Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1918

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:-  Abbott; Adams; Aggett; Almy; Aranjo; Armitage; Attewell; Attree; Balch; Baldue; Bamsey; Barbeary; Barnard; Barnes; Barrell; Bartlett; Bennett; Berry(2); Bishop; Blackmore; Bond; Bowden; Brailey; Braund; Brock; Brooking; Brooks; Broomfield; Brown; Bulley; Burrington; Chadwick; Channon; Chaplin; Chislett; Chown; Clark; Cole; Coleman; Collings; Collman; Colwill; Cook; Copplestone; Cox; Cross; Crosscombe;  Darch; Dennis; Douglas; Down(2); Drake; Drew(3); Dunn(2); Eade; Edwards; Elford; Elliott; Ellis; Ewings; Fewings; Ford(3); Frayne; Gillard; Gooding; Gourlay; Greenslade; Guppy; Hales; Halls; Hancock(2); Harris(2); Havill; Hawkins; Head; Hellyer; Hendy; Hennessey; Henwood; Heriz-Smith; Hermans; Hill; Hoar; Hodge; Holman; Holmes(2); Hookey; Hookway; Hooper; Howard; Howe; Hubber; Hudgston; Hunns; Hunt; Hynes; Irwin; Jackson; Jarvis; Jenkins; Jennings; Jordan; Kendall; King; Kivell; Knight; Knott; Knowles; Lailey; Legassick; Lenoir; LeQuesne; Lewis(3); Liles; Lineham; Lloyd; Lock; Loveridge; Luscombe; Lyne; Mann; Maunder; Mitchell; Molland; Moon; Moore(2); Murray(2); Nantes; Netherway; Nichols; Oak; Oakes; Ogalbe; Oke; O'Neill; Opie; Organ; Parr; Parris; Pearse; Pengelley; Pennington(2); Perkins; Plucknett; Pomeroy; Pratt; Quaintance; Raine; Reed(4); Rhodes; Rice; Richards(2); Ridd; Rondas; Roper; Rowe(2); Ryder(2); Sage; Salter; Savery; Scotting; Seward; Shambrook; Sharland; Simms; Skinner; Skoien; Slader; Small; Smith; Southard; Southerd; Squires; Stanbury; Starkey; Steer; Stephens; Stevens(3); Stone; Strawbridge; Symes(2); Tarr; Thorne(2); Tolley; Toms; Treleaven; Trickey; Trout; Turner(3); Upton; Vickers; Walaron; Waters; Watkins; Way; Weaver; Wheeler; White; Will; Williams; Wilson; Winkfield; Wood.

Western Times, Wednesday 2 January 1918
EXETER - At Exeter Police Court yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on the body of DORIS BEATRICE HYNES, aged four months, whose parents reside at 25 Coombe-street. Medical evidence showed that it had suffered from jaundice and that death was due to congestion of the lung. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - At Exeter Police Court yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on an infant, JOHN GOODING, aged six days, whose mother is temporarily residing at Queen's Court, Exe Island. It was stated that the infant was found dead in bed beside it smother and the Inquest was adjourned until January 9th for the attendance of the mother.

Western Times, Thursday 3 January 1918
TORQUAY - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, conducted an Inquiry at Torquay on Tuesday regarding the death of GEORGE EADE, aged 52, the second hand of the steam trawler, United, of Lowestoft, who died on board. The medical evidence showed long-standing heart disease. - A verdict was returned to this effect.

Western Times, Friday 4 January 1918
SHALDON - An Inquest was held at Shaldon, Wednesday, on SARAH JANE HUNT, aged 57, wife of MR W. H. HUNT. - MR HUNT said he was awakened at 6.15 a.m. by his daughter, who had discovered that her mother was missing. In the kitchen a candle was burning and the door was ajar. - G. Sharland said he found MRS HUNT, clad in night attire, face downwards on the beach. Dr Reed said he had informed the family that the deceased wanted watching, as suicidal tendencies might develop. - Verdict, "Temporary Insanity", sympathy being expressed with the husband of the deceased.

NORTH TAWTON - Mr H. L. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Market Hall, North Tawton, relative to the death of an old man named JOHN TURNER, an old-age pensioner, residing in Exeter-street, North Tawton. MRS SMITH, daughter, stated that her father in getting out of bed fell and cut his head badly over both eyes. At first there was no bleeding, but about 3 a.m. it began to bleed freely and she sent for Dr Desprez, who refused to come without an order. She then sent for Dr Clements, of Winkleigh, who arrived about 10.30 a.m. and attended deceased up to the time of his death. Her father had been ailing for three years. - Dr Clements stated that death was due to pneumonia following shock, caused by the injuries to the head. Nothing more could have been done had a doctor attended at once. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

HOLBETON - MR WM. WHITE'S son, HAROLD JAMES, aged 16, late of Peace Farm, Okehampton, met with a fatal accident at Coulston Farm, Holbeton. At the Inquest MR WHITE stated that he and his son were agricultural labourers, in the employ of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, and that on Monday morning, 24th ult., his son was engaged in drawing manure with a two-wheeled farm cart and a team of horses from the farmyard to a field about 1 ¼ miles away. About 9.30 a lad informed him that HAROLD'S horses had run away and that HAROLD was lying in the road. Witness found his son dead. HAROLD, he said, was a strong lad, and had had experience in managing horses. - James H. Finch, aged 12, who was in the cart with HAROLD WHITE, who was riding on the shaft, said HAROLD made the horses trot, and afterwards to gallop, subsequently shouting Whoa! horse." The horses went faster, however, and HAROLD fell off the shaft and was dragged a short distance along the road. Witness got off from the back of the cart, and went for assistance. There had been no skylarking. Witness did not know why deceased made the horses trot. - Dr E. H. B. Fox, of Yealmpton, attributed death of paralysis of the heart, caused by fractures of the sixth and seventh ribs on the left side. He thought the injuries were caused by the horses' hoofs. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, of whom the Rev. W. Roome was Foreman. Mr Percy T. Pearce attended to represent the Plymouth Co-operative Society. The funeral took place on Friday. The chief mourners were as follows:- Father, Annie, May, Ethel (sisters), Percy, Stanley (brothers), Mr White (Beaworthy), grandfather; Messrs. W. and J. White (uncles), Miss Read, Mrs Kite, Mrs Medland (aunts); Mr Warne, Mr Screech, Mr and Mrs Northcott (friends). The bearers were chums of deceased, viz: Messrs. H. Hockaday, S. Sampson, W. Gully, T. Revel, T. Bickford and T. Miller. Floral tributes were from his sorrowing father and mother; brothers and sisters and Jack; Mr and Mrs G. Screech; from Plymouth Co-operative Society and employees of Coulston, Lambside and Nettle Farms; from his chums; Auntie Em and Uncle Tom; Madge and George (cousins); and Edith and Milly (aunts).

EXETER - An Unguarded Fire. Inquiry Respecting Burning Fatality At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening relative to the death of JOHN EDWARD ADAMS, aged seven years, of Albert-place, Rack-street, who died at the Institution from the result of burns. - Evidence was given by ELSIE ADAMS, the mother and wife of a gunner at the Front, to the effect that about midday on the 1st inst., she went out to get the food for dinner, and left the child playing in the street with other children. On her return she found him lying behind the door in smoke. She screamed for help and Mrs Alford, a neighbour, came as well as Detective Walters. There was a fire in the room, but no fire guard. The pen grate, in which there was a fire, had no protection. It had been her rule to leave her children in charge of someone whenever she went out, but on this occasion she did not think it necessary as she did not intend to be away more than a very short time. - Mrs Bush, who was in company of the mother, said she saw the boy on the floor, in an unconscious condition. The mother and herself had been away from the house about a quarter of an hour. - Mrs Alford, who was called to the house by the last witness, said the deceased was playing with her children in the street about five minutes before. - The mother (recalled) said her little daughter, aged 3 years, told her that deceased had thrown his coat on the fire. - Detective Walters said he was called into the house just after the incident and saw the clothes of the child in front of the body was all burnt off except the boots. The body was steaming as if water had been thrown on the body. Near by was a bowl which contained about half a cup of water. He had been unable to ascertain who threw the water. The mother did not know. The child, who was unconscious, was conveyed to the Hospital. - Dr Domville, acting House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the child was terribly burned from the hip upwards. He died about an hour after admission to the Institution from shock, the result of burns. - The Coroner explained that in the event of a child under seven years being burnt through the absence of a fire guard the parents were criminally responsible, but the deceased was over seven, and the Act, therefore, did not apply. - The Foreman said in the opinion of the Jury the mother should have provided a fire-guard, seeing there was a younger child. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure," sympathised with the father and mother, and complimented Detective Walters on the expedition with which he acted.

Western Times, Monday 7 January 1918
THORVERTON - Thorverton Farmer Killed As The Result Of Being Thrown From His Horse. - A young Thorverton farmer, MR WILLIAM B. PLUCKNETT, met with a tragic death on Friday evening when returning from Exeter market. On reaching Berry House, Thorverton, the residence of his father-in-law, he dismounted and tied up his horse. When MR PLUCKNETT again attempted to mount, the horse became restive and threw him. On being picked up MR PLUCKNETT was found to be bleeding at the mouth and ears. Dr Beddow was at once called but death took place at 3.30 a.m. on Saturday. MR PLUCKNETT, who was 39 years of age, was much respected in the town and neighbourhood. He was a Nonconformist and Liberal and for three years had been a member of the Parish Council. He was a trustee of local charities. With his widow, mother and brothers much sympathy is felt. The deceased was of a very cheerful and sunny disposition and beloved by his employees. - The Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, on Saturday evening at Berry Dairy, Thorverton. - CHARLES PLUCKNETT, a brother, said on Friday deceased went to Exeter and returned b y train with witness. Deceased had put his horse up opposite witness's house. About 4 o'clock in the afternoon he fetched his horse to ride home. A few minutes later witness was called to go to deceased, who appeared to have fallen off his horse about 50 yards from his house. He was bleeding from the left ear. Deceased said "I cannot understand how it happened," and asked for his horse. He was brought to witness's house, and the doctor attended him up to the time of his death, which occurred just before 4 a.m. on Saturday. He became unconscious on Friday evening and remained so up to the time of his death. - Bessie Hunt said she saw deceased in the act of mounting his horse, which was "playful," and deceased tried to mount it three times. The third time he placed one foot in the stirrup and was trying to do the same with the other foot when the animal kicked and bolted towards the church wall. Deceased was pitched into the road, his head and shoulder striking the ground violently. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 8 January 1918
TOTNES - Found Drowned In The Dart. - At Totnes on Sunday morning, information was given to the Police that JOHN ROWE had failed to return to his home, 22 Warland-street, Totnes, and that his cap had been found in the river. Later Messrs. J. Potter and W. King recovered his body at the same place as a man named Fice was found drowned recently. It transpired that ROWE, who was a fisherman, 51 years of age, and unmarried, was at the Steam Packet Inn, which is kept by his sister, MRS OWEN, leaving there shortly before 11 p.m. on Saturday and it is supposed that going along the quay in the darkness he walked into the river, which would then be about full tide. P.S. Mortimore and P.C. Cooper assisted to convey the body to the mortuary. - At the Inquest held by Mr S. Hacker (County Coroner) yesterday, MRS OWEN, of the Steam Packet Inn, said deceased, her brother, had been crippled from birth in one leg and walked with a stick. He often went to the Inn, and did odd jobs and always came and went by the back way and along the Quay. - William Murch said deceased left by the back, on to the Quay, on Saturday. It was a foggy night and the roads were slippery. No lights were lit on the Quay. - P.S. Mortimore said owing to the war all lights were extinguished at 10 p.m. He suggested that anyone going along the Quay might mistake a light at Bridge House for that at the Seven Stars Hotel and walk into the water. - P.C. Cooper said when found the deceased was still grasping his stick in his right hand. The Constable expressed the opinion that if the rails on the Quay were extended another 9ft. it would give more protection. On October 25th an Inquest was held on a man named Fice, whose body was found almost at the same place and a recommendation was made that some steps should be taken to remove the danger, but nothing was done. - Andrew Warren, Borough Surveyor, said the Council's reply was that the Quay was private property. - The Coroner said it would seem to be one of the principal duties of the governing body to see the lives of the public were not subjected to unreasonable danger. It would not affect the Quay if the fence were extended three or four yards. - Witness said he considered it was a question of lighting. The Jury returned a verdict that ROWE was Accidentally Drowned, and added a rider that the fence should be extended at least five yards and that application should be made to the Police to allow the lamps on the Quay to be lit until 11 p.m. The Surveyor said he would report the recommendation to the Council. - The Foreman (Mr G. H. Kirk) said they trusted the Council, or whoever was in authority, would see there was no delay in having the matter remedied.

Western Times, Thursday 10 January 1918
GREAT TORRINGTON - An Inquest was held by Dr Pearson, at Torrington, yesterday, on the body of EMMA HALLS, widow, 67 years of age, who resided at 63 Well-street. She was found dead by a neighbour. - Dr Watkins, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

DARTMOUTH - At Dartmouth, yesterday, an Inquest was held touching the death of RICHARD CHOWN, 59, a station orderly, employed at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, who died suddenly on the College grounds on Tuesday morning. Dr Sparrow said a post mortem showed that death was due to heart disease, and the Jury returned their verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Inquest On Infant At Exeter. - "Misadventure" was the verdict yesterday at an Exeter Inquest on the six days' old infant child of a domestic servant named GOODING. The Inquest had been previously adjourned after evidence to the effect that the infant was found dead in bed beside its mother on Dec. 29th, at an address in Queen's Court, Exe Island, where she was staying. - Mrs Anning, also of Queen's Court, who had tended the mother and the child, now said that the mother was very fond of it and the infant was in no way neglected. The mother had told witness that as she lay in bed she was attacked with faintness and on coming round she found her baby dead. - A nurse also said the child was in no way neglected and Dr Corbett expressed the opinion that death was due to suffocation due to its being accidentally overlaid.

Western Times, Saturday 12 January 1918
HERNE BAY, KENT - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Herne Bay yesterday, on LIEUT. R. H. SMITH, son of a Plymouth journalist, who was killed while instructing recruits in throwing live bombs.

Western Times, Monday 14 January 1918
EXETER - Whimple Man's Death. Fall From A Load Of Straw. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday afternoon, relative to the death of JAMES HENRY ROPER, dairyman, 55, of Cross Park, Whimple. - The widow said on December 12th deceased was helping Mr Pratt threshing and was brought home injured. He said he had fallen off a load of straw, and added that he was on the load pulling a rope, which snapped, and he fell off. Generally, he was strong and healthy and had not been ill for 30 years. - James Coombes, labourer, who was working with deceased at the time of the accident, said ROPER got on the top of the waggon of straw to get hold of the end of a rope. The latter snapped and ROPER fell off and knocked down witness, who was standing under. The load was very high and deceased fell out over the lades. - Dr Domville said deceased, who was admitted on the 15th inst., was suffering from injury to the spine, which accounted for the paralysis of the limbs below the waist. The cause of death was fracture of the spine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

SOUTHLEIGH - Southleigh Farmer's Suicide. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, held an Inquest at Southleigh on Saturday relative to the death of WILLIAM HERBERT REED, 46, of Little Farm, Southleigh. The evidence showed that the wife of the deceased on Friday morning took him up a cup of tea. Later, with his boy, he went out to feed the cattle, returning just as the post-girl arrived with a letter containing a small account - for 2s. 6d. He went out again, and his boy appeared to have been the last to see him. Deceased stood on the steps looking towards the yard, and he was heard to say that he did not know what he should do, as if the frost continued there would be no more hay and his cattle would starve. About 10.30 his wife, hearing a noise in the yard, went out, only to find that a horse had turned over, but fearing that something had happened to her husband, she again went out into the yard, and found that the doors of the barn had been bolted inside. MRS REED gained access to the barn by another door, and discovered her husband hanging by the neck from a rope suspended from beam. She fetched her daughter, IVY, and they tried, without success, to cut him down. Deceased's son, working in a field near by, was then called, and succeeded in cutting his father down. Deceased had been attended by Dr Creighton since July. Deceased then lost a son. He had taken it in turns with his wife in staying up at night with his son during his illness with the result that he suffered from sleeplessness. - Dr Creighton stated that he last attended deceased on December 31st. Deceased seemed to imagine that he was suffering from a growth inside. An examination showed that deceased was physically sound and that there was no ground whatever for such a fear. Deceased also saw Dr Davy, of Exeter, who confirmed witness's opinion, but deceased did not seem to be convinced. Witness then thought deceased was going mentally wrong. It was also stated that deceased worried about an order to plough up two acres for the growing of corn, because he was in poor health and did not know how he was going to do it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

EXETER - Death From Anthrax. Inquest At The Royal Devon And Exeter Hospital. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday afternoon an Inquest was held relative to the death of GEORGE HELLYER, 67, farm bailiff, of Lower Hoopern, who died at the Institution on Friday. - Evidence was given by the widow, who said that her husband, who managed Lower Hoopern, for Mr C. Morgan, of Morchard Bishop, had been on the farm for over 30 years, and was generally healthy. On Boxing Day, on returning to tea, he complained of a swollen hand. He did not speak of being in pain. He said a pig was ill and apparently choking, and he had placed his hand on the animal's throat to ascertain the cause of its condition. After tea, deceased's hand swelled considerably about the wrist. Before he went to bed a poultice was applied. He had a good night, but in the morning the wrist was still swollen. He went about his work as usual, but later was conveyed to the Hospital. - Dr Stirk, Medical Officer of Health, who said he was notified that there had been anthrax at the farm, described the precautions he took to protect the public. - Acting Police Inspector Hill, said on Tuesday, the 25th December, a case of anthrax was reported at Lower Hoopern Farm. He went there and saw a sow pig. He served a form on deceased, and told him that no one must be allowed to touch the animal. Deceased said that the pig was taken ill on the previous night and that he sent for Mr Roach, veterinary surgeon, but the pig died that morning. On the 27th witness again visited the farm, in company with a representative of the Board of Agriculture, and saw another boar pig dead. He noticed that deceased's wrist was bandaged. Questioned on the matter, deceased said it was only a blackhead and had been poulticed. He further said that he had not handled the pig since its death. A report was made to Dr Stirk, and on the 27th deceased was removed to the Hospital in a motor-car. He was reluctant to go, and treated the affection of his arm as a trivial matter. - Dr Domville, Acting House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased, who was admitted to the Institution on the 27th, was suffering from anthrax. The usual remedies were administered, but blood poisoning set in as a result of anthrax and deceased succumbed. Everything possible was done for him. Medicines from America and Italy were available and altogether remedies costing about £5 were administered to him. - The Coroner said no doubt everything possible was done to save deceased's life. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from anthrax, contracted during his work through Misadventure.

Western Times, Wednesday 16 January 1918
EXETER - Exeter Infant's Death. Parent's Unsuccessful Quest For A Doctor. - At an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, at the Exeter Court House yesterday, relative to the death of KATHLEEN WATERS, aged four months, daughter of a fish hawker, of Coombe-street, evidence was given to the effect that the child was taken ill late on Sunday night. About 2.30 on Monday morning the father and mother endeavoured to get a doctor. Five doctors told them that they could not attend. In the meantime a neighbour applied linseed meal poultices to the child's body (front and back), but death took place about seven o'clock on Monday morning. At ten o'clock Dr Pereira Gray, the Police Medical Officer, examined the body. He gave evidence to the effect that the child died from convulsions due to rickets. In answer to the Deputy Coroner, witness expressed the opinion that if the parents had succeeded in getting a doctor, nothing could have saved the child. - The Deputy Coroner said all knew that doctors were very busy just now. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Thursday 17 January 1918
EXETER - Died In Her Chair. Inquest On An Exeter Old-Age Pensioner. - At the Exeter Court House last evening, the Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, held an Inquest relative to the death of THIRZA ANN TRELEAVEN, widow, aged 72, of 67 Holloway-street, who was found dead in her chair about midday on Tuesday. Evidence was given by Alfred Steer, furniture dealer, who said that deceased, who lived in apartment, had been drawing a pension about two years. She had never spoken of having relatives. None ever visited her. Mrs Thorne, a neighbour, said she saw deceased about 4.15 on Monday afternoon. She had had an attack of bronchitis, but said she was much better. On Tuesday morning witness found her sitting in a chair and dead. - Mrs Dunn, of Dean-street, who had known deceased about five or six years, said she saw her on Monday later than the last witness. Deceased then said she was much better than she had been for two nights. Witness fetched an egg and some milk for her. - Dr Pereira Gray, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure, due to enlargement of the lungs. Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 18 January 1918
BOVEY TRACEY - The death took place suddenly on Saturday of MRS STEVENS, Wifford Cottages. An Inquest was held on Tuesday, the verdict returned being "Death from Natural Causes." The funeral took place on Wednesday at Manaton.

MORCHARD BISHOP - Tragedy Of The Flood. Sad End To A Morchard Bishop Man. The Inquest. - The District Coroner, Mr Henry W. Gould, held an Inquest at Mr Steer's Room, the Village, Morchard Bishop, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of HENRY DREW, aged 58, carpenter, who was found drowned in a flooded meadow at Morchard Bishop on Wednesday morning. - WILLIAM RICE, farmer, stepson, who identified the body, said he saw the deceased alive about 11 p.m. on Tuesday near the timber houses at Lapford. He had been with witness to Nymet Rowland for the purpose of felling timber, but the weather was so bad that they were unable to work. Returning to Lapford about 3 p.m. they went to the Yeo Vale Hotel, and stayed there until 10 p.m. closing time. As it was raining in torrents they stayed in a shed for about twenty minutes. Another man named Ernest Delve was there. Deceased and witness left Delve in the shed and proceeded on their way home. At Bugford they found the water was out. Witness said, "I don't think we will go across the water; we will go back the other way." They accordingly turned back and went by another way, but they found the water was out there as well. Returning they intended to go back to Lapford for the night. On reaching the timber houses deceased suggested they should go via Bugford. He knew the road well and said he had been through there when it was forty times worse than that. Witness advised him not to go, but deceased decided to go and they parted. Deceased was sober. The night was very dark. Witness went back to Lapford. - Richard Stoneman, of Bugford Mill, proved finding the body on Wednesday morning at 8 o'clock in a meadow just below the mills. Deceased was lying face downwards in about eight feet of water caused by the flood of the river Yeo. The deceased would have had to wade through 60 yards of water. At 9 p.m. there was about four feet of water in the roadway and at 2.30 a.m. witness again examined it as he was anxious and found it five or six feet deep. The current then was very strong. During the night he heard no cries for help. Witness's opinion was that deceased was drowned in the road and that the body was washed down the stream. He had known the water even higher than it was that night. He was sure that no man could have waded through the water as he saw it at 9 p.m. without being washed off his legs. - Dr Charles Claridge Pratt, of Morchard Bishop, said the body presented the usual appearance of death by drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning."

Western Times, Saturday 19 January 1918
EXETER - Flood Fatality. Inquest On A Child Drowned In Exeter Leat. A Dangerous Spot. - At the Inquest held at the Court House last evening by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, relative to the death of BERTIE JOHN GUPPY, aged 3 ½ years, son of a fireman on the Great Western Railway, of Bonhay-road, evidence was given by MRS ELLEN SALTER, the deceased's grandmother, that on Wednesday after dinner time the child called on her at 5 Rosebery Cottages, Bonhay-road. Her house was in a narrow passage near Parkin's foundry, and at the back of the mill leat. The back door opened on to a yard between the house and the leat. The latter had been fenced from time to time with pieces of board which, however, had again and again disappeared. Her husband had put up rough kinds of fences there but they disappeared so many times that he got tired of doing it. In answer to a Juryman, witness said anyone could walk down the passage and into the water. The yard was shared by witness and her neighbours. It would be possible to erect a gate there. She believed the property belonged to the City Brewery. - John Wm. Henson, landlord of the Shakespeare Inn, said on Wednesday about 2.50 his wife, looking from her bedroom window, called his attention to the body of a child in the water. He ran out into Bonhay-road and called for a rope. The child at that time was almost down to the Council Bridge. With others he ran to the bridge. In answer to the Foreman, witness said the Council had no life-belts or crooks at the place. There used to be rough fencing at the yard of Rosebery Cottages. - Thomas Coombes, mason, employed by the City Council, said he took the body from the water below the Exe Island bridge and tried to restore animation without success. - P.C. Parrish, who saw the body on the landing stage, near Palmer and Edwards' bakery, said with the assistance of others he tried for about 40 minutes to bring about artificial respiration. - Detective-Sergt. Walters said the lane at Rosebery Cottages could be entered from the Exe Island end of Tudor-street and Bonhay-road. There used to be a gate at the leat, but it had disappeared. The stream was on Wednesday level with the steps in the yard, and was rushing down at from 18 to 20 miles an hour. There were some rickety railings. It was a dangerous spot, especially for children. The public, too, were in danger in the dark, as some people used the place as a short cut from Exe Island to Bonhay-road. - Mr E. J. Corbett, Surgeon, who was called to examine the body, attributed death to drowning. - The Deputy Coroner said the path was apparently private property and there was no public right of way. If, however, the Jury wished to make a representation to the owners he would convey it to them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" sympathised with the parents, and requested the Deputy Coroner to ask the owners of the property to provide adequate protection at the leat. - The Deputy Coroner also sympathised with the parents.

Western Times, Monday 21 January 1918
EXETER - Death Of A Topsham Fisherman. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, held an Inquest at the St. Thomas Infirmary on Saturday evening, relative to the death of WILLIAM CHARLES OAK, 54, fisherman, of Monmouth-hill, Topsham, who died at the St. Thomas Poor Law Institution on Wednesday. - Evidence was given by ROBERT OAK, brother, to the effect that on Friday, December 28th deceased went to clean an upstair window at the house of Mr Hexter. Returning home half an hour later, deceased said he could hardly walk, and that he was in pain all over. He explained that the ladder had slipped away from under him, and he fell. Deceased then went to bed and was attended until January 8th by Dr Macpherson. He was then taken to the St. Thomas Infirmary. - Dr Black, Medical Officer at the St. Thomas Infirmary, said deceased was suffering from broken ribs. He was unable to eat or sleep properly. Death was due to uraemia, accelerated by the fall. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

NEWTON ABBOT - Sudden Death Of A Young Woman At Newton Abbot - OLIVE LUCY COPPLESTONE, 28, residing with her aged mother, at 8 Cricketfield Terrace, Newton Abbot, was on Friday morning taken seriously ill. Miss Tapper, who lives in the same house, and a neighbour named West, rendered assistance, the latter giving her a cup of tea, but the woman died shortly after, and before medical help could be obtained. An Inquest was held at Newton Town Hall on Saturday, when, on the medical evidence, a verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 22 January 1918
EXETER - Fatal Slip. Death Of A Clyst St. Mary Labourer. - At an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, relative to the death of THOMAS W. HAVILL, 74, labourer, of Clyst St. Mary, who died at the Institution on Sunday from injuries received in a fall, evidence was given by WILFRID JOHN HAVILL, timber feller, the son, to the effect that on December 22nd deceased slipped in the back kitchen of his house and fractured one of his legs. He was put to bed and medically attended. Ten days later he was removed to the Hospital to have the fractured limb set, as it was impossible for the doctor to do it at the house in the absence of appliances and trained nurses. ELLEN HAVILL, widow, said she left the house for a few minutes to let some men have some hurdles from an out-house. She left him sitting by the fire. On her return he was in the back kitchen, and he told her he had had a fall and thought he had broken his leg. - Mr E. J. Domville, Acting House Surgeon, said that as far as the injuries to the deceased's thigh bone were concerned the deceased went on all right, but the confinement and his restricted position in bed, necessary owing to his age, caused him ultimately to succumb. The actual cause of death was his fractured thigh bone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - A North Devon Woman Found Drowned At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at the old Town Hall, Torquay, yesterday, relative to the death of EMILY MARY DRAKE, aged 47, cook at Marina, Park Hill-road, whose body was found in the sea close to the villa grounds on Saturday morning. Deceased left her sister's house at Braunton to go to Torquay at Christmas and continued to carry out her duties up till Friday. On that day she went upstairs to her room about 10 o'clock, saying she had a headache; a complaint from which she suffered. The next morning her room was found to be empty, and deceased and hat and coat were gone, whilst the back door was unlocked. Shortly afterwards her body was seen in the water. Deceased was not known to have had any trouble, and had never said anything to indicate that she contemplated suicide. She had been given notice to leave because she was not considered sufficiently capable. One of the domestics said she did not think deceased would know her way about the villa gardens, but one of the under-gardeners said he saw her on the beach on Friday afternoon and when she noticed him she walked away. The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Times, Wednesday 23 January 1918
NEWTON ABBOT - Youth's Death At Newton Abbot. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday relative to the death of ALBERT REGINALD NICHOLS, 19, of 10a Highweek-street, Newton Abbot, which occurred on Sunday last. On the 22nd November last deceased was driving a milk cart for Mr Eli Lang, Teigngrace, when he was thrown out at Sandford Orleigh Hill, Newton Abbot, and conveyed to the Hospital in a serious condition. He recovered, however, and, after going away for a change, returned apparently better. On Saturday evening he was taken ill and died on Sunday morning.

Western Times, Thursday 24 January 1918
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest held at Newton Abbot, Tuesday, on the youth named NICKOLS, of 10a Highweek-street, Newton Abbot, Dr R. F. Higgin stated that as a result of the accident deceased sustained a fracture of the right base of the skull. It was one of the very few cases of which he knew in which a person recovered at all after receiving such injuries. Dr A. T. Nisbet - who made a post mortem examination - said the immediate cause of death was meningitis, following the fracture of the right base of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday (conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, Coroner) touching the death of MRS ANNIE BARBEARY, aged 48, the wife of a boatman, named WM. J. BARBEARY, living at 2 Quayfield-road. The evidence showed that deceased complained on Monday of a violent headache and took a head and nerve powder. She became unconscious in a few minutes and passed away before the arrival of a doctor. Dr Osborne, who made a post mortem examination, deposed that he found an abscess on the right side of the brain. In his opinion this was the cause of death, the abscess having burst. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury.

Western Times, Friday 25 January 1918
EXETER - Rumours Cause An Inquest. Exeter Coroner Enquires Into The Death Of A Baby. - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Police Court last evening touching the death of the three months' old child of EMILY BERRY, at No. 2 Prospect-place, Rack-street, on Saturday last. - EMILY BERRY, the mother, said the child was born in October, and a week after birth it weighed 6lbs. While witness had been out to work her mother looked after the child by day, while witness took charge of it at night. It was fed on milk food obtained from the Baby's Welcome Club. A week ago her mother took the child to a doctor and on returning the child had convulsions. Another doctor was at once fetched and afterwards Dr Clapp attended. - Dr Clapp said he saw the child on Friday last. It was emaciated. He was told it had had convulsions, but he could find no cause for them. A post mortem examination revealed that there was an entire absence of fat about the body, and the child weighed only 5lbs. 11 ½ ozs., whereas the normal weight should have been 9 ½ lbs. The organs were healthy, but there were signs of marked constipation sufficient to cause the convulsions from which the child evidently died. - The Coroner said the Jury might wonder why an Inquest was held so long after death and in view of the doctor having given a certificate and the evidence now adduced, but complaints were lodged at his office only the previous day that there had been neglect and it became necessary to make investigation. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

ST BUDEAUX - Okehampton Man's Death. Sad End Of One Who Suffered From Religious Mania. - At Budshead Farm, St. Budeaux, on Tuesday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of JOHN WILLIAM FREDERICK ROWE, aged 52, grocer's assistant, of Okehampton, whose body was found in the creek at Tamerton on Sunday. - William Cockwill, grocer's assistant, said MR ROWE had been in the same employ as himself during the last eleven years and had lodged with him eight years. On October 28 MR ROWE left home with the expressed intention of going to a place of worship and witness had not seen him since. Deceased had on various occasions been confined in an Asylum, his last mental illness, according to a document found in his room, being in 1905. - The Coroner: You always felt a little anxious about him? - His mother always asked me to look after him, knowing his state of mind, and I have always kept him under observation. That's what made me anxious when I heard on the Sunday evening that he had left for Plymouth. - Witness added that MR ROWE suffered from religious mania and he believed he was arrested on the last occasion in a church at Saltash. He had never been heard to threaten to take his life and when he stated at the White Hart Hotel that he had to leave for Plymouth by the 7.15 p.m. train on important business, nothing unusual was noticed in his demeanour. - JOHN ROWE, writer, R.N., (second cousin to deceased) stated that they travelled from Okehampton to St. Budeaux together on October 28. MR ROWE left witness to go to Plymouth by train. He appeared to be very bright and explained that he was engaged on important business. He would not arrange to meet witness the following night, as he said he would in all probability have returned to Okehampton in the meantime. - William Soady, an employee at Budshead Mill, deposed to finding the body which was brought ashore and taken, under the direction of the Police, to Budshead Farm. - Dr T. Olver, Crownhill, expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner: What evidence, if any, is thee of how the body got into the water? - Sergt. Cruse: None at all. Every inquiry has been made, but the last time MR ROWE was seen was when he left his cousin. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 30 January 1918
TOPSHAM - Missing Exmouth Lady. Body of MRS EMMA LEWIS Found In River Clyst At Topsham. - About 6 p.m. on Monday Mr Williams, of Cotts, Topsham, discovered the body of a woman in the river Clyst, and P.C. Cox, with assistance, took it to the Salutation Hotel. The body had been identified as that of MRS LEWIS, a patient at Wonford House, who has been missing since Boxing Day. - The deceased lady, who was 64 years of age, was the widow of MR JOHN LEWIS, of 16 St. Andrew's-road, Exmouth, who was formerly a traveller for Messrs. C. J. Ross and Co., of Exmouth. The Inquest was held at Topsham last evening. - Dr W.B. Norton, Medical Superintendent at Wonford House, Exeter, said MRS LEWIS was a patient at the Institution, where she was admitted in July 1916. She had delusions, but she never had any tendency to suicide. She was in the habit of going in and out on parole and had done so for several months. There had been no cause for complaint, the patient being always very punctual. On December 26th she left the house at about 7 a.m. and for half an hour remained in the grounds before going out. She did not leave any message as to where she was going. She had never made any complaint at the Institution and was always cheerful and contented. - Frederick Williams, of New Court Lodge, Topsham, deposed to finding the body in the Clyst last evening. It was fully dressed, and was lying in the water close to the bank. - P.C. Cox, Countess Weir, said the body was searched, but nothing was found which could throw any light on the tragedy. The deceased's disappearance had been notified to the Police in December, but they had never been able to glean any information of her movements since she left Wonford House. - Dr Macpherson, of Topsham, said he could detect no marks of violence on the body which presented the usual appearance of drowning. The body had evidently been in the water a considerable time. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 2 February 1918
EXETER HEAVITREE - Death Results From A Fall At Heavitree. - At an Inquest held at Heavitree last evening, relative to the death of MARY ANN ADELAIDE OGALBE, aged 88, of Stafford Lodge, Fore-street, Heavitree, widow of the late MR CHARLES OGALBE, of Seymour, Australia, evidence was given by Albert Brooking, cousin, to the effect that deceased, who had not had a doctor for 40 years, fell in her bedroom on January 14th. Her right leg twisted behind her left. She had fallen twice before owing to giddiness. - Dr Whaite said death was due to old age and a fractured joint of the leg. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PAIGNTON - Motor Fatality At Paignton. - On September 13th last, MR J. SALTER BARTLETT, temporary clerk at Lloyds Bank, visited Deller's Cafe, Paignton, and in calling a friend ran down the steps and slipped at the edge of the pavement, with the result that a motor car belonging to the Exchange Garage, Plymouth, and driven by William Bath, went over his leg and fractured his thigh. MR BARTLETT was taken to the Cottage Hospital and treated, but the fracture was a very bad one, with pieces of dead bone in the wound, and, moreover, he was a delicate man. Several operations were necessary and on Sunday extensive haemorrhage took place. This was repeated on Wednesday and he was in such a weak condition that he died under the loss of blood. These facts were related at an Inquest last night and the Jury, who were informed that MR BARTLETT had expressly and definitely stated that the whole affair was a pure accident, had no difficulty in arriving at a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to anyone. The funeral will take place on Monday. Great regret is felt at the demises of MR BARTLETT, who was highly esteemed in Paignton.

