Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1919

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:-  Adams; Allison; Athill; Avory; Badcock; Baker(2); Bartlett; Battishill; Baxter; Bibbings; Blackbeard; Bovey; Bowden; Bowles; Bradford; Braund; Bremridge; Bridsdorff; Brooks(2); Burgess; Burridge; Capel; Carder; Carter; Channing; Cheriton; Churchill; Clampitt; Clarke(2); Coke; Cole; Collard; Coombes; Cooper; Cottle(2); Craig; Cummings; Cutler; Dare; Davey; Davie; De la Bere; Dinham; Dore; Durham; Early; Eden; Edgar; Edmunds; Egerton; Emery; Evans(3); Farrant; Farmer; Follett; Garrish; Godfrey; Gollop; Gooding; Goodman; Goodyear; Gough; Grant; Grayer; Green; Greenslade; Gregory; Griffin; Hackett; Hannaford(2); Hatt; Henley; Hockridge; Homeyard; Hopwood; Horrell; Hunn; Hutchings; Huxtable; Irvine; Jacobsen; Jarvis; Johns; Johnstone; Keats; Keen; Kelly(2); Kibby; Kingdon; Landon; Langmead; Larkworthy; Lawrence; Lee; Lewis; Ley; Lockyer; Low(2); Luxton; Makin; Malmberg; Martyr; Maynard; Mayne; McDowell; Medland; Meech; Milford; Millward; Milton(2); Mitchell; Moore; Morgan; Murch; Mutter; Newton; Nobbs; Norris; Norrish; Nott; Parnell; Parr; Passmore; Payne; Penny; Phear; Pook; Pratt; Price(2); Priest; Prouse; Quaintance; Rabjohns; Randall; Raymont; Rendle; Richards; Rist; Rivett; Rogers; Rowe; Ryan; Sanders(2); Sandford; Sarah; Scott; Scougall; Searle; Seymour; Shapland; Sharland; Shepherd; Shobrook; Sims; Skinner; Smith; Snell; Somer; Stoneman; Swaffin; Tapper; Taylor; Thomas; Thorne; Tiddeborough; Tozer; Tremeer; Trick; Tucker(2); Twining; Verney; Veysey; Vigus; Voaden; Watts; Webber; Wedgwood; Weeks(2); Westlake; Widgery; Willan; Wilmot; Wonnacott; Wood; Woodley; Woolway; Wyatt.

Western Times, Thursday 2 January 1919
EXETER - Engine Driver's Sudden Death At Exeter. - Mr Hamilton Brown, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of CHARLES JAMES WIDGERY. Deceased was 57, and an engine driver in the employ of the L. and S.W.R. His daughter said deceased appeared quite well up to Tuesday, when he died. He had suffered from rheumatism, but latterly appeared in good health. - Albert Harding (fireman) said deceased appeared in good health, but made a remark regarding indigestion. He drove the engine from Exmouth Junction to Queen-street Station. They started for Plymouth, and proceeded to St. David's. Harding was looking out for the signal and he turned round and saw that deceased had collapsed. The train was stopped and deceased was taken into the Station-master's office. - Locomotive-Inspector Coombes said he asked deceased how he felt, and the reply was that he was feeling quite well with the exception of a slight pain of indigestion. - Dr Pereira Gray stated that all the organs of the body were quite normal, and deceased had apparently partaken of dinner. Death was due to angina pectoris, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. A vote of condolence was passed with the widow. Mr W. Jarman attended the Inquest as representing the Railway Mens' Union.

Western Times, Friday 3 January 1919
TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. - Without a Jury, Mr S. Hacker conducted an Inquest at Torquay yesterday concerning the death of JOHN ALBERT WEEKS, 23, a discharged soldier, who lived with his parents at Torre. His death was due to razor wounds in the throat. - Deceased's father said deceased joined the R.F.A. in 1915 and was discharged in 1917. He suffered from a serious shrapnel wound in the head, his horse having been shot under him. He was discharged on account f tuberculosis and the wound in his head. In February last deceased went to a consumptive hospital at Torquay, and remained there till July. He suffered a great deal with pains in the head. On New Year's Day witness took deceased a cup of tea in bed before going to work. Deceased, before he left the room, called him back and kissed him on the cheek. - Dr Wiggin said he attended deceased at the Smyrna Hospital in Abbey-road. Witness could not say why he left the Hospital. - The Coroner said the man was in the last stage of consumption and that the Hospital was the best place for him. - Dr Wiggin said it was an incurable case and the patient broke the rules by leaving the grounds. The windpipe was severed with a razor. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Monday 6 January 1919
BRIXHAM - Mr Sidney Hacker held his first Coroner's Court without a Jury at Brixham on Saturday on MR WILLIAM ADAMS, retired jeweller's accountant, who died suddenly in a chemist's shop at Brixham on the previous Thursday. The verdict was that death was due to syncope, due to aortic disease f the heart and degeneration. Deceased resided in London for 40 years and at Brixham for eight.

Western Times, Wednesday 8 January 1919
CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Tragedy. Chawleigh Baker Carried Away By Flood And Drowned. - At Chulmleigh yesterday, Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body of MR FREDERICK SNELL, 42, baker, of Chawleigh, who met his death under tragic circumstances. The evidence showed that on the 1st inst. deceased left Chawleigh to go on his usual round delivering bread, which, in the ordinary course of events, took him to Chulmleigh and Chawleigh Week. He had to cross the River Dart at a spot called Rock Crossing. He arrived there about 7 o'clock when it was very dark and the river was coming down in heavy flood. He was met by Mr Edward Prettyjohn, of Chawleigh, who bade him goodnight and deceased replied. In Mr Prettyjohn's opinion the river must have been at least six feet deep that night and was rushing down in a raging torrent. - Wm. Cockram, postman, stated that shortly after 7 p.m. on the 1st, he was making his collection of letters and he saw the lights of a trap some way down the river, below Rock Crossing. He next heard the neighing of a horse and later he saw the deceased's horse without the trap. He went down to the bridge and called to MR SNELL, but could get no answer. He then gave the alarm and informed P.S. Hambly, of Chulmleigh. Search was made that night by the Police, and the trap was discovered some hundred yards down the stream with the lights still burning. The horse had been released from the trap. Search was kept up for two or three days, but owing to the high state of the water no signs of the body could be seen until Saturday afternoon, the 4th inst., when it was discovered by Mr Richard Butt, farmer, of Chawleigh, lying under a bank about half a mile below Rock Crossing. - P.S. Hambly stated that, in his opinion deceased must have got into the river and immediately the horse and trap were swept away towards a little island about one hundred yards down. There the deceased must have released the harness and in endeavouring to get to the bank himself was swept away. The river was very high indeed and it was impossible to have made the crossing that night. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Thursday 9 January 1919
DARTMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" was returned b the Dartmouth Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, yesterday, at an Inquest held on JAMES IRVINE, of Weir-street, Glasgow, a donkeyman on H.M.S. Ireland. IRVINE was on the Embankment on Tuesday night, waiting to cross to Kingswear by the Mew, when he fell in the harbour and was drowned. The Coroner pointed out that it was incumbent on him to hold the Enquiry, as some seemed to think that when the deceased was in the Army or Navy no Inquest need to be held.

Western Times, Wednesday 15 January 1919
MOREBATH - Dane's Suicide. Skeleton Found In A Wood Near Morebath Station. - The strange suicide of a Dane, named GEORGE EMANUEL JACOBSEN, who was found hanging from the high branch of a tree, nearly forty feet above ground, in a wood near Bampton, was Enquired into by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, yesterday at Morebath. - Mrs Seward, a soldier's wife of Bampton, said that JACOBSEN was engaged in felling timber for the Government and was 23 years of age. He lodged with her and the last time she saw him was at 10 p.m. on July 6th, when he went from the house, leaving no word as to where he was going. - Miss Blaney, of Bampton, told the Coroner that deceased was a friend of hers, and she also saw him last alive on July 6th. He told her he had been served with a summons for failing to register when he left Bampton on a visit to Ilfracombe. He worried a good deal about this, but never hinted at suicide. - P.S. Seldon said deceased was first registered on June 15th, 1916, at Reading as a farm labourer. He removed to Abbotsham, Bideford, and then to Bampton, where he registered on September 18th, 1917, giving his home address as Copenhagen. On June 11th 1916, witness was informed he had gone to Ilfracombe, without notifying his departure. He returned on the 18th, and called to see witness. He was told he would be reported, as he had been previously warned for the same thing. He replied, "I am sorry and if I go again I will notify you." He should have appeared at Tiverton Petty Sessions on July 9th and did not appear, the summons being adjourned to July 23rd. On July 5th witness saw him and reminded him of the summons. He was a well-conducted man and spoke English fairly well. - S. J. Middleton, attached to an Agricultural Labour Battalion, told the Coroner that on January 11th he stopped near Woodford Copse to get out of the storm and when he looked up, as the sky was clearing, he caught sight of the body of deceased hanging high up in a big chestnut tree. - P.C. Conbeer said deceased was hanging from a branch about forty feet from the ground and was badly decomposed. In the pockets were four £1 Treasury notes, a half-sovereign, razor, fountain-pen and other things. Inquiries elicited the fact that deceased could "climb like a squirrel." The rope was fastened to a branch and a running noose had been made at the length of about six feet. - Frank Hagley, of the Castle Hotel, Bampton, said deceased had a drink at his house the night before he was missing. He was then alone and the wood where he was found was about two miles away. - Dr T. W. W. Bovey said the deceased was so decomposed as to be unrecognisable. He had treated deceased in life, and he was normal mentally, but of restive disposition. - The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Friday 17 January 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Child's Fatal Scalds At Newton. - At an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday, on the 10-months-old child of EDWARD HUTCHINGS, a G.W.R. guard, of Tudor-road, Newton Abbot, it was stated by the mother, MRS HUTCHINGS, that in November she made a cup of cocoa. The child, who was standing by her side, caught hold of the cup and the contents, almost boiling, fell on the child's neck and ran down inside his clothes. She took the child to the Hospital, where it was dressed and since then he had been attended by a doctor at home. Death took place on Tuesday. - Dr Culross said death was due to shock, the scalds being deep and extensive. The mother was devoted to the child and very carefully carried out his directions. He had to dress the scalds several times under an anaesthetic, the scalds being so painful. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and they and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents.

STOKE CANON - Killed On The Line. Insurance Agent's Suicide Near Exeter. Financial Worries. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at Stoke Canon Railway Station yesterday, touching the death of FREDERICK BURGESS, insurance agent, of 56 Danes-road, Exeter, whose mutilated body was found on the G.W.R. near Stafford's Bridge, late on Tuesday evening. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram, of the Traffic Department of the G.W.R., at Exeter, and Inspector Blackler, Engineering Department, were present on behalf of the Company. - Mrs Rogers, living at 76 Hoopern-street, Exeter, sister-in-law of deceased, said BURGESS was 50 years of age. He called at her house on Tuesday morning at 9.30 and there was then nothing unusual in his manner. - Charles Edward Andrews, sorter at Exeter Post Offices, who lodges at deceased's house, said he knew of no trouble that BURGESS had. He suffered from pains in his back and complained of this on Tuesday morning, when witness last saw him. He apparently had no other worry and was usually very jovial and jocular. Deceased was married and his wife was in ill-health. He had left no communication throwing light on the occurrence. - P.C. Fewings stated that on Tuesday night he received information that deceased had been killed on the line near Stafford's Bridge. On going there he found that railway employees had got the body on a stretcher. He examined the line and found evidence that deceased was struck down about 75 yards below Stafford's crossing. It was a bright moonlight night. On the body was £7 0s. 9d. in cash. In a pocket were four packets of salts of lemon, and lying beside the body was a larger packet containing a white powder of a similar appearance. From this packet the label had been removed. He had made inquiries as to the other packets and he ascertained that deceased had purchased two of them in Exeter within the past week. Witness had been unable to find anyone who saw deceased after he left Exeter at 9.30 a.m. on the day of the tragedy. - Robert Cecil Hawkes, 25 Richmond-road, Exeter, Superintendent for the Prudential Assurance Co., by whom deceased was employed as agent, said that BURGESS'S salary and commission amounted to £3 5s per week. A deficiency of £106 was disclosed on the 4th inst. in his account, but the Company had not pressed him in regard to the matter up to the time of the present occurrence, and deceased had told witness how he proposed to arrange for clearing off the deficiency. this was by raising a mortgage on his house, which he proposed to do at once. On the 12th inst. witness received a letter from him, stating that his solicitor had informed him that the mortgage would be completed within a week. On the morning of the 14th deceased was to have met the Assistant Superintendent, who was to accompany him on his round, but he failed to keep the appointment. Witness had seen the solicitor referred to in deceased's letter and he said he had neither seen nor had been written to by deceased in regard to the mortgage. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram, G.W.R., in answer to the Coroner, stated that information of the fatality was first obtained from the driver of the 11.10 up goods train, who reported seeing the body of a man on the down line. Communication was made with Exeter, and an engine and coach with a number of ambulance men, were sent to the spot indicated. The Inspector said he had been unable to discover by what train the deceased was killed. He had had the engines examined of all the down trains which passed the spot between 6.30 and 10.30 p.m. (nine in number), but they showed no trace of the tragedy. There was no right of way where the deceased was struck. - The Coroner, in finding a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," said deceased was evidently in considerable difficulties with his employers. It was true no pressure had been brought to bear upon him, and Mr Hawkes had acted with the greatest consideration and done everything to help deceased out of his trouble. Under the circumstances he (the Coroner) was bound to find that deceased took his own life and that he had lost his mental balance. It was curious that poison was found on him. It led one almost to suppose that he bought the poison intending to take his life in that way, but altered his mind and got killed on the railway.

Western Times, Monday 20 January 1919
EXETER - Chagford Fatality. Sequel To A Bicycle Accident In November. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday, relative to the death of ANNIE ELIZABETH WATTS, aged 53, domestic servant, of Chagford, who died at the Institution as the result of injuries received in a cycle accident at Chagford in November. - Mr A. M. Alford, solicitor, attended on behalf of the deceased's mistress, Mrs Huth, of Ford Park. - Evidence was given by EMILY LANGLEY, of Southsea, sister, and Mrs Edith Ann Huth, the mistress. The latter said on the 21st November deceased was sent to the butcher's and to the Post Office at Chagford, with coupons and letters. The distance was 2 ½ miles each way and deceased used her own cycle, leaving the house about 2.45 p.m. Witness heard about an hour later that deceased had met with an accident. Deceased had had the bicycle seven or eight years and had recently had the brakes put in order. A couple of years before the deceased fell from the machine on the same hill. That, however, was only a "tumble." - Miss Maggie Morrish, schoolmistress, of Chagford, said while on her way to the sanatorium, and approaching a sharp turning in the road, she saw the cycle on which deceased was riding dash across the road and into a broken piece of wall. Deceased had obviously lost control of her machine. Her head was cut and bleeding profusely. Witness fetched a doctor and two nurses from the sanatorium. First aid was rendered and deceased was conveyed to the Royal D. and E. Hospital. - Mr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the evening of the 21st. She was unconscious. There was a wound about an inch long on the left eyebrow, but no fracture of the bone. Her consciousness returned a little, but she never became quite clear in her mind while she remained at the Hospital. She died on Thursday morning from concussion of the brain, due to the fall. - The Coroner found that death was due to concussion of the brain, due to a fall from a bicycle while deceased was on her mistress's business and that the death was Accidental.

