwall. - DR EDWARD BURNET, of 10 Bedford-square, London, identified the body as that of his brother who would have been 40 years of age on the 9th of next month. - Colonel Henry John Mackay, Army Medical Service, stationed at Exeter, said he was riding with the deceased on Thursday. They left the City about 2.30 and went through Upton Pyne, intending to come back by the Crediton-road. they were coming back, via Langford-road, and, when passing a farm, known as "Mrs Miller's" about a quarter or half a mile along the road, the horse deceased was riding appeared to be startled by some colts on the other side of the hedge. Deceased was riding about a couple of yards behind, and the horse rushed past witness at a gallop. Colonel Mackay saw that deceased was trying to hold the horse in and he called out to him. The horse continued at a gallop and witness followed, but deceased was quickly out of sight, owing to a turn in the road. Col. Mackay explained that he followed at a quick trot, so as not to excite COL. BURNET'S horse by galloping. Deceased had left him nearly half a mile back and witness did not take five minutes to reach the cottage. When he got up to the cottage he saw COL. BURNET lying by the side of the road unconscious and lying on his side bleeding from a scalp wound. Witness raised his head and eased his breathing and shouted for help. Deceased was carried into the cottage, but his breathing became more and more irregular and he died within five minutes. Death was due to compression of the brain from a fractured skull. - Susan Hawkins, of Creedy View Cottage, said she was outside the cottage in a shed about 25 minutes to four when she heard a horse galloping very fast in the road. She heard a shout and then saw a riderless horse dash past the gate. She ran out immediately and saw the body lying by the road side. She went up to COL. BURNET and asked "Are you very much hurt?" but no reply was given. Col. Mackay then came in view and she beckoned to him. - Another witness was ready to be called, but the Jury did not consider that further evidence was necessary. - The Coroner remarked that in this grave national crisis they could ill afford to lose such a valuable man. He expressed his sympathy with the widow and the family and relatives and Col. Mackay. - Mr Milner, the Foreman of the Jury, in announcing their verdict of "Accidental Death," also expressed the sympathy of the Jury for the widow and family.

Western Times, Monday 1 February 1915
EXBOURNE - The Inquest on the body of MISS JESSIE JANE HAYDON PIKE was held in the Schoolroom at Exbourne by Mr H. C. Brown (Coroner). - MISS ALICE JANE HAYDON PIKE identified the body as that of her sister, aged 45, who had been for about two years housekeeper for Mr W. Stone. - Mr William Stone stated that deceased had been his housekeeper for about two years. She suffered from stomach complaint and chronic indigestion and had consulted Dr Young from time to time. He last saw her on 27th January at 5.30 p.m. At 9.30 p.m. he found she had gone to bed, as usual, but on getting up at 8.20 next morning deceased was not about, so he had his breakfast and came home again at 12.15. Finding deceased had not been down, he went to her room, where he found her lying on the floor, face downwards, with the bedclothes around her, and, apparently dead. He called Mr Lewis, the Postmaster, who fetched P.C. Rider, and the body was not moved until he came. - Dr Young (Okehampton) said there were no marks of violence, nor any sign of poison, and he considered that death resulted from paralysis of respiration. He had attended her on and off for two years for stomach trouble, but had not seen her since September last. Deceased was deaf, and had formerly been to the Ear Hospital at Plymouth, for treatment. He had no doubt, however, that death was due to natural causes. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Times, Tuesday 2 February 1915
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Fatality. Verdict of "Accidental Death" Returned At The Inquest. - At the Tavistock Mortuary yesterday afternoon, Mr R. R. Rodd (Coroner) Inquired into the circumstances attending the tragic death of SIDNEY HEPBURN, 36 years of age, whose lifeless body was found in Creaze-lane, near Tavistock, on the previous day. Deceased was a stone-cutter, in the employ of Mr Rogers, monumental mason and had been a member of the Tavistock Miniature Rifle Club. Sergt.-Major Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - Maud Melinda Ball, a single woman, said she had acted as the deceased's housekeeper. On Sunday morning he started for Mill Hill with a net bag to fetch some greens, and he also took his miniature rifle with him, which it was customary for him to do, as he was a very keen sportsman. He had nothing to worry him, and was always bright and happy. - Sergt. Thomas Banks, of the 10th Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment, stationed at Tavistock, stated that at 11.35 a.m. on the previous day he found deceased in one of the main roads near Tavistock. He was lying on his left side and the rifle was under his left arm, the barrel pointing from his back. The deceased was quite dead when he found him, and there was a good deal of blood, a trail of which led back for about nine yards from the body to the foot of the hedge. - P.C. Spicer said that just where the blood trail commenced there was a step in the hedge in which one could rest the foot and pull themselves up by the bushes. In doing so it would be possible and highly probable, for a cocked rifle to catch in a bramble and so go off. Witness was of the opinion that that was what had happened in this case. Deceased was a sober man, and of a cheerful disposition. - William Rogers stated that deceased had been in his employ for six years. He was sober and never lost an hour's work, and took as much interest in the work as witness did himself. He felt he had sustained a great loss by the death of HEPBURN. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said that death was caused by haemorrhage, the result of the right femoral artery being severed through a rifle shot. From the position of the wound, witness believed that the rifle went off accidentally. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury.

Western Times, Wednesday 3 February 1915
EXETER - Accidental Death. Sad End Of An Old Lady At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at No. 4 North-avenue, Polsloe-road, Exeter, last evening, relative to the death of an old lady named MRS MARY BICKEL. - Mrs Ellen Slater identified the body. Her step-mother was 87 years of age and lived with her. On Friday afternoon witness's husband had taken the old lady a cup of tea and a newspaper to her room. He came downstairs again, and when he was in the hall a scream was suddenly heard. Mrs Slater immediately ran up and found the old lady in flames. Witness wrapped a rug around her with all haste and shouted for help, her husband and a friend coming up. Deceased was attended to and put to bed. Witness said the fire was burning in the grate. There was no fire-guard. Deceased did her own cooking and was quite capable of looking after herself. The paper that had been taken up only a few minutes previously was burning. The old lady died on the Sunday. - A Juryman commented that he took it that deceased was sitting reading by the fire. Mrs Slater replied that that was so. She added that it was a very cold day, and deceased, who was always very eager to read the latest war news, might have been sitting a little nearer than usual. - Miss Alice Tapp, who was in the house at the time, said deceased seemed quite capable of looking after herself. - Dr Hipwell, who was called, said deceased had severe burns on both her legs, particularly on the back portion. One of the hands was also burnt, and the face a little. The cause of death was from shock, following the burns. - The Coroner, who mentioned that the husband of Mrs Slater was blind, commented that it might have been better if there had been a fire-guard.

Western Times, Thursday 4 February 1915
EXETER - Whipton Man's Death. Small Scratch Causes Death From Blood Poisoning. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linsford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, touching the death of GEORGE HENRY ELLIOTT, of Whipton, a platelayer on the L. and S.W. Railway. - After evidence of identification had been given, the wife of deceased, MRS MARY ELIZABETH ELLIOTT, said her husband had been on the L. and S.W. Railway for 16 years, and he was employed at the Exmouth Junction. On Saturday, January 23rd he went to work as usual, but in the evening he told her that he had cut his thumb that morning, and it was paining him. She looked at his hand and noticed a deep scratch on the inside of the thumb. He went to bed, saying that he was feeling ill. He again complained the next day that his thumb was giving him dreadful pain, remarking: "I can't think what's the matter; I am feeling bad all over." He was shaking. Deceased went to work that evening, although his wife begged him not to go. On coming home on Monday morning his hand was worse. It was bathed, and his wife advised him to see a doctor. Deceased did so and he was brought to the Hospital. - Arthur Howard, foreman platelayer, under whom deceased was working, said he had been cleaning out filter pits at Exmouth Junction, and deceased had to put in fresh clinkers from the ash pit where the engines unloaded. Deceased had done the work for many years. Witness explained that the clinkers which deceased had to put in were very rough and sharp. He met deceased on Sunday evening about 6.15, and he had his thumb tied up. The foreman asked what was the matter and deceased replied that a big clinker had fallen on his thumb and had scratched it and it was in pain. Deceased remarked that he might be all right in the morning. - Dr Fisher, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted into the Institution on the 25th January, and was made an in-patient. He died on Monday last, the cause of death being blood poisoning. Dr Fisher added that deceased had told him how he came by the wound on his thumb, and the blood poisoning was quite consistent with deceased's story. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the widow.

TORQUAY - Torquay Sensation. Verdict of "Accidental Death" Returned. Coroner And Press. - Mr Coroner S. Hacker resumed the Inquest at the old Town Hall, Torquay, yesterday, into the death of SUB-FLIGHT-LIEUT. BERTRAM WILBY HART, 22 years of age, Royal Naval Air Service, and LIEUT. ARTHUR SIMPSON, married, 42 years of age, Army Service Corps, formerly a London solicitor, who were shot in the Torbay-road, Torquay, on Sunday evening, January 23rd, after being held up by a military patrol in their motor-car, while on their way to Devonport. George Harris (Exeter) and Donald Pullman (Bournemouth), two privates of the 7th Devon Cyclist Reserve, the former of whom was charged at the Police Court with causing the death, and Pullman with aiding and abetting, were present in Court yesterday; also the father of Sub-Flight-Lieut. HART, Capt. Gorwyn (of the 7th Devons), Capt. J. W. H. Thompson (of the 11th Service Battalion Devons), on behalf of the military authorities; Mr E. Hutchings (who represented the two privates), Mr C. Field Fisher (on behalf of MRS SIMPSON, the widow), and Mr J. W. Bickle, of Plymouth (on behalf of MR HART). - Before proceeding to take evidence, the Coroner, who had a copy of the "Express and Echo" before him said: My attention has been called to the paragraph which appeared in the "Express and Echo" a few days ago, making very improper comments upon this Enquiry. I dare say some of the Jury have seen it. At all events, the paragraph refers to and comments upon evidence which was not complete, and also refers to evidence which is to be given before the Jury. They give some details of what it thinks is going to be said to the Jury and refer in other ways in a most improper manner to these proceedings. That being the case, it is my duty to take notice of the matter, and I am bound to take, and I think the proper way to deal with the matter, which is undoubtedly contempt of court, is by refusing permission to the representative of the paper committing this offence to attend the sittings of this Court, or to attend the sittings of any Coroner's court in future, until the paper has taken what steps it likes to render a suitable apology, and to undertake that the privilege allowed to its representative of attending this Court shall not be abused on future occasions. That being the case, I must ask if the representative of the "Express and Echo" is here now and if so, I must request him to leave the Court. - The Coroner then turned to the Press-box and asked if the reporter were present and our representative thereupon rose and withdrew. - An adjournment was made during which the Jury inspected the motor-car, a grey two-seater with a dickey, in which the officers and Mr Murton had come from Plymouth, and which had belonged to Lieut. Thompson, of H.M.S. "Monarch." - Pte. Botterill, R.A.M.C. was then questioned by the Foreman of the Jury as to the conversation he had with Pte. Harris, and at the previous hearing said that when asked "Whatever did you do that for?" the reply was, "He should not stand arguing the point with me." - Mr Bruce wanted to know to whom Harris referred, and in reply witness said he understood that Harris was referring to LIEUT. HART. - No doubt whatever. - Mr Willcocks, of Paignton, was questioned as to Harris's rifle being unloaded on the way to the Police Station. He did not think Harris quite knew how to do it. - Mr Hutchings: Her was very much upset? - yes; he was crying at the Police Station. - Mr Hutchings: Did they attempt to console him at the Police Station? - I don't think so. - Mr Hutchings: Was he upset on the way to the Station? - No. - Charles Lowe said LIEUT. HART voluntarily gave the name of Lieut. Thompson. - Questioned by Mr Bickle, witness said he did not hear the question asked as to the owner of the car? - The question might have been asked. - Capt. Gorwyn said that the patrol had no bayonet. - Examined by Mr Hutchings: Having regard to the particular orders, he did not think there was any blame to be attached to either of the patrol. They had, in fact, not placed cartridges in the breach. - Mr Bickle further asked the Captain if there were a younger recruit than Harris in the Company. - Capt. Thompson did not think that such military secrets should be disclosed. - Mr Bickle: it is not a question of military secrets, but the public safety. - Colr.-Sergt. Frank Peters said that the message was brought to him from the Torbay-road by another soldier. The rifles were handed out by him and at the time were not loaded in the breach. - At this point the Coroner remarked that he understood that the Jury had heard sufficient evidence. Unless there was something important, he should close the evidence. - Mr Hutchings pointed out that the two privates were prepared to give evidence, and he had fourteen or fifteen witnesses. - Donald Pullman was called and was cautioned by the Coroner. - Mr Hutchings pointed out that he was one of the accused persons and he wanted it to be clearly understood that he tendered him as witness. - Witness was examined by Mr Hutchings at the Coroner's suggestion. He stated that they were served with ten rounds of ammunition. Before reaching the deceased's car they stopped another, but they were free from suspicion. - Mr Hutchings: After the car was stopped you formed an impression regarding it? - It attracted your particular and immediate attention? - Witness: It resembled one mentioned in the order. It answered the description. Witness added that when first seen there appeared to be three occupants of the car - two officers and one civilian. Both officers were very abrupt when the car was pulled up. - Was anything said about the car being stopped and searched, asked Mr Hutchings. - Witness: They said what the .... do you mean by stopping us. - Did either of you make any answer to that? - Yes. Harris said we had orders to search the car. LIEUT. HART wished to know who gave the orders and why a non-commissioned officer was not present with us. As a tramcar was approaching I ordered the driver of the motor to take it to the kerb. It was not searched until it was taken there. - Up to that time you had not placed a cartridge in the breach? - No. - It is said you said you would shoot if they moved the car? - Witness explained that when the order was given to move the car to the kerb the military officer got into the car. The other walked at the side. Just as the car got to the kerb, the engine was running slow, and as the naval officer made a movement to get into the car and the driver quickened up the engine, witness said, "If you move the car I shall fire." - Why did you make that statement? - Because we had orders to stop anyone if they made an effort to escape. Witness added that the car was searched at the kerb. He was standing in front of the car with his rifle at the ready. At the time there was no cartridge in the breach. - Mr Hutchings: When the search was completed, was anything said by either of the occupants? - Yes. They wished to know if they could proceed. Harris said no because the was going to send for a colour-sergeant. - Did he give any reason? - Harris said he was not satisfied with the numbering of the car. - Up to that point had you not examined the number? - I had been standing at the front. I had looked at the number there. - Captain Albert John Gorwyn, of the 7th Devons, said that Pullman joined on December 1st and Harris on December 29th. Asked by the Coroner whether this was their first service, witness replied: "I presume so; I have only been with the Company since January. The man had been training at Totnes and came to Torquay on January 18th." - The Coroner: Were the orders given by you? - Yes. I received the orders from superior authority. Continuing, witness said the patrol was in connection with the coast watching scheme. They had orders to report the presence of any of the enemy's ships or aircraft or any illicit signalling from the shore. They also had orders to keep a lookout for a certain motor-car, and any car or person acting in a suspicious manner. They had to search cars and if not satisfied to detain the occupants. - The Coroner: They had no commissioned officer with them? - No. - It was not considered necessary? - No. - Do you know what training they had? - They had musketry training at Totnes. - Was it necessary that new recruits should go on this responsible duty? - Yes. - There were no other responsible or experienced men available - they were all employed during the course of the night. This duty would require a great deal of tact and judgment. If the occupants were not acting suspiciously there should be no difficulty. Witness added, after further questions, that the patrol had orders to keep five rounds in the magazine. - The Coroner: If there was no cartridge in the breach the rifle could not be discharged on the trigger being pulled? - Witness: Unless the "cut off" was out. - Was it according to orders to have cartridges in the breach. - The order was for the magazine to be charged and the cut off closed. Those orders were given to the two sentries? - They were in the printed orders. They are read over to them before they go. The rifles would be examined by a non-commissioned officer. That duty seems to have been omitted? - I cannot say. - Captain Gorwyn further stated that the weight of the trigger in the discharge would be about 6 lbs. - The rifle was handed around and examined by the Jury, who made the test themselves. - Capt. Gorwyn also explained to them the method of lifting as well as the removing cartridges from the magazine and the breach. - The Coroner then asked witness if he considered it was the duty of the patrol that they should stop any car which showed any suspicious signs. - Witness: Yes, and to detain the occupants if they thought necessary. - They were under orders to arrest the occupants? - Yes, and particularly the car we were in search of. - Was there any suspicion in regard to alien enemies being about? - It was in accordance with instructions received from superior military authorities. - That is all you can say? - Yes. - Mr Hutchings then produced the written instructions given to the men, whereupon the Coroner remarked to the captain that this might have been produced by him earlier. - Witness replied that his position was rather a delicate one. - The written instructions were dated January 23rd and showed that the car and driver to be arrested if seen being lettered L.L. or S.L. 3827, a two-seater, with key seat at the back. The driver was 5ft. 10 ins., with a red moustache, short trimmed and wearing a light tweed suit with knickers. A P.S. was added: "The driver is supposed to be armed, and precautions are accordingly to be taken." - Answering Capt. Thompson, witness stated that his regiment was attached to the 100th Infantry Brigade. The orders he received from the highest local military authorities was to examine motor-cars both by day and night, and to use rifles if necessary. - Mr Field Fisher was proceeding to question the witness with reference to placing a young recruit on such responsible work, but the Coroner pointed out that it had already been shown that the exigencies of the occasion demanded it. - Mr Bickle said he also desired to draw attention to the same matter from a public standpoint. - The Coroner said he had already considered it from that point of view, and he thought Mr Bickle must take the answer given. - Mr Bickle then asked the witness who was responsible for the choice of the patrol. - The Coroner: He has already answered that. I put it to him myself. He is responsible. - Mr Bickle: Does he consider he has made a proper choice in putting three weeks' service men in such a responsible position of having loaded rifles in the public street? - The Coroner: I asked him that question, and he says that the exigencies of the service compelled it. - Mr Bickle: Why? - The Coroner: I should not put that question to him. - Mr Bickle: Were there soldiers of more than three weeks' service available? - Captain Thompson did not think it desirable that this officer should be asked such questions with the result that disclosures would be made. - MR HART pointed out that it had been stated that all the men were out during the night. - Mr Bickle then asked Capt. Gorwyn if it was customary for non-commissioned officers to be within call of the patrol when on duty. - Capt. Thompson again submitted that this question should be excluded. - The Coroner thought that this might be put, and witness thought it would depend on the officer commanding. - Mr Bickle: Is it under the regulations? - Witness: Not that I am aware of. - Mr Bickle: Do you know if it is a fact on this occasion a non-commission officer was called? - I have heard so. - Mr Bickle: Do you know if any arrived? - I don't know. - Mr Hutchings: I am going to call him. - Capt. Gorwyn said he was in the Drill Hall when the message arrived for the non-commissioned officer. - To a further question the witness said the patrol was not exceeding their duty in having loaded rifles, having regard to the instructions that had been given them with reference to such a car as they stopped. The patrol would have been justified in shooting if any attempt had been made to escape. - The Verdict - At four o'clock the Jury retired to consider their verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the deceased being killed by Harris in the execution of his duty. The Jury also gave an expression of opinion that with a view to public safety, the military authorities should exercise greater discretion in the selection of more efficient men for patrol duties on the public highway.

Western Times, Saturday 6 February 1915
SIDMOUTH - Inquest On Sidmouth Schoolmaster. - An Inquest was held at Sidmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday by Dr Tweed relative to the death of MR F. H. DREW, headmaster of the parochial school, a position he had held for 30 years. - Mr R. Page was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence was given by Mrs A. Shephard to the effect that deceased had suffered from fainting fits for the last three years. - Mr T. Bolt, of Mill-street, said he saw a man lying in the roadway opposite his house at 6.30 on Monday, January 25th. With assistance he conveyed the deceased to the house of Mrs Colbourne. Medical aid was summoned. Dr De Dumme stated that he was called and found deceased unconscious. Acting on his instructions deceased was removed to the Hospital, where he remained unconscious till last night, when he passed away. Death was due to apoplexy, accelerated by the fall. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Monday 8 February 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - At Newton Abbot Institute on Saturday an Inquest was held on the body of RICHARD BEVENS, aged 56, who died under tragic circumstances on Friday. Evidence was given by Nurse Crees, who said hearing knocking on the locker, she went to the deceased's bedside, and observed some blood on the clothes. Believing he had had an attack of haemorrhage she called another nurse and the superintendent. She then observed a small knife on the locker and further examination showed that the man's throat was cut. The clothes had been pulled up around it. Answering the Coroner, the witness said if any patient showed suicidal tendencies precautions would be taken; the patient would certainly not be allowed to use a knife. Further evidence was given that for some time a recurrence of the haemorrhage had been expected. - Dr Scrase said death was due to shock. The wound was six inches long. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." MR W. BEVAN, of Drewsteignton, expressed appreciation of all that had been done for his brother.

Western Times, Tuesday 9 February 1915
ST MARYCHURCH - At the Inquest at St. Marychurch yesterday, a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned in the case of MRS MARTHA BOSTON, 64, who died on Friday evening.

Western Times, Wednesday 10 February 1915
EXETER HEAVITREE - Eccentric Lady's Death At Heavitree. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at Heavitree last evening, relative to the death of ELLEN JOHNS, aged 74 years, who for many years resided with her son, MR H. JOHNS, a market gardener, at Holmglen, Heavitree. Evidence was given showing that deceased was very eccentric, having a rooted objection to visitors, and always persisting in sleeping in the kitchen, although there was plenty of accommodation upstairs. Her son found her dead body (in a kneeling posture) beside the sofa on Monday morning. She had suffered from diabetes, but had never received medical attention. Dr Hipwell, who made the post-mortem examination, said the body bore signs of fatty degeneration. There was an inflammation- of old standing - on the stomach. Death was due to septic absorption, coupled with bronchitis, the heart being weak and fatty.

Western Times, Friday 12 February 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Death Of A Child. Mother Cautioned By Newton Abbot Jury - An Inquest was held at Newton yesterday morning on the body of GLADYS VICTORIA HEATH, aged 10 weeks, the daughter of PTE. THOMAS JOHN HEATH, of Sander's Cottage, Chudleigh, whose death occurred in the Infirmary on Tuesday. - Nurse Wilson, of Chudleigh, spoke to attending at the birth of the child. It was healthy, but small. On December 27th she advised the mother to give the child more milk and barley water. Last Saturday witness saw the child and it was very ill and looking like a corpse. It was very emaciated. She took it round to the doctor. In answer to the Coroner, witness said she did not think the child had grown since she saw it five weeks previously. Witness could not get the mother to do the things she wanted her to do and she did not know whether the mother did not understand, or whether she would not do it. During the last few days the mother did all she could for the child. - The Coroner: Do you think the mother has knowingly acted in this careless and neglectful manner, or do you think she is ignorant? - Witness: She is not very bright. She further added that the mother was doing right according to her state of ignorance. The other children were very verminous and the house was dirty and full of vermin. - Dr Walter, of Chudleigh, said the child was badly emaciated when he saw it. Part of its body was raw due to neglect in regard to its clothing. The mother was a thin, weakly woman, and had had no time to recover from a previous confinement. - Dr Scrase said the child died on Tuesday morning. When it came to the Infirmary it was in a low state of vitality and only weighed 4lbs. 13ozs. The normal weight for a child that age was 11lbs. The organs were healthy, but the child had suffered from acute rickets. - Answering the Coroner, the witness said rickets was, as a rule, caused by improper feeding. Death was due to inanition, complicated by the rickets. - The mother said she had two-penny worth of new milk a day for the child, which she considered was overfed. The baby required so much attention that she neglected the house somewhat. She received 24s. a week as separation allowance, her husband being a reservist. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and added a rider cautioning the mother as to the care of the home.

Western Times, Saturday 13 February 1915
EXETER - Child's Death At Exeter. - Mr Hamilton Brown, the Deputy City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Police Station last evening, relative to the death of CHARLES EDWIN LEWIS VANSTONE, the nine months old son of MR and MRS WILLIAM HENRY VANSTONE. The father is a stoker in the Royal Navy. - ALICE VANSTONE, the mother, who lives at Hittisleigh, near Crediton, said she came to the City on Wednesday to see her husband off by the mail train. She went to her mother's house in Cowick-street, and whilst she was there the child had an attack of convulsions the same evening and died in its mother's arms. - Dr R. P. Black said he was called, but on arrival he found the child dead. He was informed that the child had had convulsions before. Death was due to convulsions following on teething. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" according to the medical evidence.

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

Western Times, Tuesday 23 February 1915
HALWELL - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held on Thursday on the body of ELIZABETH WOOD, wife of THOMAS WOOD, of Halwell, near Blackawton. - Dr Allingham, of Totnes, who made a post-mortem examination, said deceased's lungs were gorged with blood and he attributed death to syncope, which was caused by degeneration of the heart and accelerated by exposure.

Western Times, Thursday 25 February 1915
EXETER - Street Accident. An Exeter gentleman Dies in Hospital. - The sequel to a street accident which occurred on Friday, February 5th, in High-street, opposite the end of Queen-street, Exeter, was heard at an Inquest conducted at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening by Mr W. Linford Brown (City Coroner). Mr J. B. Allon , who represented the Tramways Committee, expressed sympathy with the relatives and regret that the accident should have happened. - CHARLES GEORGE CREEDY, head master of the Council School, Crediton, identified the body as that of his father, GEORGE CREEDY, 82, a retired Police Officer, of 7 St Leonard's-avenue, Exeter. Deceased was rather deaf, and only had one eye - the left. - Albert Edward Skinner, messenger at the Wilts and Dorset Bank, Exeter, said on Friday, February 5th, about 4 p.m., he was outside the bank at the corner of Martin's-lane looking across the road, when he saw deceased standing outside Messrs. Wheaton's shop. He stepped from the pavement as though to walk across the road. When he reached the middle of the tram track he fell on his face in front of a car proceeding towards Paris-street, the car being two or three feet from deceased at the time. Witness's opinion was that, hearing the tram bell ringing, and seeing the car so close, frightened him, and caused him to fall. As soon as the driver saw what had happened, he stopped the car, but was not able to do so till the front of the car had passed over the body. The driver, however, promptly dropped the lifeguard and no blame could be attached to him. - Sergt. Edward Daw, 3rd Devons, who witnessed the accident, stated that deceased was standing beside him on the pavement and seeing the car approaching and that the old gentleman was about to cross, he said, "Wait a minute." Somebody then attracted witness's attention and when he looked round deceased was in front of the car, which struck him, causing him to fall. The driver acted with great presence of mind - his keenness was marvellous. - Frederick Charles Shobrooke, deposed that he was standing outside the "Express and Echo" Office, when the accident happened. He thought deceased slipped on the wet wood blocks before the car struck him. the tram was going very slowly and the ell was ringing. There was a great deal of traffic. - John Bickley, of Wonford, who was a passenger in the car, felt sure deceased fell before the car reached him. - P.C. Skinner said he shouted to the driver to stop, but there was no time to do so before the car knocked deceased down. - William Spear, the driver of the car, said the tram was travelling at about three miles an hour. Just as he got within a couple of feet from deceased the latter stepped on to the track. He applied the brakes and dropped the life-guard; but was not able to prevent deceased being knocked down. - Dr Fisher stated that deceased was suffering from shock when admitted to the Hospital. He developed pneumonia and pleurisy. The cause of death was heart failure. He died on Monday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated everyone from all blame, and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Times, Friday 26 February 1915
PAIGNTON - At Preston, Paignton yesterday, Mr Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of RICHARD MUDGE, an employee at Torquay Gasworks, who died while at work the day previous. Dr Dunstan stated that deceased suffered from disease of the heart and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

OTTERY ST. MARY - Accidentally Drowned. Body Of Fenny Bridge Child Found In River Otter. - The Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Mr R. N. Tweed, held an Inquest at Fenny Bridge, relative to the finding of a child's body in the River Ottery on Saturday. The child's name was ROSINA MAY CAUSLEY, and she was aged two years and nine months. - JAMES CAUSLEY identified the deceased as his daughter. At about 12.45 p.m. on Saturday, on returning from work, he was informed that deceased was missing and at once, with others, made search of the river for a distance of 600 yards. After traversing it several times, he saw her body at 1.45 p.m., lying in the water, where it had been caught in some stakes. - EDITH CAUSLEY, aged nine years, stated that at about 12.45 p.m. she left her sister playing by the river, about five feet from the water's edge, and told her not to go nearer, while witness temporarily went away. On returning, after a minute or so, she missed her sister and at once told her mother, who, with others, began to search. - William John Boyland, of the Greyhound Inn, stated that at about 12.55 p.m., on being informed that the child was missing, he went with a number of others to search the river, and crossed the river on two different occasions. At some places the water was four to five feet deep. At 1.45 p.m. the father called and told him where the child was. On re-crossing the river, he found the child, lying face downwards, in about 5ft. of water, about 100 yards from where she was last seen, having been caught in stakes. The child's face was about one foot under water. He took her home and used artificial respiration until the arrival of the doctor. - The Deputy Coroner: Don't you think it was possible that the father could have taken out the child? - Boyland: No, sir. It was impossible for him to do so. - Dr Pontou stated that on his arrival the child was dead. There were no external marks of violence and the body had every appearance of death from drowning. - The Jury, of which Mr W. Marks was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Times, Monday 1 March 1915
BRIDESTOWE - Whilst walking in a field adjoining Bridestowe stream about midday on Friday, Mr S. Walters, Leawood Mill, found MR WILLIAM MADDAFORD lying dead in the water. Deceased gave in his name as a recruit during the route march, and was to have joined his regiment today (Monday). He is about 37 years of age, married and leaves a widow and six young children. The Inquest was held in the Schoolroom at Bridestowe on Saturday afternoon by Mr H. C. Brown. - MRS ELIZABETH MADDAFORD identified the body as being that of her husband, aged 37 years. Deceased left home saying he was going to do a bit of work in the garden. He had recently enlisted in the Devon Regiment when the recruiting detachment came to the village and was home for seven days' leave. He had never said anything to show that he regretted having joined, but had seemed depressed all the week. - Robert Kemble also gave evidence, and said deceased seemed to have something on his mind during the past week, but did not give any idea as to what it was. - Dr Burd said there were some slight marks on the body, which were doubtless due to dragging it from the water, and death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead in the River Lew."

Western Times, Tuesday 2 March 1915
NORTHAM - Little Child's Death From Shock Caused By Burns At Appledore. - Dr Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on the body of GWENDOLINE HOBBS, four-year-old daughter of CAPT. JOHN HOBBS, Alpha-place, Appledore, who was accidentally burnt to death on Friday. Capt. W. P. Harris was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS HOBBS, giving evidence, said that on Friday morning she left the child in bed suffering from a slight cold and taking the two younger children with her, went down to light the fire. On going out to unlock the front door she found a post card from her husband, giving particulars as to sailing dates, etc., from London, and went across the road to tell Mrs John Harris (whose husband was with CAPT. HOBBS). She asked Mrs Harris's little daughter of 14 years to run over and see that the children she had left in the kitchen were all right. the girl returned immediately, saying that GWENNIE was burning. Accompanied by Mrs Harris she ran to her house and found the child, kneeling on the mat by the dresser, on fire. - MRS HOBBS, at this stage of her evidence, was very much overcome, and said she could remember nothing more of what happened, except that many neighbours came in and the doctor and nurse did everything possible for the child. - By the Coroner: She had a fireguard, but had not put it over the fire, as it was her custom to clean up the fire-place for the day before doing so. - By the Foreman: The child was wearing a flannelette nightdress. It was a closed in stove, not an open fire grate. - Dr Rice said that about 9.30 he was called to the child, whom he found very badly burnt about the head and body. It was a hopeless case from the beginning. He did all that was possible, but the child died at 12.40 from shock caused by burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death.

Western Times, Friday 5 March 1915
EXETER - Mill Leat Tragedy. Tiverton Man Found Drowned At Exeter. Witness Ordered From Box. - An Inquest held by the Exeter coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the City Police Station last evening, relative to the death of ROBERT GREENSLADE, aged about 60, who was found in the Leat near Mr Upright's mills, on Tuesday evening, evidence was given to the effect that deceased had formerly been a farm bailiff at Stoodleigh, near Tiverton. - Frederick Steer, of Clinton-street, St. Thomas, said deceased had lodged with him since a week before Christmas, and had been missing since February 4th. Deceased had a tumour on the left side of the face, and had complained of the pain arising from it. He was very reserved, but he spoke of having a brother and sister. - The next witness, Mrs Steer, was called into the box, but the Coroner told her she was drunk and ordered her to leave the box. Calling forward the husband, the Coroner said, "How dare you bring her to the Court in that condition; you ought to be ashamed of yourself." - Mr Steer said his wife walked up the street behind him. - The Coroner: I have a good mind to send her to prison. Anybody can see the woman is drunk. - Mrs Steer (interrupting) said she had had a great deal of trouble lately. - Further evidence was given by Mrs Rogers, of Northernhay-street, who said the deceased was 67 years of age. He formerly resided with her and was a "very nice old gentleman." He suffered from cancer in the face. - George Martin proved finding the body against the fenders of the mills. - Dr Pereira stated that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said there seemed to be no lack of means as the deceased had a very comfortable amount in the Bank. He seemed to have had no friends. Inquiries had been made in the Stoodleigh district, and a cousin had been traced, but he stated that he should be unable to identify him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest in Mr Hamlyn's billiard-room at Hapstead, on Tuesday afternoon, concerning the death of ANN WILTON, who died suddenly on Sunday evening last. Mr W. Cleave was appointed Foreman of the Jury. MR JOHN COLLINS ELLIOTT WILTON identified deceased as his wife. He said she was 71 years of age and lived at the farm. Other persons living at the farm were himself and his grandson. His wife enjoyed good health, but suffered from biliousness. On Sunday morning last she was in her usual health at breakfast, but complained of biliousness and on that account did not partake of any dinner. She, however, had a cup of tea prepared by her grandson. In the afternoon she had a rest in bed, and vomited a little. She came downstairs about 5 o'clock and sat in an armchair, when she fell back. He immediately called his grandson and sent for a doctor. - Dr S. Marle, the next witness, said he was called to attend deceased on Sunday evening last about 5.30 p.m. and found her dead. He made a post-mortem examination, and externally he found no signs of injury. He found there was haemorrhage of the brain caused by a ruptured blood vessel. All the other organs were normal. - MR WILLIAM H. J. M. WILTON corroborated the evidence of his grandfather. - The Coroner having summed up, the Jury gave a verdict that deceased died in a perfectly natural way from Cerebral haemorrhage. - The Foreman expressed the sympathy of the Jury to MR WILTON, and his family in their sudden and sad loss. - The Coroner also identified himself with the Foreman's expression.

Western Times, Tuesday 9 March 1915
BROADCLYST - Killed By A London And South-Western Train. Pensioner's Fate. - The Deputy District Coroner (Mr Gilbert H. Stephens) held an Inquest at Mosshayne Farm, Broadclyst, yesterday, relative to the death of JOHN FONE, aged 62, formerly a plate-layer on the London and S.W. Railway, but lately a pensioner, who resided with his brother at Mosshayne Cottage, Broadclyst. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been in the habit of going to Broadclyst Station every Friday evening to get his pension. He always walked by the side of the line. - Thomas Bird, signalman, stated that he saw the deceased on Friday, about 6.20, in his garden. Deceased said he had been for his pension. About 6.40 he left by way of the Station Yard to return home by the side of the line. - John Nott Hartnell, landlord of the Alexandra Hotel, Broadclyst, said deceased came to the Hotel about 6.45 p.m., complained of a pain in the back and had one drop of whiskey. He stayed about 10 or 15 minutes, and left quite sober. - John Hawkins, Dog Village, platelayer, said while on his way to work on Saturday about 8.30 a.m. he came across the deceased's body on the line about a quarter of a mile from the Station. The head was almost touching the up outer rail and his feet was in the path. He was cold. There was a bruise on the left side of the head, which had been bleeding. The fingers of the left hand were cut. Deceased was lying on his face and hands. - P.C. Redwood said there were no signs of a struggle. The coat and waistcoat which deceased was wearing were torn. About two feet on the Exeter side of where the body was found was a signal wire, which was turned from the outside of the path across the line. This was partly covered and partly exposed. - Dr L. G. Davis who examined the body about 9 a.m. on Saturday, said at that time deceased must have been dead several hours. There was a depressed fracture on the left temple and a contused wound on the left side of the head, which had been bleeding. He had also been bleeding from the left ear, probably through a fracture of the base of the left skull. There were bruises on the left side of the back of the neck. Two fingers of the left hand were nearly off. Deceased must have been knocked down and have fallen violently. Either of the wounds would have been sufficient to cause death. Deceased would have been immediately rendered unconscious. - Mr Chemey, representing the London and South-Western Railway, pointed out that deceased was a trespasser on the line. - The Jury found that death was Accidental, through the deceased having been knocked down by a train.

ALPHINGTON - Death On The Stairs. Inquest At Alphington Yesterday Afternoon. - The District coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquest at the Church Institute, Alphington yesterday, relative to the death of ZILLAH TIDBALL, aged 64, wife of MR WILLIAM TIDBALL, an accountant, of Swiss Cottage, Alphington. - The husband, who identified the body, said when he returned from Church on Sunday, just after 8 o'clock, he saw his wife on the top of the stairs lying down asleep. She was fully dressed. She was snoring. He failed to wake her. He then went downstairs and stayed about an hour. He went upstairs to go to bed and when he reached the top of the stairs he noticed she had stopped snoring. He did not think of listening to hear whether she was breathing. He got her up and dragged her downstairs. She was helpless and he thought she was dead then. When he got her to the bottom stairs but one he fell down and she fell with him. She had suffered from heart complaint, but seemed a little better recently. Mrs White, a neighbour, came in, and he sent for the Police and a doctor. He had on other occasions found his wife on the floor. - By a Juryman: She was downstairs when he went to Church, and had not complained during the day. He did not seek assistance when he found his wife on the top of the stairs, as she had been like it before and had come round all right. - Mrs Bessie West, the neighbour referred to, said she had seen the deceased on the floor before in a helpless condition and had understood she was suffering from heart trouble. - Dr C. J. Vlieland said he had attended the deceased for some years. She had a feeble dilated heart. Five months ago when he attended her she was suffering from gastric catarrh. Death was due to syncope brought about by a weak heart and the exertion of getting upstairs. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 10 March 1915
THORVERTON - Dead By The Roadside. Sad Ending To An Old Farmer At Thorverton. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Chilton Gate Farm, Thorverton, yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS TAPP, who was found dead by the roadside on Sunday afternoon. Deceased was the owner of chapel Town Farm, Cadbury, and had been lodging at Chilton Gate Farm. - Mrs Selina Brown, wife of William Albert Brown, of Prospect Farm, Rackenford, identified deceased as her uncle. He was about 77 years of age. Deceased, said witness, had been subjected to fits practically ever since he was a young man. - Wm. Crang, of Endacott Farm, Cadbury, said about twenty minutes to three on Sunday afternoon, whilst going to Church, he saw deceased lying on his face and hands in a pool of mud in the gutter of the road. He went over to him and shook him, but he was quite dead. The body was warm. Witness called for assistance and carried deceased into the farm, which was only a few yards away, around the corner. - Miss Nelly Crocker said deceased had lodged at the farm for about two years. He had not enjoyed good health for the last twelve months, and had frequently had epileptic fits, especially of late. He left the farm on Sunday morning about 9 o'clock to go to his fairy farm, which was a mile away, saying that he should return for dinner. He did not return and she was informed of his death by the last witness. - Dr D. Hadden of Cheriton Fitzpaine, said he was called on Sunday. Deceased was dead on his arrival. There was a mark over the left eyebrow, caused by hitting himself when he fell. There were also some contusion on the left cheek, and his mouth was full of mud. Witness said he had been deceased's medical adviser for about four years. He had suffered principally from epileptic attacks. His death was doubtless caused by his having a fit and falling into the mud. He was probably suffocated. - In answer to a Juryman, the doctor said if anyone had been on the spot at the time deceased would probably have been saved. The fit in itself would not have caused death, unless, of course, it was continuous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," caused by Suffocation in the manner described.

Western Times, Saturday 13 March 1915
TEIGNMOUTH - Inquest On A Sailor. Teignmouth Council To Be Notified Of Dangerous Quay. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, yesterday, on the body of DANIEL KERR, a native of Arran, Scotland, a sailor on board the coasting schooner "Rhoda Mary," who was found drowned in one of the docks at the old Quay, Teignmouth, on Thursday morning. The evidence showed that the deceased had taken the skipper, Capt. Cock, aboard the vessel earlier in the evening from the Gale's Hill slipway and returned to the quay again for another member of the crew. - Dr R. Lloyd Patterson said there was no indication whatever of alcohol in the stomach of deceased, and in his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was drowned Accidentally by falling into the dock. They recommended that the attention of the Urban District Council be drawn to the dangerous part of the quay where the accident occurred. Mr W. S. Wills, the secretary to the Quay Co., was present.

Western Times, Monday 15 March 1915
EXETER - Death Of An Asylum Inmate At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at Wonford House on Saturday relative to the death of LUCY STEPHENS, spinster, aged 64, an inmate of the Institution since 1884. Evidence was given to the effect that the deceased, who belonged to Plymouth, had suffered from heart disease for several years. On Thursday morning, about three, the night nurse heard MISS STEPHENS cough and found her in a fainting condition. The Matron and Medical Officer were summoned, but deceased died before they arrived. The medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to syncope, induced by fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Wednesday 17 March 1915
NEWTON ST. CYRES - Infant's Death. Dangerous Practice Condemned By Deputy Coroner. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Newton St. Cyres, yesterday, relative to the death of WINIFRED ALICE SELDON, aged one month. Evidence was given that the child, the daughter of WALTER SELDON, a farm labourer, slept in the same bed as the mother. She had been fairly healthy. On Monday morning the mother lifted the quilt of the bed, and saw that the child was apparently dead. - Dr Campbell, who was called, said there were no marks of violence. The child was suffocated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death by Suffocation" was returned. - The Deputy Coroner, in his remarks to the Jury, said it was a dangerous practice to allow infants to sleep in the same bed as their parents. A cot should always be provided for an infant.