Western Times, Monday 4 February 1918
SOUTH MOLTON - Suicide At South Molton. - Mr Fred J. Cole was Foreman of the Jury at an Inquiry held by Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, into the death of MRS ELIZABETH BLANCHE MOORE, wife of MR JOHN MOORE, East-street, South Molton, who was found dead on January 31st. - MR MOORE, the husband, said his wife was 41 years of age. He last saw her alive at a quarter past seven on Thursday morning. She had had a good night and was then having breakfast with her brother-in-law, Mr Richard Pike. She appeared to be all right. Later in the morning he was told what had happened over the telephone. In the past twelve months his wife had been in fairly good health and had not been attended by a doctor. In answer to the Coroner, witness said as far as he knew of deceased had nothing to worry her. - Richard Pike said he lodged at the house, and on Thursday morning had breakfast with the deceased and her husband. The latter finished first and went to his work. Witness went out about 7.25. MRS MOORE had then just gone upstairs. When he left the deceased appeared to be all right. When he came home to dinner he could not find MRS MOORE. The Coroner: Describe what you saw in the woodhouse. - A rope was round a beam and twice round her neck. She was hanging from the rope and he cut her down; her feet were on the ground. - Dr Seal, South Molton, said he found the deceased lying on the floor of a bedroom. He believed she had been dead for over two hours. There was a deep mark round the neck, going round the back of the neck under the chin. It was most marked behind and there was a discolouration of neck high up. There were no other marks of violence. Witness visited the woodhouse and saw the sacks of coal. - The Coroner: Would you say that she put the cord over the beam and round her neck and then jumped off? - Yes. - Would that be sufficient to account for the dislocation of the neck? - Yes. - It was dislocation and not asphyxia that killed her? - Yes. - Sergt. Real said there were two distinct footmarks on the coal sacks. No letters from the deceased had been found in the house. The house had been searched, but there was nothing to throw any light on the matter. - The Coroner said it was clear that the cause of death was dislocation of the neck, and the verdict should be "Suicide by Hanging." The Jury returned a verdict accordingly, Mr J. G. Webber remarking that in his opinion the deceased was not sane at the time of her death. - Mr Cole, on behalf of himself and the Jurymen, expressed sympathy with the husband whom, he said, he had known for 20 years as a respectable man. Mr Bennett endorsed the Foreman's remarks.

Western Times, Friday 8 February 1918
MOREBATH - Child's Death At Morebath. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday as to the death of ALFRED JOHN BROOMFIELD, the eight-weeks-old child of MR WILLIAM BROOMFIELD, farm bailiff, of Layton Farm, Morebath. The mother said she put the child to sleep in a cradle by the side of the bed. During the night he cried, and she took him into bed with her and fed him. She got up the next morning about six and left the baby in bed, as she thought, asleep, but on looking at him before going downstairs, found he was dead. - Dr Sydenham, of Dulverton, said a post mortem examination showed death was due to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation by Overlaying."

SOUTH HUISH - Lady Killed In Motor-Car Accident Near Kingsbridge. - LIEUT. W. F. WATKINS, M.C. Gloucester Regiment, of Chard Park, Bishops Sutton, near Bristol, accompanied by his wife, on Monday, drove Rev. Dr Fletcher from Bristol to Galmpton, near Kingsbridge, where he was to take up duties at the parish church. When near the village the officer took the wrong turning owing to the darkness and mist and drove the car over a bank on the roadside. It overturned and MRS WATKINS was pinned underneath. Assistance was sent for, but the lady was badly injured and expired before medical assistance arrived. LIEUTENANT WATKINS, who has seen much service in France, is home on sick leave. Both he and Dr Fletcher were badly shaken, but otherwise unhurt. An Inquest was held on Wednesday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TIVERTON - The Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Hospital on Thursday evening on the body of MRS MARIA HARRIS, 76, widow, of Little Silver, Tiverton, who died suddenly the previous day. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

ASHWATER - Ashwater War Victim. Tragic Death Of The Town's Chief Trader. A District In Mourning. - An Inquest was held at Hazeldene, Ashwater, on Monday by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, on RICHARD HOCKING MOON, aged 60, merchant, who died on Saturday. - RICHARD HENRY MOON, nephew of deceased, said he last saw his uncle alive about 10 on Friday night. He was then in bed and had been there since Wednesday, not feeling well and had been attended by Dr Gibson. When witness saw him on Friday night he seemed quite jovial and, so far as he knew, deceased had no money troubles. The war might have troubled him a little and about a week ago he kept on saying he did not know if he would be able to get any hay for his horses. He had written about getting some more hay and on Saturday morning a letter came in reply, saying no more could be released. Deceased had never actually referred to any troubles in his hearing and he had never spoken of doing away with himself. On Saturday morning, about 9 o'clock, he was called to deceased's house and found him in the bathroom. He was in a kneeling position, dead, with his head hung over the bath, his throat was cut and there was a razor by his side. - Dr C. G. Gibson, of Launceston, said he saw deceased on Wednesday evening and found him very depressed and utterly miserable. On Thursday he saw deceased again and found he had some organic disease and he considered this had caused the depression. He did not tell the deceased of the disease, but tried to cheer him up. His mind was undoubtedly upset as to the feeding of his horses and the war conditions preyed on his mind. The wound in the throat was sufficient to cause death. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and sympathy was expressed with the relatives of the deceased. - A Man Of Many Parts. - A native of Liskeard, MR MOON came to Ashwater when quite a young man, marrying a Miss Clifton, niece of Mr Wadland, and became his successor as postmaster and grocer in the village. He also opened a shop at Ashmill. After the fire at Messrs. Pethick Bros. flour mills, he purchased the site, had the premises re-built with a shop attached, and became the general merchant of the place. A few months ago he transferred his business and stores to his nephew, but still kept on his Government work and other pursuits. Always a keen, alert business man of more than ordinary ability, forecast and enterprise, his success had been most marked. In securing a lot of Government contracts for baling, hauling etc., and also owning considerable property he has been the means of giving a lot of employment and proved in every way to be the greatest benefactor to the place. No one appealed to him in vain for help of any kind. He was treasurer of the Rechabite Society here ever since its formation and President of the District Nursing Committee. Every good cause and work had his most loyal support and generous help. His loss is most keenly felt and generally deplored. Widespread and heartfelt sympathy go out to the bereaved wife and family. At St Peter's Church on Sunday evening there was a memorial service. The Dead March was played at the close of the service. - The Funeral. - The funeral took place on Tuesday conducted by the Rector (Rev. S. D. Melhuish). The chief mourners were MRS MOON (widow), Mrs Lashbrook (daughter), Mr and Mrs J. Burnett (daughter and son-in-law), Mr Moon and Mrs Madams (Liskeard), brother and sister; Mr and Mrs Littlejohns (Broadwood), brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Mr and Mrs R. H. Moon (nephew and Niece); Misses Littlejohns (nieces); Mr Knowles (friend); and Mr Peters (the family solicitor). Mr Lashbrook, being in France, was of course unable to attend. The hymns sung were "Now the labourer's task is o'er," and "When our heads are bowed with woe." The organist (Miss Melhuish) played the Dead March and other suitable music. The church was crowded to its utmost capacity by testifying to the great respect felt for the deceased. Hundreds were present, nearly every house in the place being represented; and also many from Broadwood, Germansweek, Halwill, Viginstowe, St Giles, Clawton and the surrounding parishes.

Western Times, Tuesday 12 February 1918
EXETER - Fatal Fall. Death Of A Retired Coal Dealer In St. Thomas. - The City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at 33 Okehampton-road, yesterday, relative to the death of WILLIAM SEWARD, aged 68, formerly a coal dealer, who fell downstairs on Thursday, the 7th and died on Friday evening. - Florence Emma Hannaford, niece, said on Thursday about 9.30 a.m., she saw deceased, and he was then in good health. On arriving home about midday, she was called by Mrs Cole (the housekeeper). On going upstairs she found deceased's head lying on Mrs Cole's lap, and saw that an accident had happened. Dr Corbett was sent for and deceased rallied about six o'clock in the evening. His breath had declined recently, but not abnormally. He had a cut over one of his ears. He died on Friday about 11 p.m. - Mrs Alice Cole, housekeeper, stated that about noon deceased went upstairs with a bucket of water, presumably to clean the windows. While in the kitchen she heard water coming downstairs. Getting no answer to her calls she went to the upper part of the house and found deceased lying on the stairs. - MRS EMMA PATTEN, sister of deceased, said her brother never had any fits or a seizure. - Mr Corbett, Surgeon, who was called to see the deceased immediately after the accident, said there was a mark over the left ear and there was blood in the left ear, probably caused by a fall against the bannisters. SEWARD was unconscious at first, but he regained consciousness and lapsed into unconsciousness again. - Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. - Asked by the Coroner why he did not report the accident, witness said he did not think it was necessary as he was satisfied as to the cause of death. - The Coroner said witness must know as a medical man that in case of an accident he had to report. Witness had given a certificate in which it was stated that the cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, and nothing else. - Witness: That is sufficient. - You should have told the people to report it? - I told Mrs Hannaford that it was probably due to the accident, and cerebral injuries. - You knew there had been an accident. There might have been a row and he had been knocked on the head. Yet you thought that it was enough to give a certificate of cerebral haemorrhage. - I knew it was an accident. - The Coroner: That is the reason you should have reported it. The man is insured, I see, in the accidental, but in the certificate there is nothing to show that death was not caused by natural causes. - In reply to the Foreman, the Coroner said if the death was registered as an accident, the family would get the insurance. - Addressing Dr Corbett, the Coroner said he did not like to find fault, but he hoped that he would not give cause for complaint in a matter of this kind again. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

OTTERY ST MARY - East Devon Tragedy. Little Girl Accidentally Shot By Brother. A Sad Case. - An Inquest was held at Lower Coombe Farm, Ottery St Mary, yesterday afternoon, before Mr C. N. Tweed (Deputy Coroner for the District) touching the death of ISABEL JOY SKINNER, which occurred on Saturday under tragic circumstances. - JAMES SKINNER, farmer, father of the deceased, said her last saw the child alive at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday morning. On Thursday witness went shooting in company with Mr Farmer. In inviting witness to come shooting rabbits Mr Farmer said he did not need to trouble about cartridges; he had some. Witness had no cartridges of his own. At 4.30 after finishing rabbiting, witness returned the unused cartridges to Mr Farmer and did not remember anything about the gun, whether it was loaded or not. When witness got to his house he put the gun in a corner in the dairy. It was not his habit to keep the gun loaded. It must have been loaded when he placed it in the dairy. At about 9.30 on Saturday morning, when at work on the farm, he heard the report of a gun and about two minutes later Arthur Baker, an employee, came up to him and told him that JOY was shot. Witness thought it might have been Mr Farmer using a gun, and did not notice the direction from which he heard the report. Witness came into the house and saw his wife nursing the deceased, who was bleeding from the wound in the lower part of the stomach; the child was still alive. - Witness obtained some brandy which his wife asked for, for the child. He gave the brandy to Sheriff (the sweep) and went away for the doctor. Before going for the doctor witness went to examine the gun. He opened it and found that a cartridge in the left barrel had been discharged. Dr Cussens arrived in about an hour. The child had just died as witness returned from the doctors. He had never before left his gun loaded. He always unloaded his gun when returning from shooting. - P.S. Bugler (to witness): Would it not be advisable that the gun should be put away out of reach of children - loaded or unloaded? - Yes, certainly. - P.S. Bugler said he asked this in view of the danger of leaving guns about in reach of children. - The Coroner: Were the children frequently in and out of the dairy? - No. - In reply to another question, witness said he had five children now. The gun was not in the same place after the accident. Witness put it in another corner after he picked it up. - MONTAGUE LEWIS SKINNER, aged 9, son of the last witness, deposed that he sometimes went into the dairy. He had been playing with his little sister on Saturday morning between 9 and 10. They were outside the dairy door and witness went inside the dairy, leaving his sister near the doorway. He saw the gun standing up between the box and the mangle, and picked it up - he had often seen the gun there before. It went off. - Did you pull the trigger? - No, sir. It went right off directly. - Witness saw his sister - who was playing with some water - fall down. The servant girl, Dora Gooding, picked his sister up and his mother came out. - Do you remember what part of the gun you touched? - No, sir. - The gun was brought in and the lad said he picked it up just below the trigger, but he did not touch the trigger. He did not know how he held the gun when it went off. - What did you go into the dairy for; because you knew the gun was there? - No, sir. - Do you remember what you went into the dairy for? - No, sir. - A Juror: Have you ever picked up the gun before? - Yes, several times. - The Coroner: Have you ever been told not to touch the gun? - I don't remember. If father told me, I forgot. - Dora Kathleen Gooding, 13, domestic servant at Coombe Farm, said she was in the scullery getting ready to wash up the breakfast things. She heard a sound which she thought was the child falling over the bucket. Witness knew the deceased was just outside. She heard someone cry and opening the door she saw the little girl being held up by her shoulders by her brother. Witness called MRS SKINNER, who took the child into the kitchen. - AMY ALBERTA SKINNER, mother of the deceased, said she was in the dining room preparing for the sweep, when she heard MONTY and the servant girl screaming. When she reached the scullery she saw them holding up the deceased. She picked up the child and brought her into the kitchen. Witness heard the report of a gun, and as that was not an unusual sound she took no notice of it. When she picked up the child, witness did not realise what had happened and it was not until a quarter of an hour later that she realised that anything had happened. She saw that the child was dying. She offered the deceased brandy, who said "No," and did not drink any. It was not until a woman in the kitchen mentioned something about a gun that she realised the truth, and knew it was hopeless. - Tom Farmer, farmer, of Higher Coombe, said he gave MR SKINNER the cartridges, which were used last Thursday. MR SKINNER was most careful with his gun as a rule. - Dr Cussens, of Ottery St. Mary, said he was called to see the deceased, who was dead before he arrived. He found the child's clothes badly torn or burnt in front and the intestines were obtruding from a large wound in the abdomen, and there were perforations from shot wounds on the body. He judged that the shot was from behind the child as there was a wound behind. Death resulted from the gun shot and there was no hope of the child recovering. - The Coroner said the case was a very sad one indeed, and from the evidence they had heard the Jury could have no difficulty in arriving at the immediate cause of death. The question was whether there was any carelessness or negligence in regard to the manner in which the gun had been left. It would be a serious thing to find that carelessness or negligence had brought such a sad thing about. It was for the Jury to find if that were so, and he would leave that point to them to say. The death of the child was a great blow to the parents. ( A Juror: It was their only daughter) and the parents feel the loss very much. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and did not consider that the father was guilty of any carelessness in the matter. - The Coroner said he was bound to concur in the opinion that it was a pure accident. - The Foreman of the Jury, expressed on behalf of the Jury, their sympathy with MR and MRS SKINNER. The Coroner and the Police associated themselves in the expression, the Coroner remarking that it was the saddest case he had known.

WHITCHURCH - Assistant Overseer Of Whitchurch Found Hanging. - On Saturday evening the body of MR JOHN SHAMBROOK, Assistant Overseer and rate collector of Whitchurch, who resided in the village, was found hanging from the stair banisters of his house. He had been in Tavistock during the day and was seen at Whitchurch at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon talking to the assistant overseer of a neighbouring parish. The late MR SHAMBROOK was a widower and leaves two sons, who are both serving their country abroad. He was clerk of Whitchurch Parish Council, also of the Whitchurch Commoners' Association. - The Inquest was held by Mr Coroner R. R. Rodd. - Mr W. N. Barkell, tobacconist, Tavistock, identified deceased as his uncle. Recently witness had noticed that deceased was depressed and thought it was due to domestic trouble and having his two sons serving in the Army abroad. Deceased held several responsible appointments and witness thought of late it proved too much for deceased. - Miss Annie Hockin, housekeeper to deceased, stated that last Saturday she went to Plymouth and on her return at 8.30 p.m. she found the house in darkness and called a neighbour, a Mr Rogers, who entered the premises with her and found deceased hanging from a banister in the staircase, quite dead and cold. - Dr Brodrick, of Tavistock, stated that deceased had kept his books for 25 years, and was a most valuable man to witness. He had attended him up to about ten days ago for depression and he suffered from insomnia and witness considered deceased took his life under the impulse of the moment. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." - The Coroner and Jury expressed their sympathy with deceased's sons and relatives.

Western Times, Wednesday 13 February 1918
TIVERTON - Circular Saw Fatality At Tiverton. - At the Tiverton Hospital last evening, the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Enquiry into the circumstances attending the death of FRANCIS JOHN PEARSE, who died as the result of an accident on Tuesday last. - Dr Fisher, House Surgeon, said the lad was brought to the Hospital on the 5th at about noon. He was suffering from shock and pain. The right arm and fore arm were badly broken, and he had other injuries to his wrist. He died on the following Monday. - John Hutchings, the employer, said deceased was assisting him at the circular saw. Witness was called away and when he came back the accident had occurred. He thought the belt must have come off and deceased was trying to put it on and got caught in the shafting. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Thursday 14 February 1918
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Lady's Sudden Death. - The circumstances of the death of MRS SARAH ANN BRAILEY, of Newton Abbot, who died suddenly on Monday, were the subject of an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday. The widower, JOHN BRAILEY, an employee at the tanneries, said deceased had worried over her two sons, the youngest of whom was killed a short while since. Early on Monday deceased seemed all right, but she died during the morning. The medical evidence, given by Dr Nisbet, showed that death was caused by the rupture of a blood vessel of the brain. Deceased had complained of pains in the head during the morning. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Times, Monday 18 February 1918
EXETER - Ex-Navy Man Found Dead At Exeter. - At an Inquest held by the Exeter City Coroner at the Court House on Saturday, relative to the death of WILLIAM JAMES PARR, late R.N., 54, of Parsonage-place, Stepcote-hill, who died on Friday morning, evidence was given to the effect that deceased was discharged from the Navy in 1887. Recently he had been working for the City Council He suffered from tumours and had complained of pains in the chest. He lived alone and as he did not leave his room on Friday morning Mr Richards ascended a ladder and entered the room through the window. Deceased was found undressed and lying dead on the bed. Dr Pereira Gray, who had made a post mortem examination, attributed death to cardiac failure due to fatty degeneration of the heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 19 February 1918
AXMINSTER - An Inquest was held at Middle Furzeleigh Farm, Axminster, yesterday, before Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for the District, respecting the death of MRS LOVERIDGE, wife of MR JAMES LOVERIDGE, who died suddenly on Friday evening. The evidence shewed that deceased was found by her daughter lying on the floor of the parlour breathing rather heavily, but unconscious. Dr Langran was called, but he was unable to do anything for deceased, who passed away at 8.30. A post mortem examination revealed the rupture of a blood vessel on the brain, death being due to cerebral haemorrhage. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Times, Friday 22 February 1918
TEIGNMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest at Teignmouth on Tuesday on JOHN LILES, a six months' old infant, one of twins, the other having died when seven days' old. A post mortem revealed pneumonia and death was stated to be from syncope due to this.

TOPSHAM - Found Drowned In The Exe. Inquest on Exeter Victim At Topsham. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Topsham yesterday on a body found in the river Exe, respecting JAMES EWINGS of Cheeke-street, Exeter, a mason's labourer, whose body was identified by his son, WILFRID EWINGS, of 2 Alexandra-place, Exeter, who said deceased was 68 years of age. On January 20th his father left home without indicating where he was going. He had done no work for five years, owing to physical infirmity. A week before Christmas he had a stroke of paralysis, but was later quite normal, and never spoke of suicide, although he worried about the food restrictions. Alfred Dart, a Countess Weir fisherman, found the body under the fender of the new leat, and P.C. Cox found, on examining the clothes, that the pockets contained only a pipe, tobacco pouch and a knife. - Dr Macpherson said the body was much decomposed and bore the usual evidence of drowning. The Jury's verdict was "Found Drowned."

TOPSHAM - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner held an Inquest on the body of CAROLINE HARRIS, 56, of 34 Coombe-street, Exeter, who had been missing from her home since January 6th. Her husband and son stated that at times MRS HARRIS spent long visits to a son at Bournemouth and it was supposed that that was where she had gone when she left home on January 6th. She left no message. There was nothing to account for her disappearance. The home was a happy one. The husband added, however, that since Christmas and up to the day of her disappearance his wife had been drinking. He had said nothing to her. On January 6th, at 3 p.m., she picked up a basket from under the table and walked out of the house without saying anything. She had never spoken of suicide. - Alfred Cobley, a Topsham fisherman, found her body in the river on the Woodbury side below Turf. The only relics P.C. Cox found in the pocket of the deceased's dress were a little steel magnet and a little packet of snuff. Medical evidence was that death was, apparently, due to drowning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Saturday 23 February 1918
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Sad Sequel To A Minister's Delusions. The Inquest. - The County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, conducted an Inquiry at Torquay yesterday with regard to the death of the REV. RICHARD ST. JOHN MITCHELL, who jumped from a window of St. Andrew's Home in Falkland-road on Wednesday afternoon. - ELIZABETH ISABELLA RACHEL MITCHELL, sister of the deceased, stated that her brother was 47 years of age. He was a clerk in Holy Orders, in charge of Budleigh Salterton during the absence of the Vicar on war service. He was not a married man. Deceased left Budleigh on 2nd February to take up his residence in the St. Andrew's Home, this course being necessary in consequence of a mental breakdown. She was with him from the 29th January. The local doctor advised that her brother should be sent to Torquay. No attempt was made on his life before he left Budleigh, and she was unaware that he had any suicidal tendencies. He suffered from delusions - that people were plotting against him, that he was being watched by detectives, and that he would be arrested. His condition improved very considerably whilst in the Home; so much so that the night nurse was relieved of her work. This continued until the night before his death. She was with him and between three and five in the morning he wanted to get to the window. She was under the impression that he wanted to call for help in consequence of his delusions. Witness left him some hours later and was called after he had thrown himself from the window. She found him lying on the balcony, being then in an unconscious state. - The Coroner: You did not think it necessary for a man to look after him. - Witness said a man was in attendance for nine nights. Her brother had been depressed for some time. He gave up the living of Bickington (near Newton Abbot) and deceased thought that this had been a mistake. - Struggle With Matron And Nurse. - Deaconess H. M. Cheveley, manageress of the Home, said she took MR MITCHELL into the Institution, because she was very well acquainted with him. Soon after his admission he wanted to get away, being under the delusion that he was in a private lunatic asylum. She had the windows screwed down and got a man to stay in the house at night. There was not the least sign of anything suicidal. On the day previous to his death, MR MITCHELL went for a drive. Before going to Budleigh, deceased worked very hard in a London parish. - Nurse Robus, of Exeter, who was engaged to nurse the deceased at Budleigh, said he was violent on the day after his arrival, wanting to escape from the Home. On Wednesday afternoon he got out of bed, rushed to the window. Before she could get to him he had broken the glass with his fists. She caught hold of him and called for help. The Matron came and both struggled with him, holding on to his nightgown. For two or three seconds he was suspended by this article of night apparel, but it gave way and he fell. - The Matron (Mrs Lucas) also gave evidence. - Dr Spong said the patient was suffering from nervous prostration and after a few days became almost normal. There was no indication of a suicidal tendency. Death was due to a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner remarked that the Home was hardly the kind of Institution for the admission of a person suffering from delusions and exhibiting violence. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was the verdict of the Jury.

Western Times, Monday 25 February 1918
TORQUAY - Boy's Death At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker conducted an Inquest at Torquay on Saturday with respect to the death of a little boy, JOHN HENRY JOSEPH POMEROY, of Parkfield-road, Upton, whose body was found caught between the spring and the wheel of a cart driven by George Sharland, a coal hawker, who is deaf. Dr W. Pitt Palmer said the boy was hung up with his head in the arm of the brake, the body being jammed between the iron tyre of the wheel and the brake. The wheel had cut into the chest. Life had been squeezed out of the boy. In his opinion death was instantaneous. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 26 February 1918
EXETER - "Wilful Murder". Jury's Verdict Against An Exeter Mother. Her Mental Condition. - A sensation was caused in Alphington on Friday, when the news became known that the dead body of an infant child, aged about two months, had been found in about ten inches of water and that the mother was under arrest. The little child is JOYCE COURSELLES BENNETT, and the mother, ALICE BENNETT, aged about 29, is the wife of JOSEPH BENNETT, a discharged soldier, in the employ of Chaplin and Company, and resides at 33a South-street, Exeter. - The mother was brought before Mr A. G. Morgan at the Castle of Exeter, on Friday afternoon on a charge of murder and remanded until Saturday when a further remand was made till today (Tuesday). Inspector Hoyle at the former hearing stated that when cautioned accused replied, "It was worry that made me do it." - The Inquest. - The sad details of the tragedy were gone into at the Inquest, which was held at the County Constabulary on Saturday before Mr H. W. Gould. - Mr McGahey was present on behalf of the husband, who was the first witness and was wearing the Army discharge medallion. He gave the name of JOSEPH BENNETT and said he worked in the city as a carman. Crying, he went on to give evidence of identification, and added that deceased was born on Xmas Day 1917. He last saw the child alive at 2.30 on Thursday afternoon, when his wife left home with it in a "pram." She said she was going to Castle-street, to see Mr McGahey, and asked him if he was going to do anything for the child - put it out to keep. He replied "No." She had kept on asking him if he would put the child out to keep. When he said "No," she didn't like it and said she would do away with the baby. On the eighth day after her confinement she wanted t put the child out and afterwards nearly every day she brought the subject up. She wanted to put it out because she was afraid something would happen to it; she seemed nervous that she would let it fall or something like that, or not be able to look after it properly, and be "had up" in consequence for neglect. But she was quite capable of looking after it, added witness. On Thursday when she mentioned Mr McGahey, she meant she intended seeing him about the same subject, as witness had seen him a few days before. Witness had consulted Mr McGahey about her conduct towards himself and the child and a separation he wished to get. He went to work on Thursday afternoon and his wife had not returned when he got back at 7.20. She came in at 8.20 and had a red blanket. She went upstairs and witness aid, "Good God! what have you done with the baby?" Her reply was, "Don't put me away. I've drowned it." Witness asked if this were true, and she answered, "Yes, it is a corpse by now." He at once went and gave information to the Exeter Police. - The Coroner: Had you ever previously heard your wife threaten to do away with the child? - Yes, on two occasions - the last time a fortnight back. - What was her reason for wishing to do that? - All I know was she thought she wasn't capable of looking after it properly. - Det.-Inspector Hoyle gave similar evidence to that at the Police Court. He said he was accompanied by a lady detective when he went to see accused at 33a South-street. When told what her husband had informed the Police, she answered, "I was driven to it." When asked if she was sure the baby was dead, she replied, "I can't say." Describing the finding of the body, Detective Hoyle said there was scarcely enough water in the dyke to cover the child. Accused was standing some distance away with the lady detective when he got the body out and upon being told the child had been found, she said, "Oh, you have found it? It is dead, I suppose?" He answered, "Yes, quite dead." - (The mother was in tears again at this stage). In answer to the Coroner, witness added that the water was bitterly cold and the body of the child was quite cold. It was dressed in a nightgown and the ordinary wraps of a child of that age having a red wrap around its head, but not so as to cover the mouth. Nothing was tied around its neck. - Special Constable H. Elliott, of Exminster, spoke of finding the perambulator at 7.45 on Friday morning near Lime-Kiln road behind some bushes. It was near the road and the canal. - Mrs Mason, who keeps the restaurant where accused and her husband lived, said the BENNETTS had a furnished room at 33a South-street for 14 months. Since the child was born the mother continually expressed a wish to "put it out to keep." She gave as her reason that she did not understand babies and couldn't look after it. Witness gave her all the advice and assistance she possibly could. She saw accused about ten minutes after her return home on Thursday evening, and questioned her. she had to ask her twice before she would reply, and then accused said she had drowned the child. Witness asked her if she were telling the truth, and she answered that she was. - By a Juror: Was she depressed? - No. She was eating at the time, and did not seem to realise what she had done. She simply said, "Don't give me away," and I replied, "Of course, you have done it yourself." - Accused was asked if she wished to give evidence, and she stood up, but did not reply. The Coroner told her if she took his advice she would say nothing at present. Accused remained standing and without speaking, her lips trembling nervously. "She doesn't seem to realise her position" remarked the Coroner. - Dr Stokes said there were no external marks of violence on the body. The child was very well nourished but there was no food in the stomach. All the organs were healthy. Death was due to asphyxia, but he could not say definitely it was brought about by drowning. - The Coroner said one seldom had to deal with a case in which the evidence was so clear. If the Jury believed the statements of witnesses, they must come to the conclusion that the child was murdered by the mother. Witnesses had suggested that the mental condition of the mother was not what it should be, but that was not within the province of the Jury to Enquire into. That would be investigated by another Court. The Jury's duty was to ascertain the cause of death. The doctor was unable to say, owing to the absence of water from the stomach, whether the asphyxia was due to drowning, but he was of opinion that drowning might have been the cause. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict. After an absence of ten minutes they returned a unanimous verdict of "Wilful Murder" against the mother, who was formally committed for trial at the next Assizes.

Western Times, Thursday 28 February 1918
SIDMOUTH - Aged Lady's Death At Sidmouth. - An Inquest was held at Sidmouth yesterday, before Mr C. N. Tweed (Coroner for the District) respecting the death of MISS CECILIA MARY JEDKIN JENKINS, a lady of independent means, aged 93. The evidence showed that she slipped off her bed on to the floor on Wednesday of last week. She complained of pains in the side and died on Monday. - Dr Thomas V. de Denne said he was called to see deceased and found her sitting in a chair. She complained of pains in the side and he found she had sustained a fracture of the leg near the hip joint. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by the fracture of the limb. - A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Times, Friday 1 March 1918
EXETER - Fatal Accident. Boy Killed By Runaway Horse At Broadclyst. - A fatal accident to a boy, aged fourteen, caused by the running away of a horse, was described at an Inquest held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday. Deceased was EDWARD BOND, and he lived with his parents at Broadoak Cottage, Broadclyst. - TOM BOND, the father, said deceased was employed as a horse-boy to the Board of Trade Timber Supply Department. He began work only on Monday last and the next morning, at 9.30, witness was ploughing in a field near the highway, when he saw his son riding a horse at a walking pace. He looked over a gate and laughed at witness and just afterwards witness heard a lad called Quaintance shout to another horse, "Whoa!" Witness, however, heard this horse start off and then the one deceased was on also started to gallop. Witness ran to the road and saw Quaintance bending over the boy and saying, "I'm afraid he is hurt." Deceased was unconscious and could not speak. - Louis Percy Quaintance, aged 18, said that he also worked for the Timber Supply Department and had been with deceased hauling a load of stone. On the return journey deceased rode on the back of the "leader " horse, while witness had charge of the shaft horse and was leading it. His whip fell off the cart and he stopped his horse while he went to pick it up. The horse then moved off and deceased's horse also bolted and passed out of sight round a bend of the road. Witness did not see BOND fall off, but found him in the road. Witness had known this same shaft horse run away when hauling timber, but not in the roadway. The horse on this occasion ran finally into a rick yard a quarter of a mile or so from the scene of the accident. - Mr Domville, House Surgeon, said the deceased was breathing but had no pulse when admitted to the Hospital. A post mortem revealed a crushing of the internal organs, the heart being affected. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage. Witness thought the cart wheel must have passed over him. - Accidental Death was the verdict and the Jury, and also the Foreman of the Timber Supply Department, expressed sympathy with the parents, the latter remarking that it had never been reported to him that one of the horses had previously bolted.

TEIGNMOUTH - At Teignmouth Town Hall on Monday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest on the body of FREDERICK WM. BOWDEN, 50, jobbing gardener, who died somewhat suddenly on Friday last. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 2 March 1918
EXETER - Wounded Soldier's Death. Sudden Collapse At An Exeter Hospital. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at No. 5 Hospital yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS EDWARD ARMITAGE, aged 18, of Huddersfield, formerly grocer's assistant and latterly of the 2nd Battalion Royal Scots. Although aged 18, deceased entered his age in the Army list as 20. - The body was identified by Capt. R. W. Smith, of the R.A.M.C. who aid deceased was wounded in France in September last, and entered No. 5 Hospital in October. He had a gunshot wound on the right side of the chest and on the right upper arm. In November he had pleurisy. On December 27th he underwent an operation for the wound in the arm. His general health then improved and he was able to go out. He had a collapse in No. 1 Ward on the grounds of the Hospital. Everything was done for him, but he died suddenly on the 27th ult. A post mortem examination revealed a clot in the pulmonary artery and the cause of death was pulmonary embolism, due, not to the wounds, but to prolonged illness. It was really a case of death from natural causes. - The Coroner said in the report made to him it was stated that the cause of death was a gunshot wound, but it now turned out really to be due to natural causes. A decision was some time ago arrived at among Coroners that Inquests should not be held on men who died from wounds but it was necessary for him to have a report in case questions should be asked by the |Home Office. Then he knew that a post mortem was going to be made. - Captain Smith explained the reason of this. A form had to be filled up immediately a man died. It was impossible to tell then what was the exact cause of death. The form was supposed to be sent off as soon as possible after death. "We had to put something down," added the witness, "So we put down gunshot wounds in the chest." - The Coroner said in cases in which there was any doubt they should ask him. The headquarters had no right to assume the duties of a Coroner. They ought to give him notice. If they did not they placed him in an awkward position. - Dr Pereira Gray, who was present at the post mortem, said death was due to pulmonary embolism. The illness was caused by the gunshot wounds, but the clot of blood was due to the prolonged illness. - The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Monday 4 March 1918
NORTH MOLTON - Nail In Boot Causes Death Of A North Molton Quarryman. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquest at Upcott Farm, North Molton, as to the death of HENRY LEWIS, 59, a quarryman for South Molton Rural Council. It was stated in evidence that on February 10th, MR LEWIS walked to Molland to see his brother. He wore a pair of "best" boots. Before starting he observed that the soles of the boots were getting loose and put in a few rusty wire nails to keep them in place. Next morning he mentioned to his landlady (he was a single man) that a nail had run into his left foot. That day he walked to Molland again. On February 20th LEWIS complained of pain in the left side of his head and neck, and expressed his intention of seeing a doctor. He got worse and on the following Friday, Dr Baker of North Molton, was summoned. Death occurred on February 24th. - P.C. Holman, North Molton, said that on examining the left boot he found a nail protruding a quarter of an inch through the inner sole. - The Jury, of whom Mr F. J. Yendell was Foreman, found that death was due to Lockjaw, resulting from the prick of a rusty nail. - Sympathetic reference to the sad occurrence was made at a meeting of the Rural Council last week, the deceased being mentioned as an efficient and hard worker.

Western Times, Tuesday 5 March 1918
DARTMOUTH - A Dartmouth Mystery. - On Saturday, an Inquest was held at Dartmouth touching the death of JOHN FOOTMAN GOURLAY, a boy, aged 15, employed at the Royal Naval College as pantry-boy, whose body was recovered from the river Dart at Dartmouth early on Friday morning. Deceased had been missing since January 20th, on which date he was sent from the Royal Naval College to fetch some newspapers from a newsagent's shop. His cap was found in the river on the day of his disappearance. - Chief Petty Officer Horton said that on Friday morning a steamer in the harbour hailed him and said there was a body in the water. He manned a boat and picked it up. - P.S. Leach said the remains were in a badly decomposed state. In the pockets of the clothing were 5d. in coppers, a notebook and a written copy of Shakespeare's will. Witness had made enquiries, but there was nothing to throw any light on the question as to how he came to be in the water. - James Broadmead, wardroom steward at the R.N. College, said deceased was under his charge, and was of a bright, cheerful disposition. He was quite happy and had plenty of leave and plenty of liberty. He was very attentive to his work and very civil. - The Coroner said he was afraid the evidence did not carry them very far or assist them in ascertaining how deceased came by his death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

EXETER - Widow's Death At Exeter. - The sudden death of an elderly widow, named SARAH PAVEY, which took place at Easton's Buildings, Exeter, on Sunday morning, was the subject of an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Police Court, yesterday. - MRS JANE CROSS, niece, said deceased was 77 years of age, and the widow of the late JOHN CROSS, a road labourer, of Wilmington, near Honiton. She suffered from bronchitis. She had only been living in the City a few weeks. - The husband of the last witness stated that he went to his aunt's room on Sunday morning to light the fire. She was then in bed, and witness went away to procure some fuel. On returning he found deceased on the floor. She was partly dressed and in the interval she had apparently got out and attempted to dress. She died a quarter of an hour later. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to syncope, no doubt brought about by the excessively cold weather. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Jury.