Western Times, Tuesday 21 January 1919
AWLISCOMBE - Awliscombe Tragedy. Broadhembury Farmer's Untimely End. A Matter Of Inches. - The Inquest on MR ROBERT LAWRENCE, aged 65, a well known farmer of Broadhembury, who, as reported in yesterday's "Western Times" died from the result of injuries sustained on Saturday through being thrown out of his trap at Awliscombe, was held at the Vicarage, Awliscombe, yesterday morning, by Dr Tweed, Coroner for East Devon. - MRS ANN LAWRENCE identified the body as that of her husband who, she said, was 65 years of age. He left home on Saturday morning in his trap to drive to Honiton market. He was driving a four year old mare, which seemed to be quiet. About a year ago the same animal bolted while passing a motor car and deceased, who was driving, was thrown out but escaped injury. - Mr James H. Lloyd-Soames, of Awliscombe, said on Saturday morning he was riding a motor bicycle at Awliscombe in the direction of Honiton. At the bottom of the hill he saw four or five traps going in the same direction. Witness slowed down and was proceeding at about twelve miles an hour. The nearest trap to witness, he believed, contained about three persons, but he was not quite sure of this. It was on the wrong side of the road. Witness slowed down because he noticed the horse drawing the trap was somewhat restive. Witness went on and passed the traps and proceeded to Honiton, returning subsequently. It was not until 6 o'clock in the evening that he heard that an accident had happened. - The Coroner: MRS LAWRENCE says her husband was driving alone? - Witness: His horse might have been in front. - The Coroner: Or he might have picked up someone on the road? - Witness: Yes. - Gertrude Dyer of Losses Farm, said on Saturday morning when getting straw for bedding purposes, she heard a motor cycle coming, but she did not see it pass. Subsequently she saw it coming up the hill with a horse galloping behind it. In the trap was a man who was winding the reins around his hand endeavouring to pull up the horse which was attached to the trap. Later she heard a crash and saw the trap overturn. The horse had freed itself and had galloped on. There were several people round the trap, and witness informed two passing farmers of the occurrence. She did not hear the hooter of the motor cycle sounded but it might have been. - Owen Charles Clegg, Bishop's Court, who was driving into Honiton Market on Saturday, said he passed MR LAWRENCE at the Mills. Witness heard a motor cycle approaching and pulled to the near side. Directly the motor cycle had passed he heard a horse galloping behind. It tried to pass witness's vehicle, but the wheel struck the hedge. Deceased's trap did not collide with witness's vehicle. Deceased fell out of the trap into the hedge and the vehicle turned over with one wheel in the air. The horse dragged the trap some ten or twelve paces and the animal becoming free, bolted off again. Witness went to MR LAWRENCE'S assistance and found him doubled up. - In answer to the Coroner the witness explained that there was only an inch or two between his trap and the near wheel of the deceased's vehicle. - The Coroner said had there been a Jury present he should have asked them to give an opinion as to whether the road at the spot where the accident happened was wide enough for safety. - Dr Heddon, of Honiton, who was called to the deceased, who had, in the meantime been removed to the Vicarage, said deceased had sustained a fractured skull. He was unconscious and witness ordered his removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, as, in his opinion, an operation was the only chance of saving deceased's life. - Beatrice Litten, District Nurse, said she went in the motor-car with the Vicar (Rev. C. E. R. Romily) to convey the deceased to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. At Fairmile witness noticed a change in the deceased, but she thought MR LAWRENCE would last until he got to Exeter. At Whimple Cross witness saw deceased was dying and requested the chauffeur to stop the car. This was done and witness then thought deceased was obviously dying; he died almost immediately afterwards. At the wish of the Vicar the body was taken back to Awliscombe. - P.C. Champion said the width of the road at the spot where the accident happened was 14 feet from hedge to hedge, including a ditch, the metal part being 12 feet. A portion of the hedge had slipped away some time ago, and this narrowed the road by about a foot. - The Coroner said there was only a foot between the wheels of the two traps and an extra inch might have made all the difference. - Sergt. Bawden also gave evidence and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to anyone. He thanked the Vicar for the kindness he had shown.

EXETER - Sudden Death Of Old Lady At Exeter. - At an Inquest held at the Court House by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday, relative to the death of LAURA MARTYR, aged 68, of Old Tiverton-road, wife of MR J. R. MARTYR, chief attendant at the Albert Memorial Museum, evidence was given to the effect that deceased used to be wheeled about in a bath chair. On the evening of the 17th, while sitting at home, she suddenly fainted. Her husband bathed her forehead with Eau de Cologne and gave her a sip of whisky. She seemed to get better. Miss Frances Webber, who resides in the same house, and who was called by the husband on Friday evening, said that the deceased, who seemed very ill, asked her to stay with her for the night. A doctor and nurse were sent for, but deceased expired before they arrived. The medical evidence was that the post mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure, following congestion of the lungs. The Coroner found that death was due to Natural Causes.

Western Times, Wednesday 22 January 1919
OKEHAMPTON - Quarry Fatality. Thawing Explosives Over A Fire. Okehampton Man's Death. - The circumstances attending the fatal accident at the Meldon Valley Quarry on Monday were the subject of an Inquest held at the Town Hall, Okehampton, last evening by the Coroner for the District, Mr H. C. Brown. The deceased, WILLIAM JOHN VOADEN, who lived at Northfield-road, Okehampton, was an employee at the Quarry. The Inquest was attended by Mr T. Boydell, of Truro, H.M. Inspector of Mines; Mr R. H. Worth, representing the Meldon Valleys Co., Ltd., owners of the Quarries; Mr J. Vanstone, Secretary of the Okehampton Branch of the Workers Union, of which deceased was a member and Police Sergt. Wootton. - John Smale, of Okehampton, foreman at the Granulite Quarries belonging to the Meldon Valleys Company, identified the body. Deceased, he said, was a ganger and blaster at the Quarries. He was 52 years of age, married and had a family of five children. On Monday morning, at nine o'clock, he went into the dining shed for breakfast, witness at the time being in his office about 40 yards distant. George and Charles Raymond, two other employees, were in the dining shed with deceased. It was part of VOADEN'S duty to take charge of the explosives, and he was the only man who used them. It would have been necessary for him after breakfast to use explosive for what they termed plaster shots - breaking big stone. The explosive used was gelignite. A fortnight previously deceased asked witness if he had the warming pan for thawing the gelignite. Witness replied that he had. Deceased observed at the time that some of the gelignite had got so hard that he did not know what to do with it. Witness told him to thaw it with the apparatus. VOADEN then said, "I don't think it would hurt, do you, if I stood it on the 'hob' by the fire?" Witness answered, "Yes, it is too risky. If a spark should fly in, there would be an accident. Use the thawing apparatus." Deceased replied, "Very well." The apparatus was always kept hanging up in what was called the directors' house, and was always available. VOADEN knew where it was kept. The copy of the special rules under the Quarries Act, 1894, now produced, was at the time hanging in the dining shed. One of the rules was that the explosive must not be thawed by any other means than by the warming pan. The cartridges, witness explained, were placed in the pan, which was surrounded with hot water. Witness would not object to the pan and cartridges being brought into the dining shed, so long as only the man in charge was present and it was kept clear of the fire. - The Coroner: And yet, I see, smoking is not allowed? - Witness: No, nor near where explosives are. Witness added that this was the only serious accident he had had in any quarries of which he ever had charge. - By the Inspector of Mines; Witness was aware the gelignite was hard. - By the Coroner: He gave his orders to the deceased, but could not, of course, stand by him always to see that he carried them out. There had been blasting between the conversation referred to with regard to the warming pan and the day of the accident, but he did not know whether on these occasions deceased had used the apparatus for thawing the explosive. Witness had every confidence in VOADEN, who was one of the best workmen he ever had. He was always anxious to get on with the work. - George Raymond, a quarryman, stated that while he, his son and VOADEN were having breakfast, witness's son exclaimed, "Look there!" and witness saw that a can of gelignite which was on the 'hob' was on fire. VOADEN was sitting near it. The can had been there on other occasions recently since the frosty weather set in and comment had been made about it by witness and others, as they knew it was not right. They had told deceased of it, but they did not report it to anyone else, as deceased was a foreman. When witness first observed the can of gelignite on fire the flames were two or three inches high. Quickly the flame increased to a couple of feet and began to "spit" and fly. He shouted to the others, "Come on, clear out, all of you." He ran out of the shed and went to the blacksmith's shop and told those there what was happening. Within two minutes he heard the explosion. As witness got to the door he thought his son and VOADEN were following, but after the explosion he heard VOADEN cry out "Oh!" five or six times. He also saw him staggering away from the shed and he and Cummings, the blacksmith, ran and caught him in their arms. He died within a few minutes. - By the Inspector: He could not say what quantity of explosive was in the tin, which was about 9 inches deep. He should think there would be about 5 lbs. The tin was full but the cartridges were placed loosely in it. There was a second tin, smaller, and also containing explosive, on the other side of the fire. The tins were on the 'hob' when witness went in to breakfast; they had been there all the morning. The one that exploded was standing at the time of the explosion on a hot plate over the fire on which the workmen warmed their breakfast, but when it was moved there from the 'hob' he did not notice. He had never seen Mr Smale, the previous witness, in the dining shed while explosives were being thawed on the 'hob.' - Witness's attention was called by the Inspector to one of the printed rules, which stated that anyone noticing any act which was likely to be a danger, must report the fact to the owners or persons in charge. He said he considered this thawing on the 'hob' dangerous, but thought he had done his duty in complaining to the ganger (deceased). He had worked at this quarry about eight months, but had been a quarryman for many years. - Charles Raymond, aged 17, son of the last witness, said when his father shouted to them to clear out of the shed he ran into a corner behind the chimney. He was there when the explosion occurred, bringing down the roof of the shed. He saw VOADEN, when he took his breakfast from the iron plate over the fire, put the e larger of the two cans of explosive on the hot plate. He had seen cans placed on the 'hob' bricks by the side of the fire on other occasions, but he had never said anything about it. He had not seen the cans actually on the plate over the fire until this occasion. - Dr E. H. Young, who examined the body of deceased, said there was a mark, or a slight puncture, on the centre of the forehead. Death was due to concussion of the brain, resulting from the force of the explosion. - The Coroner, in finding a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed on his own behalf and all those connected with the affair, sympathy with the widow and family. He said that however foolish or foolhardy the deceased might have been in his anxiety to push forward the work at the Quarries, they could but feel deeply sorry for him and for those who had been bereaved. At the same time he congratulated the two Raymonds, father and son, on their lucky escape.

Western Times, Thursday 23 January 1919
NORTHAM - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr J. B. Penhorwood was Foreman, held an Inquest at Northam yesterday on the body of a man believed to be FRANK BADCOCK, one of two men drowned while fishing off Clovelly on the 1st inst., and which was washed ashore that morning on the Pebble Ridge at Westward Ho! The boat had been washed up at Westward Ho! on the 2nd inst. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 24 January 1919
PARKHAM - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was yesterday returned at an Inquest held by Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Bucks Mills, on the body of ELLEN BRAUND, of Ivy Cottage. Deceased complained of feeling unwell on the afternoon of Tuesday, 21st inst., and died the following morning. Dr Pearson, of Bideford, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Times, Monday 27 January 1919
EXETER - "Orders Are Orders." Hospital Regulations And Soldiers At Exeter. Unfortunate incident. - An Inquest was held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at No. 3 War Hospital on Saturday afternoon, relative to the death of PTE. CHARLES HENRY WEDGWOOD, aged 21, of the Machine Gun Corps, who died at the Institution from injuries received in a trap accident in Pinhoe-road, Heavitree, on the 20th inst. - Evidence was given by Frank Snow, of Hamlyn's Farm, Whipton, to the effect that he had known the deceased as a friend for five or six years. Witness knew nothing of his parents or where he belonged. He was home from France on leave, part of which he was spending at Hamlyn's farm. He arrived on the 13th. On the 20th deceased, witness and a soldier named Yeo, who was working at the farm, set out in a trap for Silverton. They left soon after 2 o'clock in the afternoon. About a hundred yards from the house the right rein broke and the horse, which was about 12 years old and quiet, "pulled" as was its wont, at the start. The reins were in good order. When the rein broke the horse started off. Witness tried to pull it round with the left rein. He jumped out of the trap to get at the animal's head, but failed to reach it. Deceased jumped from the trap, falling on his feet, but twisting round fell on his back. On picking him up witness took him to the farm, and drove away for a doctor. The latter was unable to come as he had another engagement and advised that the deceased should be taken to the Hospital. - Mrs Maria Grace Snow, occupier of Hamlyn's Farm, said deceased was a friend of the family, but she knew nothing about his family connections. She never knew the horse run away before. Deceased, when brought back to the farm after the accident, was not conscious. - The reins were produced and the Jury came to the conclusion that they were generally in good condition. - William Yeo, of the 2nd Devons, attached to the Labour Corps, who was also in the trap, said the horse was generally quiet. At the start the animal plunged. Mr Snow pulled the reins, which immediately snapped. Witness stuck to the trap and was not hurt. He told deceased not to jump. Witness pulled the horse into the hedge on the way up Pinhoe-road. The animal had then nearly stopped. After driving deceased back to the farm witness bathed his right ear. deceased then said he felt better. Witness drove him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he saw someone - a lame gentleman - who told him to see the porter. Witness was next told by a man in the porter's lodge that deceased, being a soldier, could not be taken in, and advised witness to take the patient to the military hospital at the Higher Barracks. Witness, after consulting the driver, went back to the man in the lodge and told him the case was serious and should be attended to. The reply was "Orders are Orders." At the Hospital at the Higher Barracks the deceased was placed in the ambulance. A gentleman, apparently a doctor, came up in a motor car and instructed that the deceased should be placed in the car and taken to No. 3 Military Hospital in Heavitree-road. At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital nobody looked at deceased, and at the Hospital at the Higher Barracks he was not attended to. Witness left the farm with deceased at 3.15 and reached No. 3 Hospital about 4.20. - Lieut. Sidney Bonter, M.D., of No. 3 Military Hospital, said deceased died from a fracture at the base of the skull. Witness knew of no military order to the effect that a soldier must not be admitted to a civil hospital. He believed the hospital at the Higher Barracks was closed as a military hospital, but was being used as a dispersal hospital. - By a Juryman: Witness had made a post mortem examination and found that the injury was so serious that nothing could have saved him. Of course, the running about the deceased was subjected to was unfortunate. - The Coroner said it was a great pity the deceased was sent from "Dan to Beersheba" before getting attention. Fortunately, in the present case, the delay did not cause the man's death, but they could imagine many cases in which a man's life might be thrown away by the stupidity of regulations, whereby a man was carted about in this way. Some system ought to be possible to enable people to get first-aid. - A Juryman: Don't they give first aid at the Hospital? - The Coroner: In this case they do not seem to have done anything. We do not know whom the witness Yeo saw in the porter's room. - A Juryman: Have they a right to refuse a soldier's admission? - Another Juryman reminded them that the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital was in private hands. - The Coroner: Of course, if you wish, we can adjourn the case to call witnesses from the Hospital. - A Juryman said there seemed to have been neglect in not doing something for the deceased. - Another Juryman: Cases might occur in which it might be possible to save a person's life by prompt attention. - The Coroner said they might request him to see the Hospital authorities on the subject so as to get an explanation. - A Juryman assumed that if there had been no Military Hospital in the place the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital would have taken him in. - The Coroner said no doubt things were terribly mixed up at present. They knew that patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital got excellent attention. The present unfortunate occurrence was the result of a system, and not the fault apparently of anybody in particular. - A Juryman: It is inhuman, anyway. - The Coroner said no doubt the matter would be ventilated in the Press. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TAVISTOCK - The Tavistock Tragedy. Inquest Formally Opened On Saturday And Adjourned. - The Inquest on the body of MRS WINNIE SIMS, who was killed as the result of the motor car accident on Wednesday last at Tavistock, was on Saturday opened by the Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, of Plymouth. Only formal evidence was given. The husband, MR WILLIAM JOHN SIMS, cook's mate, R.N., stated that after going to the Railway Station with his father and mother, they decided on a joy-ride and went to Marytavy and called at the Royal Standard Hotel, where the men who were in the car had two drops of whiskey each and then left for Tavistock. When near Kelly College the crash came, and he did not remember anything more. He helped his wife out of the car and she died in about three minutes. - Dr Hillyar, of Tavistock, said he was fetched and went to the spot in his motor car, and found deceased's skull was smashed. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Inquest was adjourned until 15th February for the attendance of the chauffeur, Mr Percy Gregory, and Mr Joseph Craze, who are seriously ill at Tavistock Cottage Hospital.