EXETER - Double Inquest. Death Of Octogenarian Husband And Wife At Exeter. - The deaths of two octogenarians, man and wife, who lived at 30 Wonford-road, Exeter, were the subject of Inquiry by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Police Court last evening. The deceased were JOHN MAIMAN, aged 86, a retired civil engineer, and MARY ANN MAIMAN, aged 86. - Dealing first with the death of JOHN MAIMAN, the husband, the first witness was William Robert Bowman, who lives next door. He said it was very seldom that the man was seen. he was very eccentric and during the four years witness had lived in Wonford-road he had only seen him three or four times. The last time was a fortnight ago, when he was trying to stop an over-flow of water in the lavatory. He got wet through to the skin and his wife made him go indoors after several attempts. They seldom received visitors. - Alfred James Belcher, a boy in the employment of Mr Hoskins, baker, said he had been in the habit of delivering bread at the house. At first MRS MAIMAN took four loaves, then three, but ultimately she ceased taking any. On Saturday he went to the house at 3.30. the old lady came to the kitchen door. He noticed that her eyes were red and her face thin. She had altered in appearance considerably since he last saw her. In answer to his inquiries, she said she felt very ill. He asked whether he should do anything for her, but she replied, "No, it will be all right now." He went back to the shop and asked the young lady what he should do and she advised him to fetch the Rev. J. F. Sheldon. This he did. - Mrs Sophia Cole, who lives at 31 Wonford-road, said she spoke to MR MAIMAN once, but he did not answer her. She never saw any visitors to the house. She had seen the butcher boy call occasionally, but not lately. They always went out in a cab on March 1st, and did so on the 1st of this month. On Saturday when witness went into the house with Mr Way, the Relieving Officer, MRS MAIMAN could scarcely walk and the husband was very ill in bed. Both appeared to be starved. Witness's son saw two whole loaves and a part of a loaf of stale bread in the house. - P.C. Harding said that on the 13th he accompanied the Relieving Officer, Mr Way, to the house nearly at midnight. They heard someone inside moaning. To a knock at the door, MRS MAIMAN opened it. She appeared to be very weak and ill. Witness and the Relieving Officer and a neighbour, Mr Cole, found MR MAIMAN on the top landing lying in a semi-conscious condition. He had only his pants and socks on and no shirt. He was very cold. Having wrapped him up, they put him to bed and sent for a doctor. Mr Cole told witness that MR MAIMAN was a pensioner from the Civil Service. - Edwin George Way, Relieving Officer, said on receipt of information from the Police he went to the house and rang at the door. Getting no reply he called through the letter-box and heard moaning. Unable to gain admission he returned to the Police Station and told them he thought it was advisable to force an entrance. Going again to the house with P.C. Harding he found the occupants and the house in the condition the Constable had described. He reached the house about 10.30 in the first instance. - The Jury expressed the opinion that there seemed to be a long interval between the communication from the Rev. J. F. Sheldon and the visit to the house. - On this point P.S. Bradford was called. He said that on Saturday at 7.40 p.m. a telephonic message was sent to the Police Station by the Rev. J. F. Sheldon. It was not represented that it was a case that required immediate attention. Witness sent a Constable to the house at 9.45 as soon as he had one available. - Dr Kelly said that he was called shortly after 12 on Saturday night. Upstairs he found MR MAIMAN in bed. He was exceedingly cold, and in a collapsed condition and unconscious. He died about noon on Sunday. As a result of a post mortem examination, witness found no marks of violence, though there were some bruises. The brain was normal, but the abdominal organs were in an anaemic condition. There was no food in the stomach. The body was ill-nourished and death appeared to be due to want of proper nourishment for a long period and exposure. MRS MAIMAN told him during her conscious moments that her husband did not hold with meat as food. She said that they had about four loaves of bread a week, but neither of them cared for food. Both deceased persons were about 86 years of age. There were no signs of any violence likely to cause death. - The Coroner said there could be no doubt that the old people starved themselves. It seemed a great pity they had no relatives or friends near to look after them. The house in which they resided was their own property, and there was no lack of means. - The Jury found that MR MAIMAN died from want of nourishment accelerated by exposure, and that the lack of nourishment was due to his own action. - The Coroner then took evidence in regard to the death of MRS MAIMAN. - The same witnesses were recalled. P.C. Harding said when he entered the house the old lady was downstairs, very cold and weak and he assisted Mrs Cole to carry her upstairs and brandy and milk was given her. There was plenty of coal and wood in the house, but no fire in any of the rooms. The house was splendidly furnished. - Dr Kelly said MRS MAIMAN was seated in an armchair in the basement when he arrived. She was very weak but not in urgent need of medical attention, and he left Mrs Cole to put her to bed while he attended to the husband. Witness afterwards procured a nurse and when he left the house at half-past two on Sunday morning the old lady was conscious. She died during Sunday. He had some conversation with her on Sunday morning and she said her husband had been engaged in the Post-office, from which he was drawing a pension. A post mortem examination showed that her body was even more emaciated than that of her husband. There were signs of a little food in the stomach. Death was due to improper nutrition and bronchial pneumonia caused by exposure. - The Coroner said it was very creditable of the baker boy to have noticed that the old lady was ill, and to have taken the steps he did. He was entitled to commendation for his smartness. - The Jury concurred in this, and returned a similar verdict to that in the first case.

Western Times, Thursday 18 March 1915
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the City Police Court last evening, touching the death of MORRIS WOODMAN, an electric tattooist, of 27 Rack-street, Exeter. - MAURICE WOODMAN, son of deceased, said his father was 52 years of age and had been a street musician of late. About fourteen years ago he had an accident in the timber yard at Bridgwater. On Monday his father came down to dinner about one o'clock. He ate a little food and then began to cough, bringing up blood. Dr Pereira was fetched, but deceased passed away before the doctor arrived. Deceased had been complaining of late of pains in the chest. - Dr Pereira said he found deceased lying on the floor dead with a pool of blood by his side. Witness had made a post mortem examination and had found a broken blood vessel. Death was due to Haemorrhage from the Right Lung. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown touching the death of JAMES ANDREW SKARDON, labourer, of Follett's Buildings, Mermaid Yard, Exeter. - Henry Charles Greenaway, son-in-law of the deceased, identified the body. He said on Sunday about 11.30 p.m. deceased called for someone to light the gas. Witness went to deceased's room and found him sitting on the bed. Witness asked him what was the matter, and he said he had pains in his stomach and head and could hardly catch his breath. Witness fetched some brandy and went for a doctor. - Dr Pereira said the cause of death was cardiac failure, due to bronchitis and emphysema. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at No. 15 Pinhoe-road, yesterday, relative to the death of MR JAMES PHILPOTT, a retired organ builder. Deceased was aged 76, and he died suddenly on Monday whilst sitting in a chair in the kitchen about five o'clock in the afternoon. Evidence was given by MISS and MRS PHILPOTT and Dr Bradford. The Jury found that death was due to heart failure and returned a verdict accordingly.

ST MARYCHURCH - An Inquest was held at St. Marychurch Town Hall, Torquay, yesterday on an old man named VARICAS, who died at Wincot Barton on Monday afternoon. MR VARICAS who was about eighty years of age, lived with his son, and had been in indifferent health for some time but had not called in a doctor recently.

Western Times, Friday 19 March 1915
BIDEFORD - Bideford Man's Rash Act. - A verdict of Suicide while Temporarily Insane was returned at an Inquest held at Bideford on Monday on JOHN PICKARD, 73, who died in the Hospital on Sunday from blood poisoning following a self-inflicted wound in the throat. The evidence showed that deceased, who was a widower, and lived by himself at Westleigh, had complained of very violent pains in the stomach. After inflicting the wound he lit a fire and made tea for himself and then attracted the attention of a neighbour, to whom he said he "must have been mazed." For four days he did well, but then the wound began to suppurate and, blood poisoning setting in, he died on Sunday.

TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at Tavistock, on the body of MARCENA FRANCES DAW, the six-year-old daughter of a journeyman baker, who had died suddenly

Western Times, Wednesday 24 March 1915
HULL - The funeral took place at Hull on Monday afternoon of MR JOHN RIDDLE, of Bitton-road, Teignmouth. The deceased passed away suddenly on Tuesday of last week, the medical evidence at the Inquest being to the effect that death was due to a fatty heart. MR RIDDLE belonged to an old Teignmouth family, and had "lived" on the sea practically all his life. Many years since he traded from Teignmouth to London in his ketch, "William IV," and of late years had been engaged on a steamer trading from Hull to Holland. He was 63 years of age and leaves a widow and grown up family, one of his sons, FRANK, being in the Royal Engineers in France and another in the Royal Navy.

Western Times, Thursday 25 March 1915
WOODBURY - Woodbury Tragedy. No Light On The Pond Mystery. Doctor's Theory. - An Inquest was held at the Police Station, Woodbury, yesterday, before Mr S. N. Tweed, the Deputy Coroner for the District, concerning the death of JANE MARKS, a widow, aged 63, who was found drowned in a pit near her cottage on Tuesday morning. - Mr H. Hearn was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - KATE WILLS, wife of Sidney Wills, seaman, and daughter of the deceased, deposed that she saw her mother on Monday night at 10.15. They retired for the night at that time. Witness awoke during the night and saw the deceased in bed by her side. Waking again at about five, she found that her mother was not in the room. She looked in the next room without success and aroused her brother, who was sleeping in a downstair room, and they both went into the garden to search. Her brother continued the search, and she meanwhile went to call her aunt. On returning her brother told her he had found their mother in the pond in the middle of the garden. Her brother said, "KATE , come quick." Witness asked, "What is it?" and her brother replied "She is here." Witness saw her mother lying on the garden path. Witness went back to the house and by that time her uncle and aunt had arrived. Witness had been staying with her mother for a week. The deceased had been very much depressed since the war, owing to one of her sons being in India. Witness had never known her mother go out at night before. Six weeks ago deceased went to Exmouth under the care of Dr Thornton, for a nervous breakdown. On Monday she talked to her mother about the soldiers coming up to the village and she said she did not want to see any soldiers, as it only made her think of the war. She had never heard her mother threaten to commit suicide. She had a horror of the idea of suicide. Deceased always wore stockings and a shawl over her shoulders in bed; she complained so of the cold. - WILLIAM MARKS, son of the deceased, said he was home from Topsham Barracks on sick leave and was sleeping in a room on the ground floor. He saw his mother go to bed at 10.15 on Monday night, after she had wished him "Good night." At 5 o'clock on Tuesday morning his sister awoke him and said: "Mother's gone." He went to the back door, which he found open, the heavy bolt having been withdrawn. Witness thought deceased might be wandering about the garden. Reaching the pond, he saw something in the water. He touched it with his hand and found that it was his mother's arm. The deceased was all "crumpled" up in the water, her hands and feet being all together, and half of her face under the water. The depth of the water was 14 inches. He took the body out and finding it still warm tried artificial respiration. Witness called a neighbour, who fetched P.C. Parr. Witness could not suggest any reason for his mother being up by the pond. Witness bolted the back door himself. - P.C. Parr stated that he was called at 5.20 to come into the house, when deceased had been taken out of the water. Witness found the deceased lying face downwards on the garden path, close to the pit. He turned the body over; it was still quite warm, but there was no pulsation. He sent a message for the doctor and carried the body into the house and tried artificial respiration for three-quarters of an hour, without any results. The doctor on arrival pronounced life extinct. The pond was 38 yards from the back door and was two feet six inches by three feet, and there was 14 inches of water in it. The pond was fed by a stream which came from across the road. He saw no signs of a struggle on the grass around the pond. - Dr Furnivall of Woodbury, said there were no signs of the deceased having struggled or tried to get out of the water. No frothing was issuing from the mouth and nose. "That is important," added the witness. - The Coroner: Why do you say that? - Witness: Because from a person dying from asphyxia there is always froth or foam from the lungs. - Continuing, witness said his opinion was that death was more due to the heart than the lungs, and was due to immersion in very cold water in her extremely delicate state of health. Death was due, he considered, to asphyxia and the terrible shock of heart failure. He could not say positively that death was due to asphyxia. He had attended the deceased for epilepsy about five months ago. Epilepsy would have a very depressing effect. - The Coroner: Do you think she had an epileptic fit at the edge of the pond? - Witness: I should not think so. An epileptic person, when having a fit, dropped at once. There were no warning symptoms like in syncope, when a person was able to lie or sit down. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Friday 26 March 1915
EXETER - Open Verdict At Inquest On Man Found In the Exe At Countess Weir. - The identity of the man whose body was found in the Exe at Countess Weir was established at the Inquest held at the house of Mr Alfred Dart, at Countess Weir yesterday. His name is FREDERICK WALTER GRIFFIN, aged 40, who until early in the year worked in the City, and was in lodging in Longbrook-street. The Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould. - Mrs Emily Cosway, of Park-place, Longbrook-street, Exeter, wife of Frederick Thos. Cosway, a postman, now in India, identified the body by the clothes which deceased was wearing as that of FREDERICK WALTER GRIFFIN, a joiner, who lodged with her up to about the first week in January. He left the house one night after witness and the rest of the household had retired to bed and without saying he was going. A week or two previously he complained of being unwell and said he should go to some friends for two or three weeks to try to recuperate. He did not say who the friends were or where they lived. She had received no communication from him since, and he left no note behind. - William Bayley, of Tiverton-road, Exeter, until recently in the employ of Messrs. Luscombe and Son, of Sidwell-street, Exeter, also identified deceased by his clothes, by the shape of his skull and by the hands. He worked for Messrs. Luscombe, but left a fortnight after Christmas, leaving his tools behind. - Elliot Minto, water-bailiff, of 19 Maple-road, Exeter, said that on Tuesday last, about 3 p.m. he was at Ducks' Weir, when he saw the deceased lying under the platform of the fender of the weir. Witness had previously examined the weir a fortnight before. - P.C. Cox, stationed at Countess Weir, who helped to recover the body from the river, produced a silver watch found on deceased. The watch stopped at 1.40. there was also an empty purse, and the only money on deceased was a halfpenny. An envelope had the name "MR F. W. GRIFFIN" typewritten upon it. A Metropolitan underground railway map was also in one of the pockets. The body was much decomposed. Witness had been informed by Messrs. Luscombe that deceased was not actually stopped, but had been told that work was getting slack. - The witness Bayley, in answer to questions, said he understood deceased had a mother and sister living in Oxford. He recognised the chain as one GRIFFIN used to wear. - Dr. W. H. Macpherson, of Topsham, stated that the body was very badly decomposed. He could detect no marks of violence. The body had the appearance of having been in the water since the early part of January. It was impossible to say definitely what was the cause of death, but there was nothing to make it inconsistent with drowning. - The Jury expressed themselves as fully satisfied as to the identity of the deceased, and on the advice of the coroner, they returned an Open Verdict that he was Found Dead in the Water.

NEWTON ABBOT - Soldier's Death At Newton Abbot After An Operation. - At Newton Abbot last evening, Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Enquiry relative to the death of PRIVATE EDWIN THOMAS VICARY, 5th Devons, of 21 Park-street, Stoke, Plymouth, who died in the Infirmary the previous evening, after an operation. - Dr James Scrase stated that about a week ago deceased was in the billet at Wynscotte, Kingsteignton-road, and he had a bad attack of influenza. Witness, as acting Surgeon to the local troops, ordered his removal to the Infirmary, and the influenza got better, but an abscess developed in the right side of the neck under the angle of the jaw. T his caused considerable pain and loss of rest and caused the jaw to become fixed. The abscess could not be lanced. Witness visited deceased twice a day during the past four days and on the 24th inst., saw him at the Infirmary. Deceased begged him hard to lance it and witness, finding his condition suitable, came to the conclusion that he could be operated upon. Witness asked deceased if he would take a little chloroform and he was perfectly willing, and his condition was such that witness considered he was quite strong enough for the operation to be performed. - The Coroner: Had there been any proper preparation for the operation? - He had been having fluid nourishment for days. - When did he have the last meal? - About two hours previously. - Proceeding, witness described how the operation was performed, deceased getting upon the operating table by himself. A small quantity of chloroform was administered. Deceased took it quite well, and went to sleep afterwards. When deceased was returning to consciousness, he gasped, as though he would be sick and the teeth became tightly clenched. This showed that the heart was affected. Witness opened the jaw with an instrument immediately and endeavoured to clear deceased's throat. The abscess had burst internally a few moments after it had been opened from the outside. Artificial respiration in all its forms was resorted to, and the upper air passages were cleared, but the lower ones could not, of course, be reached. Strychnine was injected, and brandy used to try and stimulate the heart, but unavailingly. In witness's opinion, death was due to syncope, due to blocking of the air passages by matter from the abscess, or, in effect, suffocation. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - Deceased's father returned thanks for a vote of sympathy and said he was satisfied that the doctor did all in his power for his son.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Tragedy. Dead In The House For Days Undiscovered. - An Inquiry was conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, at Newton Abbot Town Hall last evening, with respect to the death of MISS SELINA ANN HART, aged 58 years, who was found dead in her house at 11 Abbotsbury-road. ALFRED HART said his sister lived at Torquay for some years but for the past four years had lived alone at Newton, formerly in the Torquay-road. - Beatrice French, 9 Abbotsbury-road, told the Coroner that she frequently spoke to the deceased. Witness saw her towards the end of last week, but on Saturday, not seeing her, knocked at the door, in order to inquire if she were all right. No reply was obtained and witness thought she had gone away. On a later day it was noticed that the back door was ajar, and witness went in, finding the body on the floor of the sitting room. Dr Haydon said the woman had been dead for several days before the body was found. Death was due to heart disease. - P.S. Christopher said the gas in the stove was still burning and some potatoes in a saucepan were burnt to a cinder. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Times, Monday 29 March 1915
TOTNES - Coroner's Straight Talk To A Totnes Mother At An Inquest On Her Child. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Totnes respecting the death of the infant child of CHARLES WILSON, labourer, of Warland. The mother stated that the child had been weakly from birth, but she had not had the doctor for it. On Tuesday night, after it had had its food, it seemed to get cold. She called in a neighbour, who said the child was dead. - Dr W. R. Edmond stated that as the result of the post mortem examination he considered death was due to malnutrition. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes, and the Coroner, on behalf of the Jury, told the mother that she was to blame. The Jury had grave doubts as to whether the child had had proper food, and they were not at all satisfied with the evidence as to the way it had been brought up. If she had realised her responsibility, and the child had been better looked after, it might have been alive now.

Western Times, Thursday 1 April 1915
EAST BUDLEIGH - Missing Man. Body Found Under A Cliff Near Budleigh Salterton. - P.S. Mortimer was informed at Budleigh Salterton on Tuesday that the body of a man had been found on a ledge under the cliff about a mile eastward of Budleigh Salterton. Some fishermen gave the information, and, together with the Sergeant, went back to the spot with a boat. Owing, however, to the heavy sea running they were unable to get to the body. - Yesterday morning, about nine o'clock, a second attempt was made, and P.S. Mortimer and P.C. Morecombe were able to remove the body to the boat. It was in a bad position, jammed between the rocks. - During the afternoon the body was identified by MRS HORE as that of her husband, HARRY HORE, who is stated to have been an assistant to a sweet manufacturer. He has been missing since early in February. Some of his clothing, it may be remembered, was found last month at Straight Point, near Exmouth. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held at the Council Offices yesterday afternoon. Mr Edwin Webber, confectioner, of Exmouth, for whom deceased worked, said on a Friday morning he had a conversation with deceased. Witness took a duplicate order book, pointed out that several loaves were gone and asked deceased to account for it. At first he said he knew nothing about it, but after a time said, "Well, it was me, sir; I must have been mad to do it." Witness did not threaten proceedings. Deceased had been with witness for several years, and latterly he believed his habits were intemperate. - P.C. Brooke proved finding some clothes on the cliff. He discovered a note, which he handed to MRS HORE. The note, written in blacklead, was read by the Coroner. It ran as follows:- "My boss employed me at the paltry wage of 22s. per week. He now charges me with stealing from Wright. My brain is mad. God help my wife - the best any man ever had. He wants all for nothing." - The Coroner asked Mr Webber if he wished to make any remarks. - Mr Webber said he was surprised at the letter of the deceased as to his getting 22s. per week. MR HORE only asked for that, and could have had more had he asked for it. As to the charge of stealing, he had never said a word to the deceased about stealing anything. - Mr E. J. Ballmanno (brother-in-law of the deceased) remarked that at one time MR HORE was out of a situation, when he (Mr Balmanno) met Mr Webber one day and asked him if he could give his brother-in-law a job. Mr Webber said he only wanted a lad and could not pay more than 14s. per week. Mr Webber said he would pay MR HORE 20s. and eventually rose the wages to 22s. Mr Webber had been very good, and his kindness to the deceased had been greatly appreciated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow.

Western Times, Tuesday 6 April 1915
TOPSHAM - Aged Widow's Death On Visit To Relatives At Topsham.- An Inquest was held at the Vestry Hall, Topsham, yesterday, before Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner for the District, concerning the death of MRS MARGARET GORDON HAZELL, a widow, aged 74, who died on Saturday whilst on a visit to relatives at The Strand, Topsham. Mr W. J. Bridle was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MR JAMES STANLEY HAZELL, of 15 Mabbrook-road, Putney, assistant secretary of the National Provident Institution, identified the body as that of his mother, whom he last saw alive on March 19th, when she visited witness's house. She was then in excellent health. The deceased came to Topsham on March 26th on a visit to her brother. She went to the Cape about seven years ago on a visit to a member of the family, and whilst there she had a stroke of some kind, which the doctor, who attended her there, said might cause an illness again. Three years ago she again had a slight stroke, the nature of which he did not know, the deceased being then on a visit to a relative. - Miss Madeleine Gidley, of the Strand, Topsham, said she was a niece of the deceased. MRS HAZEL came to stay at the house on March 26th and was in good health up to early on Saturday morning, when she complained (at breakfast time) of a headache. She afterwards went to her bedroom to lie down. Deceased slept for an hour and a half, and afterwards got up and went to witness's sister's room. Deceased told the witness's sister that she still had the headache and felt sick. Witness went to her at about 12 o'clock. She was retching. Witness placed deceased in bed, who was still sick. Witness suggested sending for the doctor, but she replied that she would soon be better. About 1.40 witness helped deceased out of bed and placed her in a chair. Whilst sitting in the chair deceased seemed to faint and fall forward towards witness. Witness, with the aid of her sister, laid her aunt on the floor. She became unconscious. the doctor was sent for and she died at 2.45 p.m. - Dr Macpherson said he was called at about 2 o'clock to see the deceased. Witness on arriving saw the deceased lying on the floor. He examined her and decided that life was extinct. Having regard to what he was told of the previous illness and the indications of the body there was nothing inconsistent with a third stroke of paralysis, to which he attributed death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TEIGNMOUTH - A Sad Story. Death Of A Teignmouth Woman: The Inquest. - A sad story was unfolded at the Inquest held at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, yesterday afternoon on the body of EVA APLIN, wife of WILLIAM ROBERT APLIN, gardener, of Dawlish-road, Teignmouth, whose dead body was found about half-a-mile from Labrador, towards Babbacombe on Sunday afternoon. - The husband identified the body. They had five children, the youngest being nine years of age. The deceased left home soon after one on Sunday, March 20th. She laid to bed as far as he knew all the morning. he had asked his wife for his best trousers, as he found they were missing, and she said they were in pawn. She had been drinking heavily for the past six weeks. A gentleman with whom he had previously been employed had stopped him and said she had borrowed money from him, and she had even pawned her son's clothes, who had gone to the Front. he had tried his wife every way, but she would not give up the drink. They separated for two years, about nine years ago on account of her drunken habits and her associations. He had her back as the children were young and the neighbours thought they were being neglected. Whilst his wife was in bed he asked her a question as to a purse, a key and stud and she replied, "That was mine," and bolted out of the house. As far as he knew his wife had been drinking that morning, having brought it in the previous night. He was anxious about his son's box and gold studs, and he did not see her leave. She never attempted to cook any dinner on the Sunday she left home and as she did not return about ten o'clock he informed the Police. She had threatened to take her life whilst in drink, and had also threatened to "poison the lot." In a washstand in his room he discovered three bottles containing laudanum, a balsom and spirits of salts. There was also a cup, but apparently nothing had been in it. - Mrs Emily Davis, 6 Devon Square, Newton Abbot, said that on Sunday week deceased called at her house about five o'clock in the evening. She asked for a drink and she made tea. Witness had known MRS APLIN about twelve months. Deceased told her that she had been to see MR APLIN'S sister (Mrs Williams) but she was not at home. She was sober and very nice in her manner. Witness let her have ten-pence to pay her fare home, and she left her house to catch the nine o'clock train. Apparently she had walked to Newton. - Edward Ernest Hindley, photographer of Teignmouth, proved the finding of the body, it having apparently been washed up on a ledge of rocks by the tide. - P.C. Sheppard, stationed at Combeinteignhead, said in company with a Territorial he took charge of the body, whom he identified as MRS APLIN. She was neatly dressed. - Dr R. Lloyd Patterson, of Teignmouth, said in his opinion death was due to a fall, which caused concussion of the brain. Deceased had only been dead two or three days. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased met her death through concussion of the brain, caused through an Accidental Fall, but how she came on the rocks there is no evidence to show.

PAIGNTON - "Death From Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at Paignton on Saturday touching the death of WILLIAM EDWIN RICE, who died on Tuesday.

Western Times, Wednesday 7 April 1915
EXETER - Sad Death Of An Infant Through Burns. - The death of an infant from burns was the subject of an Inquest held before Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner for the City, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening. Deceased was ERNEST WILLIAM PACKER, aged fourteen months, the child of HENRY PACKER, farm labourer, of Down St. Mary, near Bow. - The father identified the child and said that on March 23rd a girl called him from his work saying a stick had fallen from the grate at his cottage and set fire to his baby's clothes. Witness first fetched a doctor and subsequently the District Nurse called each day and dressed the burns until on March 30th when deceased was brought to the Hospital. - The mother said that at midday, on March 23rd, the baby was playing on the floor in the kitchen, with his sister, aged four. She went out of the house on an errand for about eight minutes and her attention was attracted by her little daughter tapping the window for her. She found the baby's clothes alight, and put out the flames with her hands. The little girl said deceased crawled to the fire, and a stick fell out on its clothes. She put the stick back, she added. A bag was hanging before the fire, but there was no guard. - Dr T. Waddelow-Smith said there were extensive burns all over the lower part of the child's body, and death last Saturday was due to exhaustion. - The verdict was "Accidental Death". The Coroner said that everyone sympathised with the parents, but it was a pity there was no guard before the fire. The Jury expressed condolence with the parents.

Western Times, Thursday 8 April 1915
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Bideford Workhouse yesterday afternoon on BEATRICE RICHARDS, 33, laundress, of Bull Hill. The medical evidence showed that deceased succumbed to general blood poisoning set up by absorption from a partially healed wound on a finger from which she was suffering on admission, but of which she did not then complain.

EXETER - Death Of An Infant. Medical Evidence At An Exeter Inquest. Value Of Health Visits. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court last evening, before Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on the body of the infant child of a stoker employed at Willey's Works. - HARRY ARUNDEL HAWKES, the father, living at 3 Flower Pot Cottages, Okehampton-street, said deceased, LEONARD STANLEY, was aged two months last Sunday. It was never a big baby, but its health was good up to Tuesday morning at 5.30. Then his wife woke him up and said the child had a convulsion. Witness went immediately for Dr Black, but the child was dead before the doctor arrived. - The mother said, in answer to the Coroner, that the thought never struck her, having regard to the thinness of the child, that it was getting very bad. Her other children had been "like that" and difficult to rear. If she had thought there had been any danger she would have sent for a doctor. - The Coroner: The child is remarkably thin. The Jury have seen it. - Witness: I thought it had sufficient. The mother added that the Health Visitor saw the child last week. Witness had seven other children living. - The Coroner (to the father): Why did you not get a doctor? - Witness: I did not think it was bad enough - that it was so dangerous. - The Coroner: This is one of those cases where a view of the body is to the Jury's advantage. We can see in this case how emaciated the child was. - Miss Hewer, Health Visitor of the city, said that when she first saw the child it was very small with weak eyes, but otherwise quite all right. She saw it again on March 31st, and again saw that the child was small, but otherwise apparently all right. She told the mother, however, it would want a lot of care. She did not weigh the child, but was in the habit of doing so if she had her suspicions. She did not completely undress this child. - The Coroner: I should have thought children were stripped when examined. - Miss Hewer: I saw up to its waist. - Dr Black said the child was quite emaciated. The weight was half-an-ounce short of six pounds, whereas the average weight at that age was 8.4 .lbs. It was not a short child and from its length might have been over two months. The heart and lungs were healthy, but there was tubercular peritonitis or consumption of the bowels and death had been due to a convulsion. He certainly thought medical advice should have been sought before, and the child's life could then, at any rate, have been prolonged. It could not have been looking all right on March 31st. - A Juror: Was it possible to get so bad from March 31st to its death? - No. - The Foreman: But consumption of the bowels would make it very thin? - Yes, of course. There was no shortage of food. It had not been neglected that way. Consumption of the bowels was not, however, the primary cause of death, but convulsions. - Nurse Hoare, who attended at the birth, said the child was small when born, but fairly healthy. At three weeks it was in good health and she had not seen it since. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that the Health Visitor said she saw the child on February 11th and March 31st, and she thought then there was nothing to complain of. She told the mother to be careful, but did not appear to have weighed the child or strip it. The doctor said it could not have got in the state it was found when dead from March 31st and therefore one was not particularly impressed with the good that the visit of March 31st did, for the child was then passed as all right. The parents must have seen it was getting thin and ought themselves to have called in a doctor. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes. They thought the child was well nourished, but were strongly of opinion that the Health Visitor must have had some idea that it was not all right on March 31st, or she wouldn't have warned the parents to be careful. They thought, instead of giving that warning, she ought to have advised the parents to call in a doctor. Then something might have been done to, at any rate, relieve the child. - The Coroner told the parents he felt strongly about the case, having seen the child. It must have been in a bad state on March 31st, and if a doctor had been called in its condition might have been alleviated. It was fortunate for them the doctor said it had not been neglected in its feeding. - To Miss Hewer, the Health Visitor, the Coroner said he agreed entirely with what the Jury had said. He did not see that much good could result from health visits unless she weighed children or did something to definitely ascertain what was the exact condition of affairs. Sometimes parents sinned in ignorance and did not notice things like one would who was experienced in such matters. - Miss Hewer: It was not ill enough for a doctor to be called in when I saw it on March 31st. I did tell the parents, however, it would need care. - The Coroner: I can only say I agree with the opinions expressed by the Jury.

Western Times, Friday 9 April 1915
EXETER - Inquest On Barnstaple Woman At Digby's Asylum. - The County Coroner, Mr Gould, held an Inquest on Wednesday morning at Digby's Asylum, relative to the death of MARIA JOSLIN, aged 62, wife of RICHARD JOSLIN, of 26 Azes-lane, Barnstaple. - ALICE SMITH, daughter of deceased, identified the body. She said on Friday morning she was called at about 7 o'clock and told her father wished to see her. She went to her father, who told her to go and see what was the matter with her mother. She went to the kitchen and found her mother trying to light a fire on the table. She had got a paraffin can, sticks, and coal, and she was just going to put a match to it. The daughter asked her what she was going to do, but received no reply. Deceased was going about the room pulling off the paper and taking her things off. Witness made her mother a cup of tea, but she would not drink it. She tried to take the fire out of the grate. On the recommendation of the doctor deceased was sent to the Asylum on the following day. Witness noticed a mark on her mother's forehead and some dirt. She tried to wash it off and her mother said, "Oh, my poor head." Witness did not see her mother fall down. Her father, who was paralysed, told witness that her mother left the room about 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning. He shouted but could not make anyone hear. - Dr G. Norton Bartlett, Medical Superintendent at the Asylum, said that the symptoms of deceased suggested haemorrhage inside the skull. Death was caused by haemorrhage on the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 10 April 1915
TIVERTON - A Tiverton Suicide. Caused Through Attacks Of Influenza And Depression. - The Borough Coroner, Mr A. Fisher, held an Inquest at Tiverton last evening relative to the tragic death of CHARLES EDWARD LAPWORTH, of 13 St Peter's-street, Tiverton, who, it will be recalled, was found dead in his bedroom on Thursday morning, about 9.30 with an ugly gash across his throat. - The widow, ALICE LAPWORTH, identified the body. She said her husband was 41 years of age. On Thursday morning he got up at 6.30 and did his usual work for the boarders. He had a good breakfast soon after nine. He, however, appeared in a rather nervous condition. She asked him to fetch something in one of the rooms. He did not go to the room, but went straight to their bedroom. Witness missed him and she made a search, eventually finding him in their bedroom, lying on the floor on his face and hands in front of the dressing-table. There was a lot of blood about and deceased was breathing his last. Witness said deceased made the faintest of sounds, but she could see that he was all but gone. She sent for the doctor, and ran into a neighbours. Deceased had not changed his position when she returned. Her husband, she said, had not enjoyed good health for some months past. He had had an attack of influenza in the early part of the year, which had left him extremely weak. He had gone to Exmouth, thinking a change might be beneficial. He returned on Easter Monday, but he was still very depressed. Her husband, she said, was a steady man, and, so far as she knew, he was in no trouble. About eight years ago, at Worcester, he had an attack of brain fever, and for about three months he was in an Asylum. There had never been any brain trouble since, and she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Frank Richards, carpenter, of St. Andrew-street, gave evidence as to finding the body. Deceased had an opened razor in his right hand. Witness said he always found deceased a steady man, cheerful and with no trouble that he knew of. - P.S. Denning bore out the story of the last witness. - Dr Pollock said he had attended deceased for some years, and had been doing so up to the time of the tragic occurrence. Deceased had had influenza about January, followed by depression and weakness. He did not pick up well. The gash in the throat practically extended from ear to ear, and was almost touching the vertebrae at the back. Death must have been practically instantaneous. - Answering the Coroner, Dr Pollock said that influenza would be liable to reproduce mental trouble. He knew cases where influenza had started brain trouble. He should say that deceased acted on the impulse of the moment. He dare say he was feeling depressed and seeing the razor, was mentally unable to resist. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

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

Western Times, Monday 12 April 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - Late Rector Of Highbray: The Inquest. - On Saturday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, of Bideford, held an Inquiry at the Guildhall, South Molton, into the circumstances attending the death of the late Rev. MATTHEW MARSHALL, M.A., Rector of Highbray, which occurred at the Nursing Home on Friday morning. Mr Sam Cole, Unicorn Hotel, was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The body was identified by MRS ELLA COWLIE MARSHALL, widow, who stated that deceased was 48 years of age. - The Coroner: When did you last see him alive? - Nearly seven years ago. - You did not live with your husband? - Not lately. - Not for several years? - No. - You have not seen him at all, MRS MARSHALL, for seven years? - No. Deceased, continued witness, had suffered from epileptic fits for fifteen years. - Miss Miriam Holmes, daughter of Mr Heber Holmes, saddler, of The Square, South Molton, said that on Friday about 1 o'clock she was temporarily in charge of the shop. She saw a gentleman on the other side of the Square walking by the National Provincial Bank. He was crossing the road towards the George Hotel. As he stepped off the pavement on to the road, he looked up the street, down the street and up at the Town Clock, all in a moment, as it seemed, and then fell forward heavily on his face. Witness called her father and brother, but by that time help had arrived; several people had gone to his assistance. Deceased had both hands in his pockets. She did not know whether he took them out; she didn't think he did. He did not seem to save himself at all. He appeared to have dropped down dead. - Dr Seal, of South Molton, said he had attended the deceased for six years. On Thursday he was called to see him at Mr Ayre's shop and found him in a semi-conscious condition. Witness had MR MARSHALL removed to South Molton Nursing Home, where he attended him till his death, which occurred at 10.50 a.m. on Friday. He had made a post-mortem examination. In witness's opinion death was due to epilepsy. - The Coroner: Was there any evidence to show that death was accelerated by the fall? - No. - Mr Henry Kingdon, a Juror, asked whether the deceased had been unconscious before when he had had a fit? - Dr Seal: Yes, for some hours. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 13 April 1915
TEIGNMOUTH - Killed By A Taxi-Cab At Teignmouth. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Hospital, Teignmouth, on Friday, into the circumstances attending the death of MRS JANE HAWKINS, 72, wife of a gardener, of Higher Brimley-terrace, Teignmouth, who died as the result of injuries received by being knocked down by a taxi-cab at Teignmouth on Easter Monday. - MRS EMMA WITHERSON, of Norfolk, daughter of deceased, having given evidence of identification, Canon Daniel Kennedy, Prior Church, St Marychurch, a passenger in the taxi, said they were travelling four miles an hour when the accident occurred. He saw deceased leave the footpath and cross Regent-street in front of the taxi, which was in the middle of the road. He did not think deceased saw the vehicle, and was convinced that the driver did not see her. Witness tapped at the glass when he saw an accident was imminent, but it was too late. MRS HAWKINS was knocked down and dragged some distance and was still under the taxi when he alighted. - John Burrows, of Dawlish, said the taxi was going at a walking pace, there being a large number of people about who were coming away from the sports on the Den. The driver of the taxi was terribly upset, and stopped the vehicle when witness shouted to him that there was someone underneath. The driver told him afterwards that the passenger tapping the glass behind him took his attention. - William Langabeer, gardener, and William Lucas, both agreed that the taxi was travelling slowly. The latter said the deceased was looking down when crossing the road, and could not have seen the taxi. - Dr Patterson said deceased lost a lot of blood. Shock and concussion with brain injury, caused death. - William Henry Rooke, of Torquay, driver and owner of the taxi, said they were travelling four miles an hour at the time of the accident and there being many people about, he continuously sounded his horn. He did not know there was anyone under the taxi until people shouted to him. Deceased must have crossed the road from the right and at that time he was looking ahead, as people were crossing the road from the Den. The taxi pulled deceased along for a dozen yards, and he was positive the wheels did not go over her or he would have felt it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that no blame was attached to the driver.

AXMINSTER - Death From Lockjaw At Axminster. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Police Court, Axminster, by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, on the body of BERT DAVIS, aged 15 ½, the son of SAMUEL DAVIS, labourer, of Castle-hill. The evidence given by ANNIE DAVIS, mother of the deceased, was to the effect that he was in the employment of Mr John Gillingham, of the Lamb Inn, as milk boy. On April 5th he went to work in Mr Gillingham's garden with others, when he accidentally ran a prong of the garden fork in his foot. - The boy took little notice of the accident, but the following morning he complained to his mother that he was in pain. She did all that she could for him at the time and sent him to Dr Langram, who on April 7th ordered his removal to the Axminster Cottage Hospital, where, in spite of every medical attendance, he died on Sunday morning from tetanus. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and through their Foreman, Mr W. J. Harris, expressed their sympathy with the mother, in which the Coroner heartily concurred, and gave their fees for her assistance.

BUTTERLEIGH - The Suicide At Butterleigh. - An Inquest was held at Butterleigh, near Cullompton, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of WILLIAM COCKRAM, aged 69, labourer, of Force's Cottages, Butterleigh, who was found hanging in a shed about 7.30 a.m. on Sunday. Evidence was given by the widow, who found deceased; John Broome, who cut him down; and Dr Gidley. The latter stated that he had attended the deceased during the past three months for nervous breakdown. He was much troubled because, being on the club, he was unable to work in his garden. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Times, Wednesday 14 April 1915
EXETER - Death Under Chloroform At Royal Devon And Exeter Hospital. - An Inquest was conducted last evening at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, concerning the death of JOHN WESTCOTT, farm labourer of Rattisloe, near Poltimore, who died on Monday at the Institution under an anaesthetic, having been admitted suffering from cancer of the throat on April 7th. - The widow gave evidence of identification, and said her husband was 51 years of age. He had been more or less ill four years and four weeks ago a doctor recommended him to come to the Hospital. He did so, and witness understood he was to go under chloroform in order to have some teeth out. - Dr Eilene O'Keefe, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, who administered the anaesthetic, said deceased was suffering from cancer of the throat, and had once been discharged as incurable. It was decided, however, to take some of his teeth out to alleviate his suffering, and for this purpose chloroform was administered, as on a previous occasion, when he was operated on. He took the chloroform well at first, but suddenly collapsed after one tooth had been extracted. Artificial respiration was tried, but without avail. Death was due to syncope and she thought the heart must have been weakened by toxaemia, brought about by the condition of the throat. - Dr T. Waddilow Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he saw the deceased a few days previous to the operation and examined him the evening before. His lungs were then normal and his heart also apparently normal. A fortnight previously he had taken chloroform very well indeed. A post-mortem examination showed that there was no organic disease of the heart, but the muscle was weak and the cavity somewhat dilated. Had deceased lived he would have suffered intense pain before death ensued in probably six months. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Western Times, Monday 19 April 1915
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at Bideford on Saturday afternoon, on the body of JOHN EASTON, 67, a furnaceman, of Torridge-place, East-the-Water, who died suddenly on Thursday evening. Deceased fell and expired when leaving his house after tea to go into the garden and have a talk with his brother, WALTER, who had come down from Torrington. A post mortem examination by Dr Ackland showed that death was due to a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta.

Western Times, Tuesday 20 April 1915
EXETER - Plucky Policeman Commended By Jury At An Exeter Inquest. Sad Drowning Case. - The drowning fatality at the Exeter Basin on Friday evening, when the eleven-year-old son of FREDERICK THOMAS, of Smythen-street, lost his life, was the subject of an Inquest conducted at the City Police Court yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown. One of the elder brothers of deceased was killed early in the War and another has since been rather badly wounded. - The mother gave evidence of identification, and said that EDWARD JAMES, her deceased son, went to school in the usual way about 1.45 on Friday afternoon. That was the last she saw of him. - A lad named McCarthy, also living in Smythen-street, said about 6.30 he was at the Basin with THOMAS and two of his (deceased's) brothers and another boy. He and deceased went on a barge near the Gas Works and all at once, when they were doing something with the steering gear, he saw a Policeman. He shouted to THOMAS "A copper's coming!" and jumped to the bank. He called to deceased to follow and heard a splash behind him. He looked round and saw deceased in the water, trying to keep himself up. Witness cried for help and P.C. Blackmore ran up, took off his helmet and gloves and jumped in. Witness could just see deceased's head then, and the Policeman managed to touch him, but the body disappeared and witness did not see him again. - GEORGE THOMAS, the seven-year-old brother of deceased, a bright, intelligent little chap, told the Coroner that Taylor, one of the boys present at the Basin, was fishing when the Policeman came in sight. When McCarthey shouted "Here's a Policeman!" and jumped, the "ship" had gone further from the bank. That was why witness's brother fell into the water. - P.C. Blackmore said it was about 6.30 p.m. when he was passing by Peter and Hamlin's store and saw boys on a barge interfering with the steering gear. He saw them jump off and then a voice call "Quick!" Witness ran to the barge and at once saw deceased in the water about three feet below the surface. Witness plunged in and actually touched the head of deceased, but the lad seemed to be drawn away by the suction of the barge. Witness rose to get breath and dived again, but without result. Then he swam to a chain by the wall and partly pulled himself up, but could not get out. A man named Horrell helped him out. Other assistance was secured, and eventually the body was recovered and artificial respiration tried. Dr Corbett was also sent for, but life was then extinct. - Frank Kelland, an Exeter City Council employee, told how he got the body out with a pole and said that artificial respiration was tried immediately. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a very sad one, especially as the parents had lost a son at the war and had recently had a good deal of trouble. P.C. Blackmore acted with great pluck and this was not the first time he had done similarly. The Jury would probably remember that he acted with great pluck at a fatal fire in the City not long ago. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," and commended P.C. Blackmore. The Foreman, Mr Phil Thomas, said the Jury thought Blackmore acted heroically and they hoped the matter would be brought before the Watch Committee. There was no doubt he was in a very difficult position when he dived in after the boy and that he was in a bad state before he gave up his efforts. The Jury also wished to condole with the parents.

Western Times, Wednesday 21 April 1915
BIDEFORD - The Burning Fatality At Bideford. - The Inquest on the body of IRENE SING, a little five-year-old girl, living with her grandparents at Montague-place, Bideford, and who died as the result of severe burns received on Monday, was held yesterday by Dr Ellis Pearson. Mr J. Adams being Foreman of the Jury. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned Dr Grose said everything possible was done for the child from the first, but it was practically a hopeless case. The child was extensively burned, and succumbed to shock. The girl was wearing at the time only a calico nightdress, which was in flames when she rushed into her grandmother's bedroom. The grandmother had her left hand and the grandfather both hands, severely burned in putting out the flames.

Western Times, Friday 23 April 1915
ASHBURTON - Suicide At Ashburton. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Market Hall respecting the death of WILLIAM HENRY WHIDDON, a labourer, aged 49 years, who was found hanging in his home on the previous day. Mr W. Lear was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - SARAH WHIDDON, the widow, gave evidence of identification, and said her husband enjoyed good health until last week, when he suffered from an influenza cold, but would not give up work until she persuaded him to do so. About a week ago he became strange and commenced walking about at night. She, however, had not heard him wish himself dead, and had no fear of his harming himself. She last saw him alive about 9 a.m. on Wednesday morning. - Dr Ellis said deceased came to him on Monday and complained of pains in his back but he spoke quite sensibly. He later in the day saw MRS WHIDDON, who asked him if he noticed anything strange in her husband's manner and in consequence of her remarks he advised her to put away anything that he could harm himself with. He again saw deceased on Tuesday and spoke to him about his drinking and warned him that if he did not give it up he would get delirium tremens. On Wednesday witness was called and found WHIDDON dead in the wash-house of his home. On examination he found that his neck was dislocated and death must have been instantaneous. He presumed that he must have got on a table and hung himself to a hook in the ceiling, and then let himself drop off. - Mr Frank Langler, wheelwright, said he was called about 11.30 on Wednesday morning. He immediately ran to WHIDDON'S home about 150 yards from his workshop and as the doors were locked he got through a window and in the back kitchen he saw the deceased hanging by a rope from the ceiling. Witness at once cut him down. He considered he was dead when he did so. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned, the Coroner complimenting Mr Langler on his promptitude.