Western Times, Wednesday 6 March 1918
CREDITON - Crediton Inquest. Unusual Cause Of Death: A Doctor's Duty. - An uncommon cause of death was revealed at a Crediton Inquest yesterday by the Coroner for the District, Mr H. W. Gould. The deceased was ELLEN GERTRUDE HOOKWAY, aged 18, domestic servant, daughter of JAMES HOOKWAY, of Landscore, assistant gardener at Crediton Grammar School. - The father stated that up to last Saturday week his daughter was in domestic service at Crediton, when she came home because she was feeling unwell. She had seen a doctor at Exeter. She died on Sunday last. She told Dr Ross, who attended her at her home, that she fancied she swallowed a bone while at Exeter. - By a Juror: He believed she told the doctor at Exeter about the bone, and that it seemed to be sticking up between the shoulders. The doctor did not think this could be so and told her she was suffering from rheumatism and pleurisy. - Dr Leslie Powne said his locum tenens treated deceased, and last Saturday he (witness) visited her. She had serious haemorrhage during the night and died next morning. He had heard nothing about any bone up to that time, but he was told then that she had stated that while sitting at dinner the previous week at Exeter, eating some beef, she swallowed something hard, which she thought was a bone, because it hurt her. He had since made a post mortem examination and found no trace of any bone, or of any wound in the stomach. The condition of the mucous membrane and the stomach led him to the conclusion that deceased died from gastrotaxis. It was a very rare disease. The mucous membrane had been rendered very sensitive and perhaps deceased swallowed something hard and this might, under the circumstances, easily lead her to think she had swallowed a bone. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes. - Dr Powne said it had been suggested, not by the relatives, that he might have given a certificate as to death, and thus saved the holding of an Inquest. He would like to have the opinion of the Coroner on the matter. - The Coroner said it would have been absolutely impossible for Dr Powne to have given a certificate in this case. Had he done so he would have laid himself open to censure. There was the story of a bone having been swallowed and if death had been caused by any such means it would have been an accident, and not natural causes. Where there was any suspicion that death may have resulted from anything other than natural causes, a doctor was certainly not justified in giving a certificate. In this case, had not a post mortem examination and an Inquest been held, the cause of death would have been wrapped in mystery; now it had been proved to be a case of Natural Causes.

Western Times, Thursday 7 March 1918
UPTON PYNE - Suicide's Last Request. Exeter Railway Porter Drowns Himself In The Creedy. - An Inquest was held at the Three Horse Shoes, Upton Pyne, yesterday, by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, on the body of WILLIAM JOHN PENGELLEY, aged 37, whose body was recovered from the river Creedy, Tuesday. He had been missing from his home at 7 Edgerton Park-road, Exeter, since Wednesday, February 6th. - Evidence of identification was given by RICHARD PENGELLEY, of Lympstone, a porter on the L. and S.W. Railway, who said deceased was his brother, and was a relief parcel porter on the L. and S.W. Railway. Deceased had spoken at times of suicide and was very depressed. He had been under medical treatment. - John Griffin, of Red Cow Village, ganger on the L. and S.W. Railway, told the Jury he saw deceased alive on the same day as he was missing, about 5 p.m., on the Cowley road and going towards Cowley. - Ellis Dunham, Stafford's House, Lympstone, gave evidence of recovering the body, and P.C. Perkins spoke of searching the pockets and finding only a handkerchief and key. Deceased's coat, he added, was found on the banks of the Creedy on February 7th, close to the spot where the body was recovered. - Dr Kingdon Frost said the body presented the usual appearance of drowning. He had attended deceased and knew that he was frequently depressed. - In a note left by deceased at his home, he wrote: "If they find me, which I expect will be Cowley way, do as I have asked you before. If you can get money enough have my body cremated, and, when the casket is returned, take the ashes one windy day up by the gate on Stoke Wood Hill and let it blow away, keeping the casket in memory. Good-bye, BILL." - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Western Times, Friday 8 March 1918
SIDBURY - An Inquest was held at Sidbury on Saturday by Mr C. N. Tweed, on JOHN PRATT, 37, who was found in a watercourse on the main road between Sidbury and Honiton on Friday, apparently dead, by A. Legg, labourer. The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Exposure.

Western Times, Tuesday 12 March 1918
DAWLISH - Exonian's Death. Fell Over The Sea Wall At Dawlish. - Mr T. E. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of GEORGE WILLIAM LENOIR, whose body was found on the beach at the bottom of Smuggler's Lane, Dawlish. - Mrs Henrietta Powell, 40 Oxford-road, St. Thomas, Exeter, said the deceased was a retired engine driver and lived at her address. She last saw him alive on Friday morning, when he was in the Exeter market. He left her then, saying he was going for a long walk to some friends at Torquay. Witness asked him not to go. He was used to long walking, and a few weeks since walked to Tiverton and back in one day. He said he did not like riding. He told witness not to expect him back that night. Deceased generally enjoyed good health, but occasionally he had suffered from giddiness. - P.S. Partridge (Teignmouth) said on Saturday last at 10 p.m. he saw the deceased in Station-road, Teignmouth, when he was going to the Railway Station. At 11.45 p.m. the same evening, on visiting the Station, he saw the deceased walking up and down the platform. When the last train came in for Newton Abbot the porter asked him if he was going by that train. When the porter said he was going to lock up deceased left the Station and proceeded in the direction of Exeter-road. Deceased was an active man, and by the appearance of his boots and trousers - which were dusty - witness concluded he had been for a long walk. It was a dark and foggy night and dangerous for anyone suffering from bad sight to walk along the sea wall. - Charles Frederick Bues, ganger, of 10 High-street, Dawlish, said he found the body on Sunday morning at 6.50 lying in the sand at the bottom of Smuggler's Lane. The body was lying inside the railway arch and four or five foot away from the footpath. There was no fence along the parapet and anyone descending the steps could easily mistake the path and walk out over if it was dark or foggy. There was blood on the bottom of the steps as if the old man had had a fall. - P.C. Shapland said when he saw the body it was lying on its face and hands, nearly covered with sand and gravel and had the appearance as if the water had been over it. There were bruises on the face and head. - Dr M. Cutcliffe deposed to making a post mortem examination and finding bruises on the hand and forearms, bruises on the knees, lacerated wounds on the left side of the forehead, which was extensively bruised. The cause of death was due to drowning. The wounds and bruises were caused before death. He agreed with the theory that deceased fell into the water whilst in a stunned condition, after falling down the steps and was then drowned. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," one of the Jury remarking that it was a dangerous place for anyone, to say nothing of an old man like the deceased.

Western Times, Wednesday 13 March 1918
EXETER - Wanted Rest From Pain. Sad Case Of Suicide By A Linesman At Exeter. - At the Court House, Exeter, last evening, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM STEPHEN COLLMAN, aged 36, a G.P.O. linesman, who was found hanging from the banisters of the staircase at his house, 13 Bishop's Buildings, Summerland-street, on Monday. Reginald Hooper, able seaman in the Navy, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, with whom he had been staying on leave. Deceased had seemed very depressed lately. In the kitchen on Thursday or Friday, he said in witness's presence: "I intend to leave this world tonight; I am going to drown myself." On another occasion deceased produced a bit of string, saying he was going to hang himself. Witness thought it was a joke, and treated it as such. Deceased suffered from chronic indigestion and some time ago he went under an operation for hernia. The previous day he was in the kitchen and sent deceased's little daughter upstairs on an errand, and she returned saying: "Daddy is upstairs with a string round his neck and his feet is not touching the stairs." Witness found him hanging, with his feet six or seven inches from the stairs. Witness called in Mrs Cleave and Mrs Bolt. - The Coroner: Why did you not cut him down? - Witness: It gave me a turn for a minute. I lost my presence of mind. I hardly knew what to do. - Witness, replying to further questions, said he could hardly manage to cut down the body himself. - The Coroner: When you see a man hanging the best thing is to cut him down at once, or get someone to help you. - By the Jury: At the time of the occurrence deceased's wife was at her sister-in-law's in Codrington-street. - The wife, MABEL AGNES COLLMAN, partly swooned but recovered sufficiently to give some evidence. Deceased, she said, had an operation some time ago and the fear of another operation depressed and worried him. He used to cry hours of a night time. He only threatened to take his life last week because he had been ill. He shewed witness some cord. She did not think he really meant it. - P.C. R. Blackmore, who arrived in response to a call, said he lifted the body for Hooper to cut the cord. COLLMAN appeared to be dead, but the body was warm, and witness tried artificial respiration. Witness found a letter on the table in the bedroom. - The Coroner read this, which stated: "I WILLIAM STEPHEN COLLMAN, declare that this is not an act of ignorance or insanity. I have done this as I see of late that I am not wanted at my home. I have had a good wife, and a good mother to our children, but there is others that interfere with my wishes, so that God above will protect them all and forgive me this act." The letter went on to express a wish that a neighbour should bury him, and indicated where a life insurance policy and some papers were, and added: "I have been in pain so long that it wore my heart and strength away. I think it best that I should rest from the pains. Hoping all the boys at the works will forgive me." - Hooper, in reply to the Coroner, said he knew of no unpleasantness at home through anyone interfering. - A statement was handed in shewing that deceased had been ill a good deal of late, on one occasion being away from work 63 days for hernia. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to Asphyxia by Hanging. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Wednesday 20 March 1918
TOTNES - Sudden Death Of A V.A.D. Hospital Patient At Totnes. - Yesterday, at Totnes Guildhall, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of PTE. JOHN H. MURRAY, Royal Fusiliers, who died suddenly on Sunday night at Follaton V.A. Hospital, where he was a patient. - Dr W. Chapman, Commandant, said the deceased, who received a superficial wound in the thigh on November 30th in France, was admitted to the Hospital on 18th January. He was 30 years of age, and the last man he should have expected to die suddenly. He was bright and cheerful, but had complained of occasional headache. A post mortem examination revealed a considerable deposit of fat on the heart. The lower chambers were quite empty of blood and the right upper chamber had a clot in it. Death was due to heart failure. - Clara Louisa Travis, Matron, said about 9.30 p.m. one of the men called to her that deceased was ill. She found his pulse very feeble and gave him brandy. Strychnine was injected and artificial respiration used, but without result. - Sapper McCandlish and Pte. J. McKinnon gave evidence that they thought deceased was in a bad dream, and they tried to wake him before calling the Matron. - Verdict "Death from Heart Failure."

TIVERTON - Old Lady's Death At Tiverton. - The Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr R. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Hospital on Tuesday night touching the death of ANNE DUNN, aged 83, of Tiverton-road Cottages, Bampton, widow of ROBERT DUNN, formerly of the Railway Hotel, Culmstock. - From the evidence it appeared that about three weeks ago, in trying to reach a saucepan on the fire with a stick from her bed the old lady fell out of bed and broke both her legs. She had been bed-ridden for several years. She died in the Tiverton Hospital on Sunday last. - Dr Pollock said although deceased broke her legs, she really died from bronchitis, from which she was suffering when brought to the Hospital. - A verdict of "Natural Causes from Chronic Bronchitis, accelerated by old age and the accident," was returned.

Western Times, Friday 22 March 1918
UFFCULME - A painful sensation was caused at Uffculme on Saturday evening, when it became known that THOMAS ATTEWELL, aged 61, the gate-keeper at the Railway crossing, had been found dead in his cabin. MR ATTEWELL had worked as usual during the day. Mr Voisey, who, with Mrs Annie Eastway, found the body, opened the gates to let the train pass through, and then telephoned to the Stationmaster at Uffculme for help. MR ATTEWELL leaves a widow and five grown-up sons and daughters. The Stationmaster at Uffculme, Mr J. Lake, who sent his daughter to take the place of deceased, explained at the Inquest, Wednesday, that, even had the gates not been opened for an approaching train, an accident would not have occurred as the signals would have been against it. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

HEMYOCK - Hemyock Farmer's Suicide. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, held an Inquest at Hemyock on Wednesday relative to the death of HARRY BERRY, 49, of Pithayne Farm, Hemyock, who was found dead, hanging by a rope from a beam in a linhay in the courtyard on Monday. - MRS BERRY, giving evidence, said some years ago her husband suffered from depression, for which he underwent treatment in London. A year ago he again became depressed. He said he could not bear his life, so she carefully watched him and never left him long. As he did not come in as usual on Monday morning she went to look for him, and discovered the body in the linhay. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." It was stated that deceased had worried over a contract with a Dairy Company and about a son who had been discharged from the Army suffering from shell shock.

Western Times, Saturday 23 March 1918
SWIMBRIDGE - Fatal Accident In North Devon. - There was a sad fatality at Swymbridge, North Devon, yesterday afternoon; a little boy named FRANCIS H. R. IRWIN, the nine-year-old son of MR WILLIAM IRWIN, dairyman of the village, being run over by one of two trucks drawn by a passing traction engine. At the Inquest, conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, last evening, John Wm. Pike, the driver of the engine, related how he saw several children in the roadway when proceeding past the Vicarage, going up Swymbridge-hill. He was travelling at about two miles an hour and saw nothing of the accident. His first knowledge that anything was amiss was when the brakesman ran up and asked him to stop. - Francis Thorne, the brakesman, said he was riding in the rear truck, which several children were endeavouring to get on. He was keeping them off from the back, when he saw deceased run between the first and rear trucks and attempt to get on the step. His foot slipped and he fell sideways. Both wheels of the rear truck passed over him. Witness immediately had the engine stopped and picked the boy up, but he was apparently dead. - Dr W. J. Cooper, of Barnstaple, spoke to examining the body and to finding the ribs fractured and the lungs and heart crushed, while the left arm was broken. Death was due to these injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attributed no blame to anyone.

Western Times, Tuesday 26 March 1918
EXETER - Exeter Basin Tragedy. Wife's Suicide After A Nervous Breakdown. - The Inquest on the body of MRS ELLEN HUNNS, aged 32, of Sidwells Cottages, Well-street, who was found drowned in the Exeter Basin on Saturday, was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House yesterday. The body was identified by CHARLES HENRY HUNNS, the husband, who said that his wife had a nervous breakdown last July and had been medically attended. He last saw her alive on Friday morning. On returning home in the evening he learnt that she was missing. His little boy told him that when she left home at 6.30 his mother said she was going to the doctor and should not be long. Mrs Warren, a neighbour, said although deceased had had a nervous breakdown, she showed no symptoms of it and was always bright and cheerful. - William Gregory, who dragged the Basin on Saturday and found the body, said deceased had left her hat and jacket on the banks. Otherwise the deceased, when recovered from the water, was fully dressed. - Dr Pereira Gray, who examined the body, attributed death to drowning. - Detective Walters said deceased had been under the care of Dr Chepmell for nervous breakdown, but she did not call on him on Friday evening. The neighbours told witness that she never appeared depressed and that she went for a cycle ride to Topsham on Friday. She was on the best of terms with her husband. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

TIVERTON - Drank Boiling Tea. Child's Sad Accident At Tiverton In Mother's Absence. - The Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. O. Clutsum, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening, into the circumstances attending the death of EDWIN MARK MICHAEL HOWE, aged 4 years 3 months, son of Chief-Engineer STANLEY HOWE, R.N., of Twyford-place, Tiverton, who died at the Tiverton Hospital the previous Friday evening, as the result of drinking hot tea from a teapot. - MRS ANNIE HOWE, mother of the child, said on Saturday, 16th inst., at about 5 o'clock, her mother and her sister-in-law, Mrs Cox and two children were in the kitchen. Witness had laid the table for tea and placed the teapot on the table. The little boy was playing in the kitchen at the time. She left the kitchen to refill the kettle. She was only away a few seconds, when she heard the child scream. She hurried back and was told that they believed he had drank from the tea-pot. Witness thought deceased must have drank some of the boiling tea, for she saw some blisters on his lips. Medical Assistance was summoned and Dr Pollock attended the boy up to the Thursday, when he was taken to the Hospital, where he died on the Friday. - MRS HOWE, wife of MR MARK HOWE, and grandmother of the child, gave corroborative testimony. - Dr Pollock said the state of the child's throat and mouth was consistent with his having drank boiling tea. On Thursday the lad got worse and witness ordered his removal to the Tiverton Hospital. On Friday he seemed much better and was playing at 5.30. At about 7 o'clock the boy gave one gasp and expired. He had held a post mortem and found the windpipe much inflamed and a piece of the skin, which lined the windpipe, had become detached. This prevented the lad from breathing, and the child was suffocated. It was an unusual case for the windpipe to be scalded as this one was nearly the whole way down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure through drinking hot tea from a tea-pot."

Western Times, Thursday 28 March 1918
TIVERTON - Belgian Refugee Lady's Death At Tiverton. - At the Inquest yesterday on the body of Mdlle. MARIA L. H. HERMANS, aged 41, a Belgian refugee, who came to Tiverton in 1915, and who died suddenly late on Saturday night, and had not been previously medically attended since she came to Tiverton, the Coroner, Mr Clutsom, said it was important to hold that Inquest to show that the interests of friendly aliens were protected in the same way as those of British subjects. From the evidence given it was shown that deceased never enjoyed the best of health in Belgium. She had suffered from chronic bronchitis and when she came to England in 1915 she had a slight recurrence of haemorrhage. After deceased went to bed on Saturday last she brought up about a quart of blood and died within seven minutes. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 30 March 1918
TOTNES - The death took place rather suddenly on Thursday morning of MR THOMAS SEARLE RYDER, of Castle-street, Totnes, who had been in business in the town for a number of years as a painter and decorator and yesterday morning at the Guildhall, Totnes, Mr S. Hacker (Coroner) conducted an Inquest. Dr H. R. Allingham said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 2 April 1918
PARRACOMBE - North Devon Fatality. - The death has occurred, from the effects of a fall, of MR WILLIAM LOCK, farmer, of Parracombe. While in the upper part of a loft on his farm, he fell to the ground floor, sustaining injuries to the head, from which he speedily succumbed. MR LOCK was a member of one of the oldest families in the district, being the eldest son of the late MR WM. LOCK, of East Bodley and West Hill, and he inherited these farms. At the Inquest the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with MRS LOCK and family in their sad and sudden bereavement.

Western Times, Wednesday 3 April 1918
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Suicide. Depressed Through Bereavements In The Family. - Barnstaple's Deputy Coroner, Mr B. T. James, and a Jury of which Mr D. Moxham was Foreman, last evening Inquired into the death of MR ALFRED JAMES GILLARD, a draper and farmer, who on Sunday morning was found at his residence, 8 Holland-street, with his throat cut and who died early on Tuesday morning. - MRS SOPHIA GILLARD, the widow, stated that there had been three deaths in the family during the past year, and her husband had been greatly depressed, particularly since the recent death of their youngest son, and since their three other boys joined the Army. She had taken the precaution to remove his razors from the bathroom. She prepared her husband's breakfast about 9 o'clock on Sunday morning, but on going to the bathroom found the door locked. Hearing a strange, suffocating noise inside, she summoned assistance. - By the Foreman: Her husband had never threatened his life, but when depressed had sometimes said he felt he must do something. When she talked to him he expressed regret, and said he hoped he would have strength to resist the feeling. He would be all right again in a few minutes. - Mr J. Wheaton, who on being summoned on Sunday morning, found it necessary to burst the bathroom door open, spoke to finding MR GILLARD sitting on the floor, with his head against the partition. From a wound in deceased's throat, blood was flowing and witness's wife tied a towel around his neck to stop the blood. MR GILLARD did not speak. On the wash-stand was the large pocket-knife produced, stained with blood. - Also called were P.C. Manley and Dr A. W. Lemarchand, the latter stating that MR GILLARD had suffered from diabetes, and had been very weak and depressed for some months. Witness found a big wound across the throat, just above the vocal cords, leaving the larynx wide open. In his opinion the wound was self-inflicted and deceased was insane when he committed the act. - The Coroner having briefly summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" and expressed their deep sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Times, Friday 5 April 1918
TOTNES - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on MR THOMAS SEARLE RYDER, of Castle-street, Totnes, who died rather suddenly on Thursday of last week.

Western Times, Tuesday 9 April 1918
HAMPSTEAD, LONDON - Exeter Soldier's Tragic Death In North London. - An Inquest was held at Hampstead on Friday, relative to the death of THEODORE HOOLEY SCOTTING, aged 18, whose father resides at Ladysmith-road, Exeter. Deceased, who is a young soldier, was travelling by train between Hampstead Heath and Finchley-road, and leaning out of a window as it was passing through a tunnel was struck by a train going in the opposite direction. The accident was not noticed until the train emerged from the tunnel, when the man was found lying dead on the floor of the carriage. He was practically decapitated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 12 April 1918
DAWLISH - Fatal Accident At Dawlish. - Mr Hacker held an Enquiry yesterday into the death of MR FRANK BROOKS, 61, waggoner for Messrs. Ferris, Ellis and Co., Dawlish. - Geo. Hy. White, Wood Farm, Ashcombe, said at Dawlish Water yesterday afternoon, when driving into Dawlish on a pair-horse waggon, he saw a one-horsed waggon approaching with deceased driving. About 20 yards away deceased pulled in to let witness pas. As he did so, the horse swerved right round, and deceased lost his balance, and fell between the waggon and the hedge. The horse galloped away towards Dawlish, and two wheels went over deceased. Deceased was found unconscious, but came round and was helped into a shed near by. He died in an hour. Dr M. Cutcliffe said death was due to fractured ribs on both sides, causing shock and doubtless internal haemorrhage. - Mr Wm. Knapman, manager for Ferris Ellis, said deceased had never complained about the horse. Once before about six months ago it shied through a piece of hay falling down, and deceased hurt his leg a little. The animal was quiet and reliable. - The Coroner said it was a question whether the firm ought not to discontinue using the horse. There had been two accidents. - Mr Hopkins (Jury) said no one could have a quieter horse. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and made no recommendation regarding the horse.

Western Times, Saturday 13 April 1918
EXETER - Found Drowned. Mysterious Death Of A Soldier's Wife At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Police Station last evening on the body of ELLEN OPIE, wife of a soldier, CORPL. WILLIAM JOHN OPIE, of a labour battalion in France. Deceased was found drowned in the river at Weir Fields on Wednesday, a remarkable feature of the case being that her hat, boots and stockings were recovered from the water some distance from the body. - William Callaghan, West-street, gave evidence of identification, and said deceased was 46 and was a pedlar before the war. Lately she had been living on her husband's separation allowance; and had had furnished rooms in Preston-street. Some time ago her husband threatened to stop her allowance because she had not corresponded regularly with him, but since then they had exchanged letters and were apparently all right again. - J. H. Jewell, Cedar's-road, manager for Messrs. Pearse and Co., told the Coroner that he was going through the Weir Fields about 7 o'clock on Wednesday morning and saw the body in the water. With the help of another man he got the body out. The body was in about five feet of water and twelve feet from the bank. - James A. Westcott, West-street, gave evidence of helping to recover the body, and said the shoes, stockings and hat were in the water only three feet from the bank. - Acting Sergt. Wise said there was no sign of a struggle on the banks where the body was found and Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to drowning, adding that deceased had not been in the water long. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER - Railwayman's Death At Exeter. - At an Inquest held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, relative to the death of GEORGE H. ORGAN, 35, Pinhoe-road, fireman on the L. and S.W. Railway, who died at the Institution on Tuesday a few hours after admission, the Coroner explained that the deceased met with an accident about two months ago. He, however, went back to work, but was again taken ill and was home about a month. The question for the Jury would be whether death was due to the accident or to natural causes. - A post mortem examination had been performed. He (the Coroner) proposed to take evidence of identification and adjourn till next week. The widow having identified the body, the Jury adjourned till Wednesday afternoon next.

Western Times, Tuesday 16 April 1918
PAIGNTON - Mr S. Hacker and a Jury on Friday held an Inquest at Paignton touching the death of a seven-year-old lad named EDWARD GEORGE QUAINTANCE, who died on Tuesday evening in his mother's arms. Dr Burland attributed death to syncope, following on an anaemic brain and weak heart, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Sudden Death Of An Exonian. - The sudden death of THOMAS HANCOCK, of Sidwell-street, Exeter, a respected employee for many years of the "Express and Echo," was the subject of an Inquest held at the Exeter Police Court last evening. Evidence of identification was given by ERNEST HANCOCK, elder son of deceased, who said his age was 54 and he had worked as printers' engineer at the "E and E" for some years past. - The widow said her husband had not had a doctor for years. He was on night duty on Thursday, but returning home on Friday morning he complained of a pain. He had some refreshment and subsequently proceeded to his allotment. He was brought home and went to bed, dying before the doctor arrived. - A Council employee said he was in the allotment ground, when he saw deceased in a hut resting there. MR HANCOCK asked witness to drive him home and said he was very ill. Witness got him in his cart and took him home at once. - Dr Bradford gave the result of a post mortem. There was evidence of old pleurisy, congestion of the lungs, and fatty degeneration of the heart, the latter causing death. - Natural Causes was the verdict.

Western Times, Thursday 18 April 1918
EXETER - Exeter Fireman's Death. Due to Natural Causes And Not An Accident. - An adjourned Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon, regarding the death of GEORGE H. E. ORGAN, L. and S.W.R. Fireman, residing at Pinhoe-road, who died at that Institution on April 9th. - Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the L. and S.W. Railway, and for a signalman, Mitchell, one of the Company's employees, who was connected with an accident at which deceased was present about three months ago. ORGAN received injuries on that occasion and a post mortem examination was made in order t determine whether those injuries had anything to do with his death. - The widow said that it was on January 14th that the accident happened. Her husband was brought home and he told her he had been knocked in the ribs at Queen-street Station. He had been attended at the Hospital before being brought home, and the next day his own doctor was called. The latter attended him for two months, and deceased then re-started work, but witness did not think he was then quite well again, because he complained of pains still in his left side. On his return one evening a month later he said he had felt ill all day and the next morning Dr Frost was called in, and advised his removal to the Hospital. He was operated on in the Hospital and died the same day. By Mr McGahey: Both Drs. Frost and Brash certified him fit to return to work. When deceased came home the day before his death he said he had been taken ill at Barnstaple while at work. - Wm. Furze, Exeter, the driver with whom deceased worked, said the accident occurred through his running into an engine when going at about twenty miles an hour. they had just got back from Torrington, and were signalled to go to Exmouth Junction. They started and ran into the engine which had "apparently been forgotten." Witness and deceased were knocked back against the coal-box by the collision. Deceased held his side and seemed to be very bad. When he returned to work after two months he did not complain, but sometimes "caught his breath." On April 8th, when he was taken ill, he sat on the footplate, held his side and said he was "feeling rough." He also said he felt very much as he did when he had the accident. Deceased helped to work the engine from Torrington to Barnstaple, but he there had to "jack up" and was put into a carriage. By Mr McGahey: Deceased told witness after the accident that the doctors at the Hospital said he had bruised his ribs. - Mr Domville gave the result of a post-mortem. Deceased, he said, was in a state of semi-collapse when brought to the Hospital, and the only hope was an operation. This was performed and witness was satisfied that the man died of perforation. The post mortem confirmed this, there being a perforating ulcer of the inside of the stomach and this was on the right hand side. Witness did not think the accident in January had the least to do with the perforating ulcer, it being right away from where the ribs were bruised. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict, the Jury expressing sympathy with the widow.

Western Times, Tuesday 23 April 1918
EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, opened an Inquest at the Court House yesterday on the infant male child of MRS ELIZA MARY MOORE, 1 Eveleigh's Court, whose husband is serving with the forces. - Mrs Bessie Lyons, West-street, stated that the child was born on the 17th inst., and seemed to breathe. A nurse who was sent for, did all she could for it. - The Inquest was adjourned till 3 p.m. on Wednesday of next week for the attendance of the mother.

Western Times, Thursday 25 April 1918
BARNSTAPLE - SARAH HOLMAN, widow of MR JOHN HOLMAN, of Park Farm, Filleigh, has died at Alexandra-road, Barnstaple, at the age of eighty. At the Inquest yesterday, a verdict of "Death from the result of an Accidental Fall" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 27 April 1918
EXETER - Accident At Exmouth Junction. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest on WALTER CHARLES PERKINS, 17, Nutbrook Lodge, Withycombe, Exmouth, turner's assistant on the London and South Western Railway. Mr H. Parfit, Newport (Mon.), of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen, represented friends of the deceased and Driver H. Hambridge; Inspector W. Trump, Exeter, represented the London and South Western Railway Company; and Inspector H. Moore, Locomotive Department, L. and S.W.R. was also present. - The evidence of G. S. Guppy, engine cleaner and Driver Hambridge, was to the effect that deceased, during shunting operations at Exmouth Junction on Wednesday, was caught between the buffers of two engines which were being coupled up. Guppy got down into the "pit" to do the coupling and saw deceased at the top of the pit give the driver of one of the engines a hand signal. The next he saw was deceased between the buffers. - Dr Gwendoline M. Rolfe, assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, where deceased was taken, said death was due to internal haemorrhage. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

TIVERTON - Tiverton Child's Death. Drowned In The River Lowman: A Dangerous Spot. - Mr R. F. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner of Tiverton, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening into the circumstances attending the death of DOROTHY MARY LILIAN UPTON, daughter of MR CHAS. UPTON, who was found drowned in the river Lowman on Thursday about 2 o'clock. - Dr Pollock said he was called to the back of the Brewery about 1.45 p.m. on Thursday and found the child lying on the bank of the river Lowman. She was stone cold. They tried artificial respiration for about ten minutes, but there were no signs of life. The body had been in the water some time. Death was due to asphyxia, through drowning. - MRS UPTON, mother of deceased, residing at Nugget's Buildings, Gold-street, Tiverton, identified the body as that of her daughter, who was 4 ½ years old. She said that at about 1.15 on Thursday the child went to the lavatory at the bottom of the garden by herself. As she did not return after an absence of five minutes, witness called, but got no reply. She then told her son to go and look for the deceased, which he did, but could not find her. Witness at once thought the child had fallen into the river, as she had always feared this would happen. The son went on to the Brewery. The lavatories were close to the edge of the river, where the wall was broken down and there was no protection to keep the children from the river. The children were never allowed in the garden to play. The spot had always been an anxiety to witness, who had resided there about 18 months. - GEORGE UPTON, brother of the deceased, said about 1.15 his mother asked him to go and look for his sister, who had gone down the garden. He could see nothing of the girl and he then went down to the bottom of the Brewery, where he saw the body of his sister in the water. He called to Mr Wedlake, who got the body out. - Harry Wedlake gave evidence of recovering the body. The water was about three feet deep at the spot. - P.S. Denning, Coroner's Officer, said he had visited the spot where the deceased was supposed to have fallen in, and found the only protection was a wall two feet high and in some places the wall was broken down. The water was two feet deep near where he found the mark of a child's boot, which corresponded with the boots which the child wore. Everything pointed to the child having slipped into the water. He thought it was a very dangerous spot for children to go near. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," there being no evidence to show how the little girl got into the water. A recommendation was added to the verdict that the landlord be asked to fence off the dangerous spot.

Western Times, Tuesday 30 April 1918
EXETER - Playing In The Streets. Child's Death From A Horse's Kick At Exeter. - An Inquest was held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, last evening relative to the death of HAROLD KNOWLES, aged two years, of Bartholomew-street West (whose late father was in the Australian Infantry) who died as the result of injuries sustained on Friday afternoon through being kicked while at play in West-street, by a horse. - Evidence was given by the mother, a widow, who said that as she worked at the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb she had left the child for the past six or seven weeks in charge of Mrs Atkins, of West-street. - Mrs Emma Atkins stated that while the last witness and herself were having tea together about 4.30, the child was running in and out of the house at play. - Rose Casey, who witnessed the accident, said the child apparently ran out under the horse to pick up something. The driver immediately picked up the child, who was conveyed to the Hospital. - John Robinson, the driver, said he had pulled up outside Pearse's Stores, and was attending to the nose-bag, when he noticed the animal move. Then he saw the child under the horse. The child had evidently touched the animal's leg, which moved and struck the former's head. - Dr Mules, Assistant House Surgeon, said the child never regained consciousness. There was a blow on the forehead. Death was due to injury to the brain and the spinal cord. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and acquitted the driver of all blame.

Western Times, Thursday 2 May 1918
EXETER - Born Dead. Jury's Verdict At Inquest On An Exeter Baby. - At the Exeter Court House yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, resumed the Inquest on the prematurely born infant male child of MRS ELIZA MARY MOORE, of No. 1 Eveleigh's Court, which had been adjourned for the attendance of the mother. At the opening Mrs Bessie Lyons, West-street, stated that the child was born on April 17th and seemed to breathe. A nurse who was sent for did all she could for it. - The mother now attended, and, in reply to the Corner, said her husband, who was in the R.F.A., had been serving in Salonika three years next July. The only explanation she could give for the premature birth of the child was that she was hanging up some clothes and fell over some steps. She had a child on February 2nd last year which was born prematurely. She had had nine children, of whom four were living. - Nurse Lettie Bailey said the child gasped for breath for 15 to 20 minutes. - Dr Pereira Gray said there were no marks of violence on the body. It was a premature child of between six and seven months. As the result of a post mortem he should say it was still-born. There might have been some convulsive moment, but no air entered the lungs. - The Coroner said the matter came to him through the Sanitary Authority. There was a doubt as to whether the child was born alive or dead. - The Jury found that the child was Born Dead.

Western Times, Friday 3 May 1918
TAVISTOCK - Sad Shooting Fatality At Tavistock. - An Inquest was held at the Tavistock Cottage Hospital on Monday, by Mr R. R. Rodd, on the body of SIDNEY FRANCIS WILLIAMS, engineer's apprentice, aged 16, son of MR S. WILLIAMS, Tavistock. - Dr Hillyar said death was due to peritonitis, caused by a gunshot wound. - Edward Reynolds, aged 17, chauffeur, Tavistock, said he met deceased at Wallabrook on the 23rd inst., and they borrowed the rifle of a boy called Carr. Witness examined the barrel and saw it was clean and laid it on the ground. Deceased put up a piece of wood as a target, but he must have loaded the gun whilst witness was not looking, because when he took the weapon up and presented it to see if the distance was all right, it went off, and WILLIAMS, who was about 20 yards away, said he was shot. - Evidence was given by the father of deceased, and Richard Carr, that the deceased did not blame Reynolds for what had happened. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and the Coroner hoped that the accident would serve as a warning to Reynolds and others not to present firearms to anyone. Sergt. Major Boles was Foreman of the Jury.

Western Times, Monday 6 May 1918
BIDEFORD - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr G. H. Morris was Foreman, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital on Saturday, touching the death of REV. HENRY GEORGE HERIZ-SMITH, who died in that Institution the previous day. Mr J. C. T. HERIZ-SMITH, of Slade, Bideford, said deceased was his brother, 69 years of age and had been rector of Thornbury for some 25 years. He had suffered from paralysis for four years and had had rather a bad attack of bronchitis. On 12th March, turning suddenly after trying to open a window fastening at the Rectory, he fell and fractured his left thigh. After received medical attention he was removed on 17th March to a private ward at Bideford Hospital. He explained the accident to witness and his wife also corroborated his description of it. - Dr E. J. Toye said the Rev. gentleman had received every attention and he had visited him daily. Death was due to paralysis, aggravated by the fractured thigh. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - At the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday, Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest on GEORGE MAUNDER, 81, who was found dead in his chair on Thursday at 24 Clinton-road, St. Thomas. Mr M. J. McGahey represented the widow. - Mr G. H. Clode, a neighbour, stated that deceased had suffered for many years from a weak heart and rheumatic gout. He saw a doctor about eighteen months ago. - Dr Pereira Gray said in his opinion death was due to heart failure and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held on LOUISA HENNESSEY, 40, wife of Pte. PATRICK HENNESSEY, Devon Regiment, and a dockyard labourer, who was found dead in her room at 13 King-street, on Thursday. It was stated in evidence that deceased had had no doctor for the last six months. On Wednesday she complained to a neighbour of pain in the stomach. On Thursday another neighbour was sent for, deceased saying she was ill. Just before passing away she said, "I am dying. My husband." Dr Pereira Gray said there were signs of old tuberculosis of the lungs, her heart was fatty and the aorta dilated. He attributed death to an attack of angina pectoris. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 7 May 1918
EXETER - Drowning Tragedy. Painful Case Of Exeter Munition Worker's Wife. - The Exeter drowning tragedy was investigated at an Inquest held before Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Police Court yesterday. It will be remembered that MRS CLARA REED, of Roberts-road, Larkbeare, the young wife of a munition worker, was found drowned on Saturday morning. She left home, only partly dressed, early that morning, taken her seven months old baby with her and the body of the latter has not yet been found. - HARRY EDWARD REED, the husband, gave evidence of identification, and said his wife was 28 years of age. He last saw her when he was home from munition work last Easter, and she was then in the best of health and spirits. All her letters had been bright and cheerful, and he did not know that she was depressed. She had had a lot of trouble with the baby's health, however, and in February last he knew that she had had pains in her head. She had never threatened to take her life. - Mrs Wise, a neighbour of deceased, said she heard deceased's little boy, aged four, cry during Friday night and the baby once. On Saturday morning early witness looked out of her bedroom window and saw the little boy in his nightshirt on the pavement. She thought deceased was ill, and on going into the house detected a smell of gas. MRS REED'S bed had been slept in and the gas had been turned full on. The previous day deceased had complained of a bad head and sore throat. In answer to the Coroner witness said the gas was on in the room where the mother slept and where the little boy must have also been put to bed. - Iris Burgess, a schoolgirl, told the Jury she fetched some milk for deceased on Friday night and on returning with it deceased said she had a sore throat and was nearly "mazed" in her head. - MRS MARY REED, Baker-street, Heavitree, sister-in-law of deceased, said she was called to the house when deceased was missing, and at once smelt gas. In the bedroom all the windows were closed and the "damper" of the chimney was down, though this might have been done to prevent a draught getting at the baby. - Robert Stephens of Coombe-street, spoke of finding the body in the leat at Trew's Weir Mills. It was only partly clothed. - Dr Pereira Gray ascribed death to drowning and the Coroner, in summing up, said there could be no doubt about the case being one of suicide. There appeared to have been a deliberate attempt to effect the same end by gas-poisoning and fortunately the little boy escaped.