EXETER - Soldier's Death From Tuberculosis At Exeter. - An Inquest was held by Mr W. Linford Brown yesterday on the body of CHARLES HENRY SHAPLAND, aged 27, who died at No. 2 War Hospital, Exeter, last Sunday morning. MRS EMILY SHAPLAND identified the body as that of her brother-in-law, a farm labourer, of East Sandford, Crediton, late of 33rd London Regt., in which he held the position of lance-corporal. Mr C. V. Matthew, L.R.C.P., a civilian doctor attached to the Hospital, said deceased was brought under his care suffering from influenza on the 21st of January, 1919, and had remained practically unconscious until his death, with a temperature of 104 deg. A post mortem examination revealed that the deceased had been suffering from tubercular meningitis and death was caused by tuberculosis. Owing to the post-mortem, the Coroner said it was unnecessary for MRS SHAPLAND to give evidence, beyond stating that after being in Wales for some time her husband had complained of violent pains in the head.

Western Times, Saturday 1 February 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquiry Respecting Fatal Accident At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday on the body of MARK SANDERS, clay miner, employed by the Devon and Courtenay Clay Company at Decoy pits. SANDERS was killed on Wednesday by about a ton of clay falling on him as he was in the act of removing a set of timber from an old level which was being abandoned. It only took ten minutes to dig the clay off the body, but it was apparent that death had been instantaneous. Mr William Turner, foreman at the clay pits, questioned by the Coroner, said it was usual to remove props from a working that was being discontinued; otherwise all their time would be taken in cutting timber instead of getting clay. The mines inspector had often seen the method adopted, but had never suggested any other. The Inquiry was adjourned for the attendance of an inspector.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of MISS ELIZA CHARLOTTE EDMUNDS, aged 62. Deceased was the daughter of the late MR EDMUND ROBERT JOHN EDMUNDS, of Yeovil, and died suddenly on Wednesday last. Dr Allen attributed death to stomach ailments and fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 4 February 1919
SIDMOUTH - Sidbury Tragedy. Aged Woman Who Was A Danger To Her Neighbours. - Knocked down by a motor car on January 18th, an old lady of Sidbury, FRANCES FARRANT, aged 75, died in the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital on Saturday night. The Inquest yesterday was conducted by Mr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for the District, without a Jury. Mr J. F. Orchard (solicitor, of Sidmouth) represented the owner of the car, Mr L. Field, who was also present. - Dr Colclough, of Sidmouth, stated that he saw the deceased after the accident, and she was suffering from injury to the head, cerebral irritation following. Her shins were also injured. She became unconscious and remained so until January 27th and eventually died from inflammation of both lungs, death being accelerated by the accident. Deceased was deaf and he had attended her for some time, and had advised her removal to the Honiton Infirmary because he did not think she was capable of looking after herself and was a danger to the neighbours. - The son of deceased (present at the Inquiry) disagreed. - Dr Colclough (continuing) said some time ago deceased was suffering from acute bronchitis. At that time she was found sitting over the fire. He understood from the neighbours that she lived by herself and went to bed at awkward hours during the night and was thus a distinct danger, as she might have died without the neighbours being aware of the fact. - The Son: I disagree with you. - Dr Colclough remarked that deceased was then brought to the Hospital with acute bronchitis. In his opinion she was not a fit person to have been left to herself. - The Coroner concurred with the doctor's view that deceased ought not to have been living alone. - HENRY ALFRED FARRANT, of Hackney, son of the deceased, said his mother was 75 years of age. He last saw her alive in March. She seemed to be then an exceptionally healthy woman for her years, and could walk even better than he could. Although deaf she instinctively heard people approach her. - The Coroner: No doubt people who lose one sense develop others. - Stella Florence Eveleigh, the driver of the car, said she was driving a Ford car through the village of Sidbury on the afternoon of January 18th in the direction of Sidmouth, near Paradise Row. She saw the deceased come out into the road carrying a jug containing milk in her hand. She sounded the horn, and was driving not more than four or five miles an hour. She stopped the car and deceased also stopped in the middle of the road. Just as witness restarted the car deceased started again. There was sufficient room to pass deceased where she had stood. Witness believed deceased saw the car restarted, but that she immediately lost her presence of mind and got in the way of the car. - Replying to Mr Orchard, witness said she had previous experience in driving at Shrewsbury and Birmingham, and had never had an accident before. - Walter Vickery Start, errand boy, who was riding in the car, gave similar evidence and said that, in his opinion, the accident was due to deceased's deafness. The driver was proceeding carefully. - Susan Stacey said she did not witness the accident, but went to help deceased, who she saw lying on the road. She came to the Hospital with deceased. Deceased did not appear to be conscious and said nothing about the accident. She (witness) saw the motor-car coming through the village. It was being driven very carefully. - MR FARRANT expressed himself as being satisfied that it was purely an accident and he desired to thank the medical gentlemen and staff at the Hospital for the kindness they had shown towards the deceased. - A verdict of "Death from Inflammation of the Lungs, accelerated by the Accident" was recorded. - Mr Orchard: You exonerate the driver? - The Coroner: Nothing has been said against her. - Mr Orchard: Do you think she was to blame? - The Coroner replied that he did not and that it had been clearly shown that she was a careful driver. - Mr Field expressed his intense regret at the accident. He believed that the driver had always exercised extreme care in her work. He had frequently met her unexpectedly at very bad corners and had noted how carefully she had passed them. He would like to express his appreciation (on behalf of the deceased's friends) of the kind treatment she had received at the Hospital.

Western Times, Wednesday 5 February 1919
EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Octogenarian Dies As Result Of Fall From A Window. - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, relative to the death of MARY BAKER, aged 81, of East John-street, Newtown, a widow, formerly of Tavistock and Callington, who died at the Institution on Saturday, it was stated by MRS DAVIS, her daughter, with whom she resided, that deceased had suffered for some time from asthma and bronchitis, for which she had been under the treatment of Dr Clapp. Lately she had had delusions. On Wednesday night, January 29th, just before nine o'clock witness, who was snatching a brief sleep, was called by her daughter who, hearing a noise, had concluded that deceased had fallen out of bed. Witness saw the bedroom window open and then realised that her mother had dropped out. The deceased, who was lying on the ground underneath the window, was able to speak when picked up. - HILDA DAVIS, daughter of the last witness, said she was in the kitchen when she heard a fall. On going to the bedroom she saw that the deceased's bed was empty and the window, which was kept fastened, was open. Deceased had had the delusion that the window was a door and that people passed in and out that way. - Mrs E. Commins, a neighbour, stated that she heard a thud and a cry of "Help me." She next saw the deceased lying on the ground underneath the window bleeding from the head. - Gwendoline Mary Rolfe, Assistant House Surgeon, said deceased on admission to the Hospital was suffering from injuries to the shoulder and ribs, and a cut on the head. She died from bronchitis accelerated by the injuries. - The verdict of the Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, was "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Thursday 6 February 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Clayminer's Fatality. - At Newton Abbot Town Hall yesterday, Mr S. Hacker continued the adjourned Inquest into the circumstances attending the death of MARK SANDERS, 44, a Kingsteignton clayminer, who was killed in the clay-mines of the Devon and Courtenay Clay Company at Decoy, Newton Abbot, last week by a fall of clay. Several questions were asked by the Coroner of the witnesses as to the advisability of removing old pit props whilst men were still at work in the levels. - William Elliot, the foreman of the mine, assured Mr Hacker that this was the usual practice and he had never heard of any mechanical device by which the props could be removed. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Company agreed to issue instructions to the foreman with a view to preventing a similar fatality, although the Inspector of Mines agreed that the firms legal obligations in this respect had been fully complied with.

Western Times, Friday 7 February 1919
TOTNES - Old Lady's Tragic Death At Totnes. - At Totnes Cottage Hospital yesterday, Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest concerning the death of SARAH COOMBES. Mr Alfred Kinsman said deceased was 78 years of age, the widow of a sergeant in the Devon Regiment and had resided with him at 107 High-street, Totnes, for 52 years. She had been blind for many years. On Monday week he saw her pass the bake-house and later found her lying in the passage. Mrs Kinsman said she put deceased to bed. She did not give any explanation of how she fell. Dr Salt said he saw the deceased, at Dr Chapman's request, and found she had a fracture of the neck of the thigh. He advised her removal to the Hospital for skilled attention. On Saturday she became worse and by #Sunday was quite unconscious and died on Monday, the cause being shock following the injury. Everything possible was done for her. Mrs F. T. Tucker said she had visited deceased twice a week for many years. Every kindness was shown to her. - The Coroner entered a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

OTTERY ST. MARY - Sitting without a Jury, Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, on Saturday conducted an Inquest relative to the death of MR WILLIAM HENRY LUXTON, aged 61, who died suddenly while at work on his farm. ALBERT J. LUXTON, son of deceased, said he left home with his father on Thursday at about 9 a.m., and proceeded to the farm with the intention of ploughing. Deceased was then in his usual health. About midday, however, he complained of feeling unwell and asked witness to fetch him something to sit on. He said "he felt that he were gone," but told witness to continue ploughing. Witness obeyed and afterwards heard his father groan and immediately went to his assistance, and asked if he should fetch someone to take him home, but he said he would be better in a few minutes. Witness then went to tie up the horses, and on returning in about three minutes he found his father in an unconscious condition. - Mr Palfrey, Wink House, was coming up the lane, and he stayed with deceased whilst witness ran for a doctor; but on his return he found deceased had expired. His father sometimes complained of pains, but had not seen a doctor for about 10 years. - Dr T. Cussens, Ottery St. Mary, stated that deceased's heart was much enlarged and considerably fatty. Death was due to a sudden failure of the heart's action. - A verdict was returned accordingly and the Coroner expressed his sympathy with the family in their bereavement.

CHAGFORD - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Assembly Rooms on Wednesday, touching the death of MRS MARY JANE GARRISH, aged 53 years, of Store-street. - Evidence showed that deceased was standing near the Assembly Rooms on Monday evening about 9.20 p.m. talking to Mr and Mrs James Leaman, when she suddenly fell backwards and expired. She was removed to her house immediately adjoining and Dr Hunt was quickly in attendance. No Jury was summoned and medical evidence showed death was due to heart failure.

Western Times, Tuesday 11 February 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Remarkable Case. Boy's Death From Rare Disease At Newton Abbot. - At Newton Abbot Town Hall yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, and a Jury, held an Enquiry relative to the death of JOHN HENRY BIBBINGS, the 9 ½ year old son of MR J. H. BIBBINGS of Woodleigh, Forde Park, Newton Abbot. MR BIBBINGS said the boy was a pupil at the Newton Abbot Grammar School. He was strong and healthy. About a fortnight ago deceased got wet through and did not seem well and he was kept home from school. They thought he had a chill. Witness decided to call in Dr Pocock, but next day the lad seemed better. On Saturday week he became worse and was confined to his room. There was, however, no special symptom, but the lad seemed out of sorts. Later he improved. On Thursday last deceased seemed quite bright and cheerful and took his meals all right, having bread and butter and honey for tea. On Friday morning he complained of a pain. He had some tapioca pudding at dinner-time. About noon he changed for the worse and became incoherent in his speech. Witness was frightened and sent immediately for Dr Pocock. The doctor saw him at 2 o'clock and prescribed medicine which, witness dispensed. The boy slept quite comfortably throughout the afternoon. When witness came back from business about 7.30 deceased was unconscious and he expired in his (witness's) arms. - The Coroner: Can you tell the Jury anything that would account for his death - has he had any accident? - No; not that I know of. - Coroner: There are some bruises on the body? - Yes. - Can you tell us anything about that? - Witness said he thought the bruises were caused in ordinary play with his school-fellows. Had his illness anything to do with these bruises? - I should say not. - Dr Bennett, who made the post mortem examination, said the deceased was well nourished. There were many bruises on the arms and legs and the back. The internal organs were anaemic, but otherwise healthy. Deceased had an abnormal thymus gland. The blood was diseased, and a result of the fragile state of the arteries was that deceased would bruise easily. The slightest touch might cause a bruise. The actual cause of death was haemorrhage into the tissue of the brain. - The Coroner: Do you think it is quite clear that the rupture of the blood vessel of the brain was due to the disease of the blood and not to any violence? - Witness: Yes; I have no doubt of it. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said deceased was suffering from lymphatic lenpaemia, which was a very rare disease of the blood, and for which there was no cure. - Colonel J. J. Pocock, C.M.G., M.R.C.S., corroborated. It was the only case of this disease that he had ever known. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 13 February 1919
PAIGNTON - Mr S. Hacker on Tuesday held an Inquest at Paignton concerning the death early on Monday morning of MRS ELIZABETH HANNAFORD at 17 Littlegate-road. The husband and daughter spoke to deceased's melancholy and low spiritedness and it was stated she had been in an Asylum for four months. Dr Thompson, who made a post-mortem examination, found the heart degenerated with valvular disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 18 February 1919
CHUDLEIGH - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Chudleigh on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of a four months' old child, who was found dead in bed on Thursday morning. - MARGARET ROWE, wife of FRANK ROWE, now serving in France in the R.F.A., the mother, said last Tuesday the child contracted a cold, her other three children having the whooping cough. Thinking it was worse, she called the District Nurse on Wednesday morning. In the evening the child went to bed with witness, and during the early part of the night it woke frequently and witness fed it. Later, being tired through constant attendance day and night on her other children, she fell asleep and could not say whether the child moved or not. At daylight witness got up and as usual turned the child round, but found him dead, though the body was warm. - Dr H. B. Walters said death was due to suffocation, probably brought about by the child turning when coughing. - Evelyn May Sheppard, District Nurse, said the children in the house were very well cared for. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence.