TIVERTON - Bridegroom's Suicide. Farmer's Rash Act Near Tiverton: The Inquest. - Morbid details published in the Press concerning suicides were strongly condemned last evening, when Mr A. Fisher and a Jury Inquired into the circumstances surrounding the death of ALBERT JOHN HEARD, farmer, of Great Holwell, about a mile from Tiverton, who was found dead with his throat cut and his left wrist severed on Wednesday morning last. - Just over a fortnight ago the deceased was married in Kent to a farmer's daughter. They spent the second week of their honeymoon at the deceased's parents home at Collipriest, Tiverton, and moved into their new home at Great Holwell a few days ago. Deceased was in the Tiverton Market on Tuesday and was very cheerful. He made no complaint to his wife when they retired to rest at 9.45 on Tuesday evening. About midnight he complained of pains in his head and his wife went downstairs for the purpose of making him a cup of tea. Before she had time to light the fire she heard a strange sound upstairs. Proceeding thither she found the deceased lying on his face and hands on the landing; blood was flowing profusely from a wound in the throat, and from the left wrist. Deceased, who was only 29, expired before a doctor arrived. - The young widow gave evidence with great difficulty. She could not assign any reason for deceased's rash act. Deceased had complained that the price of everything was up; but she told him that he need not worry, as his father and her father were behind them. - A Juror remarked that he had known the HEARD family for many years and did not believe there was any cause for financial worry. - Dr Liesching having deposed as to the injuries (which he considered were self-inflicted) remarked that the publication of details surrounding suicides had a bad effect on a certain class of people. - The Coroner: You deprecate the publication of such details? - Dr Liesching: Most decidedly. - The Coroner had previously spoken privately to the members of the Press on the same subject. - Dr Liesching regretted that at the present time more space was being devoted to murders and suicides than was given to the affairs of State. - In summing up, the Coroner said it was one of the saddest cases they had had for years. Deceased was a young man, just married, with a nice farm and excellent prospects before him. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased took his life while Temporarily Insane.

Western Times, Tuesday 27 April 1915
KINGSWEAR - "Hobnailed Liver". Inquest On Dartmouth Man At Kingswear. - An Inquest was held at Kingswear yesterday on the body of JOHN WILLIAM CASEY PILLAR, 64, formerly a licensed victualler at Dartmouth, whose body was found in Dartmouth Harbour on Saturday. - LANGMEAD PILLAR, a brother, stated that deceased was a heavy drinker and was not on good terms with his relations. - Lawrence Foale, butcher, of Dartmouth, gave evidence as to the recovery of the body in a spot known as the "Unknown Grave," Kingswear. - Richard Down, landlord of the Lindsay Arms, Dartmouth, said deceased had been lodging with him. He was very funny in his head at times. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Cornish Bowden, read numerous notes which deceased had written on scraps of paper. In one case he wrote: "I wish I were dead, and out of it. Life is not worth living." - Dr Young, of Brixham, said deceased had a "hobnailed "liver and fatty heart. The lungs were not water-logged and death was not due to drowning, but to heart failure, probably caused by the shock of falling into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of Temporary Insanity.

TIVERTON - Sad Death Of An Old Lady At Tiverton. - MRS HARRIET SKINNER, 77, one of six old women inmates of Steer's Almshouses, Tiverton, was found unconscious in her room last Monday morning. She passed away on Thursday. At an Inquest held on Friday at the Tiverton Hospital by Mr A. Fisher (Borough Coroner), it was stated that the deceased had lain on the floor, clad only in her nightdress for nearly 35 hours before being discovered. It was the milk boy who thought something was wrong because the deceased had not taken in her Sunday morning's milk when he called on the following morning. - Dr Leisching said he had examined the body and was of the opinion that deceased expired as a result of exposure which produced hypostatic congestion of the lungs. Old people like this, added the doctor, ought to be constantly supervised. I live next door and I am afraid a fire will occur one day owing to the feebleness of these old folk. - Several of the Jurymen were of the opinion that the District Nurse should make occasional visits. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added a rider suggesting that the churchwardens who administer the charity might make some arrangements for the proper supervision of the inmates. - Both churchwardens, Messrs. T. Lock and James Goodland, were present at the Inquiry.

Western Times, Thursday 29 April 1915
EXETER - Octogenarian Widow's Death At Exeter. - At an Inquest held at the City Police Station last evening, relative to the death of ELIZABETH BOWERS, widow, aged 81, of West Grove-road, evidence was given to the effect that on Sunday, after she went out for a walk, she was brought home, about 5.30 p.m., suffering from a wound at the back of the head. She was in an unconscious condition. - A young man named Major said he saw the deceased in St. Leonard's-road. She was supporting herself by the wall. Shortly afterwards she fell backwards over the edge of the pavement, and sustained a wound at the back of the head. When picked up she was unconscious. - Dr G. T. Clapp, who was called, said the wound on the head was presumably caused by a comb, pieces of the teeth of which were taken out of the wound. There was no fracture or haemorrhage into the brain. Death was caused by shock following concussion of the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 30 April 1915
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the City Police Station last evening relative to the death of CHARLES HENRY SPINEY, the ten weeks' old child of MR and MRS C. H. SPINEY of 3 Cornish's-court, Fore-street. Evidence was given by the mother, FLORENCE SPINEY, the father being a private in the 8th Battalion Devon Regiment stationed at Aldershot. Dr Brash said the child was dead when he arrived after being called. Death was due to convulsions owing to a distended stomach caused by wind. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 4 May 1915
HONITON - An Inquest was held at Honiton yesterday by Mr C. N. Tweed, relative to the death of JESSIE TRIM, aged 2 years, who was knocked down by Mr Spencer White, of Bournemouth, who was passing through Honiton on Monday last on his motor cycle. The child was apparently uninjured beyond a shaking, and was attended by the District Nurse, when on Thursday evening it was observed that there was a considerable rise in her temperature, and on the advice of the Nurse the doctor was called. - Dr Hedden stated he examined the child and found that death was due to meningitis following the accident, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to anyone. Mr M J. McGahey, of Exeter, represented the rider of the cycle, and ascertained from his examination of the witnesses that the rider of the machine had called and made enquiries and explained how the accident arose, and they spoke in high terms of the rider's conduct.

EXETER - Infant's Death. Exeter Story Of Sad Scalding Accident. - The sad death through scalds of a child, THOMAS FREDERICK LIPPETT, whose parents reside at Bartholomew-street West, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter coroner, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening . - The mother, ELIZABETH LIPPETT, wife of a meter tester, now in the Fortress engineers stationed at Gibraltar, gave evidence of identification. Deceased, she said, was two years old last August and was the youngest of five children. On Thursday morning last, at 9.30, she was in the kitchen with the child, and had just boiled some water in which to wash up the dishes She put it on the table, and deceased was then on a chair, writing on a tiny blackboard with some chalk. As she was going to fill her kettle again he left his blackboard and apparently went to put his chalk on to the table. He must have touched the bowl, for he upset it and the water went over him. she rushed back in time to prevent some of it going on him, but he was badly scalded and after cutting off his clothes she hurried with him to the Hospital. - Dr Wardelow Smith said the child was extensively scalded on the chest and arms and died next day from shock. - The verdict was Accidental Death and the Coroner joined the Jury in an expression of sympathy with the mother, remarking that the case was the more sad as the father was away with the Colours.

Western Times, Friday 7 May 1915
PINHOE - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Pinhoe on Tuesday afternoon relative to the death of CHARLOTTE FRANCE, aged 60, widow of the late MR JOHN FRANCE, a retired engineer. Eva Mary Beedell, of Topsham, identified the body. Edith Potter stated that on the 1st May deceased left her house about 5.40 p.m. to go to the Station to take train for Exeter. She was then apparently in her usual health. Louisa Bazeley said at 8 p.m. she saw the deceased leaning against a wall. She took witness's arm and walked to the gate. Within a few minutes of getting into the house blood and foam issued from her mouth and she died. P.S. Harvey stated that the deceased went to the Station, but the train had gone. Dr J. S. Steele-Perkins (Exeter) expressed an opinion that death was caused by syncope, due to a weak heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 14 May 1915
SOUTH MOLTON - Found In The Water. Inquest at South Molton On Man Who Was Drowned. - Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Board Room of the Union Workhouse, South Molton, concerning the death of WILLIAM HILL, 68, formerly employed by South Molton Town Council, whose body was found in the water at Hacche lime-pits, near the town, last Saturday night. Mr W. H. Hulland was, on the proposition of Mr A. J. Hammett, seconded by Mr J. Ford, chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MRS EMMA HILL, widow of the deceased said her late husband had lately been in very bad health. - the Coroner: What was the trouble? - It was in his head. He said it was like two hammers beating together and he also had other complaints. - When did you last see him alive? - I think it must have been about half-past eight, or twenty minutes to nine, on Saturday morning. - Fred R. Taylor, Barnstaple-street, South Molton, said that in company with a friend he had a look round the lime kilns. They walked round to the pit, where witness saw a man's coat and other articles. They made a thorough search and then reported what they had found to Sergt. Real at the Police Station. - Sergt. Real, South Molton, said that in consequence of information received from Mr Taylor he went to the pond at 3.30 on Saturday afternoon. There, about three feet from the water, he saw a man's coat, hat and stick. He made a careful examination all round the pond. There were no signs of a struggle, nor any footprints leading to the water's edge. Witness took the coat to the Police Station, and the coat was identified by deceased's brother. About 9 p.m. the body was discovered. It was in a direct line from where the clothes were found. The body was found in the centre of the pond. - Mr Taylor, recalled, said when he searched the coat he found a pipe, tin of tobacco, a pencil and photographs cut from the "Western Times." There was no pocket knife. - Dr Seal, South Molton, said he had attended the deceased for 4 ½ years and he had always been of a nervous temperament and lately had been rather depressed. In his opinion, death was due to drowning. - Summing up, the Coroner said the deceased went out about half-past eight on Saturday morning in apparently his normal state of health, which had not been very good. He was met on the road by one of the witnesses who said he gave him the time of day. That witness noticed nothing peculiar about him. Another witness said he went to the lime-pit and found the clothing by the water's edge. He gave notice to the Police, who dragged the pit and found the body of the deceased. The Police said there was no evidence about the quarry of a struggle, nor any marks. There were no marks of violence on the body; the organs were sound, there was nothing in the stomach, no fracture of the skull and no poison. The doctor had said that in his opinion death was due to drowning. The only question for the Jury to decide was how did the man come to be in the pond? - MRS HILL, recalled, was asked by the Coroner if she had heard her husband threaten to take his life, or if he had said he was tired of life? - Witness: I have heard him say he was tired of life, but not threaten to take it. When there was a funeral I heard him say he wished it was his, because the pains in his head were so bad. - The Jury found that deceased got into the pond during Temporary Insanity.

Western Times, Saturday 15 May 1915
MORTEHOE - Bideford Woman's Body Washed Ashore. - The body of a woman found washed up on the shore near Bull Point, North Devon, on Thursday, and at first thought likely to be one of the victims of the "Falaba" was at the Inquest conducted yesterday by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, identified as that of AMELIA DAVIS, of Bideford, who has been missing since 30th March last. The deceased's husband, JOSHUA DAVIS, an engineer and water inspector, committed suicide at Tiverton last July and this, together with the fact that her son left for India with the colours, was stated to have worried her somewhat. Evidence of identification was given by MRS STACEY, of Bideford, deceased's daughter, who said her mother, aged 54, seemed cheerful when she left home. Nothing was found to throw any light upon the affair and the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned on the shore at Eagle Cove, Morthoe, there being no evidence to show how the body got into the water."

Western Times, Tuesday 18 May 1915
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday on GEORGE HENRY KING, a painter, who had resided at 11 Braddons Hill-road, Torquay. Yesterday morning, whilst in bed, he complained of a pain in his chest and expired almost immediately. He was 57 years of age and has three sons in the Army, one of whom is in Torquay at the present time, invalided.

EXETER - Tragic Occurrence. Inquest On Newton Farmer At Exeter. Death At A Meeting. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Station yesterday relative to the death of CHARLES BARBER, aged 57, farmer, of Chipley, Bickington, near Newton Abbot, who expired suddenly while attending a meeting of the Devon Farmers' Union on Friday. - Evidence of identification was given by Mr James Maddicott, of Wolborough Barton, Newton Abbot, who said deceased was his brother-in-law, enjoyed fairly good health. Witness last saw him on Wednesday and he then appeared in his usual health. Deceased had influenza about nine years ago. - Mr Daniel Wrayford, farmer, Torbryan, who had known the deceased about 20 years, said on Friday they travelled together from Newton to Exeter and attended a committee meeting of the Farmers' Union at the Market Hall. Deceased addressed the meeting about one o'clock and then bent down his head as if to pick up some paper and slipped off the chair in a heap, as it were. Witness and others went to his assistance and bathed his wrist and forehead with water, but he never regained consciousness. The doctor, who was immediately fetched, pronounced life extinct. - Dr Black said a post-mortem examination showed that the cause of death was fatty degeneration of the heart which caused heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Wednesday 19 May 1915
POLTIMORE - Enlisted And worried. Suicide Of A Poltimore Farmer: The Inquest. - The County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Pyne's Farm, Poltimore, yesterday afternoon relative to the death of SAMUEL WESTLAKE, farmer. The wife, MRS ALICE ELLEN WESTLAKE, identified the body. Her husband was 39 years of age. She last saw him alive on Monday about 2.10, when he went out of the back door. He did not say where he was going. Later in the afternoon she was informed that he was found dead. Her husband had never threatened to take his life. He had had a deal of trouble lately, having lost a lot of pigs through swine fever, which represented a considerable loss to him. He had also been short of men. On Saturday he joined the Army. He worried a lot about it and became very depressed. The rope (produced) belonged to deceased. - Thomas Thompson, of Poltimore, a carter, said on Monday about 4 p.m. he was at work at Pynes Farm. He found the deceased in the orchard near the house hanging by the neck by a rope to an apple tree. Witness immediately cut him down, but he was quite dead. The body was warm. His feet were about 4 inches from the ground. There was mud on the tree, and the bark was scraped as if he had climbed up the tree. - Dr J. Sandoe, of Broadclyst, said death was due to strangulation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

DAWLISH - Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquiry at the Dawlish Vestry Hall, yesterday, into the death of HARRIETT EMMA GIBBINGS, wife of WILLIAM JOHN FRANK GIBBINGS, labourer, of 25 Manor-row, Dawlish. The husband stated that his wife had had varicose veins for some years, but they had given her little trouble. She wore an elastic stocking. On Thursday last in the early morning a vein burst just as she got out of bed. She tied a handkerchief round it and quickly stopped the bleeding. He fetched a neighbour, who bandaged it. She took little notice of it, but kept a bandage and elastic stocking on the leg. On Sunday morning witness woke up about five o'clock. His wife awoke at the same time and said she felt something wet. She then found that her leg was bleeding. She tried to stop it and then fainted away. There was blood in the bed and on the floor. Witness fetched a neighbour and then ran for the doctor. Susan Sanders, neighbour, corroborated and said when she came to deceased she was almost gone and died in a minute or two. - Dr M. Cutcliffe said that when he arrived the woman was dead. There was blood on the bed and about the floor. She had evidently been bleeding for some time before she woke up. He found a large diseased varicose vein on the left leg, and several smaller ones. Death was due to haemorrhage caused by the bursting of the vein. It was most unusual for a vein to burst in the night. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and expressed sympathy with the husband, and handed him their fees.

Western Times, Friday 21 May 1915
OKEHAMPTON - At the Town Hall, Okehampton, Mr Coroner H. C. Brown conducted an Inquest touching the death of JOHN HAMEL BISHOP, aged 9 years, son of MRS MITCHELL, of High-street. Alderman Sleeman was chosen Foreman of the Jury. It appeared that about thirteen weeks ago deceased fell from a wall about seven feet high and hurt himself. The mother, in her evidence, said when he came home, looking very white and seeming ill, she put him to bed. - Freddie Hammond, aged 13, said he saw some boys being rough with deceased and stopped them. They did not hurt him. He also saw deceased fall off the wall on his back. The wall was about seven feet high. He looked very white and he thought he was dead. He was sure no one pushed him off. - Another small boy corroborated. - Dr Bond said he had attended the deceased and Dr Young had seen him. The Local Government Board Inspector also visited the deceased with Dr Young and witness. The Inspector took some serum, but could not find any trace of spotted fever, nor were there any marks on the body. He should incline to the belief that death was the result of the fall from the wall and was due to cerebral meningitis following the fall. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly., and handed their fees to the mother.

TORQUAY - War Worries. Cause Of Tragic Death Of An Explorer At Torquay. - An Inquest was held before the County Coroner at Torquay yesterday in reference to the death of HAROLD WARD TOPHAM, aged 58, barrister-at-law, a man of independent means, who has been staying at Torquay for the benefit of his health. Deceased was well-known in sporting circles and was a member of the Alpine Club. - ALFRED G. TOPHAM, London, a brother, said deceased was a bachelor, having no permanent address, being a rover on the Continent. Deceased came to Torquay three weeks ago and stayed with his sister. He was exceedingly worried over the war, having an idea that things were not going well with the Allied Powers, and that this would seriously affect his financial position. Deceased worried a great deal with reference to the buying and selling of stocks. - The Coroner: Has he shown that by what he has said to you? - Witness stated that he knew his brother worried a great deal, because he frequently communicated with his bankers. - The Coroner: Was it a delusion? - Witness said they had all more or less suffered in consequence of the war, and his brother thought that it might affect him. - The Coroner: Was he depressed in consequence? - Witness considered that such was the case. His brother was absolutely full of nerves. Deceased had shown no suicidal tendency. - ETHEL BEATRICE EDE, sister of deceased, said that her brother frequently took walks by himself, and had not shown any suicidal tendency. Early on Wednesday morning she took him up a cup of tea, as usual, but found the bed empty. She shouted and he replied from downstairs, telling her that he was going out for a walk. She insisted that he should have his tea before doing so. Deceased declined, and persisted in going out, she being unsuccessful in preventing him. She followed him in her night attire and when he ran away she came to the conclusion that there was something wrong with him. She asked two men who were passing to stop him, and one of them held him. - A question was asked by the Coroner with reference to money matters, and witness replied that her brother was under the impression that he would lose a great deal. The culminating blow came with the resignation of Sir Edward Speyer, deceased having shares in the firm of Mond, Nickell and Co. Her brother thought that one thing would lead to another. - Sidney Beer, one of the workmen spoken to in the road, stated that he followed deceased on to the Babbacombe Downs and when about 50 or 60 yards behind, the deceased sprang over the rail and threw himself over a perpendicular cliff of a height of about 140 feet. - Dr Pitt Palmer said the deceased pitched on his head which was badly fractured. - Dr O'Dell said the deceased was in his opinion not a man who should have been placed under control. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Suicide. Gentleman Who Had Lost Greatly On Stock Exchange. - Mr Sidney Hacker (Coroner) conducted an Inquest at Teignmouth last evening to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MR THOMAS CODNER, of Hill-view, Ringmore, Shaldon, whose body was found terribly mutilated on the railway line near the Teignmouth Gas works on Wednesday. - HENRY CODNER, brother, of Ness Mount, Teignmouth, said deceased was 59 years of age. He had been depressed of late in consequence of financial difficulties. He had speculated on the Stock Exchange and during the last two years had lost over £1,000. In addition to his losses he owed up to the present time upwards of £1,500 to stock-brokers. His troubles had worried him so much that he was practically out of his mind. His wife's death had also affected him considerably. Witness, however, had no idea that he had any suicidal tendency. - Mrs Carter, Shaldon, said she spoke to deceased at 7.30 on Tuesday evening. He was then looking very miserable. She said there was a report that deceased was going to be married and he said that was so. He made no reference to any troubles. - Fredk. Gilbert, toll keeper at Shaldon Bridge, said deceased passed the bridge at about 8.30 on Tuesday night. Witness did not notice which way he went after leaving the bridge. - John Knapman, driver of the early morning express down train, said he passed through Teignmouth at 4 a.m. and about a quarter of a mile on the Newton Abbot side of Teignmouth Gas Works he saw a man's body lying across the up line. It was completely severed. - P.C. Abrahams, of Teignmouth, who found the body about a mile from Teignmouth, said the head and upper portion was lying in the four-foot way and the legs in the six-foot way. Letters were found on deceased, but the Coroner said these had no bearing whatever on the affair. - Dr Campbell Brown, (Shaldon), was of opinion that deceased's nerves were affected by his worries, but not his mind. - John Mapledoram, of Exeter, Chief Inspector of the G.W.R, said 15 up trains passed between Newton and Teignmouth between 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening and 5 a.m. next morning, but they had been unable to find any marks or traces of blood on either of them. The Jury's verdict was that deceased Killed Himself by placing himself in front of a train, being, at the time, of Unsound Mind.

SOUTH MOLTON - On Monday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, of Bideford, held an Inquiry at the Guildhall, South Molton, into the cause of the death of a child, named BEATRICE ELIZABETH MOORE, aged 4, the daughter of MR CHARLES MOORE, of 7 Mill-street , South Molton, who died at the local Nursing Home on Saturday night. - Mr F. W. Twells (South-street) was elected Foreman of the Jury. - CHARLES MOORE, the father, said the child was four years old in November last. He last saw her alive on the morning of Saturday, May 15th, about 7.30. she was then sitting up at the kitchen table having breakfast. She had just come down, and was in her night-dress, made of flannelette. The fire had not been lighted long and the guard was not fixed. He afterwards saw her suffering from burns, and two doctors were summoned. - EMILY MOORE, mother of deceased, said after her husband had gone to work she left deceased and the youngest girl in the kitchen by themselves while she went to Mr Pomeroy's for a can of milk. She forgot to put up the fire guard. The child was sitting on the form when she returned, and witness went to Mr Birtill's, Ivy Cottage (about 200 yards away), with a can of milk. When she arrived back at the Artizans Dwellings she saw the child on fire in the street, Mr Reed and Mr Brailey being there at the time. She had always put the guard on, on other occasions when she went out. - Edward Reed, farmer, of Fursebray, South Molton, said he was in Mill-street at about a quarter to eight on Saturday morning. He was supplying a Mrs Gebbett with milk when he heard loud cries and a minute later he saw a child run out into the street in flames. He ran to her assistance at once, and tore the nightdress away from her. Mr Henry Brailey was also running up towards the child, bringing a cloak which they wrapped around her and extinguished the flames. - Dr Nicholl, South Molton, said he was called to 7 Mill-street, on Saturday morning and arrived there about 8.15. He found the deceased upstairs in bed, covered with bed-clothing. He examined her and found very extensive burns. Practically the whole of the body and the legs and arms were burned. With the help of the District Nurse he applied dressings. He was assisted by Dr Seal, South Molton. Witness then had the patient removed to the Nursing Home, where she would have better attention. Next morning the Nurse told him she had died soon after he left. In his opinion death was due to shock, entirely, following extensive burns on the body. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they did not consider there was neglect on the part of anyone. They gave their fees to the parents.

Western Times, Saturday 22 May 1915
EXETER - Child's Death Under An Anaesthetic At Exeter. Operation For Adenoids. - The Exeter Coroner (Mr W. Linford Brown) held an Inquest at the City Police Station last evening relative to the death of HILDA ELLEN ALFORD, aged eight years, daughter of WILLIAM ALFORD, general dealer, of No. 6 Willey's-avenue, St. Thomas, Exeter. - Evidence of identification was given by the father, who said that during the past three months his daughter had been attended by Dr Stokes for adenoids. Except for that her health had been good. She returned from a holiday, and under medical advice it was decided that she should undergo an operation for the removal of the adenoids on Thursday. Dr Stokes performed the operation and Dr Black administered the anaesthetic. She did not properly recover from the effect of the anaesthetic and died. Witness added that he never saw Dr Stokes prior to the operation, and did not understand what kind of operation was to be performed. Dr Stokes told his wife it would take only two minutes. Witness asked whether children generally died from operations of this kind. - The Coroner: They do not. - MR ALFORD: Why did my child die? - The Coroner: That is what we are going to find out. - Dr Black, M.B., stated that he administered the chloroform to the child at ALFORD'S house. He had previously examined the lungs and the heart and considered her fit to undergo the operation. He gave chloroform alone, as it was considered the best anaesthetic for operations on the throat. The operation was successfully completed and no anaesthetic had been administered for two or three minutes when she turned a ghastly colour and commenced to breathe in a jerky, irregular manner. Dr Stokes and himself administered strychnine and also brandy, and tried to restore respiration artificially. She breathed a little, but she sank and died. The operation was a common one. - Dr Pereira, who made a post-mortem examination, said the lungs and heart were perfectly healthy. The big bowel was abnormally distended, but the stomach was quite empty. Externally there was a slight enlargement of the gland of the neck. The cause of death was paralysis of the heart due to administration of chloroform. There was nothing to indicate that an operation should not have been performed, as the child was quite healthy. Chloroform was the proper anaesthetic for this operation. Nothing in the post-mortem showed any neglect in connection with the operation. There was always a risk in giving an anaesthetic. Chloroform had a paralysing effect on the heart and perhaps one case succumbed in every two or three thousand. In a case like this, one in which the tonsils were large, chloroform was very likely to have a paralysing effect on the heart. It was a case, however, in which any doctor would have consented to give chloroform and to perform an operation. - Dr Black (recalled) said he had administered anaesthetics hundreds of times during the past twenty years. - The Coroner said there was always a risk with the administration of chloroform, but, fortunately, a fatal case did not often occur. The gentlemen who performed this operation did all that human skill could do, but they were not successful. While the Jury would, undoubtedly sympathise with the parents, they must not allow that to influence their judgment. - The father of the child expressed his views in rather an excited manner and he was advised by the Coroner and the Court Officer to control his feelings. - The Coroner offered to put any question to the witnesses on the father's behalf. - The father said there was a great deal too much "cutting" by doctors and he should never have such an operation performed again. He should like to know whether the doctors thought the child would have lived if she had not undergone the operation. - Dr Stokes said he considered the operation was in the interest of the child's health. He had attended her for two months and he had come to the conclusion that she would not be right until the adenoids were removed. - The father complained that the doctor never consulted him. The Coroner reminded the father that the doctor had explained the matter fully to the wife, which amounted to the same thing. - Dr Stokes said the mother of the child consulted him. Of course, if the father had called upon him he should have fully explained the case to him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death due to the use of Chloroform" and expressed an opinion that the doctors were in order in carrying out the operation and used all the skill possible to save the child's life. The Jury also expressed sympathy with the parents. - The Coroner said he fully concurred with the verdict.

Western Times, Tuesday 25 May 1915
GREAT TORRINGTON - Inquest On An Old-Age Pensioner At Torrington. - Yesterday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Torrington Workhouse, relative to the death of GEORGE HANCOCK, aged 74, an inmate of the House. It appears that on May 8th HANCOCK took his discharge from the House, and about 2.30 the same afternoon he fell over the Castle Hill. - GEORGE HANCOCK, son of deceased, said his father had suffered from a cancer in his face for two years. Witness last saw deceased alive on 22nd inst. but he did not relate anything to him about falling over the hill. - James Collings gave evidence of his being in deceased's company on the morning of the 8th inst., and saw him fall over the hill. - John Gordon also gave evidence of being the first person to get to the deceased's assistance. - Dr Macindoe deposed to being called to the Workhouse in the afternoon of the same day, where he saw deceased in bed. Other than a few scratches about the face, there were no bones broken and he could not find any haemorrhage from the cancer which would cause death. He had been kept in bed ever since. - A verdict of Death from Cancer, accelerated by shock by the fall, was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 26 May 1915
EXMOUTH - On Whit-Monday, TIMOTHY RICHARD PARKER, an Exmouth sweep, was at work. among other duties he beat a carpet and loaded some laundry baskets. In the evening at about 8 o'clock he partook of a ham supper and went to bed at nine. Yesterday morning, when his wife went to take him a cup of tea, he was found dead in the bed. Dr J. W. Hodgson, who was called, certified, after a post-mortem examination, that death was due to haemorrhage above the left lung, due to the bursting of a blood vessel. The Coroner's Jury yesterday returned a verdict accordingly. Mr C. N. Tweed held the Inquest.

Western Times, Thursday 27 May 1915
EXMOUTH - Another Sudden Death At Exmouth. - ~Another sudden death occurred at Exmouth on Tuesday night. The deceased was JAMES MILLER, aged 74, a scissors grinder, who lived in part of a house at Fore-street, Exmouth. - At the Inquest yesterday, before Mr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, Charles Pengelly, who saw deceased on Tuesday night at a quarter to nine o'clock, said he noticed yesterday morning that MILLER was not about in his workshop as usual. About 11 o'clock he called P.C. Keen, and he entered the premises by the window and found deceased in a bedroom partially dressed, lying on his face and hands. - Dr Thomas, who was called, stated that deceased had been dead for from eight to twelve hours. He had held a post-mortem examination and ascertained that deceased had suffered from arterial disease of the heart, which had caused a fit of faintness. There was also evidence of pleurisy of long standing. Death was due to suffocation, following a fit of faintness. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Times, Friday 28 May 1915
EXETER - An Inquest was conducted at the Exeter Police Court, yesterday, by Mr Hamilton Linford Brown, Deputy coroner for the City, on JOHN DENNIS KNIGHT, aged 50, a haulier, of Albion-street, St. Thomas. Evidence was given to the effect that on Tuesday morning deceased was found by his daughter in his bedroom, beside his bed, unable to speak. Dr Black was called at once and now informed the Jury that he arrived at the house very shortly after being summoned, but deceased was then dead, on the floor of his bedroom. He had attended deceased some months ago and he was suffering from consumption. Witness believed he went to the local Tuberculosis Infirmary. Death was caused by the bursting of a blood-vessel in the lung, due to consumption. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was at once returned.

EXETER - The death of the infant child of a labourer, ANNIE CHAPMAN, was the subject of an Inquiry. The mother, living in Ewing's-lane gave the child's age as five months and said that Wednesday morning deceased had a convulsion. It had always been delicate and she had once taken it to a doctor. Dr Clapp attributed death, as the result of a post-mortem, to convulsions, supervening on pneumonia of a few days standing. The verdict was in accordance with this medical testimony.

SHOBROOKE - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Pilton Cottage, Shobrooke, on Monday, relative to the death of SARAH OSBORNE, widow, aged 84. Evidence was given by JOHN CLEMENT OSBORNE, of Exmouth, the son, who said that his mother had often complained of giddiness when in a stooping position. Frank Fey, a farm labourer, who lodged with the deceased, said on Thursday evening she complained of a bad cold. On Friday morning, about 5.30, he left without seeing her and in the evening she had gone to bed before he got back. John Henry Slade, assistant at the baker, said he saw the deceased open the upstair window on Saturday morning. Mrs Emily Slade, wife of a painter, said she saw the deceased twice on Friday, when she complained that a cough prevented her from sleeping and made her feel bad in the head. On Saturday morning, witness called at the house and getting no answer, she entered. The deceased was in a sitting posture, with her feet towards the fire-place. Her eyes were open, but she did not answer witness, who concluded that she was dead. The fire, though not lit was ready for lighting. Dr Powne stated that deceased suffered from chronic bronchitis, which generally meant cardiac weakness. She probably had a fainting attack and died. He had persuaded her not to live alone. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

BARNSTAPLE - Barum Drowning Case. Inquest Last Evening: The Jury's Suggestion. - At Barnstaple last evening, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. Bencraft, Inquired into the death of JACK BARRETT, aged seven and a half years, who was drowned in the river Yeo adjoining Pilton Park, Barnstaple, on Wednesday. Evidence given by FLORENCE BARRETT, the little six-year-old sister of the deceased, showed that the younger brother, CECIL, aged five years, fell into the river while trying to fill a bottle and that deceased, in trying to save him, also fell into the water. An elderly man, Mr Pryce, made an ineffectual attempt to save the boys, and Mr Charles Wren jumped into the water and brought out the deceased's brother; but the deceased had meanwhile disappeared. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, the Coroner promising to write asking the Town Council to consider the desirability of providing some protection in order to prevent children falling into the river at this particular spot.

DREWSTEIGNTON - The death occurred suddenly on Sunday morning at Drewsteignton, of MR GEORGE WILLIAM RUDALL, of Eastern View, at the age of 45 years. Deceased had been subject to fits, and had been under medical treatment. On Sunday morning he got up, as usual, and appeared quite cheery, and ate a hearty breakfast and later went upstairs to clean. About ten minutes after MRS RUDALL had occasion to go to the room, when she was horrified to find her husband in a kneeling position, apparently quite dead. She immediately called for assistance and Dr Hunt, of Chagford, who was sent for, quickly arrived, but could only pronounce life extinct. Deceased, who was well known in the district, leaves a widow and four children, for whom much sympathy is felt. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr John W. Geare, held an Inquest at the Old Schoolroom, Drewsteignton, on Monday, on the body of GEORGE WILLIAM RUDALL, retired farmer, of Eastern View, who died suddenly on Sunday morning. - BESSIE ANN RUDALL, the widow of the deceased, said that her husband had been downstairs and breakfasted heartily with her and a Mr Milford, a lodger, on Sunday morning, the 23rd inst., and then went upstairs to clean about 10.15. She went up with him and washed his back, and then left him whilst he had his bath, saying she would be up soon. In ten minutes she went up expecting to find him dressed, but he was on his knees, with his head hanging over the bath. She took hold of him, and shouted for help. The bath was a small hip bath. - Dr A. W. D. Hunt stated that, being in the district, he met the telegraph boy with the telegram summoning him to MR RUDALL'S house and arrived there about 10.35. He saw the deceased, who was quite dead, and went and informed the Constable. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the heart in a very fatty condition. The liver also was enlarged and fatty. He was of opinion that the deceased died from natural causes. He had attended him on and off for heart attacks. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was caused by Heart Failure, due to Natural Causes. [A report of his funeral followed.]

Western Times, Wednesday 2 June 1915
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Tragedy. Sad Death Of A Retired Torquay Dairy Farmer. - An Inquest was held at the Temperance Hall, Exmouth, yesterday, before Mr E. N. Tweed (Deputy Coroner for the District) concerning the death of WILLIAM JOHN SOPER, a retired farmer who left his lodgings in New-street yesterday morning. As deceased was strange in his manner, it was feared that he had committed suicide. Moreover, he was seen at noon walking on the cliffs. The body was found by P.S. Fishleigh and P.C. Brooks yesterday between Strait Point and Otter Cove, lying on the beach. Mr J. T. Foster was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - LUCY GEORGIANA SOPER, wife of the deceased, said her husband was a retired farmer, formerly of Eginsburrow, Torquay. She last saw him alive two months ago. They were till then engaged in a dairy business at 75 Exeter-road, but gave it up then as their two sons had gone to the Front. Witness went to Teignmouth to deceased's sister, and wished the deceased to go to his sister's. He would not go, but preferred to remain at Exmouth. Deceased had left a letter stating what he intended to do and wished her to forgive him. - The Coroner: Did he intimate in the letter he intended to take his life? - Yes. - Did the letter contain reproaches of any kind? - None whatever. - When did you receive the letter? - I had it from Mr Hayne when I came to Exmouth. - This is the only letter you have received since you parted? - Yes. - Continuing her evidence, witness said deceased did not complain to her, and was the same as usual when they parted two months ago. He said he would follow her to his sisters when he felt inclined. Deceased had all the money that was in the safe at the business, and she had given him some of hers. He had been depressed since leaving his farm. After he received the notice to leave his farm he was strange in his manner for some time. They never had any quarrels, and the only disagreement was that deceased would not go to his sister. They had stored the furniture, pending to settling down again. She did not think he had been temperate lately. He had several pounds when she left him two months ago. She had not brought the letter referred to because she came in reply to a telegram from Mr Hayne and did not know what had happened. - Emily Edds, wife of George Edds, labourer, 35 New-street, said MR SOPER came to lodge at her house nine weeks ago. He asked for a bed-sitting room for three weeks or longer. His manner was quite rational, and there were no times when his temperament was abnormal. But on Sunday Mr Hayne came to the house and handed deceased a letter from his wife. Afterwards he produced to Mr Hayne a letter which he had previously written to his wife. On receiving the letter he appeared depressed and did not eat his dinner. Dr Hanna came on Sunday evening, and told witness she was not to leave the deceased. The doctor did not say why. Deceased was not left alone after that. On Monday morning witness took deceased a cup of tea to his room and he said, "You have not been --- fools to stay up all night?" and she replied, "Yes." Witness went upstairs shortly afterwards for about ten minutes, and when she came down deceased was gone. She communicated with the Police and Mr Hayne. Mr Hayne told witness deceased had written to his wife threatening to commit suicide. MR SOPER was not financially embarrassed. He seemed worried about his two sons at the Front. - John Thomas Marks, Westdown Farm, Littleham, said he saw the deceased at about noon on Monday. He met MR SOPER, who asked where the path to which he pointed led, and witness told him Budleigh Salterton. Deceased said that was where he wanted to go to see a friend, the licensed victualler at the King William Inn. They afterwards talked of agriculture. Deceased was quite rational and spoke interestedly on the subject - and witness was never so surprised as he was to hear of what occurred afterwards. But deceased did not take the path. He walked along on the top of the cliff. Witness had a man ploughing in the next field, but deceased did not go through that one, as he might have done if he had intended going to Budleigh Salterton. - Ernest Hayne, auctioneer, of Exmouth, said he had known the deceased for about two years, during which time he was with his wife in business. He knew nothing about the relations between MR and MRS SOPER, except that she had a separate estate. He had had to see MR SOPER several times during the past two months in connection with the business transaction. MRS SOPER had written to the deceased a business letter relative to the value of some things which deceased claimed, and which she wished to purchase from him. In this letter she made an offer which was not the value he wanted for them. Deceased must have been depressed, because he said to witness (after he read the letter), "I have made up my mind what to do," and said he should put an end to his existence. Then he wrote a letter to his wife, in which he apologised to her for what he had done in the past, and expressed his sorrow. He also stated that his health was failing, and that he should destroy himself. He communicated with MRS SOPER, who asked him to do all he could to take care of deceased, and she would send what money was necessary. - Dr Hanna stated that he was called to see the deceased on Sunday evening, because he had threatened to take his life. He could not get anything out of the deceased, who was morose and would not talk. He warned Mr and Mrs Edds to keep him watched in view of his removal from the house next day. Witness had seen the body at the mortuary, and except for a few marks and bruises, the body showed all the appearances of drowning. He gave his opinion that death was due to drowning. - Thomas William Thompson, fisherman, and P.C. Brooks gave evidence of finding the body at Otter Cove and the latter produced a copy of a letter he had apparently written to his wife asking her to meet him at Exmouth on Wednesday or Thursday, so that they might decide to go away to live together. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed their sympathy with the widow and relations of deceased. In this the Coroner concurred.

ILSINGTON - Death Under Chloroform. Coroner's Remarks To A Doctor At Ilsington. - An Inquiry was held on Monday at Ilsington, near Newton Abbot, touching the death, on her 38th birthday, of EDITH VIGGERS, wife of MR ALFRED VIGGERS, lodging house keeper, of Ilsington, organist of the Parish Church. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, explained that the husband was too ill to attend. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's sister (MISS MARY WAYCOTT, of Paignton), who said deceased was taken ill on Friday morning. A professional nurse had been engaged, as deceased was expecting confinement. Deceased was asking all day for chloroform and her husband was quite agreeable to her having it. In the afternoon Dr Dallas was sent for. He arrived at half-past seven, and remained until deceased expired, just after midnight. Deceased had been married four years and this would have been her first child. - Dr Goodwin, Bovey Tracey, said the organs were healthy and death was due to paralysis of the heart centres, consequent upon the anaesthetic. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said some people were peculiarly susceptible to an anaesthetic, but there was no way of finding it out beforehand. The telegram arrived at his house about half-past five, but he was not at home and the message was sent on to Dr Dallas, who went in his stead. - Dr Dallas said he received the message about seven o'clock. Deceased asked for chloroform directly he saw her, but he did not give it until it was really necessary and her strength was failing. When he arrived the husband told him to give chloroform if he thought it necessary. - The Coroner: It was not because of the woman's urgent request that you gave it; you formed your own judgment? - Yes. - The Coroner asked if it was usual to give chloroform without calling in another doctor. - Witness replied that in this case very little was required. - The Coroner: The administration of chloroform requires the whole attention of the person who is administering it. That is a well-established rule? - Yes. - Witness added that in this case no sort of surgical treatment had taken place when death occurred. - The Coroner: Your attention would be taken off from the patient if you had been performing the operation? - It would have been, but it was not. I was carefully watching the patient. - Did it occur to you to get someone to assist you in the matter, or did you consider it was not necessary? - I thought it was not necessary; the person appeared to be perfectly healthy. - The Coroner said it seemed that witness's attention was not distracted. If he had been operating and the woman had died, then it would have put a different aspect on the matter, and it would have required more explanation why he ran the risk. He further asked the witness: "This was not an urgent case; you could have got help?" - Witness: Yes, in a few hours' time, certainly. He added that confinement cases were supposed to stand chloroform very well; it was considered quite safe. - The Foreman (Mr Burnett): Would there have been any likelihood of saving the woman had another doctor been present? - I do not think so. - In summing up, the Coroner said they had heard the doctor give his reasons for not observing the established rule in cases of giving an anaesthetic and why he did not get the assistance of another doctor. He (the doctor) formed his own judgment, but there was no doubt he ran an unnecessary risk, having regard to the rule of the General Medical Council on the matter and the law on the subject. There was an exception to this rule for cases of emergency, but that was not so in this case, and he was sure Dr Dallas on consideration would see that he ran a rather unnecessary risk, which, for his own interest, he should not do in future whenever it was possible to obtain the assistance of another medical man. - One of the Jurymen: Dr Dallas thought he was doing his best and in country places it is a long way to go to get another doctor. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure from Heart Failure while under the influence of Chloroform properly administered" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 3 June 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held yesterday at Newton Abbot on the body of ELSIE POPE, wife of RICHARD POPE, G.W.R. signalman, who was found dead in bed by her husband on his return from duty.

Western Times, Friday 4 June 1915
BRIXHAM - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Brixham yesterday on the body of JOHN COLLINGS, 58 years, labourer, who died at the Brixham Cottage Hospital on June 1st, from injuries received at the Freshwater Quarry on May 6th last.

Western Times, Wednesday 9 June 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Whisky Drinker Commits Suicide By Inhaling Coal Gas. - At Ilsham Reading Room, Torquay, on Monday, Mr Sidney Hacker (County Coroner) held an Inquest respecting the death of JOHN SIDNEY CRABB, 48, dairyman, of 25 Ilsham-road, who was found dead under circumstances pointing to gas poisoning on Monday morning. - MARY JANE CRABB, the widow, stated that her husband had been a heavy spirit drinker for a long time, and recently had suffered much in his head. Dr Harley Gough attributed this to heavy drinking. Deceased would often put his head under the tap with the object of getting rid of the shooting pains he suffered. On Saturday he went as far as Babbacombe in the cart, and fetched some milk. He ate little during the day, but he drank considerably. Deceased was a sly drinker, and she found a whisky bottle in the corn bin on Sunday and was told that he had drunk its contents at Babbacombe. Her husband had been in an inebriates' home, and for a time he did not drink much, but he eventually fell back into his old ways. On Sunday evening he was very tipsy. She never saw him drink, but he always carried a flat bottle of whisky in his pocket. Deceased went to bed at 9.30 and she heard nothing more of him during the night. As he did not rise as usual on Monday morning, she went to his room and through the open door saw her husband lying on the floor. Witness called her daughter and went with her into the room, where she found deceased lying on his back in his nightshirt. The gas was turned on from a connection in the fireplace, to which an india-rubber tube was attached. The end of this tube was either in deceased's mouth or lying by the side of his face. Deceased had no trouble, financial or otherwise. - CONSTANCE LILIAN CRABB, daughter, said her father was intoxicated at 6.30. He drank nearly a bottle of whisky between Saturday night and Sunday morning and had a second on Sunday afternoon. - Dr G. F. Nall said he was called in and found deceased lying on the floor with the gas tube about eight inches off his face. He had all the appearances of having died from asphyxia by inhaling coal gas. Possibly deceased did not put the end of the tube in his mouth, but held it before his face. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed deep sympathy with the widow and family.

PETER TAVY - On Monday Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Petertavy Inn, Petertavy, relative to the death of the three-weeks-old child of SIDNEY WILLIAMS, of that place. It was stated that the deceased had been found dead in bed by its mother at 8.30 a.m. on the 6th inst. Dr C. C. Brodrick, of Tavistock, said death was due to suffocation, caused by overlying. - The Jury, of whom Mr Dodd was Foreman, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and stated that they were satisfied that there had been no neglect. - The Coroner remarked that the mother ought not to have had the child in bed with her, as it was contrary to the law of the land.