EXETER - Sad Case. Soldier's Little Son Fatally Scalded At Exeter. - The sad death of a six-year-old boy, LESLIE ALBERT BARRELL, at Exeter, through the upsetting of a kettle of boiling water was the subject of an Inquest held at the City Police Court yesterday. - The mother, living in Cowick-street, said deceased's father was in the R.F.A. in France. Last Wednesday evening at 8 o'clock witness was sitting by the fire warming her baby. The guard had been taken away while she did this. Deceased was sitting near her and when he went to reach on to the mantle-shelf for something his chair over-balanced and he fell. He pulled a kettle of boiling water over and the water went on his chest. She screeched and a neighbour came in. She put oil on his chest and did not think it was serious enough to take deceased to the Hospital. The next day she called in a doctor, and on Friday the boy died. - Dr Atkins said that on the Thursday deceased was in a drowsy condition, suffering from mild shock. The scalds were on the chest and under the arm-pits. They didn't look bad and the skin had not broken. The next day, however, the boy died of shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Mystery. Death of A.S.C. Private. Inquest Adjourned. - At Teignmouth Town Hall last evening, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, conducted an Inquiry, into the circumstances attending the death of CLARENCE HOOKEY, a private in the Army Service Corps, who died at a Teignmouth Hotel on Friday morning last. - Sergt. William Boxall, 6th Battalion Essex Regt. identified the deceased, whom he had known for three months. He was introduced to him by Miss Ada Nixon, whose father resides at East Ham. He saw HOOKEY on April 15th last, when he told him his age was 34. - The Coroner: [portion of the newspaper missing] - "Dear Billy. - Ada has written to you and has tried to explain to you how things have turned out for us. Of course, when it comes to the chronological moment it is not so easy as one might be led to imagine, especially when one is not going alone. There is a trail where, in one sense, one would rather be traversing quite alone. In these cases we feel, however, that death is not real separation, but a drawing together. If only some of the others whom our affairs concern could only have understood as you have, all might have been very different from what it is today. Think the best you can of Ada and me." - Answering the Coroner, witness said that deceased had heard of him from Miss Nixon, and that was probably the reason he addressed him in such familiar terms. - The Coroner: Can you throw any light on the letter? - Witness: The two were on most affectionate terms, and Miss Nixon had stayed with HOOKEY on many occasions. - Had they lived together as man and wife? - They had done so for some time. - Do you know what name they went under? - I am not certain, but I believe they went under the name of MR and MRS NIXON. - Answering further questions, witness said just after Christmas he heard that HOOKEY was a married man. Deceased and Miss Nixon were very fond of each other and there was no hope of one giving the other up. Miss Nixon's family had tried to restrain her from going with deceased, and witness had told her that if she was ever in any difficulty in maintaining herself he would assist her. On April 15th they, HOOKEY, and Miss Nixon, stayed at the Charing Cross Hotel. They were in difficulties and very depressed. He then advised the man to go back into the Army and wait until the war was over and perhaps his wife would then get a divorce. He urged Miss Nixon to join the W.A.A.C., and he thought she would do so. He advanced them money to clear their expenses. Both deceased and Miss Nixon talked about committing suicide on several occasions when he met them. Last Friday he received a letter from Miss Nixon asking if he could help them. He had destroyed the communication, but she asked for help. Her brother also received a letter, and as they realised what would happen, they discussed steps as to what procedure to take. Later he received a telegram saying CLARENCE HOOKEY was dead. On one occasion they rung him upon the telephone, and told him they had made up their minds to commit suicide. - Mr Geo. Albert Belton, Hotel Proprietor, said Miss Nixon and deceased came to his house at 6 a.m. on 27th April. They registered as MR P. NIXON and A. NIXON and he thought they were a newly married couple. They paid their bill on the following Monday morning and left, but returned again in the evening. On Wednesday morning Miss Nixon said "Mr Nixon" was not very well, but there was nothing to be alarmed at as he had been like it before. In the evening he was no better and witness suggested that a doctor should be called in, but he refused. On Thursday witness said he should like to see Mr Nixon and he went to his bedroom. Witness saw he was suffering from the effects of a narcotic drug as he was in a state of coma. Witness then telephoned for a doctor. He (witness) asked Miss Nixon if deceased had taken a sleeping draught or anything and she said she was afraid he had done so. Deceased died about 1.30 on Friday morning. Miss Nixon was with him, but left the Hotel at 7 o'clock the following morning. He later heard that she was staying at Torquay. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said both parties had stayed at the Hotel before. - The Coroner said the case was one that required thorough investigation and as there was not time to go into it fully then, an adjournment would be necessary. The further hearing was accordingly adjourned until tomorrow at 11.30.

TORQUAY - Sad End To A Fine Record. Tragic Death Of A New Zealander At Torquay. - An Inquiry was conducted at Torquay yesterday by the County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, regarding the death of Staff-Sergeant ROWLAND CHADWICK, of the New Zealand Medical Corps, who was found at Eardsleigh, St Luke's-road, with his throat cut. - VERNER RUSSELL CHADWICK, mechanical engineer, of London, a relative, stated that the deceased was 26 years of age. His father and mother went to New Zealand about eleven years ago. Deceased joined up on the first day of the war and left New Zealand with the first draft. He went to Egypt and later to Gallipoli, and subsequently to France. Ten days ago deceased wrote quite a sensible letter, saying he was hoping to have fourteen days' leave, proposed to go to Scotland in order to see a number of friends. - Pte. Edward J. Clough said he saw deceased go to his room. Later the door was found locked and it was smashed open. - Qmr.-Sergt. John Findley said he saw CHADWICK on Friday waiting to get his pay. Both of them slept in the same quarters at Eardleigh House. He was in about the usual condition of men coming over from France - some of them were very quiet. CHADWICK was talking of going on leave and getting his name struck off the boat load in order that he could do so. On Friday he made inquiries for CHADWICK, who had had no tea. He knocked at the door, but failed to get an answer. Witness waited for about a quarter of an hour and then burst the door in. He found the body lying on the floor between two beds. - The Coroner: Do you know if he had any trouble on his mind? - He was a quiet, unassuming sort of chap. - Did he look depressed? - He did at times; he looked a bit vacant at times. I put it down to shell-shock and long service. - Dr H. A. Davis, captain in the N.Z.M.C., stationed at the Discharge Depot, stated that deceased had a very deep wound in the throat. CHADWICK was one of the last to leave Gallipoli, and served in France up to a few weeks ago. He was medically boarded in France in consequence of epileptic fits, the first one occurring in December 1917, a second following a few days afterwards. These were stated on his papers to be due to exposure to shell fire. This shell-shock was wholly attributable to the strain of long service. It was not unlikely that the man was on the verge of another attack. Such fits would produce impulses of a suicidal nature. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane, and at the same time expressed their sympathy with the relatives, the Foreman (Mr Smerdon) observing that it was a sad end after such a record of fine service. - The Coroner joined in the expression of sympathy, remarking that the death was wholly attributable to the service with the colours. - MR CHADWICK thanked the Jury and expressed his appreciation of the tender respect shown to the body.

Western Times, Wednesday 8 May 1918
SIDBURY - Suicide Of A Sidbury Postman. - An Inquest was held by Mr C. N. Tweed, at Sidford, on ISHMAEL DENNER SMALL, 51, a bootmaker, who had been acting as a postman. Deceased lived with his sister, ELIZABETH ANN MARSH. On Monday morning he took her up a cup of tea earlier than usual. Later she knocked at his bedroom door and as she received no response opened it and found her brother lying on his back on the floor with his face and neck covered with blood By his right side was an old dinner knife. Although he had been depressed the sister knew of nothing to account for it. He had not threatened to take his life, but about six months ago he said something to the effect that he would soon be out of her way. - Dr Pullen said there was a large wound in the deceased's throat extending from ear to ear. There was also a wound on the left wrist, and it appeared as though the deceased had first attempted to cut an artery there, and failing to do so, had cut his throat. - The Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, said it appeared to be a very determined act. - A verdict of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind was returned.

EXETER - The Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at 26 Melbourne-street, yesterday, on MRS SUSAN SHARLAND, aged 62, wife of MR W H. SHARLAND, labourer and haulier, who was taken ill on Sunday and died before the arrival of a doctor. - Dr Solly said he attended deceased in January last and previous winters. Death was due to chronic bronchitis and dilated heart. Verdict: Natural Causes.

Western Times, Thursday 9 May 1918
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Young Lady Committed On Coroner's Warrant. Pathetic Letters. - Mr Sidney Hacker, Coroner, yesterday continued the Inquest at Teignmouth on the body of CLARENCE HOOKEY, a private in the Army Service Corps, who died as the result of veronal poisoning at a Hotel. - Dr Stanley Piggott said as the result of a post mortem he found the body well nourished. With the exception of the right lung, in which there were signs of pneumonia, all the organs were healthy. The heart was normal and so was the brain. The stomach and intestines were empty and contracted. He came to the opinion that the cause of death was veronal poisoning following his weak condition through pneumonia. - George Nixon, of 34 Sibley Grove, East Ham, valuer's assistant, father of Miss Ada Nixon, who was staying with deceased as his wife, said he knew HOOKEY slightly. He only saw him three times when he came to the house. He was then in the Police force, and shortly after HOOKEY joined the Army. He heard that his daughter left home early in December with the deceased, but where they went he did not know until he came to Teignmouth. His daughter was formerly at a post-office at Tower Hill, but had lately been engaged in North London. He had heard of threats of suicide by letters received about a month ago. Since then his daughter had given up the idea and they looked on the bright side of things. In this they had the greatest hopes. - Shown a letter, witness said it was in his daughter's writing; it referred to the distribution of her things and on reading it witness broke down, and the Coroner said he was sorry to pain him like that, but it was necessary. - The Coroner: This letter refers to something contemplated. Did you think these serious threats? - At first, but I thought later she had given it up. The witness added that his daughter and deceased were so infatuated with each other that they decided to die together. - Several letters were perused by the Coroner, in one which witness believed was in HOOKEY'S writing there was written on the outside of the envelope: "Peter requests you should leave us together, he is too ill to write himself." Witness thought these words was his daughter's writing. - The letter which was read by the Coroner was addressed to MRS C. HOOKEY, 23 Jubilee-street, Brighton, and was dated Tuesday. It read: Dear Minnie, I suspect that you fully realise what we have done was more or less inevitable. I ask you just before I launch into the great unknown not to grieve for me as I am not worth tears of lamentation. Ada is as much to me as on the day I first met her. God bless you. Your unworthy husband, CLAD. - Another letter which was in Miss Nixon's writing was also read. It was addressed to her brother, GEORGE, and was as follows:- "My dear GEORGE, - I just can't tell you all that I fell, but can't hold on to life any longer. When the time came I hadn't the pluck to go to the doctor's or the home. I always have been a coward of pain. I dreaded the ordeal. I persuaded Peter to take the final plunge with me much against his better judgment. He gave in after hours of entreaty. I know it will be awful for you all, but GEORGE my head has been so bad for these last two weeks, I really feel I should soon be taken to an asylum. Try to understand this, and you will in time be able to forgive your little sister all the pain she is causing you. ... Please don't think Peter is to blame; it's all my fault." - In a pocket book, apparently in Miss Nixon's writing, was a communication thanking the hotel proprietor for his kindness and adding, "Something will happen to me, I have no desire to live without my boy." She also gave addresses for them to communicate for money, "as we are nearly out of funds. Please have us buried together, it is our wish." - Miss Nixon was called forward and cautioned by the Coroner that if she made any statement it would be taken down and used in case any proceedings in another Court was instituted. "You had better consult your father," added Mr Hacker. - The father: Is it a question of going to another Court? - "I can tell you anything you wish to ask me," said Miss Nixon. - The Coroner: I think you had better not if you don't understand me. There is evidence which might incriminate you of a serious crime which might be tried at another Court. The father: You had better say "No" and come along. - The Coroner: I am obliged to give you the opportunity of making any statement to the Jury. - Miss Nixon having refused to make any statement, the Coroner reviewed the evidence and the Jury retired to consider their verdict. On coming into Court the Foreman, Mr W. Turner, said the Jury are of opinion that deceased died of veronal poisoning and that Miss Nixon was an accessory to the fact. - The Coroner: I can't accept that. You must retire again. - After deliberating for some time the Jury returned with their verdict as follows:- "That deceased Committed Suicide by taking veronal poison, and that Miss Nixon was an accessory before the fact." - The Foreman said they arrived at the verdict on the letter to the brother. - Miss Nixon was accordingly committed to await her trail on the Coroner's warrant at the next Assize.

Western Times, Friday 10 May 1918
BARNSTAPLE - Sad Sequel To Worry. Pilton Tailor And His Medical Examinations. - At the Inquest on Monday, before the Borough Coroner, Mr F. A. R. Bencraft, on WALTER THORNE, of Pilton, who was found in his father's house with his throat cut - MR WILLIAM THORNE stated that his son was all right up to February, when he had to appear before the tribunal. He then began to get ill. He was examined three times, being once rejected, and twice placed in Class 3. "They kept on worrying the poor little fellow to death." His son got worse, and Dr Meadon suggesting a change, witness sent him to Bournemouth, but there he got worse and his brother fetched him back about two months ago. Dr Meadon continued to attend him, and he had done little work since. Whilst in the garden the previous morning, about nine o'clock, witness heard a falling noise in the kitchen, and going indoors, found his son in a sitting position, having, he believed, cut his throat with a razor. Witness said, WALTER, what made you do this?" the reply being "I was told to do it," deceased evidently referring to some inward thought. His son seemed fairly well the previous day and delivered some clothes he (witness) had made. - Dr Meadon spoke to attending THORNE, who he said was evidently overcome with grief of some sort. - The Coroner: Do you think this continual calling up of a sensitive man would be calculated to unhinge his mind? - Dr Meadon: There was nothing else that they could trace. He had considered that THORNE would be perfectly safe in his own home after his return. - The Coroner thought there was no doubt that THORNE was suffering from temporary insanity when he committed the act and a verdict in accordingly was returned, the Jury also expressing sympathy with the family.

TORQUAY - Death of HON. E. W. DOUGLAS at Torquay. - The County Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, conducted an Inquiry at Torquay today regarding the death of the HON. EDWARD WILLIAM DOUGLAS, aged 92, of Conway House, Warren-road, whose death occurred on Tuesday. Deceased took up his residence at Torquay about seven years ago, coming down from Christchurch, Hants. His second wife was the Hon. Miss Trefusis, of Heanton Sackville, North Devon. He was formerly deputy-lieutenant for the County of Hants and a Justice of the Peace. At one time deceased held a commission in the Army. - Miss Mary J. Barrie, secretary to the deceased, said he was able-bodied, but was unable to do any business. On Monday, her employer had a fall in the bathroom, and complained of having injured his leg. - Dr Spong stated that deceased had a fracture of the left hip and death resulted from shock. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with this evidence and expressed regret that, as the Coroner remarked, a honourable and distinguished career should have ended in this way.

Western Times, Saturday 11 May 1918
TAWSTOCK - North Devon Suicide. Tragic Death Of A Tawstock Lady. - At Hollamore Farm, Tawstock, last evening, Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, Enquired into the circumstances attending the death of MISS MAUD TRICKEY, who met with her death in a tragic way the day previous. - The Rev. A. B. S. Wrey (Rector) was Foreman of the Jury. - SIDNEY TRICKEY, brother, said deceased was 34 years of age, and he last saw her alive on Wednesday night at 10.30 in the kitchen, when she was quite all right as far as he could see. Next morning, about 8.30, the servant called him to go to deceased's room, and on entering he saw his sister lying on the bed, apparently dead, with a gun resting on her body. Witness, who is very deaf, and heard nothing during the night, then went for the doctor. The deceased had worried over the loss of her father, who died about twelve months ago, and had also complained of pains. - Q.: Was she worried about the farm at all? - A: I never heard her say much. - The Foreman understood she had been worrying about leaving the farm, where she had been all her life and her parents before her. - Further questioned on this matter, the witness said deceased did not show her feelings a lot. - The Foreman said he knew deceased felt having to leave the farm a good deal. - Norah Phillips, servant, said deceased appeared to be all right about 10 o'clock the previous night, but throughout Wednesday had complained of being ill, saying she had a pain between her shoulders. Witness heard no disturbance during the night and rose at 6.30 next morning and proceeded with her household duties. On the postman's arrival about 8.20 with a letter for MISS TRICKEY, witness took it to deceased's room and then discovered the tragedy. Witness knew that deceased had worried about leaving the farm. - The Foreman here remarked, following an observation by the Coroner, that the occupants of the farm were under notice to leave at Michaelmas, and, as far as he knew, they had no financial embarrassment. - Proceeding, the witness Phillips thought deceased had also worried about the work on the farm. Witness had never any reason to suppose she would do herself any injury. The gun was kept in the kitchen over the window. - Answering the Foreman, witness agreed that deceased nursed her father prior to his death, and then she had a serious breakdown in health, from which she had not quite recovered. She had complained that she had pains and could hardly bear to draw her breath. - Deceased's brother, recalled, said he kept his cartridges in a locked chest in the stables. - Dr W. J. Harper, of Barnstaple, described deceased's injuries, saying the full charge of one barrel of the gun went through her heart. The butt end of the weapon was between her feet; her apron string was twisted around two toes of her left foot and the other end tied to the trigger of the gun. Death was due to the injuries she received, which were self-inflicted. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Times, Monday 13 May 1918
EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Formal Verdict On The Body Of A Little Baby. - An Inquest was held at Exeter Police Court on Saturday on the body of a seven-months-old child, MARJORIE REED, found in the Trew's Weir mill leat early on Friday morning. Deceased was the child of MRS CLARA REED, who drowned herself near the same spot just a week ago. She lived at Roberts-road, Exeter, was the wife of a munition worker and was aged 28. She left her home in the early hours of Saturday, May 4th and the same morning her body was taken from the water near Trew's Weir Mill. At the Inquest it was stated that she had complained of excruciating pains in the head lately, and the Jury found a verdict of Suicide during Temporary Insanity. When she left her home to go to the river she was only partly dressed and she was carrying the deceased baby in her arms. - Mrs Day, of Topsham, sister of MRS CLARA REED, identified the body of the child and said that deceased's health had greatly worried the mother. "Baby was not as big as she thought it ought to be," added witness. - HARRY E. REED, the widower, told the Jury that his wife complained to him of pains in the head at the end of February and that was the only time. He wrote home advising her to have a doctor. She had lost a brother and father quite recently. - Mrs Wise, a neighbour of MRS REED, gave similar evidence as at the last Inquest. - Oliver Osborne, Back-street, labourer of Trew's Weir Mills, spoke to finding the body of the child in the mill leat and Dr Pereira Gray told the Jury death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said the Jury had to consider with what view the mother took the child to the river. The Jury had already found that she herself was insane and they might now say that she took the child to the water with the intention of destroying herself and the baby, but she did so whilst her mind was deranged. One could hardly say, in view of the whole facts, that the child was found drowned, and leave the verdict as that. - The Jury found that the baby was Murdered by the mother, who was of Unsound Mind at the time; and the Foreman, Mr Phil Thomas, said they wished also to express their deepest sympathy with the husband. - The Coroner: I am sure I join in that expression. This verdict, of course, is more or less a formality, it being plain that the mother did not know what she was doing.

Western Times, Tuesday 14 May 1918
LAMERTON - Mr R. Rodd held an Inquest at Lamerton, near Tavistock, on Saturday afternoon, on the body of JOHN ELLIS, 65, an agricultural labourer, in the employ of Mr W. Hillson, of Collacombe Farm, Lamerton. The deceased was working a roller in his garden, when he fell and expired. Dr Brodrick said death was due to pressure on a dilated heart.

Western Times, Friday 17 May 1918
TEIGNMOUTH - At Teignmouth Town Hall on Saturday Mr S. Hacker conducted an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY CHURCHILL SIMMS, the three-year-old child of MR and MRS SIMMS, of Mulberry-street, who died at the Hospital the previous day. The evidence of the mother was that she was washing at her mother's and the copper boiling over, she put some of the water into a bucket which she placed against the table. Deceased walked in from the yard backwards and sat into the bucket of water. The bucket fell over. She took off the child's clothes and carried him to the Hospital, where he died. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TOPSHAM - Topsham Fatality. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Vestry Hall, Topsham, yesterday, relative to the death of DANIEL CHARLES JOHN TROUT, shipwright, aged 62, who died Wednesday from the effects of an accident on Tuesday. - Harry Turl, labourer, said he was at work with deceased on a vessel at the Quay. TROUT was knocking the end of a beam in place, and in raising the hammer it caught in another beam, and then fell on his head. Deceased dropped from the deck into the hold and was picked up unconscious, being conveyed to his home, where he died on Wednesday morning. - Dr Macpherson said TROUT'S neck was fractured and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Deceased's employer, though the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives. He said TROUT was a most excellent workman and a man it would be difficult to replace.

Western Times, Monday 20 May 1918
CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Tragedy. Mother Who Grieved Over A "Missing" Son. - Dr Ellis Pearson, at Chulmleigh, on Saturday evening, conducted an Inquiry concerning the death of MRS MARY ELIZABETH RICHARDS, aged 50, wife of an ex-sergeant of Police. - Evidence showed that deceased was missed on Thursday evening about 6.30 and was subsequently found on her bed. Dr Tucker made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to strychnine poisoning. It transpired that the deceased, earlier on Thursday evening, had purchased some mice powder at a local chemist, as she had previously done, deceased having mice about the house. The chemist told the Coroner that the powder contained strychnine. - In the deceased's purse the husband found a note from the War Office, saying that one of her three sons serving at the Front was missing. He was only 19 years of age, and had been at the Front only a short time. The news must have arrived by the first post in the morning, but deceased said nothing to her husband about it, but had apparently brooded over it all the day, finally taking the poison. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by taking Strychnine Poison, and that at the time she was Temporarily Insane.

Western Times, Tuesday 21 May 1918
OKEHAMPTON - Old Man's Sad Death At Okehampton. - An Inquest was held on Monday evening at the Okehampton Town Hall by Mr H. C. Brown, on the body of MR DREW, a retired shoemaker of Crediton-road, aged 80 years. Alderman John Hutchings was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - MISS MARY DREW, daughter, stated that on Sunday, March 31st, she went out for a walk about 3.50, leaving her father sitting in a chair in the front room by the fire. She returned in less than an hour and found Dr Young attending to deceased for burns. - Mr Leach, of East-street, Okehampton, stated that he was passing the house about 4.30 when he heard deceased calling out for Mrs Webb. He went in and found deceased lying with his shoulder and head against the grate. Witness pulled deceased up and placed him on a chair and sent for a doctor. There was not much fire in the grate at the time, but witness found that deceased's hair was singed and his shoulder burnt. Deceased could not tell how the accident happened. - Dr Burd stated that he saw deceased on the evening of March 31st. He had been attended to by Dr Young before he arrived. Witness found deceased was burnt about the head and shoulder and down one side of his back. Witness attended to him daily ever since. In his opinion death was due to exhaustion caused by the burns. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony and said there was no blame to be attached to MISS DREW in any way for leaving her father alone.

Western Times, Friday 24 May 1918
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. A Cadet Captain Falls Over Cliff In Seeking Gulls' Eggs. - A tragedy which caused quite a sensation in Dartmouth, took place on Wednesday afternoon, whereby a fine young cadet fell over the cliffs and lost his life. During the afternoon two cadets - LLEWELLYN WALES EDWARDS, whose home is at Alverstone, Hants, and a younger cadet named Robertson - went for a walk along the cliffs, and when between Sugary Cove and Stokefleming, Robertson missed his companion. Receiving no reply to his calls, he returned and reported the matter at the College. A motor-car and searchers were sent to the spot and a launch searched the case of the cliffs, where the battered body was recovered about seven o'clock and taken back to the College Hospital. EDWARDS, although not yet sixteen years old, was a fine specimen of British manhood, being only a couple of inches short of six feet in height. He was a fifth term boy and cadet-captain. It adds to the tragedy of his loss that his father has been killed in action while in command of a light cruiser. - Mr A. M. Davson, the Coroner, held the inquest yesterday afternoon at the College, and having heard the evidence said the circumstances were very plain. The two cadets went to Redlap cliffs in search of gulls' eggs. As they had heard from the Admiral of the College, this was contrary to the rules and regulations of the College, but they were not concerned with matters of discipline, but only to determine how death came about. When the matter was reported by Cadet Captain Robertson everything that could be done was done. There was nothing to say but that death was due to an accident. They could ill afford to lose young lives at this juncture, when they were of such value to the country, and if it did nothing else, at least eh Inquest might serve as a deterrent to others. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the Coroner's suggestion, that deceased fell from the cliffs at Redlap, and was Drowned, death being due to Misadventure.

Western Times, Monday 27 May 1918
OTTERTON - Cliff Tragedy. An Otterton Boy Killed Whilst Searching For Gulls' Eggs. - An Otterton boy, FREDERICK JAMES TURNER, aged 12, son of ALBERT TURNER, a farm labourer, met with a tragic death whilst gathering seagulls' eggs on Wednesday. - At the Inquest on Friday afternoon, before Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, the father stated that the boy told him on Wednesday that he was going to Ladram Bay to have a bathe. He should have returned home at 9.30 and as he did not arrive at that time witness made inquiries. Mrs Till, a neighbour, told him that she had seen deceased with two other boys at 4.30 and he was then down the face of the cliff. He searched the top of the cliffs until 2.30 a.m. Next morning P.C. Phillips said he had found deceased's body at the bottom of the cliffs. - Mrs Till said she warned the boy of the danger of going down the face of the cliff, but he made light of it. - Herbert Frank Hart, 11, and Ralph Smith, 12, said they went out with deceased at 3 p.m. to gather seagulls' eggs. TURNER found five eggs and gave them two each. They left deceased still collecting eggs. - P.C. Phillips stated that he found the deceased lying at the foot of the cliff, which was 200 ft. high. The boy was dead and the body stiff. It had been covered by the water. - Dr Alan Vincent Smith of Budleigh Salterton, said death was due to a fractured neck and injury to the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner drew attention to the great risk boys ran in gathering eggs in such a way.

ALPHINGTON - Roadside Tragedy. St. Thomas Resident's Suicide In Two Inches Of Water. - The District Coroner, Mr Henry W. Gould, held an Inquest at the Church Institute, Alphington, on Saturday, relative to the death of LOUISA SYMES, aged 40, wife of a foreman at a firm of wholesale druggists and a resident of 3 Princes-street, St. Thomas. The deceased was found in a ditch by the side of the main road near the Alphington-road tram terminus on Friday. - Evidence was given by the husband, WILLIAM THOMAS SYMES, to the effect that he last saw his wife alive on Friday at home at 11.20 a.m. She had an attack of pleurisy at Christmas and had suffered in her head, especially during the last fortnight, having been under medical care. She suffered from depression, and on Friday morning was very low in spirits. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. In normal circumstances she was very cheerful. - Selina Milton, Trinity-place, South-street, who was engaged by the last witness to help his wife in the housework, said n Friday morning deceased was missed from the house about 11.50. Witness had seen her about five minutes before, when she gave her instructions as to the work, but no intimation that she intended to go out. - Stanley Sercombe, aged 11 years, Courtenay-road, said about 12.15 p.m. he saw a woman's hat by the side of the ditch in the Alphington-road, just beyond the tram terminus. Looking into the ditch he saw the deceased lying face downwards. a nurseryman and a soldier pulled her out. - The Coroner complimented the lad on the manner in which he had given his evidence. - Fredk. Geo. May, of Ebrington-road, market gardener, who, with the assistance of a soldier, pulled the deceased out of the ditch, said she was in the ditch in a kneeling position, with her head and face in the mud. The water was not more than 1 ½ or 2 inches deep. Excepting about the head the body was quite dry and warm. - Dr Henry M. Sampson said death was evidently due to drowning. Efforts at resuscitation were continued for upwards of an hour. He attended her the previous day, when she was suffering from marked mental depression and was physically very weak, the result of a serious illness about Christmas. People who were depressed often developed suicidal tendencies. - The Coroner said the Jury would, he was sure, extend their sympathies to the husband. He thought the fact that deceased's hat was found on the bank would enable them to dismiss the suggestion of accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

EXETER - Gardener's Death. A Prick Of A Thorn That Caused Blood-Poisoning. - A remarkable case of blood poisoning was investigated on Saturday at an Inquest held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital respecting the death of JOHN JARVIS, aged 62, gardener of Abbeville, Topsham-road, Exeter, who died at the Hospital. Mr S. Ernest Crosse represented the relatives. - Evidence of identification was given by the son, PTE. JARVIS, A.S.C. of May-street, who said his father used to work for Mrs Harding, and had enjoyed excellent health. - ERNEST JARVIS, of Abbeville, deceased's youngest son, who used to work with his father, said that last January they were together in a garden, and deceased was mowing close to a sweet-briar hedge. A thorn from this hedge ran into his finger and at tea time that day they both tried to get the thorn out, but did not succeed. Later on, however, he extracted it himself and the finger became swollen. In about a week's time the hand was so bad that deceased "knocked off work" and went to his panel doctor. The finger got better, but then his leg became bad, and he was sent to the Hospital. - MRS MANE, daughter of deceased, said that her father was never ill before his accident with the thorn. - Mr Domville, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted there on March 27th and had then a swelling on his right thigh due to an abscess. In April his knee became affected, and on May 19th his leg was amputated as the only means of saving his life. He never complained of his hand and witness only heard of the thorn incident after his death. Witness had heard the evidence, but had difficulty in ascribing the abscess found in his leg to the prick of the finger because of the gap which existed between the treatment of his hand and his leg. Of course, there was no doubt deceased's blood was poisoned by some means and this was the cause of death. Witness could not exclude the possibility of the thorn having originally caused the blood poisoning. - The Coroner read the statements of the two doctors who attended deceased before he was admitted to the Hospital and the Jury eventually found that deceased died of Blood Poisoning caused by the thorn-prick.

Western Times, Thursday 30 May 1918
EXETER - Depression And Delusions. Suicide Of An Exeter Visitor In The River Exe. - Inquiry was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, into the death of PETER EDGAR PARISS, aged 56, whose body was found in the river Exe near Salmon Pool on Tuesday morning. - Mrs L. Lee, of Sidwell-street, said deceased had been lodging with her since last October. He had a small annuity. He came from Westgate, and told her he came from London to get away from the air raids. No relatives visited him and he seemed to be melancholy at times. He once told her that he went to Digbys and asked them to take him in, but they refused. Afterwards he got employment at the City Workhouse as attendant in the mental ward and was there a month. When he came back he seemed more depressed than usual. On Monday afternoon he returned from his usual morning walk and said he felt worse than usual. "I really ought to be in Digbys you know." She advised a rest and he then observed that he never felt suicidal before, but he did then. She told him he would be better after dinner, but he said he would take a walk first. As he did not come back she gave information and wired to his solicitors. - James Westcott, who is employed at Duck Marsh, spoke to recovering deceased from the river, near Salmon Pool, between 6 and 7 o'clock on Tuesday morning. Deceased's hat was on the bank. - Dr Pereira Gray who examined the body at the Mortuary, said death was due to drowning. He knew deceased while the latter was attendant in the Imbecile Ward of the Workhouse for a while. One day he came into the receiving ward as patient, and told witness, in explanation, that he was covered all over with cancer. Witness examined him, but there was no sign of disease. Deceased got out of that delusion, but asked to be kept as a patient for a rest. He was there a week and appeared to get better. One morning witness found that he had taken his departure. - The Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide during Temporary Insanity.

Western Times, Friday 31 May 1918
OKEHAMPTON - A Fatal Jump. The Accident To A Motor Expert Near Okehampton. - The fatal accident to ALFRED HENRY STEPHENS, aged 43, a demonstration motor driver at Okehampton, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr H. C. Brown on Tuesday. Joseph Jones, driver, in the employ of Muirhead and Co., contractors, said he was working on timber in the Okehampton district and on Sunday went to Halwill, driving a motor waggon. STEPHENS went with him to do some work there. They returned to Okehampton just after eight in the evening and left about 9.15 to return to Sticklepath, where they were lodging. Witness's wife was sitting by him at the front and STEPHENS was sitting on the back of the lorry. Earlier in the day STEPHENS made some remark to him about a young lady coming to meet him in the evening. After stopping at the top of the hill near Okehampton, he drove right through to Sticklepath without noticing anything amiss, and it was about an hour after getting there that he heard that STEPHENS had met with an accident. - Miss Flossie Mallett of Sticklepath, said she arranged to meet STEPHENS on Sunday night on his way back from Halwill, and walked towards Okehampton until she met the motor lorry between Fatherford Railway Bridge and the farmhouse. STEPHENS was sitting on the left side of the waggon. He did not beckon to the driver to stop, but, with his right hand to the waggon, appeared to try to jump off, but seemed to be drawn in under and the back near wheel passed over him. - Dr Young said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that Jones was free from blame.

ABBOTSHAM - Ptomaine Poisoning. Death At Bideford From Something Like Botulism. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Abbotsham, near Bideford, on Wednesday, on the body of CONSTANTINE BROCK, 45, a labourer, who succumbed under mysterious circumstances the previous afternoon. - From the evidence adduced and given by ETHEL BROCK, a daughter, after coming home from his milking etc., on Tuesday morning, the family, consisting of deceased, his wife and daughter, partook of breakfast about 10 o'clock, previous to deceased going to Bideford. They had ham and eggs which was fried in "dripping" purchased with the ham on the previous Friday from a provision shop at Bideford. They were all immediately taken ill, so that Dr Grose, of Bideford, was sent for. He was out of town when the message arrived, but got to Abbotsham about four o'clock. Deceased was then in a state of collapse, a stupor and died a few minutes after his arrival. The doctor then had to give his attention to the mother and daughter, who were both very ill and the mother was still too ill to give evidence. - All the circumstances, stated the doctor, pointed to ptomaine poisoning. He inspected the meat and dripping which were used, and the mother and daughter both agreed that the meat was all right, but it was the dripping which caused the trouble. It was delivered the previous Friday and had been kept in a cupboard in the kitchen - a warm place - until used. - The Coroner: There is a new disease called Botulism. I suppose it was not that? - Dr Grose: It is something on the same lines, and these things are always so difficult to find. - Canon Kempe (Foreman of the Jury) said his daughter purchased some of the same dripping on Monday, but it was so bad that they did not use it. - The manager of the shop, replying to the Coroner, said it was not dripping, but edible fat. It came from Bristol in barrels. - The Coroner: You can hardly call it dripping. There is too little beef killed to get much of that now. I should let the Medical Officer see the remainder if you have any. - Dr Grose said he saw some of the dripping in the shop and it was very different from that produced.