Western Times, Wednesday 19 February 1919
BRATTON FLEMING - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Bratton Fleming, Monday, on the body of JAMES MAKIN, clerk in the employ of the Board of Trade Timber Supplies Department. The evidence showed that on Friday last deceased complained of feeling ill and died about an hour afterwards, before medical aid arrived. - Mr Tribe, general manager, said deceased, who had been in the employ of the department for about 15 months, appeared to be in his usual health on Friday morning. - Dr W. J. Harper, of Barnstaple, who made a post mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure, due to the diseased condition of his lungs. Verdict: Natural Causes.

Western Times, Thursday 20 February 1919
EXETER - Exeter Suicide. Cullompton Woman Victim Of Depression. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at 15 Richmond-road, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of MRS EMMA VEYSEY, aged 58. - According to the evidence the deceased was the wife of a butcher at Cullompton. She had been depressed for a considerable time, and subsequent to her son leaving to join the army the business had been closed. She was treated at Cullompton by Dr Alleyne for nervous depression and it was thought that if she spent a few weeks with her married daughter, MRS VICARY, at 15 Richmond-road, Exeter, her health would be benefited. At first her daughter slept in the same room, but on the return from the army of the daughter's husband her place in her mother's bedroom was taken by the servant. On Monday evening MRS VEYSEY seemed very cheerful and went to a picture palace. On Tuesday morning MRS VICARY gave her mother a cup of tea, and she still appeared to be bright. Later she carried her mother her breakfast and then MRS VICARY went downstairs to her own meal. During her absence MRS VEYSEY must have gone into her son-in-law's room and obtained his razor, as when her daughter returned to see whether she had finished her meal she found MRS VEYSEY lying on the floor with a terrible wound in her throat and dead. - Assistance was called and Detective Inspector Hill testified to finding the body. There was no sign of a struggle. Dr Pereira Gray deposed that from the direction of the wound it was undoubtedly self-inflicted. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Times, Saturday 22 February 1919
CREDITON - Crediton Man's Death. Suffocated In The Mud During An Epileptic Fit. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, held an Inquest at the Police Station, Crediton, last evening, relative to the death of SIDNEY GEORGE BURRIDGE, farm labourer, aged 29, of Shobrooke, who was found dead in a turnip field on the Sanctuary Estate on Thursday. Evidence was given by JAMES THOMAS BURRIDGE, a mason, to the effect that deceased, who was his brother, lived with him. Both worked on the Sanctuary Estate, and about 9.30 on Thursday morning deceased left the workshop to go down the field to tend the sheep. As he did not return to dinner at one o'clock witness became anxious and subsequently found deceased lying with his face buried in the mud. He appeared dead. Since about fifteen years of age, when he was frightened, deceased had suffered from epileptic fits. His last fit was nine months ago. On Saturday last deceased complained of rheumatism and had some medicine from the doctor. - John Hayne Guscott, joiner on the estate, said he saw deceased in the field tending the sheep about 10.30. He was then doing his work as usual. - Dr Campbell said deceased had suffered from fits for several years. Deceased came to witness last Saturday and complained of rheumatism. In witness's opinion death was due to suffocation, deceased having apparently fallen forward in the mud while in a fit. - A verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation, following a fall while in an Epileptic Fit" was returned.

ALVERDISCOTT - North Devon Suicide. Coroner Warns People Against An Erroneous Idea. - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Alverdiscott on the body of HENRY PHEAR, gardener. - THOMAS PHEAR, son, stated that on Tuesday, 18th, he saw his father just after dinner, when he remarked that he would go out for a walk. He then appeared to be in his usual health and state of mind. About an hour and a half later he was passing, with a load of hay, by an old quarry about 150 yards from the house, when he saw deceased's cap and stick lying by the edge of the quarry. On going over he saw his father lying just under the water. - Answering the Coroner, witness said he did not attempt to take the body out, but went for help. When assistance arrived, the body was not removed until the Police came. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Bideford, said he had attended deceased, and saw him about five days ago. Deceased had been suffering from cancer in the throat, and had undergone three operations. He seemed rather disappointed that the last operation had not been very successful. Death was due to drowning. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning," and commented on the erroneous idea prevalent in the district that no one could touch a body until the arrival of the Police. He pointed out that whoever found a body should immediately endeavour to satisfy himself whether life was extinct, or whether anything could be done to revive a person so found. If life was extinct, then the body should be left where it was until the arrival of the Police. In the present instance the man might have only been in the water a minute or so, but he did not think such was the case, because the son stated that the water was quite still and there was no movement of any sort.

Western Times, Monday 24 February 1919
TORQUAY - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Torquay on Saturday on the body of a nine-year-old boy, named HAROLD JOHN HANNAFORD, son of MR SIDNEY HANNAFORD, of Mallock-road, Chelston. Last Tuesday the boy complained of a headache and a cold. He was kept in bed on Thursday and as he became worse a doctor was fetched, but death occurred before his arrival. - Dr Alan Bennett said there were signs of recent pleurisy and bronchial pneumonia, which, in his opinion, followed an attack of influenza. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Western Times, Tuesday 25 February 1919
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Man's Death. Fall Over Wall And Drowned: "A Perfect Death Trap." - Mr J. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Market Hall, Ashburton yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of JAMES MCDOWELL, whose body was found in the mill leat of the river Yeo early on Saturday morning. Mr J. J. Tape was chosen Foreman. MARY E. MCDOWELL, of Great Bridge Cottages, wife of the deceased, gave evidence of identification and said her husband, who was 55 years of age, left home on Friday evening about 8.30 to go down to the town for half an hour. He was sober and had nothing whatever to worry him. He did not return and they made several inquiries during the night. She could not account for the manner in which deceased got into the river. It was a very dark night. The lamp near Great Bridge, which deceased crossed on the way down was lighted, but she could not say if the next one down by the river on Crockaton Bridge was lighted or not. - Dr E. A. Ellis said he found a ragged cut over deceased's left eyebrow, but otherwise there was no signs of violence. The cut was inflicted before death. A post mortem revealed that the cause of death was drowning. His theory was that deceased fell into the river, his head coming into contact with a stone, which inflicted the wound and caused unconsciousness. He considered the spot where it was supposed to have happened to be most unsafe and dangerous. He always avoided the footpath after dark and walked in the roadway. Deceased could not have got into the river after receiving such a blow, which was quite sufficient to stun him. - Mrs R. Cornish, wife of a labourer, also of Great Bridge Cottages, said she saw deceased about 8.30 on Friday night going towards the town. He had crossed the bridge when she met him and was on the pavement, and had some distance to pass along by the side of the river. She agreed with the doctor that it was a very dangerous place. - John Leaman, a mill worker employed at the flour mills, gave evidence as to finding the body. - P.C. Hammett gave it as his opinion that deceased had fallen over the short wall at the top of North-street and had washed down to where he was found. He described that part of the river as a perfect death trap. He did not think there was the slightest suspicion of foul play. - After the Coroner's summing up, it was brought to the notice of the Jury that as a previous fatality had occurred near the spot where it was supposed deceased went over, the Coroner's Jury then added a rider to their verdict, calling the attention of the Local Authority to the danger of the low wall which divides the footpath from the river. - After retiring the Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Found Drowned, caused by Accidentally falling over the wall at the top of North-street, and they added a rider to their verdict that they wished, for the second time, to call the attention of the responsible authorities to the danger at this spot, and to the unsatisfactory state of the lighting there. The Coroner concurred, and said he would undertake that their rider should be forwarded to the proper quarter. - A vote of sympathy by the Jury, in which the Coroner joined, was passed to the widow and members of the bereaved family.

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

Western Times, Wednesday 26 February 1919
PAIGNTON - At an Inquest at Paignton yesterday, touching the death of MR HUBERT CUTLER, aged 50, a gentleman of independent means, lodging at the Retreat, Fisher-street, Paignton, who died under sudden circumstances on Saturday evening, Dr Thompson said all the organs showed signs of alcoholic poisoning, and the Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Syncope, the result of chronic alcoholism.

EXETER - Exeter Woman's Death From Heart Failure. - An Inquest was held at 38 West Grove-road by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, yesterday, relative to the sudden death on Sunday night of ELLEN DINHAM. Evidence of identification was given by MR WILLIAM HENRY DINHAM, postman, who said his wife was 50 years of age. She suffered from a weak heart and chronic indigestion. On Sunday night she went to bed after having partaken of a supper consisting of a basin of Bovril. About twelve months ago she had a bad attack of indigestion. She had another on Sunday and when in bed threw out her arms gasping out that she wanted breath. The last words she uttered were "Good bye, my dears." Dr G. T. Clapp, who was called, said death was due to heart failure attributed to chronic indigestion. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 28 February 1919
EXMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the Police Station, Exmouth, on Tuesday, concerning the death of MRS MARY CHARLOTTE LEWIS, a middle-aged lady, who was found dead in bed that morning at her residence, 13 Lyndhurst-road. Dr Hanne said there was long standing heart affection. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 1 March 1919
AXMINSTER - Carter's Fatal Accident At Axminster. - At Axminster yesterday, Dr Tweed held an Inquest on GEORGE MEECH, aged 51, carter in the employ of Messrs. Salter and Stokes, Chard Junction. According to the evidence of Wm. Summers, foreman at the factory, deceased was employed carting butter. He finished at 5 o'clock and left the yard with the horses for the stable. Witness later found him lying in the road. Deceased only remarked that his leg was broken and said something about the step, but witness could not ascertain what he meant. - William Henry Cousins, postman, spoke to stopping the horse and wagon about 100 yards distant. - Dr W. Langran said deceased, when admitted to the Axminster Hospital suffered from a fractured right thigh. A swelling of the left leg interfered with the circulation and threatened gangrene in the left foot. Deceased did not progress. Dr Russell Coombe and Dr G. E. Evans were consulted, but an operation was considered unnecessary. On February 25th deceased died from exhaustion. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives. Mr J. A. Forward, of Chard, on behalf of the firm, expressed regret at the occurrence, and said deceased was a highly esteemed employee.

TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Boy Knocked Down By Motor Van: Jury Exonerates Driver. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at Torquay yesterday regarding the death of a little boy, between 8 and 9 years of age, named DONALD MONTAGUE DAVEY, son of PTE. HENRY M. DAVEY, now serving in Egypt. - The lad was knocked down by a motor mail van in the Babbacombe-road on Wednesday evening. This was witnessed by Miss Winifred May Fleet, who noticed two little boys playing about the pavement by St Faith's Home. The van came up Ilsham-road and witness heard the horn sounded. One of the boys ran across the road, and then attempted to return to the other side, being knocked down in the middle of the road. The van was driven at a moderate speed, the driver being able to pull up within the length of the vehicle. - Dr Alan Bennett, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, stated that he saw deceased at the Institution between seven and eight o'clock. Death had occurred a few minutes previously from extensive injuries internally. The right arm had been fractured. - Miss E. E. Larden, who also witnessed the accident, expressed the opinion that the corner was very dangerous, five roads meeting. The car stopped immediately. - Colin Bonner, who accompanied DAVEY, said they were playing about whilst waiting for a tram. He did not notice the mail van until it had knocked down his companion. - William James Bater, driver of the mail van, stated that he was travelling about ten miles an hour. Noticing the boys, he sounded his horn. One boy ran across the road and witness saw that all was clear, he being at that time about 20 yards away. As the car proceeded, the lad again attempted to cross the road in front of the car. Witness pulled up within two or three yards. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," and exonerated the driver of the van from all blame.

Western Times, Monday 3 March 1919
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Wedding Tragedy. - The adjourned Inquest respecting the death of MRS WINNIE SIMS, the young bride who was killed on her wedding day, January 22nd, by the capsizing of a motor-car in Parkwood-road, Tavistock, was held on Saturday before Mr R. R. Rodd. Mr Martyn Wivell, solicitor, watched the case on behalf of Mr Vigars, the owner of the car and the driver. - Mr John Stephens, motor engineer, Tavistock, said it was possible and probable that the joint of the steering gear became temporarily locked and freed itself after the impact. - Mrs Annie Jasper, Tavistock, said she saw the motor car pass at an ordinary speed, and the party were singing. - Percy John Gregory, the driver, said he had driven the wedding party to Marytavy and on the return journey near Kelly College, he found the wheel pulling to the right. On attempting to straighten out he found the steering gear locked and before anything could be done the car collided with an electric post and was capsized. - Sergt. Hill said this was the worst piece of road in the district. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, Saturday, into the death of WILLIAM HENRY TAYLOR, aged 14 days, who was found dead at 27 Preston-street. Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to jaundice, and the verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 4 March 1919
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter yesterday, on the body of JOHN P. WEBBER, aged 50 years, lately residing at 24 Cheeke-street, who died in his bedroom about 11.30 on Saturday night. Evidence of identification was given by MRS ETHEL WEBBER, who said that deceased had influenza some time ago. He appeared quite all right on Saturday night at 9 p.m., but two hours later on going to bed he complained of severe pains in the stomach. The wife went downstairs and hearing a fall hastened back upstairs, to find her husband lifeless on the bedroom floor. She obtained assistance, and Dr W. L. Bennett arrived and examined the body. Death was due to sudden heart failure, following influenza. "Natural Causes" was the Coroner's verdict.

Western Times, Thursday 6 March 1919
EXETER - Infant's Body Found In A Chest Of Drawers. - An Inquest was opened at the Exeter Police Court yesterday afternoon by Mr W. Linford Brown, before a Jury, on the body of the infant child of a cook, named GLADYS MURCH, employed at 9 Colleton-crescent. Detective Edwards gave evidence of being called to the house last Sunday evening and finding, in a chest of drawers, opposite the bed stated to have been occupied by GLADYS MURCH, the body of a newly-born child. It was dead and cold and loosely wrapped in a servant's white apron and a portion of a black skirt. GLADYS MURCH was now at the Hospital. - Elsie may Tucker, a servant, at 9 Colleton-crescent, identified the portion of skirt and apron as belonging to GLADYS MURCH, and added that on Saturday morning the latter remarked to her that "something had happened." - The Enquiry was adjourned for a fortnight.