Western Times, Monday 14 June 1915
PAIGNTON - At an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday night on the body of a widow named EMILY CARR KING, aged 58, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Wednesday 16 June 1915
EXETER - Death Of An Infant At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Exeter Police Station yesterday relative to the death of the infant son of MR C. H. J. COOKE, a sawyer, of West View, Bartholomew-street, evidence was given to the effect that the mother was frightened a week before the child was born. The birth took place prematurely on Wednesday, but the child lived only a few hours. Nurse Bailey, a certificated midwife, said she attended the mother. A few hours after the birth she was told it had died and she at once immediately reported to Dr Stirk, who promised to go at once. - The Coroner said the death was not reported to the Police Officer until Saturday afternoon. Nurse Bailey said that was not due to any fault of hers. - Dr Pereira, who had at the request of the Coroner made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to want of vitality at birth. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Death Of An Old-Age Pensioner At Exeter. - At the Exeter Police Court yesterday, the Coroner (Mr W. Linford Brown) held an Inquest relative to the death of EPHRAIM CARNALL, aged 85, of Exe View, Cowley-road. HENRY CARNALL, the son, who identified the body, said the deceased was formerly a quarryman, and was an old-age pensioner. He had been in fairly good health and had been staying with witness for the past two months. He remained in bed all Friday, but did not complain. He died on Saturday. He had been living with relatives at Crediton. MRS CARNALL, wife of the last witness, gave similar evidence. - Dr Pereira, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to heart failure, following on emphysema of the lungs. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 18 June 1915
HEMYOCK - Mr C. N. Tweed held an Inquest on Monday at Chapel Farm, Culmdavey, concerning the death of the child MARY BURROWS, who was killed on Friday afternoon while returning home from school. - Mr C. J. Carrick was Foreman of the Jury. Evidence was given by Mrs W. Moore, Ethel Doble, (a child who was with the deceased at the time of the accident), Samuel Clist and Edward Sellick, which showed that no blame was attached to anyone, as the child suddenly darted across the road just as the motor car approached. - Dr Sydney Hath said death resulted from skull fracture, causing destruction of the vital centres in the lower part of the brain. - The Coroner said the evidence showed that no one was to blame. Everyone who knew anything of driving was aware that children would often rush across the road without apparent reason. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the bereaved parents, together with an expression of sympathy. Mr E. Sellick, the driver of the motor car promised to pay all the funeral expenses.

Western Times, Tuesday 22 June 1915
AXMOUTH - Axmouth Well Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Bullman Farm, Axmouth, before Mr C. N. Tweed (Coroner for East Devon) concerning the death of ALBERT STREAT, plumber, aged 38, who died under peculiar circumstances in a well at Axmouth. EMMA STREAT, the widow, identified the body and said her husband was employed by Mr Harris, contractor, and was engaged on some work in a well which had recently been dug at Bullman Farm. He left his home at Ottery St. Mary a day or two previous to his death. - Emanuel Wills, a carpenter, of Payhembury, said he was employed with the deceased in completing the work at the well which had been dug at Bullman Farm. Just before 11 a.m. on the day of the occurrence the deceased went down the well by means of the rope, but had no rope fastened to his body, he having stated that he preferred going down the well without it. Deceased had to connect a pipe with the pump and did this portion of his work. He then had to descend deeper in the well and a candle, and bucket containing tools, were lowered to him. In the course of his work deceased let a valve drop into the water and stooped over the staging to reach the valve, which floated on the water. He at once became quiet, and witness saw that he did not catch hold of the valve, while witness heard deceased groan. James Streat went down into the well and called to deceased "ALB, what is the matter?" But there was no reply and witness shouted to James Streat to lash the rope to deceased. Streat, however, was unable to do so and said "He is gone, I can do no more." The candle that was let down was still burning. Witness was satisfied that nothing more could be done to help the deceased, as he must have been in the water. The body was recovered at 6 p.m. - In reply to questions, witness said he had not heard that there were poisonous gases in the well. He tested the well after James Streat came up and the candle went out. It would not have been safe for anyone else to have gone down into the well in that state. - James Streat, carpenter, said he went down into the well to help deceased when he did not answer. The candle was burning then. When he reached the platform where deceased was he called to him, but received no reply. Witness called to Wills, who could not come down, as it would have added to the risks for any more to have gone down the well. Wills shouted to him to lash the deceased to the rope. This he tried his best to do, but the deceased slipped from his grasp and he was unable to recover him. He did not go into the water, because the bottom of the well was of "spew" sand. Had he entered the water the suction from the sand bottom would have drawn him under the water, which was five feet deep. - P.C. Brown gave evidence and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Drowning."

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

WHITESTONE - Labourer's Suicide. Police Discovery At His Home At Whitestone. - Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquest yesterday afternoon at Foggy Cottage, Whitestone, on the body of GEORGE OSBORNE, agricultural labourer, who was found by the Police on Sunday morning hanging from the banister rail at his house. A Constable had gone in search of deceased owing to a complaint made by his daughter, who formerly kept house for him. - Evidence of identification was given by the daughter, a single young woman, who said her father was aged 54, and lived at Foggy Cottage. She lived with him up to Wednesday, when she left him because of his conduct. He was given to drink and since Wednesday last had been alone. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Mr George Dodd, farmer, of Exwick Barton, for whom deceased worked, said that on Sunday afternoon, when OSBORNE left work, he remarked that one of his daughters had left him and he should have liked to see his younger daughter in order to give her a policy. There was nothing strange in his manner then. - Rev. G. Frankling Owen of St. David's, Exeter, told the Jury that the younger daughter was in his employ. About 8 p.m. on Saturday deceased came to see her, and when he was leaving her witness spoke to him, knowing there had been trouble in the house about drink. Deceased said then he should not drink as much as he had in the past, and as he was going he added, "I am glad LUCY is not coming home tomorrow." Witness asked, "Why?" and his answer was, "She would know, and see it in the evening paper." Witness thought this remark strange and communicated with the Police. Witness had since ascertained from the younger daughter that deceased left with her £5 19s. and two insurance policies on lives of relatives. He told her not to inform anyone of this. - Henry King, labourer, of Foggy Cottages, spoke of walking home with deceased at 9 p.m. on Saturday. He kept saying he had been to see his younger daughter. - P.C. Endacott told the Coroner he received a complaint from the elder daughter as to deceased's conduct. In consequence on Sunday morning he went to deceased's house. He knocked at the door, but got no response. He opened the door, which was unlocked and found the deceased hanging from the banister rail, his feet being 36 inches from the ground. Witness cut him down. He was quite cold. In his pockets there was 17s. 3d. in money. Deceased, witness was told, knew that his daughter had communicated with the Police. - Dr Black said death was due to hanging, and the Coroner, in summing up, remarked that no blame whatever attached to the elder daughter. In fact, she took the only prudent course possible. - The verdict was "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Thursday 24 June 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death At Newton Abbot. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, on Tuesday evening, held an Inquest relative to the death of MR WALTER HAWKINS, who was found dead in bed at 25 Courtenay-street, Newton Abbot, by his daughter, MRS E. WATKINS, on Monday morning. Mr A. W. Wareham was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS WATKINS, gave evidence of identification and stated that her father complained the whole of the day on Sunday of being unwell and that he was suffering from indigestion. After he had gone to bed he could not sleep, and she visited him at 11 p.m. and also at 1 o'clock in the morning. She found him lying dead across the bed at 5 a.m. - Dr J. J. Scrase stated that deceased had a fatty heart and death was due to syncope, caused by an acute attack of indigestion acting on a fatty heart. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 26 June 1915
OKEHAMPTON - Child's Sad Death At Okehampton. - An Inquest was held in the Town Hall, Okehampton, last evening, by Mr J. W. Geare, (Deputy Coroner) touching the death of THOMAS CYRIL SHARP, son of MRS E. BROCK, wife of GEORGE BROCK, mason, East-street. - MRS BROCK, mother, stated that she was washing her clothes on Tuesday and was boiling it in a bath over the fire. She removed the hot bath to the floor, as she wanted to put on some potatoes to boil. She went out to the tap to bring in a bath of cold water, but before she went out she told her step-daughter, aged 12 years, to be sure to look after CYRIL, who was in a corner of the room playing very happily. Witness was not out of the room more than a minute. When she returned the child ran to meet her and in so doing slipped his foot and tumbled into the hot bath of clothes. Witness immediately took him out and screamed for help. Mr Farleigh, a neighbour, rushed in and helped witness take off the child's clothes. Mrs Farleigh wrapped the child in her apron, and sent for Drs. Bird and Young, who put flour and oils over the child's body. - Mrs Farleigh, wife of William Farleigh, East-street, said she found MRS BROCK with the child in her arms. Witness helped undress it and saw the child was very badly scalded. Witness wrapped the deceased up in her apron, undressed the child, put some flour and oil on the burns and waited till the doctor arrived. - Dr Young, Okehampton, said he found the child badly scalded on nearly the whole of the back and upper parts of the body. He attended the child until its death, which took place on Wednesday. It was a well nourished child and everything possible was done for it. He expected from the first the child would die. He was of opinion that death was due to shock caused by the scalds. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Deputy Corner and Jury expressed sympathy with MRS BROCK in her sad loss, and the Jury gave their fees to the mother.

Western Times, Tuesday 29 June 1915
EXETER - Alcohol's Victim. Sad End To A Pensioner's Wife At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, relative to the death of HARRIETT ELIZABETH DILREW, aged 44, of Bath-road, wife of an Army pensioner, now serving with the Army Service Corps, and stationed at Swansea. The evidence of the husband was to the effect that his wife generally had enjoyed good health, but since he had returned home he had seen a large number of spirit bottles in the house, and he thought it was clear that she had been drinking heavily. On Wednesday night she was sober when she went to bed. About midnight he was awakened by his sister-in-law, who told him that his wife had screamed and was lying on the floor. On going to the deceased's bedroom he saw her underneath the bed. As he was putting her back to bed she said that she did not know why she did it. About four o'clock deceased was breathing heavily. She then took a little barley water. Dr Mortimer, who was fetched, ordered a nurse to be sent for. Whisky bottles were found on deceased's bed. Since he had returned from Swansea, she had constantly been ill at night. Five years ago she had jaundice and prior to that she had malarial fever in India. Deceased was insured jointly with him in the Prudential Company for £100. - SARAH ARSCOTT, sister of the deceased, said her sister had been drinking heavily for about a fortnight before her death, and on previous occasions. She would stop for about a month and then start again. Witness had fetched her whisky and she had been in the habit of purchasing it herself. Witness put her to bed on Monday when she was poorly. On Wednesday she was in bed all day. The husband came home on Saturday, the 12th, deceased, who had private means, left to her by a sister, sending him the railway fare. - Evidence was given by Dr F. Roper to the effect that he found her unconscious on Wednesday. He understood that she died about 20 minutes after he left her. A post-mortem examination revealed that the liver was nearly twice the size of the normal, and presented the appearance of a typical case of alcoholic cirrhosis, which pointed to alcoholic excess over a long period, but not necessarily intoxication. There were no signs of an irritant poison. He had not examined the contents of the stomach, but had retained them. The signs during life and the post-mortem examination were consistent, and pointed strongly to acute alcoholic poisoning following on acute alcoholism. - The Coroner informed the Jury that he had received communications which might mean nothing, but under the circumstances it would, he suggested be more satisfactory to everyone to have the contents of the stomach examined in order to remove all doubt. - The Inquest was adjourned until next Monday.

Western Times, Thursday 1 July 1915
EXETER - Strange Story told At An Exeter Inquest Yesterday. Mysterious Fall. - An Exeter death, which at the time of its occurrence on Monday gave rise to sensational rumours, was the subject of an Inquest held before Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Police Court last evening. Deceased was HENRY ALFRED SCHOLES, aged 38, of Gladstone-road, a tobacconist's assistant, who had been for twenty-five years in the employ of Messrs. Bowden and Chalk, High-street. - Mr Charles Pretty was Foreman of the Jury and evidence of identification was given by JOHN HENRY SCHOLES, the father. He said deceased had been a healthy man for some years. On Sunday, at 7 p.m., he went out, and at 11 p.m. was brought home unconscious. He was a good-tempered man as a rule, but sometimes he would "lose" himself and get "nasty" if he had had a drink or two in the evening. - Samuel Leonard Vaughan, of Clifton-street, clerk in the Army Pay Corps, said that on Sunday evening about 11 p.m. he saw deceased walking down Heavitree-hill, and went along with him. He looked as if he had had a drink or two, but was "nothing out of the way." They walked just past deceased's house together and at this house a young fellow and a girl stood in the doorway. He remarked to witness that the two were his sister and her young man. Witness left him, and heard nothing of what occurred afterwards. - FLORENCE SCHOLES, deceased's sister, told the Jury that she and John Edwards were standing at her father's doorway, when deceased came back, after he had left Vaughan. He was not very steady in his walk. He said he had been seeing Vaughan home, and Edwards replied, "I thought he was seeing you home." Deceased muttered something and witness advised him to go in. He would not do so, and stayed talking. Edwards advised him to go in, thinking he would get arguing and caught hold of him to get him in the house. He caught hold of him either by his arm or coat, and deceased then caught hold of Edwards. Her brother slipped back and went down on his head. He pulled Edwards down with him, Edwards falling in a kneeling position. There was no quarrel and no bad language used. Witness was rather alarmed just before they went down and cried out to her brother, thinking he was going to fight, "Oh, don't, don't!" She heard nothing said about a coward, but when they fell she did scream, and exclaimed, "He's hurt his head." - By a Juror: Edwards and her brother had always been good friends. - By the Chief Constable: There was no loud talking before the fall, and no struggle or challenge to fight. - Mrs Mutters, who lives in Clifton-street, very near to Gladstone-road, said she heard sounds of quarrelling just after 11 p.m. on Sunday evening, in Gladstone-road. She looked out of a window and heard a scuffle. Then a girl screamed and said, "Oh, my poor Jack!" Witness also heard a woman call out "Coward!" The quarrel lasted quite twenty minutes, or it might be longer and seemed to be occurring in a doorway, or even in a passage. - By the Chief: The talking going on was very loud, and the girl said, "My poor Jack" more than once. - James Hill, of East John-street, said some of his windows looked out into Gladstone-road. Just as he got into bed he heard a row there, and there were both men's voices and a woman's. He heard one man say something like, "Will you stand up to me?" and a woman say "Don't! don't!" Then there was a thud as of someone falling and for a minute quiet ensued, followed by the woman saying something like "He's knocked down!" - The Chief: Might she have said "He's fallen?" - Witness: My impression is the word was "knocked." - Mrs Dobell, of East John-street, said she heard a girl call out, !Oh, my! Oh, my!" and recognised the voice. Witness went out and saw Edwards picking up SCHOLES, who was unconscious. Edwards carried SCHOLES into the house and she followed them in, being present when deceased died. - By the Chief: Nothing was said in the house as to how the accident happened? Deceased's mother and witness were busy trying to revive him. - John Edwards was called and in answer to the Coroner, said he desired to give evidence. He told the Jury he lived at St. Thomas, and was an engine driver on the Great Western Railway. When deceased left Vaughan and came back to his house, he said something which witness took to be that he had seen Vaughan home. Witness said by way of a joke something about Vaughan seeing him home and deceased did not seem to like it. Witness was a little deaf and could not hear exactly what SCHOLES replied. Deceased, however, got very excited and muttered something else. considering his condition witness tried to pacify him, but he would not "have it," and gradually got worse. Witness's sole object was to get him indoors and went towards him to get him in the doorway. He did not catch hold of him "properly," but stood alongside him. Deceased slipped and fell. Somehow his legs got entangled with witness's, and witness was dragged to his knees. Deceased had been throwing his arms about in his excitement, but there was no challenge to fight and no bad language. - The Coroner: What made him fall? - Witness: I think probably because he had one foot on the doorstep and one off. His head hit the kerb. - In answer to further questions, witness said he had known deceased fourteen months and they had never had the slightest difference. Deceased was very excited and might have struck out if witness had irritated him. - Dr Heyman Wreford said he was called to the house between one and two in the morning. Deceased was on a couch covered with a coat and was dead. A post mortem examination showed him to have been a healthy man. There was an effusion of blood over the surface of the brain, and a clot of blood in the brain. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage and a fall on the pavement might have brought this on. - The Coroner said this was one of the cases in which apparently they did not get the whole truth. Some of it they got from some witnesses, and some from others. One was puzzled by the fact that the witnesses did not agree as to what was said during the words which took place before the fall. He was, himself, inclined to believe that there was a row and quarrelling. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 2 July 1915
KINGSBRIDGE - At Kingsbridge Workhouse on Monday, an Inquest was held touching the death of ROBERT MARTIN, aged 2 years. - Louisa Pope, acting nursery woman, said on Thursday evening she took the child to the nursery and left him, whilst she went to another room with clothing for other children. She left another woman, Olive Sladen, in charge. When she returned she found the child in the arms of Sladen screaming. - Olive Sladen said she was assisting the previous witness. She took the bath into the room and placed the water in it and then went to the adjoining lavatory for cold water. Hearing the child scream she ran back and found the deceased with his hands and arms in the water. She knew she was doing wrong in leaving the child in the room alone, but thought he would not hurt while she obtained the cold water. - Dr L. de C. Harston, Medical Officer, said the child died on Sunday from shock, following the scalding of the arms and hands. - The Master, (Mr E. Lawrence) said there were strict instructions against taking hot water into the nursery. The woman had been continually warned to mix the hot and cold water in the bath before taking it into the nursery. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Whilst they considered the nursery woman was somewhat lax in obeying the regulations, they exonerated her and Sladen from criminal blame. They recommended the Master to impress on those in charge that the regulations must be strictly carried out.

Western Times, Monday 5 July 1915
EXETER HEAVITREE - Tragic End. Suicide Of A Farmer's Daughter Near Exeter. The Inquest. - The District Coroner, Mr Henry W. Gould, held an Inquest at Pynes Hill Farm, Wonford, Saturday, relative to the death of LYDIA SUSAN BLATCHFORD, single, aged 28, daughter of MR RICHARD BLATCHFORD, who occupied the farm, and who formerly resided at Torquay. - Evidence was given by the mother, who identified the body, and who said she last saw her daughter alive about 2.50 on Friday afternoon. Witness then went to Exeter, leaving her daughter in the house alone. Returning about 3.45 witness entered the house by the back door, which was wide open, and on proceeding to the dining-room, saw her daughter in a pool of blood on the floor, near the other door of the room. She was dead. Everything in the house was in order, and nothing was missing. Witness called her husband. There was a gun case (produced) in the passage outside the dining-room door. She did not see a gun until after the doctor had been. Her daughter had been depressed during the last fortnight and had suffered from loss of appetite. About a month ago, while on a holiday in North Devon, she had a love affair, but she broke it off on her own accord. She did not become properly engaged to the young man, but had walked out with him a few times. - She broke it off? - She stopped writing to him when she came back. She wrote to him only once after she came back. - Do you think that was the cause of the depression? - Possibly that and the hot weather together. - Further questions, MRS BLATCHFORD said that her daughter had an attack of sun-stroke about ten years ago. Occasionally she was affected by hot weather for several years after, but this had not been the case of late years. Witness never heard her daughter threaten to commit suicide. She was very fond of life and company. No objection had ever been offered to her love affair. The young man had never been to the house and deceased had known him only a short time. - RICHARD BLATCHFORD, the father, said about four o'clock, while working with his man in the yard, his wife called him and said that something had happened to "LIDDY," who, she feared, had fallen downstairs. As soon as he reached the door of the room he saw his daughter was dead, and he decided to leave the body in the position in which he found it till the doctor whom he sent for, had arrived. Witness saw nothing of the gun until Dr Whaite came. Pending the arrival of the doctor, witness sent for Mr Gale, a neighbour. While working in the yard, witness heard a report of a gun about a quarter of an hour or twenty minutes before his wife called, but he took no notice, as he thought it was Mr Gale firing at blackbirds, as he had frequently done since the raspberries had come out in his gardens. About ten minutes after his wife left the house witness was with his daughter in the kitchen. She helped witness to make up the drench for a cow. After that he went out and did not return to the house before he was called to the deceased's body. The deceased was in the house alone. Witness identified the gun produced as one belonging to Mr Westcott, a friend, who left it in the house on the previous day. Mr Westcott, who had been in the habit of coming to the farm shooting, brought, at witness's request fifty cartridges on the previous Thursday, witness having run short of them. They were in two boxes, wrapped up in a brown paper parcel and kept on the mantel-piece. On Friday the Constable found that two of the cartridges were missing. In the morning, at breakfast time, witness had noticed that his daughter was very melancholy. She asked what would become of her if anything happened to her father and mother. He told her she would be well cared for. Asked whether there was anything she wanted in the way of dress, she replied in the negative. In fact, she had a new dress and hat the previous week. When she returned from North Devon she said she had been unhappy since she had been away and she wished she had never gone. The first signs of her melancholy was that she gave up singing and playing, of which she was very fond. Her depression ever since had greatly worried him. - William Arthur Gale, market gardener and nurseryman, Heavitree, who was called on Friday afternoon, said he found the deceased lying on the floor at the doorway of the dining-room. Witness did not see the gun until after the doctor arrived. - At this stage, the Coroner said the extraordinary part of the affair was that the gun was found in the conservatory several yards distant from the body. The Jury went to view the spot where it was found. On their return to the room, a Juryman asked if there were any blood marks on the gun. - The Coroner replied that the doctor would give evidence on that point. - MRS BLATCHFORD (recalled) explained that her daughter's feet were in the passage and her head in the room, the door being wide open. - Dr J. H. Whaite, Heavitree, stated that on his arrival at the house about 4.45 p.m. he found the deceased lying stretched in the doorway. She was dead. The left side of the skull had been blown away from the top of the eye-brow, and the brains were protruding. Death must have been instantaneous. The gun must have been very close to her head, as there was a blackening of the skin over the eye-brow. Portions of the bones of the skull were in the room, on the stairs and on the landing and the gun-shot marks were on the door and ceiling. All this indicated that she met her death by being shot outside the room, and that she fell inside. He found the gun in the conservatory, propped up against a seat, about 1 ½ yards from the body. That was in direct line with the spot where she must have met her death. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said that there was no stick near the gun. He could not explain how she discharged the gun. - P.C. Cox, Countess Weir, who arrived at the house after the doctor had left, said there was no blood on the gun. There was a spent cartridge in the right barrel. A live cartridge had been taken out of the left barrel at the direction of the doctor. Witness had made an experiment with the deceased's shoe, the pointed toe of which could have pulled back the trigger. - John Gardener, of Countess Weir, a labourer employed at the farm, said he was at work with his master the whole of Friday afternoon in the yard of the house. He did not, however, hear the gun go off. He saw nobody about the house during the afternoon except the master and mistress. - The Coroner said there was no suspicion of foul play, but it had been necessary to go fully into the evidence so that everything should be cleared up. People suffering from melancholia often took their lives. The fact that the gun was taken out of the case and that deceased must have put in the two cartridges precluded the idea that it could have been an accident. The Jury would, he was sure, join with him in expressing their sympathy with MR and MRS BLATCHFORD in their tragic bereavement. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and sympathised with the parents.

BIDEFORD - At the Inquest touching the death of the late MR PHILIP FULFORD, at Bideford, on Saturday, Dr E. J. Foye said a post-mortem examination disclosed that the heart was twice the normal size, with resultant syncope. There was no evident symptoms during life and had the deceased been under medical treatment the course of events would not have been altered. - MRS FULFORD said her husband had not complained and was very cheerful when he went to bed the previous night. - The Jury, of which Councillor A. A. Adams was Foreman, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes and passed a vote of condolence with the widow and family, in which the Coroner (Dr Ellis Pearson) joined.

TEIGNMOUTH - South Devon Inquest. The Death Of A Teignmouth Labourer. Inquiry Adjourned. - At the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on Saturday evening, Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM LANCEY, a labourer. Deceased died at his residence, Crosspark Cottage, Teignmouth, on Wednesday last, after a lengthy illness. On the evening of his death, a post-mortem examination was conducted by Dr F. W. Morton Palmer and Mr R. Lloyd Patterson, the latter being deceased's panel doctor. A certificate that death was due to gastritis and heart failure was given by Mr Patterson and arrangements were made for the funeral to have taken place on Saturday. The deceased served throughout the South African War. Mr W. T. Woodgates was Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by James Kerswell, gardener of Holcombe, Dawlish, who said deceased was his brother-in-law, and 44 years of age. In consequence of deceased's health, he had had no regular employment during the past six months, but he did odd jobs for farmers. He tried to work, but could not and his wife went out to work. Dr Cutcliffe had attended deceased at Dawlish, but during the past three months he had been under Dr Patterson, of Teignmouth. The latter was LANCEY'S panel doctor and had crossed him off, except for the last two or three days. Deceased complained of chronic pains of his heart and about his body and anyone would think he was dying when these pains took him. He was married in November last and he had the pains the same day, so much so that neighbours thought he was going to die. As soon as deceased attempted to work he had to drop the tool. Dr Morton Palmer had attended him occasionally and Mr Johnson, another Surgeon, had also examined him. For one month he was an in-patient of Exeter Hospital, and when he came back he complained of the same pains. Deceased died on Wednesday. Witness went to the house the evening he died and saw Mr Patterson. He (witness) said to him, "This is the man you said had nothing the matter with him." Mr Patterson replied that he did not know he was suffering from chronic indigestion. Both Dr Morton Palmer and Mr Patterson were present and examined the body. The relatives were asked by the doctor if they would consent to a post-mortem and they agreed. This was done to see what deceased died from, as Mr Patterson had said that he did not know what was the matter with him. The doctor said that if it were done that night it would be much the best, otherwise it would be a great bother, especially as MRS LANCEY was very deaf and otherwise afflicted and it would be very bad for her to give evidence in Court. - The Coroner: To avoid an Inquest: You are a gardener and a citizen. It was your business to go to the Police. How was it you did not advise your sister what to do? - Witness: I didn't know what to do. I thought it would be all right. - The Coroner: You should not take notice of what people say. It is breaking the law. - Witness: Dr Morton Palmer thought it would be best to have the post-mortem the same evening. - The Coroner: You say you were ignorant of the responsibility of the wife? - Witness: After the post-mortem, I thought it right to inform the Police. There were the two doctors, and they ought to know whether it was breaking the law or not. - The Coroner: It was not reported then? - Witness: No, sir. We were ignorant of the fact. - The Coroner: Had you the wish to conceal or to avoid an Inquest? - Witness: I thought about reporting it and spoke to Dr Patterson, telling him that I thought an Inquest would be best. Dr Palmer thought it would be better to make the post-mortem the evening deceased died. - The Coroner: Is the death registered? - Witness: Yes, sir. Mr Rogers, the registrar was given the certificate. - The Coroner said the death certificate was made out by Dr Patterson, the cause of death being stated as gastritis and heart failure. - The Coroner: When did Dr Patterson give you the certificate? - Witness: The same evening as deceased died, sir. - The Coroner: Dr Patterson had previously told you he did not know what deceased died of? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner (holding up the death certificate): Who handed you this? - Witness: Dr Patterson. My sister took it to Mr Rogers, the registrar. - The Coroner: Did you get a burial certificate? - Witness: Yes, sir; and the funeral was arranged for this afternoon. - The Coroner: When was the case reported to the Police? - Witness: Last evening. He added that Dr Patterson said an Inquest was necessary in case it was not known what the person died from. - Mr A. P. Dell, who was present on behalf of Dr Morton Palmer and Mr Patterson, both of whom were also in attendance, asked to be allowed to question the witness and the Coroner assented. - Mr Dell: On the evening of the death of deceased, you found the doctors at the house. Did not Dr Patterson say, "I cannot give a certificate of the cause of death unless a post-mortem is made by Dr Palmer and myself?" And didn't he say, "Personally, I should like an Inquest?" - Witness: He did. - Mr Dell: Didn't he say to you that he would make a post-mortem and if everything were in order he would give a certificate? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner, interposing, said a sudden death from a cause unknown must be reported to the Coroner. - Mr Dell: If the cause is known it need not be reported. - The Coroner: The fact of having made a post-mortem without reporting it to the coroner is going very near to committing indictable misdemeanour. - Mr Dell: I take exception to that, sir. - Mr Dell (to witness): Your brother-in-law had been examined by three Teignmouth doctors and had also been in Exeter Hospital? - Witness: I do not know what the Exeter Hospital doctors thought was the matter with him. - Mr Dell: Did Dr Davy know what was the matter with him? - Witness: My brother-in-law never said. - Witness further said that he did not know who gave the opinion that deceased was suffering from chronic indigestion. - The Coroner: Did Dr Patterson say what he was suffering from? - Witness: He said he did not know. - Mr Dell: You say your brother-in-law was struck off the panel? - Witness: Yes, sir, he told me so. - Mr Dell: That did not prevent him from going to Dr Patterson. - The Coroner: I do not see the reason for going into that. There is no charge against anyone. - Annie Comer, of Dawlish, a sister-in-law, said deceased had been ill for a long time with pains in his side. She went to the house about an hour before he died, and saw him sitting on the window-sill retching and groaning. She told her sister (MRS LANCEY) to send for the doctor. - MRS LANCEY did not suggest sending for Dr Patterson, as he had just been and said there was nothing the matter with deceased. He took a dose of medicine whilst witness was there. - The Coroner: Didn't you know that the death should have been reported to the Police? - Witness: No, sir, not after a doctor had been. - Mr Dell: Did MRS LANCEY apply hot fomentations? - Witness: Yes, sir. - MRS LANCEY, widow, gave her evidence under great difficulty as she is very deaf. She said her husband had been ill ever since they were married last November. He was in bed on Friday and Saturday last, but got up on Sunday at noon. On Tuesday he walked into Teignmouth to see Dr Patterson as he had severe attacks of pain in his stomach and side. She went to meet him and he rode home in a cart about 6 p.m. Dr Patterson put him on the panel and told him not to come to see him again until he was stronger. She fetched his medicine. About midnight he was worse and she gave him some peppermint which eased him for a time. Next morning he was vomiting blood and Dr Patterson was telephoned for about 9 o'clock. He did not come until three in the afternoon. She asked the doctor what was the matter with him, and he replied "Nothing." She replied, "There must be something." Her husband died about 4 o'clock the same afternoon. - The Coroner: How is it you did not report the matter? - Witness replied that Dr Palmer asked her whether she would have him opened then, the same evening, or have an Inquest, and she replied that she would have it done then. - Mr Dell: You say your husband vomited blood in the morning. Did Dr Patterson see it? - Witness: He could have seen it when he came into the bedroom as it was in front of him. - The Coroner: Did the doctor look at it? - Witness: He must have seen it, as I had the basin in my hand when he came in. - Mr Dell: If the doctors say there was no blood in the vomit they are telling an untruth? - Witness: There was blood in the vomit. - The Coroner said that that was all the evidence he proposed taking that day and the Enquiry would be adjourned until 3.45 on Thursday afternoon next.

Western Times, Tuesday 6 July 1915
EXETER - Death Of Pensioner's Wife. Adjourned Inquest at Exeter Last Evening. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, resumed the Inquest at the Court House last evening relative to the death of HARRIET ELIZABETH DILREW, aged 44, of Bath-road, wife of an army pensioner, now serving with the Army Service Corps at Swansea. The Inquest was adjourned from Monday last, when the Coroner decided , owing to communications which had been made to him, to have the contents of the deceased's stomach examined. - Thomas Tickle, city analyst, said he had analysed the contents of the stomach. There was trace of the medicine prescribed by Dr Mortimer, but no poison was found. - The Coroner said that the medical evidence on the last occasion was that the post-mortem examination pointed to alcoholic poisoning following on acute alcoholism. It was a great pity that somebody did not restrain her from excessive drinking. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Alcoholic Poisoning following on Excessive Drinking" in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Times, Thursday 8 July 1915
STOKE GABRIEL, - Inquest on Drowned Torquay Hotel Porter. - At Waddeton Court, Stoke Gabriel, Tuesday, an Inquest was held on PERCY BASTIN, 19, a hotel kitchen porter, who had been employed at Torquay. He came home on Sunday. - LEONARD BASTIN, a younger brother, said PERCY, himself and another brother went down to the river on Sunday evening. Only PERCY bathed. He saw him go under-water once or twice and thought he was playing. - Jasper Steer, mason, Dartmouth, said he was in a motor launch with Joseph Cook, a friend, when they noticed BASTIN in the river bathing. They did not see him swim a stroke and suddenly missed him. BASTIN did not shout at all. They tried to recover him, but did not succeed. - Dr L. H. Bennett, of Paignton, said BASTIN had bathed on a full stomach and that might have caused faintness in the water. - Albert Robert Baker, of the George and Albert Inn, Stoke Gabriel, gave evidence as to the recovery of the body. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - The Coroner acknowledged the courtesy of the captain of the R.N. College, Dartmouth, in offering to send up men to dredge for the body and that of Colonel Studdy in permitting the Inquest to be held at his residence.

Western Times, Friday 9 July 1915
TEIGNMOUTH - A Sensation. Teignmouth Labourer And His Panel Doctor. Pertinent Questions. - The County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker continued the Inquiry at Teignmouth last evening with reference to the death of a labourer, named WILLIAM LANCEY, of Crosspark Cottages. - From the evidence given on the previous occasion, it appeared that a post-mortem examination was made without any information being given to the Coroner. The Police were told of certain matters in connection with the death and on Mr Hacker being informed, he gave orders on Saturday last for the funeral to be stopped. - James Kerswell, brother-in-law, of Dawlish, stated that LANCEY had been under Mr R. L. Patterson, who was his panel doctor, and had crossed him off except for the previous two or three days. Annie Comer was in the house at the time and MRS LANCEY did not suggest sending for Dr Patterson, as he had just been, and said there was nothing the matter with deceased. - Mr W. E. Hempson, solicitor to the Medical Defence Union, was in attendance representing Dr Patterson and Dr Morton Palmer, whilst Mr J. H. Hutchings appeared for the widow. - The Coroner said he did not propose to go into the complaints of the medical treatment. If there were any grounds for considering that the medical treatment was insufficient or improper, the course that the Jury should take was to call the attention of the Insurance Committee, who had authority over the insurance doctors, and leave the matter in their hands. - Dr Montague Cutcliffe (Dawlish) stated that he made a post-mortem examination at the request of the Coroner on Saturday, a previous similar examination having been made. Gastritis and heart failure was the cause of death. - Answering a question, the doctor stated that there need not be any indication that death was so near when Dr Patterson saw the man. - Replying to Mr Hutchings, witness said he attended the deceased about 18 months ago. On June 22nd last LANCEY came to his surgery at Dawlish to find out if he could go on his (Dr Cutcliffe's) panel, saying he was not satisfied with the treatment he was receiving at Teignmouth. - Mr Hutchings: Was it apparent then that he was ill? - Witness: He had lost flesh. - Has Mr Patterson expressed to you his view of the case? - Yes, but not before I made my post-mortem examination. - Witness further stated that if not carefully treated the disease was aggravated. - Dr Lloyd Patterson said the man came on his panel in December, and was treated for influenza. Later deceased complained of returning pains in the region of the heart. Careful examinations were made, but he could not detect any heart trouble. Witness told him that he could not find anything the matter with him, and signed a form authorising him to change his panel. LANCEY came back, and stated that he could not get another doctor to take him. Witness was very puzzled with the case, and took him to the local hospital, where, with Dr Johnston, he went very carefully over him. This was in March. Both could find absolutely nothing wrong. Later, on witness's suggestion, LANCEY went into the Exeter Hospital, where he remained for about a month. On June 23rd deceased, for the first time, complained of indigestion. Witness saw the man several times some days before his death, and at this time had formed the conclusion that the complaint was acute gastritis. The man was obviously ill and he put him back on his insurance benefit. There was nothing urgent in the message which he received on the morning of the 30th, and he went out to the house after lunch. He noticed some vomit in a basin, but was positive it contained no blood. As to having said (according to the widow) that he told her there was nothing the matter with her husband, he denied this - in fact, after seeing the patient he went to the Hospital to arrange for his admission there. MRS LANCEY must have misunderstood him; she was very deaf. Witness was surprised to hear of the man's death shortly afterwards. - Regarding the post mortem examination which was made, the Coroner said it was quite clear by Act of Parliament that this was a case of sudden death, of which the cause was unknown. Thus an Inquest became necessary. - Witness stated that the post mortem was not held with a view to avoiding an Inquest. The relatives' consent was obtained before the examination was made. He was quite sure that the man died from natural causes. - Replying to Mr Hutchings, witness denied that he told the man he ought to be in the trenches. After the influenza attack he mentioned to the man that "very probably a military doctor would pass him." He said this to encourage the man as much as anything. - A certificate was produced, signed by the doctor on June 25th, that the man was fit to resume work. Witness said this was formal, being issued at the request of the secretary of the Society in order to close the books. - Mr Hempson desired to question the doctor with reference to the post-mortem, but the Coroner decided not to permit this, it being only necessary for the Jury to find out the cause of death. - Mr Hempson pointed out that it was a serious matter, it having been suggested that two doctors had been concerned in a conspiracy. - The Coroner said he would put that straight. - Mr Hempson also expressed a wish to call Dr Palmer, but the Coroner declined. - "I hope this is a Court of Justice, as well as a Court of Inquiry," remarked the advocate. - Mr Hacker: It is a Court of Inquiry. - "But the elements of the principles of justice ought to apply" said Mr Hempson. He pressed the point, where upon the Coroner asked Mr Hempson to take his ruling, and resume his seat. - The Jury intimated that they did not wish to hear any more evidence. - In the course of his summing up, the Coroner said the Jury had to satisfy themselves that the medial man acted to the best of his knowledge. If they thought there was any question of improper treatment, they should call the attention of the Insurance Committee to it. Having regard to the statement by Dr Patterson, the Coroner did not think there was much in the complaints made. - The Jury, with Mr Woodgates as Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Saturday 10 July 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Distressing Death Of A Mother And Child. - Dr Ellis Pearson, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, touching the death of MISS ANNIE MAYHEW, aged 37, and her newly-born male child. - SUSIE BEALES, sister of deceased, identified the body. Deceased lived with her at Silverdale, Sutton, Surrey, and assisted in the butcher's business. She lived with her for about twenty years, and left her last March. She suffered from a nervous complaint and there was nothing strange in her going away. She said she was going to Combemartin and shortly afterwards witness received a letter from deceased, saying she was going to Ilfracombe. Deceased used to write to her every week and she had plenty of money, which she had saved. She never mentioned about going back with witness. - Mrs Parsons, who resided at 22 Howe-road, said she let a room to deceased early in March last for 15s. a week, which she engaged up to July 24th. Deceased didn't say who she was or where she came from. Deceased paid her weekly and was with her up to July 5th, when she had friends coming to stay with her and deceased went to Miss Wheaton's, Hill Crest. Witness did not notice anything particular about her condition. - Miss Wheaton, of Hill Crest, Station-road, said the deceased came to her on July 5th, and occupied a room for two nights to oblige Mrs Parsons. Witness saw her on Monday afternoon, when she appeared all right, and also again on Monday evening, when deceased went to bed about 12 o'clock. Deceased did not go out on Tuesday and remained in the same room with witness from 3.30 up to 10 o'clock at night and was quite lively and happy. Deceased went to bed about 10 o'clock and also witness, and she didn't hear any more until about 1 o'clock, when she heard some groaning, which she thought was the dog and went downstairs and on the way up again she saw a light under the door and she knocked at the door and tried the handle, and found it was locked. She asked if deceased were ill and asked her to open the door and she replied, "I can't," and witness could not open the door, so she went for Mr Moss who came and broke the door open and when it was opened she saw deceased and a baby lying on the floor. Deceased hadn't been in the bed at all. Witness went for a nurse and Mr Moss went for a doctor. The nurse asked her why she hadn't called anyone and she replied she couldn't. Deceased was undressed. - Thomas Moss said he was called to Hill Crest on Wednesday morning last by the last witness, who said there was a lady very ill, and asked him to come in and open the door, which he did, and on entering the room saw deceased lying on the floor with her nightdress and stockings on. There was a lot of blood about. Witness did not see any child. Deceased did not speak to him, but she was living. Witness went for a doctor. - Elizabeth Braddick, a widow, said on being called she went to the house as quickly as she could. On going into the bedroom she saw deceased on the floor and also the baby, which was dead. Deceased asked for help, but didn't say anything more. Witness gave her some brandy and put a bolster under her head. There were no signs of any clothes for a child. - Dr Osborne said he was called to Hill Crest early on Wednesday morning and found deceased lying flat on her back on the floor with her head on pillows. She was in a moribund condition and died shortly after. She had a nightdress on only, which had a great deal of blood on it. There were no preparations made for a child. He had since made a post-mortem examination and found she had heart disease. The lungs were quite free, and the stomach appeared healthy. She had evidently tight laced. The cause of death, in his opinion, was loss of blood and heart disease. Even if she had had proper attention, any doctor would have had difficulty in saving her, on account of her heart. He had also made a post mortem examination of the infant male child. There was no evidence of any external injuries. The child had lived and death was due to suffocation, owing to want of attention at birth. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

TAVISTOCK - A Tavistock Suicide. German Subject Cuts His Throat With A Razor. - Yesterday afternoon at the Tavistock Workhouse, Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, reviewed the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK HERMAN SMITH, a German subject, who committed suicide on Wednesday night, in that Institution, by cutting his throat with a razor. - Sergeant-Major Bowles was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - ELIZABETH FRANCES SMITH, widow, said her husband was a German subject, but had resided in England for 57 years, and had carried on a fairly successful business as a master hairdresser at 39 King-street, Plymouth. On the outbreak of war in August last, as he had not been a naturalised British subject, he was ordered to leave the fortress of Plymouth, and went to live at Yelverton, where he remained for about ten weeks. He afterwards proceeded to Tavistock, and became chargeable to the Union at that place. She frequently heard from the deceased and had paid him several visits. He had always appeared very happy and comfortable and spoke well of the officials, who, he said, had been very kind to him. they had been married eighteen years, and she made his acquaintance about nine months before marriage. He was 65 years of age last birthday. After all expenses had been paid, excepting the rent of the one shop and room they occupied, which was 10s. per week, they generally cleared from 30s to £2 a week. Although they could both live on their average earnings, witness made it a rule to go out cooking daily. Her husband's constant grief, however, was that he had to leave a comfortable home. - A letter written by the deceased was then handed to the Coroner, who, after perusing it, said the purport of the letter spoke of the wife in the nicest terms possible and that the deceased had got hold of a notion that he was going to be put into another ward "where his enemies were." He further wrote, "He hoped God would forgive him for the step he was going to take" and said something in another memorandum about going to prison. - Sidney Thomas Sone, the Master of the Workhouse, stated that the deceased was admitted to that Institution on October 20th last, and came from the parish of Buckland Monachorum because of destitution. He (the witness) had had several letters from him, saying that he intended to come to the Workhouse. He had conducted himself very well, giving no trouble whatever. He had not been employed in the Infirmary ward. He had had a conversation with the deceased nearly every day and had found him to be a very intelligent man. He told witness that he had been through the Franco-German ~War, and frequently related his experiences of that campaign. About two or three weeks ago he got to know there was a probability of all male Germans over military age who had been interned being sent back to Germany and this very much upset him, but he seemed very much relieved when he was informed that he would not have to go back. He only mentioned about committing suicide once and that was when he asked witness how long he thought the war would last and on being told that it might last for two or three years, said, "If it lasts so long as that I shall cut my throat.". He was very musical and had a mandolin and music. - Elizabeth Jane Lang, nurse at the Workhouse Infirmary, deposed that on Wednesday, at 10.30 p.m., her attention was called to deceased in No. 1 Ward, where he was lying fully dressed upon the floor, and was bleeding and lying in a pool of blood. She unfastened his shirt. He lived for about ten minutes. - Dr Leslie Watt said he examined the wound in the deceased's throat and found that he had a light cut on the left side and a fairly deep and jagged wound on the right while he had another cut on the wrist. He lost a large quantity of blood and death was due to haemorrhage. He was not a delicate man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the widow, the Coroner remarking that the circumstances in which the poor man had been placed had somewhat deranged his mind. - A Juror: I wish we were sitting on his august master. - The Coroner: I am afraid my remark would not be so sympathetic then.