Western Times, Saturday 1 June 1918
EXETER - Fatal Motor Accident. - Tedburn St Mary Roadman's Death At Exeter Hospital. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on JAMES HUBBER, aged 60, of Tedburn St Mary, a roadman in the employ of the Devon County Council, who died at the Hospital on Wednesday, following injuries received from being knocked down by a motor-car on the Tedburn-Okehampton road, on the 27th, the accident occurring near Westwater Bridge. Plans and measurements were submitted by Mr J. Tamlyn, from the Devon County Council Surveyor's Department, in charge of the Okehampton road construction works. - Mr M J. McGahey represented Mr John King, Crediton-road, Okehampton, driver of the car. - MR S. HUBBER, West Down, near Ilfracombe, identified deceased as his brother. He had not previously seen him for 12 years. - Mrs Ellen Bolt, niece, who kept house for deceased, said he had good sight and hearing. - Mr W. S. Lear, Tedburn, working for the County Council on the construction work, said at 9.30 a.m. on the 27th May he and other workmen were sweeping the road on the left side from Exeter, preparatory to spraying. He heard a horn sounded and informed the next man, H. Pook, that there was a motor coming. He also warned deceased. Witness and Pook stepped back to the hedge. He could not say what deceased did. The car was travelling at a moderate pace. Witness saw the car strike deceased and knock him down. When struck, deceased was out in the road towards the centre. The car was pulled up promptly in its own length. - By Mr McGahey: When he first heard the horn he could not see the car, owing to a bend in the road. His impression was that deceased, when struck, was thrown underneath the car, but the motor did not pass right over him. - Mr H. Hawkins, gang foreman, said he was at the tar-pot, close by the corner of the Bridge. The road was 22 feet wide here. He heard the last witness's warning. The car came at a moderate speed but he thought it likely that deceased became "flabbergasted" by its approach. - Mr King, driver of the car, said he was proceeding from Exeter to Okehampton, and sounded his horn just before coming to the bend at Westwater Bridge. At that point he saw nothing but the men at the tar-boiler. On getting round the bend he saw deceased, about 15 yards ahead, near the middle of the road. Deceased stepped back, with the other men, to the left, and then immediately stepped to the right. Witness could not avoid running against him and knocking him down. Witness was travelling at the rate of eight or ten miles an hour and pulled up very promptly. - Dr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon, said deceased was only partly conscious when admitted to the Hospital. He was bleeding from a wound at the back of the head and had a compound fracture of the leg. He never properly regained consciousness. Death was due to the injuries received. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Times, Monday 3 June 1918
THROWLEIGH - Throwleigh Farmer's Suicide. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Throwleigh by Mr H. C. Brown, relative to the death of MR J. SQUIRES, retired farmer of Gable Cottage, Throwleigh. Mr Knapman was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Miss Brealey, housekeeper, said she heard the report of a gun, and looking out of the window saw deceased lying on the grass in the front garden. On going out she saw that part of his head had been shot away. About ten minutes previously she had seen deceased, and noticed nothing unusual in his manner. - MR JOHN SQUIRES, Junr., said deceased had paralysis some time ago, and he was afraid it would come on again. - Dr Hunt described the injuries and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane". The Jury passed a vote of condolence with the family.

GREAT TORRINGTON - Exploding Fuses. Canadian Soldier's Sad Death At Torrington. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at the Canadian Forestry Corps Camp, near Torrington, on Saturday afternoon, concerning the death of CORPL. FREDERICK RHODES, a member of the Corps, who was accidentally killed while at work the previous day. - C.-Sgt.-Maj. G. Walton identified the body, and said RHODES, who was 48 years of age, was a timber feller. About 1.20 p.m. the day previous, deceased was trying to split a large spruce log and inserted four charges of blasting powder for the purpose. RHODES lit them all and before he could get away the first charge went off, and a large piece of wood, weighing 114lbs. blew out, striking deceased in the head. The other charges went off almost immediately afterwards but RHODES was not struck again. Captain Welman and witness ran to deceased's assistance, but he was quite dead. Deceased was an experienced man at the work he was doing, having been similarly engaged all his life. - Dr Pridham, of Torrington, who examined the body, said death must have been instantaneous. The base of the skull had been fractured and also the right upper arm, just below the shoulder. - Captain Welman told the Coroner that he was present with C.S.M. Walton when RHODES was inserting the charges. Deceased cut the fuses himself and inserted them. Witness asked RHODES if he had ever handled black powder, when the charges were in and his answer was, "Not very much." Witness told him to test a piece of fuse from the reel before he lit those attached to the charges, and this he did. RHODES then lit the two short fuses, and seeing what he had done, witness told him to run for his life, and also made away for safety himself. The first charge, however, went off, blowing out a large piece of wood, which struck RHODES as he was getting away. Witness testified to RHODES' ability for the work on which he was engaged and said he was a very good workman, being respected by the whole Company, officers and men alike. - The Coroner, summing up, thought the accident was due to deceased having lit the short fuse first instead of the longer ones. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said no blame attached to anyone. - The deceased is stated to have claimed to be a second cousin of the famous Cecil Rhodes. He was shortly to have been married locally.

DOLTON - At an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Dolton, on Saturday, on JOHN HANCOCK, a mason, 65 years of age, EMMA HANCOCK, the wife, said at 2 o'clock that morning she was awakened by her husband groaning. She got up and endeavoured to give him stimulants, but he died immediately. Dr Mortimer, of Torrington, who made a post mortem examination, said a valve of the heart was considerably diseased. Death was due to heart failure from organic disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 4 June 1918
IPPLEPEN - Ipplepen Suicide. Nervous Breakdown: Deceased's Fear Of An Asylum. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Ipplepen last evening, relative to the death of JOHN WILLIAM SAVERY, farmer, of Greenhill Farm, Ipplepen. Mr S. Cox was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - WALTER SAVERY said he had been residing at Greenhill since the middle of July and he identified the deceased as his brother, who was 57 years of age. Witness had been managing the farm as his brother had been suffering from nervous depression, being under the attendance of Dr Gibson, of Totnes, and also Dr George of Paignton, the latter having attended him four years ago. He seemed worried and thought things were not going right, although there was no reason for it. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. On Friday last deceased was seen by Drs. George and Sealy, and their advice was that he had come to that stage when he should be put under care. He would have been removed that afternoon, as it was left to the doctors. Witness last saw him at 11 o'clock on Saturday, when he seemed very calm. - The Deputy Coroner: I understand that he was in such a condition as to keep him under constant observation? - No. He seemed just the same on Saturday as he did before he went away for a change. We did not think it necessary to keep him under control entirely. - Did the doctors think he was dangerous to have at home? - They thought it would be safer to be in an asylum, and that it would be likely to cure him quicker than if they had him at home. He was quite as bad four years ago, but he went on a farm at Brixham, under Dr George's care and recovered. - The witness added that on Tuesday evening last deceased wrote a letter and gave it to witness, remarking: "It appears to me that you people are going to put me away in an asylum, and I have written a letter which I want you to give to the superintendent if you do such a thing. I want to stop home with you, the missus and the children. I have had a different bringing up from most people, and I should feel harsh treatment more than most people. If you give them this they will treat me better." - The Coroner read the letter as follows:- "Greenhill, Ipplepen. - Dear Sir, - I am suffering terrible pains in my head, at times ramping with headache from a nerve in the head. Do treat me as well as possible to make me comfortable. I cannot breathe very well at times. I have had to walk a good bit at times to keep the nerve quiet. I cannot bear any noises in the head; it seems cracking, my head. I had a very good bringing up, very tender and respectable. However, I got like this I cannot think. I never had any idea of what was going to happen. I am sorry to say I cannot get any sleep, except a little when being overtired at night, once now and then." - The letter was not signed. - The Deputy Coroner: Was it brought to your brother's knowledge that he was going to be removed? - Not that I know. - A Juror: There has been a rumour in the village that he knew you were going to put him away? - He did say to me that he wanted to stay at home with the missus and family. " I want to stay here," he said. "I shan't hurt anybody. I would not hurt a worm." - "These delusions about the Asylum," continued the witness, "he had before he came home from the other farm. He had always been afraid that he was going to be put away and that they would serve him bad." - Answering another question, witness said his brother had spoken about being put away. - Mr Cox said he had spent a long time with the deceased on different occasions, and deceased certainly thought he was going to be put into an Asylum. There is no doubt he dreaded that very much, and had some peculiar ideas as to what would happen. He thought that his teeth would be taken out, and that he would have wires to the head. - Mr Emmett said he saw deceased on Friday morning, when he was in a terrible state. He turned around and said, "Mr Emmett, let me have that gun and I will shoot myself." Witness told him not to talk like that and entreated him to go home. He then said, "Mr Emmett, I won't go home, they are going to kill me." - Mr Coombes: I don't think he said, "They are going to kill me," but that "They are going to put me away." - Did you know that a rope with a noose had been found in the shed within the last few days? - No; some children had been interfering with the reins to make a swing. - Mr Coombes: There is another rumour that some sheets were tied together. - Witness: On Friday morning I would not let him get out as early as he wanted to ,and he commenced tying the sheets together and said, "If you don't let me go down and walk about, I will let myself down outside." - Mr Mogridge: When you refused to take him to Newton Abbot did he threaten to hang himself? - No. - The widow stated that deceased had been suffering from nerves, and had said he wished he could work On Saturday he did not seem very bad, and was talking quite rationally in the morning. On Friday night deceased gave witness his purse and knife. - Mrs J. Fletcher spoke to haring the report of a gun in her house and to finding deceased lying on the floor by the weapon. His head was shattered. The gun had always been kept in that room, but was never loaded. It was not used now. On Friday deceased came and asked her for the gun and said he wanted to kill himself. She told his brother that it was time they called in a doctor. He was wildly excited. She told MRS SAVERY that if a doctor was not called, she intended to do it herself. - Dr Gibson, Totnes, spoke to treating deceased for depression, but he did not seem to worry. He was quite reasonable in February, when witness advised him to take a change. - Dr Sealy said deceased was very excited on Friday, and when witness arrived at the house said that he knew witness had come to put him away and that he was going to be put in a cellar. He spoke in a loud way. Witness came to the conclusion that his mind was unhinged and that he might do harm to the children. He told MRS SAVERY and the brother to look after him and in the meanwhile arrangements were made to get him removed to the Asylum. On Friday night he slept better. Arrangements were made to remove him on Saturday at 2 o'clock. After witness returned from Newton Abbot on Saturday he heard of the occurrence. The left side of the head was blown away and part of the skull blown through the window. - The brother said he thought deceased must have found the cartridge somewhere on the farm, but he could not find any trace of it. All the cartridges in the farmhouse and the gun were put away. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the relatives, and Mr and Mrs Fletcher.

Western Times, Thursday 6 June 1918
EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Railway Employee Knocked Down By A Train. Inquest Opened. - The railway accident at Exeter, resulting in the death of MR JOHN DOWN, aged 60, of 28 Radford-road, Larkbeare, Exeter, a mason, in the employ of the London and South-Western Railway Company, was the subject of an Enquiry by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening. Deceased was on May 25th knocked down by a train at the Queen-street end of the tunnel leading to St. David's Station, when returning home from his allotment, and he succumbed to his injuries at the Hospital on Monday last. - Inspector W. Trump represented the L. and S.W.R. Company and Mr M. J. McGahey the deceased's relatives. - MR ERNEST GEORGE. DOWN, 9 Dean-street, Larkbeare, deceased's son, identified the body. - MR WILLIAM HENRY DOWN, 28 Radford-road, Larkbeare, another son, a solicitor's clerk, said deceased had been to Bude on May 25th, and his sister took his dinner to an allotment he had at St. David's. After the accident, he saw deceased in the Hospital, and the latter made a statement to him. He said: "I went to my allotment on my arrival from Bude. About 4 o'clock I left my garden tools with my coat and basket and proceeded up the tunnel on my correct side, on the down line facing Queen-street. I had two buckets to take to my locker, in readiness to take to Bude on the following Monday morning. I had just reached the end of the tunnel when the train which I thought was on the other line ran into me and I had not the ghost of a chance to jump. I had no warning whatsoever." The latter statement deceased repeated several times. He did not say that he saw or heard the train. Both his sight and hearing were perfect. - By the Jury: The railway was working double shift, the up and down trains on one line, on that particular day, because an engine had been derailed. - By Mr McGahey: The only way to reach the allotments (which deceased had had since 1906) was through the tunnel and deceased had continuously used the tunnel for that purpose. Witness had seen others doing the same thing. In the tunnel, except the man-holes, there was no room to walk beside the rails. - Mr Henry Moore, locomotive inspector, 22 Oxford-road, St James', said he joined the engine of the train at St. David's at 4.27 p.m. A single line was in operation between St. David's and Queen-street. They gave a warning whistle when entering the tunnel, continuing for some little distance inside. When a little more than half-way through witness saw someone walking in the 4ft. way, about 70 yards ahead. He said to the driver, "Whistle sharply; there is a man in front." He watched the man closely and seeing he did not notice the warning, witness said, "Shut off steam and stop," which was immediately done. Witness left the engine and went back and found the man under the guard's van next to the engine. He was lying in the 4ft. way with one leg out over and was badly knocked about. Several of the staff got out of the train to render assistance. An ambulance was sent for and took deceased to the Hospital. - By the Coroner: In single line working, anyone seen working on the line was warned by the pilot man in charge of the train. In this case there was an engine at each end of the train and the pilot was on the rear engine. - The Coroner: I don't see what use it is to be at the end of the train. A man is run over before the pilot man sees him. Don't you place a man at the tunnel? - Witness: No one was working on that piece of line after midday. - Further replying: No unauthorised person was allowed in the tunnel. - The Coroner: Any of the Company's servants might have to go there? - Witness: If they were working preparing the line. - This man was in the employment of the Company? - Yes, he was the Company's servant, but he was not working at preparing the line. - They have to do other duty beside that sometimes? - He had no other duty there, so far as I am aware. He was carrying a bucket or basket, at the time I saw him. - Further replying: He could not say whether deceased would be justified in going through the tunnel to his allotment. - By the Jury: The train was stopped within a distance of about 40 or 50 yards, a very good stop for two engines on a train. He thought that they might save deceased, but they did not stop in time. - By Mr McGahey: He could not say how anyone could get to the allotments without going through the tunnel. It belonged to the engineers' department. He had seen men going through the tunnel occasionally. He could not say whether the granting of allotments to me was a special authorisation to use the tunnel. There was a flagman by St David's Station, and another at the Queen-street end. There was none at the entrance to the tunnel, because there was no one working there at the time. - William Gardner, driver of the train, said when they saw deceased in the tunnel he gave three very short whistles. They did all in their power to make deceased hear, but he took no notice of the warnings. - By Mr McGahey: That might have been because deceased thought they were coming on the other line. It was the pilot's duty to travel on the last engine. - Mr McGahey remarked that to put him on the back engine to warn anyone who might be ahead seemed an absurdity. - William Lethbridge, fireman, said he could not see deceased from where he was at the time of the accident. - Mr H. Gillard, chief permanent way inspector, said DOWN had been in the Company's employ about 12 years. He should have gone to the allotments by the public road and got over a low fence. Witness produced a circular issued by the Company as to the occupation of garden plots, which stated that the occupiers must not use the railway as a means of access where any reasonable alternative route existed and if they so used it they would not be entitled to compensation in case of injury. This circular was displayed at all depots and platelayers' cabins. Circulars were now given to the men directly and they signed for them, but this was not the custom when deceased took his allotment. The men were supposed to go round by the road. No one must trespass on the line outside working hours. - By Mr McGahey: Deceased went to the allotment over the line on his own responsibility. If there was anyone working at the tunnel they would have had a flagman there. - Dr Annie Mules, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted suffering from a mutilated foot, injuries to the head and small fractures to the frontal bone. He died from the injuries received. - Arthur Mortimore, pointsman, who acted as pilotman on the train, also gave evidence. - The Inquest was then adjourned till Wednesday next at 6 p.m., at the Police Court House.

Western Times, Friday 7 June 1918
LAUNCESTON, CORNWALL - Barnstaple Youth Drowned Near Launceston. - Mr H. C. Brown held an inquest at the Tower Hall, Launceston on Monday, relative to the death of ARTHUR WILLIAM RIDD, 17, of Barnstaple, who was drowned whilst bathing. - Mr Edwin McEvansoneya, deputy foreman of a gang employed by Mr F. A. Jewell, of Barnstaple, on a painting contract on the L. and S.W.R., said RIDD, who was a boy of his gang, on Friday left his work on Tower-hill Station with Edward Parsley, also of Barnstaple, neither having been given leave. About 4 o'clock an alarm was given that someone was in the water. He and others went to the river Carey, close by the Station. The river was 14 to 15 feet deep and perhaps 50 feet wide. He went into the water and about 5.30 recovered the body. - Edward Parsley said they had been swimming about five minutes when he saw RIDD go down, come up again, call out "Help," and sink again. He was not near enough to get hold of RIDD. Before he went in he said he did not feel up to swimming very much. - Verdict: "Accidental Drowning." The funeral took place at Barnstaple on Wednesday, when Mr Stranger, of the Rockfield Mission, conducted the service. The mourners were the parents, EMMA and EVA (sisters), Mr and Mrs Harris and Gladys (uncle and aunt and cousin), Mr and Mrs T. Ridge, Mr and Mrs J. Ridd (uncles and aunts), Mesdames P. Norman, L. Thorne, A. Phillips, J. Phillips, and Mr Ridd (aunts). Chums of the deceased acted as bearers, namely R. Stanbury, W. Ley, H. Clements, J. Turner, R. Baglow and E. Bracher and the numerous sympathisers present included Mr C. A Jewell (representing the Mayor of Barnstaple) who sent one of the many floral tributes which were placed on the grave.

Western Times, Monday 10 June 1918
EXETER - Sad Affair At Exeter. Chagford Man's Death While Under An Anaesthetic At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Saturday, relative to the death of JAMES USHER WINKFIELD, of the Globe Hotel, Chagford, who died at the Hospital while under an Anaesthetic on June 6th. - Dr Annie Miles, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on June 4th. On June 6th Drs. Dyball and Worthington examined him under an anaesthetic. Witness was in the next room to the operating theatre with D. Worthington about 6.50, and they were called in to see deceased, who was rigid and blue in the face. Artificial respiration was tried without effect. A post-mortem examination showed the heart was enlarged and fatty. - Dr Andrew said he administered anaesthetic to deceased. Before doing so he examined him. The lungs were in a good condition, but the heart sounded fatty. He concluded he was fit to go under chloroform. Deceased's heart, however, suddenly failed. Witness had administered anaesthetics for 28 years, and this was the first case of his that had terminated fatally. Death was due to chloroform poisoning on a fatty heart. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and sympathised with the relatives of deceased.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Pocombe Bridge Tragedy. Norwegian Who Worried Over Business Matters. - The Inquest into the circumstances under which ANDERS SKOIEN, a Norwegian, aged 37, and a member of a London timber firm, met his death by jumping over Pocombe Bridge, near Exeter, was held by Gilbert H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at Pocombe Cottage, on Saturday evening. - Evidence of identification was given by Richard Arthur Masters, landlord of the Royal Oak, Dunsford, with whom deceased had been lodging since May 18th. Deceased's business address was 54 New Broad-street, London and his private address 204 St Leonard's-road, East Sheen. His firm was engaged in clearing a copse near Dunsford, and deceased was in charge. On Friday morning he left the Royal Oak about 12 o'clock, but said he would be home by the evening. Witness had noticed that deceased had seemed worried. - Thomas Burwood Owens, of 10 Lynden Grove, Taunton, a surveyor, said he had known deceased for about two years. Prior to the war he was an "imported timber" merchant in London and had travelled very extensively, notably in Africa. Deceased was very susceptible to hot sun and witness believed that on one of his African trips, all the whites in the party, except deceased, died of fever. On Friday a telegram arrived at Taunton for witness from SKOIEN about 12 o'clock, saying "Meet me tonight, Great Western Hotel, Exeter. Urgent." The telegram evidently related to business matters. Witness did not get the telegram until the evening, and then went to Exeter but found deceased had not been to the Hotel. Deceased had no financial trouble and he and his wife were devoted to each other. - William Henry Yeo, of Pocombe Bridge House, said he was coming home from Exeter about 7 p.m. on Friday and saw deceased on the top of Dunsford-hill kneeling down as if in prayer, with his hands clasped. Witness stood by for a few minutes and then asked SKOIEN if he could do anything for him. The latter said "No thank you, I am praying." Witness asked him to come with him, but deceased replied "No," and would not accept a cup of tea. Witness waited for a while, and then deceased mounted his horse, which was standing near by and went down the hill in front of witness. The latter went in and had tea. Although invited deceased would not come, but went up over the hill. After tea (about 7.30) witness went into the garden and saw deceased walking down the hill towards Pocombe Bridge. Witness said "Why you are going back again?" Deceased did not reply, so witness said "Some one will take your horse if you don't mind." Witness could not make out deceased's answer to this observation. At this time witness was on the bridge, and turned around to look at a passing waggon. Hearing a "rush" he looked around and saw deceased's legs disappearing over the parapet of the bridge. Immediately afterwards he heard him fall into the stream. Witness rushed around and found deceased's head was on the stones in the brook, while water was going into his mouth. Lifting the head from the water witness found blood flowing freely from the head and nose. With assistance he got deceased - who was alive when he reached him - out of the water. He only lived about ten minutes. From the top of the bridge to the water was about 20 feet. From the time witness first saw deceased he thought his manner was very strange. - Dr S. E. Atkins, St. Thomas, who examined deceased, said there were two compound fractures of the roof of the skull, extensive simple fracture of the forehead and the base was fractured. These injuries were, beyond a doubt, the cause of death. There was not sufficient water in the stream to drown deceased. - The Coroner read a letter sent to deceased at Dunsford and received after the affair. It was written by Sir Charles Fryer, evidently a director of the same firm as deceased. In the letter Sir Charles said: "I was glad to get your letter saying you are able to get a little more sleep. Perhaps it is the beginning of a great improvement. Do not overdo things, except sleep. Truly sorry for sending so many letters and so much detail, but I did not know you were ill. Of course you will understand I know so little of the technicalities of the business and so am afraid of making mistakes.... Sorry you have had such a lot of trouble at Christow." Masters informed the Coroner that the latter sentence had reference to the difficulty deceased experienced in obtaining labour at Christow. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Times, Tuesday 11 June 1918
EXETER - Alphington School Teacher's Death. - An Inquest was held by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House last evening, relative to the death of LUCY ANN CHANNON, widow, aged 53, of Wonford, but formerly of Alphington, whose body was found on Saturday in the River Exe between Trews Weir and Salmon Pool. - Evidence was given by WILLIAM CHARLES CHANNON, of Wonford, the son, who stated that his mother taught in the infant school at Alphington for nearly 30 years. His father died about 12 months ago. A short time ago deceased had a nervous breakdown, but Dr Whaite, who attended her, did not think her condition was sufficiently serious to warrant him certifying her of unsound mind. She had had three months' leave of absence from the school. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to asphyxia, the result of drowning. - James Albert Westcott proved finding the body in the river under the withy bed near Trews Weir fields. Deceased must have climbed over the fencing to reach the spot. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

BUCKFASTLEIGH - Fatal Accident At Buckfastleigh. - An accident attended with fatal results befel a labouring man named SAMUEL JOHN BULLEY, aged 43 years, of Buckfastleigh, on Thursday afternoon. Whilst carting pit props from King's Wood, near Buckfastleigh, to Buckfastleigh Railway Station, he fell from the shafts of the waggon on which he was standing to the ground and was crushed by the box of the wheel against a bank, causing severe internal injuries, from which he died early on the following morning in the Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Cottage Hospital. Mr T. E. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday afternoon. - Cecil Jeffrey, a young labourer, who was with deceased all day on Thursday, said as the waggon was proceeding through the wood towards the Station with a load, the off wheel struck the stump of a tree and BULLEY was thrown to the ground. He ran and picked him up and later got assistance, after which he was taken to his home. - Miss E. C. Ironside, M.B., C.H.B., said she found deceased suffering from internal haemorrhage and a fractured pelvis, caused by crushing and this was the cause of his death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 12 June 1918
STOKE FLEMING - Young Man's Suicide Near Dartmouth. - The Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN MANN, aged 23, whose body was found on Friday hanging from a beam in an outbuilding at Thorne Farm, Stoke Fleming, near Dartmouth, was held Monday afternoon by Mr T. Edmonds. MR JOHN MANN, the father, said his son suffered terribly from muscular rheumatism and paralysis of the nerves. He had no other trouble. - The Coroner: Had he been required to join the Army? - No. His health was too bad to permit of that. He had been totally rejected. - The Coroner: Had he been required to be examined again? - No. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

DARTMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Dartmouth. - MARY ANN COLE, aged 65, widow, Higher-street, Dartmouth, fell down stairs late on Sunday night and sustained severe injuries, from which she died on Monday. Deceased resided with Mrs Ash, a married daughter, and grandson. A message came that another daughter was seriously ill and Mrs Ash left to render aid. Later MRS COLE and the young boy were found lying at the bottom of the stairs and it is thought that deceased was endeavouring to go to her daughter, when she slipped and fell. The boy was unhurt. - At the Inquest on MRS COLE yesterday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." One of the Jurors complained of the dangerous state of the staircases in these old houses. The Coroner said he was afraid there were many houses like this one in Dartmouth and the wonder was there were not many more accidents of this kind.

DAWLISH - Canadian's Fatal Fall. - At yesterday's Inquest at Dawlish, on the French-Canadian forester, Pte. FRANK BALDUE, who died shortly after being found in the roadway under an unfenced embankment at Dawlish on Sunday morning, the medical evidence showed that death was due to a fractured skull. Mr George Rounsefell said that at 10.30 on Saturday night he directed deceased to the camp at Starcross. He was not sober, nor was he helplessly drunk. He was a bit unsteady on his legs, but pulled himself together and walked along the road all right. Where he was picked up he was right out of his way. A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 13 June 1918
EXETER - Exeter Railway Fatality. Verdict Of "Accidental Death" At Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquest on MR JOHN DOWN, aged 60, OF 28 Radford-road, Larkbeare, Exeter, a mason in the employ of the London and South-Western Railway Company, who was on May 25 knocked down by a train at the Queen-street end of the tunnel leading to St David's Station and succumbed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, was resumed at the Court House last evening by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner. When struck by the train deceased was returning home from his allotment. At the time a single-line system was being worked on this section, owing to an engine having been derailed. Inspector W. Trump and Mr J. I. Pengelly, solicitor, represented the Railway Company, and Mr M. J. McGahey, solicitor, represented the deceased's relatives, and the National Union of Railway Workers. - MR W. H. DOWN, deceased's son, recalled, said his father had been working 18 ½ years for the Company. It had been stated that the fence in Bonhay-road, near the allotment, was 3ft. high. He had seen the spot. On the right-hand side there was a wall about 4ft. high and on top of the wall, a 3ft wooden fence with pointed tops, which was supposed to be an unclimbable fence. On the left-hand side there was a wooden fence 5ft. 2in high, with pointed tops. He was at the allotment after the accident and he saw an inspector of the Company and a ganger who had an allotment come through the tunnel. The ganger had his wife and child with him. Within a few days he saw another allotment holder in the Company's employ using the tunnel. - By the Jury: There were no steps at the fence to assist anyone getting over. - By the Coroner: There were bricks out, where a man could put his foot and step up. - William Caple, 33 May-street, mason's labourer, in the engineers' department, who travelled back with deceased from Bude, gave evidence as to seeing him from the train walking between the raised bank and the Bonhay-road footpath. - William John England, 17 Prospect Park, Exeter, assistant Traffic Superintendent, who was in the up train which knocked deceased down, said so far as he knew all the regulations were observed and that if deceased went into the tunnel it was at his own risk. The duty of the pilot man was to control the working of trains on the line. His business was not that of a look-out man; he practically acted as a "token." He had to see that there was no engine in steam behind him and not to clear the line in front. - Mr McGahey: Don't you think something ought to have been done, when you suddenly changed over to a single line, to warn such men of a possible danger? - Witness: There is no regulation to that effect. - Mr McGahey said he was asking whether, as a matter of common-sense, some warning could not have been given. - Witness said the usual precautions were taken, and they would not have had anybody in order to give such a warning. - Further replying: If there were workmen there they would have been warned. The ganger would have been responsible for posting a look-out man. There were two flagmen appointed. If they had a third at the tunnel there might have been no accident, but the rule did not provide for three. - Arthur James Fisher, Assistant District Engineer, produced a document signed by deceased, by which he acknowledged that the rules and regulations of the Company had been read and explained to him. That included Rule 26, which laid down that the Company's servants must not walk upon the line except when it was necessary to do so in the execution of their duty. At the allotments there was access to a plot from Bonhay-road. He had been there that day and found no difficulty in getting access. There was a brick wall about 4ft high, and half-way up a hole and half a brick projecting, by which he was possible to get a foothold and step up to the wooden fence on top. He could stride over this and he saw the last witness do so. From the plot there was a well-defined track to the allotments. - By Mr McGahey: Deceased would have to cross the line to get to his allotments the other side. Witness did not think that by having to cross the line deceased was an authorised person under the regulations. It was different walking through a tunnel from going across the line in the open. He thought the inspector who was stated to have been seen using the tunnel, was an authorised person. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They expressed the opinion that where a single-line system was being worked something should be done to warn people at tunnels. - Sympathy with the relatives was expressed by the Jury, Mr Pengelly on behalf of the Company and the Coroner.

Western Times, Monday 17 June 1918
TEDBURN ST MARY - Tedburn Tragedy. Young Farmer's Son Shoots Himself. Upset By A Medical Book. - At Lower Rubhay Farm, Tedburn St. Mary, on Saturday, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest on FRANK RICHARDS, aged 21, who was found shot in the head on Friday morning. The farm is owned by MRS RICHARDS, the deceased's mother, a widow, and her son lived and worked there. She stated that only on Friday morning her daughter, WINIFRED called her out of bed saying FRANK was "dreadful bad." He appeared strange in his manner and restless, and after she got him into her room lying down he started up two or three times and apparently could not sleep. After they got up he continued strange, restless and troublesome. Witness gave him some breakfast, after which she told him she was going to take him to the doctor and he agreed to go with her. He went upstairs to change some clothes and came down looking "awful wild." She saw him reach to the place where the gun was kept behind the kitchen door and not knowing what he intended to do, she and others ran to the stable. When some distance away, they heard the report of a gun. Returning, she looked into the kitchen and found deceased dead on the floor with the gun by his side. She did not remember hearing him threaten to take his life, but soon after the recent tragedy at Pocombe Bridge he remarked that the man must have been tired of life to do what he did. He had been medically rejected for the Army, being almost blind. He often had nightmares, and had bad rest. Sometimes he would seem a bit dull, but would come into the room where the piano was and frequently play it. His father died in an Asylum. - Dr W. S. Campbell, Crediton, said deceased consulted him about nine weeks ago, when he appeared depressed, due, witness thought, to thinking he was suffering from something worse than he actually was. He appeared to have got this idea from a medical book which he had been reading. - The Coroner: Then you don't advise anyone to read medical books? - Witness: Not in that way. Witness added that deceased told him he could not sleep well at night, which interfered with his work. He thought if deceased could have been reassured as to what he was suffering from it would have made all the difference. He advised him along those lines and also told him to put the medical book aside and have no more to do with it. He also asked deceased to come back and see him again later, but he did not do so. Witness wanted to talk further with him, and reassure him. So far as he could make out, deceased was not suffering from any bodily ailment that need cause depression of spirits. Describing the injuries, witness said there was nothing inconsistent with the wound being self-inflicted. - The Jury found that deceased shot himself while of Unsound Mind, and, with the Coroner, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

DARTMOUTH - Death Of A Sunderland Sailor At Dartmouth. - Mr A. M. Davson, the Dartmouth Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on the body of REUBEN WILL, aged 58, fireman, of Sunderland, who died in the Dartmouth Cottage Hospital early on Friday morning. Deceased left his vessel at 7 p.m. for shore and should have returned by 10 p.m. Later he was found on the rocks by the waterside at Kingswear, suffering from severe injuries to the head. He was conveyed to the Cottage Hospital, where he died without regaining consciousness. It was thought that deceased had crossed to Kingswear and was endeavouring to reach the water's edge in order to hail his vessel for a boat to be sent for him. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned.

OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held at Ottery St Mary by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, touching the death of MR JOHN ADAMS TOLLEY, of Lambpark Farm, who died suddenly at the age of 44 years. The wife said she saw deceased alive at 6.45 a.m. in bed. Later she was called by Laura Fox and going upstairs found deceased kneeling at an open window vomiting quantities of blood. She remained with him until he became exhausted. He did not, however, recover and died in ten minutes. The previous day deceased was engaged in sheep shearing and seemed to have used more exertion than usual. He had not been seen by a doctor for five years. - Dr W. D. Stevenson, of Churchinford, said a post mortem examination shewed that the left lung was ruptured, and there was congestion of the lungs due to over-exertion. A verdict of Death from "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 18 June 1918
EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - At Double Docks Inn, near Exeter, yesterday, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest on MISS ROSE BARNARD, whose body was found in the Canal near Bromham's Farm, Alphington on Saturday afternoon. - Mr William Reynolds, farmer, High Ham, Langport, Somerset, identified the body of MISS BARNARD as that of his wife's sister, aged 49. She had no fixed abode, but moved about teaching languages for a living. She had spent some years in Greece. She had been lodging at 38 Ebrington-road, Exeter. Her health was normally good and her letters were cheerful up to the last. She might have been a little disappointed at not getting as many pupils in Exeter as she hoped. He knew of nothing else that would cause her worry. - Mrs Emily Willey, 38 Ebrington-road, Exeter, said deceased had been lodging with her for two months. She last saw deceased alive at 7.15 p.m. on the 11th, when she was dressed to go out. After going a short distance she returned for an umbrella as the sun was so hot. She regularly went out in the evenings and witness noticed nothing unusual about her. Witness thought she might be depressed sometimes, but deceased had never complained to her. She thought MISS BARNARD would have liked more pupils to occupy her mind and time and that she "troubled a little" about that. There was no money trouble. - Mr William H. Preston, Council employee, Alphington, deposed to finding the body floating in the Canal, when he went to open a drawbridge at Sage's Bridge at 2 p.m. on Saturday. Deceased was fully dressed. - Mrs Preston, wife of the last witness, said she searched the body, but found no letters or documents on it. A wristlet watch had stopped at five minutes to three. - Dr L. P. Black, St. Thomas, said there were no marks of violence on the body. Deceased had the appearance of death by drowning and of having been several days in the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - Worried Over Rationing. - At Double Docks Inn, near Exeter, yesterday, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest on MRS ALICE MAUD LEGASSICK, wife of ALFRED J. LEGASSICK, commercial traveller, of "Lodore", 22 Blackall-road, Exeter, whose body was recovered from the Canal near Countess Weir Bridge on Sunday morning. Mr M. J. McGahey attended on behalf of the husband and family. - Mr J. W. Underhill, Melbourne House, Mutley Plain, Plymouth, said deceased was his sister and was aged 49. He last saw her alive about three weeks ago. She enjoyed comparatively good health, but was of rather a nervous temperament. She had nothing to complain of, but she worried a good deal about "this rationing business." he had never heard her suggest taking her own life. - You were rather surprised when you heard it? - I was surprised, but I knew she was very, very nervous. - Had she always been of a nervous temperament? - Yes, ever since she had been a girl. Witness added that deceased worried about household matters that no one else would take any notice of. The husband was away in the Channel Islands. - Louisa Mary Pike, domestic, in the employ of MR and MRS LEGASSICK, said she last saw deceased at 10.30 on Saturday morning in the kitchen. She was dressed ready to go out, as witness thought, shopping. That was her custom every morning. She remarked to witness not to wait for dinner if she was not back at one o'clock. - Was that unusual? - She had never said it to me before. Witness had noticed nothing strange about deceased except that she was depressed last week. Deceased said the food business was worrying her a lot and that her head was bad on one or two mornings. Her husband left the previous Monday for the Channel Islands for a fortnight on business. It was usual in his business to visit the Channel Islands. - By Mr McGahey: When deceased made the remark about not being back for dinner witness had the impression that she might be going to see some friends at Exmouth. She mentioned a week or two ago that she intended to go to Exmouth for a day, but did not say soon Saturday morning. - Mr S. C. Gadd, analytical chemist, Exeter, said he and some relatives were boating on the canal at 8.30 p.m. on Saturday, a short distance up from Countess Weir Bridge, when he saw some ladies' clothes and a hat laid neatly on the bank near one of the gates. He took the clothing to the Police. - Mr James Sharland, Countess Weir, in the employ of the City Council, said he recovered the body at 11 a.m. on Sunday morning by grappling iron near the spot described by the last witness. - By Mr McGahey: The bank sloped down where the body was found. There was a drinking place for cattle on each side of the gate. - Mr McGahey: It seems that if deceased was hot and wanted to wash her hands she would have put down her clothes at the gate and gone forward and she might easily overbalance into the water. - Witness agreed that this might occur, and added that he found the body quite close to the bank and at the second throw of the grappling iron. Her arms were in a position as though she was striking out to save herself. - Mrs Preston said she found nothing in the clothes that deceased was wearing when the body was recovered. - Dr Black said there were no marks of violence, but all the appearances of drowning. - The Coroner said it was shown that MRS LEGASSICK and her husband lived on the most affectionate terms and there was nothing that needed to have worried her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Wednesday 19 June 1918
EXETER - At the Exeter Court House yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest on WILLIAM LAILEY, 58, engine driver, L. and S.W.R., 19 Union-road. MRS LUCY SOPHIA LAILEY, the widow, said during the past week deceased complained of pain in the chest and about the heart. On Sunday morning he was sick. After dinner he lay down and when about 4.30 p.m., his eldest daughter went to call him for tea, she found that he was dead. - Dr Pereira Gray said the cause of death was heart failure due to a fatty heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 20 June 1918
EXETER - At Exeter Court House yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest on DORIS BLANCHE BLIGHT WAY, aged 10, who died suddenly at No. 3 Verney-place on the 17th inst. - MRS MARY JANE BLIGHT, grandmother, identified deceased, whom she had looked after since birth. Deceased became unwell on Sunday and later had convulsions, being attended by Dr Vlieland. - Dr Vlieland said all the organs of the body were healthy except the kidneys and the cause of death was uraemia, due to the bad state of the kidneys. Verdict: Natural Causes.