Western Times, Saturday 8 March 1919
EXMOUTH - Exmouth Inquest. Lympstone Gardener's Fatal Fall From A Tree. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth Police Station yesterday by Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, concerning the death of ISAAC QUAINTANCE, aged 66, of Olga Terrace, Lympstone, a gardener in the employ of Mr C. M. Godfrey, of Keverel House, Withycombe, who was killed after falling from a tree, the branches of which he was engaged in lopping. The Inquest was conducted without a Jury, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - HUBERT ISAAC QUAINTANCE, a gardener, and son of the deceased, said his father enjoyed good health, and was an expert climber of trees, having pruned trees for many years. He had an illness about three years ago, when he suffered from a very rare disease known as Raynaud's Disease, from which he was cured by a Totnes doctor. - The Coroner: He must be a very clever chap if he can cure Raynaud's Disease. - Witness: He made a good recovery. - George Bodington, coachman to Mr Godfrey, said he had never heard deceased complain of giddiness and he appeared to be a healthy man and of regular habits. On the previous morning, about 10.30, deceased asked witness to help with a ladder as he wanted to lop off some dead branches from a tree. Witness assisted with the ladder, and they put it against a tree. Deceased then ascended the ladder and witness stood on the bottom rung. The deceased went direct to the top rung of the ladder and stepped off on to the bough of the tree at a height of about twenty feet. Witness asked him if the ladder was too straight, and he replied, "No, it is quite all right." Those were the last words he said. Deceased went up the ladder of his own free will and said he would like to get the lopping done as it was a fine day. As witness looked up to see if he was starting work deceased muttered something which witness could not understand. He (witness) asked him what he said, and before deceased had time to answer he began to shake and fell. - The Coroner: He made no reply? - Witness: No, he had not time. I saw his right hand and foot shaking for a second before he fell. He came down suddenly with a terrible crash and fell on the hard ground face downward. I turned him on to this side. He appeared to be quite lifeless and was bleeding at the mouth and ears. I noticed a deep cut on the chin. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said his age was 60 and that he had told deceased he did not think he could have gone up the tree. Deceased carried a saw on his back tied with a rope, but his hands were free. He did not feel nervous about deceased, because only the previous week he had climbed a tree higher than on this occasion. - Mr C. M. Godfrey said deceased had been in his employ about three years. About a fortnight ago he told deceased he would like to have a branch of this particular tree off if he could do it. He left the execution of the work entirely to deceased, who said he thought he would be able to do it all right. Deceased never showed the slightest disinclination to do such work, and seemed very skilful at it. - The Coroner: It does seem to an ordinary person rather an advanced age to do this work. - Witness: He seemed very willing and capable of doing it. - Dr C. Beesley said he was called and found the man dead. The lower jaw was fractured in several places. He attributed the cause of death to fracture of the base of the skull. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said it was difficult to say if deceased had suffered from Raynaud's Disease, what effect it would have on him. That disease was due to circulating disturbances and may lead to giddiness more or less. - The Coroner: Would he be more liable to giddiness having suffered from Raynaud's Disease? - Witness: I should say not, seeing he had been doing the work all the winter. - The Coroner: My impression is that he would. - Witness: I have no experience of it at all. It is a very rare disease. Patients have recovered from it and he recovered from it apparently. I should not think Raynaud's Disease had anything to do with it. - The Coroner said it was a very plucky act for a man of the age of 66 to undertake the job. Deceased willingly did the work with very unfortunate result. Any man of that age ran a certain risk in climbing a tree, and especially after having had Raynaud's Disease. Death in this case was due to fracture of the skull and was Accidental.

TORQUAY - An Old Man's Death At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay on Thursday, relative to the death of JOSEPH GRIFFIN, aged 70. P.S. Hunt said on February 19 Deceased, whom he saw in Market-street, told him he was unable to get lodgings; that he came from the Headland Hotel, Newquay to Torquay for the benefit of his health. The sergeant took him to 16 Hilldrop-terrace. GRIFFIN said he had been a night porter at the Newquay Hotel, where he had an accident three or four weeks previously through falling over the stairs. Inquiries were made of the Police at Newquay, but no evidence was forthcoming of any accident. Deceased promised to pay Mrs Hutchings £2 a week for his board and lodging, but he had 4s. only, and he remained in the house without making any payment until his death. - Dr T. D. Cook, who was sent for, said deceased died from bronchitis and old age. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that deceased's death was the result of natural causes. Mrs Hutchings deserved commendation for her kind and charitable conduct to him.

Western Times, Tuesday 11 March 1919
TIVERTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest held at the Tiverton Hospital last night on the body of HARRIETT FARMER, 65, spinster, who was found dead in bed at Belmont View, Tiverton, on Saturday evening by her landlady, Mrs Ann Grater.

Western Times, Wednesday 12 March 1919
EXETER - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at an Inquest held yesterday at 17 Regent-street, St. Thomas, respecting the death of MRS ANN SMITH, 79, widow of MR EDWARD SMITH. Deceased had enjoyed good health, and had not had medical treatment for the last two years, but expired suddenly yesterday. Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to heart failure, due to acute dilatation.

Western Times, Tuesday 18 March 1919
TIVERTON - An Inquest was held by the Tiverton Borough Coroner on Friday on the body of a child aged two days, son of MR R. BOVEY, railway clerk. The child was seen to be getting blue, and before a doctor could be called death took place. According to medical evidence death was due to asphyxiation, caused by congenital heart disease. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Coroner.

ST MARYCHURCH - Cliff tragedy. Suicide Of A Lady Visitor At Torquay. - At St Marychurch Town Hall yesterday, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy County Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MRS BEATRICE LYELL DURHAM, 52, a visitor, who had been staying at Knowlsley, Middle Warberry-road, and whose body was found on the cliff edge at Ilsham on Friday. - FRANK EDWARD DURHAM, husband of deceased, said he and his wife had been staying at Knowlsley Nursing Home since September. He last saw his wife alive about 2.20 on the afternoon of Tuesday 11th. She had been ill for a long time, suffering from nervous breakdown and ex-ophthalmic goitre. She experienced great depression. At Cheltenham, in May of last year, after she had been ill for about 15 months, she took an overdose of veronal. At that time she was in a sad state, and did not know what she was doing. At times her mental condition was wrong. She was hopeless of overcoming her illness, and that made her feel her life was hardly bearable. She was medically attended and had a nurse to look after her. He took all the precautions he possibly could. On the 11th he left his wife in the house whilst he went to the Station to meet her sister. When he returned she had disappeared, and he heard nothing until he received information from the Police that her body had been found on Friday. Deceased had been prescribed veronal by her medical man. - Kate Parker, a trained nurse, who had had MRS DURHAM under her care, said she had a suicidal tendency, and required watching. She had heard her say, "I shall kill myself." - She took veronal by order of the doctor, but she could not help herself to it. She could not say how she had got the powder which was found near her body. Deceased suffered from insomnia. Witness kept the veronal in a locked wardrobe in her room. On the 11th at 2.30 deceased complained of a headache and said she would lie down. Witness left her and went to her own room, remaining there, thinking MRS DURHAM was asleep. After about five minutes witness went to the bathroom of the next landing and then to the sitting-room. No veronal cachets were taken from the wardrobe during the period of her absence; she knew the exact number there. At 3.30 deceased was missed; she must have gone out while witness was in the bathroom. At the request of a Juror, a cachet was opened and the contents exhibited. - Henry Weeks, postman, stated that at 2.15 on the afternoon of Tuesday last he saw MRS DURHAM about 50 yards from Knowlsley, walking in the direction of Welswood. She had an indoor dress and a small hat. - Robert Harper spoke of finding the body in a field near the edge of the cliff, caught in a thorn bush at Nut Copse. He informed the Police, and helped to recover the body. Deceased's back was towards the sea. He saw the Policeman pick up an envelope containing a white powder which had blown a few yards from the body. - Dr Craig said he had attended the deceased, but a previous doctor had prescribed veronal. He (witness) gave implicit instructions how it should be given, so as to prevent a recurrence of what had happened at Cheltenham. - A post mortem examination showed bruises on the face; all the organs were normal. He attributed death to some sort of narcotic poison. He thought deceased took the poison, became unconscious and fell forward and rolled down the bank into the bushes. Exposure probably finished the work. - The Coroner said the evidence pointed to suicide, although it was purely circumstantial. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - Dr Craig spoke of the remarkable devotion of Nurse Parker to the deceased. - A Juryman protested against the custom of viewing the body.

Western Times, Friday 21 March 1919
DAWLISH - Dawlish Tragedy. A Disabled Soldier Fatally Wounded While Rabbiting. - A distressing shooting accident occurred at Ashcombe, about four miles from Dawlish, on Monday evening. FREDERICK ROBERT KINGDON, a one-legged soldier, aged 29, single, of Dawlish, who had been the guest of Mr and Mrs Belworthy, went out shooting, by himself, on the farm. About five o'clock a man named Milton heard someone groaning in a field and on proceeding to the spot he found KINGDON lying helpless on the ground, with his right arm shattered. KINGDON, who was conscious, said he was climbing over the hedge and somehow he caught the trigger of his gun, which went off, the charge entering the right arm near the shoulder. Assistance was procured and the unfortunate young man was conveyed to Dawlish Cottage Hospital, where he died Tuesday. Deceased, was a discharged soldier, having served in the Royal Engineers. He was wounded early in the war, necessitating the amputation of a leg. At the Inquest conducted by Mr T. Edmunds in the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, on Tuesday evening, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The witnesses were MR CHAS. WM. KINGDON (deceased's brother), who identified the body as that of his brother, a Sapper in the Royal Engineers, who was 29 on Saturday last. He saw deceased at the Hospital after the accident, and he stated "It was a pure accident and the hammers of the gun were down." Witness considered that his brother must have slipped on the wet ground, causing the gun to go off. Moses Richard Belworthy, farmer, of Lower Charwood Farm, Ashcombe, said the gun produced was his property. He frequently lent it to KINGDON, who had permission to shoot rabbits on his farm, where deceased was staying as his guest. - Daniel Milton, farm labourer, 3 Knapps Cottage, Ashcombe, stated that at 5.45 on Monday he was going towards Fiddler's Bridge orchard when he heard someone call for help. Getting over the hedge he saw deceased lying on his back in the orchard. KINGDON first asked for a drink, and then said he had caught his toe and fallen. His arm appeared to be badly injured and there was considerable blood on the ground. Witness fetched Mr Belworthy. On the way he met Mr Morris, who, with his wife, helped to bandage the injured man, who was placed in a conveyance brought by Mr Belworthy, who removed him to Dawlish Hospital. The gun was on the other side of the hedge pointing towards the orchard. It looked as though KINGDON was getting over the hedge when he fell. - Pte. William Huxtable, Devon Regt., living at Lower Charwood Farm, and employed as a farm labourer, deposed that he found the gun on the side of the hedge opposite to that on which deceased was found. The hammers were against the hedge and the butt on the ground. - Orme Joint Morris, of Beaver Cottage, Ashcombe, said he and his wife rendered first aid. The gun was on one side of the hedge and the man on the other. It was a difficult place at which deceased had chosen to cross the hedge, and all he could get out of him was, "It was an accident; a twig caught the gun." - Dr F. J. Hughtrede stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from severe shock and loss of blood. The arm was fractured in many places. He was pulseless and could not be moved and died about 2 a.m. on Tuesday. Death was due to loss of blood. -

ROSE ASH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" namely influenza and acute congestion of the lungs, was returned at an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, at Roseash, Monday, on the body of ELIAS NOTT, 56, retired farmer, of Ash Moor Cottage, Roseash, who was found dead in bed on Thursday last.

Western Times, Saturday 22 March 1919
EXETER - Fall From A Window. Sad Death Of An Elderly Lady At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at 49 Prospect Park, Exeter, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday, relative to the death of MRS CAROLINE ROGERS. On the morning of the 17th, Mr John William Tallman, a postman, when on his round, found deceased on the garden path of the house. With the help of the servant, Miss Ida Woodland and Miss Uwins, companion to MRS ROGERS, they got her into the house. MRS ROGERS had been a certified lunatic for about 18 years, and was examined every quarter by the Commissioners, though she had never had t be kept in an Asylum. She suffered from milk delusion of little consequence and one on the morning of the accident was that she was going on a journey. It is supposed that she fell from an upper window, about 30 feet from the ground. Evidence was given to show that deceased had had every care given by Dr William Britain, M.D., of London. - Dr Andrews, who saw deceased after the accident, said she had sustained a broken rib on the left side, and bruises on the left foot and right shoulder. He attributed death, which took place on the 19th, to shock and internal injuries. A verdict of "Injuries from a fall from a window, with insufficient evidence to show whether it was accidental or intentional," was returned.

Western Times, Monday 24 March 1919
DARTMOUTH - The Dartmouth Discovery. Inquest On Charred Remains Found On A Steamer. - An Inquest on the charred remains of a human body found on board the Norwegian steam trawler Fredheim, believed to be those of the captain, PETER BRIDSDORFF, of Cardiff, was held at Dartmouth on Saturday by Mr A. M. Davson, Borough Coroner. Mr O. Veale was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Dr Gerald Soper deposed that the remains he examined at the Mortuary were human remains. There was a small portion of the left thigh, but it was impossible to determine either age or sex. Death had been caused by burning. - Alfred K. Amudsen, chief officer of the s.s. Fredheim, now lying in Dartmouth harbour, explained that the vessel was on a voyage from Barry Docks to Rouen with coal. At midnight on march 6th he went off duty and reported to the captain on the weather and position of the ship. The captain's bunk was port side amidships. Witness turned in, and was awakened at 3.30 a.m. on March 7th by a sailor, who said the ship was on fire. He got up and found the vessel well alight on the starboard side. In a few minutes the flames spread to the port side, enveloping the bunk where the captain lay asleep. He and other members of the crew tried many times to get through the smoke and flames to rescue the captain, but were unsuccessful. They then abandoned ship, fifteen of them and were subsequently picked up by the French trawler, Rosemonde, and taken to Boulogne. Other witnesses gave corroborative testimony. - The Coroner thought it was safe to assume that the remains were those of CAPTAIN PETER BRIDSDORFF. The Jury accepted this conclusion, and returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure."

Western Times, Tuesday 25 March 1919
SHEBBEAR - Shebbear Fatality. Octogenarian Dies From Burns Through Clothes Catching Fire. - A sad case of death from burning is reported from Shebbear, North Devon, an octogenarian widow named MARY LARKWORTHY having died of burns sustained through her clothes catching fire. - EMILY LARKWORTHY told the Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, who conducted the Inquest yesterday, that whilst upstairs on March 15th she heard the deceased, her mother-in-law, call to her to come quickly. She ran down and found deceased in the parlour enveloped in flames, which, with the assistance of her husband, were put out. Deceased was very much burned, and they immediately sent for the doctor and district nurse. Deceased told her that her apron caught alight while she was poking the fire. - Dr Drybrough Smith said nearly one-fifth of deceased's body was burned. Everything possible was done for her, but the shock to such an old lady (deceased was 86 years of age) was bound to prove fatal. She died on March 21st from shock, the result of the burns. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Torquay Child's Death. Knocked Down By A Motor-Car: The Inquest. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, yesterday conducted an Inquiry with respect to the death of GLADYS ELLEN VIGUS, the ten-year-old daughter of MR W. R. VIGUS, a stoker at the Corporation Electricity Works. The child was knocked down by a motor-car, driven by Francis W. Beare, of Cambridge-street, Plymouth, who stated that the vehicle was a five-seater touring car. His rate of speed was six to seven miles an hour. When he first saw the child she was about a hundred yards ahead on the Victoria Parade. He sounded his horn when about 50 yards away. She turned her head, proceeded to cross the road, hesitated, and then ran back again. Had she continued as proceeding at first, all would have been well. He could not pull round in time to avoid striking her with the near side of the car. The car was pulled up within its own length. - Dr Allan Bennett stated that the child was dead when admitted to the Torbay Hospital. There were extensive injuries to the head, and the skull fractured. - Sidney H. Nancarrow, of Peverell, Plymouth, a passenger in the car, estimated the speed at seven to nine miles an hour. The driver took the greatest possible care. - Edward Harvey did not attribute any carelessness to the driver of the car. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Exeter Coroner at an Inquest at the Court House yesterday, relative to the death of DOREEN PHYLLIS PAYNE, aged 10 months, daughter of a labourer of 17 Cheeke-street. The evidence of the mother was to the effect that at 2.30 a.m. on Saturday the child was fed with milk from a feeding bottle. At 5.15 the child had a fit of coughing and died in convulsions. Dr Jeffreys, who made the post mortem examination, said the child was well nourished. Death took place during infantile convulsions.