Western Times, Friday 16 July 1915
TORQUAY - Inquest On Exeter Soldier. Private CHENNEOUR'S Death From Anthrax At Torquay. - An Inquest was held on PRIVATE EDWIN G. CHENNEOUR, aged 19, at Torquay on Wednesday night by Mr S. Hacker. Deceased was the son of MR W. E. CHENNEOUR, licensed victualler of Exeter. - In his evidence, the father said since last August his son was for a time on the East Coast, and subsequently at Devonport, and for the last seven weeks he had been at Paignton. When at home on Monday week he was as fit as he could be. On Saturday he was summoned to the Rockwood Hospital at Torquay to see him. When he was home his son noticed a very small pimple on his face, but it did not appear to give him the slightest pain. - Dr F. Crowdy, one of the Medical Officers at the Rockwood Red Cross Hospital, Torquay, said on Thursday last CHENNEOUR was admitted with a large boil on the face. It was removed and a portion of it taken to Mr Quaint, bacteriologist. He was better on Saturday, but in the evening complained of severe pain in the head. He became unconscious in the night and died on Sunday. Clinically, he had no doubt the cause of death was anthrax. - Dr W. G. Cromley, physician at the American Women's War Hospital at Oldway, Paignton, said anthrax could be conveyed from an affected animal and could be carried by a fly from an affected sheep. - Ernest Quaint, bacteriologist, Torquay, said he made an examination of the boil removed from deceased's face, and found a large bacillus of an anthrax-like character and felt convinced that it was really anthrax and was responsible for death. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Crowdy said directly he suspected that deceased was suffering from anthrax he was absolutely isolated. An endeavour was made to get an anti-serum from France and Italy, but it could not be obtained. - Captain Harry T. Hems, commanding officer of B Co., said at Paignton deceased was employed at night in answering telephone calls and the only thing he knew of in connection with the suspected cause of death was that about a month ago new blankets were served out and deceased wrapped himself in one of them and lay on the sofa. He was in a comfortable clean boarding-house. He was attended by Dr Dunstan daily at Paignton before he went to the Hospital. - The Coroner said the Jury would be satisfied that death was due to anthrax, but there was nothing to show how the disease was contracted. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased came to his death by Anthrax.

Western Times, Thursday 22 July 1915
EXETER - Found Dead In Bed. - The sudden death of a widow, MARIA CROUMP, aged 72, of 3 Jubilee-street, Exeter, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Police Court last evening. Evidence was given to the effect that two years ago deceased had a stroke. On Tuesday morning her married daughter, MRS YOULDON visited deceased and found her dead in bed. Dr Bradford told the Jury that deceased died of haemorrhage and a verdict to this effect was returned.

Western Times, Friday 23 July 1915
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Sudden Death In St. Thomas. - At an Inquest at the Court House, yesterday afternoon relative to ELIZABETH KATE BRIGHT, aged 66, wife of a general labourer of Stephen's-buildings, Okehampton-street, evidence was given by the husband to the effect that on Tuesday, the 20th, deceased went to bed just before ten o'clock. Next morning about four o'clock she awoke in pain. She got out of bed, but immediately returned to it. The daughter was about to get her a cup of tea. Deceased, however, pulled the clothes about her and they thought she was about to go to sleep. A few minutes later the daughter failed to get an answer from her and then found she was dead. Dr Pereira, who had carried out a post-mortem examination, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Saturday 24 July 1915
TIVERTON - A Tiverton Tragedy. - At the Inquest held at Tiverton Hospital by the Borough Coroner, Mr Arthur Fisher, on Friday evening on the body of CHARLES PHILLIPS, labourer, aged 26, found hanged at his residence on the previous Wednesday evening, it was stated that deceased was the worse for drink on the night in question. He had been in drink more or less since he left his last permanent employment on the Friday before. On Wednesday evening he had a quarrel with his wife and on account of his violence she left the house with the baby, for a quarter of an hour, and on her return found him hanging from a post in the living-room by a rope. The widow stated that when in drink he had often threatened to take his life, but he was a good husband when sober. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Times, Tuesday 27 July 1915
TIVERTON - Inquest On Tiverton Child. Girl's Plucky Attempt To Rescue Drowning Boy. - At Tiverton on Saturday, an Inquest was held on JOHN WILLIAM MARSHALL, aged three years. The child on Friday afternoon went out to play with two other children, one his own age and another aged five. The latter ran home and said JOHNNY had fallen into the mill leat. Elsie Emily Walters was on her way home from school, and near the mill leat saw a little boy in the water. She jumped over the railings and made repeated attempts to reach it as it floated down on its back. It had just come out of the leat into the River Exe. After a little way the body went towards the bank and she caught hold of one of the child's fingers, but failed to keep her grasp. The body then sank and drifted out of her sight towards Ashley. Percy Hayball after some time found the body in a deep pit in the river about two miles from Tiverton. Artificial respiration was tried by P.C. Stevens and Dr Liesching without success. - The Coroner said the little child who saw MARSHALL fall into the leat was too young to give evidence. He had told him that they were playing outside MARSHALL'S door, when MARSHALL wanted to get a stick from Payne's-lane. They got below the Steam Laundry, where there was a gap in the railings. - Frank Pengelly, five years old, said he shouted to MARSHALL to "keep his head above the water and keep his mouth shut to keep the water out," which the lad did for a little time. The defective railings was a most dangerous place, for just beyond was a 10ft. drop to the mill leat. The danger was not so great until the shrubbery was cut down recently. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and recommended the substitution of an iron fence for the wooden railings.

Western Times, Saturday 31 July 1915
EXETER - At an Inquest held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House, last evening relative to the death of JOSEPH LYONS, aged 53, a tin-plate worker, of Courtenay-road, St Thomas, evidence was given to the effect that on Wednesday he went to Exminster, fishing. When he returned home he had a nasty cough and he said he wished he had not gone. On his way home he called at a chemists and had some tablets. After tea, he went to bed. About two o'clock on the following morning he had a very bad cough and between three and four o'clock he died suddenly. The medical evidence was that death was due to valvular disease of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 2 August 1915
DREWSTEIGNTON - Death Of An Exonian On Walking Tour. - An Inquest was held on Friday at Parford, Drewsteignton, on JOHN SOLARI, aged 63, retired manager of Willey's brass foundry, Exeter. JOHN SOLARI, of Wall Heath, near Dudley, Worcester, said his uncle lived at St. Thomas, Exeter, and last autumn had a seizure. - Philip Phillips, clerk, in the employ of Exeter Gas Co., said he was with MR SOLARI on a walking tour and arrived at Chagford on Tuesday and stayed at the Temperance Hotel. Next morning they left Chagford to walk to Exeter, via Drewsteignton The other side of Sandypark, and going up the hill towards Parford, MR SOLARI complained of feeling unwell and almost immediately collapsed in his arms and died. They had not been walking more than two miles an hour and had not breakfasted heavily. - Dr A. W. D. Hunt, of Chagford, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, following a diseased condition of the heart. A verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

BRAUNTON - Sudden Death Of An Old Servant At Braunton. - The Deputy Coroner for North Devon, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, has conducted an Inquest at Braunton Police Station relative to the death of ELIZABETH BOWELL, aged 63 years, an old family nurse to the Rev. Clarence Theyre, of Heanton Close, Braunton, for over twenty years. It appears that the deceased attended prayers before retiring at 10.30 p.m., subsequently wishing the other servants "Good-night," and went to bed. She appeared to be in her usual health, but next morning, at about 7.30 one of the servants, named Minnie Williams, went to her room and found her dead in bed. A post-mortem examination was made, as deceased had not been attended by a doctor for about two years. It was known, however, that she had suffered for many years from a weak heart - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes." The funeral took place at Braunton yesterday, the deceased's brother and sister attending with many public mourners.

CREDITON - Danger Of Using Herbs. Emphasised At Inquest At Crediton On Saturday. - The circumstances attending the death of MISS SUSIE KATE CORNISH, of Western-road, Crediton, were the subject of an Inquest held on Saturday at Crediton Police Station by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens. A sister, MISS MARIA CORNISH, said the deceased, who was 45 years of age, died early on Friday morning. She had been attended by Dr Powne for internal complaint. There was in the house a bottle of liquid which her sister had been taking before the doctor was called. It was some "simple" thing that she had prepared for herself. Deceased had for years been in the habit of preparing and taking these simples, such as peppermint tea, etc. Since last Tuesday, when she was taken ill, the deceased had only taken the doctor's medicine. - Dr Leslie Powne said he had attended deceased off and on for some time. A few years ago she was operated upon for appendicitis, since when she had been more or less an invalid. On Tuesday night last he was called to see deceased and found her in great pain and feeling sick. She told him she had been more or less sick since she came back from Bristol Infirmary, where she had been a patient for some little time. She also said that for a few years she had been trying infusions of herbs and a day or two previously she went out and gathered some small shoots of herbs and made a liquid, of which she took a little. This was followed by pains and violent vomiting. "Of course," witness added, "when shrubs are gathered in this way, you don't know what you are gathering, and deceased had every symptom of peritonitis." He made a post-mortem examination which corroborated the view he had formed, that she was thus suffering. He found at the back of the stomach a small ulcer which had penetrated through and brought on the peritonitis. - The Coroner: Do you think the taking of this mixture had anything to do with the cause of death? - Witness: I think the taking of the liquid hastened matters a little, but not to any great extent. Death was due to the perforation of the stomach by the ulcer. The liquid was an irritant. - Dr Powne desired to point out a danger to persons in the use of herbs. People never knew what they got hold of. Deceased had been a great sufferer for many years, and she grasped at anything she could get hold of. She told him it was the first time she had taken that particular mixture and that she had had it entirely on her own responsibility. - The Coroner emphasised the doctor's view as to the danger of the use of herbs in this way, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 3 August 1915
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Mystery. Sad Death Of A Sailor In The Docks. - An Inquest was held at the Temperance Hall, Exmouth yesterday afternoon, touching the death of HUGH LEWIS, the seaman who was drowned in the Dock during Saturday night, as reported in our inside pages. The Coroner was Mr E. N. Tweed and the Jury chose Mr Joel Dyer as their Foreman. - Mr H. Ford, of the firm of Messrs. Ford, Harris, and Ford, Exeter, watched the case on behalf of the wife and family of the deceased. - Thomas Parry, mate on board the ss. "Briar Rose," said the deceased was able seaman, acting as cook aboard the vessel. he last saw the deceased at 6.45 p.m. when he was near the Post Office, witness being with the captain of the vessel and the pilot. He asked deceased where he was going and he replied "For a walk." Witness said, "You had better come with us to the pictures." He declined and walked off towards the Esplanade. Witness returned to the vessel at 9.45 p.m. and went to bed. Witness was talking to the chief engineer until 11.20 p.m. He afterwards went to sleep and was awakened at 12.50 by a voice shouting, "Ahoy! Ahoy!" He got up and went to look out over the port side of the vessel and seeing nothing, he went to the other side, but could see nothing. Witness went to the second engineer and asked him if he had heard anyone shouting and he replied "No." Witness walked towards the hatchway and heard a noise on the other side of the dock. He asked "Is there anybody on the quay?" and the voice replied, "Hello!" Witness asked, "What is all this shouting about?" and the voice replied, "Somebody must be in the dock." Witness awoke the sailors on board and asked if anyone were missing and he was told that LEWIS was not aboard. He tried to find deceased but could not. Afterwards he found deceased's cap on the deck. Witness used a flashlight to look over the side of the steamer. The second engineer took the light from him and as he looked into the water he saw a man. With the aid of men from a patrol boat, they secured the deceased and got him on board the steamer. Witness went for the doctor and the Police. Artificial respiration was tried until the arrival of the doctor, who stated that the man was dead. When witness saw the deceased near the Post Office he had had something to drink - he smelt of it, but he was not intoxicated. Deceased's home was in North Wales. He was a married man with five children. Witness used to write letters for the deceased, as he was unable to write. He wrote a letter for LEWIS on Saturday, in which he stated to his wife that he was sorry he could not send her more money until Tuesday, as he had not been paid, and asking his wife how his little girl was getting on. There was nothing about deceased's manner to indicate that he was depressed. He was always "merry and bright," and was as usual on Saturday evening. Witness had not seen deceased drunk for months. Deceased had had a fishing line out over the side of the steamer and had looked at it several times. He might have gone to see the line again and fell into the water. - By Mr Ford: There was no gangway to the quayside to get on board. A ladder had been used and the engineer who came on board, thinking he was the last man, pulled the ladder in over the side. Deceased might have jumped on board. - Hugh Evans, the captain of the "Briar Rose," said the vessel, which carried timber, arrived in Exmouth on Saturday from Calais. He could not account for the deceased having fallen into the water. He thought that he must have sat on the rail of the vessel, gone to sleep and fallen off into the water. Deceased could have got on board the vessel without jumping. - John Cranford, employed on board the "Briar Rose" said deceased left the vessel at 5 o'clock to post a letter to his wife. He was quite sober when he went away. Later in the evening he met the deceased at a public-house and saw him drink a glass of beer. He was quite steady on his legs then. Witness left him in the bar and went away to go on board. Witness did not know what time deceased came on board. - Dr Hodgson said he was called to go to the Docks to see the deceased. He saw him lying on his back and artificial respiration was being tried. He asked how long it had been used, and he was told half an hour. The man was dead, and his appearance suggested death by drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, commented on the uncertainty in the evidence of what happened to the deceased. The only certainty was that he was drowned, but no evidence had been given to show how. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased came by his death by "Accidental Drowned," and remitted their fees for the benefit of the widow.

Western Times, Wednesday 4 August 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Drowning. Inhuman Conduct Of Two Men. Coroner's Plain Words. - Mr Cornish Bowden conducted an Inquest at Torquay yesterday afternoon touching the death of a lad named PHILLIP CHARLES BAYLISS, aged six years, the son of a Pimlico rag and bone dealer, who was drowned on Sunday evening. - The father stated that the boy had not been in the habit of playing about on the beach. - Frederick L. Stone told the Coroner that on Sunday afternoon just opposite the King's Gardens, he saw a man looking over the sea wall - quite unconcernedly, he might say. He did not know the man's name. He asked him what was the matter and the reply was "Oh, there is a boy in the water!" Witness then went to the gate leading to the concrete path and there, standing, was another man, looking at the boy, with his elbows resting on the gate. He asked this man to hold his hat and coat, but his request was refused. - The Coroner: Did he give any reason? - Witness replied: I did not wait for any. - Continuing, witness said he ran along the path and got into the water, swimming out to the boy. He was about fifteen yards from the base of the concrete wall. This was very slanting and there was nothing to catch hold of. He was washing about for some minutes before a lifebuoy was thrown to him. Had there been any steps in the concrete he could have got ashore with assistance. - Charles Easterbrook gave evidence as to taking the lifebuoy and flinging it to Mr Stone, who was pulled in with the rope attached. - Dr Hatfield said artificial respiration was tried for about an hour, but all efforts were unavailing. There were two other doctors present, and everything possible was done to save the lad's life. The boy could not have been in the water more than seven or eight minutes. The doctor expressed appreciation of the valuable help received from some of the bystanders, who fetched everything he wanted. - P.C. Tucker said a lad named Taylor told him he was walking along the path with BAYLISS, when the latter slipped and fell into the water. - The Coroner remarked that they could not fail to commend the action of Mr Stone, Dr Hatfield and others, who did so much to try to save the life of the boy, while the action of the two men who did not even raise an alarm was one of which they ought to feel ashamed. It was cowardly and disgraceful, that there were such men about. Everything possible appeared to have been done after the body was brought ashore and the unfortunate thing was that those who had the chance early did not use it. - A verdict of Accidental Death was returned, and the Jury decided to ask the Corporation to take effective steps so that persons could climb from the water over the apron-piece to the path.

Western Times, Thursday 5 August 1915
PIDDLEHINTON, DORSET - Devon Farmer's Tragic End. - A pitiful story of misfortune was told at an Inquest held at Piddlehinton, near Dorchester, yesterday, on the body of MR FRANK BICKLEY, formerly a farmer at Rockbeare, Devonshire, and had been engaged as a dairyman for Mr Tory at Muston Farm. - FLORENCE AMELIA BICKLEY, the deceased's wife, said her husband was 40 years old. They had been living at Rockbeare until Saturday, when they came to Muston. On Sunday morning her husband got up a little after five and, after bringing her a cup of tea, had his breakfast. A little later she saw him in the garden and he said he was "mazed." He looked white and wild. Deceased then took their two boys to the farm to milk the cows, and the boys returned without their father. Deceased owned a gun, but he had not used it since he gave up his farm. She looked for the gun, but it was gone. Last February her husband lost money and live stock and owing to his losses he had to give up his farm at Rockbeare and take a situation as a dairyman. This preyed upon his mind and he lost all interest in things. He got into the habit of staring vacantly at nothing and was always talking about his trouble and bad luck, but he had never threatened to take his life. - HENRY FRANK BICKLEY, the elder son, gave corroborative evidence, and spoke of his father's low spirits. - John Sampson said he found the body of deceased in a field a few hundred yards from the dairy. Deceased was lying on his back dead, under a hedge, with the butt of the gun between his knees and the barrel across the body. There was a gunshot wound under the left jaw. - After other evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." Deep sympathy was expressed for the bereaved widow and family.

Western Times, Friday 6 August 1915
EXETER HEAVITREE - Retired Baker's Sudden Death At Heavitree. - An Inquest was conducted by the Exeter Coroner at the former Heavitree Urban Council Offices, last evening, concerning the death of CHARLES WINSON, retired baker, of Newcombe-terrace, who was found dead in his bedroom on Tuesday evening. - Evidence of identification was given by Geo. Joint, of Newcombe-terrace, who said that deceased was 76 years of age. On Tuesday night, witness went on, about 11 p.m., he heard a fall and a cry next door, where WINSON lived. He met Miss Davey on the stairs and she said "He's gone." Witness found blood coming from under WINSON'S door, which he tried to open, but could not. He therefore proceeded to call up P.S. Snell and subsequently they opened the door together. WINSON was on the floor dead, with a cut on his head, which had resulted apparently from his falling against the door. - Dr Whaite attributed death to heart failure. The cut on the forehead, he said, was undoubtedly caused by deceased's fall to the floor when the fatal seizure came on. - The Jury's verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

PETER TAVY - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday at Petertavy on the body of JANE PEEK, who was found hanging by the neck at her home, Rose Cottage, at that village, on the previous Friday. - P.C. Trigger, stationed at Marytavy, stated that on the 31st ultimo, he received information that the deceased had hung herself in a room at her cottage, and that MISS PEEK, daughter of the deceased, had made the discovery. The rash act had been committed between 2.30 and 5.45 in the afternoon. Witness at once visited the cottage and found the deceased lying fully dressed on the floor with a deep mark round the neck. The rope was tied together in such a manner as to leave no doubt that the deceased had fully made up her mind to take her life, the ends of the rope, which was suspended from a crook in the ceiling, being securely fastened with pieces of cord and cotton. MISS PEEK said she had been to the Tavistock Market and on returning to her home she found her mother hanging by a rope. She at once cut the rope and sent for the Police. Her mother had been under the care of Dr Hillyar, of Tavistock and was 72 years of age. She was a widow. Lately she had been very depressed, but had never made any remark about taking her life. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased Committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

Western Times, Saturday 7 August 1915
LAMERTON - Lamerton Suicide. A Widow Who Brooded Over Her Troubles. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Lamerton, yesterday afternoon, on the body of SUSAN GREGORY, a widow, 72 years of age, who committed suicide on Wednesday night at that village by hanging herself in a linhay. Mr Frank Burrows was foreman of the Jury. - THOMAS GREGORY, the son, said the deceased was his mother, who on Wednesday morning, when he left home to go to work, was quite all right and appeared to be very cheerful. When he returned at 9 o'clock in the evening he was informed by Mrs Greening, a neighbour, that his mother had been away since 10 o'clock that morning and had not been seen since. She told Mrs Greening that she was going to Foghanger, some little away. Witness thereupon made further inquiries and afterwards went to Foghanger, but found that she had not been there. He then, in company with Mr Dawe, of that place, went in search of the deceased, whom he discovered hanging by the neck in Cross Parks linhay, near Lamerton. His mother had had a nervous breakdown about two years ago, but of late she gave every appearance of having recovered from it. - P.C Uglow stated that on Wednesday night at 12 o'clock he was informed by P.C. Latham that the deceased had hung herself. Witness made inquiries and ascertained that at 10 o'clock that morning she left home to go to Foghanger, to see Mrs Dawe, but as she did not return as she promised, Mrs Greening, her next door neighbour, sent for THOMAS GREGORY, deceased's son, who, with another man named Dawe, found her hanging by the neck in Cross Parks linhay. - Mary Greening, a neighbour, stated that she knew the deceased, who for her age had been quite bright and cheerful. She could throw no light on the matter whatever. - The Coroner said it was evident that the deceased had been a very sensitive woman, and as a result of this she had brooded over a son whom she had in the Army and another one in the Navy and as she was unable to confide her apparent troubles to her son or neighbours, she, in a fit of insanity, took her life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Tuesday 10 August 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - River Teign Mystery. Open Verdict Returned At A Newton Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at the Newton Abbot Town Hall, by Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of BEATRICE MARY NICKOLLS, wife of MR JOHN NICKOLLS, of 10a. Highweek-street, Newton Abbot, whose body was discovered in the River Teign, near the Outfall Works, late on Saturday evening. - JOHN NICKOLLS, the husband, said his wife was 52 years of age, and the last time he saw her alive was at 2.15 p.m. Saturday. Previous to this she seemed just as usual, and had made her ordinary preparations for Sunday. When he came home on Saturday he could see that his wife had had some drink. He could smell this. He asked her whether she had had anything to drink and she first denied it, but later admitted having some. He told her he wished that she would not do that. - The Coroner: Did you have any harsh words? - That was all that was said. Witness added that she had never threatened to destroy herself. - The Coroner: Can you tell us anything to throw any light on her death? - No, I cannot say how she came there, whether she fell in by accident or not. - Elizabeth Walling of 17 Highweek-street, said she saw the deceased at 5 o'clock on Saturday evening. She called at witness's house and asked whether she should take up Mr Walling's tea to the harvest field. witness told deceased that her husband had not gone harvesting. She was quite as usual then. - Gilbert Daniels, of Church-road, Newton Abbot, said that with a man named Pope, he was walking from Coombe Cellars to Newton Abbot on Saturday, alongside the River Teign. In the bend in the river a few yards below the sewer farm they noticed something in the water. It appeared to be a lady's coat. Later they saw the head of a woman just submerged by the water. They could see no sign of life. The body was some twenty or twenty-five feet out in the water. The deceased was in a crouching position. They noticed the body at about 5.45. - Witness helped to remove the body. - In reply to the Foreman, Mr Williams, witness said they did not see any person near where the body was found. - John Train, of Western-road, said he saw the deceased going towards the river on the evening in question. She was drunk and rambling about. He saw her fall down once, and after a struggle she got up again. - P.S. Christophen spoke of assisting to remove the body. There were no signs of violence on the body. - The Corner said that was all the evidence available. It was rather unfortunate that the two men when they first saw the body did not go in to take it out, as she could only have been there a short time. She was seen in the street not long before. At the time when they saw her she might not have been dead. They could not lay any blame to the men in question, because no doubt they thought she was dead. He considered they could only come to an open verdict. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 12 August 1915
KINGSBRIDGE - Inquest On Kingsbridge Tailor. - Mr Cornish Bowden (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Kingsbridge, on Tuesday, concerning the death of WILFRED ALBERT WIDGER, tailor, of Kingsbridge, aged 23, who was killed instantaneously on Sunday morning last through the motor cycle which he was riding colliding with a horse and trap, driven by Mr Baker Rogers of Redford Farm, near Kingsbridge. Mr A. F. Wellington of Kingsbridge, was Foreman of the Jury. After hearing the evidence of Mr John H. Wedgwood, a visitor to Churchstow, Mr Baker Rogers, Dr. W. Tudor Webb and Sergt. Bubear, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attached no blame to anyone. Through the foreman, an expression of sympathy was passed with the parents.

ABBOTSHAM - Plucky Parson. Struggle To Save A Lad Near Bideford. - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at Abbotsham Court, near Bideford, last evening into the circumstances of the death of HAROLD BERNARD PLAYFAIR HOUGHTON, eldest son of MR BERNARD HOUGHTON, I.C.S., of Abbotsham Court. From the evidence adduced it appears that deceased went down to Abbotsham Cliffs with his sister and governess to have a bathe. There was a very heavy sea on at the time and they had hardly got into the water before they were in difficulties. The Rev. Walpole Sealy, son of the late Preb. Sealy, Vicar of Abbotsham, who is on holiday in the district, noticed something was wrong, but not having his glasses could not exactly make it out. He was on top of the pebble ridge at the time, and he ran to the water side, where he said he at once realised what had happened. Just removing his shoes and a portion of his clothes, he jumped into the water and got the girl in. He then jumped in after the boy, who by this time had been carried by the current some way out. He eventually got hold of him and then commenced a struggle to get the lad ashore. They were swamped time after time by the heavy breakers, and Mr W. Berry of Exeter, formerly of Bideford, having noticed something was wrong, also went to the rescue. They got hold of the lad, who then managed to clutch hold of them both and drag them under. They, however, held on to him, and Mr Berry said he thought they were getting towards the shore when the lad pulled him under again, and when he came to the surface he was properly exhausted. He then managed to get ashore and tried to improvise a rope with some clothes etc., but it was no use. Mr Sealy described how in the meantime they were swamped by the breakers time after time. Eventually a big wave swamped them and they got separated. The lad was carried out to sea and he then saw he could not get at him and lay on his back and eventually drifted ashore. He thought deceased must have got out of the current in the dangerous gulley at this spot, which was the cause of the trouble. - Dr Toye said when he got to the cliffs, just a quarter of an hour after receiving the message, Mr Sealy was on the grass in a state of collapse. With treatment they got him around and about half an hour after the body of the lad washed ashore. He was apparently dead, but they tried artificial respiration for two hours. The cause of death was drowning and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents of deceased. The Coroner commended the splendid bravery shown by Mr Sealy and also Mr Berry.

Western Times, Friday 13 August 1915
TAVISTOCK - At Tavistock Cottage Hospital Wednesday morning, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN BATH, general labourer and a widower, aged 68, who cut his throat with a razor at his home in Bannawell-street, in that town, early on Monday, and died in the afternoon of that day at the above Institution. Sergt.-Major Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - William Jones, leading stoker, on H.M.S. "Vivid," stated that he was the son-in-law of the deceased, with whom he resided in Bannawell-street. On Monday, at five in the morning, witness went to the deceased's room to see him before leaving for his ship. He found him in bed groaning and noticed a quantity of blood, as a result of which he informed his (witness's) wife. Witness thought that BATH had broken a blood vessel. He later found that the deceased had cut his throat with the razor (produced) and at once sent for Dr Brodrick. The razor was the property of the deceased, and was lying on a box by the side of the bed. His father-in-law had been very poorly for several days, had suffered a great deal of pain as the result of a cancer and had been vomiting since Saturday. Witness had twice visited the deceased on Monday morning at one and two o'clock. - The Coroner said Dr Brodrick was unable to attend in consequence of a pressing engagement, but he felt sure that the Jury would agree that the deceased had committed the act whilst in a state of temporary insanity brought about by the excruciating pain he had suffered from the cancer and a verdict to this effect was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 14 August 1915
EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Sad Death Of A Council Employee. Inquest And Verdict. - The shocking tragedy which resulted in an Exeter City Council employee being crushed to death by a steam roller in West-street, Exeter, early on Thursday morning, was the subject of an Inquest by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at Exeter Police Court last evening. - Mr J. B. Allon, City Solicitor, was present on behalf of the Corporation, and Mr Dymond, assistant city surveyor, was also in attendance. - Before the evidence was taken, Mr Allon expressed on behalf of the Corporation sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - The first witness, Ernest Avery, fitter, of 62 Cowick-road, St. Thomas, son-in-law, of deceased, identified the body as that of EDWARD FREDERICK FOWLER, who had been employed by the City Council as a general labourer. Deceased was strong and healthy, and witness had never known him have a fit or to faint. - The widow said her husband was 55 years of age. During the 33 years they had been married deceased always enjoyed good health. He left home to go to his work on Thursday morning shortly after 6 o'clock. - Arthur Downey, of 29 West-street, a member of the V.A.O., said he was standing by his door at 8.15 on Thursday morning when the Council steam roller passed up the hill going in the direction of Broadstones. Deceased was walking about six or eight feet in front of the roller to the right hand side. The roller was going very slowly and there was attached to it a small lorry. Just after it had passed he heard someone shout and he ran to the spot. The engine had then pulled up and he saw deceased lying on the ground. Witness did not see him fall, neither did he see any horse or vehicle pass at the time. - Mrs Rhoda Whitfield, of 32 West-street, said she saw deceased cross from the right of the engine towards the other side. As he got in front of the engine he seemed to trip and then all face downwards. Witness screamed out. The roller, which was proceeding very slowly, passed over deceased. Witness was so shocked at the occurrence that she knew nothing more of what happened. - Florence Darby, 38 West-street, who witnessed the accident from her window, said deceased crossed about a yard in front of the engine. She saw a horse and cart standing near, but the animal appeared to be quiet, and deceased was walking away from it. - The Coroner: You told my officer that the horse was restive? - Witness: I saw it jump up once. - Continuing her evidence, witness agreed with the previous witness that deceased appeared to trip his foot and fall in front of the engine. She saw no more. "I went back and fainted off myself," she said. - In answer to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said she did not know to whom the horse belonged. - Mr Allon: Did the engine stop immediately? - Witness: Yes. Mrs Whitfield and I screamed out together when he fell and the engine stopped at once. - George Beer, wagoner, in the employ of Mr G. Kivell, said he was going along West-street with a horse and wagon and met the engine. Deceased was walking five or six feet in front of the roller. Witness's horse pricked up its ears and looked at the engine as it passed, but it was not restless. Deceased did not attempt to catch hold of it. He saw deceased fall and witness shouted to the driver of the engine, who pulled up very quickly. - Edmund Wm. Badcock, dairyman, of Alphington-street, said he was delivering milk at 25 West-street, and he stood at the head of his horse while the engine passed. Deceased was walking some distance in front of the roller and the driver's attention was concentrated on the engine. After the engine passed witness went to the tail of his cart, and then heard screams. He saw the man on the ground and the roller passed over the body. The wheel of the trailer stopped close to the body. Witness ran up and saw deceased was dead. He asked the driver if he knew how it happened, and he said deceased must have had a fit. Witness added that he had been told that his horse was the cause of the accident, and he should like to contradict that. His horse was not at all restive and he merely stood at its head as a precaution. - By Mr Allon: When the roller passed witness, deceased was walking seven or eight yards in front of it. - Frederick Denning, of 9 New Buildings, Lion's Holt, the driver of the engine, said in answer to the Coroner, that e desired to give evidence. He had been a steam roller driver for the Council for eight years. As he went along West-street deceased was walking from four to six feet in front and to the right of the engine. Witness passed Mr Badcock's pony and cart all right, and as he came to Mr Kivell's wagon, the horse jumped up and became restive. Witness's attention was drawn to it and he then heard women screaming. He pulled up the engine instantly and looking over the side he saw the wheel was on deceased's back. - By the Foreman: He did not see deceased make any attempt to catch hold of the horse. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he was driving at not more than a mile an hour. - Dr Pereira described the injuries, which he said, extended all over the body. There was nothing to indicate in the post mortem examination that deceased had had a fit. Death was due to shock caused by the injuries. - The Coroner thought the Jury might dispose of the suggestion that deceased had a fit or seizure. With regard to Mr Kivell's horse, no doubt the driver was right in saying it was restive. But whether the man was attempting to go towards the animal or not did not seem to matter because there was no apparent negligence of the driver of the engine. No doubt the man slipped in some way and fell. It was an unfortunate accident and their sympathy was with the family in the said affair. - Mr Dymond, Assistant City Surveyor, answering an enquiry by the Jurymen, as to what distance the man was supposed to be in front of the engine, said there was no regulation on the matter. - The driver, answering the coroner, said this was the first time deceased had been out with the engine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased. They also thought there should be a regulation as to the distance a look out man should keep in front of an engine. In this case the man appeared to have no chance after he was down. - The Coroner pointed out that the man was not obliged to keep so near the engine.

Western Times, Tuesday 17 August 1915
ST. MARYCHURCH - Mysterious Death At Torquay. - On Saturday a woman named FOALE, aged 40, until a few days since in the service of Mr Pascoe, tripe dresser, Hill Park House, Uplin, Torquay, died at Barton, St. Marychurch, from it is stated, ptomaine poisoning. On Sunday week the woman ate a portion of a leg of pork for dinner and shortly afterwards was taken ill. The next day Dr Pitt-Palmer was called in and attended the woman until her death. Several other persons partook of the same piece of pork, but were not affected. The Inquest was held at St. Marychurch Townhall this afternoon.

NORTHAM - Boy Drowned At Northam. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Northam yesterday on the body of LEONARD H. GALE, 16, eldest son of MR CHARLES GALE, of Northam, who was accidentally drowned at Boathyde, Northam, on Sunday. Evidence showed that the boy, who was learning to swim, went to bathe with some others younger than himself, and got into difficulties. A lad named William Glover, 14 ½, said he shouted to a man, who had been bathing 100 yards away, but he took no notice. - The Coroner said he supposed the man did not hear. - Witness, continuing, said the deceased disappeared, and the body was found when the tide went out. - Several of the Jury expressed the opinion that Boathyde was a dangerous place for bathing. - P.C. Small concurred and the Jury hoped some steps might be taken by notice to prohibit bathing there. - A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 18 August 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Value Of Knowledge Demonstrated At A Newton Abbot Inquest. - "I ran all the way, sir," said a Juryman, named Henry Matthews, when admonished by the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, for being late at an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday. "You are only just in time to save yourself from being fined," observed the Deputy Coroner. - The Inquest was upon a child named WILLIAM BLACKMORE, aged 2 ½ years, who died at the Institution (where the Inquest was held) on the previous day. - LILY BLACKMORE, 35 Bowden-hill, wife of a clay miner, gave evidence of identification, and said an accident occurred to the deceased on July 31st. Witness had made some cocoa, and put a cup of it upon the table. Whilst her back was turned the child upset the cocoa and was scalded on the chest. He seemed to be going on all right after an application of ointment, but some days later the skin became inflamed and as the child got worse Dr Scrase was sent for, and advised its removal to the Infirmary. - Dr J. Scrase said the wound caused by the scald appeared to be healing when he first saw it, but the child had rubbed the place with its arm which set up irritation. Death was due to blood poisoning, following the scalding. - In reply to questions, the doctor said the child was not neglected and the mother gave it every attention. He did not think it would have made much difference if a doctor had been called in earlier, as the wound was healing. The mother appeared to have done the best, according to her knowledge, but it would have been better if the under garment had been cut away, instead of pulling it off, after the scalding, leaving a piece over the scald which could have been bathed away. If the mother had attended a first aid or nursing class she would probably have adopted different treatment in that respect. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

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

CHERITON FITZPAINE - Lived Alone. Death Of The Sexton Of Cheriton Fitzpaine. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Cheriton Fitzpaine, Monday evening, relative to the death of GEORGE MAUNDER, sexton and shoemaker, of Hayes Cottages, who was found dead in his bedroom on Saturday. - Evidence of identification was given by George Way, carpenter, who said that the deceased, who was 93 years of age, had means, and was an old age pensioner. Since the death of his stepdaughter about eight years ago, he had lived alone. He had no relatives. On Saturday deceased was not seen about the village as usual and witness found him lying on his back in a pool of blood in his bedroom. - Dr D. H. Vickery said he found blood which was the result of vomiting, both downstairs and upstairs. A post-mortem examination of the deceased showed that there was no food in the deceased's stomach. He found, however, a piece of stick about the size of a match. Near the stomach was an ulcer from which blood had issued. Death was due to haemorrhage. Deceased had not had enough food to sustain life. There were several cases in the district of persons of advanced ages living alone. - The Deputy Coroner said that the bank book showed that deceased possessed a considerable amount of money. - Mr Pridham said he brought the case before the Guardians a little while ago, but they decided it was outside their responsibility as the deceased had means. Deceased once intimated his intention of entering the Workhouse, but afterwards declined to do so. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Thursday 19 August 1915
BIGBURY - Bradninch Man's Death While Bathing At A South Devon Resort. - Not for many years has the charming seaside resort of Bigbury-upon-Sea been the scene of a bathing fatality and much sad interest was shown in the untimely fate of the young soldier of the Devon Cyclists, STANLEY SEYMOUR SOUTHWOOD, of Bradninch, who was drowned on Saturday last between the mainland and Burgh Island. The Inquest was held on Tuesday at Bigbury, quite close to the scene of the disaster, by Mr R. R. Rodd, the Devon Coroner. - Pte. James Shorland, of Topsham, a comrade of deceased, said about 7 p.m. on Saturday he and deceased, a private in the same battalion, aged 19, were bathing n the beach between the mainland and Burgh Island. They started to swim to a boat which appeared likely to drift. It was about sixty yards from the island and was in danger of dragging her moorings, the wind being rough. Deceased was not a good swimmer, but they were under the impression that they could have waded to the boat. Witness struck out from another part of the beach and heard a cry for help. He reached the boat, but deceased had sunk, and although witness got into the boat and pulled around he could see no trace of deceased, whose body he recovered the following afternoon, about 100 yards away from where he sank, lying in about three feet of water. No one asked or suggested that they should go for the boat. There was a strong current, and the tide was coming in. Both witness and deceased knew of the warning exhibited against bathing when the tides meet. - Mr A. J. S. Griffith, who saw the occurrence, but was not sworn, said the swim would not have been at all dangerous for a powerful swimmer. Deceased made the mistake of trying to stem the current. There was plenty of safe bathing in and around the bay. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the comrades and family of deceased, and the Jury, in returning a verdict to the effect that deceased was Accidentally Drowned whilst bathing, associated themselves with the Coroner's remarks.

Western Times, Friday 20 August 1915
EXETER - Pensioner's Death In A Lodging House At Smythen Street, Exeter. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, at the Police Court, last evening on the body of CHARLES SNELL, an Army pensioner, who died suddenly at a lodging-house, in Smythen-street, where he had lodged for two years. - Evidence of identification was given by WALTER SNELL, road-mender of Whitstone. He said deceased was his brother, and was for 21 years in the R.F.A. He was 52 years of age. He lived at a lodging-house in Smythen-street. - Wm. Horner, weaver, living at the same lodging-house, said that SNELL never made any complaint of ill-health. On Tuesday, witness went to bed about ten o'clock and deceased slept near him. The next morning witness was fetched to deceased's bedroom and found him lying behind the door in a pool of blood. - Ellen Taylor, the daughter of the proprietor of the lodging-house, spoke of finding deceased in his bedroom. She went first to his door at 9 o'clock, and knocked. He answered but did not put in an appearance downstairs. At 11.30 therefore, she went again and opening the door saw him lying on the floor. - Dr Lynch gave the result of a post-mortem examination. He said the heart was enlarged and fatty, weighing 14 ozs. and the large blood-vessels were diseased. Death was due to rupture of a blood vessel. - The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 23 August 1915
EXETER - River Tragedy. Inquest At Exeter On The Body Of A Boy. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the City Police Station, on Saturday, relative to the death of ALBERT EDGAR JEFFERY, aged 8, son of a labourer, of 41 Holloway-street, who fell into the river at the Quay on Thursday morning, and was drowned. - Evidence of identification was given by the father. - ELIZABETH JEFFERY, the mother, said about 10.30 on Thursday morning the deceased went out to play. at noon she was informed that he was drowned. - Frank Hancock, aged 6, who was not sworn, and who accompanied JEFFERY down to the Quay, said that deceased was amusing himself by throwing bricks into the river. Deceased fell in, and witness saw his head "bobbing up." Witness added that he went away to fetch the deceased's brother. - Alfred John Legassick, who was boating on the river with friends, said he saw the lad drop from the wall into the river, near the tip at the bottom of Colleton-hill. Witness immediately pulled to the spot, but could see nothing of the lad. He shouted to some men who were standing near the tip, and they at once came forward. It was impossible to see anything beneath the water as the river was very thick. In fact, it was almost like pea soup. Witness probed the bottom near the bank with his paddle, but could find no trace of the body. - Edward Henry Delamere of Jersey, who was in the boat with the last witness, also gave evidence of a similar character. - James Albert Westcott, who dragged the river, said the body was recovered on Thursday evening, about 12 or 15 yards from the bank, in about six feet of water. The bottom of the river could not be seen, as the water was thick and clay-coloured. - P.C. Skinner stated that he searched the river with grappling irons and a boat hook in the morning and afternoon without success. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the family.

Western Times, Friday 27 August 1915
TAVISTOCK - Soldier Killed On the L. & S. W. Railway Near Tavistock. - The circumstances attending the death of JAMES BISHOP, aged 53, a private in the 4th Supernumerary Company of the 2nd-5th Royal Warwickshire Regt., who was knocked down and killed by the 4.17 London and South-Western Railway train while guarding the Shillamill Viaduct, about two miles from Tavistock, on Tuesday, were the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, at Tavistock yesterday afternoon. - Joseph Southall, sergeant-major of the 2nd-5th Royal Warwickshire Regt., stated that he posted the sentries to guard the viaduct where the fatality occurred. The duties of the deceased did not require him to go on the permanent way at all, as there was a track of about two feet on the side of the rails for patrolling purposes. Witness read the rules to the men every day and the deceased was not obliged to stir. - James Hayworth Ainsworth, sergeant-guardsman of the 2nd-5th Warwickshire Regt., said there was a space of three feet between the end of the viaduct and the deceased's sentry-box, and there was plenty of space for him to move about. At 4.20 on the day in question witness was near the guard-room when he saw the driver of a down train and a passenger signal by hand to him (Ainsworth), the latter pointing to the direction of the deceased. Witness thereupon walked to the spot indicated and saw BISHOP lying on the down line of the viaduct, quite clear of the metals. His head was resting on the sleepers, and was almost severed from the body, which was lying about three yards from the end of the viaduct. Witness heard the instructions read to the men on Tuesday. - P.C. Spicer stated that he measured the distance and found that it was about 22 feet from where the first spot of blood was seen to where the body was found. He was of opinion that the body had been carried that distance by the train. - Arthur Charles Vincent, engine driver, deposed that he was driving the train which left Tavistock at 4.17 on Tuesday afternoon for Plymouth. When he reached Shillamill Viaduct he blew the whistle and on nearing the wet end of the bridge he saw the deceased running between the near rails to get clear of the train. Witness shut off the steam and endeavoured to pull up the train, but could not do it in time to prevent the engine striking the deceased. It was a pure accident. - The Coroner suggested that rules should be drawn up absolutely forbidding guardsmen to walk on the metals, unless absolutely necessary. - The Jury, of whom Sergt.-Major Bowles was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Inspector Lucas of the L. and S.W.R., expressed the Company's sympathy with the deceased's relatives and the Coroner and Jury concurred.

Western Times, Wednesday 1 September 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of HENRY BOND, who was found dead on Monday morning in the cabin of the yacht "Emma." - WILLIAM BOND, son of deceased, said his father was 60 years of age. Witness said deceased left the Mumbles on Saturday afternoon last about 4 o'clock in the yawl "Emma." Deceased was then in good health. They arrived at Ilfracombe about 10.30 on Saturday evening and both slept on board. Deceased appeared quite well on Sunday. On Monday morning witness woke about 9.30 a.m. and he called his father, but he didn't answer and he also shook him but he thought he was sleeping. He called Mr Williams who was repairing the tiller and he came aboard and said his father was dead, advised him to inform the Police which he did. His father hadn't had any serious illness for some time as far as he remembered, but he had been subject to coughs in the winter. - Frederick Williams also gave evidence and said when he went on board he found deceased dead. He was lying on his left side and appeared quite comfortable. - Dr Percy Gardner said as the result of a post-mortem examination, he found deceased's brain healthy. The heart was fatty and the right side dilated. The left kidney was enlarged and affected. Death was due to syncope, due to distension of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 3 September 195
ST-GILES-IN-THE-WOOD - MISS ELLEN NORRISH, who had been an invalid for several years, has just passed away rather suddenly. An Inquest was held by Dr E. Pearson, Deputy Coroner, in the Reading Room on Saturday. Dr Macindoe made a post-mortem examination and the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with his evidence that death was due to Natural Causes - that deceased died from tuberculosis. The funeral of deceased took place on Sunday at the Parish Church, when there were many friends and acquaintances attending. Two of the deceased's favourite hymns were sung in church and after the lesson Mrs Walker played the Dead March in "Saul." Deceased was much beloved by all who knew her and her patient cheerfulness won her many friends. She was constantly being visited by her neighbours and the children of the village loved her and were always attentive to her. The Vicar on Sunday evening, made feeling reference to MISS NORRISH in his discourse.