Western Times, Friday 21 June 1918
OKEHAMPTON - Fatal Accident To An Okehampton Farmer. - Quite a gloom was cast over Okehampton yesterday when the news reached the town that MR WILLIAM HODGE, of Pothanger Farm, Okehampton, had met with a fatal accident. It appears that MR HODGE'S men were engaged in shearing sheep, the machines being driven by an oil engine. Deceased's nephew, MR FRED HODGE, arrived from the town with some oil for the engine, and MR HODGE was about to show him where to put the oil, when his coat caught in a key projecting from the shaft of the flywheel. MR HODGE was swung round with terrific force and his head was badly damaged. MR F. HODGE caught him the first time he went around, and pulled him off, but was too late to save him. Dr Bird was sent for, and was soon in attendance, but found life extinct. MR HODGE was a well-known and respected farmer, having farmed Pothanger for nearly 50 years. He was a regular attendant at Okehampton market, and was always ready to do anyone a good turn,. He was about 67 years of age. At the Inquest conducted by Mr H. C. Brown, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

DREWSTEIGNTON - At the Inquest on MR WALTER AGGETT, who, as reported in our last Friday's issue, was found dead with his throat cut, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." The funeral took place in the Parish Churchyard on Monday. Deceased, being a member of the Parish Council, a school manager and a successful business man, was well known and the high esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large number who attended to pay their last tribute of respect. Along the route to the church blinds were drawn.

Western Times, Tuesday 25 June 1918
NEWTON ST CYRES - Bathing Fatality. Boy Drowned In The River Creedy. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Myrtle Cottage, Newton St. Cyres, yesterday, relative to the death of HAROLD STANLEY BROOKING, aged 14, son of WALTER ROWE BROOKING, engineer, at present in America. Evidence was given by the mother, who resides at Myrtle Cottage, St. Cyres, to the effect that her son, who worked in an Exeter solicitor's office, left home on Saturday evening at seven o'clock with his brother, BERTIE, aged 10, saying he was going to the river Creedy to bathe. About 20 minutes later BERTIE returned saying STANLEY was drowned. Witness and a neighbour named Stephens went down at once, but could not see the body. Neither of the boys could swim. She was not aware there were dangerous places in the river. - BERTIE BROOKING said his brother entered the water and walked across to the opposite bank, saying he intended to walk down to the middle of the river. Witness advised him not to do so as the water was up to his neck. He replied that he should as he wanted a dive and would then come back. Witness did not follow on the banks. A few seconds later deceased called "BERTIE, save me," and witness caught sight of him sinking. Witness did not see him afterwards and took his clothes and ran home to his mother. - Wm. Stephens, bricklayer, said on reaching the river he could see no signs of deceased. Pulling p the fenders with a rake witness let the water out and a quarter of an hour later, near the spot pointed out by BERTIE BROOKING, he saw the body which he pulled out. Efforts to restore animation failed. P.C. Taylor also tried to restore deceased, but without effect. There was a depth of about 8ft. of water where the body was discovered. The river dropped like the roof of a house He had seen boys bathing in the river, but higher up. - Dr A. Ross, Crediton, testified that death was due to drowning. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 29 June 1918
KINGSBRIDGE - Tragic Death Of A South Devon Auctioneer. - MR CHARLES HEAD, auctioneer, Kingsbridge, was found dead in the American Gardens, Combe Royal, about half a mile from the town on Wednesday evening, he having strangled himself with a buckle strap. At the Inquest on Thursday it was stated that he had for some time been subject to hallucinations, and that he suffered from agonies of pain in his chest On Wednesday morning he visited his office for a few minutes in company with his daughter, but left before she was ready to return home and he was not seen again alive. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 5 July 1918
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Bathing Fatality. The Need For Teaching Children To Swim. - At Highweek Church Institute yesterday, Mr Sidney Hacker conducted an Inquest relative to the death of LEONARD HOLMES, the 12-year-old son of MR and MRS GEORGE HOLMES, 28 Exeter-road, Newton Abbot, who was accidentally drowned in the Teign on Wednesday evening. The lad went bathing with companions, and unexpectedly got into deep water near the Canal. He was seen to turn around several times and sink. The other smaller boys called for help and Frank J. Noyce, a carter, who was passing managed to recover the body by means of a boat hook A Juror observed that several lives had been lost at this spot, which was considered very dangerous. - The Coroner said it would be a bad thing if the boys of Newton had no place where they could learn to swim. Even if the town had the finest swimming baths, the boys would not go there, as they preferred the open air. - Another Juror considered that it should be made illegal for boys to bathe at this spot, but the Coroner considered this would be a misfortune. Of course, the proper remedy was for every boy to learn to swim. He was afraid there was no public teaching of swimming in Newton Abbot, as there was in many other places where it was included in the school curriculum. - A verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" was returned, and the Coroner was requested to ask the Rural Council to take steps to try and prevent further fatalities at this spot.

COLATON RALEIGH - East Devon Tragedy. Colaton Raleigh Blacksmith Hangs Himself. - A painful discovery was made by MRS STRAWBRIDGE, of Anning's House, Colaton Raleigh, on Tuesday morning, when looking for her invalid father-in-law. Having missed him for a short interval, she went to a stable and found him hanging from a beam. MR STRAWBRIDGE, who was 69 years of age, and by trade a blacksmith, had on account of illness, been unable to follow his occupation for several years and apart from a joke occasionally about his headaches, his committing a rash act was not in the least suspected. - An Inquest was held at the house yesterday afternoon before Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner. - ANN STRAWBRIDGE, wife of ALBERT EDWARD STRAWBRIDGE, son of the deceased, stated that MR STRAWBRIDGE had lived with them for seven years. He had not been able to work for four years, since he had had an apoplectic fit. On Tuesday morning he ate his breakfast as usual at 9 o'clock and went into the yard at 9.30. Deceased, who had suffered from depression since his illness, complained to witness of his head being bad, and she went into the yard, and asked him to come indoors. He, however, declined, and said the fresh air would do him good. As she missed him an hour later she went into the stable where deceased was in the habit of going and saw him hanging by his neck from a beam. She called her husband. - ALBERT STRAWBRIDGE, son of the deceased, said he last saw his father alive at 10.20, when he was seated in a chair in the sitting room. His wife called him later and he went to the stable and saw deceased hanging with a rope round his neck, the rope being tied to a beam. Witness at once cut deceased down, but ascertained that his father was quite dead. Deceased frequently complained about his head being bad and said he wished that someone would take his head off. - Dr Charles Vincent Smith, of Budleigh Salterton, said he had been attending deceased for five years. He had suffered from premature senility for the past 18 months and had previously had three strokes. Ever since he had attended him MR STRAWBRIDGE had complained of pains in the head. For the last six months deceased had been quite childish. He expected deceased to have another stroke, and to fall down dead. He had warned the relatives of this. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Saturday 6 July 1918
BRADNINCH - Hayfield Fatality. Fall From A Waggon At Bradninch. - Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Wishay Farm, Bradninch, last evening, relative to the death of FRED WILLIAM COLEMAN, rabbit-trapper, 55, of Halberton. - The widow stated that deceased left home on Monday morning to go to Wishay Farm to trap rabbits. Mr Samuel Clapp, of Wishay Farm, said deceased was at work rabbit-trapping till Thursday afternoon, when, at witness's invitation, he helped hay-making. About 4 o'clock deceased fell from a waggon, pitching on the left side of his head, which came into violent contact with the ground. He did not struggle, or speak, but died immediately. - Charles Henry Hooper, horseman, said there was not much hay on the waggon, which was being loaded. Witness had just moved the horses forward when he saw deceased fall to the ground. The waggon had come to a stop and it was not through any jerk that deceased fell. - Dr Muir said deceased's neck was broken, and death would have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Tuesday 9 July 1918
CHULMLEIGH - Suicide Of A Portuguese At Chulmleigh. - An Inquest was held at Chulmleigh on Friday by Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford, relative to the death of ANTONIO ARANJO, aged 31, employed at the Portuguese Camp at Farriers. The man was missed on Wednesday and on a search being made he was found in a brook that flows through the valley. He was not quite dead, but before the doctor and police arrived he had passed away. Deceased had been to London to take the boat to return home, but as the vessel had left he was taken to this camp to resume work. An interpreter said deceased's case contained his passport, a few papers, £9 in notes and cash. A verdict of "Suicide by Drowning" was returned. The funeral took place at Chulmleigh Parish Churchyard on Saturday afternoon, the bearers being six Portuguese and the service was also attended by a large number of Portuguese from the neighbourhood.

Western Times, Thursday 11 July 1918
ILFRACOMBE - At an Inquest at Ilfracombe yesterday on the body of MR HENRY FRANCIS CLARK, aged 70, a visitor from Maidenhead, and a retired auditor of the Great Western Railway, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 12 July 1918
NORTH LEW - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, of Okehampton, held an Inquest on Friday, touching the death of ABEL HALES, of Bedford Cottages, Northlew, who was found dead in a shed adjoining the cottage on Thursday, July 4th. Evidence was given by Mrs E. Stiles and Mr T. Andrew as to finding the body about 9.30 a.m. shot through the head and the gun by the side. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." The funeral took place on Sunday, the interment being at the Churchyard. The chief mourners were Stoker D. HALES (son), Mrs E. Elliott, daughter, Mrs L. Hales (daughter-in-law), Miss L. Stiles. The bearers were Messrs. J. Friend, G. Glass, S. Blatchford, W. Whitcher, E. Harrys and W. Badcock. Deceased was 50 years of age.

MORCHARD BISHOP - Morchard Bishop Tragedy. Elderly Labourer Hangs Himself Through Worry. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquest at Bugford Cottage, Morchard Bishop, on Monday, on the body of EDMUND FORD, who committed suicide by hanging at Morchard Bishop on Sunday last. MISS FLORENCE FORD, of Bugford Cottage, identified the body as that of her father, a farm labourer, aged 63 years, who resided at the cottage. She last saw deceased alive on the afternoon of the 6th inst., when he was outside the house. She left for the purpose of taking dinner to her brother, and when she returned deceased was not at home. He did not return during the night and witness gave information to the Police. Deceased had been in ill-health for nearly two years and as he seemed to grow worse this depressed him. - Richard Stoneman, of Bugford Mills, Morchard Bishop, gave evidence to finding deceased hanging to a holly bush in Bugford Wood, with a rope round his neck. When found the body was quite stiff. - Dr C. S. Pratt said deceased had been under his treatment for two years suffering from heart and kidney trouble and eczema. He was anxious to go to work, but as he could not through his health, it worried him a deal. Death was due to strangulation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

TIVERTON - Rusty Nail Leads To A Death At Tiverton. - At the Tiverton Hospital last evening, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of HARRIETT GREENSLADE, 73, of Uplowman, who died the previous day from blood poisoning, as a result of running a rusty nail into the thumb on July 4. - Dr Pollock having given evidence, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 15 July 1918
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport on Friday on MARY JANE TARR, aged 45, the wife of Sapper W. G. TARR, of the Royal Engineers, it was stated that deceased came to Plymouth about seven weeks ago from Exeter for a change of air, was found on the bed in an unconscious condition at 26 Fleet-street, Devonport on Wednesday afternoon, by Mrs Emma Blake, and died shortly after the arrival of the doctor without recovering consciousness. - Dr Davis attributed death to heart failure, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 16 July 1918
LYME REGIS, DORSET - An Inquest was held at Lyme Regis on Saturday on GEORGE WILLIAM OAKES, aged 12 years, son of Capt. and Mrs OAKES, of Exeter. The Principal of St Albans School said Friday week deceased was on his way to the cricket field with another scholar, W. R. Newton, aged 11. Newton was swinging a cricket stump, when it slipped from his hold, and struck OAKES under the eye, inflicting a wound. - Dr Staples said the wound was not deep enough to require a stitch. He dressed it and the lad appeared to be progressing. Symptoms of acute tetanus set in, and Dr Russell Coombe, of Exeter, operated, but the lad died of heart failure. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 19 July 1918
DAWLISH - Inquest On Exeter Lad Drowned At The Warren. - Mr Sydney Hacker held an Enquiry at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, on Tuesday, into the death of LESLIE FORD, aged 17, of Old Vicarage-road, St Thomas, Exeter, who was drowned at the Dawlish Warren on Sunday morning, the 7th inst., and whose body was recovered on Monday near the Black Bridge, Dawlish. - A verdict of "Death due to Drowning" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 23 July 1918
EXETER - An Exonian Dies At His Work. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Exeter Police Station by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the death of RICHARD JOHN DARCH, aged 72 years, who died suddenly when leaving work on Friday evening last. - WILLIAM JOHN DARCH, of 54 Cecil-road, said deceased, his father, was employed b y Messrs. Garton and King as an iron moulder. Last Sunday week he complained of his heart and had done so for four years past. - MRS BATES, daughter, said her father, who lived with her, had complained of shortness of breath. - Mr Rendell, foreman for Messrs. Garton and King, said deceased had been employed by the firm for 43 years, and was a most punctual man. On Friday, whilst at his work, he dropped down and died. - Dr Thomas said a post-mortem showed that the heart was greatly enlarged. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 25 July 1918
EXETER - At an Inquest held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday, relative to the death of CAROLINE MILDRED PRIDHAM THORNE, aged 74, of 4 York-road, evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been in frail health for several years. About 6.30 on Tuesday morning she was taken ill while in bed. Dr Mabel Gates was immediately sent for, but failing to understand that the message was urgent, did not arrive at the house until the afternoon, sometime before the deceased's death, which took place a few minutes after noon. Death was attributed to heart failure due to heart disease, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 26 July 1918
EXETER - Fatal Accident. Private In The Labour Battalion Falls From Rick At Heathfield. - An Inquest was held at No. 1 Military Hospital, Magdalen-street, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of WALTER GEORGE REED, aged 28, formerly a postman of Deptford, and lately a private in the Labour Battalion stationed at Heathfield, near Bovey. - Evidence was given by the widow to the effect that her husband had bad sight. He had been in the Army two years. She heard from him on Monday morning, when he was all right. On Tuesday she received a telegram stating that he was seriously ill at the hospital. When she arrived he was dead. - Reginald Cutter, private in the Labour Battalion at Heathfield, said on Tuesday, the 23rd inst., he was engaged with deceased in putting a sheet on a stack of straw, which was about 16 feet high. A rope which was attached to the sheet, and which deceased was pulling while on the top of the stack, gave ways, through the knot slipping through the eye-hole, and he fell off the end of the stack. - Paul Hubert, private in the same Battalion, said deceased when picked up could not speak. - Company Q.M.S. Tolwell, who was in the office at the time of the accident, said the men were supposed to pull the sheet by its sides, and not by the ropes. No definite orders had been issued to that effect. The men were left to do the job in their own way. The sheets sometimes arrived without ropes, which the men then put in themselves. - Captain Evans, R.A.M.C., said deceased on admission to the Hospital on Tuesday was semi-conscious and died on Wednesday morning. A post-mortem examination revealed that deceased had a fracture of the back bone high up in the neck and an injury to the spinal cord. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that there should be more supervision and definite instructions given to the men engaged on work of this kind. - Lieut. Bickford attended the Inquiry on behalf of the Army Service Corps.

Western Times, Tuesday 30 July 1918
BARNSTAPLE - Workman Found Hanged At Barum. - WILLIAM FRAYNE, a plumber in the employ of Messrs. Parkin and Sanders, Barnstaple, was yesterday found hanging in a loft over their workshop in Green-lane. Mr Parkin, who made the discovery, at once called the Police, but FRAYNE was dead and the body was removed to the man's home in Aze's-lane. The deceased, who was aged about 60 years, is stated to have been depressed for some time. - At the Inquest in the afternoon, before Mr Bencraft, Borough Coroner, a verdict of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind was returned. The widow stated that they had three sons on service and her husband had been greatly depressed at the fact that for over two months they had heard nothing from the oldest son, who was on a Hospital ship.

Western Times, Friday 2 August 1918
EXETER - An Exeter Widow's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Court House by Mr Linford Brown, City Coroner, last evening, on MARTHA FEWINGS, widow, aged 73, who was found dead in her room at No. 1, Iron Bridge, on Wednesday. Mrs Harper, of 36 Bonhay-road, identified the body as that of her mother. Deceased had suffered from heart trouble and for some time past had been attended by Dr Mabel Gates. She was last seen alive on Friday morning. Mrs Harper said she was standing talking by the Iron Bridge when Mrs Seaton informed her that her mother was rather quiet and asked her if she would come and see her. She went into her mother's room and found her dead on the bed. - Dr Pereira Gray examined the body, and in his opinion death was due to chronic bronchitis and weak heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 9 August 1918
DARTMOUTH - He Shook The Gun To Clear Some Dust, But Fatally Shot A Boy At Blackawton. - A verdict of Accidental Death was returned on Wednesday at the Inquest held at Dartmouth by the Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, on JOHN PHILLIPS ELFORD (11) son of MR and MRS G. J. ELFORD, Dartmouth. The ELFORDS had been visiting Mr and Mrs Harvey, the Firs, Blackawton, on Bank Holiday and when MR ELFORD had the trap ready for the drive home, there was the sound of a shot. He found his son JACK lying on the roadside mortally wounded in the head. - Clarence Harvey (16) said he was carrying the gun across his chest and over the left arm. JACK ELFORD was slightly to the rear and the gun would be pointing at him. A remark was made about some dirt on the gun. He shook it and the gun went off. - The Coroner expressed the sympathy of all for MR and MRS ELFORD in their bereavement.

Western Times, Monday 12 August 1918
PINHOE - Pinhoe Fatality. Broadclyst Farmer Killed By Traction Engine. Driver Exonerated. - At the Pinhoe Police Station, on Saturday, Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of GEORGE SALTER, aged 45, of Lake Farm, Broadclyst, who was killed as a result of being thrown from his trap and under an Exeter City Council traction engine, in a bend in the main road, near the village on Friday afternoon. Mr J. B. Allon, Deputy Town Clerk, attended on behalf of the City Council and expressed the Council's sympathy with the deceased's widow and family. - James Railton, Lake House, Broadclyst, who was in the trap with the deceased when the accident happened, explained that just after leaving Pinhoe they overtook the traction engine, attached to which were two trucks, moving slowly towards Exeter. Deceased was driving the pony and had passed the two trucks. When the trap was abreast of the engine, he touched the animal slightly with his whip on the off side. Owing to that and the noise of the engine, the pony, which was a quiet one, swerved and got its fore feet on the bank. The trap went about two feet up the bank and over-turned, the pony falling in front of the engine. Witness and deceased were both thrown out. Witness was pitched within a few inches of the wheel of the tractor, but managed to draw himself clear. When he got up, he saw deceased lying in the road, the wheel of the engine having, seemingly, passed over his head. Witness pulled the body clear, the engine having stopped. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said the men in charge of the engine did their best under the circumstances, and if they had not acted promptly the engine would probably have gone over the pony. - Witness suggested that on Fridays the authorities should avoid running traction engines on the main road for the sake of the safety of the farmers and their wives and families, who were so numerous on the road on that day. - The Coroner pointed out that there was a legal obligation on traction engine drivers to stop when requested or signalled to by anyone on the road. Traffic on the main road could not be stopped on any particular day. - Mr Railton said they did not signal to the traction engine driver to stop, as there was quite room enough for the trap to pass. - The Coroner disagreed, pointing out that there was not sufficient room to allow for the possibility of the pony shying or swerving. - Mr Railton said from that point of view there certainly was not sufficient room. - Francis Drew, look-out man in the employment of the Exeter City Council, sand who was on the back truck at the time of the accident, said deceased made no signal for the engine to be stopped. Witness was able to communicate with the engine driver by means of a cord. He saw the deceased drive past the trucks. Near the engine the pony did not seem to shy, but rather to swerve into the hedge. The trap and animal turned over and deceased was thrown under the back wheel of the engine. Witness pulled out deceased, who was dead. The engine was travelling about three miles an hour and the driver pulled up at once. The wheel of the engine did not go over the deceased, whose head, in witness's opinion, came into contact with the tank of the engine. Deceased was thus stunned and fell between the wheels. - P.S. Harvey said the road at the spot was about 15 feet wide. There was about 6 ½ feet space between the engine and the hedge on the off side. The engine was about two feet from the hedge on the near side. The trap was a small governess car about 4 ½ feet wide. - Mr Allon said he had been informed that the road was 19 feet wide. - Witness said he did not measure it with a tape. He merely paced it. - Mr R. L. Wason, Surgeon, Broadclyst, who examined the body, said there was a fracture of the right side of the skull and there had been a loss of brain matter. That was sufficient to cause instantaneous death. - The Coroner said as far as he could see there was no one to blame. It was a sad case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the traction engine driver from blame. They associated themselves with the Coroner in expressing sympathy with the widow and family.

ILFRACOMBE - The Sad Death Of A Lady Near Ilfracombe. - Dr Ellis Pearson conducted an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on Saturday evening, touching the death of MISS JESSIE MARY LE QUESNE, aged 60, who met her death under tragic circumstances at Lee, near Ilfracombe, the previous Wednesday. - MISS ALICE LE QUESNE, a sister, stated that deceased had suffered from epilepsy for twenty years and frequently had fits. She had one on Wednesday morning at breakfast. She seemed perfectly well afterwards. Later in the morning she went out into the garden. A young lady friend ran into the house about noon and said deceased had fallen into a stream at the bottom of the garden. Witness hurried to the spot and pulled her sister out of the water, which was covering her face. Dr A. E. Osborne, who examined the body some time later, said he found no evidence of drowning. Witness had attended deceased for about fifteen years and she had frequent bad fits. In his opinion the cause of death was an epileptic fit. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 13 August 1918
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Bathing Fatality. - A verdict of Accidentally Drowned was returned at the Inquest at Dartmouth on Saturday evening on JAMES LINEHAM (18) a seaman, whose body was recovered from the sea. LINEHAM was bathing in Dartmouth harbour nine days ago. He called for help and a comrade with him caught him by the hair, but could not retain his hold. The skipper found the body drifting towards the ship on Saturday.

Western Times, Wednesday 14 August 1918
BIDEFORD - Drowned While Bathing. Inquest On A Bideford Boy Yesterday. - At the Inquest last evening on HAROLD RICHARD KIVELL, the 13 years old boy drowned the previous day whilst bathing in the Bideford Bridge pools, his brother, STANLEY, also 13 years old, described how they were bathing with four others, all being able to swim, though some only a little, witness being the best of them. His brother whilst swimming was taken by the current from shallow into deep water and got in difficulties. Witness swam to him and got hold of him once in an endeavour to save him, but could not succeed and shouted for help. His brother was shouting to be pulled into the shore, but the others could not swim well enough to help and when witness could do no more his brother went under. - J. H. Davis, who was working on one of the piers of the bridge, said he heard the shouts above the rushing of the water through the bridge, but there was nothing unusual about that when boys were bathing and he did not at first appreciate what was happening. When he did he sent for the grappling irons and a boat and pushed a plank towards where deceased was, but he sank just as the plank approached him. The body was recovered in about 20 or 25 minutes with a grappling iron by P.C. Tuplin. - In answer to the Jury, witness said he was 60, had heavy clothes and boots on, was no swimmer and had not been in the water for 40 years. The same applied to another workman who was 64. Two younger workmen there, he believed, could not swim. - The Foreman, Mr W. H. Glover, of East-the-Water, himself an elderly man): I don't wish to cast any reflections, but I fancy I could have managed the job although I have not been in the water for 40 years. - The father said he missed the boy immediately after he had had a good tea and he must have gone straight to bathe. - Other evidence showed that attempts were made to induce respiration immediately the body was recovered, but Dr Cole, who was promptly in attendance, said there were never any signs of life. - Verdict: "Accidentally Drowned Whilst Bathing" and sympathy was expressed with the relatives.

Western Times, Friday 16 August 1918
ST MARY CHURCH - Lady Found Drowned At Watcombe. - At St. Marychurch Town Hall last evening, the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, held an Inquest on the body of EMMA BISHOP, 43, married woman, living at Cadoxton, near Cardiff, and daughter of MR W. PENWILL, of 51 Victoria-road, Ellacombe, whose body was found in the sea at Watcombe Beach on Wednesday morning. - It was stated that deceased, the wife of a butcher, came to Torquay about five weeks ago, suffering from nervous breakdown, consequent on overwork. On Tuesday night she slept with her sister and was missed at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Search was made and the body was found in the water at Watcombe by two boys and brought ashore by John Irvin, a gardener. - Dr Pitt Palmer said death was due to drowning and there were no marks of violence on the body. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Saturday 17 August 1918
SHOBROOKE - Shobrooke Mystery. Inquest Adjourned For Analysis Of The Stomach. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the "Barton," Shobrooke, relative to the death of SYBIL MYRTLE BURRINGTON, aged two years and nine months, daughter of MR ROBERT BURRINGTON, farmer. The latter stated that he was called by his wife about 11 a.m. on Thursday and told the child was ill. The child had previously been in the harvest field. He immediately went for the doctor. - Dr Ross, of Crediton, said when he arrived about 12.30 the child had been dead about an hour. He had made a post mortem examination, but found nothing to account for death. All the organs and stomach were healthy, with the exception that one of the intestines was a little congested and discoloured and swollen, possibly due to some irritant. There was an enlarged gland in the neck, but he was unable to account for the death. The child had been stung by a wasp and had cried out. She might have been frightened with the result that convulsions were brought on. That would account for the condition of the intestines. The Coroner: The irritant could only be ascertained by analysis? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner produced a bottle containing tabloids, and remarked that it had been suggested that deceased took one or two. They were a tonic. If the child did take any they would possibly account for the death. - Dr Ross: They might account for the discolouration of the intestines as well as convulsions. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest for a fortnight in order that an analysis of the stomach might be made.

Western Times, Monday 19 August 1918
ALPHINGTON - Old-Age Pensioner Drowned In Alphington Brook. - At the Inquest held by the District Coroner, Mr Henry W. Gould, at Alphington, on Saturday, relative to the death of an old-age pensioner named THOMAS ELLIOTT, evidence was given by the widow to the effect that deceased left home about noon on Friday to fetch his old-age pension. He was also in the habit of going around the district gathering water-cress and bird-seed. He was very feeble, and if he fell down could not rise without help. - A discharged soldier, named Reginald Brigby, of Alphington, said about 1.30 p.m. he saw deceased pass his house going in the direction of the brook. Shortly afterwards a boys aid there was a man in the water. Witness found deceased in the brook with his face and limbs in about 18 in. of water. When pulled out he was apparently dead. - Dr Stokes said the body presented the usual appearances of death by drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Times, Tuesday 20 August 1918
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Court House yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr Linford Brown, relative to the death of CHARLES WOOD, 86, who died suddenly on Saturday morning. Mrs Russell said deceased was her father and had not had an illness for 18 months. On Thursday morning he felt queer, and on Friday stayed in bed all day. In the evening Dr Gray was called on, and said he would come the next morning, but the old man died before his arrival. Dr Gray attributed death to a weak heart, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 21 August 1918
COMBE MARTIN - N. Devon Cliff Accident. Young Woman Killed When Trying To Rescue Her Sister. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Combe Martin yesterday respecting the death of MISS PHYLLIS LILIAN STARKEY, the victim of the Combe Martin cliff accident. MR J. W. R. STARKEY, M.P., for Newark Division, said his daughter was 26 years of age. Dr Richardson said death, which was instantaneous, was due to the fracture of the base of the skull. The accident was described by the deceased's youngest sister, aged 14, who said that after bathing on Sunday evening she and her sisters started to climb the rocks with the intention of going around into the harbour beyond Leicester Point. Her sister, AUGUSTA, aged 17 put her foot on a clump of rocks and fell, and deceased, in her hurry to get down, fell also, from a height of about 40 feet. Witness climbed down to where both of them were lying at the foot of the cliff, and then ran for assistance. Thomas Gould, who rendered assistance, described the spot as dangerous and said there was no path. The Coroner said the accident was one of those unfortunate occurrences which would happen. He called special attention to the statement by Gould of the danger of the spot, and remarked that people attempted the climb not knowing the danger they ran. To their verdict of "Accidental Death" the Jury added a rider that they considered notices should be fixed warning people against the danger of attempting such a climb. MISS AUGUSTA STARKEY, who was severely injured by her fall, was yesterday reported to be progressing satisfactorily.

HOCKWORTHY - Farm Servant Killed By Runaway Horse At Uplowman. - A fatal accident at Uplowman, near Tiverton, which occurred on Saturday to WILLIAM STEVENS, a small-holder, was investigated at an Inquest conducted at Hockworthy, by Mr H. W. Gould, yesterday. - ELLEN STEVENS, the widow, said her husband was 52 years of age. Last Saturday he left home in the morning to work for Mr Cottrell, farmer. At about 9.45 he was brought home, and seen by a doctor. He was conscious and told witness that a horse he was in charge of had run away. The reins broke and he did not know what happened afterwards. He died on Sunday at 1.30 a.m. - Francis Cottrell, of Fair Oak, Uplowman, carter and farmer's son, told the Jury that deceased worked for his mother and brother, who were in partnership as farmers. He was engaged to drive a horse and cart. On Saturday morning witness heard him shouting, and found him sitting on the corner of his cart with the reins in his hand. He said his horse had run away and "hurted him." He also explained that the horse got off its halter by some means. He (deceased) got hold of the animal by the head and held on all around one field until he came to the gate, against which the shaft squeezed him and he was injured in the stomach. The horse was usually quiet. - Dr E. P. Hasluck, of Holcombe Rogus, said STEVENS succumbed to severe internal injuries and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Monday 26 August 1918
NORTHAM - Sudden Death Of An Old Appledore Resident. - MR ANDREW PENNINGTON, an elderly and respected sailor of Appledore, was found dead in bed on Friday morning. Deceased resided with his daughter, MRS GAYETTE, of Myrtle-street, who was away on holiday, her father, who in ordinary circumstances was well able to look after himself, remaining to keep house. Neighbours noticed that he was not seen on Wednesday. On Thursday about midday his sister visited the house and being unable to get a response to her knocking entered by the window and found her brother in bed quite dead. At the Inquest the evidence of the medical man showed that death was due to heart failure and a verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - Exe Tragedy. Boy Drowned At Exeter On Friday Night. Boat Owner Reprimanded. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House on Saturday afternoon relative to the death of REGINALD COLE KENDALL, aged 13, son of a transport officer, of Abingdon-road, Plymouth, who was drowned as the result of a boating accident in the river near Exe Bridge on Friday evening. - Evidence was given by Georgina Kate Heath, Beech House, Alphington-road, Exeter, to the effect that deceased came on Monday to stay with her. On Friday, he went out about 5.30 p.m., remarking that he was going to see Exeter for the last time as he was to have returned to Plymouth on Saturday morning. - Arthur Mullard, proprietor of the boating stage at Gervase Avenue, said deceased hired a boat about 7.50 and returned at 8.30. As he had not completed the hour, he took in another boy to steer, and they went up the river. Shortly afterwards the boy who had been steering returned paddling the boat with a single oar. He said the other boy had sunk. The boat was a single sculling skiff out-rigged, the width from gunwale to gunwale being about 40 inches. It had been in use about seven years and was similar to many other boats in use on the river. He did not let boys have out-riggers unless he thought they were capable of handling them. He saw that the deceased was better able to handle a boat than many adults. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said when he heard that something was wrong he sent another man to the scene. He did not go himself because he could not leave the landing stage. - Edwin Guy, a carter, said while looking over a wall smoking his pipe, he saw what he thought to be an arm and a head under the water. He immediately raised an alarm. - Henry Pullman said he found the body near the Hair Stores. Although he was on the St. Thomas Rowing Club premises, he heard nothing of the actual accident. If he had he should have dived for the boy. - P.C. Reed stated that hearing shouts while near Exe Bridge he took a boat and rowed up the river. He searched the spot where he was told the boy had sunk, but could find no trace of him. He then fetched the pole and started dragging the river. The body was recovered about 9.20. - Dr Pereira Gray said the death was due to drowning. - Frank Edward Millman, aged nine, who was in the boat when the accident happened, said when near Stephen's-buildings, deceased said "See if I can row a canoe." He stood up to paddle the boat with one oar, and over-balancing he fell into the water. He swam a few strokes and then sank. Witness was steering. - The Coroner said boat proprietors ought to exercise great discretion in letting small boys have narrow out-riggers. - The Foreman said the Jury thought that Mr Mullard, instead of sending another man to the scene, should have immediately gone himself. - Mr Mullard said he failed to see that he could have done anything more than the man he sent to save the boy's life. - A Juryman: It was your duty to have gone yourself. - The Foreman: Suppose it had been your boy? - Witness: I don't intend to have a boy in a country like this. - A Juryman: While you were fetching a man valuable time was wasted. - Witness: There was no time wasted. The man I sent was close by me. - The Foreman: A man who lends out boats should be obliged to have a certificate showing that he is capable of giving assistance in case of need. - A Juryman said a large number of small boys were frequently on the raft, and it was a scandal. No wonder was that more boys were not drowned. - Detective Edwards said the boat was about two feet wide at the widest part and tapered towards the ends. - The Coroner: Certainly boys ought not to be allowed in boats of that sort. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death By Drowning," expressed condolence with the deceased's parents and asked the Coroner to reprimand Mr Mullard for the slack way in which the boating was conducted. - The Coroner (addressing Mr Mullard) warned him that if he let another boy have a boat of this kind and anything serious happened, another view might be taken of his conduct. Gross carelessness sometimes became a serious matter for the person responsible and he might find himself in an awkward position.

Western Times, Wednesday 28 August 1918
EXETER - Old-Age Pensioner's Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the City Institution, Heavitree-road, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on ELIZABETH STANBURY, aged 75, an old-age pensioner, who died at the Institution on Sunday. It was stated that deceased had been ill for some considerable time. - Nurse Bright (night nurse) stated that on Sunday deceased seemed fairly comfortable and witness left her for a short time. She then heard someone tapping, and on going to the ward found deceased on the floor. Shortly after she died. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to a weak and dilated heart and inflammation of the kidneys. Deceased, he said, had evidently had a stroke. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Saturday 31 August 1918
SHOBROOKE - Strychnine. A Child's Sad Death At Shobrooke. Poisonous Tabloids. - The adjourned inquest relative to the death of SYBIL MYRTLE BURRINGTON, aged two years and nine months, daughter of MR ROBERT BURRINGTON, farmer, of the Barton, Shobrooke, was held last evening by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the district. At the earlier Inquiry a fortnight ago it was stated by Dr Ross, of Crediton, that a post-mortem examination had failed to account for death. All the organs of the stomach were healthy with the exception that one of the intestines was a little congested, discoloured and swollen, possibly due to some irritant. The Inquest was adjourned in order that an analysis of the stomach might be made. - MRS BURRINGTON, the mother, was now called and stated that in the morning of August 15th the child was at play in the pump yard when suddenly she clung to witness and exclaimed, "Mummy, a wasp." She had previously been twice stung by wasps. Witness saw no wasp when the child cried out, but she took her indoors and undressed her. Convulsions came on and witness gave the child a warm bath and some castor oil, followed a little later by some brandy. The convulsions continued up to the time of her death, which took place about an hour after. Meanwhile MR BURRINGTON had gone for the doctor. The child complained of having been stung in her foot. Deceased and the two other children had been in the harvest field earlier in the morning. The other children told witness, when questioned, that they had been in the dining-room and deceased took some biscuits and things from the sideboard and that she also took two tabloids from a bottle which was in the bookcase. She got on a chair to reach them. - Replying to the Coroner, MRS BURRINGTON said she purchased the bottle of tabloids from an Exeter chemist and signed for them. She did not purchase two bottles on the same day. She had had three bottles in all, two of which she purchased herself and one was obtained by a friend. She signed for both bottles she bought. She could not say how many tabloids were left in the bottle on the morning of this occurrence. She had been taking them fairly regularly lately, but never more than two a day. She was not advised to take them by a medical man, but was recommended to do so by a friend. After the child's death she found the bottle in the bookcase apparently untouched since she lat put it there. - Dr Ross, of Crediton, who was handed the tabloid bottle by the Coroner, said the ingredients as stated on the bottle were, "two grains of iron, ½ grain of quinine, 1-064th of a grain of strychnine." Strychnine, the witness added, was a very deadly poison and had a cumulative effect. If a person took these tabloids regularly for some time they might suddenly develop poisonous symptoms. There was no greater risk in taking the strychnine in liquid than in tabloid form. He did not think the complaint of the child that it had been stung in the foot had anything to do with the strychnine. Strychnine would produce convulsions and paralysis. - Answering the Rev. W. Jukes (Foreman of the Jury) the witness said he should not expect vomiting from strychnine poisoning. It caused contraction of the muscles and if the convulsions continued it caused asphyxia. - The Coroner (to witness): These tabloids are recommended by the makers as a tonic? - Dr Ross: Yes. - But I suppose you would not recommend anyone to take them without medical advice? - Certainly not. - And a knowledge of the constitution of the patient? - Yes. - P.S. Webber having given evidence as to handing the stomach and part of the intestines to Mr T. Tickle, the Exeter City Analyst, for examination. - The Coroner read Mr Tickle's analysis, which was to the effect that he discovered the presence of strychnine to the extent of 1-30th of a grain, and quinine to the amount of two-thirds of a grain. He presumed that more than one tabloid was swallowed and possibly more than two. The strychnine contained in two or three of the tabloids was sufficient to cause the death of a child two years of age. - Summing up the evidence, the Coroner said he thought the Jury must come to the conclusion that death was caused by strychnine poisoning and they would have to consider whether that poisoning was brought about in an accidental manner or otherwise. If they accepted MRS BURRINGTON'S evidence, they would return a verdict that death was accidental. It was a very sad case and he was sure MR and MRS BURRINGTON had the Jury's very sincere sympathy, as they had his. A much greater calamity might have happened, because all three children were apparently tampering with these tabloids, and all three might have been poisoned. That must be some consolation to the parents in their bereavement. The evidence showed the folly of taking these patent medicines except under proper advice, because they had heard from Dr Ross that even an adult might be poisoned as a consequence of taking these tabloids regularly and consistently. He hoped it would be a lesson that these tabloids, or any other drugs containing poisonous ingredients, should not e taken unless under proper medical advice. - The Rector: Was the bottle labelled "Poison?" - The Coroner: Yes. - MRS BURRINGTON: I had no idea that even if I took the whole bottle of tabloids at once, that I ran any risk. - The Coroner: You realise now, MRS BURRINGTON, the risk even you have run. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Accidental Poisoning," and expressed their deep sympathy with the parents in their sorrow. - The Coroner associated himself with this expression.