EXETER - An Inquest was held relative to the death of MARY ANN CLARKE, aged 56, wife of MR S. T. CLARKE, of 12 Trinity-street, an orderly at No. 1 Military Hospital. - Evidence was given by the husband to the effect that deceased had recently overtaxed her strength through nursing her daughter-in-law. On Saturday night she dropped down within a few yards of her front door and she never again spoke. Mrs Alice Escott, a neighbour, said deceased, when picked up, was apparently dead. Dr Pereira Gray said deceased suffered about 12 months ago from ulcer of the stomach and wheezing on the chest. She made a slow recovery. From the history of the case, witness was of opinion that death was due to heart failure, the result of a fatty heart. The verdict of the Coroner was "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Wednesday 26 March 1919
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter Court House yesterday on E. F. WOOLWAY, an infant aged 6 months, who died at No. 2 Turner's-buildings, Exeter, as the result of convulsions. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Thursday 27 March 1919
TIVERTON - Tiverton Tragedy. - Inquest On LIEUTENANT HAROLD HATT, "Found Drowned." - At Tiverton on Tuesday, the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquiry, with a Jury, into the circumstances attending the death of LIEUT. HAROLD ERNEST HATT, of the Royal Army Service Corps, who disappeared from a friend's house at Tiverton on the night of January 29th, and whose body was found in the Exe, near Bickleigh, on Sunday afternoon. Mr T. Kirk was elected Foreman of the Jury. - Mrs G. C. Physick, of Beck Square, Tiverton, said deceased came to her house on a friendly visit on January 23rd. He had lost two fingers and one thumb, but appeared in his usual health. On January 29th he did not come in to tea, which was rather unusual. In the early evening he returned and after making an appointment for the following Friday afternoon, went out, as she thought, for a walk, saying he should not be long. - James Bryant, of Treymill Cottage, Thorverton, said he was walking along the banks of the Exe on Sunday afternoon when he saw a man's mackintosh on a fallen tree in the river. Getting closer he saw the body of deceased in the water. He notified the Police Constable at Bickleigh, and later helped to get the body on the bank. The body was not there the previous Sunday. - Police Constable Hibbert stated that he recognised the body as that of LIEUT. HATT, whom he had known by sight before the War. There were no marks of violence on the body, but the left hand had two fingers and a thumb missing. There were two watches on deceased, one in the pocket and one on the wrist. Both had stopped at 9.30. In one pocket were five 10s. Treasury Notes, three £1 Treasury Notes, £1 11s. 5d. in cash, and a postal order for 1s. There were also on the body several letters addressed to LIEUT. HATT. - Dr Pollock said he had made a post mortem examination. The general appearance was compatible with that of a man who had been drowned some little time. - CAPTAIN RICHARD CHARLES HATT, of the Royal Army Service Corps, said he could not identify the body from the features, but he had no doubt, from what was found on it, that it was that of his brother. On November 20th he entered the Hospital at Oxford and found his brother there. He saw him daily for some weeks, and spent their Christmas leave together. At first he seemed rather depressed at losing his fingers, but later remarked that he had got off very lightly compared with others. Witness knew of no reason why he should wish to take his life. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Friday 28 March 1919
BRAMPFORD SPEKE. - Mr Henry W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Fortescue Cottage, Brampford Speke on Tuesday, relative to the death of JOHN GOLLOP, farm labourer, aged 77, who died on the 23rd inst. - Evidence was given by the widow to the effect that at about 10.30 a.m. deceased fell at the bottom of the stairs. He had been an invalid for years. Dr Clayton Jones, of Silverton, who had attended GOLLOP, expressed the opinion that the cause of death was heart failure, which was probably accelerated by the fall. The deceased had suffered from heart weakness and dropsy for about six months. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 29 March 1919
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the death of SAMUEL BRADFORD, tanner's labourer, aged 47. MRS C. BRADFORD, wife, stated that her husband suffered from his heart and was very bad on the 26th, but insisted on going to work. He also went to work on the day of his death. Arthur Lodge, a fellow employee, at Tremlett's Mill, said deceased called to him by name about 3 p.m. and on turning round witness saw him roll over. He gradually sank and died. Dr Corbett, who was called, attributed death to syncope, due to a fatty and enlarged heart. The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 31 March 1919
EXETER - Sandford Youth's Death At Exeter Hospital. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, sitting with a Jury, relative to the death of ALBERT WILLIAM SANDERS, who died on the 27th as the result of falling from a waggon. - Mr C. Cook, farmer, East Pidsley, Sandford, said deceased was his nephew, and was 18 years of age. He was working for him and in January last he drove a load of wood from the farm. On arriving at Sandford the wood was unloaded. While driving along the road the breeching chain unhitched and the horses ran away. SANDERS fell between the shafts, and under the horses. Deceased was quite capable of managing the horses. - Thomas Drew, of the Spicers, Sandford, who found deceased lying in a hedge after the accident, said he asked SANDERS what was the matter, and he replied that he thought his leg was broken. He also complained of his back. - Dr Gwendoline M. Rolfe, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted there on January 11th with injuries to his spine causing paralysis. An operation was performed and appeared to be successful. SANDERS was recovering very well, but about a fortnight before his death he contracted influenza, which was followed by pneumonia, and he died on the 27th. The cause of death was pneumonia and not in any way due to the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 1 April 1919
PLYMOUTH - Death Of A Dartmouth Naval Pensioner. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday, an Inquest was held relative to the death of FREDERICK MORGAN, 47, a naval pensioner, who died suddenly in the train on Thursday last. - Deceased was a first-class P.O. and was demobilised on Thursday. - Wm. Griffiths, inspector, G.W.R., at Millbay, said that P.O. MORGAN was removed from the 6.20 train from Saltash on Thursday, apparently in a fit. He was laid on a seat, and a doctor who was about to travel on another train pronounced life extinct. - Charles Evans Jenkins, surgeon-lieutenant at the Naval Hospital, said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Coroner, who expressed his sympathy with the widow, declared that death was due to Natural Causes.

TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Lad's Sad Fate. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd conducted an Inquest at Tavistock on Saturday, relative to the death of CHARLES LAWSON HOCKRIDGE, son of WILLIAM THOMAS HOCKRIDGE, postman, of Tavistock. Evidence was given by Wm. John Luxton to the effect that a 22-inch pipe over the Tavy at Tavistock Electric Light Works was crossed by an employee named Cyril Frederick Martin, who was ordered to close a hatch on the opposite side of the river from the works. Deceased followed him, and apparently lost his balance midway across. It was necessary to climb up some masonry to get on the pipe and it was against instructions to do so, as there was a footbridge a little further down. There was no warning board or notice, however. Witness had to be applied to for the key of the gate when anyone desired to cross by the footbridge. - Cyril Martin said he had crossed the pipe about 30 times in sixteen months and on the day in question he told deceased not to follow him. As the river was in flood, it was dangerous to cross that way. - P.C. Potter, at the works on business, remarked on the danger of crossing to the manager, who shouted to deceased, telling him not to go over, but the lad continued slowly. He lost his balance and fell feet first into the water, and was carried away rapidly, shouting for help. Witness called to him to try to reach the side of the river. Rescue was impossible. The body was recovered by Pioneer Frank Crocker, R.E., of Milton Coombe, about three-quarter of a mile below Denham Bridge. - The Coroner said though a bridge had been provided for the use of the men when attention to the hatch was necessary, it was clear that the boys had been in the habit of crossing by the pipes because it was a short cut. This apparently was known to the management. He hoped the matter would receive attention. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and added that they thought the management ought to have taken precautions to prevent the boys from crossing the river by the pipe.

EXETER - Tragic End Of A Record Office Clerk. - An Inquest was held at the Exeter Court House yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of HERBERT RICHARD CHURCHILL, aged 64, of 10 Tiverton-road, a clerk employed in the Record Office, Cathedral Yard. - Evidence was given by his sister, MISS CHURCHILL, to the effect that she last saw the deceased, who was a widower, on the 15th March, when he called on her. He was generally very reserved and suffered from a weak heart. - P.C. Parker said on the 28th March he went to deceased's residence. As there was no response to his knocks at the door he obtained a ladder and entered the house. He found the deceased dead in bed. - Dr Pereira Gray, who made a post mortem examination, aid the body was very emaciated and death was due to heart failure consequent on bronchitis. - Detective-Inspector Hill said in company with MISS CHURCHILL he went on Saturday morning to the deceased's house, but could find nothing to throw light on the death. Deceased was last seen at the Records Office on Saturday, the 22nd March. He had called on Dr Bradford, who advised him to take a rest. A boy, who had been in the habit of delivering milk at the house, found no jug left for him on Wednesday morning, the 27th. It had been ascertained that on the 20th deceased had written a letter to Miss Veale at the Records Office, mentioning about some work, and stating that he had been to a doctor, who had told him he must keep quiet for a few days. Deceased had lived alone about six years, but had been occasionally visited by his sons, one of whom was now at Port Said and the other in the Malay States. The Coroner found that death was due to "Natural Causes."

TIVERTON - Tiverton Infant's Death. Dangers Of Overlaying Emphasised By Dr Leisching. - The Borough Coroner of Tiverton, Mr Clutsom, held an Enquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening into the circumstances attending the death of ROSIE BAKER, the two day's old child of WILLIAM BAKER, blacksmith, of 30 Westexe South, Tiverton, who was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. - Dr Leisching said he was called to 30 Westexe South at about 3 a.m. on Saturday morning. He found the baby in the arms of MRS GREENSLADE (grandmother), who was trying to restore life. The child was then dead. He noticed the baby was very blue about the lips. The child had a very healthy appearance, and there was nothing apparent to show the cause of death. He had held a post mortem and found the organs healthy. Both lungs were collapsed and engorged; also the liver and other organs. He came to the conclusion that the child had died from suffocation. This was borne out by the position in which the child was found. He thought it was a great risk for a child so young to sleep in between two other people. He should like it to go forth to the public that the proper place was a cot or separate bed for a young infant to sleep. - Mrs Hopewell, District Nurse of Tiverton, agreed with the doctor that it was not wise for two grown-up people to sleep in the same bed as a young child. - MRS GREENSLADE (grandmother) said she slept in the same bed as her daughter and child. She went to bed on Friday at 9.30 and the child was then all right. When she woke up at 2.30 on Saturday morning she found the child dead. - The Coroner said the child had been no doubt accidentally suffocated by someone overlaying it, but did not think there was any blame attached to anybody, but hoped it would be a precaution in the future.

Western Times, Wednesday 2 April 1919
DAWLISH - The Dawlish Tragedy. Old Man Commits Suicide By Cutting His Throat. - Mr S. Hacker held an Enquiry at the Vestry Room, Dawlish yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the death of a labourer named HENRY MAYNE, aged 64, who was found dead in a pond, with his throat cut, at Church Meadows, Luscombe, on Monday morning. - The witnesses were ERNEST JOHN MAYNE, son of deceased, NELLIE MAYNE (Daughter-in-law), P.C. Flannigan and Dr M. Cutliffe. From the evidence adduced it seems that for the past three months deceased had been too unwell to work, and had got into a depressed state of mind. He had been residing with his sister-in-law at 11 Old Town-street for the past three years, and some nights ago it was considered advisable that someone should sleep with him, as the old man expressed the fear that he "might do some harm." In consequence a son, who lived near by, stayed with his father and slept with him, but early Sunday morning, when the son had dozed off to sleep, deceased left his bedroom and although observed descending the stairs by his daughter-in-law, the reply she received from him did not occasion any suspicion in her mind. She lay awake, expecting to hear deceased return, but as he did not, she roused the son, who shouted from the bedroom window. Getting no reply, he made a search, in which the Police subsequently joined, with the result that the body was found, as stated, in about 3 ½ feet of water. Deceased was clad only in his trousers, shirt and stockings, whilst his hat and walking-stick were found on the bank, also a large pocket-knife, which was identified as his property, stained with blood. - The medical evidence was to the effect that deceased had been suffering from cardiac debility and depression. There was a deep incised wound on the left side of the throat, and several important blood vessels had been severed. Death was due to the wound in the throat, accentuated by shock from immersion in cold water. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Times, Thursday 3 April 1919
BOW - Bow Woman's End. Death From Exposure In the River Trony. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Bow by the County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, relative to the death of FREDA MAY CAPEL, of East Hillerton Farm, Bow, who was found by her stepfather, ALBERT C. STRANG, in the river Trony, Bow, in about six inches of water on the 31st ult. Deceased was the wife of PTE. LLEWELLYN CAPEL, of the Northamptonshire Regiment and had been living with MR STRANG for about two months for the benefit of her health. On the 31st she was missed from the house at about 4 p.m. MR STRANG subsequently went to look for her and when he found her she was groaning and bleeding from the nose, while her lips and knees were badly scratched. She had never spoken of suicide and had left no communication behind. Evidence was also given by deceased's sister, A. B. GASHING. - Dr Bruce C. Kelly, of Bow, who attributed death to exposure, said there were no signs of asphyxia. A verdict of "Death from Exposure" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 4 April 1919
EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at 69 St David's Hill yesterday afternoon, relative to the death of MRS HELEN GRAYER, aged 55, wife of a railway guard. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been suffering from bronchitis during the winter for the past three years, but she seemed to be in better health than usual during the past two or three weeks. When her husband left her about 2.30 in the afternoon she was in her usual health, but about 6.30, while at tea with her son aged 12, she suddenly expired. The boy called neighbours, and Dr Pereira Gray, who was sent for, arrived and pronounced life extinct. The medical evidence was that the cause of death was heart failure, due to a fatty heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 7 April 1919
DARTMOUTH - Suicide At Dartmouth. - An Inquest held at the King's Arms, Strete, on Friday morning, by Mr Coroner Hacker, on the body of NICHOLAS HARRIS SOMER (56), retired farmer, who was found hanging in a linhay on Wednesday morning. Dr Gill Soper (Dartmouth) attributed death to asphyxia from hanging. The man had been under his care for the past fortnight for varicose eczema. No reason was given for the act, and nothing had been noticed wrong with the deceased's manner. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of an Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Tuesday 8 April 1919
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Distressing Affair At A Wonford Cottage. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, relative to the death, which took place at the Institution on Friday, of ROSINA JOHNS, aged eight years, daughter of a fish hawker of the Langford Cottages, Wonford. - Evidence was given by the deceased's father, and also by a little girl named Dorothy Mower, daughter of a neighbour, in whose kitchen the deceased was at play on the evening of the 31st March. The last witness stated that deceased stood on a chair and took some matches with which she proceeded to light the gas in another part of the room. Seeing that her clothing was on fire witness ran out of the house screaming. - Mrs Mower, mother of the last witness, said attracted by her daughter's screams, she ran into the house and found deceased on fire. Witness rolled deceased on the floor and extinguished the flames, and after placing her in a blanket took her to the Hospital. - The deceased's mother said the girl had been absent from home only two or three minutes when the affair occurred. - P.C. Bishop, who produced a sketch of the room, explained that the mantelpiece was 4ft. 3in. from the ground and the fire place about 2 feet. Standing on the chair to reach the matches on the mantelpiece she would have her apron on the top of the fire. Having got the matches she went to another chair, stood on it and endeavoured to light the gas over the table. - Mr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted to the Institution on the 31st March and died on the 4th April, suffering from extensive burns on the chest, arms and face. Death was due to shock from burns. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and complimented Mrs Mower on the promptitude of her action.