Western Times, Monday 6 September 1915
PAIGNTON - At an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday on the body of ABRAHAM TERTIUS FISHER, held by Mr P. Cornish-Bowden and a Jury, it was stated that deceased was of eccentric habits and no doctor had been attending him although he was ill. Deceased died at 43 Church-street, on Thursday, being found dead in his room in a kneeling attitude. Dr King found, as the result of a post mortem examination, that the body was emaciated, the lungs extensively diseased, with signs of chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, as well as phthisis. He attributed death to heart failure and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

NEWTON ABBOT - The Fatality At The Teign Valley Granite Works. - An Inquest was held at the Newton Abbot Cottage Hospital on Saturday afternoon, by Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, into the circumstances of the death of a youth named ERNEST JOHN GOVE, of Hyner Cottages, Hennock. Deceased, who was 15 years of age, was an employee at the Teign Valley Granite Company's quarries at Trusham, and on August 19th, whilst helping to load a truck near the stone-crusher, he met with an accident, receiving severe injuries to his head. He succumbed to his injuries on Thursday. - Mr R. King, Inspector of Quarries, attended the Inquiry and Mr J. Creech was elected Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by GEORGE ARTHUR GOVE, of Hyner Cottages, Hennock, who stated that his son had been at work at the quarries about four months. - Dr Higgings, of Newton Abbot, stated that the deceased was admitted into the Hospital on August 20th, suffering from a fractured base of the skull. When admitted he was quite conscious and was not suffering from shock. He went on fairly well until Wednesday evening, when meningitis set in, and the lad died the following day. The cause of death was meningitis supervening on a fracture of the base of the skull. - George Henry Warren, of Woodway-street, Chudleigh, stated that he was working at the quarry near the deceased on the day of the accident. It was the deceased's duty to assist in the loading of the trucks from the stone-crusher and keeping them levelled. The trucks were levelled by letting them run down the track a little way. They were moved by placing a bar behind the wheel, the bar acting as a lever. He heard the deceased shout and saw him fall, but did not know how the accident happened. - Herbert Ewart Bradley, of Chudleigh, steam crane-driver, said that he was called to the scene of the accident by the previous witness. There were two trucks standing there, one being full and the other partly full. The deceased had, apparently, been moving the latter into position. When he arrived he found GOVE lying on the ground, and he removed him to the office. - In answer to questions, witness said that he found the crow-bar in front of the front wheel of the truck which deceased had moved into position. He considered that deceased must have placed the bar in front of the wheel of the truck, either to stop it in the exact place required, or to remove a stone from the lines. He personally had given the boy definite instruction never to place the bar in front of the wheel when he wished to move the truck, but to put it behind. He did not see how the accident actually happened. - Herbert Arthur George Hough, the works manager, gave evidence, and said in his opinion the boy's head did not get crushed between the buffers of the two trucks, but the lad must have put the bar in front of the wheel to stop the truck where he required it, instead of putting on the brake. the force of the truck, which would be going at a slow rate, would cause the bar to jerk in an upward direction, and GOVE would be also jerked up and his head must have been hit against the buffer of the truck. If GOVE had caught his head between the buffers of the two trucks he would have been killed on the spot. - Mr King said he thought Mr Hough's theory to be correct. No one saw how the accident happened and that explanation seemed the most likely one. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 7 September 1915
TAVISTOCK - Officer's Sudden Death. Inquest On LIEUTENANT ROWSE at Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the R.A.M.C. Camp on Whitchurch Down, Tavistock on Friday afternoon, on the body of 2nd-Lieut. RICARDO SIDNEY ROWSE, of the 5th Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, who died suddenly at the camp on the previous day. The deceased, who was 30 years of age, was a native or Redruth, where, previous to the outbreak of the war, he was in business as a solicitor and by his ability and eloquence as an advocate quickly made rapid strides in is profession. He married the eldest daughter of Mr Arthur Carkeek, J.P., and was only recently elected chairman of the Redruth Liberal Association. Mr T. Rogers was foreman of the Jury. Mr Carkeek, contractor, of Redruth, said the deceased was his son-in-law, and, as far as he knew, had been active and well. He never knew him to have suffered from heart disease. - Sergt. Hawke, of the D.C.L.I. stated that at four o'clock on Thursday afternoon the deceased was in charge of a company, and on doubling to take shelter in consequence of a heavy shower of rain he fell, became unconscious, and never regained it. - Lieut. Clayton said the men in charge of LIEUT. ROWSE ran fifty yards, then doubled again and finally put on an extra spurt in order to avoid the rain. - Dr Bell, of the Wessex Field Ambulance, stated that when he was called to see the deceased he found he was quite dead. There was a small lacerated wound over the right eye and an abrasion on the chest, which he thought was caused by the fall. Death was due to heart disease. - 2nd-Lieut. Clayton said the deceased appeared to be quite fit and never made any complaint. - Dr Leslie Watt, of Tavistock deposed that he had made a post-mortem examination of the body, the injuries to which had not been sufficient to account for death. There were symptoms of heart disease but the injuries caused by the deceased falling might have accelerated death. - The Jury found that death was due to Syncope, as a result of Heart Disease and that it was accelerated by the injuries sustained in falling. The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with the widow and relatives of the deceased and Major Whitford also offered a tribute on behalf of the regiment, Mr Carkeek acknowledging the sympathetic references. - The remains of the late LIEUT. ROWSE of the 5th D.C.L.I., who died suddenly at the camp on Whitchurch Down, Tavistock, on Thursday, were removed from that place on Saturday afternoon to his home at Redruth, where the funeral will take place today. The coffin, which was covered with the Union Jack, and on the top of which were the deceased's hat, belt and sword, was placed in a transport waggon (which had been specially fitted up for the occasion and was drawn by four horses), and conveyed along the Whitchurch-road to the Great Western Station at Tavistock, where it was put into the 2.35 train for Plymouth, en route for Redruth. The band of the R.A.M.C. headed the mournful procession and played suitable funeral music. Nearly a hundred officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 5th Duke of Cornwall's Light infantry followed the body and MR ROWSE, father of the deceased, was also present. The unfortunate young officer who met with such an untimely end only went into the camp at Whitchurch as recently as Monday last. There was a large number of people at the Station.

Western Times, Thursday 9 September 1915
EXETER - Death Of A Willand Horse Dealer. - A death which occurred on Tuesday at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and was thought at first to be the outcome of a trap accident six weeks ago was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner for Exeter City, last evening, deceased being WILLIAM HILL, aged 69, horse dealer of Willand. A grandson of deceased identified the body and a married daughter, residing at Tiverton, informed the Jury that about six weeks ago deceased left home with a pony and two-wheel trap to go to Cullompton. He left in the morning and returned in the afternoon. He then said he nearly had a "tip up" again. The bolt of the trap came out, he explained, the shaft went down and he fell on his face and hands. He also said it made his stomach sore. Later on he began vomiting and could not retain food. He was seen by two doctors and then sent to the Hospital. In answer to a Juror, the witness said her father had complained of feeling unwell for three months past. - Dr Gertrude Dobrasian, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said that when deceased was admitted to that Institution, he was vomiting. A post-mortem examination revealed acute gastritis and cancer of the stomach, which had no doubt caused the vomiting, exhaustion bringing on death. The trap accident would cause a shock, but it had nothing to do with his death. The Jury's verdict was "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 10 September 1915
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Court yesterday afternoon, before the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, concerning the death of JOHN CANN, aged 70, a shoemaker, of Pancras-place. The widow stated that he had suffered from bronchitis and heart trouble twelve months ago and was attended by Dr Brash. All last Monday night he was restless and on Tuesday morning she went for a doctor, but before the latter arrived deceased had passed away. Dr Brash gave the result of a post mortem examination. There was acute congestion of both lungs and the heart was weak and flabby. These conditions caused death. The verdict was Natural Causes.

SOUTH MOLTON - Yesterday Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Southmolton, concerning the death of JOHN PIPER, 74, of No. 3, Cook's Cross, Southmolton. Mr J. Bushen was elected Foreman of the Jury. - MRS ANNIE HULLAND, daughter of the deceased, said that on August 7th her father met with an accident, breaking his thigh. He had been in failing health for some time. He lived alone and cooked his own food. - Mrs Hill, a neighbour, said that about a quarter to six in the evening of August 7th, she was crossing the street near deceased's house, when he enquired the time. PIPER was sitting on a stool by his door. About 6 o'clock she saw some people in the street, and found that deceased had fallen. She assisted him into his house and sent for his daughter. - The Foreman: Was he conscious? - Oh, yes, quite. - Dr Seal, of Southmolton, said he was summoned to attend the deceased and found he was suffering from a fracture of the thigh-bone. He had the man removed to his daughter's house and treated him till his death which occurred on September 8th. Witness was doubtful from the first whether he would recover. During the last two weeks he failed through congestion of the lungs. The fracture necessitated the man lying on his back and this brought about the congestion. Death was due to heart failure, following congestion of the lungs, which was brought on by the injury. - Replying to the Foreman, Dr Seal said he thought the fracture was due to the deceased slipping and not to a stroke. - The Coroner: But for the accident, although he was an old man, he might have been alive at the present time? - Yes. - Mr Frank Williams (a Juror): Does the doctor think the house the man lived in was a fit place for him to live by himself? - Dr Seal: Hardly, but it was his own choice. - Mr Williams: I don't blame MRS HULLAND, because her place is spotless, but that place was very dirty. There was no other house in Southmolton like it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Cornish Bowden, conducted an Inquest at Torquay yesterday regarding the circumstances of the death of SAMUEL EASTERBROOK, retired builder, 67 years of age, of Lower Sherborne-road, Torquay.. Francis J. Leaman said his father-in-law was in rather poor health and had suffered from slight mental affliction. - Henry Jackson, of Heavitree, said the deceased fell over the stairs on Tuesday and was found at the bottom making an effort to get up. There was nothing on the stairs to cause him to fall. - Dr W. Powell said deceased had an old standing heart disease and had lately shown signs of a return of mental instability. When witness saw him on Tuesday after the fall he was suffering from shock. The only injury was a bruise on the side. Death was due to shock from the fall caused by heart failure. - A verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Times, Monday 13 September 1915
PAIGNTON - Death From Fall At Paignton. - Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden held an Inquest at Paignton, on Saturday, touching the death of MRS ANNIE PALMER, of Elmdale, Totnes-road, who died on Thursday. - Evidence of identification was given by Mrs Edith Matthews, who said deceased was 65 years of age and the wife of JAMES PALMER. On the day of the accident, deceased told her she had fallen downstairs. She had slipped her foot on the top stair. There was no reason witness could suggest for the fall, except her health. - Frederick Charles Pyne, gardener, of No. 2 Elmdale, Totnes-road, stated that he found deceased lying at the foot of the stairs, with her head doubled up under her arm on August 31st. With his wife he took her into the sitting-room. - Dr George said he first saw her the day after the accident. She was then partially paralysed. He considered that when she fell deceased's head struck the floor first, resulting in partial dislocation of the vertebrae. Her condition was practically hopeless. Death was due to heart failure as a result of shock. - The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Times, Tuesday 14 September 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. A Child Run Over By A Furniture Van. The Inquest. - At the Old Town Hall, Torquay, yesterday morning, the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. Cornish Bowden, held an Inquest respecting the death of WINNIFRED FLORENCE ISAACS, aged five years, daughter of MR ALFRED ISAACS, carter, of 5 Warbury-road West, Torquay, who met her death in Market-street, Torquay, on Saturday afternoon, by having been run over b y a furniture van. - MRS ISAACS, the mother, gave evidence of identification. She said her daughter left home on Saturday at 2.10 to go to the pictures with her brother, aged nine, another little girl and other children. They had to go through Market-street. About 2.20 witness received a message to go to the Police Station. When she arrived there her daughter had been removed to the Hospital. Witness proceeded there and when she arrived found the child unconscious. She died a few minutes after. The children had attended the pictures several Saturday afternoons. - Albert Stevens, son of a gardener, of Warbury-road West, stated that he started out with WILLIAM ISAACS and two other children to go to the pictures on Saturday afternoon. In Market-street he heard a cart coming out from Castle-lane, by the side of the Police Station. The horse was walking fast. When he heard the vehicle coming, he stopped to allow it to pass. The vehicle turned the corner very sharply and the wheels passed by over the kerb. WINNIE ISAACS was on the outside and stepped into the gutter. witness was catching hold of her hand when the front wheel of the cart struck her and before he could pull her back she fell down. She seemed to slip and the front wheel went over her stomach. The driver of the cart went on and was stopped some distance up the street by a lad. - Eric Charles Gerry, a school teacher, of Glendlin, Higher Sherburn-road, stated that whilst in Market-street he heard a child cry. On looking round, he saw deceased getting up from under the wheels of a car which had just turned the corner. The child got up, walked about five yards and then fell. He saw that there was something serious the matter with the little one and picked her up and took her into the Police Court charge-room. The driver did not stop, but was eventually brought back by the Police. Witness did not think the wheel of the cart went over the footpath before coming round the corner. Possibly the driver could not see the children, but he would have thought he would have felt the jolt of the cart passing over the body. - Dr Allen Bennett, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said that the child was admitted at 2.30 and died a quarter of an hour afterward. Death was due to shock and severe internal injuries, such as might have been caused by being run over. - Desmond James Hore, a lad residing at Barton, said he saw the van coming round the corner and knock deceased down. Both wheels went over her. The van went on towards Ellacombe Green. Witness ran after it and told the driver he had knocked down a little girl. He replied, "It could not possibly have been me," and drove on. The girl was knocked down by the front wheel of the van. The horse was going at walking pace when the accident happened. Witness heard one of the children say, "Keep back!" before the accident occurred. - Maurice Albert Peters, aged eleven, also gave evidence. - William Martin, the van driver, of 13 Cavern-road, said he was in the employ of Messrs. Williams and Cox, Strand, Torquay. He said he was driving a covered furniture van in Castle-lane on Saturday afternoon. He was sitting on the right-hand side. He saw children outside the Police Station on the footpath, but not at the corner. He kept in close to the near side and the wheels of the van did not go over any part of the pavement. No one shouted and he felt no jolt. When the boy stopped him he said, "It can't possibly be me." He went on a little way, but on seeing a crowd around the Police Station he stopped. Previously he thought they were having a game with him. The hood of his waggon would shut up. He could not suggest how the accident occurred. - The Foreman of the Jury then asked as to what took place in the Police Station charge-room and Inspector Rees said when the driver came in he said he had not run over anybody. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury exonerated the driver from all blame. The Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents and gave then their fees.

ASHBURTON - Fatal Accident At Buckfastleigh Paper Mills. - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden yesterday held an Inquest at Ashburton concerning the death of ALFRED JAMES BOWMAN, a carter, lately in the employ of Mr G. B. Setters, haulier of Buckfastleigh, who died on Saturday afternoon as the result of injuries sustained through falling from a waggon whilst employed in unloading pulp at Buckfastleigh Paper Mills. The evidence showed that a bale of pulp was being put on a stack, when the crook slipped and deceased fell backward off the waggon, pitching on his back into the road. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 17 September 1915
EXETER - Drowned In Creedy. Sad End Of A Well-Known Exonian. Nervous Breakdown. - At an Inquest held by the Exeter Coroner (Mr W. Linford Brown) at the Exeter Police Station, yesterday, relative to the death of HERBERT SWIFT, 65, cutler, of Lower North-street, whose body was found in the river Creedy, near Cowley Bridge, on Wednesday. Evidence was given by John Thomas Rendle, brother-in-law of the deceased, who identified the body and who said deceased had recently complained of head pains and sleeplessness. About three years ago he lost his wife and little daughter. Witness last saw him alive on Tuesday night, when he seemed to be improving in health. He was more cheerful. - JANE RENDLE, sister of the deceased, said her brother had been suffering from a nervous breakdown and had been very queer during the past three months. He consulted a physician on Monday. He left home on Wednesday about 11 o'clock and as he did not return for dinner, she became alarmed. She went to his room and found that he had left there money and articles which he usually carried in his pockets. - Private Teague, of the 4th Devons, stated that between 11 o'clock and noon on Wednesday he was at Cowley Bridge, when he saw two elderly men about 18 yards apart. He subsequently recognised the body that was recovered from the river Creedy as one of the pair. Deceased remained on the bridge about half an hour. - John Fishleigh, who was cycling over Cowley Bridge about one o'clock on Wednesday, said his attention was called by two lads to the body, which was standing almost upright in the river. He telephoned to the Police Station. - Pte. William Harvey, of the 4th Devons, who was on duty on Cowley Bridge, said he received a message that a man was in the water. He saw the body in an upright position in the water. Having procured a boat he recovered the body and tried for half an hour to bring about artificial respiration. Witness added that he possessed a first class certificate for life saving. - Pte. Thomas Thorne, 4th Devons, who assisted the last witness, gave similar evidence. - Dr Pereira, who examined the body, said there were no marks of violence. Death was caused by drowning. - Detective Walters said the other man seen on the bridge was about 80 years of age and a resident of the neighbourhood; but he did not know the deceased and did not see him enter the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and sympathised with the family. The deceased, remarked the Foreman, was known to most of them and he was much respected.

Western Times, Saturday 18 September 1915
EXETER - Inquest At Digbys Asylum. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens) held an Inquest at Digbys Asylum last evening relative to the death of ANN WEBBER, 66, domestic servant, in Digbys Asylum, as patient, who died on Thursday. - Dr G. M. Bartlett, Medical Superintendent at the Asylum, deposed that deceased, who was single, was admitted a patient on the 3rd June 1902. She was formerly a farmhouse assistant and had been under his care since December last, on his appointment as Medical Superintendent. On September 2nd deceased sustained a fracture of the right leg and he had specially treated her since that time. The fracture seemed to affect her health and deceased had been in bed since. She had been known to have had heart disease since her first admission in 1892 having been at the Asylum on three occasions. She died on Thursday morning at 5.25. The immediate cause of death was pneumonia, for which she had been treated for four days. In addition she had very marked chronic Bright's disease and fatty degeneration of the heart. The fall would have accelerated her death. - Nurse Bearne said on the 2nd September, at 10 o'clock in the morning, she called the patients to go to the airing court - the usual custom. Deceased was sitting on a seat in the ward on her right foot, as was her habit, and as she moved she fell off the chair on to the floor. On going to her assistance, witness found deceased could not stand, and on removing her clothes, discovered she had fractured her leg. Witness informed the doctor of the accident. Deceased had been in a state of stupor for a month and when in that state was in the habit of falling about. She used to wait until everyone had gone before she would move and it was so on that day. she had never asked for assistance. - Nurse Shute proved being present at the death on Thursday, as night nurse. - A verdict of "Death from Pneumonia and Fatty Degeneration of the Heart, accelerated by a Fall" was returned.

EXETER - Strange Death Of A Man Of Independent Means At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter Police Court last evening before the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of LEONARD WILLIAM HITCHCOCK, of independent means, who died on Wednesday at apartments at 18 Union-street. He had not been attended by a doctor until two days before, and his death was attributed to malnutrition. WALTER MICHELMORE HITCHCOCK, of May field, Orchard Drive, Blackheath, gave evidence of identification. He said deceased was his youngest son, and had followed no occupation of late years. Witness supplied him with means. From childhood he had been delicate and for several years past he had suffered from chronic dyspepsia. He lived at Greenwich before coming to Exeter, and was then in an honorary position. For a long time he had taken little food. They could not persuade him to eat more and he used to say people ate too much. About five years ago he joined the Roman Catholics and became attached to one of the orders in which asceticism is thought a lot of. It was only to that fact that witness could attribute his refusal to eat much. Witness last saw him alive on Tuesday. He (witness) had been staying at Exmouth with his daughter and asked him whether he should come up to Exeter and see him. The reply was that he was prostrated and unwell and witness followed by the next train. He found him very emaciated but extremely well cared for by the people with whom he lodged. - Mrs Young, of 18 Union-street, St. Thomas, said that deceased had lodged with her about nine or ten weeks. When he arrived he looked in fair health, but very thin. He used to tell her he had always suffered from indigestion. He would never eat much. For the most part he ate white of eggs, butter, fish, but no meat. On Monday last a doctor was called in. He had been suffering from diarrhoea, but would not have medical assistance before. He would not go to bed at nights, but used to sit in a chair with his clothes on. On Wednesday he said he was a little better, and that day, as he had several times, asked for vegetable marrow. he could not eat it, however, and shortly after Dr Corbett had called on Wednesday she went to his room and found that he had died. - Dr Corbett said he saw deceased on Monday and found him in a very emaciated condition. He told Mrs Young he was afraid the man would die. On Wednesday he was in an extremely low condition. A post-mortem examination showed practically no fat in the body. The heart weighed only 4 ¾ ozs, and there was nothing in the stomach. Death was due to heart failure and malnutrition. Dr Corbett added that the taking of too little food must have been going on for years and deceased probably acted as he did because of the pain he suffered from indigestion after eating. - Detective Walters, Coroner's Officer, said there was fish, eggs, and other food in deceased's room which he could have eaten had he wished. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, remarked that the body was in a really terribly emaciated condition and one did not know at first whether deceased, who was 48 years of age, starved himself owing to religious mania, or whether the indigestion was so bad and caused such pain after eating that for years he had been going short of food. The doctor, however, inclined to the latter view. - The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 20 September 1915
EXETER - City Carter's Death. Sequel To A Motor Car Accident. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Saturday, relative to the death of GEORGE W. CROUMP, aged 49, carter, in the employment of Messrs. Ham and Passmore, builders, of Exeter. Deceased, it will be remembered, died at the Hospital on Thursday as the result of injuries received through being knocked down by a motor car belonging to Mr C. Bard, chemist, of St. Thomas, on the Kenton-road, near the Powderham Arch, on Wednesday evening. Mr A. Martin Alford watched the case on behalf of Mr Bard. - At the outset the Coroner said it would be necessary to adjourn the Enquiry after evidence of identification in order to complete the investigations. - Mr Alford said Mr Bard wished to express his sympathy with the widow in the terrible loss she had sustained. - Evidence of identification was given by HENRY CROUMP, a cousin of the deceased. - The Coroner said he did not propose to take any further evidence at present. There were other parties interested and they would probably be represented at the adjourned Inquiry. - The Inquest was adjourned till Thursday next at four o'clock, when it will be held at the City Police Station.

Western Times, Wednesday 22 September 1915
EXETER - Artilleryman's Sudden Death At Exeter. - At an Inquest held by the City Coroner at Topsham Barracks last evening, relative to the death of DRIVER ALEXANDER SHIELDS, of Cambreas, Kenneth, near Stirling, Scotland, who died about 8 a.m. on the 20th inst. at the Barracks, it was stated that he was found about 8 a.m. after riding drill by a workman named Wannell, employed at the Barracks, in the lavatory in a sitting position. He was removed to one of the huts, where he died immediately. Lieut. Emery, Medical Officer, stated that he had been twice reported as medically unfit for active service. The post mortem examination showed an abnormally large heart. Death was due to syncope, following riding exercise which caused exhaustion as a result of the condition of his heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 September 1915 EXETER - An Adjourned Inquest was conducted by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Guildhall, yesterday, relative to the death of GEORGE W. CROUMP, carter, in the employ of Messrs. Ham and Passmore, builders, of Exeter. Deceased died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital a week yesterday, as the result of injuries received through being knocked down by a motor-car belonging to Mr C. Bard, chemist, of St. Thomas, on the Kenton-road, near the Powderham Arch on the previous evening. - Mr L. D. Thomas appeared for the widow, Mr M. J. McGahey for Mr Bard and Mr U. W. Michelmore for the employers. - MRS CROUMP, the widow, living in Okehampton-street, St. Thomas, said deceased's age was 49. His sight and hearing were perfect. When she went to see him at the Hospital after the accident he was able to say, "I was coming home," but nothing else. He had been working for thirteen years as a waggoner. In answer to Mr McGahey, she said she did not tell Mr Bard that her husband was deaf in one ear. She had never heard it suggested he was partially deaf. - Emmie Towell, a young woman, of Kenton, said that on the Wednesday evening in question, about 5.30, she was coming up Powderham Arch towards Exeter. She saw Mr Bard's motor-car going "a bit faster than motor cars generally do, but not much." She also saw the waggon going along in front on the right hand side of the road. It was loaded with poles and the driver was on the left side of the horse. The waggon was "winding up the hill." She did not see the accident. - Lionel Leonard Holman, a boy of nine, said he was walking down the hill towards Kenton Mill, and saw the horse and waggon coming up on the left side of the road, the driver being near the hedge lighting his pipe. The motor-car came up behind at a pace "faster than a man could walk." The horn was sounded twice when the car was a few yards from the man. He did not see deceased knocked down. He told the Coroner's Officer he did see the man knocked down and flung in the hedge, but he could not explain why he made that statement. Witness did, however, hear the man say, "Oh, I am finished for. Why did you drive into me like that for?" - The Coroner: You were asked, my boy, soon after the accident by my Officer what happened, and you said then one thing which you contradict now. I don't believe you. Have you been promised something to say today that you did not see the man knocked down? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: Did you tell my Officer the car was going fairly fast? - No, sir. - You didn't! - No, sir. - The Coroner: I have a very strong opinion as to what has happened to this boy. - Mr J. L. Thomas: Has anyone been to see you about this matter? - Yes, sir. - How many? - Three (the boy pointed to Detective Walters as one). - Mr McGahey: I can assist the Court in this matter. Mr S. Thomas, my clerk, and Mr Matthews, hon. secretary of the A.A.A., saw him last night and in the presence of his mother, took down a written statement which he signed. - The boy failed to identify Mr S. Thomas and Mr Matthews when they stood up in Court. Asked by Mr McGahey which statement was true, the one he made to Walters or the one he made to Mr Thomas and Mr Matthews, the boy replied, "Both" - (laughter). - The Coroner: I shall have something more to say on this matter. It is most curious. (To the boy): My boy, did the two gentlemen say to you, "How fast was the car going? A little fast than a man can walk?" - Mr McGahey: You would not suggest, Mr Coroner, that my clerk and Mr Matthews would put questions differently to him than your own Officer? - The Coroner: I only say it is curious. You would think the same if you were in my position. - Mrs Leaman, of Kenton, said the last witness was her son by a former marriage. The boy came home and told her a man had been knocked down. She was present when the boy told Walters he saw the man knocked down by a motor car, but she did not remember him saying anything as to the speed of the car. She also heard him make the statement to Mr Matthews and Mr Thomas, but she didn't remember that the two statements differed. - The Coroner: Has any promise been made to you or the boy to induce him to alter his statements? - No. - You swear that? - Yes. - A witness named Barker, living in St. Thomas, who was driving a car on the road just after the accident, spoke of bringing deceased to the Hospital. Mr Bard was very distressed and did all he could for deceased. - Dr Waterlow Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was semi-conscious when brought there. He died next day, and a post-mortem examination revealed no superficial bruises. There was a fracture of the lower part of the neck, which might have been caused by a direct blow or by some force hitting the body near the legs and causing a big jerk. It must have been a severe blow, and another factor which would have helped to cause the fracture was the unexpected and sudden character of the blow. Deceased lived longer than witness thought he would, and this could be attributed to the careful way in which he had been conveyed to Exeter. - By Mr McGahey: His clothes were damaged in no way. Even if deceased were unprepared for the blow, it must have been a fairly severe one to have broken his neck. - Mr Bard expressed a desire to give evidence. He said he was driving back from Dawlish when he saw the waggon. He never saw deceased until he suddenly swerved round from the head of the horse with his back to the car. He stepped right between the headlights and was struck in the back. Witness had sounded his horn from four to six times. The waggon was going up on the right hand side, and was proceeding slantways and it was impossible to get past on his right side. He saw there was a perfectly clear run through on the other side, and he took it. It was just as the car was clearing the horse's head that the man came suddenly into view. Witness was driving from six to eight miles an hour. In answer to Mr J. L. Thomas, witness said he had been driving two months. It was a 10 ½ h.p. car. - In answer to Mr McGahey, the witness said Mr Ham, one of CROUMP'S employers, had admitted to him that deceased was hard of hearing. MRS CROUMP also told him her husband was deaf on the one side. - Mrs Bard, sister-in-law of the last witness, who was in the car at the time, gave similar evidence. She said that Mr Bard decided to go past the wagon on his wrong side because he waited about and found it impossible to get by on the other side. Moreover, there seemed a clear passage on the wrong side. The car was going very slowly. - Mr Matthews, at the conclusion of the evidence, asked if he could give his assurance that no inducement was offered to the mother, Mrs Leaman, or the boy witness. - The Coroner: I hardly think it desirable insurance agents should go to interview witnesses. - Mr Matthews: I did nothing of the kind. - Mr S. Thomas: Mr Matthews merely drove me to the boy's home in his car and I took him into the house with me, because I saw the boy was not over bright and I wanted witnesses there. - The Coroner: I thought the boy was very bright. - The Coroner, in summing up, remarked that unfortunately motorists would not wait. They must go slap through and take their chance. If, however, they took their chance, they must take the consequences. He had no doubt the Jury would be of opinion that there was no negligence in this case of such a gross character as to amount to criminal negligence, but it was for them to say whether Mr Bard took every precaution he should have taken. - The Verdict. - At 6.30 the Jury retired for consultation. Twenty minutes later they returned with a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added: "We consider deceased met his death through mistaken judgment on the part of Mr Bard, who should have waited until the wagon was on its proper side." - The Jury also expressed sympathy with the widow, with which the Coroner concurred.

Western Times, Saturday 25 September 1915
EXETER HEAVITREE - Visitor's Sudden Death At Heavitree. - An Inquest was conducted at the Heavitree Council offices by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on Thursday, on the body of KATE DIXON, aged 58, of Potton, Bedfordshire, daughter of the late JAMES DIXON, professor of music, late of Norwich. Deceased went to Mrs Addy's, of 1 Port View, Heavitree, on a visit about a fortnight ago and subsequently complained of indigestion. On Wednesday she was taken very ill and died. Dr Whaite attributed death to syncope brought on by acute gastritis and a verdict was returned accordingly.

TOPSHAM - A War Victim. Mother's Anxiety For Her Soldier Son. Letter A Day Late. - The County Coroner, Mr W. H. Gould, held an Inquest at Countess Weir Inn yesterday morning, respecting the death of NELLIE LETHEREN, 49, of Gullipitt Cottages, Countess Wear, who died on Wednesday night at her home from poisoning. - FREDERICK LETHEREN, the husband, a gardener, identified the body and said his wife on Wednesday afternoon complained of being unwell. He advised her to lie down. On his coming home at 6.30 p.m. she was out and on coming in just before eight witness told her she ought to have told him she was going out, as he was worried about her. Deceased became annoyed and, after she had her supper, went into another bedroom, as she did sometimes, and was continually referring to witness's remarks on her going out. She shortly afterwards went downstairs, returning in a minute or two with a glass of water, as she usually did, and went into the room and said, "I'll let you see what I'll do," and bolted the door. Shortly afterwards he heard a noise as if she was fainting and he found the door was locked. After dressing he forced the door and found his wife in bed, and by the way she was breathing he thought she had taken something. Witness gave her some warm water and tried to make her vomit and, failing, sent for the doctor. Deceased worried a great deal over her second son, who had joined the Army, and from whom nothing had been heard. The absence of news made her think something had happened to him. The day after her death a letter came. Witness found the glass she had taken with her and a bottle of poison witness had bought about two years ago for killing wasps, and had forgotten it, or else he would have used it this year, as he had bought two lots. Deceased had been in ill-health, having been in hospitals and medically attended; she had said, when depressed, she felt she would do away with herself. - Rose Hayman, of Countess Wear House, said the deceased called and saw her on Wednesday evening about 7.30 o'clock, and said she had been for a walk, as she felt depressed. She did not stay more than ten minutes. Witness had, on a previous occasion, heard deceased say that when she was depressed she felt she could do something desperate. - Dr MacPherson, of Topsham, said he arrived about 10.20 and found deceased practically dead. Death was due to poisoning. People very often in a depressed condition lost their mental balance. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there appeared no doubt about deceased taking her own life, but they had to consider the state of her mind. They had been told how the poison came to be there. It was a very dangerous poison, and ought not to have been left in the house. It seemed to have been left by forgetfulness on the part of the husband, but that called for no comment. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 28 September 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Child Overlaid. Inquest On An Infant At Newton Abbot. - At Newton Abbot Town Hall yesterday, Mr P. C. Cornish-Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Enquiry relative to the death of the infant child of MR and MRS JOSEPH FLIPP, (caretaker at the Lodge, at St. Augustine's Priory, Abbotskerswell), of the Priory Lodge, Abbotskerswell. MARY JANE FLIPP, the mother, said the child slept in the same bed with witness and her husband on Friday night. She fed the child at midnight. At 4 o'clock on Saturday morning she woke and found it was dead. Witness had five other children. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said she had had eight children altogether. - The Deputy Coroner: Did any of the others die in the same way? - Yes, sir; the first baby died suddenly, just as this one did. - Then you were aware of the extreme danger of taking children to bed with you? - Yes; I knew it was dangerous. What else could I do? You see they are all young children. I could not have another cot there very well. - Why? - Because there is no room. I was nursing the baby you see, and I took her in with me. - In reply to further questions, the witness said the child was not much covered by the clothes. She could not say whether its head was covered up or not. The child had been sleeping with her ever since it was born. It was two months old. - Dr Leslie Doudney deposed to being called to see the child and finding it dead. There were no external signs of injury. Its lungs were congested and death was due to suffocation. It was a healthy, well-nourished child. - The Coroner said there appeared to be no doubt he child died from being overlain. In some countries it was a criminal offence to take children of this age to bed with adults. He did not suggest that that should be so here, but it was a very grave thing to do, especially for anyone who had lost one child already in that way. It seemed to him the reason given by the mother for not having a cot for the child was not sufficient. One of the reasons for holding Inquests was to draw attention to such matters. It seemed lamentable that children should die when only a few weeks old amounting to a large number every year, without anything being done to stop it. - The Jury returned a verdict of Accident Death from Suffocation.

WESTWARD HO! - Inquest On Old Lady Killed By Train At Westward Ho! - At the Inquest yesterday at Westward Ho! on MRS ELIZABETH NANCEKIVELL, wife of a retired provision merchant, who was killed by a Bideford-Westward Ho! train at Westward Ho! Station on Friday afternoon, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The evidence showed that the gates at the level crossing were closed against vehicular traffic, but the deceased, who was 77 years of age, and a little deaf, went on to the platform by a small gate, and then attempted to cross the lines. She stepped in front of the train. Death was practically instantaneous, both legs being nearly severed, the right arm broken in two places and the left side of the skull shattered. - Mr W. B. Seldon (on behalf of the husband) and the Jury (of which Lieut-Commander Newcombe was Foreman) made several suggestions in regard to the management of the gate, which Mr C. E. Roberts Chanter (Barnstaple) on behalf of the Railway Company, promised should have consideration.

Western Times, Friday 1 October 1915
LANDKEY - Landkey Farmer Found Shot Yesterday Morning. - A tragic discovery was made at Landkey, near Barnstaple, yesterday. A farmer, named JONES, of Newland Park Farm, was found in a field with terrible injuries to his head. A double-barrelled gun, one barrel of which had been discharged, was lying by his side. The details of the occurrence are not yet to hand, except that the discovery was made by the man's son, CHARLES JONES. Deceased was about 67 years of age. - At the Inquest at Landkey later in the day a verdict of "Death from a Gunshot Wound, Self Inflicted, during Temporary Insanity," was returned.

Western Times, Monday 4 October 1915
EXETER - Death Of Old-Age Pensioner At Exeter. - An Inquest was held by Mr Linford Brown, at the Exeter Police Court, on Saturday, relative to the death of ROBERT COLLYPRIEST, aged 73, an old-age pensioner, formerly a journeyman baker and newsagent, of Lake's Cottages, Horse-lane. Evidence was given by deceased's daughter to the effect that on Thursday evening, on returning home, from which she had been absent during the day, she found her father lying on the kitchen floor dead. He died while tying up faggots, which he sold. Dr Bascomb Harrison said a post-mortem examination showed both lungs affected. In the right lung there was a deposit of tuberculosis. The heart was fatty and the other organs were degenerated. The first stages of pneumonia had set in. Death was due to the congested state of the lungs, which, acting on a fatty heart, caused syncope. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 7 October 1915
EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Infant At Exeter. - At an Inquest at the Court House last evening relative to the death of GLADYS IRENE DART, aged 14 months, daughter of MR J. DART, of Bartholomew-street West, evidence was given to the effect that the child was taken ill on Monday night. She was worse on Tuesday morning, and a doctor was fetched, but she died three-quarters of an hour before he arrived. The mother stated that when the child was taken ill she gave her a little brandy in her milk to stop the sickness. The child, which had usually enjoyed good health, was generally fed on milk, and sometimes she had a little potato at dinner time and bread and butter at tea time. - Dr Atkins, St. Thomas, who made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to convulsions, caused by intersusception of the intestine, which sometimes appeared in your children, and was rapidly fatal. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 8 October 1915
TIVERTON - Tiverton Fatality. Inquest On Foreman Killed By A Train. - The dead body of SAMUEL HUTCHINGS, 56, goods foreman at the Tiverton Railway Station, was found on the Exe Valley line, near Tiverton, early on Wednesday morning. HUTCHINGS was a most industrious man. Having failed to come home on Tuesday evening, his wife, SARAH ANN HUTCHINGS, gave information to the Police, who searched the goods premises and later walked along the Bampton line towards deceased's cottage. He was found lying dead near the metal portion of the railway with a deep cut on the back of the head. It is assumed that he was taking a short cut to his home, when the 7.24 p.m. train from Exeter to Dulverton came along and caused his death. - HUTCHINGS who had been in the employ of the G.W.R. Company for about 40 years leaves several sons. One is in the Army, another in the employ of the G.W.R. Company at Newton Abbot and a third is at a bookstall on Taunton Station. - Coroner And An Anonymous Letter. - The evidence given at the Inquest by MISS HUTCHINGS (daughter) and by the Police showed that deceased was a temperate and trustworthy man. For the past 15 years he had been in the habit of walking along the railway line as a short cut to his home at Brick House. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram (Exeter), said the deceased was a valued and trustworthy servant of 36 years' standing and the G.W.R. Company regretted his death. - Medical testimony showed that the deceased had met his death by a severe blow on the head, brought about, it was surmised, by the 7.25 p.m. Exe Valley train from Exeter to Dulverton on Tuesday last. The Jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death. - The Coroner (Mr A. Fisher) said he had received an anonymous letter from someone professing to throw light on the tragedy. Personally he always committed such epistles to the waste-paper basket. The Jurors: Hear, hear.

MONKOKEHAMPTON - Tragic Death Of A Young Devon Farmer. - Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest at Monkokehampton, Wednesday, on MR WILLIAM JOHN TUCKER, of Hillside. - MRS G. A. TUCKER said her husband was 29 years of age. His death must have been an accident; she knew of nothing that would suggest otherwise. Before leaving the house on Tuesday morning he took the letters from the postman, but he himself received nothing by post. - Miss M. E. Perkins, one of the household, said MR TUCKER told her he saw a rabbit in the hedge and he was going out to shoot. - Hy. Fairchild, carpenter, Monkokehampton, said on passing Hillside he saw a man lying in the road on his back. A gun was across his left hip. He went back to the house and asked for MR TUCKER and found he was not there. He then went for the Constable. When he went back he saw the man was dead, the top part of his head being blown off. - P.C. Jarvis said he found the body of deceased about 170 paces from the house. Behind MR TUCKER was a gap in the hedge, about five feet high. There were signs that someone had come through there. On the inside were footprints which corresponded with MR TUCKER'S boots. He produced a piece of stick which he found close to the body and had shown the Jury where it had been broken off in the hedge or the gap. - Dr F. W. Mitchell, of Hatherleigh said deceased's wound was such as would be caused by the gun produced held about a foot away. He was of opinion it was a case of accident. - The Jury (Mr W. Risdon, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Suicide. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday, on the body of MRS CLARA ANN GROVES, aged 43, who died on Tuesday evening last. Mr M. W. Tattam was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - WALTER WILLIAM GROVES, husband of deceased, stated that he last saw his wife alive on Tuesday evening just before she died. For the last 12 months she had been living with her aunt, Mrs Colwill, at 11 Oxford-grove, as she had been in bad health and could get more attention. On Tuesday, October 5th, about 9.15 p.m., he went to see his wife and finding her very ill, he sent for the doctor. She said the stuff was poisoning her that was coming out of her throat, but that was a common expression for her, so he did not think anything unusual about it. When the doctor arrived deceased was dead. He had no suspicion that she had taken poison, and she had never threatened to take her life. - MARY ELIZABETH COLWILL, aunt of deceased, said deceased had been living with her for the past 12 months on account of her health. Deceased suffered from a nervous breakdown. On Tuesday last she appeared very depressed all day, especially towards the evening. Witness asked deceased to have some supper, but she said she did not require any. Some time afterwards she heard her retching, but she was often doing that. Witness went to deceased about 8.30 and asked her to stop, as she would hurt her throat. Witness then took her to the bedroom and she lay on the bed and groaned. Deceased's daughter came in and shortly afterwards her husband, who sent for a doctor, but by the time he came she was dead. Shortly afterwards witness missed some oxalic acid, which she had bought for cleaning the brass and which deceased had mixed ready for her use. At times deceased was very depressed and did not know what she was doing. - Dr Jones said he had attended deceased, who suffered from neurasthenia, and she would almost starve herself at times. He did not see any sign of poison, but was told that they mistrusted it. He had since made a post-mortem and found that oxalic acid poisoning had caused her death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Saturday 9 October 1915
EXETER - Drowned In The Exe. Inquest On Young Man At Exeter Last Evening. - The Inquest on the body of ALBERT HARRIS, 22, found floating in the Exe the previous day, was held by the Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at Exeter Police Court last evening. Deceased, whose home was in Church-lane, St. Thomas, had been missing for several days. - GEORGE HARRIS, brother, stated that deceased lived with the rest of the family in Church-lane. On Sunday, 26th September he was depressed and strange in his manner. He walked up and down his room like an animal in a cage. Witness and his sister looked after him. This continued up to midnight, when he wanted to get out into the open air. He was let out, but he returned a little later. This happened twice and after that deceased got out of the window and disappeared. On the Sunday morning deceased had come up to witness's bedroom and said "I am out of my mind." Witness tried to comfort his brother. The latter had been in ill-health for nearly two years. - MRS FANNY HARRIS, the mother, said that deceased was under medical care some time ago. He had stated his intention of joining the Army, but witness thought he was not in a fit state to join. - Francis George Lovell spoke to recovering the body from the river on Thursday and Dr J. A. W. Pereira gave it as his opinion that deceased had been in the water for probably more than a week. The post mortem showed lung disease. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity".

Western Times, Monday 11 October 1915
DARTMOUTH - Tragedy Of Darkness. Retired Doctor Found Dead At Dartmouth. Walked Over Embankment. - At Dartmouth on Saturday, an Inquest was held on the body of DR GORDON FITZHERBERT NICHOLLS, aged 55 years, of Newcomin Lodge. Deceased's body was recovered from the Dart on Thursday night. - WILLIAM HENRY NICHOLLS, dental surgeon, of Abergavenhy, said deceased was his brother, and had been in indifferent health for some time. - Walter Henly, stoker petty officer, said that on Thursday night he was on the embankment and saw that a man was in the river. He sent some men for a boat and on seeing deceased in the water he put an oar over the edge of the quay, and secured deceased by means of it. A lifebuoy was also dropped over and the doctor was kept afloat until the arrival of a boat. He was dead when taken out of the water. - Replying to the Deputy Coroner (Mr H. Smith), witness stated that he did not hear any splash, but deceased called "Help, help." DR NICHOLLS was not drowned, as his head did not go below the water after he had been secured by means of the boat. - John Stone and John R. Paisley also gave evidence as to having gone to the assistance of the deceased. - Dr G. M. Soper attributed death to shock caused by sudden immersion. - P.S. Leach said artificial respiration was tried without success. The Deputy Coroner expressed the opinion that in the darkness which had been increased by the lighting restrictions, under the Defence of the Realm Act, the deceased had walked into the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the authorities should be approached with a view to some lamps, effectively shaded, being lit on the Embankment. - DR NICHOLLS resided at Bournemouth prior to coming to Dartmouth. He had also been in practice at Birmingham, where he was a member of the City Council. He was also at one time captain of the Edgbaston Swimming Club.