Western Times, Thursday 5 September 1918
EXETER - Inquest Without A Jury At Exeter. - The first Inquest at Exeter under the new Act which dispenses with a Jury, was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening by Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of MISS ELLEN TURNER, 65, of 25 Codrington-street. Deceased was found in the back kitchen in an unconscious condition by a boy named John E. Dare yesterday morning. Dr Frost was called in, and shortly after the old lady died. Dr Frost attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage. MISS TURNER seemed in her normal good health when her nephew (MR F. J. TURNER) left for work. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 13 September 1918
STOKE GABRIEL - Killed By A Tree At Stoke Gabriel. - An Inquest was held at Stoke Gabriel, Wednesday, on the body of SAMUEL COLLINGS, father of six children, who was killed on Monday by a tree falling on him in Sandridge Copse. He was engaged in felling operations and a limb of a tree crashed on him, smashing his skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The occurrence created much sorrow in the village of Stoke Gabriel, where COLLINGS was well-known and respected.

WINKLEIGH - JOHN MOLLAND, aged 13 months, son of JESSIE M. MOLLAND, of Winkleigh, was in the kitchen near the fireplace, where its mother was filling a kettle. It took hold of her and as she turned round she upset a pan of hot milk, some of which went over the baby's shoulders and down its back. At the Inquest on Monday, Dr J. H. Clements said the child, well nourished and healthy, died on Saturday from broncho-pneumonia, resulting from shock due to extensive burns. Mr H. C. Brown, the Coroner, found that the injuries were Accidentally received.

EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Inquest Story Of How It Happened. Mother's Evidence. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown, regarding the death of the five-year-old son of LIEUT.-COLONEL H. C. HILL, of the Indian Army, now a prisoner of war in Turkey. Deceased, RUPERT JAMES HILL, was the victim of a distressing motor-car accident in High-street, Exeter, on Wednesday morning. - Evidence of identification was given by MR REGINALD HILL, 3 Richmond-road, Exmouth, who said deceased was his nephew. Lieut-Colonel HILL was one of the prisoners taken by the enemy at Kut, and his wife, mother of deceased, was living at present at Regent's Park, Heavitree. - The mother, who gave her evidence with great composure, said that just before eleven she was with her child in Eland's shop. She left there to go into Green and Son's, and they saw a car on the right, coming up. She said to deceased, "We must mind that car." Her hands were full of heavy parcels and an umbrella, and she had not, therefore, hold of deceased. There was a heavy shower at the time and nothing else save the car was in the road. They were nearly across the thoroughfare, and then she suddenly saw another car. She thought it must have come from Bedford Circus, and stepped instinctively back, calling at the same time to her little boy to mind the car. "The car startled me," said witness, "but perhaps it would have, coming round a corner. I could not say the speed. My child was a little behind me and I think now he could not have seen this second car. I called to him to mind the car, and he ran forward, probably thinking only of the other car. He was struck - it seemed a long time, but probably it was on the second." - The Coroner: There was no other traffic in the street? - None that I saw. That was what I noticed particularly at the time. - Mrs Webb, Magdalen-road, Exeter, said she was near the spot at the time. The boy seemed a pace or two in front of his mother, and she appeared to hesitate. Witness had seen the one car, and then suddenly the other. It seemed to her the boy started forward to get on to the pavement and the car struck him in the middle. He was right in the middle of the car, as it were. A lady picked him up. - The Coroner: What pace was the car coming? - Not fast, not slow. Just an ordinary rate. It was over the boy in one second, it seemed to me. I did not hear the hooter. - Walter Owen Mills, journalist, Exeter, said he was outside the "Western Morning News" Office and heard the mother's scream. He turned and saw her standing about in the middle of the road. The car had then passed her and the child seemed to be half running and half carried by the car. As witness watched the boy fell forward on his face, the car struck him, and both wheels went over him. When witness first saw the car it seemed to be slacking pace. The body was picked up by Stephen's Bow, and the car pulled up eight yards further on. The road was wet. The mother ran forward crying, "What shall I do?" picked up deceased, and collapsed with him near the gutter. - Albert Edward Baker, Parkhouse-road, driver of the car, expressed a wish to give evidence. He said he worked for Messrs. Yeo and Davey. He left the garage at 11.10, and near Green's he saw a lady and child half-way across the road. He blew his horn, and applied his brakes to slow down. By that time the lady got near the path with the boy. Then the boy seemed to break away from her and stopped. He appeared to stoop as if he had dropped something. There was a scream at that moment and the mother appeared to rush back. The boy got up from the stooping position and saw the danger, but did not seem to know which way to run. He seemed to run out to the road again and was struck. Further up the street near Bedford Circus witness was driving at fifteen miles an hour at the outside - from twelve to fifteen. - The Coroner: Isn't that too fast? - No; it was an open street, with no one about. I pulled up directly I saw the lady and her boy. - By the Foreman (Mr Truscott): If the child had kept with his mother he would have been quite all right. When he saw the danger, however, he seemed to get dazed. - P.C. Weeks said he was on point duty at Queen-street corner, when he heard a child's scream. Running forward, he saw deceased under the car. By the time he had got to the spot the driver had left his seat and got out, while the child had been picked up by the mother and Mrs Worthington. He found the brakes of the car in good order. - Detective-Sergt. Walters told the Coroner Mrs Worthington was unable to attend the Inquest. She had told him that the boy seemed to turn back just before being struck. Her impression was that the car was coming along very steady and when she saw it the driver had slackened up. - Mr Domville, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was unconscious when brought to the Hospital. The skull was fractured, the thigh broken and death was due to these injuries. It was practically instantaneous. - The Coroner said that everyone would feel the deepest sympathy with MRS HILL. Fifteen miles an hour certainly seemed fast to come down High-street, but it was for the Jury to say whether Barker was driving recklessly and the child's death was due to his negligence and gross carelessness. - Barker, recalled by the Jury, said he could have pulled up the car in its own length, but owing to the rain the car ran on with the wheels locked. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the view that no one was at all to blame. They tendered their deepest sympathy to the mother. - Mr Yeo asked leave to join the name of his firm with the expression of sympathy towards MRS HILL. He had been very distressed by the accident and he would like to say that in Barker he had always found a most careful driver.

Western Times, Tuesday 17 September 1918
DAWLISH - Dawlish Tragedy. Farmer's Son Commits Suicide With A Shot Gun. - Mr Sydney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, yesterday afternoon, into the tragic death of MR MAURICE EDGAR COX, aged 19, eldest son of MR WILLIAM ERNEST COX, of Shiverstone Farm, Dawlish, who was found dead early on Saturday morning last with a single-barrelled shot-gun by his side. - The father said his son had never had a day's illness in his life. He held a voucher of exemption from military service. He rode into the town, as was his custom, on Friday night. Witness had gone to bed when deceased came home. When witness came down at 6.30 next morning he found his son lying on his back in front of the fireplace, with the shot-gun (produced) between his legs. He was quite dead and cold. There was a pool of blood beside him and a few specks of blood on the ceiling. There was a wound in the throat. Witness thought he must have stood up and let off the gun, the trigger of which was very light. Witness knew no reason whatever why he should take his life. He had no home or money troubles, but witness had heard since he had had a quarrel with a girl in Dawlish. - Dr F. J. H. Cann said the charge went in at the front of the neck, under the jaw, and the lower back part of the head was pulpy. Death was instantaneous, the shot having gone through the base of the brain. The gun must have been very close to the throat when discharged, as the wound was a clean one, and the skin was blackened. - Aubrey Edward Nichols, an apprentice at Shiverstone Farm, who slept in the same room with deceased, said he must have been asleep when deceased came home. Witness did not know until the next morning that deceased had not slept in his bed. Deceased kept company with a girl in Dawlish. He had quarrelled with her and this affected him, because he was very fond of her. - The Coroner: Why do you connect this with what happened? - Witness: Only because he was very jealous of her, and did not like anybody else to speak or look at her. - MRS COX (mother) said deceased ate his supper when he came home at 10.30 and seemed his usual self. She left him reading a newspaper and went to bed. When just off to sleep she was awakened by what she thought was the slamming of a door and thought it was her son going to bed. He was happy at home and had no troubles. She thought the courtship a boy and girl affair. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Wednesday 18 September 1918
PLYMOUTH - Galway Castle Crime. Stories At The Inquest At Plymouth. Thrilling Incidents. - The Inquest was held at Plymouth on six victims of the Galway Castle, brought to port last Friday. They were ARTHUR DESMUSCHAMP VICKERS, 48, discharged lieutenant of the South African Regt., of Johannesburg; VIOLET HUDGSTON, 43, married, of London, late of Broughton Ferry; MAY PENELOPE JACKSON, 37, wife of MR JACKSON, of the Forest Dept., Nairobi; PHYLLIS MURRAY, five years, of Rutherglen, Glasgow, who was travelling with her mother and two sisters to Germiston, Transvaal, and an unidentified boy and girl, aged five and seven. - The Chief Officer of the Galway Castle, Charles Merion Roberts, said the ship was torpedoes about seven o'clock on Thursday morning and as she seemed bound to sink, boats were at once lowered. The engines stopped, and the ship was helpless in a very rough sea. She lay across the seas, and that made her roll considerably. They put as many people in the boats as was thought advisable and lowered. On account of the way the ship appeared to be breaking up, a number of people jumped overboard with belts and others took to rafts. Witness saw the last boats away, and remained until a destroyer came alongside at 1 p.m. He only saw one boat swamped. - Other evidence was given that MRS HUDGSTON died in a boat. - Lieut. Yeatman said his destroyer picked up 45 persons, including MRS HUDGSTON and MRS JACKSON, who were dead. Another boat picked up a male child. - Lieut. George Anderson said he dived overboard and recovered alive PHYLLIS MURRAY and another little girl, but both died in the ship. - Dr Down said death was due to shock and exposure in all cases. - The Coroner said it was no use returning a verdict of murder. - The verdict was that deceased died from Shock and Exposure following the Torpedoing of the Galway Castle by a Submarine. - MRS JACKSON is a sister of Capt. Loder Symonds, who has lost three brothers in the war.

Western Times, Friday 20 September 1918
DARTMOUTH - Launceston Man's Death At Dartmouth. - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth on Wednesday by the Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, concerning the death of WILLIAM OKE, a tailor, aged 72, of Tower-street, Launceston. MR and MRS OKE had been spending a month in Dartmouth with their son-in-law, Mr T. Arnold, of Anzac-street. Last Tuesday deceased came in for the evening at 7 o'clock and sat in a chair in the kitchen. Half an hour later he was taken ill, became unconscious and died. MRS OKE stated that her husband was never a robust man, but his health was good and his only trouble was an occasionally attack of indigestion. - Dr Soper attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage and the Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to Natural Causes. This is the first Inquest to be held in Dartmouth without a Jury.

Western Times, Tuesday 24 September 1918
TORQUAY - Minister's Death At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday regarding the death of the Rev. LINCOLN BROWN, a retired Congregational Minister, of Bournemouth, who intended to take up his residence in Torquay. He was found dead in a public lavatory in Abbey-road on Friday. The evidence showed that deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 26 September 1918
EXETER - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Court House, Exeter, relative to the death of MARY HENDY, who was found dead in her chair at 28 Cambridge-street, St. Thomas. Mr Wm. Bowden, Okehampton-street, said deceased was his sister and was 77 years of age. On Tuesday he went to her house and found her dead in her chair with a book in her lap. Dr C. E. Atkins, who made a post mortem, said the heart was enlarged and fatty and the cause of death was syncope. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 1 October 1918
BRAMPFORD SPEKE - Defective Gun. Fatality While Rabbiting At Brampford Speke. - The District Coroner, Mr Henry W. Gould, held an Inquest at Brampford Speke yesterday afternoon relative to the death of ELIZA SYMES, aged 55, spinster, and daughter of MR W. H. SCOTT SYMES, farmer, who died from injuries sustained through a gun accident on Saturday. The body was identified by WALTER E. SYMES, chef, of Fulham, and brother of the deceased. - John R. F. Bradford, accountant of Bath-road, Exeter, said on Saturday about 9 p.m., while out shooting with deceased on her farm, she said, "Look, Jack, there is a rabbit." The rabbit ran across them. He intended not to fire until the rabbit had passed deceased. He had no recollection of what happened except that his gun went off and the charge hit the deceased, who exclaimed "Oh, my!" Witness supported her until she sank to the ground. He remembered putting the cartridges into the gun, but he did not put the hammer up. He thought that when the gun went off he must have been cocking it and the trigger slipped. Deceased, (who had a gun) and witness were the best of friends. It was a pure accident. He had had a gun of his for over 20 years, but the gun he was using did not belong to him. It had been left at the farm by a friend. Witness had used it before. There were two empty cartridges in the gun after the accident, but the one on the left barrel was kept there to keep the striking pin from dropping, as it was defective. - Sergt. James Rutley, 1st Batt., Devonshire Regt., said he went to the spot on hearing shouts and found that the gun which the deceased had been carrying was cocked in one barrel, but not in the other. There were no cartridges in the gun. In Mr Bradford's gun there were two empty cartridges. - Dr Beddors, Thorverton, said the top part of the deceased's right shoulder was blown completely away. A large artery was severed. The cause of death was haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

DITTISHAM - An Inquest was held at Dittisham on Thursday afternoon on the body of RICHARD HOLMES, formerly gardener at Greenway House. The body was found in a small plantation on Court Farm, with the throat cut. Evidence was given that deceased was upset over the death of his wife, which took place last week. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 2 October 1918
BRIXHAM - Drowned In Torbay. Captain's Loss Of Life Through Overballasted Boat. - The Inquest on the body of CAPT. RICHARD DREW, who was drowned in Torbay on Wednesday last while boating with Capt. Walter Elliott, whose body has not yet been recovered, was held at the Lower Market Hall, Brixham, yesterday. CAPT. DREW'S body was recovered on Sunday last. - Capt. George Tyrer, master mariner and brother-in-law, gave evidence of identification. - William Horsford, retired smack owner, deposed to seeing the deceased captains get their boat under weigh and leave the moorings in the Outer Harbour at 7 a.m. on September 25th. The boat sailed out into the bay under a lug and jib. The weather at that time was fine, but became squally during the afternoon. - Mr George H. Widger, of New Oxted, Surrey, a visitor staying at Paignton, said in company with his wife and child while walking on the high land towards Broadsands, he noticed, while looking seaward, two men swimming at three-quarters of a mile from the shore. The sky was cloudy and the wind squally. He considered the men were too far out from the shore to be ordinary bathers. He saw the man nearest the shore turn and swim seaward towards the other. Then he heard a cry from one of them, after which both men disappeared. - Mr Lewis Gale, boat builder, of Paignton, said he heard of the accident at 2 p.m. He at once proceeded to Broadsands in his boat. About three-quarters of a mile from the shore he saw 3 feet of the mast and the sail of the boat Fay above the water. Eventually she was raised. He found she had all sails set. In his opinion the Fay was over-ballasted. She had too much sail set. - Robert Clyburn, engineer at the Brixham ice works, said he and his son were in a boat off Churston Point, where they saw the body of CAPT. DREW. The body was recovered near Deep Water Quarry and taken to the Mortuary. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through the Capsizing of a Boat."

Western Times, Saturday 5 October 1918
EXMINSTER - Paignton Man's Death At Exminster. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at Stowey Cottage, Exminster, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of WILLIAM BARNES, aged 88, late of Paignton. Deceased and his wife were staying at Stowey Cottage and on Monday as deceased was coming downstairs about midday he fell. He was feeble and previously suffered from a fractured rib. He died as the result of the fall on Thursday. - Mrs Eager, with whom deceased and his wife were staying, said she was called and found MR BARNES lying at the foot of the stairs. He was conscious and said, "I have broken every bone in my body." - Dr MacPherson said deceased had all the signs of a fractured neck, from the effects of which he died. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 7 October 1918
ST MARYCHURCH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at St. Marychurch on Friday on the 20-months-old child of FLORENCE MARY CHAPLIN, who died suddenly on the 2nd inst. The child was in the care of Mrs Mattes, of 5 Coombe-road, and evidence was given by Dr G. M. Winter.

COMBE MARTIN - Body Recovered At Combe Martin. - The body of a man was brought into Combe Martin harbour on Thursday by boatmen Thomas Gould and Alfred Irwin. P.C. Perriam was at once sent for, and upon examination of papers found upon the deceased, it was discovered that his name was LEON H. WHEELER, 1st. Lieutenant American Army. The Inquest was held at the Town Hall by the District Coroner, Mr G. Brown, and after hearing the evidence a verdict was returned of "Found Drowned." - The funeral took place on Friday in the parish churchyard, the service being performed by Rev. R. Churchill, rector of Berrynarbor. There were a number of inhabitants present to show their sympathy, and several beautiful wreaths were placed upon the coffin, including one from the Naval Authority, Ilfracombe, Commander Philbrick and the Divisional Officer, Ilfracombe, as well as two American officers, were present at the funeral service together with Coastguard J. Vincent, P.C. Perriam and two sailors home on leave. The coffin was of unpolished oak, with brass mountings. Deceased was about 27 years of age.

Western Times, Tuesday 8 October 1918
HONITON - An Inquest was held at Otter View-terrace, Honiton, on MRS JAMES FORD, aged 74 years, who met her death as the result of falling over a cliff at the bottom of her garden while picking a few sticks. No one saw the accident and MRS FORD, it appears, returned unaided to her house and told her husband. She was subsequently attended by Dr Semple. MR FORD and Dr Semple gave evidence and the place of the accident visited by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, of Honiton. There was no Jury. The verdict returned was "Death from Heart Failure, due to pressure on the lung caused by fluid, following an accident of September 18th." Much sympathy is extended to MR JAMES FORD, in his sad bereavement, both he and the late MRS FORD being held in highest respect.

EXETER - Exeter Motor Fatality. Old Man Knocked Down By Army Service Corp Car. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon, touching the death of GEORGE STONE, an old-age pensioner, aged 83, of 29 Ebrington-road, who died in the Hospital as the result of being knocked down by a motor car in Alphington-road, on Friday evening. Mr W. J. Pring, transport officer, Exeter War Hospital, on behalf of Miss Buller and the staff, expressed regret at the occurrence and sympathy with the relatives. - Evidence of identification was given by a daughter of the deceased, who said her father's sight and hearing were fairly good. - Miss Christine J. M. Clarke, of the Women's Legion, attached to the A.S.C., said about quarter past seven she was driving a motor along the Alphington-road towards Exeter. Just as she was passing Princes-street she suddenly saw deceased in front of the car. She did not know where he came from. She had a moment before sounding the hooter and she was driving between 10 and 15 miles an hour. When she saw the man she put on her brake and swerved to the right to try and avoid him. The left headlight and wing, however, struck deceased. She immediately pulled up. There was no one about at the time of the occurrence, but a taxi driver came along just after and she then went for a doctor. She had passed a stationary tram car a little distance before deceased appeared in the road. It was dark just at the spot, due to overhanging trees. - In answer to Mr Pring, witness said she had driven a car regularly since 1912 and had a clean certificate. - Miss Eugene Nolen, also of the A.S.C., who was with the last witness, gave corroborative evidence. There was a lamp at the end of Princes-street, but the light was hidden by the stationary tram car and the trees. - P.C. Reed, who went to the scene of the accident, said deceased was knocked down and fell beneath the car, which dragged him about two car lengths. He was able to see that the car had been travelling on its proper side before it reached the spot. From the marks showing where it made a sharp swerve he should think the deceased must have been walking along beneath the trees or stepped off the path into the road just by them. No one appeared to have witnessed the accident other than the ladies in the car. - Mr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased's skull was fractured and he had lost a lot of blood. The injuries were quite sufficient to cause death. He died a few hours after admission. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attributed no blame to the driver of the motor.

Western Times, Wednesday 9 October 1918
BOW - Farm Labourer's Suicide At Bow After Long Depression. - An Inquest was held at East Halberton Farm, Bow, on Monday, by Mr H. W. Gould, without a Jury, on the body of JAMES DOWN, farm labourer, who committed suicide by hanging himself last Friday. The widow said he was aged 57. On Friday, just after eight in the morning, she went out for some butter, and on her return found deceased in the kitchen dead. He had lost a son in the war and a brother in a railway accident and since then had been very depressed. She had heard him say he was "tired of it, and wished he was where his brother was." - Albert John Rosewarn, who lodged at the house and found deceased, said he was hanging from a beam. Witness cut him down and loosed the rope around his neck. - Dr B. C. Kelly, of Bow, said deceased was of poor intellect, and, according to what witness was told, he had often threatened to take his life. - The verdict was Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

EXETER - Sitting without a Jury, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest last evening at 4 Elm Grove-terrace, Queen-street, Exeter, on the body of ANN KING, aged 84, widow, who died about 9 a.m. on Monday. Evidence of identification was given by Richard Allin, who said that deceased, his sister, was the widow of WILLIAM KING, coachman. She had complained of a pain during the last few days, but did not press having a doctor. Dr Harris said death was due to heart failure and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Times, Friday 11 October 1918
NEWTON ABBOT - At Newton Town Hall, Monday, Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest relative to the death of BEATRICE STEER, a domestic, who had been in the employ of Messrs. Wm. Badcock and Sons, drapers, Courtenay-street, and who was found dead in bed on Friday. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 12 October 1918
BARNSTAPLE - The Fatal Accident At Barnstaple. - At an Inquest at Barnstaple last evening on JOHN BALCH, labourer, who sustained fatal injuries at the local shipyard the previous day, the general foreman, ganger and scaffold rigger were called. Evidence was to the effect that a boiler, weighing 3 ½ tons, was being raised into position on the deck, to be placed in the hold of a vessel by means of sheer-legs and an endless chain, when by some means the boiler slipped about nine inches, causing the sheer-legs to collapse. The general foreman said the tackle used was ordinarily strong enough to lift five tons and the slipping of the boiler could not be guarded against. Deceased did not appear to have been struck by anything, but in stepping aside fell into the hold of the vessel, and sustained a fractured skull. - Mr Morris, H.M. Inspector of Factories, expressed the opinion that they could not estimate for the sudden jar which led to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that no one was to blame. - Mr J. O. Jubb, general works manager, on behalf of the Company and the staff, expressed deep sympathy with the family of deceased in what all regarded as an unavoidable accident. - Deceased was very much esteemed by his fellow-workmen and all connected with the works, and the shipyard was, as a token of respect, closed during Thursday following the sad occurrence.

Western Times, Monday 14 October 1918
CLYST HYDON - Clyst Hydon Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Clyst Hydon by Mr C. N. Tweed, on the body of FRANK PARRIS, single, aged 52, of Perradon Farm, who was found drowned in a pond on Tye Farm, adjoining. Deceased went out at 5.45 in the morning to milk the cows. At 7.10 however, the cows were seen in the field and an assistant, George Rowsell, went to look for PARRIS, who was later found dead in the pond. It was stated that deceased had been troubled on account of having received notice to quit his farm. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 15 October 1918
HARTLAND - We are glad to state that the unknown seaman buried our churchyard, has, through the description in our report, been recognised as MR ERNEST COOK, the second quartermaster of the hospital ship, Llandovery Castle, sunk by torpedo in Irish waters last July. His father, MR THOMAS COOK, mason of Lee, near Ilfracombe, was at work on a farm, where someone read an account of the Inquest. On Wednesday, Oct. 2nd., he got to Bideford by train and walked to Hartland, getting a "lift" for some four miles. He stayed at Mr Joseph Heywood's, the Lodge. Mr and Mrs Sidney Williams were well acquainted with deceased and the family.

Western Times, Wednesday 16 October 1918
EXETER - Five Sudden Deaths. Influenza Epidemic Mentioned At Exeter Inquests. - Three Inquests were conducted, without a Jury, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Exeter Police Court yesterday, in regard to cases of sudden death in the City. Two other similar ones await investigation today. One of the deaths Inquired into yesterday was that of EDWARD WALARON, fish-salesman and brother of Councillor WALARON. He leaves seven little children, all under twelve years of age. The first Enquiry was on EDWARD KENNETH BAMSEY, aged 16, who died on Friday last at the house of his aunt, 24 Southernhay. Evidence showed that deceased had always had a weak heart. On Thursday his aunt told the Coroner, he came home from his book-binders' work and cried, saying he was bad, but wanted to go to work as they were so busy. The aunt insisted , however, upon his going to bed. The next day deceased said he was better, but about two o'clock, while his uncle was sitting with him, he died. Dr Kingdon Frost told the Coroner that the lad no doubt had a bad heart and from witness's experience during the present epidemic, weakness, due to influenza, accelerated the syncope, which caused death. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded.

EXETER - The Inquest on EDWARD WALARON, fish-salesman, of Russell-terrace, Little Silver, was next taken. He was 37 years of age and his wife told the Coroner he had for some time suffered from a weak heart. On Friday last he was at the fish market, but had a very bad cold. On Sunday night, while in bed, he said he thought he had "shifted his heart" through coughing and was dying. He died in the early hours of Monday morning. Dr Pereira Gray said deceased had influenza and bronchial pneumonia which brought on heart failure. Natural Causes was the verdict.

EXETER - Witness's Outburst. - The third case was that of ELIZABETH SARAH SOUTHERD, an infant of one year and eight months, whose mother lives in Rack-street. William Guis Vicary, of Preston-street, uncle of the mother, said he had always looked after the child and on Sunday night, when it was taken with convulsions, he went to the houses of eleven doctors and could not find one at home. At ten o'clock he called upon Dr Andrew, who said he could not come; he also found Dr Corbett at home later, but he refused to come. Witness went on to say that the child was in convulsions from seven in the evening till nearly two in the morning, and no doctor saw it. "If I had had a pocket full of gold some of those eleven would have been at home right enough," added witness with heat, "but I was only a poor man." Dr Corbett said VICARY called at his house on Sunday night, but he was absolutely tired out with work and could not go. A post-mortem showed that the child was healthy but for congestion of the left lung. He did not think anything could have been done for it if a doctor had gone on the Sunday night. Natural Causes was the verdict.

Western Times, Thursday 17 October 1918
EXETER - Sudden Deaths. Serious Dearth Of Medical Men At Exeter. - An Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of EMMA MARY CHISLETT, aged 68, of 31 Summerland-street, widow of MR EDWIN CHISLETT, cabinet-maker, evidence was given to the effect that on Monday, after having had dinner in her bedroom, she came downstairs and was about to go to an easy chair, when she collapsed. - Dr Allen, who had conducted a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure, brought about by commencing pneumonia. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, found that "Death was due to Natural Causes."

EXETER - At a second Inquest relative to the death of LOUISA ALICE LUSCOMBE, aged 45, Colleton Buildings, The Friars, wife of a labourer, now serving in the Army, it was stated that she had had a cough during the past three or four years, but would never see a doctor. On Friday she was attacked with influenza. After drinking a cup of tea on Monday, about 6 p.m., she looked very ill, and messengers were sent for a doctor. Although they were absent about an hour, they failed to get a doctor and during their absence the deceased collapsed and died. - Dr Pereira Gray, the Police-Surgeon, who ultimately attended, found the woman dead. He told the Coroner that other persons were suffering from influenza at the house and deceased died from heart failure, due to bronchitis following influenza. Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 18 October 1918
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest - the sixth held at Exeter within three days regarding sudden deaths - was conducted at the City Police Court by Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday. Deceased was EMMA LOUISA STEVENS, 19, of 30 King-street. She died suddenly on Tuesday, after complaining to her father of a pain in the chest, and head. - Dr Clapp said a post-mortem revealed old pleurisy. She had also pneumonia and this caused fatal heart seizure. Dr Clapp added that deceased was a delicate person, with curvature of the spine and if she had been healthy and strong her heart would no doubt have withstood the strain. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded by the Coroner.

Western Times, Friday 25 October 1918
TIVERTON - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest held at the Tiverton Hospital on Tuesday by the Borough Coroner, Mr Clutsom, on the body of HERBERT WEAVER, aged 65, of St Peter-street, Tiverton, who was found by his landlord (Mr Wm. Mears) on the floor of his bedroom on Saturday night, Oct. 19, in an unconscious condition.

OKEHAMPTON - influenza Victim's Jump From A Window At Okehampton - A tragic death, the result of influenza, is reported from Okehampton, where influenza is rife. MRS EMMA ROSINA LANG HAWKINS, aged 38, the wife of a shoemaker, had been ill for a week. On Tuesday evening she asked her husband to go downstairs for a drink of water. As he was returning he heard a crash, and rushing into the bedroom found that his wife had got out of bed, opened the window, and jumped from the window to the ground, a distance of about twelve feet. In the fall she went through a glass roof and broke some of the woodwork frame. She expired almost immediately without speaking. She leaves four children. - The Inquest was held by Mr H. C. Brown, County Coroner. - After hearing the evidence of the husband and Dr Burd, the Coroner recorded the verdict that death was due to a fracture of the skull, caused by jumping from the window whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Monday 28 October 1918
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay by Mr Sydney Hacker regarding the death of the twelve weeks old baby of MR and MRS P. H. W. ALMY, of Avenue-road. It was shewn that a rare complaint, which was impossible to diagnose, was the cause of death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly and expressed sympathy with MR and MRS ALMY.

Western Times, Tuesday 29 October 1918
EXETER - Exeter Labourer's Death. Pneumonia Follows Blow From A Scaffold Pole. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death, which occurred on the 26th, of HENRY LYNE, 62, labourer, Ewings-square, Commercial-road, employed by Mr Curtis, builder. - Evidence was given to the effect that on Thursday, the 3rd inst., the deceased was at Trews Weir Paper Mills lifting a scaffold pole which struck him on the back of his head and neck. Afterwards he remarked that he had had "a knock-out blow." The deceased resumed work about five minutes later, and did not stop working until Friday night, when he was told to stand off for a time, as he was in pain. He took to his bed on Tuesday week. - Dr Adkins, who made a post-mortem examination, said there was no fracture, dislocation, or discolouration of the head. The left lung was inflamed and there was evidence of old pleurisy. Death was due to heart failure following single pneumonia. He had probably had influenza. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said if the accident had had anything to do with the death it was inconceivable that deceased could have gone on so long. The shock caused by the injury might have lowered his vitality, but that was debatable ground. The Coroner: Do you say death was accelerated by the accident? - Witness: I should not like to swear to it. - In answer to the Jury, deceased's daughter said that deceased was given by the medical man who attended him liniment to apply to his neck. Deceased constantly complained of injury to his neck. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Times, Wednesday 6 November 1918
HARTLAND - Sudden Death At Hartland. - At Hartland yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JANE COLWILL, wife of CHARLES COLWILL, labourer, of Blindlake Cottage. The husband stated that deceased had had influenza about three weeks ago, but had, apparently, quite recovered. She seemed quite well on Sunday and retired to bed about 10 p.m. As soon as she entered the room she fell on the bed and died. - Dr Hay, of Hartland, said a post-mortem examination revealed slight congestion of the lungs and a fatty heart, and in his opinion death was due to syncope, following influenza. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

COMBE MARTIN - North Devon Tragedy. Last Pathetic Note Of Combe Martin's Rector. - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, yesterday Enquired into the sad circumstances of the death of REV. FRANCIS W. TOMS, Rector of Combe Martin for 14 years, who was found on Thursday night with his throat cut. - MISS SYLVIA F. TOMS, daughter, gave her father's age as 63, and said that on Thursday she last saw deceased alive about 1.30 p.m., when he was near the Rectory making a bonfire. He had been very depressed all day, and, in fact, had been so for some considerable time past. Witness then went out with one of her sisters and on returning about 6.45 p.m. found a note, addressed to them, in the hall. On opening it she at once saw that something terrible must have happened, and she called the servants and sent one of them for Dr Richardson. He arrived almost immediately and a search was made for her father, who was found lying behind the barn in the Rectory grounds. Her father had been much depressed, principally on account of the continued illness they had had in the house ever since May last, and in consequence of the death of her mother, which occurred some two years ago. Deceased had, however, never threatened to take his life, as far as she was aware. Continuing, witness said her father could not settle down to read a book or settle his mind on anything for any length of time, and he got very little sleep at night. They never thought it necessary to have anyone to regularly look after him, as one of his daughters was always in the house. - The note left by deceased was a personal one to his daughters, to whom it was addressed, and in it he told them they would probably find him behind the barn. "God only knows how I have prayed and struggled to carry on, but I simply can do it no longer." - Winifred Passmore, a servant at the Rectory, said on Thursday afternoon she saw deceased go out of the house about 4 o'clock. Shortly after this, in passing through the hall, witness saw a note on the hall table, addressed to the three MISSES TOMS. She prepared tea for deceased at 4.30 as usual, but he did not come in. The MISSES TOMS returned about 6.30 and having opened the note, sent witness for Dr Richardson, whom she helped to search for deceased. They found him lying behind the barn, and they removed him to the house. - Dr T. A. Richardson deposed to being summoned and to finding the body. Deceased had a large wound in his throat and was covered in blood. With assistance, he got deceased into the house and dressed the wound. The rev. gentleman was conscious meanwhile, and the only remark he made was that he had tried to do his duty, but he felt it was a failure. Witness attended him until Saturday last, when the case was taken over by Dr N. S. Manning. Witness found a razor (produced) lying close beside the deceased. It was evidently with this that he committed the act. - Dr N. S. Manning said on arrival at Combe Martin on Saturday he at once went to see the deceased. He was conscious, although he appeared very much dazed and did not seem to know exactly the seriousness of his position. Witness asked him how he was and he replied, "Very well, thank you." On Sunday morning, when witness saw him again, he was in a very feeble state and the wound showed no signs of repairing. Later in the day deceased got very restless and on Monday morning became comatose, and remained so until the time of his death, the cause of which was exhaustion and shock from the effect of the wound, which was self-inflicted. Deceased never really rallied during the whole time witness was attending him. In witness's opinion, deceased was of unsound mind at the time he committed the act. - P.C. Perriam having also given evidence, the Coroner (who conducted the Inquest without a Jury) entered a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Friday 8 November 1918
NORTH TAWTON - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Market Hall, Northtawton, on Friday evening respecting the deaths of MRS ANNIE KNOTT, widow, aged 51, and MRS RHODA HOOPER, aged 45, wife of MR THOMAS HOOPER, a munition worker in South Wales. - In the case of MRS KNOTT, Dr Desprez said the cause of death was heart failure following on influenza and Dr Clements said MRS HOOPER succumbed to influenza and pneumonia. Dr Clements said he received a message that MRS HOOPER was ill in the morning, but urgent cases in other directions prevented him from seeing her until the evening. Mr J. C. Pierce, who was present at the Court, called the attention of the Coroner and Medical Officer of Health to the efforts made by Mr J. H. Gibbings, J.P., and himself to secure a resident nurse for the district many years ago when he was on the Board of Guardians. Their efforts proved futile, but with the local medical practitioner laid aside, and with such a visitation as they were experiencing, he considered it was an apt moment to reconsider the matter. - The Coroner concurred and Dr Young promised to make representation on the matter to the proper quarter.