Western Times, Wednesday 9 April 1919
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Infant's Body Found In A Drawer. Doctors Disagree. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, resumed at the Court House yesterday afternoon, the Inquest on the body of the female child of a cook, named GLADYS MURCH, aged 20, employed at 9 Colleton-crescent, and belonging to North Devon. The Inquiry had been adjourned from the 19th March for the attendance of the mother, who has since the birth been an inmate of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The body of the infant was found by Detective Edwards on March 2nd in a chest of drawers opposite a bed stated to have been occupied by GLADYS MURCH. - In view of the importance of the case the Coroner had the assistance of a Jury, of which Mr H. Mock was Foreman. - The Chief Constable, Mr A. F. Nicholson, watched the case for the Police, and Mr McGahey appeared on behalf of the girl. - Detective-Sergt. Edwards, continuing the evidence that he gave at the previous Inquest said the neck of the child was tied tightly with a granny knot. In front of the neck was a strip of blue cloth. In a drawer he found a portion of a pink dress from which portions had been torn. He had compared the material of the dress with that found around the child's neck and found they were identical. The chest of drawers in which the body was found was close to the wall and about four feet from the bed which he was informed was occupied by GLADYS MURCH. Under the wash-stand were cloths and sheets. - In answer to Mr McGahey, witness said the bedroom was very small - 9ft. wide and 18ft. long - and it contained two single beds. At the time the child was born the room was occupied by GLADYS MURCH and another servant. Assuming the child cried, he thought the other servant would have heard the cry. There was only a lath and plaster partition between the room and the one adjoining. - Elsie May Tucker, aged 19, the housemaid at 9 Colleton Crescent, said she slept in the same bedroom as the deceased, but in a separate bed. A few weeks before Christmas GLADYS MURCH told her she thought she was enciente. Witness believed she was joking. On the 26th February witness returned to Colleton Crescent after a short absence owing to influenza and then GLADYS MURCH complained of being unwell. About seven o'clock GLADYS MURCH remarked that "Something had happened," and that "it was in the bottom drawer." She did not look in the drawer, but later in the morning gave MURCH some tea. On the Saturday night witness went to bed in the same room, and the next morning gave her some tea. Later in the day GLADYS MURCH was, by direction of Dr Vlieland, conveyed to the Hospital. - When she told you that something had happened did you think it was a child? - Yes. - Why did you not say anything about it? - I was too frightened. - By Mr McGahey: The intimation of what had happened came as a shock to her. During the night on which the child was supposed to have been born witness heard no unusual sounds. GLADYS MURCH was delirious during the night. Witness with the best intention tried to cover up the traces of the affair, but she did not look in the drawer, nor did she mention the affair to her mistress on the Saturday. GLADYS MURCH was so ill on the Sunday that she had to be conveyed to the Hospital on an ambulance, and could not be seen for a week. She nearly died, in fact. On the Saturday , or the Sunday night following the birth, GLADYS MURCH gave witness no explanation. - Evelyn Mary Crompton, the mistress, said GLADYS MURCH had been in her employment since September 17th. On Sunday, February 23rd last, GLADYS was very poorly and she was sent to bed. She was apparently suffering from influenza. Next day she was better and did her work. On the 27th she again went to bed. Next day she complained of pains in her back and witness applied a plaster. On the 2nd (Sunday) she was much worse and Dr Vlieland was summoned. After she had been removed to the Hospital witness was told by Elsie Tucker that there was something in the drawer. Witness opened the drawer, and found the body of the infant. Witness had no suspicion of GLADYS MURCH'S condition. - By Mr McGahey: Witness said GLADYS MURCH was a splendid servant, was very plucky and kept at work, though really unfit when the other girl was away. She was then ill and at times her temperature was over 100. Witness thought that probably the girl was not on the Friday night in a condition to know what she was doing. - Mr Crompton said GLADYS MURCH was suffering influenza quite a week or ten days before she was taken to the Hospital. Her temperature varied between 100 and 102. - Dr Pereira Gray, Police Surgeon, said on Sunday the 2nd March he saw the body of the infant at the Mortuary. a piece of cloth was tied tightly round the child's neck, the knot being slightly to the left. the tongue was protruding. The child weighed 4lb 14ozs., and was fully developed. A post mortem examination revealed that the lungs had been inflated and that gas was in the stomach. The heart and lungs easily floated in the water. This was confirmed next day by a test carried out in the presence of Dr Vlieland. Witness came to the conclusion that the child was born alive and had a separate existence. The cause of death was, in his opinion, strangulation, due to the neck being tightly constricted by the cloth. - By Mr McGahey: Witness said, in addition to the hydrostatic test, he based his opinion on the fact that there was gas in the stomach. - Mr McGahey: On what do you make so strong a statement that this child was strangulated? As a medical man, you know very well that if a living thing is strangled there are conditions of blood and brain which in a post mortem examination show clearly. Did you make any of these tests? - Witness admitted that he did not make any tests further than those he had stated. - Witness, answering further questions, said he came to the conclusion that the child had a separate existence and was killed by strangulation because of the cord around the child's neck, and from the fact that there was meconium round the body and that the heart and lung readily floated. He did not examine the blood or open the skull. - Mr McGahey: You made none of the well-known tests of the blood or brain to test whether death was due to strangulation? - Witness replied that there was no blood test. The brain might or might not be congested. - Do you know that in every person who dies from strangulation the blood continues to be fluid for a long period of time after death, whereas in cases of death from other causes the blood coagulates? - It is absolutely rubbish. - Mr E. J. Domville, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said when the mother was admitted to the Institution her condition was desperate. She was in a state of high fever with pneumonia, following influenza. - Mr McGahey: Does not the blood remain fluid for a long time in cases of strangulation? - Yes. - If you suspect strangulation, would you examine the blood? - Certainly it would be done. - Is it not a fact that in deaths from strangulation the blood vessels in the brain are congested? - Necessarily. - Dr Vlieland, who assisted in the post mortem examination, said in his opinion the child had breathed, but he could not say it was legally born, i.e, that it had a separate existence from its mother. The blood was not entirely fluid. The symptoms of death by strangulation were indefinite. He did not think in this case they warranted the decision that death was by strangulation, but at the same time he could not say it was not so. The symptoms pointed in the other direction. - By Mr McGahey: He came to the conclusion that the balance of the evidence was that the child did not die from strangulation. - The Coroner, in summing up, said when doctors differed it was very difficult to say that the child had a separate existence and died from strangulation by the cord round its neck. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the child was born dead.

Western Times, Thursday 10 April 1919
WOODBURY - Woodbury Tragedy. Ex-Soldier Hangs Himself In His Old Schoolyard. Attacks Of Delirium. - An Inquest was held in the Woodbury Salterton Parish Room yesterday by Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, concerning the death of WILLIAM CHARLES RENDLE, aged 22, a discharged soldier, who was found hanging at the village school on Monday morning about twenty minutes to eleven. At this time the children came out to play in the schoolyard, and a little girl on going to the back of the premises was the first to make the gruesome discovery. She called the school-master, who obtained the assistance of William Charles Kenyon, a chief petty officer, of H.M.S. Warspite, who was on leave. He immediately went to the spot and found the deceased man hanging by a stout cord which had been attached to the rafters of the lavatory. The man was taken down and the body was then quite warm, but artificial respiration proved ineffective. - The first witness at the Inquest was Mrs Emily Carter, of No. 10 Ann-street, Exmouth, who said deceased was her nephew. He was demobilised five weeks ago from the Royal Engineers, and had since been staying with her. On the previous Thursday he went to Exeter to get employment. There had been some unpleasantness before he left as she found the deceased had taken her husband's watch and a suit of clothes, which she, however, recovered from him. He left to go to Exeter, and that was the last she saw of him. She let him have £2 10s. money which belonged to him. Witness proceeded to state that the deceased had been to Canada, and was sent home after he had been there two or three years on account of delirious attacks and he had since had a recurrence of these while at home. One day in last week he came indoors and said, "Auntie, the sky's falling." She knew of no insanity in the family, but the deceased had given a great deal of trouble in consequence of his ill-health and sudden attacks. At times he was quite bright and at other times seemed depressed. He was sent to Canada when a boy about 12 years of age by a Frome Home. - Frederick George Turner, schoolmaster, said deceased attended his school as a boy. He always considered him a little below the ordinary standard of intellect. Witness proceeded to describe the finding of the body during play time by one of the children. - Miss Sarah Marks (19) a general servant, of Exton, said she had been acquainted with deceased since childhood and more closely during the last six months. There was no engagement, and witness did not lead deceased to suppose there would be any. He proposed marriage to her last Christmas and she refused the offer. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Horace Auton, a lad of Woodbury Salterton, said he saw deceased in the village about nine o'clock on Sunday evening. - P.C. Parr stated that deceased only had a halfpenny, some army papers, a ration book issued at Exmouth, etc., in his possession. He had ascertained that deceased left Exeter on Sunday morning carrying a parcel wrapped in a green-coloured paper. Over the door of the lavatory was found a girl's brown velvet frock, and it was surmised that deceased had obtained it as a present for a cousin at Woodbury Salterton, to whom he had previously given a similar garment. No information had been received by the Police of the loss of any such garment. - Dr Gaitskell stated that death was due to a broken neck and must have been instantaneous. To all appearances deceased had died by his own act. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Times, Saturday 12 April 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Inquest. Passage Of Arms Between Coroner And Medical Man. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday by Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, with respect to the death of MISS SARAH MITCHELL, 58, described as a domestic help, who died suddenly on Tuesday at the residence of her mistress, Mrs Greenslade, 86, Queen-street, Newton Abbot. - JOHN MITCHELL, of Devonport, who identified the deceased as his sister, said she suffered from biliousness. - Mrs Greenslade said MISS MITCHELL had been in her service about ten months. she complained of being unwell about 10.30 on Monday morning and went upstairs to rest on her bed, remarking that she "would be better presently." She had taken a pill on Saturday night and supposed it had upset her. Whilst she was in bed, witness gave deceased a teaspoonful of whisky. Deceased complained of pains in the stomach, which continued during the day. On Tuesday witness suggested calling a doctor, but MISS MITCHELL did not consider it necessary. Witness, however, went and saw Dr Pocock and explained the case and he prescribed for it. Deceased's condition was no worse until about 7.30 .m., when she commenced to vomit, and witness immediately ran across the street and asked Dr Patey to come. Shortly after the doctor's arrival the deceased passed away. Witness was not alarmed at deceased's condition until the vomiting. - The Coroner remarked on the delay in calling a doctor. - Dr W. Patey said as the result of a post mortem examination, he found recent signs of peritonitis. In is opinion death was due to shock, caused by vomiting as the result of peritonitis. - Dr H. E. Pocock stated that he prescribed for the deceased from the diagnosis given by Mrs Greenslade. - The Coroner: Is it your usual practice to prescribe without seeing a patient? - Dr Pocock: People often ask for medicine. I never force myself upon patients if they do not wish to see me. - The Coroner: If you do not force yourself on the patients, it is better not to force your medicine upon them. As a matter of fact, it is not proper to prescribe for patients without seeing them. - Dr Pocock: I think it is. - The Coroner: It is contrary to my idea, and I think it is contrary to the practice recognised by the British Medical Association. It might have been appendicitis. Deceased might have taken poison. - Dr Pocock: I prescribed something that could not do her any harm. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

SEATON AND BEER - Remarkable Story Told At Seaton Inquest Yesterday. Domestic's Suicide. - At the Town Hall, Seaton, yesterday, the East Devon Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, held an Inquest on SUSAN MARY ANN (POLLY) SHEPHERD, 21, who was found hanging on Wednesday in the kitchen at 2 Seafield-terrace, Seaton, the residence of Mr Henry Granger Prior, where she had been employed as domestic servant. - The father, SAMUEL SHEPHERD, carter, in the employment of Mr Bradford, of Seaton, stated that he last saw his daughter on Tuesday. She was then looking out at the back door of 2 Seafield-terrace. She did not come home very often, but he knew of no reason for it. She had not been home for twelve months. - The Coroner: It seems unusual for a daughter, only 21 years of age, living so close, not to come and see you. Do you know of any reason? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: Did you encourage her to come? - Yes, if she liked. - Witness, in reply to further questions, said his daughter greeted him by waving her hands when he saw her on Tuesday. She was in no trouble as far as he was aware, and had never shown suicidal tendencies. She was happy in her situation, which she had occupied for four years. - MRS SHEPHERD (the mother), giving evidence, said she last saw her daughter a fortnight ago in the street. - The Coroner: Did you speak to her? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: Had you any reason? - Witness (hesitating): Yes. - Can you give us the reason? - She said something I did not like to me when my boy was missing. - Where was your boy? - In France. - How long ago was this? - About two years. - Have you ever spoken to her since? - No. - Why? - Because she said something to me which I did not like. - The Coroner asked if it was true that she had refused to allow her daughter to come home. - Witness said she was home at Christmas, when she brought her little brother a present. - The Coroner: Were you home then? - Witness: No. - The Coroner: Did she know you were out? - (Reply inaudible). - did you think she was unhappy because you had not spoken to her? - No. She always seemed happy. - Did she ever ask to come home, and you refused? - No. She wanted to come home when we came to Seaton first, as she used to do. - But you have never had her home? - It was not convenient always every weekend. She was welcome to come home, but not every weekend. - Would you have gone out at Christmas if you had found her home? - Certainly not. - It seems strange that you seemed not to have encouraged your daughter, who was only 21 years of age, to come home. Was she subject to fits of depression? - Not that I know. - Was she quite a normal girl so far as you know? - Yes. - Was she in any trouble at all? - Not that I know of. - A Juror said he thought it would be a proper question to ask what was the difference between the mother and the daughter. It seemed very strange to be living in the same place and yet not to have spoken to one another for two years. - The Coroner: It certainly does seem very strange, and it is a very serious responsibility on the part of the mother to refuse to have her daughter home, or to speak to her. - The Mother: I have not refused to have her home, but I did refuse to speak to her. - The Coroner: Will you tell the Jury the reason why you took such a decided step. - Witness: It was about the time that my poor boy was missing and I was not well. I had a little brandy and she called me an old drunkard. I said, "If you cannot come here without calling me names like that, don't come here at all until you can come quiet and behave yourself. I thought it was very hard." - The Coroner: Most of us at times say things we do not mean, but it seems a long time to have kept it up. - Mr Granger Prior said deceased was found in the kitchen hanging by a rope attached to a hook. Witness's wife swooned and he took her into the hall. Mr F. A. Symonds, a visitor, cut the rope. - The Coroner intervened to emphasise the importance of people, when finding persons hanging, not losing a moment in cutting the rope. - Witness: I should have done it in a moment, but I could see she was quite dead. - Witness, in a further statement, said deceased was hanging with her feet 3 or 4 feet from the ground, and she must have jumped off some steps. Deceased had no trouble to witness's knowledge. She suffered from headaches, and sometimes had fits of depression. She was a very satisfactory and trustworthy servant. - Mrs Mary Newton, of Stafford Cottages, Colyford, said the deceased visited her on Wednesdays and Sundays. She was a very happy and nice girl, and she was quite happy when she visited witness last Sunday. She was never accompanied by a boy. Witness asked her if she ever had a boy away, and she replied, "No, not now." Witness did not think she was a girl to give her mind to boys. She had told witness of the difference with her mother and witness had at times tried to persuade her to go home and speak to her mother, and make it up, and she said she would do so. - The Coroner: Do you think it was her fault as much as her mother's? - Witness: I could not say. - Witness, replying to further questions, said deceased spoke highly of her father, and said she had a good master and mistress, and was very happy in her situation. Deceased, if she had had any trouble, would have told the witness. - Dr A. H. B. Kirkman said the deceased suffered from persistent headaches and told witness last time she consulted him, about six weeks ago, that she was practically never without a headache. On some occasions she was rather moody and depressed. Witness found that the spine of the deceased was dislocated. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," and gave their fees to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - The Coroner spoke to MRS SHEPHERD regarding her attitude towards her daughter. Mothers, he said, had certain responsibilities towards their children, even up to 21 years of age. - A Juryman: It would be very nice if you could make a little influence felt on this mother, so that it might have effect on other mothers whose attitude to their daughters might be similar. - The Coroner (addressing the mother): It is a great fault to cast off your daughter simply because she once called you hard names. I think you must take that from the Jury. It is an unfortunate thing that you had not overlooked the incident and that you did not induce your daughter to come home, and keep your influence over her. - MRS SHEPHERD: She did come home. - The Coroner: Yes, I understand; but not while you were there. That's all.