Western Times, Tuesday 12 October 1915
TEIGNMOUTH - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on Friday, on the body of ARTHUR JAMES BULLEY, 14, son of a labourer of Ideford. - The evidence was to the effect that on Tuesday, near Lindridge, Bishopsteignton, Mr W. Palk, butcher, of Bishopsteignton, was driving a trap when deceased came around the corner on a bicycle, and collided with it. Deceased was brought to Teignmouth Hospital the following morning and died the same night from shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Thursday 14 October 1915
EXETER - Engine Driver's Sudden Death At Exeter. - The sudden death of JAMES VINCE, aged 44, a Great Western engine driver, living at 14 Buller-road, Exeter, was the subject of an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Browne, at the Police Station last evening. The widow said that deceased had always enjoyed particularly good health, and went to work as usual on Monday. When he returned in the afternoon he was just as usual and went to bed at 10.20 p.m. Directly he lay down he said he felt choking. She lifted him up and sent for a neighbour and a doctor. P.C. Heath came and tried artificial respiration and Dr Corbett gave him an injection, but he was nearly dead then. During the previous two or three days deceased had been excited over his promotion to a second class driver. - Dr Corbett told the Jury that the Constable was trying artificial respiration when he arrived, but all efforts were fruitless. A post mortem examination showed the heart to be slightly enlarged and fatty and death was no doubt due to heart failure. The excitement referred to probably had something to do with it. The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 19 October 1915
STOKE RIVERS - Fatal Accident At Stoke Rivers. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at Stoke Rivers, near Barnstaple, on Friday evening, relative to the death of MARY ANN CLARKE, of that village. The evidence showed that the deceased, who was 76 years of age, had been in failing health of late. She went to bed as usual on October 12th, but about midnight her married daughter, who lived in the same house together with her husband, heard a noise resembling someone falling, and on investigating found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, she having fallen down over. She was immediately picked up and put to bed and medical assistance summoned. Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, was soon in attendance, and did everything possible, but she passed away on Thursday, death being due to fracture of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TOTNES - Lockjaw. Peculiar Death Of A Child At Totnes: The Inquest. - At Totnes Guildhall, yesterday afternoon, Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on ARCHIE JAMES PERRING, aged 6 ½ years, son of Chief-Stoker H. J. PERRING, R.N. Mr James Westaway was Foreman of the Jury. The child's mother said on October 8th he came home about 7 p.m. with a cut knee. He said a girl threw a stone at him. He was attended by the District Nurse. On Thursday evening he bit his tongue and she sent for the nurse and told her she thought it was lockjaw, but she thought it due to his nerves. She sent for a doctor on Friday, and he told her what it was. The boy died on Saturday afternoon. - Mrs Laws, of Fore-street, Totnes, said deceased was with her little boy and went into Atherton-lane. She heard the deceased crying and found he had fallen down. She brought him in and washed and bandaged the scratch on his left knee. - Doris Adams, age five, said she was with another little girl, truckling small stones down the lane and the deceased was kneeling down and throwing them back. One struck him on the knee and he screamed. She then ran away. - Dr Edmond said when he saw deceased on Friday afternoon he had tetanus. A small wound on the kneecap had been dressed with boracic lint. He used serum on the following day as a forlorn hope. There was nothing in the wound to suggest that tetanus would occur. - The Jury found death due to Lockjaw as the result of the cut, which was Accidentally obtained.

EXETER - Exeter Canal Tragedy. Public Danger Through Lack Of Lamps. Petition To City Council. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Court House last evening relative to the death of HENRY BROOM, aged 69, formerly an attendant at the Exeter City Workhouses, and recently a lodger at Haven House, Haven Banks, who walked into Exeter Canal and was drowned on Friday night. - Evidence of identification was given by Henry Channing, who said the deceased was near sighted. - Mrs Sarah Ann Channing, with whom the deceased lodged for many years, said on the 15th inst. she was walking behind the deceased on the way home on the Canal banks, when she saw he took the wrong direction. It was very dark. She called out to him, "Uncle HARRY, you are going the wrong way." he cried "Oh! my," and immediately fell into the water. She raised an alarm and residents came out with candles, but it was so dark that the deceased could not be seen. The spot after dark was very dangerous, through the want of light. She had got a petition signed by neighbours a short time ago and presented to the City Council, praying for more lamps and the reply was that they would do what they could. Councillor Priston, she understood, was deputed to see the spot and she believed that he reported that he did not think a lamp was required. When dark, however, people had to feel their way. - Horace Griffiths, who lives at Haven Villa, said at 8.50 p.m. he met deceased, who was sober. Ten minutes later he heard deceased fall into the water. Witness obtained a boat, and found the body about the centre of the Canal nearly 200 yards from the Welcome Inn, towards Double Locks. He tried artificial respiration without success. There was no lamp after passing the Inn and the path was in complete darkness. The lamp at the corner of the Inn shone more on the water than on the path. - P.C. Bishop stated that he kept up efforts towards artificial respiration until the doctor arrived and pronounced life to be extinct. - Mr Corbett, Surgeon, stated that death was due to drowning. The spot where the accident occurred was very dangerous owing to want of light. After passing the Welcome Inn there was no lamp till Tizzard's-cottages were reached, 150 yards away. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to forward to the City Council a recommendation on their behalf that more lamps should be placed on the footpath in view of the fact that it was used by a large number of inhabitants. The Foreman (Mr Bates) said he was familiar with the spot, and the one light there was not sufficient. Moreover, a light shining at the back of people after they had passed the Welcome Inn had the effect of causing the water of the Canal to look more like the road. - The Coroner promised to forward the recommendation to the proper quarter.

Western Times, Friday 22 October 1915
EXETER - Death As The Result Of Burns At Exeter. - At an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of ELIZABETH ANN CLEMENTS, of Brook Green-terrace, aged 70, widow of the late MR JOSEPH CLEMENTS, naval pensioner, of Ivybridge, it was stated that the deceased, who acted as housekeeper for a blind gentleman, was found in flames in the back kitchen of the house on the 8th September. Her daughter, FLORENCE CLEMENTS, who lived close by, stated that her mother told her that she was coming downstairs when she tripped and fell, the lamp she was carrying at the same time exploding. She was attended by Dr Bradford for a fortnight after the accident and since she had been under the care of Dr Gates at the Dispensary. Deceased became worse on Sunday and died on Wednesday. Witness added that the evening before the accident her mother appeared to be quite well. Asked by the Jury why when she saw her mother in flames, she did not throw something over her, witness said she was frightened and unnerved. - Margaret Gill, a neighbour, said on the alarm being given she fetched deceased's daughter. With the latter she entered the house and saw the deceased in flames. Witness added that she helped to extinguish the fire. - Dr Mabel Gates, who attended the deceased for extensive burns of both arms and also burns on the chest, said deceased died from exhaustion, following on diarrhoea and vomiting, due to the burns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Tuesday 26 October 1915
EXETER - Pathetic Story. A Soldier's Sudden Death While On Leave At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, relative to the death of PTE. JOHN HANCOCK, aged 52, of the Dublin Fusiliers, who died suddenly on Friday afternoon under peculiarly pathetic circumstances. he had obtained ten days' leave from his regiment at Cork to visit Exeter to see his wife, who was in a critical condition, but dropped down and expired within a few yards of the house. - The deceased was identified by his stepson, WILLIAM MATTHEWS, a cab driver, who said that deceased came home from Ireland four months ago to attend the funeral of his brother, who died at the Royal Naval Hospital at Plymouth. He then complained of throat trouble. On Wednesday last he was telegraphed for to come home to see his wife. - William Moule, landlord of the Spirit Vaults in South-street, stated that on Friday between one and two o'clock deceased entered the bar. He said that he had not been in the best of health lately, and he had a drop of brandy. he remained about five minutes. - Charlotte Ingram said on Friday deceased entered Friary's-terrace. She saw him spitting, and when within two doors of his house he commenced coughing. Witness went to his assistance, but before she could reach him he staggered across the road on his left side. he had been spitting blood. Water was fetched for him, and his tunic was loosened. He was evidently choking. Messengers went for a doctor, but deceased died before his arrival. - Dr J. Frost stated that the post-mortem revealed that a blood vessel in the thorax had burst into the lung. Deceased was a well-nourished man. Probably the excitement of his home-coming to see the wife who was ill, and the long journey, accounted for the bursting of the blood vessel. Death was due to haemorrhage, the result of a ruptured aneurism. The Jurymen commented on the strange fact that deceased should have been passed for the Army. It was stated, however, that prior to joining for the war he had been in the Army. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 28 October 1915
WITHERIDGE - Sudden Death In A Mill At Witheridge. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Yeo Cottage, Witheridge, yesterday, relative to the death of HENRY PARTRIDGE, aged 58, miller. - The body was identified by the wife, who said her husband left home on the morning of the 25th to go to work and he was then apparently in good health. Six years ago he was attended by a doctor for strain. - Francis John Shapland, farmer, said at 1.20 p.m. he went to the mill door and found deceased lying on the floor on his face and hands and dead. A half sack of meal, intended for witness, was on the weights near by. - Dr A. H. Brown, who had made a post-mortem examination, said all deceased's organs were healthy, with the exception of an aneurism of the heart, which would cause instantaneous death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 29 October 1915
BRADWORTHY - Shocking Fatality. Lad Crushed By Steam Roller At Bradworthy. - Dr Parson, Bideford, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Hotel, Bradworthy, on Wednesday, touching the death of FREDERICK WILLIAM JENNINGS, the six-year-old son of MR RICHARD JENNINGS, carpenter, who was run over by a steam roller on Monday afternoon. The Rev. A. E. Dobson (vicar) was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The father identified the body as that of his son. He was five years and 11 months old, and he last saw him alive just after dinner. - Mr John Martin, ironmonger, said he was standing in his shop door at about 5 p.m., when he saw the steam roller in the Square. Two men were in charge, one driving and the other steering. He was about 30 yards from the engine. As the engine stopped to reverse gears he saw the boy fall off and as the engine moved back the off wheel caught the boy as he fell to the ground. The boy appeared to be riding on the "scrape." He (witness) shouted to the driver, but the wheel passed over the boy's right arm and part of his head. The engine was topped and reversed to get the boy out. - Mr Ernest Edwards said he was driving the steam roller at the time. It was being placed in position for the night. After he had reversed the engine to back he heard someone shout that there was a boy under the roller. He reversed again as quickly as possible. He would not have known that he had runned over anything if someone had not shouted. He was not aware that the boy was on the "scrape." Children often ran after the engine and had been cautioned. - Mr Francis J. Brock, Mr Edwards' assistant, corroborated. He heard Mr Martin shout and at the same time saw the boy under the wheel, and the engine was reversed and moved off the boy. He did not know the boy was on the roller. Several children followed the engine across the Square and he told them to go away. - Dr Bates deposed that on examining the body he found that the face had been squeezed, but the features were not smashed. The back of the head was broken and the brains were protruding. The right arm was broken in many places. Death must have been instantaneous. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

CLYST ST LAWRENCE - Death Of A Recluse. Former Clergyman Found Dead At Broadclyst. - The death of a recluse, formerly a clerk in Holy Orders, was the subject of an Inquest held by the Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Hill's Farm, Clyst St. Lawrence, yesterday. The deceased was DAVID M. SALTER, an elderly man, who was found dead in his house, Wood Cottage, Broadclyst on Tuesday evening when, in consequence of his not having been seen for some days, an entry to the house was forced by the Police. - Rev. Edmund Pilcher Lewis, D.D., of 8 Westbourne-crescent, Lancaster-gate, London, identified deceased as his uncle, who was formerly a clergyman, but had not followed any calling for 40 years. He was 82 years of age and was a great recluse. He had lived at Wood Cottage, Broadclyst, for the last 14 years, quite alone. Witness last heard from his uncle in March last, when he stated that he was in good health, body and mind. - Sidney Robert Withers, farmer, of Hill's Farm, Clyst St. Lawrence, said deceased lived in a house in a field adjoining witness's farm, in the parish of Broadclyst. Witness was in the habit of sending eggs to deceased. He sent his servant as usual on Monday last, and she returned and said she could not make anyone hear. the same thing happened on Tuesday. Witness afterwards gave information to the Police. - P.c. Skelly stated that he accompanied the last witness to deceased's residence on the evening of the 26th inst. They found the door bolted on the inside. They forced the doors and found the deceased lying on the bedroom floor on his left side, quite dead. He had a short and cardigan jacket on. The clothes of the bed were turned back, but the bed had not been occupied. It looked as if deceased had been on the point of getting into bed. There was nothing in the house to throw any light on the death beyond his appearance, which was quite natural. - Ethel Miller, of Clyst St. Lawrence, who had been in the habit of delivering letters and papers to deceased, said she last saw him alive on the 19th inst. She had delivered letters there regularly up to Wednesday. Her suspicions were not aroused, as she often went for a fortnight without seeing him. - Dr E. A. Brash, of Exeter, stated that on the 7th July last deceased came to him and was treated for eczema. He had never seen deceased before. For a man of his age he was fairly well. The body now presented quite a natural appearance. He should say death was due to syncope, the result of old age. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

HONITON - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at the Honiton Police Station by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, relative to the death of MARY TUCKER, aged 79, a widow, residing in the King's Arms Yard, Honiton. Deceased was found dead in the lavatory outside her house the previous day. Dr Hedden was at once called and found life extinct. A post-mortem examination was held and syncope being certified as the cause of death, a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 30 October 1915
Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest yesterday at East Buckland relative to the death of the three-months-old child of THOMAS CROOK, of Ivy Cottage. The child was not very well on Sunday, but seemed better the following day. On Tuesday it was not so well again and on Wednesday morning had a convulsion and passed away suddenly. Dr Seal, of South Molton, spoke to the results of a post-mortem examination, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TIVERTON - The Tiverton Tragedy. Inquest On The Victim Of Traction Engine Accident. - At Tiverton last evening the Borough Coroner, Mr Arthur Fisher, held an Inquest on FRANCIS THOMAS BIDGOOD, aged 14, who was crushed to death under the wheels of a traction engine truck on the Bolham road the previous evening. - Evidence of identification having been given by HAROLD BIDGOOD, a brother of the deceased, Albert Williams, of Chapel-street, Tiverton, stated that he cycled to Bampton Fair with deceased. About four o'clock he missed deceased in the fair, and soon afterwards he started back for home, riding alone. - Arthur Henry Eveleigh, of Park Farm, Tiverton Junction, stated that while he was returning from Bampton Fair he noticed a traction engine drawing two trucks in front of him. Not far from Bolham he noticed a boy and bicycle lying between the traction engine and the first truck. The boy appeared to be trying to get away from the truck towards the hedge, but the wheels of the truck went over his chest. - Albert Pugh, engine driver in the employ of Mr Elworthy of Crosslands, Halberton, stated that when he felt "something going hard behind" he pulled up at once and getting down found the lad between the two wheels of the back wagon. - Reubin Osmond, of Ash Thomas, "third man" with the traction engine, said he sat on the back truck, and when necessary pulled a rope tied to the steersman to warn him if anything was coming behind him. He did not see anything of deceased till the body was picked up from under the truck. Had he noticed the boy coming, it would not have been necessary for him to pull the cord because there was, in his judgment, room for a cycle to pass the engine. - By a Juror (Mr Pratt): He did not hear the boy ring a bicycle bell. - P.C. Stevens stated that he was called to the scene of the accident and saw the body lying 3ft. 6in. from the hedge. Lying near by was a badly damaged bicycle. From the tracks on the road he should say that the bicycle skidded while the boy was attempting to pass the traction engine. the road at this spot was about 13ft. 6in. wide. It did not look from the tracks as if the engine driver could have given a cyclist more space to pass. The road was very wet and greasy. - Dr Pollock described the terrible injuries received by the boy, and said death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner, in summing up, said no one appeared to be to blame for the accident and the Jury found that death resulted from a pure accident, and no one was to blame.

Western Times, Monday 1 November 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Boy's Death As The Result Of Falling Down A Coal Hole. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday afternoon, touching the death of a lad named WILLIAM SMITH, aged 14, son of MR JOHN SMITH, of 37 Wilder-road, Ilfracombe, who died the previous Wednesday. Mr W. H. Berry was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - BESSIE SMITH, mother of deceased, said her son had always been in very good health. On March 5th, 1915, deceased was delivering milk for Mr Thos. Vellacott, for whom he had been working for about 12 months between school hours. On that day he went to No. 17 St Brannock's-road, in the afternoon delivering milk. Deceased told her about 7 o'clock that evening that he had been delivering milk at Mr Phillips', St. Brannock's-road, when he slipped on a coal cover. He said the cover slipped on one side when he was walking over it and that it was not the first time he had slipped there. He finished his round and when he came home complained that he had hurt his hip. He did not go out again that day, and witness rubbed his hip with some oils. The following day he went to school and did his milk round again. He complained of pain from his hip. He went to school up to April 1st, and during that time he delivered his milk as usual. Up to April 1st she rubbed his hip every night with oils and poulticed it. She had not sent for the doctor up to that time because she hoped he would get better. She sent for Dr Toller on April 18th because deceased appeared to be getting worse. Later on he was removed to the Hospital, where he remained up to October 27th. Witness had never heard him say that he had hurt himself before. - Mr Watts (of the firm of Messrs. Rowe and Warren), who appeared for Mr Thos. Vellacott, asked witness if deceased had ever complained, about three weeks after the accident, when he returned from a football match, that he had kicked and missed the ball and had hurt his hip. - Witness stated that after the accident he never played football. - Edwin Frederick Gibbs, a boy, said that on March 5th last he was with deceased in St. Brannock's-road, about 4.30 when deceased on going to Mr Phillips' house slipped and his leg went down a coal-hole. Deceased called out to witness and he went and helped him out. Deceased complained of his hip, but he went on delivering his milk afterwards. He was lame. He played football, but witness did not remember seeing him play since the accident. - Asked why he signed a document (produced), witness replied that Mr Vellacott wrote it out and told him to put his name at the bottom of it. - Mr Gretten Phillips said the cover was kept in position by a piece of rope from a ring to a hoop. Witness walked over the coal-hole about 2.30 p.m. on March 5th, when the cover was all right. He did not hear anything about the accident until the end of April, when deceased's mother came into his shop and asked him what he was going to do about compensation. Mr Vellacott had also interviewed him and said his boy had met with an accident and probably he would hear more about it. - Thos. Vellacott, dairyman, said deceased was in his employ, and he told him of the accident the same evening, but did not complain that he had hurt himself. He delivered milk for him regularly for four weeks later. He complained to his son some time afterwards that he had been out playing football and that he had kicked and missed the ball, and hurt his hip. After the football match he commenced to walk lame and told witness he had hurt his hip. - In answer to the Jury, witness said the reason he asked the boy Gibbs to sign the statement (produced) was because he had received a letter claiming compensation and he wanted to protect himself. - Dr Toller said he first saw deceased on April 18th when deceased said he had hurt his hip through falling down the coal-hole. He had since made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to exhaustion, following sarcoma of the hip joint. - In answer to the Jury, witness said the bruise could not have been caused by deceased kicking at a football and falling on the soft ground. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, caused by Falling Down a Coal-Hole."

Western Times, Tuesday 2 November 1915
BROADCLYST - Silverton Tragedy. Plucky Attempt At Rescue In The Darkness. - At the Inquest held at the Chapel, Broadclyst, on Saturday, by the District coroner (Mr H. W. Gould) relative to MARTHA NEWTON, aged 54, wife of MR JOHN NEWTON, City Water Inspector, of 56 Oxford-road, Exeter. - Evidence was given by the husband to the effect that deceased had been on a visit to friends at the Silverton Paper Mills, and he was expecting her to return home on the 28th inst. - Alice May Loaring, of the Mills, niece of deceased, stated that on Thursday night, at 7.15 she was accompanying the deceased to Silverton Station. They went on the mill road bordering on the river Culm. Witness, who was in front, suddenly heard a splash. She called out to deceased, but getting no reply, cried for help. The night was dark. - John Hart Thompson, of the Mills, who arrived in response to the last witness' cries for help, said he jumped into the water and then saw the deceased lying face downwards. He pulled her out and placed her on the bank. She showed no signs of life. Witness' father came on the scene, and they continued their efforts at artificial respiration till the doctor arrived, but without success. - MR NEWTON, the husband, recalled, said the deceased had been attended for heart weakness. - Dr Clayton Jones, who tried artificial respiration for two hours, said the cause of death was drowning. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 3 November 1915
TORQUAY - Mr P. C. Cornish Bowden, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay on Monday afternoon, on EDWARD HENLEY, a grocer's assistant, aged 64 years, of "Springcroft", Abbey-road, Torquay, who died in the Torbay Hospital, on Saturday afternoon, shortly after admission. From the evidence, deceased became giddy outside his brother's shop in Union-street, Torquay, where he was employed, and fell. His head struck the kerb, causing a lacerated wound. Dr Bennett, who made a post-mortem examination, said deceased's heart was in an advanced state of fatty degeneration and the cause of death was sudden heart failure due to the diseased condition of the heart, accelerated by the blow on the head. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Fatal Collision. Darkened Road At Exeter Under Reduced Lighting Order. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, relative to the death of THOMAS STAMP, farmer, of Alma Cottage, Broadclyst, who was thrown out of a trap as the result of a collision with a van in Magdalen-road on Friday evening. Deceased died at the Hospital on Sunday. - The body was identified by the deceased's son, JOHN STAMP, who said his father was 73 years of age. Witness last saw him on Friday morning, when he was in his usual health. He visited him at the Hospital after the accident, but deceased was not then conscious. - John Wade, landlord of the Black Lion Inn, South-street, said on Friday evening deceased left the Inn about 7.20 and was then quite sober. He had only had at the house one glass of hot brandy. - James Darby, van man, who was proceeding down Magdalen-road, shortly after seven o'clock on Friday evening in charge of a horse and van, said when near the Home Hospital, a pony and trap came towards him. the vehicle had a candle lamp. Witness was on his left side close to the wall, his horse proceeding at a walking pace, and the brake being on. The trap was travelling at a rapid rate. Twice witness shouted, "Look up; keep off," but the trap came along in the centre of the road, and collided with the front right wheel of the van. Deceased, who had taken no notice of witness's shouts, never spoke. As a result of the collision the trap was upset, the deceased falling underneath. - Pte. S. G. Jeffreys, of the R.A.M.C., stated that about 7.15 on Friday evening, while standing near the Mount Radford Inn, he saw deceased driving up Magdalen-road at about seven or eight miles an hour. He was in the middle of the road. On hearing the crash witness ran up and found the trap overturned about a foot from the kerb. He assisted in conveying deceased to the Hospital. The night was misty and the spot was very dark. Witness considered that deceased was travelling at a reasonable pace, but he heard no one shouting before the accident. Boys were playing at the corner, and causing so much noise that it would have been impossible, in witness's opinion, for deceased to have heard the van driver's shout. P.S. Snell, who went to the scene in response to a telephone call, said there was blood on the kerb and the channelling. The road was 25 feet wide. The spot was very dark, and a public lamp about twenty paces off was out, according to the reduced lighting order. There was a good deal of fog at time, and the spot was very dark. - Dr T. W. Smith, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said a post mortem revealed that deceased had a fractured skull and extensive lacerations of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Times, Friday 5 November 1915
PETERS MARLAND - A post mortem was held last Wednesday by Dr E. Drybrough Smith, of Shebbear, on the body of MR JOHN MITCHELL, whose sudden death was reported in last Friday's paper. At the Inquest before the Coroner, Dr Pearson, of Bideford, a verdict of Death from Heart Trouble was passed. Mr J. Oxenham was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The Coroner and Foreman expressed their sympathy with the widow. The funeral, which took place at the Parish Church on Sunday was attended by over 180 people, who came from far and near to pay a last tribute of respect to one who was greatly respected and beloved by all who knew him. His familiar figure will be sadly missed.

SWIMBRIDGE - Sudden Death At Swimbridge. - At Swymbridge yesterday, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS BOWDEN, farm labourer, in the employ of Mr A. Bale, of Broomscott Farm, Swymbridge, who died on Tuesday night. The evidence showed that deceased, after dinner on Tuesday, went out to load mangolds and about 6.30 was found by his master lying in the field. He could speak, but was unable to walk. He was taken home, put to bed and stimulants administered. Dr Thomas, of Barnstaple, being also sent for. Death, however, took place before his arrival. A post-mortem revealed fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

CHARLES - An Inquest has been held at Charles, near South Molton, by Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, concerning the death of OLIVE MATILDA CROOKE, the three months' old daughter of EDWARD CROOKE, woodman, of Ivy Cottage, Charles. - Evidence was given that at ten o'clock in the morning of last Wednesday the mother of the child was giving her a bath, when the child suddenly expired. - Dr Seal, of South Molton, was summoned and he subsequently made a post-mortem examination. The doctor stated that death was due to Natural Causes, and the Jury, of whom the Rev. E. C. Harries was foreman, returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 6 November 1915
COMBE RALEIGH - Shooting Fatality At Honiton. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Coombe Raleigh, a village about two miles from Honiton, by Mr C. N. Tweed, The Deputy Coroner for the East Devon District, concerning the death of HORACE CHARLES DYER FISHER, aged 19, who died as the result of a gun accident the previous day. The father, JOHN ROWE FISHER, farmer, stated that on the previous afternoon he and deceased were working together. He (witness) about 3.30 went into an outhouse and just after heard the report of a gun. He did not take any notice, as they were in the habit of using a gun for the purpose of killing vermin. He saw deceased coming towards him, when suddenly he staggered and fell. Witness ran and spoke to him, but he did not reply. Blood was flowing from his right side. The gun was subsequently found, about 25 yards away, leaning against a bank. Both hammers were down and the left had been discharged. He unloaded the barrel and gave the cartridge to the Constable. Deceased was 6 feet 1 ½ inch in height and had enlisted in the Life Guards, but about three months ago was discharged as medically unfit. He had received one of Lord Derby's appeals. Deceased said it must have been a clerical error, but he was greatly upset. It was decided that deceased should go to Bristol and try again after some necessary work on the farm had been finished and at the dinner table that day he seemed quite bright. He, however, would not go to Honiton and spoke of the need of men discharged from the Service having a badge. He had no motive for taking his life. - Mrs Mary Emma Chick, wife of a soldier in India, spoke to hearing frightened cries from deceased's younger brother and on going out found deceased lying on his face in a field. Deceased gave one or two laboured breaths after she came to him. - P.C. Hatherleigh stated that on examining the gun he found that the ear part of the left hammer was broken off. The missing part he found among the leaves that morning under a large stone at the foot of the bank close by where the gun was found. Possibly deceased either caught his foot and knocked the barrel against the stone and so caused the gun to discharge, or else knocked it heavily when passing the stone. The gun would have been in deceased's right hand and the bank on his right hand side. - Dr Ash stated that when he arrived, about four o'clock, deceased had been dead about a quarter of an hour. On examination he found a wound which showed that the gun was within a few inches. The wound which was on the right side, about three inches below the armpit, was about the size of half-a-crown. Two of the ribs were fractured. There was a large cavity in the lungs. Death resulted from haemorrhage. The wound was a mortal one and it would have been physically impossible for deceased to have shot himself. In reply to the father, the doctor said the wound was in an upward direction. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Wednesday 10 November 1915
COMBPYNE - Fatal Termination Of Accident In East Devon Harvest field. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, attended at Combpyne (near Axminster) on Monday, to hold an Inquest relative to the death of FREDERICK GEORGE COX, aged 59, a carter in the employ of Mr W. Smith, of Manor Farm, Combpyne. It was stated that deceased, whilst engaged in harvest operations on September 6th last, fell from a loaded wagon, death taking place as a result on November 6th. The Jury, of which Mr W. A. Townsend was Foreman, returned a verdict of Cerebral Haemorrhage.

Western Times, Friday 12 November 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Deadly Flannelette. Servant Girl's Sad Death At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of MINNIE JANE PAVEY, aged 18, who was employed as a servant by Mrs Buchanan Smith, of Tors Cottage, Ilfracombe, and who was badly burnt on Friday morning of last week by her flannelette nightdress catching fire and who died on Wednesday evening last. - MARTHA PAVEY, mother of deceased, who was much distressed, identified the body. She saw deceased on Friday morning last at Tors Cottage about 7 o'clock. She was on the mattress on the floor downstairs. Deceased told witness that she was striking a match, and the head of the match flew off and she got out of bed to see where it went and she was all in flames. She struck the match to light a candle. Deceased screamed but nobody heard her and she ran downstairs. Deceased was wearing a flannelette nightdress, bought about four years ago; but it was inflammable as she bought it herself, and she asked for inflammable. The flannelette was marked non-inflammable. - Miss Buchanan Smith said that on November 5th she was aroused about 6.45 a.m. by hearing screams, and deceased came downstairs and opened her door. She was all in flames and witness put her on her bed and threw her bedclothes over her to extinguish the flames. Witness sent for a doctor and deceased's mother and she was removed to the Hospital on the same day. - Dr Alfred Gardner said he was called to see deceased on November 5th and had her removed to the Hospital. She was very badly burnt nearly all over the body. They were not deep burns. Deceased was very collapsed and the case was hopeless from the first. The cause of death was shock following extensive burns. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added a rider to the effect that flannelette should not be sold as non-inflammable if, after a certain amount of washing, it was not so.

Western Times, Wednesday 17 November 1915
ST MARYCHURCH - Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquest yesterday at St. Marychurch Town Hall, on the body of ROSE SARAH HARFIELD, aged 37 years, domestic servant, daughter of WILLIAM HARFIELD, naval pensioner, of Babbacombe. Deceased was employed at Beech Hurst, the residence of Mrs Henning, of Chelston. Her body was discovered on the sea shore, near Hope's Nose, about midday on Monday. - MRS KATE BALSDON, a sister of the deceased, said she told witness that she had been corresponding with a married man who had six children, and she admitted writing two such letters. Witness did not scold her. Subsequently deceased saw her mother and promised faithfully not to continue the correspondence. Deceased and herself left on the best of terms. The note produced was in her sister's handwriting. It read: "I hope people will tell the truth as much as they tell lies. You can't believe all you hear now-a-days." - Mrs Henning said the deceased had been a faithful servant for 13 years. On Saturday she complained of headache, but on Sunday afternoon, about 3.30, seemed bright and cheerful when she went out. She did not return as usual at 9.30. - Henry T. Taylor, of Ilsham-road, spoke to seeing the body floating in the sea at Hope's Nose and helping the Police to bring it ashore. - Medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence. - P.S. Hunt said he had traced the deceased's footprints down the narrow path to the beach. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Lady's Death. Found On The Floor In Her House. Inquest Last Evening. - The City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, relative to the death of MARY ANN ROBERTS, spinster, aged 75, of Monks-road, Exeter, who was found by the Police lying on the floor of her house about 10.30 on Sunday morning and who died within half-an-hour. - The body was identified by Alfred John Fraser, of Mount Pleasant-road, as the daughter of the late MR WILLIAM ROBERTS, cabinet maker of Blackboy-road. She lived alone at Monks-road and was very deaf. Of late she had been in failing health and Dr Bradford had been attending two or three times a week. The last time the doctor saw her was on November 5th. Witness saw her on November 7th, when she was frail. On Saturday, the 13th, he again visited the house, but no one answered the door in response to his ring. Thinking there might be something wrong, he fetched his co-executor. Both went to Dr Bradford and to the Police Station, Returning with a Constable and the doctor, they were told by a neighbour that deceased was seen picking up leaves at 5.30 the same evening. The next morning witness went to the house at 9.30 and having obtained a chair, he looked into the window, and saw her lying on the floor. He telephoned for the doctor and a Police Constable. An entrance was forced into the house from the back. Deceased was found bleeding at the mouth. Witness's son had been in the habit of going to deceased's house daily, but the last time he called was on Thursday. Witness did not call on Friday as he did not think there was anything wrong. In answer to the Jury, witness said on the Saturday night a Constable got on the window sill and threw the light of his torch into the room, but saw nothing of the deceased. - George Coleridge, cellarman, working at the George and Dragon Inn, stated that he went to the deceased's house two or three times a week to attend to the garden. On Friday he went there about 4 p.m., when deceased seemed to be in her usual health. She was smiling and seemed quite lively. - Kate Horridge, Monks-road, who resides next door to deceased, said that on Saturday evening about 5.30 she saw a lady whom she thought was the deceased in the front garden picking leaves. On Friday evening she heard the deceased's bell pulled violently. Her little girl, who went to see who was ringing the bell, said there were a lady and gentleman at the door and the gentleman was standing on the wall pulling the bell. - Reginald Gregory, employed by Messrs. Hoskins, baker, said that he had been in the habit of delivering bread at the house. No one responded to his ring on Saturday. - P.C. Weeks, who went to the house with the doctor and Mr Fraser on the Saturday night, said he found all the doors and windows secure. He tried to force the kitchen door, but failed. Having been informed that a neighbour had seen the deceased as late as five o'clock, he concluded that the deceased had gone to bed. A suggestion was made that a ladder should be fetched, and an entrance effected through an upstair window, but it was thought that as the deceased suffered from heart weakness, the fright might result seriously. It was therefore determined to leave the matter till the following morning. - Mrs Dingle, who lives at the opposite corner to that at which the deceased resided, said on Saturday evening about 7.30 she saw a light in deceased's front room. Looking through the lace at the bottom of the blind, which was drawn, she saw a tall gentleman in the deceased's front room. Witness, who had intended to make a call on deceased about a charwoman did not therefore do so. - P.S. Snell, who forced an entrance on Sunday morning, stated that deceased was lying on the floor of the kitchen just inside the door. She was unconscious. The doctor attended to her, but she passed away. All the doors were locked on the inside. - A witness named Bailey, of Monks-road, said about 9 p.m. on Saturday he saw the Constable had a difficulty to get up to the window and he offered to lend a pair of steps. The officer declined. A better view could have been obtained of the room from a ladder then by knelling on a window sill. - Dr Bradford, deceased's medical attendant, said deceased was deaf and had a very weak heart. On the Sunday morning Mrs Fraser was enabled by the Police Sergeant to get through a small window and open the door. Witness found deceased breathing and emitting blood from the mouth. She died shortly after. - A post mortem examination revealed fatty degeneration of the heart and erosion of the mucus membrane of the stomach. This was almost like an ulcer, and gave rise to great loss of blood. Death was owing to heart failure, due to loss of blood in the stomach. Deceased was probably unconscious the whole of Saturday night. There were no marks of violence, nor any sign of an irritant in the stomach. - It was stated by P.S. Snell that a Saturday morning's paper in a wrapper was found unopened on the floor behind the front door. - The Coroner said there did not appear to be any evidence of foul play, but the Jury must decide whether they would have the case adjourned for further investigation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed an opinion that it was a great pity the old lady, having means, did not employ someone to look after her.

Western Times, Friday 19 November 1915
NORTH TAWTON - On Monday Mr Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest on LILIAN JANE WOOLF, aged 28, who died suddenly on Saturday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence. Mr W. D. Gibbings, Foreman, on behalf of the Jury, expressed their deep sympathy with the bereaved husband's family. This, he felt sure, was a feeling shared by all their fellow parishioners. MRS WOOLF resided at Exeter and her husband is an attendant at Digby's Asylum.

Western Times, Saturday 20 November 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Quarry Accident. Premature Explosion At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday with respect to the death of GEORGE HENRY HAWKINS, foreman quarryman, who was engaged by Messrs. Gilley and Son in a quarry off the Totnes road, where he was injured in consequence of the premature explosion of a blasting charge. - Mr R. King (St. Austell), Inspector of Mines, was present at the Inquiry, but the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, intimated that it would be necessary to communicate with the Inspector of Explosives before completing the Inquest. - CHARLOTTE HAWKINS stated that her husband was 63 years of age and had worked for 40 years at the quarries. He was brought home on Wednesday in a cab. - The Coroner: Did he tell you how the accident happened? - Witness: He told me he was firing a hole, and the charge went off before he could get away out of danger. That was the only thing he told me. - The Coroner: I suppose he is not a new hand at this kind of work? - Witness: Oh no; he was the foreman at the quarries and quite understood all about the work. - Dr Scrase stated that the deceased had an injury to the face such as would be received in a fall. There was also a wound in the small of the back with a large swelling beneath the skin. The patient complained of severe pain in the stomach. The man was conscious but very dazed. - Questioned as to the injury to the back, the doctor said it was caused by some projectile, such as a stone. He had seen similar wounds caused by shrapnel. Deceased had a weak heart and death was due to shock produced by the accident. - The Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday next at 2.30 p.m.

Western Times, Tuesday 23 November 1915
ASHFORD - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, conducted an Inquest at Ashford yesterday, relative to the death of JANE CRISPIN, aged 82, widow of a farmer who formerly resided at North Tawton. Deceased fell over a step on the evening of the 15th inst., fractured her arm and sustained internal injuries. Dr Cooper of Barnstaple, treated her and despite every attention she died from shock on the 20th. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BIDEFORD - Felo-De-Se Verdict Returned At A Bideford Inquest. - At Bideford Hospital on Friday, the Deputy Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, conducted an Inquest into the circumstances attending the death of AGNES SUSAN WILKINSON, 47, widow of an engine driver, who was found lying on the Library steps on Tuesday evening suffering from poisoning, to which she subsequently succumbed in Hospital. - The body was identified by George Cole, an elderly farmer in a small way at Northam, who said deceased had lived with him at his house for the past five years. He last saw her when she brought him a cup of tea on Tuesday morning. After dinner time he went into Bideford to look for her. He made several enquiries. One person had seen her, and he came to the conclusion that she had possibly gone to London. He informed the Police that she was missing. He had not had a quarrel with her; only a few words because she had been borrowing money. He had not assaulted her in any way or at any time and he had never heard her threaten to take her life. He had some carbolic for his sheep, but he did not know if it was still in the house. - Mary Ann Sluman, a widow, of Bideford, said deceased called on her about midday on Tuesday. She was quite sober. She did not say much and would not stay to dinner as she said she had to go home. Deceased was a cousin of witness's husband. She borrowed a shilling before she went. Witness remarked to her that she was not looking well, and she replied that she was low-spirited and had been since her mother's death last January. Witness said she had never seen her the worse for liquor. - Other evidence was called to show that deceased was seen in High-street, Bideford, about 4 o'clock in the afternoon, when she appeared to be all right, but an hour later she was found lying at the entrance to the Library, and was taken to the Police Station, it being at first thought she was under the influence of drink. P.S. Doidge, however, smelt something like carbolic and sent for a doctor, meantime doing what he could. A bottle of poison was found in her pocket. The woman was unconscious and made no statement. - Dr Francis, of Northam, said he had made a post mortem examination and in his opinion the cause of death was poisoning by crude carbolic acid which he found in the stomach. - The Jury returned a verdict of Felo-De-Se. Inquest

Western Times, Wednesday 24 November 1915
EXETER - Death Of An Exeter Octogenarian. - The death of DANIEL HAYCROFT, aged 87, who was found dead in bed at his place of abode, 13 Albion-place, Exeter, was the subject of an Inquest held last evening by the Coroner for the City, Mr W. Linford Brown. - MISS FLORENCE HELENA CAINES of Wonford-road, daughter of deceased, said her father was a pensioned receiving-ward attendant from St. George's-in-the-East. He suffered from bronchitis twelve months ago, but otherwise was a hale and hearty man. - Mrs Crocker, of 13 Albion-place with whom deceased had lodged for the last 15 or 16 years, said he had been somewhat unwell during the last week or so before he died. - Dr J. A. W. Pereira gave it as his opinion that death was due to heart failure following an attack of bronchitis. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - South Devon Quarry Fatality. - The adjourned Inquest into the circumstances of the death of MR GEORGE HENRY HAWKINS, foreman quarryman of 3 Union-street, Newton Abbot, who died on Wednesday last as the result of injuries received whilst blasting at the quarries, was held yesterday afternoon at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, before Mr S. Hacker. - Mr R. King (St. Austell), Inspector of Mines, was present. - William George Mortimore, of East Ogwell, stone cutter at the quarries, said that he was working with the deceased at the time of the accident. The deceased "fired" a hole which had been prepared the day before, and at about 11.30 he went to "fire" the second one. When HAWKINS lit the charge he shouted out "Fire!" as usual, to warn witness. Before witness had reached a place of safety the explosion occurred. Afterwards he saw HAWKINS coming towards him in a stooping position as if he had been hit. He could not say what length of fuse deceased used to "fire" the hole. He considered that the charge went off prematurely. He could throw no light on the occurrence. - William Henry Gilley, of Wolborough-street, Newton Abbot, lessee of the quarries, gave evidence, and said that the fuses used were always inspected. If there were any flaws they were easily detected. - William Henry Gilley, junr., also gave evidence, and said that deceased was active and would be able to get out of danger as quick as the other men. - Mr King expressed the opinion that in laying the charge possibly the outer case of the fuse became damaged and that would cause it to "fire" more quickly, and reach the powder quicker. - A verdict of "Accidental Death, due to the premature explosion of the blasting charge," was returned.

Western Times, Friday 26 November 1915
TAWSTOCK - Dr Ellis Pearson conducted an Inquest at Tawstock yesterday afternoon relative to the death of MARY ANN BERRY, wife of WM. BERRY, farmer, of Raddiscott Farm. The evidence showed that deceased had been in her usual good health and retired to bed about nine o'clock on Tuesday night last. Subsequently her husband found that she was ill and sent his brother for Mrs White, a neighbour, and Dr Lemarchand, of Barnstaple, but deceased passed away without speaking, at 11.40, shortly before the doctor's arrival. A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of death from "Natural Causes" was returned, the Jury expressing sympathy with the husband in his sad loss.

EXETER - Death From Burns At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, relative to the death of IVY COCKER, aged 4 years, whose parents reside in Grandon Buildings, Preston Street, Exeter, and who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday. - Evidence of identification was given by the father, a sergeant in the Devons. Between twelve and one o'clock on Tuesday, he added, he was at home in bed, and several of his children were in the room. His wife having been ill the fire was kept in. There was no fire guard, and as far as he knew there were no matches. During his absence to have a shave, the deceased, who was fully dressed, was taken to the Hospital. - MRS COCKER, the mother, said that she had gone out to get something for dinner and was returning when she was met by her little boy who told her IVY was burnt. - FRANK COCKER, aged 12, said IVY was playing on a chair with her back towards the fire. Witness and two other boys went downstairs. Hearing a scream, he ran upstairs and saw IVY in flames. He put out the fire on his sister's head and then pulled off her burning clothes and extinguished the fire with his feet. - A Juryman asked whether the law ought not to be enforced requiring fireguards to be in rooms where there were children. - The father of the deceased explained there would have been no fire in the room if one of the children had not had bronchitis. - Mrs Cann, a neighbour, proved wrapping the child in blankets. The deceased said that a spark from the fire ignited her dress. - Dr R. E. Delbruick, assistant House Surgeon, said death was due to shock the result of the burns. - The Coroner said it was a sad case, and they would all sympathise with the parents. There was, it seems a fireguard in the downstair room, and they could quite understand that parents might forget to take it to the bedroom. The conduct of the little boy who put out the flames was such that grown-up people might envy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and commended the action of the boy FRANK COCKER.

Western Times, Tuesday 30 November 1915
EXETER - At an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the death of SAMUEL CHANT HALL, aged 79, retired commercial traveller, of 45 Oxford-road, the body was identified by his daughter. Evidence was also given by Mrs Osborne (with whom the deceased had lodged for 15 years) to the effect that deceased was out on Thursday. During the past few years he had had fits. On Friday morning, at 11.30, she went into his bedroom and found him dead, his nightcap being right over his face. It was not unusual for deceased to sleep on well into the morning. - Dr Bradford, who, on being called, found the deceased dead, said signs pointed to suffocation. Witness had made a post-mortem examination. Deceased suffered from a weak heart. Death was due to suffocation during an epileptic fit. In his struggle he must have got his face into the pillow, which caused suffocation. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held relative to the death of SARAH ANN PARTRIDGE, aged 73, of East John-street, wife of FRANK PARTRIDGE. The body having been identified by Driver Frank Manning, the son-in-law, evidence was given by the daughter to the effect that her mother had a weak heart and had a stroke a few months ago. On Thursday last witness put her to bed. The next morning she took both her father (who was paralysed) and her mother a cup of tea as usual and she found her mother dead. Her father knew nothing about it. - Dr Clapp, who attended deceased prior to four months ago, said deceased died from syncope, following on fatty degeneration of the heart. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Deadly Flannelette. Sad Fatality To A Little Boy At Exeter. - A fatal burning accident to a child, eight years old, was the subject of an Inquest conducted at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, last evening by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner. Deceased was WILLIAM LYONS, the son of a lance-corporal now serving with the 1st Devons. - The mother, living at Pancras-lane, Exeter, said her husband was a labourer before joining the Army for the war. Last Friday evening, shortly after seven o'clock, deceased asked for a piece of candle to go to an outhouse. She gave him one fastened to a vaseline box, and directly he got out of doors she heard screaming. She sent her elder boy to see who it was, and he cried out that his brother's shirt was ablaze. She tore the shirt off and a neighbour took deceased in blankets to the Hospital. The shirt was of flannelette. - JACK LYONS, aged 12, deceased's brother, told how he found deceased in flames. - Dr Waddelow Smith, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said there were extensive burns on the neck and chest down to the abdomen. Deceased died on Saturday from shock. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of the Jury.