Western Times, Wednesday 13 November 1918
SAMPFORD PEVERELL - Septuagenarian Killed. Knocked Down By Runaway Horse At Sampford Peverell. - Mr Henry W. Gould, the District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Globe Inn, Sampford Peverell, yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of PHILLIP DUNN, aged 79, a general labourer and old-age pensioner, who died on the 10th inst., as the result of injuries which he received through being knocked down by a runaway horse on Saturday. - The body was identified by the deceased's daughter, BEATRICE GARDENER, of Uplowman. - John James Somers, dairy manager, of Burlescombe, said that about 9.10 a.m. on Saturday, when driving towards Burlescombe from Sampford Peverell, he heard a horse attached to a trap without a driver, proceeding at a gallop. He jumped out of his trap and tried to stop the animal, but failed. He then saw deceased ahead and shouted to him, but he did not hear. Deceased, who was very deaf, was knocked down by the wheels of the trap and when witness picked him up he was unconscious. Deceased was seen by Dr Brown and removed to his home. - George Disney, farmer, Burlescombe, said he left his horse and trap on Saturday on private ground outside a butcher's shop at Sampford Peverell. Excited by another horse and trap his horse went off, at first at a trot and then broke into a gallop. The animal was quiet and accustomed to standing. - Dr Browne said he found the deceased on the road where the accident occurred. Deceased, who was in an unconscious condition, had a small wound on the left side of his head, and his right arm was broken. He died the following day from shock. Deceased was very deaf. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 15 November 1918
IDDESLEIGH - Okehampton Man Drowned At Iddesleigh. - The body of WILLIAM HOWARD, aged 62, labourer, and a bachelor, formerly of the George Inn, Okehampton, was found on a bank of the river Torridge near the junction of that river with the Okement at Iddesleigh on Monday. At the Inquest on Wednesday, Dr W. F. Mitchell of Hatherleigh, said death was due to drowning. HOWARD'S neck was dislocated and there were bruises about the face and head, but probably the latter were caused by the body being washed down the river. - P.C. Shackson said there were three £1 Treasury notes on the body and a watch and chain. - The Coroner, Mr H. C. Brown, found that the cause of death was Drowning, but there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water or the actual date of his death.

Western Times, Saturday 16 November 1918
EXETER - Two Sudden Deaths At Exeter. The Coroner's Verdicts. - Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held Inquests at the Police Court yesterday, touching the deaths of FREDERICK WILSON, aged 59, of Lower North-street, and ALICE NETHERWAY, of 20 Priory-road. In the first case, MRS WILSON, the widow, said her husband had suffered from heart trouble, and on the early morning of Thursday she found him with a choking in the throat. She ran for water, but he died almost immediately. - Dr Jefferiss attributed death to heart failure. The verdict of the Coroner was "Natural Causes." With regard to the case of ALICE NETHERWAY, Mr George Herbert, builder, of Bartholomew-street, father of the deceased, said his daughter was 40 years of age. Her husband was a butcher and was now in the army. On Monday evening she appeared to be in the best of health, but on Wednesday she complained to her sister of a cold. On Thursday he was sent for, but his daughter was dead on his arrival. - Mrs Ball, a neighbour, said deceased's health was usually very good, but on Wednesday she was ill, though she refused to have a doctor. On Thursday morning witness was called and found deceased very ill and breathing heavily. She died a few minutes afterwards. - Dr Solly, who had made a post-mortem examination, said there was congestion of the right lung and signs of recent pleurisy and there was general bronchitis of both lungs. The cause of death was heart failure due to bronchitis and early pneumonia following influenza. The verdict of the Coroner was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 18 November 1918
CLOVELLY - Remarkable Evidence Given At A Clovelly Inquest On Saturday. - Unusual evidence was given at an Inquest conducted by Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Clovelly, on Saturday, into the circumstances attending the death of DAISY LOUISA BRAUND, daughter of MR and MRS ALBERT BRAUND, of that village. Supt. Shutler watched the case on behalf of the Police. The father gave his daughter's age as 24 and said that until recently she had been working at Torquay where she was taken ill and after staying for a week at her mistress's house, was removed to Newton Abbot Workhouse Infirmary. Witness fetched her from there on October 25th. She was quiet until reaching Barnstaple, but from there to Bideford he "had a job to hold her in the train." As Dr Kay, of Hartland, was unable through illness, to come and see deceased when sent for the following day, Dr Toye was summoned, and subsequently she was also seen by Dr Ackland and Dr Kay, the former of whom told them to give her plenty of milk and nourishing food, while Dr Kay ordered solids, such as fish. Witness went on to say that his wife and himself experienced great difficulty in getting their daughter to take any food. Sometimes she would receive it all right, but at others she would not open her mouth. Occasionally she was violent and he had difficulty in keeping her in bed. On the night of November 11th she was removed to the house of a Mrs Harris, a few doors away. He did not know by whose orders it was done. - Asked why he did not send her to Bideford Workhouse Infirmary, witness replied that he spoke to Mr Sanders, the Relieving Officer, with a view to her being taken to his nursing home, but he replied that they did not take in mental cases. Witness did not know anything about the Workhouse Infirmary. - The Coroner: Did he suggest taking her to the Workhouse? - I didn't hear him. Witness added that the Relieving Officer saw his daughter when he called at his house, and actually had to hold her to prevent her running away and he then cautioned witness as to the possibility of her trying to get out of the window. Witness thereupon tied it up. Then she knocked out one of the panes of glass. Witness said he believed his daughter had been properly looked after; they had done their best. Other people came in and, as well as themselves, had tried to feed deceased, who had every attention, as far as it was possible for them to give. - The Coroner: It is alleged that she was ill-treated. Was she, by your wife? - Not when I was there. I never saw it. - Did you know of it? - I heard it from neighbours after I came in (from fishing), but when a poor maid out of her mind catches another by the throat it is time to smack her. Witness added that "Mr Sanders and himself had a job to take her up over the stairs on one occasion." - Continuing his evidence, witness said his wife had done everything possible to keep deceased clean and comfortable also. She screamed once or twice when they were attending to her. On one occasion he had to call a neighbour to help hold her. Witness admitted that neighbours had complained that the girl was being ill-treated and said he was out to sea at the time. - The Coroner: Seeing the condition of your daughter, why didn't you get her removed to a place where she could be restrained and properly looked after? - Witness's answer was that the girl was getting quieter and they did not want to put her to an asylum. - The mother's evidence was on similar lines. She said that her daughter had an attack of influenza at Torquay and she was in a very low state on arrival home. Deceased was very violent at times, and served witness rather badly. She had done her level best for deceased, who was the eldest of eight children, and she kept back nothing from her that money would buy. Sometimes she would take her food, but at others she would clench her teeth and resist their efforts to feed her. - The Coroner said there were allegations that witness ill-treated the girl by beating her, and having cautioned her, he proceeded to question her respecting the same. The mother declared that the only time she ever struck her daughter in her life was on one occasion, when MR BRAUND was at sea, deceased said she was going down to the quay and would not go back to bed. She caught witness by the throat with one hand and clung to the bed with the other, and witness simply slapped the back of her hand to release it. She was very stubborn about going back to bed. - Do you remember a Mrs Stanbury coming in? - A: I told her I was obliged to do something. - Did she complain to Mrs Stanbury? - Not in my presence. I deny ill-treating her. - Did you refuse to allow a Mr Collins to come in and give her eggs and milk? - No. He did come in and attend her. Mrs Stanbury was the person who gave food to her mostly. I didn't refuse anyone giving her food. - Did you express yourself that you wished she was dead? - No. I said how thankful I should be to God to take her from her suffering. - Did you say: What is the use of giving food to a dying girl. She is dying, best let her die? - No. I never used the expression. I did not give up feeding her. - Why didn't you get her removed to Bideford Workhouse Infirmary? - The only thing I was against was the Asylum. I didn't like a young woman of 24 going there and if she became quieter it was my wish to keep her. I asked the Relieving Officer if he could take her into Bideford to his Nursing Home and he said he did not see it was possible. Then he advised me, if I found great difficulty to have a trained nurse. The Relieving Officer warned them about being careful, and came to the house concerning the girl several times. She was removed to a neighbour's house so that she might receive more attention and witness had no objection to her removal. - Dr R. Kay, of Hartland, spoke to attending deceased since November 3rd. She was suffering from asthenia, and was then out of her mind and extremely weak. He formed the opinion that she was suffering from want of food and he learnt that she had not been taking it properly. The girl made no complaint to him. She died on November 14th. A post-mortem examination revealed an almost entire absence of fat. All the organs were perfectly healthy but there was not much food in her. The brain showed no sign of disease or abscess. In his opinion the cause of death was her mental condition, augmented by want of food. He could not say which of the two was the more important. - The Coroner: The want of food - was it withheld from her? - When I first went there I was told that day she began to take her food rather better. On the Wednesday following I was told she was still taking it but she was weaker and on the Friday MRS BRAUND told me she could not get her to take it. I fed her myself, in spite of MRS BRAUND'S protests. I showed her how to do it, with a feeder, and the mother said she would do it every hour. Whether she did it or not I cannot say. The girl took it from me, although she did not want to take it. - The mother here interposed that she carried out the doctor's instructions to the best of her ability. - Dr Kay proceeded to say that the following day he found deceased had, apparently, not been fed. The mother said she could not make her take it and added that her daughter was going to die, and it was cruel to attempt to make her take it. The mother, who was very excited, also said, "Let her die in peace." On Saturday morning again witness fed her himself quite all right, in the presence of a Mrs Stanbury. - The Coroner: Has there been such neglect as has accelerated this girl's death? - Yes, I should say so. - The mother persisted in saying that her daughter complained several times of trouble in her throat, but the doctor, after a special inspection of the body, said he could find no trace of anything amiss there. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Wednesday to permit of further evidence being called.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday into the death of SYDNEY PULLEN SOUTHARD, postman, who died on Friday morning. MRS L. SOUTHARD (wife) said deceased appeared to be as usual on the Friday morning when he left home for work. Acting-Inspector J. Wills said deceased had not been in the best of health for some considerable time, but he never complained. - Dr Clapp said death was due to heart failure, owing to Bright's Disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. Mr J. W. Tallman represented the Postman's Federation, of which deceased was a member.

Western Times, Tuesday 19 November 1918
LYNMOUTH - Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Myrtleberry Cottage, Watersmeet, Lynmouth, yesterday, concerning the death of DOROTHY MARY ATTREE, daughter of MR ATTREE, of that place. The evidence went to show that the girl, aged 28, had been for the last two years in London doing war work as a motor driver. On 16th October last she was taken ill with influenza and was removed to the Brompton-road Infirmary where she remained until November 11th last. She was then deemed convalescent and was brought home by her brother, who was home from France on leave. She stood the journey fairly well, but appeared very weak. She seemed to gain strength the following week, but on Saturday about 2 p.m. she was suddenly taken ill with a fainting attack and died before medical aid arrived. Dr H. J. Edwards of Lynton, who made a post mortem examination, said both lungs showed signs of recent pneumonia and the wall of the heart was very thin. He attributed death to syncope, following influenza, and the Coroner returned a verdict of Death from "Natural Causes."

SOUTH MOLTON - Retired Farmer's Sad End At South Molton. - Mr G. W. F. Brown has held an Inquest, without Jury, at South Molton, touching the death of MR JAMES THOMAS SLADER, 72, of 7 Alexandra-terrace, a retired farmer, who was found dead in bed, with a scarf round his neck, which was tied to the bed-rail. - The body was identified by MR JOHN SLADER, cousin, who said he last saw deceased alive about a month ago. Deceased had not been well for some years, having suffered from eczema. - Mrs Adams said deceased had lodged at her house since the death of his wife, about a month. During that time he was in his usual state of health. She last saw him alive at 8.30 p.m. on November 12. He had been in bed all day. He sometimes remained in bed, but on the day in question he was not worse than usual. He did not complain, neither did he have a doctor. On going to his room at half-past seven next morning witness found deceased in bed. He was tied to the bed-rail with a scarf (produced). Life was extinct. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. As far as she could discover, deceased did not leave any note. - Dr Mortimer said death was caused by strangulation. There were no marks of violence, except where the scarf had been. Deceased had a bottle of medicine just before his wife died, but witness had not attended him for some years. - The Coroner said on the evidence he could only return a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Hanging Himself.

Western Times, Thursday 21 November 1918
CLOVELLY - Clovelly Girl's Death. Extraordinary Evidence At Resumed Inquest. The Jury's Verdict. - At Clovelly yesterday, Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, resumed the Enquiry commenced by him on Saturday concerning the death of DAISY LOUISA BRAUND, aged 24, daughter of MR and MRS ALBERT BRAUND, of Clovelly. On this occasion a Jury was empanelled, with Mr W. Cruse as Foreman and the evidence adduced at the previous hearing was read over to them. - The first witness called yesterday was Mrs Annie Stanbury, who resides next door to the BRAUNDS, and she spoke to visiting the deceased and giving her food on several occasions. On Thursday, October 31st, witness was informed that the girl was crying out, and on going into her bedroom she saw MRS BRAUND beating deceased n the thigh with her hand. Witness remonstrated with her respecting the same, but MRS BRAUND remarked "I will do it." Witness thereupon pushed MRS BRAUND back, and lifted the girl up in bed. Deceased said, "They are killing me," and expressed a wish to get away from "that cruel woman." Deceased took witness around the waist and asked her to stay with her. MRS BRAUND insisted that she would "do it," adding "I wish she was dead." Witness saw a red mark on the girl's thigh. On one of several subsequent visits, when she took the girl food, the mother did not wish her to be there and remarked that she would not have the girl punished by food being given to her. On another occasion MRS BRAUND said she would not have anyone in the house that day (when her husband was home to assist her) to give her food, because it was killing her and she tried to take away a cup of tea which witness was assisting the girl to take. The mother said it was no use to give food to a dying girl, and refused to allow food to be given her. - (The father here interposed that he was home on this occasion, and did not believe Mrs Stanbury's statement). Deceased was subsequently removed to the house of a Mrs Harris, where witness continued to help look after her. Questioned as to the girl's ability to take food, witness said deceased had to be fed, as she could not do it herself. - The father excitedly declared that "half this disturbance had been caused by something said outside his house about the deceased." - Mr Thomas B. Sanders, Relieving Officer for the Bideford Union, said when he first saw the girl, on October 31st, she was a little restless and her mind seemed to be occupied. She would not answer when spoken to. The parents asked him about the girl being taken to his wife's nursing home, but witness told them that she could not be taken there. - The Coroner: Do you think she was a fit patient for a Workhouse Infirmary? - Not at ours, because there is no accommodation. - In your opinion, was it right her being left home? - Well, if properly looked after. He gave instructions accordingly and advised the parents to have someone to look after her. On November 2nd he told them he would have to remove her to the Asylum, and they protested at this. - Was the girl being properly fed then? - The mother said the girl would not take food from her as she would from other people. - At that time did you think it a proper case for the Asylum? - Yes, if she was not properly looked after, although she was then quiet. - Were you satisfied with the way she was being looked after? - I was not, then. - Witness added that on the following day he got a doctor and a magistrate to visit the girl, but she was not certified insane and therefore not a fit subject for an asylum. She was quiet, and the magistrate (Mr Dennis) suggested letting her remain and see how she took her food. It was simply a question of food. On the 4th witness was not satisfied, from what Dr Kay said, that the girl was being properly looked after. Witness asked the doctor if she could be removed and he said she could only be removed to a house in the village, being too weak to go further. Mr Sanders denied the father's statement that the girl was so violent on one occasion that witness had to prevent her going out. - The Coroner expressed the opinion that the magistrate was right in not certifying her insane. - Mrs Bushell, who stayed with deceased one night, said the girl could be fed, with coaxing. She was restless, but not violent, and she should not call her insane - only a bit delirious. - Edward Laurence Collins, a consulting engineer, staying at Mrs Stanbury's house, said his bedroom adjoined that of the deceased girl. On the Saturday following the girl's arrival home he heard MRS BRAUND say, "I will hit her ALB, I will hit her." He had never seen or heard the girl violent. On October 31st he heard MRS BRAUND abusing the girl and slapping her. The girl gasped, as if she was winded or was being prevented from speaking. Witness sent Mrs Stanbury into the house. MRS BRAUND had admitted to him having struck the girl on more than one occasion, and she promised not to do it again. Witness spoke of efforts he made in the girl's interests, and said he offered to pay the expenses of taking her to a nursing home. He fed the girl several times after her removal to Mrs Harris's house. - Thomas J. Pengelly said the girl was in a terrible state physically and mentally when he saw her on October 26. He personally tried to feed the girl, but without success, the girl's teeth being clenched. The parents did their very best for the girl and spared no expense. - The Coroner carefully reviewed the evidence and said the mother's alleged remark, "What is the use of giving food to a dying girl" (The Father: My wife denied it) was a most extraordinary one. If they all adopted that attitude towards anyone likely to die, he was afraid he (the Coroner) would be occupied all day long. The Coroner remarked that he had seen the girl's body and it was terribly emaciated, the bones almost protruding through the skin. The Coroner then put a series of questions to the Jury, which, after a short consultation, answered as follows: - 1. What was the cause of death of DAISY LOUISA BRAUND - Asthenia, due to insanity and want of sufficient food. - 2. Was her death accelerated by the neglect of her mother to provide her with sufficient and proper food, and proper care and attention? - Yes. - 3. Did her mother ill-treat her daughter in such a manner as to accelerate her death? - No. - 4. Did her father know that his wife ill-treated the deceased and neglected to give her proper nourishment and to properly care for her? - Yes. - 5. Did the mother prevent Mrs Stanbury from nursing her daughter and giving her nourishing food? - On one occasion. - 6. Do you find that Mr Sanders was neglectful in his duties in not removing the girl from her parents' house or in not providing some responsible person to look after the deceased? - When Mr Sanders saw the condition of affairs we consider he ought to have taken steps to get her removed. - The Coroner said it was his painful duty to say that the verdict amounted to one of Manslaughter against the mother, and of Manslaughter against the father in a lesser degree, and he issued warrants of arrest against both of them accordingly. Bail was allowed. - Mr Sanders contended that he had taken all the steps he could in the matter, and pointed out that there was no proper accommodation at Bideford Workhouse for alleged lunatics and further, that the girl was not destitute. - The Coroner said the Jury considered that the girl was helpless, whether the parents were wealthy or not. If it were brought to the Relieving Officer's notice that a person was helpless, it was his duty to bring it before the Board of Guardians and take such steps to see that she was properly cared for. - Mr Sanders said he reported the case at the earliest opportunity to a magistrate.

Western Times, Thursday 21 November 1918
EXETER - Old Lady Found Dead In Bed At Exeter. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Exeter Court House on the body of MADELINE BLACKMORE, aged 778 years, who was found dead at her home at No. 8 The Mint, Exeter. Evidence of identification was given by Mrs L. Steer, who said she had been failing for some time, and saw her alive on Sunday last. She lived by herself. On Monday, when Mrs Steer went to deceased's room, she found her dead in bed. The old lady was at church on Sunday morning, but on Monday she was poorly and in bed. Dr Pereira Gray said there was a large clot of blood over the heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 22 November 1918
SHIRWELL - A North Devon Inquest. - At Shirwell on Tuesday Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JAS. DENNIS, aged 76, a retired farm labourer, of Upcott Cottage. - Wm. Shaxton, a neighbour, stated that on Sunday last he took deceased (who lived alone, having no relatives) his food as usual, and he was then, apparently, all right. On Monday morning, when he took him his breakfast, he found DENNIS very ill in bed, and medical aid was summoned, but death occurred before Dr Manning's arrival. - Dr Manning said he had attended deceased recently for a severe chill, attributed death to exhaustion from chill, following influenza. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

MOLLAND - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Brooklands Cottage, Molland, on Wednesday night, on the body of WILLIAM SAGE, aged 57, of Cook's Cross, South Molton. - HENRY SAGE, brother, told the Coroner that the deceased had been working at Molland for some weeks past and he lodged during the week with Mrs Crocker. He last saw him alive on Sunday, and he appeared quite well. - Jas. Pook stated that he lodged at Mrs Crocker's with deceased and slept in the same room. Deceased complained of being a little unwell on Monday night and retired to bed early. Witness got up at 6.30 next morning and, going over to deceased's bed to call him, found he was dead. He heard nothing during the night. - Dr Seal of South Molton, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 3 December 1918
EXETER - An Inquest touching the death of JAMES ARTHUR O'NEILL, a retired medical practitioner, who died suddenly at No 15 Raleigh-road, Exeter, on Saturday morning, was held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the house yesterday afternoon. Evidence was given by George Hy. Muxlow, of the R.F.A., who said deceased was 72 years of age. He had occupied apartments at that house for the last three years. He was not in good health. On Friday deceased got up about tea time, as was his usual custom. About 6.30 on Saturday morning he called to witness and complained of sickness. Dr Vlieland was fetched later, but deceased died before the doctor arrived. Dr C. J. Vlieland said deceased suffered from a weak heart and death was due to heart failure. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Thursday 5 December 1918
EXETER - Jury's Complaint. A Serious Dearth Of Doctors at Exeter. - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest with a Jury at the Court House, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM ALBERT PENNINGTON, aged 9, who died suddenly at 75 Queen-street, on Monday. The father of the lad, Leading Seaman JOHN PENNINGTON, who lives at Appledore, said deceased was living at Exeter with his aunt, MRS POPE. On Wednesday last the lad complained of feeling sick and was kept in bed. He seemed better on Thursday, but on Friday he had a pain in his throat. On the Sunday he was very restless and on Monday was worse. The aunt applied hot flannels. - Horace Pope, deceased's cousin, said about 7.30 on Monday morning he went for Dr Andrew, who, however, said he could not attend till noon. Witness returned home and finding that the child was getting worse he returned to Dr Andrew and appealed to him to come and see the boy at once. The doctor replied that he could not come then as he had a pneumonia patient. That was about 8.30. Next witness telephoned for Dr Pereira Gray, who replied that he could not attend till 10.30. Witness shortly after sent his father to Dr Gray to explain the urgency of the case. Dr Gray then said he could not come as he had a house full of patients. They then went across to the Dispensary to get a nurse and one nurse arrived at a quarter to ten o'clock. She sent his father to the Dispensary to telephone for a doctor to come at once. Mr Sayers of the Dispensary, telephoned to three places, but could not get a doctor. At last they got into communication with Dr John Allen, who promised to come if they would send a cab for him. After some difficulty and loss of time a cab was obtained, but when the doctor arrived the child was dead. - Dr John Allen said he made a post-mortem examination of the body and found the throat enlarged. In his opinion death was due to heart failure following diphtheria. - Mr Sibley (a Juryman) said that seeing that the doctors knew the deceased had been suffering from diphtheria, a number of Jurymen ought not to have been called upon to run the risk of viewing the body. - The Coroner: We have all been down to see it; I have been down myself. The law says the body must be seen. - Another Juryman said he deemed it prudent to have disinfectant. The odour was none too pleasant. - The Coroner said it was regrettable that the parents were unable to obtain medical attention, but it was a relief to know that if a doctor had arrived directly he was called, his services would have been of no avail. If the deceased had been seen alive by a medical man, and he had been found to be suffering from diphtheria an Inquest would not have been necessary. A post-mortem examination having been made, the thing had to be carried through. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and sympathised with the parents. The Foreman (Mr Daw) said the school which deceased had been attending should be watched. The Court Officer replied that the matter was receiving the attention of the Medical Officer of Health.

Western Times, Monday 9 December 1918
SHEBBEAR - Girl's Sad Death At Shebbear. - At Shebbear on Friday, Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of JESSIE ABBOTT, aged 24, of Holroyd Cottage, who died on December 5th. - The mother stated that deceased had been working on the land for about two months and about a fortnight ago returned home suffering from influenza. She was treated for this and appeared to be getting better. On November 24th she saw her daughter on two occasions in bed and she then appeared cheerful, as usual. About noon, she found her lying on the flower bed outside the window, partially dressed. Witness at once took her in, with her husband's assistance. Asked how it happened, the girl said she was opening the window and was giddy. The mother mentioned that the window had two broken sash cords. Her daughter had never threatened to take her life. - Dr Smith said the deceased was partially conscious when he saw her in the evening, and her body was completely paralysed below the second rib. She had a wound on her forehead and the inner part of the skull was fractured, and also her neck. This was confirmed by a post mortem examination. The organs were all right. The cause of death was fracture of the neck. The height of the window from the ground was 14ft. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Wednesday 11 December 1918
HALWELL - Young Woman Commits Suicide By Taking Strychnine. - At Halwell, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest upon the body of MARTHA LEWIS, when MRS MARY ELIZABETH LEWIS, said the deceased, who was 21 years of age and a spinster, resided with her. She had got into trouble and said several times that she would be happy if she were in Halwell Churchyard. Witness had promised to stand by her. On Friday night deceased was in her bedroom and said, "Aunt, I will never go through it." Shortly afterwards deceased called and on going upstairs witness saw the deceased lying on a bed in front of the fire. She said, "I am almost gone." This was about 11 p.m., and she died about midnight. - Dr S. C. Jelicoe, of Totnes, stated that the deceased admitted her condition on the previous Tuesday. She had died before his arrival. He saw a cup containing crystals, which had the appearance and taste of strychnine, and there was more than enough left in it to kill a human being. He thought deceased's condition must have preyed on her mind. - P.S. Lang stated that he ascertained the strychnine was purchased by deceased in August from Mr Hellens, of Totnes, to kill rats. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

PLYMOUTH - The Great Western Train Tragedy. - At the Inquest at Plymouth on Monday on Captain FOSTER RAINE, 29, an Army chaplain, of Bleak House, St Martin, Isle of Scilly, who was found hanging from the rack in a first-class carriage of a Great Western train on Saturday, BERTRAM RAINE, cadet, of Stockton, said CAPTAIN RAINE was his brother. He had not seen him for 13 months, but was aware that he was going home on leave. Deceased was home on leave four months ago, and was apparently quite normal. He was perfectly happy and had no financial troubles. - A doctor having stated that death was due to strangulation, the Inquest was adjourned.

Western Times, Thursday 12 December 1918
EXETER - Belgian Refugee's Death. Child Passes Away Under An Anaesthetic. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest without a Jury at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening relative to the death of ANTHONY RONDAS, aged 11 years, a Belgian refugee, who died at the Institution on Monday. The evidence was to the effect that the deceased, the son of a soldier in the Belgian Army, now living at Woodbine-place, Heavitree, was admitted to the Hospital on the 30th. ult., to undergo an operation for the removal of an obstruction in the throat. Just before the war he underwent an operation in Belgium for the same thing. - Miss Winifred Mary Rolfe, assistant House Surgeon, said she used chloroform, which was always employed in operations for the throat. It was preferred to ether, which made an operation more difficult. She added that she administered between 2 and 2 ½ drachms of chloroform, a small portion of which accidentally got into the child's throat. He vomited a small amount and collapsed. Restoratives were applied and he was given stimulants, but he died. - Asked what experience she had had, witness replied that she administered anaesthetics while she was a student, and had given it regularly during the eight months she had been qualified. On Monday she gave anaesthetics in three cases before this one, and in one afterwards. Death was due to chloroform poisoning. - By the deceased's father: Witness did not consider the amount of the anaesthetic was too much. She considered it was just sufficient to cause unconsciousness. - Miss Annie Shortridge, also an Assistant House Surgeon, said the last witness was a most careful anaesthetist. The operation was absolutely necessary. Witness added that Dr Worthington was present to carry out the operation. - The Coroner sympathised with the parents. He found that death was due to Misadventure, caused by giving chloroform which was necessary for the operation.

Western Times, Friday 13 December 1918
EXETER - Army Pensioner's Death At Exeter. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Exeter City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at an Inquest conducted by him at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday. Deceased was WILLIAM JAMES HENWOOD, 60, an Army pensioner, 3 Ida Cottages, Paris-street, Exeter. According to the evidence of the widow. he was discharged from the Army on 18th October, and appeared in his usual health, although he worried a great deal on account of the fact that she had been ill recently. On November 27th she saw him in front of the mirror cutting his throat with a razor. She stopped him and called Mr Drew, who had deceased removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Dr Domvile, who attended HENWOOD at the Hospital, said the man was dazed when admitted and remained so until his death. He was certainly not accountable for his actions.

EXETER - Mr Linford Brown, City Coroner, at 13 Dean-street, Exeter, last evening, Enquired into the circumstances of the death of MARIA CARTER HOAR, aged 81 years. Deceased, who was the widow of JAMES HOAR, a Naval pensioner, and who resided with her daughter, MRS WESTCOTT, at 13 Dean-street, had an attack of influenza two years ago, and since then had suffered from a weak heart. On Monday she was in her usual health, but was taken ill on Tuesday. Dr J. K. Frost said death was due to heart failure, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 14 December 1918
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Lady's Death. Believed In The Cure Of The Almighty. - Mr Sydney Hacker, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Teignmouth on the body of MRS FLORA JORDAN, aged 36, wife of MR W. F. C. JORDAN, solicitor, and vicar's warden of East Teignmouth, who died suddenly at The Cedars on Wednesday last. - The husband said his wife was 36 and had been more or less an invalid for two years, but this did not prevent her getting about and seeing friends. Two years ago MRS JORDAN consulted Dr Haydon, of Newton Abbot, who gave her certain advice and she had not been medically attended since. Dr Haydon told his wife she had a cyst in the intestines and advocated its removal by an operation, but as she was a delicate person she objected. - The Coroner: But a person suffering from that disease required treatment? - There was no treatment for it except an operation. - Did you take the view that it was not likely to get worse? - I took that view. - I take it that you came to the opinion that medical treatment was not required? - My wife believed she would get better. Her belief was that by prayer to Jesus Christ she would be healed. There was no idea of spiritualistic treatment. She believed that Jesus Christ, as He healed people of old, would heal her also. The night before she died she said she would have a doctor if I thought proper. My wife was very strong willed. - Did she believe in medical treatment? - Yes. Dr Haydon had given her advice for years. - MRS JORDAN believed in religious faith? - She was a true Christian, and had no extraordinary beliefs in any way whatever. Her faith was normal and her beliefs normal. - MRS JORDAN believed that she would get better by the power of prayer to the Almighty, and therefore did not need medical treatment? - Yes, she said there was no need for medical treatment, which she could have had if required. - Medical treatment was not withheld from her? - No. It was by her own wish that no doctor was summoned. We never disagreed on any point, and she would not be influenced by anybody. - Continuing, witness said on Wednesday last, at 6.30, deceased seemed all right. Soon after nine, on her sister going to her room she found deceased on the floor in a state of collapse. She was lifted into bed, but died at 9.20. - Dr E. Haydon, Newton Abbot, said he examined MRS JORDAN in 1916, and found she was suffering from an ovarian cyst. He told her the correct thing to do was to have an operation and get rid of it, but she objected. - The Coroner: It is not to be cured? - Only by an operation, to which she was very averse. She told me that things that were possible with God were impossible with man. - Mr L. M. Kennaway, who appeared with MR JORDAN, said an operation would be attended with risk. - Witness: Yes, especially as the deceased suffered from heart trouble. - Dr F. E. Little said as the result of a post-mortem, he arrived at the opinion that death was due to syncope, accelerated by the ovarian cyst. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed their sympathy with MR JORDAN in which the Coroner joined.

Western Times, Tuesday 17 December 1918
FLINTSHIRE - Newton Abbot And Heavitree Flight Cadets Dashed To Death. - Flight Cadet ALAN EDWARD LLOYD, aged 20, of Knowles-hill, Newton Abbot, and Flight Cadet EDWARD JAMES RICE, 19, of Homefield-place, Heavitree, Exeter, were killed on Saturday, in separate accidents, while making flights from a Flintshire aerodrome. At the Inquest by the Flintshire Coroner last evening, verdicts were returned of "Accidentally Killed," no blame being attached to anyone. - Flight Cadet RICE is the son of MR CHARLES F. RICE, one of the assistant overseers for Exeter, with whom the greatest sympathy will be felt in his sad bereavement.

Western Times, Wednesday 18 December 1918
EXETER - Retired Farmer's Death At Exeter. - The sudden death of a retired farmer who resided at St. Thomas, was the subject of an Inquest held at the City Police Court yesterday. Deceased was JOSEPH HENRY HOCKING KNIGHT, and he died at 10 Landscore-road, St Thomas on Saturday night. He was 68 years of age and retired twenty years ago. His wife told the Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, that he had had a slight cough lately, but was fairly well last Saturday and would "have gone to vote" if a conveyance had been sent for him. On retiring for the night, however, he fell down in the bedroom and died before a doctor arrived. Dr Stokes said a post-mortem revealed both old and acute pleurisy. This brought on heart failure. Natural Causes was the verdict.

Western Times, Tuesday 24 December 1918
PAIGNTON - Old Lady's Death From Burns At Paignton. - An Inquest was held (without a Jury) at Paignton yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, on the death of MISS CHRISTIANIA ADELAIDE MARIANNE NANTES, aged 78, who died in the Hospital on Saturday as the result of burns received the previous Saturday. Deceased was found in the morning of that date in the passage of her house by Mrs Frost, a neighbour and said she went to the window with a lighted candle about midnight thinking she heard a noise and caught her clothes alight, sitting in a bucket of water to put the flames out. She was taken to the Hospital suffering from bad burns and shock, and witnesses spoke of the filthy condition of the house, where deceased lived alone. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and questioned the Sanitary Inspector as to the house, the inspector stating that some years ago deceased was summoned and ordered to keep less dogs on the premises.

Western Times, Monday 30 December 1918
STOKE CANON - Exeter Man Killed On The Line Near Exeter. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at Stoke Canon on Saturday on HARRY JENNINGS, aged 55, watercress vendor, of Preston-street, Exeter, whose mutilated body was found on the railway line at Stafford Bridge, near Exeter. Deceased was struck with terrific force by the engine of a train, and Dr Biddell, Thorverton, said death must have been instantaneous.

Western Times, Tuesday 31 December 1918
EXETER - Exeter Gardener's Death. Cut On A Finger Results In Lockjaw. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr Hamilton Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, relative to the death of JOEL H. CROSSCOMBE, aged 52, keeper of the Belmont Pleasure Grounds, who died at the Institution on Saturday. Mr J. B. Allon, Deputy Town Clerk, attended on behalf of the City Council, by whom deceased was employed and Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the widow. - Evidence was given by EMILY CROSSCOMBE, the widow, to the effect that her husband had enjoyed exceedingly good health. On Friday morning, the 20th, he said he had "a little cut" on one of his fingers. At his request she gave him a piece of rag. He bathed the wound daily in hot water and he told her he was using some disinfectant. On the evening of the 24th he complained of stiffness of the neck, and attributed it to having satin a draught. On the morning of the 26th he could not eat his porridge and could hardly drink his tea. He began to wonder whether there was any connection between the injury to his finger and the stiffness of his neck. On witness's advice he immediately went to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital and had the finger dressed. On returning home at dinner time he went to bed and he appeared to be all right until early on the following morning, when he called for a drink, but found that he was unable to swallow, or to move his jaw. She fed him with milk from a spoon. He perspired greatly and rapidly got worse. She conveyed him to the Hospital in a taxi about 11 a.m. and on reaching the Institution he was at once put to bed. - Replying to Mr McGahey, witness said before cutting his hand with the hook, he might have been engaged in potting, in which he would have to handle soil in which there would be manure. - By Mr Allon: Her husband being a St. John Ambulance man knew how to bandage a wound. - John Radford, who was working with deceased when the latter sustained the injury to his hand, said deceased was cutting dead shrubs among the bushes when he complained that he had cut his finger with the hook. - By Mr McGahey: It was possible that dirt from the hook might have entered the cut. - Mr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the wound on deceased's finger was not very clean and it had not been properly protected by the rag. When they first came to the Hospital, the deceased and his wife were very much upset, consequent on the news which had just arrived on the death of their son. Witness administered a prophylactic into the deceased's thigh as he suspected tetanus. Deceased refused to stay in the Hospital then. When he next came to the Institution on the 26th he had all the symptoms of tetanus. He died on Saturday from tetanus, the germs of which entered the body through the wound, which was about the size of a threepenny bit. - In answer to Mr McGahey, witness said the case came too late for serum to be of any value. A telegram was sent to London for serum, which, however, did not arrive till Sunday morning. To be of service it should have been available on Friday night. But the deceased came too late, in witness's opinion, for serum to have been effective. - Mr McGahey expressed the thanks of the widow for what was done for the deceased at the Hospital. - Mr Allon, on behalf of the Council, sympathised with the widow. He said the deceased was an enthusiast in his work and his loss from so trivial a cause was greatly deplored. - The Deputy Coroner found that deceased died from Tetanus, resulting from a cut on the finger from a hook used while following his occupation.