Western Times, Wednesday 1 December 1915
TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Soldier Killed By A Taxi-Cab. - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday with regard to the death of PTE. WILLIAM HARLEY TUCKER, of the R.A.M.C., whose home was at Preston, near Paignton. The deceased was knocked down by a motor car near the Torquay Pavilion on Saturday evening, death resulting as the consequence of a fractured skull n the Torbay Hospital on Monday. - Mr J. B. Eastley (Paignton) represented the widow and Mr E. Hutchings appeared for the driver of the taxi-cab. Captain A. Cameron, of the 22nd Wessex field Ambulance, watched the proceedings on behalf of the military authorities. - William E. Hutchins, of Torquay, stated the deceased was 43 years of age. By trade, he was a plasterer. TUCKER came to his home for the weekend, being on leave. - EDITH ELLEN TUCKER, the widow, of the Hollacombe Post Office, Preston, stated that she was in the company of her husband at the time of the occurrence. He had gone into Torquay earlier in the evening and she met him at a friend's house about 10.30 p.m. They left this place a few minutes before eleven o'clock. As they reached the Strand they saw a tram car. This started just as they reached the taxi stand, but they were both under the impression that it would stop outside the Pavilion. It did not do so, however. It usually stopped outside the Torbay also, and both of them hurried on. The motor-cars were coming along on the Princess Gardens side of the road, both being abreast. Witness and her husband were crossing the road in order to get at the tram; the deceased being slightly in advance of her. Noticing the danger, she ran back again, but one of the motor-cars struck her husband. She witnessed the occurrence from the pavement. - The Coroner: Had you seen the cars coming from any distance? - "it was upon my husband in a second," said the witness, who added that she did not hear any warning of the approach of the taxis. It was a dark night; one could not see across the road. There were no lights in the road and the Pavilion was shut. The taxi dragged the body of her husband for a considerable distance. When the machine stopped the body was still under the car. He was unconscious, and the same taxi took him to the Torbay Hospital. - Dr Allan Bennett, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said that deceased sustained a compound fracture to the right leg, a fracture to two of his left ribs, and various scalp wounds. Death was due to shock, there being concussion of the brain. - Ellen Bennett, of the Devon Arms, spoke of the visit of deceased to her house. He did not have anything to drink, and was perfectly sober when he left. - Theodore Thomas Bond, taxi-cab driver, stated he was returning from Torquay Station to the garage. It was extremely dark, and one could scarcely see four feet ahead. He sounded his horn at intervals. He was driving at about five miles an hour. When just outside the Pavilion he heard a car approaching from behind, and it came up almost abreast of him on his off side. The accident happened just as the other car came abreast. Witness did not at the time know what the other car struck. He stopped his car instantly, as soon as he heard the other car knock something. The two lights of the car did not enable him to see more than four feet ahead, and people crossing the road could not be seen until they were right in front. - The Coroner: Was it not dangerous to go at five miles an hour in such conditions? - Witness: Why, that was only walking pace. - The Coroner: Can you give the Jury any idea as to the speed of the other car? - It was going a little faster than I. - After the accident, said witness, he took a lamp from his car, in order to see what had happened, the other car being a few feet in front of his. The latter car very likely skidded when the brakes were applied. - Mr Eastley: Would you have chosen that dangerous corner to pass another taxi-cab? - Yes, if I had been going at a careful speed. - By Mr Hutchings: The corner at the Carlton Club could not be passed except at a very low rate of speed. - Mr Hutchings: The days in which we live are extremely dangerous. - Simeon Weill, a visitor, who was one of the occupants of the taxi-cab which knocked the deceased down, said the vehicle stopped almost immediately. The speed could not have been more than six miles an hour. - By Mr Hutchings: The taxi was driven very carefully. - By the Foreman: He was not thrown off his seat by the impact. - Sigmund Baer, another occupant of the taxi, said the speed was even slower than that of the average London taxi on a very dark night. - The Inquest was adjourned till this morning.

Western Times, Thursday 2 December 1915
TORQUAY - The Torquay Taxi Fatality. Speed Of The Cars On A Dark Night Discussed. - The Inquest was continued at Torquay yesterday regarding the death of PTE. WILLIAM HARLEY TUCKER, 2nd Wessex Field Ambulance, who died as a result of injuries received in a taxi-cab accident near the Pavilion on Saturday night. Mr J. B. Eastley was present on behalf of deceased's widow, who resides at the Hollacombe Post Office, Paignton, whilst Mr E. Hutchings represented the driver of the taxi. - P.C. Cole received information regarding the occurrence and immediately went to the scene. Both cars were almost abreast and MRS TUCKER was screaming. The body, under one of the cars, was on its back. Some men came and the body was taken out. At the Hospital, in reply to a question as to how the accident happened, the driver, Mr Head, said he saw a woman, but could not see the man, because he was in khaki. Witness told Head that he was on the wrong side of the road, and he answered that a cab was coming away from the Carlton Club and he had to pull to that side of the road. Afterwards the road was examined and from the place where blood was first found to the place where the man was lying was 47 ft. The deceased's cane was picked up 18ft. from the spot where the body was found. Witness said it was a "darkish night," but, he added, "you could tell a man or woman fifty yards away." There were no public lights in consequence of the Government's war regulations. - Mr Hutchings: Do you seriously say that you could see 50 yards on such a night? - Yes. - Have you got very extraordinary eyesight? - I can see very well. - Mr Hutchings: As it happens I am not speaking from instructions. I was there a few minutes before. It is ridiculous to say you could see 50 yards on such a night. - John H. Gibbings, tramcar driver, stated that two taxis passed him at the shelter in the Terrace-gardens. The leading car sounded its horn. His impression was that the taxis were travelling more than ten miles an hour. The second taxi was travelling faster than the other. - By Mr Hutchings: The trams sometimes went at twelve miles an hour and he thought this a reasonable speed. He could see twenty yards ahead, but he could not go so far as to say that he could see fifty yards ahead. - Lionel E. Horton gave evidence as to the rate of speed, which he thought was excessive. He could see the cars from the Cary Parade. He was certain that no horns were sounded. - Edward C. Tippett stated that no cab had been standing outside the Carlton Club. - Bertie Mountford Head, who was cautioned, said his car was a very noisy one. He took a fare to Abbey-crescent, the night being pitch dark. It was quite impossible to see any person fifty yards away. A person four feet away could not be seen. Another car passed him and he followed behind. Witness did not remember seeing a tramcar. He sounded the hooter several times, so that the other car could hear him coming. One could not take the corner at the Carlton Club at a great rate of speed because the car would fling itself into the harbour. He saw a woman and no sooner did he take his eyes from her than he saw the soldier. It was just as if the man sprang out of the earth. He applied the brakes, and this caused the car to skid. He was not driving at more than six miles an hour. He did not remember saying anything to the Constable about a cab leaving the Carlton Club. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he did not think it was dangerous to try and pass the other car, because he could pull up immediately. He could not help the car skidding. It was impossible to take the Carlton corner at more than six miles an hour. - Albert J. Humber told the Court the distance from the Mallock Memorial to the Pavilion was 275 yards, whilst that from the Rock Walk entrance to the shelter was 191 yards 2 feet. - Recalled MRS TUCKER stated that when the tram had reached the Torbay Hotel, she noticed the lights of the two taxis. - The Coroner, having addressed the Jury, the latter returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure," and censured Driver Head for attempting to pass the other car at a dangerous speed.

Western Times, Friday 3 December 1915
ILFRACOMBE - Old Man Burnt To Death At Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Monday afternoon on the body of JAMES COURTENEY, who died on Saturday last, at Higher Slade. - MRS HEWETT, daughter of deceased, said her father was 80 years of age. He had resided with witness and her husband about nine years. On Sunday, November 14th, witness and her husband went to chapel about 6 p.m., and left deceased sitting in a chair by the fire. Witness reached home again about 8.30 and found deceased sitting in the chair burnt. He had taken off his clothes, which was lying on the ground smouldering. He said he went out after some coal and must have set his arm alight with the candle, and he then took his clothes off and put the flames out. He did not appear at all frightened and did not complain of any pain. Witness wrapped him up in a blanket, used cotton wool and linseed oil and sent for Dr Langridge, who attended him up to the time of his death. They were in the habit of leaving him on Sunday evenings unless he was ill. - Dr Langridge said that on Sunday, November 14th, he was called to see deceased, who had been burnt and was in a collapsed state. He attended to him and subsequently he had bronchitis. In his opinion the cause of death was shock, following the burns, and bronchitis. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 4 December 1915
TORQUAY - Found Dead In A Gas Stove: Inquest At Torquay. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Chelston, Torquay, yesterday, regarding the death of the wife of WILLIAM PROUT, a shoemaker, residing in Sherwell Hill, the woman having been found with her head in a gas stove and the gas turned on. - WILLIAM PROUT stated that his wife, ELIZABETH JANE, became depressed about six weeks ago. She became strange, thinking that some of the neighbours were disagreeable. He did not know that the deceased complained of anyone in particular. Deceased said "Good morning" to him when he left for work on Wednesday morning. He smelt gas as soon as he entered the room in the evening. A light was obtained and he then saw his wife lying with her head in the gas stove. A rug was wrapped loosely over her head. He pulled her out, but as she did not reply to a question, he imagined that she was dead and went for a doctor and a Constable. Witness could not give any reason for the occurrence, although, a few weeks ago she said she believed she should do something desperate one of these days. He had no idea what made her say this. She kept her troubles to herself. - Dr Himely told the Court that death was due to suffocation by coal gas. - P.C. Tucker stated that six weeks ago deceased told him that two men had accused her of keeping a spy in the house. He told her it was a delusion. - Bertha Mayne, a neighbour, said the deceased was a sociable woman. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Inquest. Death Of A Farm Lad From Pericarditis. - At Ilfracombe last evening Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest relative to the death of LEONARD SMALE, aged 15, of Westdown, who died at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Wednesday last. Mr J. Woodward was Foreman of the Jury. - MARK EDWARD SMALE, father of the deceased, who gave evidence of identification, said the boy was employed by Mr Thomas Chugg, as a farm boy at Cleglinch, Westdown, and, as far as he knew, had always got on well there. Deceased had never made any complaint to him regarding anyone on the farm. On November 18th the lad was brought home in a trap with a wound in his heel, caused, he said, by a workman having thrown an iron gate-hook at him during the dinner hour the previous day, the iron penetrating his boot and entering his heel. The workman, the lad explained, was driving a nail into the tail-board of a cart, and he told him that he could not see to drive it straight with the iron. The workman replied that he could see as well as the lad, whereupon the latter said he could not look across a field. The workman, it is alleged, then threw the iron at him. The wound was dressed by Miss Chugg and the boy returned home on the 18th, poultices being applied until Saturday last, when the lad was admitted to the Cottage Hospital at Ilfracombe. - Miss Annie Chugg spoke to dressing the boy's wound on November 17th and again the following morning when the boy was sent home, as he seemed to be in pain. He made no complaint to her regarding the workman throwing the hook. She saw them just before dinner, when they were the best of friends, as they always were. She further stated, in answer to questions, that they often played about among themselves in the dinner-hour. Just before dinner on the 17th she saw them in the barn wrestling, and they were both laughing then. - Dr Gardner said the boy was suffering from a septic wound on the right heel when admitted and it was discharging. Witness treated it, and there was nothing in his general condition then to arouse his suspicions. He thoroughly examined the boy on the following Monday and the patient appeared to be much more comfortable. About 9 p.m. on Tuesday last the boy complained of pain in his stomach and, despite all that could be done for him, he died at 12.45 a.m. on Wednesday. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination and in his opinion the cause of death was acute pericarditis and pleurisy. He thought that this might be produced by a chill, contracted whilst being driven into Ilfracombe. He found no trace during the post-mortem to show that any septic matter had got into the lungs or the pericardium, through the blood stream from the wound. There was no positive evidence to connect the death with the wound. - The mother said the boy was driven into Ilfracombe in an open trap, but was well wrapped up. It was a frosty morning, but quite warm in the sunshine and the boy did not complain of feeling cold. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence. They gave their fees to the parents of the deceased.

Western Times, Monday 6 December 1915
SIDMOUTH - Relative to the death of WILLIAM JOHN SPARKES, described as a lorry steersman, in the employ of Messrs. Vallance, of the Sidmouth Brewery, Mr Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest in the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital on Saturday. After the evidence of various witnesses, a verdict was returned that deceased met his death as the result of an accident, no one being to blame. Mr R. H. Passmore was Foreman of the Jury, who returned their fees to the widow. The widow being too ill to attend, the body was identified by the son, MR ARTHUR SPARKES, who only yesterday returned home from service at the Front. The doctor said in his opinion death was instantaneous as he could not imagine deceased breathing again. His skull and face were fractured as was also his left collar bone.

EXETER HEAVITREE - Death Of An Infant At Heavitree. - At the old Council Offices, Heavitree, on Saturday, the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest relative to the death of IVY MABEL CARPENTER, aged 11 months, of Beaufort-road, St. Thomas. The child died on the 1st inst. The body was identified by the mother, who said she had put the child to nurse with Mrs Baker, of Bonnington-grove, Heavitree. Jessie Baker, who had charge of the child since she was three weeks old, said on the 22nd November she sent for Dr Whaite, who had since attended the child for bronchitis. He last saw her on the 29th November. She died in witness's arms on Wednesday. - Dr Whaite stated that the child improved greatly under the care of Mrs Baker. About ten days ago the child had bronchitis and some congestion of the lungs. At first the child went on well, but eventually died from bronchial pneumonia. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Jury expressed an opinion that the child had been well looked after.

Western Times, Wednesday 8 December 1915
EXETER HEAVITREE - Jobbing Gardener's Lonely Death At Heavitree. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at Heavitree last evening on the body of JAMES LUCRAFT, jobbing gardener, who was found dead on Saturday last at 3 North-place, Heavitree, where he had lived alone for some time past. Evidence of identification was given by Pte A. W. Rice, of the R.A.M.C., who stated that deceased's age was 68 years. Deceased was a very reserved man. - Mrs Rice, mother of the last witness, said she saw deceased three weeks ago in his usual health. He was a bachelor and never encouraged visitors to his house. He had not had a doctor for years. - William Hurley, of North-place, said early last week deceased's breathing was very bad. for two days afterwards he saw nothing of LUCRAFT and fetched P.S. Snell on Thursday. The officer went to deceased's house and found the door locked. Deceased, however, called out loudly that he was in the warm and was keeping himself indoors because he had bronchitis. The house was still in darkness up till Saturday and witness fetched the sergeant again. Then deceased was found dead. - P.S. Snell said that when he went to the house on Saturday afternoon deceased was lying dead on the floor (partly dressed) in a different room to that from which he had answered witness on the Thursday. - Dr Whaite gave the result of the post-mortem examination. Deceased had pleurisy, bronchitis, dropsy and a fatty heart. Death was due to heart failure, caused by the bronchitis and pleurisy. - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Jury, the Coroner remarking that deceased evidently preferred to live quite alone, receiving help from no one.

TIVERTON - An Inquest was held at Tiverton on Monday touching the death of the infant daughter of REGINALD HART, labourer. The child's mother died in April last, since when the grandmother had had charge of him. Death occurred following a cold.

EXETER - St. Thomas Mystery. Boy's Death After Injury To The Head. Inquest Adjourned. - At an Inquest held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening relative to the death of VICTOR HAROLD PROUT, aged nine years, of Alphington-street, St. Thomas, son of an eye specialist, who died in the Institution on the 5th inst., evidence was given by the brother, CARL, that deceased was knocked down by another boy several months ago and was unconscious as the result of the blow. - The mother also stated that about six months ago she was told that her boy had been hurt. She found him at the corner of the Rackfields. He was bleeding from a small wound at the back of his head. She took him home and bathed the wound, which apparently healed; but subsequently she noticed blood on the pillow from time to time. She treated it with antiseptics. About a month ago he complained of a cold, sore throat and toothache. She kept him in bed for a day or two. She then called in Dr Frost, who, on the 22nd November brought Dr Dyball. The boy was taken to the Hospital. - A boy named Stanley Walter Raymond said that a few months ago he saw that deceased had sticking plaster on his head, which was bleeding. Deceased told him he fell down in the Rackfields, and cut open his head against the brick wall. - Dr Delbreck, Assistant House Surgeon, said death was due to septic poisoning, which was likely to be accounted for by the old wound in the head which had not healed. In answer to the Jury, witness said if the wound had been medically attended to immediately after the accident, it would probably have healed and cellulitis would not have supervened. - The Coroner said one felt that the boy ought to have had more attention after the accident. Some time elapsed before the doctor was called in. The case seemed to be more serious than he at first thought. - The Jury expressed an opinion that the father should be called. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr H. Pearse, said they would like to be satisfied there had been no neglect. - The Coroner said the father was in the city, and there would be no difficulty in getting him to the Court. - The Inquest was accordingly adjourned till Tuesday next at the Court House, Waterbeer-street.

Western Times, Thursday 9 December 1915
EXETER - Child In A Basket. Inquest Opened And Adjourned At Exeter. - An Inquest was opened at the Exeter Police Court last evening before the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on the body of a newly-born infant child, found in a basket in a bedroom at Lower Summerlands, Exeter, the bedroom having been occupied by a servant now at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Detective Walters, Coroner's Officer, said that on Monday he went to No. 3 Lower Summerlands, and was shown to a servant's bedroom at the top of the house. In a lady's rush basket was the dead body of the child now in the Mortuary. He was told that a servant named MABEL NEWBERY occupied the room, and that two hours previously she had been taken to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The basket bore a label with the address, "MISS NEWBERY, Cullompton." - The Coroner remarked that he was informed the girl would not be fit to attend this Inquiry for a month. - The Inquest was thereupon adjourned till Wednesday, January 5th.

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

Western Times, Friday 10 December 1915
TIVERTON - At the Tiverton Hospital yesterday, the Borough Coroner, Mr Arthur Fisher, held an Inquest on the body of WILLIAM BOOBIER (62), mason's labourer and a Naval pensioner, in the employ of Mr A. J. Tucker, builder, of Tiverton, who, while engaged with another employee in the repair of a roof in Castle-street, Tiverton, on Wednesday morning, fell from a ladder on to the pavement, a distance of about 14 feet and died within four hours of his admittance to the Tiverton Hospital. Evidence was given by the widow, Wm. Stuckey (fellow employee), Ernest Ellis (a newsboy who witnessed the accident), and Dr F. B. Fisher (House Surgeon of the Tiverton Hospital) who stated the cause of death to be fracture of the base of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

DREWSTEIGNTON - The death occurred suddenly on Saturday of MRS MARY ANN ARSCOTT, wife of MR THOMAS ARSCOTT, of Netherton Cottage. MRS ARSCOTT had not complained of feeling unwell and during Saturday morning she visited the Post Office and purchased cigarettes with the intention of sending them to her youngest son, who is serving with the British Expeditionary Force. She also visited the residence of her daughter-in-law, and on the way to and from the village she chatted very freely with people whom she met. After dinner, the husband, who had arrived home from work, was writing a letter to his son, when deceased, who was seated near the fireplace, fell off her seat. She was immediately picked up and placed in a chair by her husband, who called a neighbour to his assistance, and Nurse Tranter, who was sent for, was soon in attendance, but deceased was past all human aid. Naturally the death caused a deep sensation in the village and general regret is felt for the husband and three grown-up children in the irreparable loss they have sustained. The Inquest was held on Monday evening by the County Coroner, Mr Brown. The husband stated that about two o'clock, on Saturday, after dinner, deceased packed a parcel for their son who was abroad. She then sat down and said, "Whatever is the matter with my head?" and fell right down and never spoke afterwards. She breathed once or twice, but died very quickly. Dr Hunt, of Chagford, said from a post-mortem examination he found that death was due to pulmonary embolism and a verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes." - The funeral took place in the parish churchyard on Wednesday amid sympathetic manifestations of sorrow. [Description follows of funeral.]

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Fatality. Child Left To The Care Of Little Sister Burnt To Death. - The circumstances relative to the death of a five-year-old child at Newton Abbot as the result of burns, were investigated yesterday by Mr Coroner Sidney Hacker and a Jury. The mother, MRS CAROLINE BEARNE, wife of a mason living in No. 1 Court, Wolborough-street, said she had a family of eight, the eldest being 15, and two younger than the deceased child. Witness herself worked at the skin mills, the elder child looking after the younger whilst she was away. On Tuesday she took the deceased child - DOROTHY FRANCES - to school after dinner. About 5.30 she was fetched and found the child had been taken to the Hospital. The eldest girl, aged 15, having been in the Hospital, her daughter LILY, aged 13, had been in charge of the other children. - LILY BEARNE said after the children returned from school they were playing about in the court and the house. When it commenced to get dark, she got a candle and placed it on the table. There was a fire in the room, but "not much." There was a guard to the fire grate. Witness went out to fetch some milk at a near-by shop, and when she returned there were a lot of people there, and the child had been burnt. - WINIFRED BEARNE, aged 11, said deceased took the candle from the table to go to the coal hole and get a stick. She came back, crying, "My apron's burnt." Witness took off the apron and found her clothing was also burning. Deceased ran out into the court. Witness did not see her take the candle off the table. - Dr J. J. Scrase said the child was burnt all over with the exception of her feet, which were protected by the boots, and a patch as big as the palm of one's hand on the left shoulder. she died about 10.30 the same night. Death was due to shock as the result of extensive burning. - Mrs Perryman and Mrs Furze, neighbours, described their efforts to put out the flames, the former wrapping the child in a wet rug. Deceased was enveloped in flames and it took some time to put them out. - The Coroner said the circumstances were unfortunate, but they could not blame the mother. Her elder daughter was in Hospital and she was obliged to go to work, leaving her young children in charge of this little girl of 13. There was nothing to be said except that it was an unfortunate accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 11 December 1915
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Man's Death As The Result Of An Accident To His Leg. - An Inquest was held yesterday before the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at the Town Hall, Newton Abbot, relative to the death of MR FRANK BREALEY, a carpenter and joiner, of 31 Coronation-road, Newton Abbot. Deceased met with an accident whilst at work on November 27th, bruising his shin, and he died on Wednesday last. - The widow, MARY BREALEY, said that her husband was 42 years of age, and was employed by Mr Lewis Bearne. He enjoyed very good health. On Saturday week, when he returned from work, he told her that he knocked his leg with an oak plank. He said it was very painful. He went to work on the Monday after the accident, but had to stay home on Wednesday. - Dr Nisbet said he was called into attend the deceased on December 2nd, when he found MR BREALEY suffering from a superficial wound, in size a little larger than a shilling. He complained of pains in the leg and in the bowels. On Tuesday he was worse and he proposed that he should be removed to the Hospital, but the following day he was too ill to be removed. He was suffering from blood-poisoning, causing the clotting of the main blood vessel of the leg. Death was due to septic thrombosis. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - MR BREALEY was a member of C Squad of the Newton Abbot V.D.F. and a detachment under Platoon-Com. F. W. Lake will attend the funeral on behalf of the Force. The funeral will take place at Highweek on Sunday at 2.15 and the members of St. Mary's choir - of which deceased was for years a member - will also be present, the service to be fully choral.

Western Times, Tuesday 14 December 1915
EXETER - Exwick Tragedy. Inquest At The Exeter Court House Yesterday. A Dangerous Spot. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House last evening, relative to the death of EWART RAYMOND GODBEER, aged ten years, of Exwick-hill, who fell into the mill leat at Exwick on Friday and was drowned, the body not being recovered until Saturday. - Evidence was given by MRS CATHERINE GODBEER, the mother, the wife of a commercial traveller, to the effect that on Friday about five minutes to one, the boy left home to go to school. Half an hour later she was told that he had fallen into the stream. - Mrs Mitchell, of Exe View Cottages, Exwick, stated that on Friday she saw boys on the bank near the mill stream, opposite the Lamb Inn. They were trying to get something out of the water. Deceased fell into the water. there was an under-current. She saw the deceased put up his hands when in the water, but did not see him afterwards. Boys were in the habit of playing at the spot. - Victor Hooper, aged 14, said deceased and other boys were trying to get at a frog which was in the leat. Deceased, who was on the rails, overbalanced and fell into the water. He came to the surface of the water once, but witness did not see him again. There were several children around the spot. Witness ran and fetched the hooks, which were kept near for life-saving purposes. - John Teed, who dragged the leat from ten o'clock till 12.45 on Saturday morning, said he found the deceased's body about fifty yards from the spot where the boy fell in. - Dr Pereira, who examined the body on Saturday, said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said it was obviously a pure accident. - The Foreman of the Jury remarked that it was not the first boy who had been drowned at the place, and it was a question whether there ought not to be some protection provided. - A Juryman said the spot was extremely dangerous. The two bars which formed the present railing were useless. The only useful protection would be iron railings of adequate height. - The Coroner said he understood that another boy got into the water at the spot on Saturday and had a narrow escape. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 15 December 1915
EXETER - Adjourned Inquest. An Exeter Boy Who Was Knocked Down By Another Lad. - An adjourned Inquest was held at the Exeter Court House last evening relative to the death of VICTOR HAROLD PROUT, aged nine, of Alphington-street, St. Thomas, Exeter, son of an eye specialist, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 5th. At the opening of the Inquest a week ago it was stated that deceased was knocked down by another boy several months ago. The mother noticed blood on his bed pillow from time to time afterwards and she treated a wound on his head with antiseptics. She called in Dr Frost when deceased complained of a cold, sore throat, and toothache, a month or so ago, and Dr Frost consulted Dr Dyball. The boy subsequently died at the Hospital and Dr Delbreek, Assistant House Surgeon there, told the Jury that death was due to septic poisoning, likely to be accounted for by the old wound in the head, which had not healed. If the wound had been medically attended immediately after the accident, cellulitis would probably not have intervened. The Jury consequently expressed a desire to hear the evidence of the father, and the Inquest was accordingly adjourned till yesterday. - Dr Frost, now recalled, said he saw deceased first on November 16th at his home. MRS PROUT told him the boy complained of toothache and sore throat. He saw the lad every day up to November 22nd. His attention was not directed to any wound on the head and he did not think anything was said about an accident. Witness examined his throat and teeth and there was no doubt that a deep inflammatory action was going on. It gave the appearance as if it might have been coming from the jaw. On the Sunday he told Dr Dyball he had a patient who might have a deep abscess and on November 22nd Dr Dyball went with him to the home. Nothing was then said about an accident by the mother. Dr Dyball and witness considered the inflammatory action so deep that the treatment required rendered it advisable the boy should be taken to the Hospital. Dr Dyball, in answer to the mother, told her it would be a serious operation, but he hoped not dangerous, Having heard the evidence of the accident and the wound, he should say the septic poisoning came from that. - The Foreman, Mr H. Pearse: Do not medical gentlemen, when in consultation, arrive at the seat of a disturbance? - Not always. - To what was Dr Dyball referring when he said he hoped it would not be dangerous? - I have no right to say what Dr Dyball thought. - But you were in consultation? - Yes. But you are not always able to get at the seat of a trouble at a consultation. We were expecting to find some matter deeply seated. there might have been some piece of bone diseased in the neighbourhood of the inflammation. - By the Coroner: The mother always appeared to him a very careful mother with her children, and he believed she would have called him in if she had thought the wound were dangerous. - The Coroner: Could the child have been saved if you had been called in? - If at once, perhaps yes. We could have got the wound clean. But no process would have cleaned it when I was called in. It had gone too far. - The Foreman: Did you see the wound at all? - No. - Then how can you say you could have cleaned it? - I know what wounds are like. We see hundreds. - Mr Wilfred Orchard, deceased's school-master, said he did not hear of any accident previous to the boy's death. Deceased last attended school on November 9th, and witness had not noticed any sticking plaster on his head. The boy always appeared well looked after. - CHARLES PROUT, the father, was then called. He began by saying he went to an American College and paid £7,000 to study the medical ---- . The Coroner stopped him and said the Jury did not want to hear about that. - In answer to questions, the father said he was at home when the boy came home with a wound at the back of his head, five or six months ago. He was a good boy, but fond of fighting and therefore they did not take a lot of notice of the wound. Witness told him to bathe it and the next morning the swelling had gone down. Witness had to go away to London two days after, but returned home on December 3rd, two days before the boy died. Witness had not seen the boy in the meantime. - In answer to the Foreman, witness explained that it was not till September that witness went away from Exeter. - The Coroner: But the accident happened in June, yet you say you were home only two days after the accident. - Witness: I can't be certain about dates. - The Coroner: You don't seem to understand the English language. - Witness: The swelling went down in two days. - The Coroner: That is another matter entirely. - Witness, in answer to further questions, said he never saw any blood on the pillow, nor did he know the wound was not healed up to the time he left home in September. - The Foreman: I cannot understand a father seeing the lad come home with a cut head and then not doing anything for three months. - Witness: He did not have a cut head. - The Foreman: Why then did the wife put a sticking plaster on? - I was not there. - A Juror: Was the father in Exeter when the Inquest was opened? - The Coroner's Officer (Detective Walters): Yes. - A Juror: Then he ought to have been there to identify the boy. - The father: I was ill. I asked my wife if they wanted me and she said "No." - The Coroner: Did you tell my Officer you had customers to attend to? - Witness: No. - Detective Walters rose to speak and the father added that he did say one evening he had customers. - In summing up, the Coroner said it was perfectly clear that there was considerable neglect in the treatment of the boy. The father's evidence was unsatisfactory and ridiculous, and he (the Coroner) must say that for a grown man to stand in the box and tell the Jury he left home two days after the boy was hurt, and then admit he was in Exeter three months after was an insult to the Jury's common-sense. The father's story was piffling and ridiculous. - The Jury, after a private consultation, returned a verdict that death was the result of an Accident occurring some months ago. They believed that the wound could have been washed out better than it was. It was regretful they should have to sit, as citizens of Exeter, and pass censure on parents, but they were firmly satisfied that great censure should be brought to bear on the parents in this case. - The Coroner, calling both parents forward, said he agreed with the verdict and proceeded to censure the father and mother. He told the father he ought to have come to the Inquest in the first place and identified the body. - The Father: I was awfully sick, bad in the lungs. - The Coroner: I know you say that, but we don't believe it.

Western Times, Thursday 16 December 1915
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Suicide. The Coroner And A Side Tragedy Of The War. - At Barnstaple last evening, the Inquest was held on ALICE JANE PEATHYJOHNS, who on Tuesday took her life during the absence of her husband , MR RICHARD PEATHYJOHNS, a Petty Officer of the Royal Navy. The Coroner stated it was a kind of side tragedy of the war, and he was afraid not by any means the only one of the sort. - Mrs Isaac, mother-in-law, spoke to deceased having been depressed owing to her husband being away on service. - Mr William Cawsey, deceased's father, described how he entered the house and found the body suspended by a silk scarf to the staircase. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily insane" was returned, the Jury expressing deep sympathy with the husband and relatives.

Western Times, Friday 17 December 1915
EXETER - Saw Mill Fatality. Inquest On An Exeter Workman. Terrific Blow. - The fatal accident which occurred on Tuesday to SAMUEL ERNEST WHITE, a sawyer, at Claridge's steam saw mills, the Basin, Exeter, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon. - Mr C. H. Morris, Government Inspector of Factories was present, while Mr M. J. McGahey represented the British General Insurance Company and Mr Doddridge (Messrs. Friend and Tarbet) Mr C. R. Claridge. - Wm. John Lake, of Crediton, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, and said that deceased's age was 43. - The widow, living at St. David's, said her husband left home on Tuesday about 6 a.m., and was in his usual good health. His sight and hearing were perfect. He had complained to her that he had a boy working with him, and that although he was a good boy a man should be in the place. - By Mr Morris: This complaint was made to her about a month ago. - Robert Wm. Gardener, aged 16, told the Jury he had been acting as assistant to deceased. About 10.30 on Tuesday they were cutting a piece of rough ash, about five and a half or six feet long. They were cutting a three-inch plank off it, and were using an American circular saw on a rack bench. Deceased was controlling the saw and was on his knees. He had shut it off and pulled out a lever, when a piece of the wood fell over to the right hand side and the larger piece over-balanced the wedges. The back teeth of the saw, which was running itself down, caught near the end of this second piece of timber. Before witness could shout it had been thrown out and struck the deceased - he could not see where. It knocked him some distance away on his back and witness helped to pick him up. - By Mr Morris: He had been employed about three months in Claridge's mills. The man who used to assist deceased had gone to another bench. witness had done similar work for his father. - Mr Morris: It is no uncommon thing to find a skilful lad employed at a steam saw in the way this witness way. I have seen the guard at this saw. It is quite as efficient a one as could be put down. - Alfred John Williams, foreman at the mills, described deceased as a steady, good workman. The piece of wood which hit him weighed about 66lbs. The saw made about 600 revolutions on the spindle a minute and the piece which caused the fatality was on the left hand side of the saw. It was wedged, but tipped and fell inward on the saw. - By Mr McGahey: It was impossible to guard such a rough piece of timber as this was any better. - Mr Morris: It is a very rough and irregular piece of timber? - Yes, it was. - Ronald Claridge said he brought deceased to the Hospital on a motor van, and thought he was dead when they got him to the Institution. - The Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital told the Jury there was a depressed fracture of the skull and also a fracture of the upper right arm. the blow on the head had been very severe, and had caused death. - The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that the Inspector of Factories was of opinion that the saw as protected as well as possible. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing sympathy with the widow.

BRIDGERULE - The Inquest on MR and MRS SALTERN'S son, BASIL, was held at the United Methodist Schoolroom on Wednesday, December 8th. The District Coroner, Mr Brown, of Okehampton, and Dr Kingdon were present. Mr E. Monnington was chosen as Foreman. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The funeral took place on Friday last, when the body was laid to rest in the parish graveyard.

Western Times, Monday 20 December 1915
TIVERTON - At the Tiverton Hospital on Saturday evening, Mr Arthur Fisher, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN YENDELL FLEW, 55, a journeyman carpenter of Palmer's Hill, Tiverton, who died suddenly in a linhay adjoining his house on the previous afternoon. - Evidence of identification was given by the widow, SUSAN FLEW, who stated that after deceased had partaken of dinner he went into an orchard and endeavoured to turn in some pigs into their sty. Unable to do this himself, he called for witness, and between them they got the animals into the sty. Directly afterwards witness called to deceased, but received no answer and going to an adjoining linhay, found deceased kneeling on one knee with his head turned to one side. He gave one breath and then died. A doctor was immediately summoned. - Miss Mary Ann Boaden, a neighbour, corroborated. - Medical evidence, given by Dr Pollock, of Tiverton, shewed that deceased died through fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Thursday 23 December 1915
TORQUAY - Baby Dies From Effects of Scalds At Torquay. - Dr Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay on Tuesday, on ADA MARION TREBY, 15 months old, daughter of a French polisher, who lives at 5 Higher-terrace-road. QUEENIE TREBY, said on Sunday morning she took her little sister to her bedroom while she dressed, preparatory to taking her out for a walk. She had placed a jug of hot water on the washstand. Her father tapped on the wall and she went to his room, but had hardly reached it when she heard screams and found the child had pulled over the jug of hot water. Witness took the child down to her mother, who carried it to the Torbay Hospital, where it died on Monday evening. - Dr Allan Bennett said the child was scalded about the face and left arm, but not badly. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 27 December 1915
EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Exeter Octogenarian. - At an Inquest held at the Exeter Court House on Friday evening relative to the death of ROBERT DARE KARSLAKE, aged 83, an inmate of No. 10 Lance's Almshouses, Bartholomew-street, who was found dead in his chair on the previous day, evidence was given to the effect that deceased was formerly a cabinet maker. He had suffered from chronic bronchitis for a long time. Mrs Twiggs, a neighbour, said about 2.30 in the afternoon he seemed better, but at six o'clock she found him sitting in the chair dead. Dr Andrew, who had attended the deceased at various times, attributed death to chronic bronchitis, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 28 December 1915
TORQUAY - The County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at Torquay yesterday, conducted an Inquest relating to the death of SARAH BRUSEY, aged 71, of Braddon-street, the wife of JAMES BRUSEY, who resides at Newton Abbot. The evidence showed that the deceased visited her daughter, MRS EDITH GRILLS, on Christmas morning and later visited the house of another daughter, MRS KNAPMAN, in Stentiford's-hill. She fell over the stairs and sustained injuries to the head. Deceased was acquainted with the stairs. Death took place before the arrival of Dr Tidswell, who told the Coroner that the head and face were badly bruised. He expressed the opinion that the base of the skull was fractured. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TORQUAY - Mr Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of CAROLINE TAYLOR, aged 59, wife of an iron moulder, of Pimlico. She was found dead in bed on Sunday morning. The husband stated that the deceased did not eat much, whilst she hated to see a doctor. Dr Dunn, who made a post mortem examination, said the lungs were diseased and death was caused by pleurisy. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

TAVISTOCK - Lydford Child's Death. Life Might Have Been Saved If Child Were Seen Early. - "Had the child been seen earlier, it might have saved his life," was the remark of a medical witness at an Inquest at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital yesterday afternoon, on the body of ALBERT GEORGE BOLT, the four-year-old son of SIDNEY BOLT, general labourer, of Lydford, who died on Friday at the Institution as the result of swallowing a bone stud. Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, conducted the Inquiry and Sergt.-Major Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - SIDNEY BOLT, the father, said on Friday the deceased was playing with a bone stud (produced) which he put into his mouth and afterwards swallowed it. The child immediately complained to his mother and was taken with a choking sensation. Witness was not present when the incident occurred, but when he arrived home half an hour later he found deceased could not speak and was breathing heavily. A telegram was sent to Dr Postlewaithe, at Brentor, about four miles distant, but he did not reach witness's house until 6 p.m., although he (the doctor) was informed that the child was choking. Witness, however, believed that the doctor came as quickly as he could. When he (the doctor) arrived he said he could do nothing for deceased and ordered his removal to the Cottage Hospital, where he was received at 7.30 in the evening and was attended by Drs. Brodrick and Hillyar. - Dr C. C. Brodrick, of Tavistock, stated that he visited the Hospital on Friday last at 7.30 p.m., and found the deceased, who had just been admitted into the Institution in a dying condition. It was quite useless to put the child through an operation, as deceased was absolutely stone cold, was totally unconscious and expired at 9.30. He (the witness) made an examination of the body and found the bone stud produced lodged on the right side of the larynx, causing difficulty of breathing, irritation, swelling and finally death. Had the child been seen earlier, it might have saved his life. It seemed such a long time before the deceased received any treatment. It was not a bit of good taking the child to that Hospital when it was almost dead. Unfortunately the child arrived in a condition of collapse and nothing could be done for it. It was a very unfortunate case. - A Juror: Don't you think, doctor, they could have given the child something to make it sick? - Dr Brodrick: No; the stud was not in the passage which leads to the stomach, but went into the wind passage. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very unfortunate case, and thought the Jury would concur with him when he said that it appeared to be a pure accident. No doubt Dr Postlewaithe did what he considered was right in sending the child to that Hospital. The Coroner could not see that there was any reflection on anybody. It was quite clear that death was due to the stud remaining at the top of the larynx, which was on the top of the wind-pipe. He expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the relatives. - A verdict to the effect that the deceased died from Suffocation through swallowing a bone stud was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 30 December 1915
NORTHAM - Inquest At Appledore On The Body Of A Well-Known Ship Broker. - Dr Pearson, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest relative to the death of THOMAS H. FISHWICK, a well-known ship-broker, at Appledore, yesterday. The body was found on Tuesday morning in the River Torridge, just off Appledore Quay. - MRS WINNIE HANSON, daughter of deceased, said she lived with her father and last saw him alive on Monday evening, about 6.30 at home. He had had quite sufficient to drink, and was very disagreeable. Witness then went out and left him and she did not see him again alive. On returning at 8.30 she found the house lighted up. She heard nothing more about her father until the following morning when the body was found, although she searched for him in Appledore until 11 o'clock on Monday night. Deceased was often late in coming home and she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - In answer to a question, she said she had no fears in regard to his safety, and made inquiries with the hope of getting him home. - Charles Lamey deposed to seeing the deceased in the Ship Inn on Monday night between 8 and 8.30. FISHWICK had had a little drop to drink. Witness heard him ask for more and it was refused him as he had had enough. - A man named Richard spoke to finding the body, a boat resting on deceased's right arm, about 10 feet off the quay, in about one foot of water. Deceased's cap was found on the slip. - By the Foreman: Deceased often went out late to see if his boats were all right. - Dr Cole expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. - P.C. Perrin remarked that Monday night was a very wild one. He saw deceased on the Marine Parade at 8.45. - Strong protests were made by members of the Jury at the quay being kept in darkness now. - The Foreman, Mr Moody, said it was absolutely dangerous in consequence of the lack of light. - One Juryman went so far as to suggest that deceased would not have been drowned if there had been lights on the Quay. - Mr Harris thought it was by reason of the Defence of the Realm Act that the Quay was not lighted and the Foreman pointed out that it did not face the sea. There was a mistake on the part of the authorities. - Mr Moody asked the Coroner to bring the matter to the notice of those responsible. - The Jury brought in a verdict of "Found Drowned in the River Torridge, there being no evidence to show how deceased came into the water."

TORQUAY - Inquest On A Woman At Torquay. - Yesterday afternoon at Torquay the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, held an Inquest at Torquay relative to the death of MRS MARY ANN VANSTONE, a widow, 54 years of age, who was found dead in bed in a cottage at Wellswood, Torquay, on Monday morning. Deceased, who resided with her son-in-law and daughter, MR and MRS J. NEAL, according to the evidence had a hearty supper on Sunday night. - Dr Pitt Palmer, who was called in after deceased had passed away, said she had evidently eaten very heartily on Sunday night, and also previously. Her heart was in a state of fatty degeneration. This, with a large meal, caused her death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Accidental Death. Torquay Fish Hawker's Fatal Fall Into The Sea. - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday with reference to the death of THOMAS FOXWORTHY, aged 69, a fish hawker, who lived alone in Temperance-street. The body was found in the harbour on Tuesday afternoon. - Evidence of identification was given by his brother, WILLIAM FOXWORTHY, of Paignton. Deceased came to Paignton on Boxing Day to see a little boy. In the evening witness gave his brother 6d. to go home by tram. - Arthur Meridew, market gardener, of Paignton, stated that FOXWORTHY usually went on the Quay in the evening to see if any fish had come in. - John Gibbings, tram driver, said the deceased came home from Paignton by tram. He had had enough to drink and seemed very uneasy, muttering and grumbling all the way home. - Dr Thistle told the Coroner that death was due to drowning. - Fredk. George Wannell, fisherman, found the body in six feet of water. He brought the body ashore and gave information to the Police. The place was in darkness at night. - The Coroner: A man who had too much to drink might fall over. - Witness said anyone was liable to do so under the present conditions. - The wife told the Coroner that she left her husband (the deceased) about six months ago, because he treated her badly. - "Accidentally Drowned" was the verdict of the Jury.

Western Times, Friday 31 December 1915
PYWORTHY - We regret to announce the death of MR K. GILBERT, of Hopworthy, one of the oldest parishioners, who passed away suddenly on Wednesday of last week, about 7 p.m. About two months since deceased met with an accident by falling down the stairs, caused by the rail giving way and this fall resulted in spinal injury, which prevented his coming downstairs again. It was not, however, thought that his condition was at all dangerous. At the time of his death he was, at his request, being helped out of bed by his wife, that the bed might be made up, but, before he could be got out, he had passed away. An Inquest was held on the following day by Mr Brown, the District Coroner. Mr J. Badcock was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The medical evidence went to show that death was due to bronchitis and congestion of the lungs, brought on by the accident and being confined to bed. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place on Christmas Day afternoon. [Description of funeral followed.]