Western Times, Monday 14 April 1919
TORQUAY - Torquay Fatality. Carter Dies Through Falling From Hay Waggon. - An Inquest was held at Torquay on Saturday by Mr S. Hacker, without a Jury, respecting the death of HORATIO HENRY BOWDEN, of 34 Dunmere-road, Ellacombe, who was recently discharged from the Navy after 29 years' service. He was employed by J. Burridge, forage merchant, and on Thursday fell from a waggon, breaking the base of the skull. - The widow said her husband, who was 47, had enjoyed good health. - Richard Bastow, foreman of the forage stores, said deceased had been employed two weeks as an odd man. On Thursday morning he went to the Station to assist in unloading a truck of hay, returning with a second cart. At the yard unloading, deceased standing on the waggon, fastened on the trusses. He pulled out a bundle of hay, the cord of which snapped and he fell back. - The Coroner: Some of the new rope? - Witness: Yes. - They used to tie the bundles with reed? - Very little of that is used now. - Witness further stated that deceased fell, and pitched on a cement floor. Bundles of hay were, he explained, usually tied with three pieces of string, and it was also usual for the men to place their hands on separate pieces as a precaution in the event of one breaking. Witness so advised BOWDEN just as he was about to lift the bundle, but the rope broke before the advice could be acted upon. - Dr H. Y. Eales said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - John W. Toms said BOWDEN had assisted him in unloading hay on previous occasions. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Monday 21 April 1919
COMBE MARTIN - Combe Martin Suicide. Young Domestic Takes Her Life By Poison. - FLORENCE HUXTABLE, domestic servant, aged 21, has taken her life at Combe Martin. - At the Inquest the mother, who is the wife of a labourer, stated that three weeks previously her daughter left a situation at Bexhill in order to enter another on April 16th. On the morning of the 15th deceased got out of bed at 6.15 a.m. and went to the dressing-table. Witness inquired the time and her daughter, having replied, got into bed with her again; her husband was occupying an adjoining room. A minute later she heard her daughter make a strange noise, and witness spoke to her, but she did not reply and MR HUXTABLE soon after went for the doctor. - Dr N. S. Manning spoke to finding MISS HUXTABLE unconscious and to suspecting poisoning. He administered antidotes, but the young woman passed away fourteen hours later. A post mortem showed severe burning from carbolic, witness burning his own fingers in conducting the examination. Witness found a cup which had contained the poison and his opinion was that deceased had taken half a cupful of crude carbolic. - The local Constable stated that he had been unable to ascertain that deceased purchased the poison locally and his opinion was she had brought it from Bexhill. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide."

ALPHINGTON - Found Drowned. Open Verdict Returned At An Alphington Inquest. - At the Recreation Room, The Briars, Alphington, on Saturday, Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquest concerning the death of MRS HILDA MAY SEARLE, of 3 Albany-place, Heavitree-road, Exeter, who was missing from her home since March 28th, and whose body was discovered in Ide Brook, near the Briars, Alphington, on Thursday. - GEORGE SEARLE, tobacconist, identified the body as that of his wife, HILDA MAY SEARLE, aged 31. At 10.30 a.m. on March 28th he saw her as she was going out to purchase something for dinner. He had not seen her since, and she had left no message behind. Deceased had been suffering from nerves and for some days had been very worried and depressed as a result of her condition. Generally, her health was fairly good, although whilst he was in France she had suffered from headaches. - Wilfred George Lowton, 3 Newcombe-terrace, Heavitree, a gas fitter, told the Court that he saw deceased in Burley-lane, near Littlejohn's Cross, on March 28th, about 5.30 p.m. She first walked towards Quarry House, and then retraced her steps, proceeding in the direction of St. John's Cross-hill. He knew her well before he joined the Army, but had not spoken to her since. There was nothing unusual in her appearance. - Alfred Thomas Newman, of Little Briars, Alphington, market gardener, said he was working in the garden on Thursday about noon when two boys called him, saying there was somebody in the water. He at once proceeded to the Mill Weir on the Ide Brook, near the Briars, and found the body of deceased. The body was covered with water except the toes of the shoes, which were on top of the Weir. The body was fully dressed with the exception of a hat, and that had not been found. There was a right-of-way two fields higher up the stream, and it was quite possible that the body had been washed down when the brook was in flood. - Mrs Newman, who searched the body, stated that there were two ration books, one belonging to deceased. - Dr J. H. Whaite considered that death was due to drowning. He had attended deceased for five years, generally for nervous dyspepsia. She had never threatened to commit suicide. On the other hand she seemed very much afraid that she would not get over her trouble, although he assured her that the complications were perfectly natural. - The Coroner said there was nothing to show how deceased came to be in the water. It was possible that she had gone for a walk in the country to ease her mind, and whilst doing so might have fallen in the water. She had never threatened to take her life. On the contrary she appeared to be fearful that her life might be endangered. Under all the circumstances he thought the only verdict to return was one of "Found Drowned."

CREDITON - Crediton Tragedy. Deceased In A Depressed Condition Through Nerve Trouble. - The circumstances surrounding the death of ELLEN GEORGINA DAVIE, aged 42, of Cherry Gardens, Park-street, Crediton, whose body was found in Shobrooke pond on Good Friday, were Inquired into by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Crediton Police Court, on Saturday. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased (housekeeper to her brother-in-law, Mr G. Bolt), suffered from her nerves and had been depressed of late. She had previously threatened to drown herself, but the threats were not taken seriously by those who knew her. on Thursday night she called at the house of a Mrs Flood and said "It is a nice moonlight night to go to the park." Deceased, at that time, appeared no worse than usual. - Dr W. S. Campbell attributed death to drowning. There were no marks of violence. He had known deceased for many years. She suffered from chronic indigestion and was hysterical at times. He did not regard her as sufficiently affected to be placed in an institution. He had never heard her threaten to take her life, although at times she had spoken as if she had nothing to live for. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 23 April 1919
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Canal Tragedy. An Open Verdict Returned At The Inquest. - At the Church Institute, Alphington, yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr H. W. Gould (sitting without a Jury) on ETHEL FLORENCE MILLIE GODFREY, 33, the wife of MR MARK GODFREY, tailor, of No. 150 Church Path-road, St Thomas, Exeter, whose body was recovered on Sunday evening from the Exeter Canal at Salmon Pool Bridge. - MR GODFREY stated that he last saw his wife at 7.50 a.m. on April 2nd, when he went to work. She was then in bed and he suggested that she should go out for a walk during the day because he thought it would do her good. Witness thought she was depressed because she had lost her brother during the War and her mother six months ago. His wife left no communication to throw any light on the tragedy, and he had been unable to find out anything about her movements since she left the house, except that a Miss Arnold met her about a quarter of a mile from her home on April 2nd. She had never threatened to commit suicide. - FRANK LEONARD MORGAN, printer, brother of the deceased, said he was staying at 150 Church Path-road, on April 2nd. He had then only been home from the Army two days. At 9 a.m. his sister brought him a cup of tea, and he noticed nothing unusual about her. - John Shute, of 3 Paragon-place, South-street, deposed to finding the body in the Canal near Double Locks on Sunday evening. Deceased was fully dressed. He got into the water and got the body ashore. - The Coroner (to witness, who suffers from shell shock): You are much to be commended for what you did. - Dr Black said there were no marks of violence on the body, and death was due to drowning. Deceased was a patient of Dr Stokes, who was ill and unable to attend. Dr Stokes, who last saw her on March 16th, had informed witness that she suffered from sleeplessness and nervous dyspepsia. - The Coroner said there was no suggestion or suspicion of foul play. From the evidence he was unable to determine whether it was a case of suicide or accident. He therefore returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

EAST BUDLEIGH - East Budleigh Tragedy. Old Lady Dies As The Result Of Burns. - Dr Tweed held an Inquest at East Budleigh yesterday concerning the death of CAROLINE COLE, widow, 95, who had been living alone at East Budleigh. On Sunday, about 12.30-, she was sitting by the fire when her clothing, consisting of flannelette, caught fire. She ran to the door and her screams attracted Mrs Stuart, who had been looking after her. Mrs Stuart poured some water over her and she was removed to her bed. Dr Vincent Smith was sent for and dressed the burns. Death was due to extensive burns and shock, and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 26 April 1919
EXETER - Exmouth Gentleman's Sudden Death At Exeter. - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr Hamilton Brown, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on MR HARRY WHITTINGTON LIDDIARD LANDON, 73, of Kenmore, Exmouth, who died suddenly yesterday at St. David's Station, Exeter, where he had travelled to see his son off to Manchester. - RALPH WHITTINGTON LANDON, engineer, of Manchester, said he had been staying at Exmouth with his father and on Thursday morning they left by the 9.32 from Exmouth for Exeter. At Queen-street Station they hired a cab to go to St. David's. Three-quarters of the journey had been accomplished when his father gasped and then collapsed. - Dr Smith (acting for Dr Frost), who was called, said on arrival he found the deceased in the cab quite dead. Dr Martyn, of Exmouth, who had attended the deceased for 20 years, said MR LANDON suffered from a weak heart.

Western Times, Wednesday 30 April 1919
DARTMOUTH - Fatal Fall From A Window At Dartmouth. - Mr A. M. Davson, Dartmouth Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall on Monday relative to the death of LEWIS PRICE (72), newsagent, of Fairfax-place. Deceased was well-known in the town. He spent many years in South America as a young man and was a good linguist. On Easter Monday morning he was found lying in the roadway under his bedroom window, from which he had fallen, a distance of 24 feet. He was terribly injured and died on Sunday. Lately he had been restless and unable to sleep, and he told MISS PRICE, his sister, that he had slipped. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure."

Western Times, Monday 5 May 1919
TEIGNMOUTH - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, at Teignmouth, on Friday afternoon, Enquired into the circumstances attending the death of MARTIN MALMBERG, the child of a widow. - Dr Piggott, who made a post mortem examination, said he found the lungs were congested, but all the other organs were healthy. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was entered.

Western Times, Saturday 10 May 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Salterton Man's Death. Coroner's Warning To Plymouth Guardians. - The adjourned Inquest on the body of BASIL GOODING, aged 26, a native of Budleigh Salterton, who was taken ill suddenly at the Tradesman's Arms, Union-street, Plymouth, on the 2nd inst., and who, it was alleged, was refused admission into the Plymouth Infirmary, was resumed at Stonehouse Town Hall Thursday by Mr R. Robinson Rodd. Mr E. Ward represented the relatives and Mr E. R. Wedemeyer the brewers; and Mr W. H. Davy, clerk, and Mr G. Meller, chairman of the House Committee of the Plymouth Guardians, were also present. - Edward F. Rippen stated that he with another person conveyed deceased to the Infirmary, where they saw the female portress. She said that the case should have been taken to Stonehouse, seeing that the illness occurred at the Octagon. Instructions were received from the Octagon Police Station to take the man to Stonehouse Infirmary. The only reason given by the nurse at Plymouth was that the case was a Stonehouse one. No one came from the Plymouth Workhouse to examine the man, consequently he was driven with all possible speed to Stonehouse. Witness stated that admission was absolutely refused by the nurse. - The portress at the Plymouth Workhouse said the last witness informed her that he had brought a case from Octagon-street, and she then said, "It is a case for Stonehouse." - The Coroner, in summing up, said he did not think the man's life could have been saved, but it was more for the future he was thinking about. He wanted the Plymouth Guardians to take a serious view of the case, and issue such instructions to their officials that it would be impossible for a similar scandal to occur in the future. The Coroner satisfied himself that death was the result of Natural Causes.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at No. 60 Old Tiverton-road, Exeter yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the sudden death of ALICE MARY RAYMONT on Wednesday. MR J. RAYMONT stated that the deceased, his sister, was in domestic service. She had not enjoyed good health of late. - Dr J. Allan said he had attended deceased on and off for some time. In his opinion death was due to heart failure. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 13 May 1919
TIVERTON - Unusual Cause Of Death At Tiverton. - Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. O. Clutsom, held an Inquest at the Hospital on Saturday night, on the body of STANLEY HACKETT, aged three months, son of MR GEO. HACKETT, labourer, of Westexe South, Tiverton, who was found dead in bed the previous day. - Dr Pollock, who had made a post mortem examination, found all the organs well nourished and perfectly healthy, except the thymus gland, which was enlarged. He had never had a case like this before, but he had read in books that sudden death occurred in infants from a swollen thymus gland. He could not otherwise account for death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was entered.

Western Times, Thursday 15 May 1919
EXETER - Late Gen. Tom Thumb's Agent Dies At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at 7 Bartholomew-street, last evening, relative to the death of FREDERICK GEORGE NOBBS, aged 82, retired agent, of independent means, of Portland-street, Exeter, who died on Tuesday morning. - Evidence was given by his niece, Mrs Milton, to the effect that he had suffered from giddiness lately. On Easter Monday evening he fell in the street. On the Monday week last witness brought him to her house, where he died. - P.C. Madge said on the 22nd April deceased fell in High-street, and sustained cuts about the head and hand, for which he was treated at the Royal D. and E. Hospital. - Dr Clapp said deceased had valvular disease of the heart. He never recovered from the effects of the fall. He died from bronchial catarrh and heart disease, but death was accelerated by the shock from the fall. The cut on his hand caused him much pain and became much inflamed. - The Coroner found a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased had been a familiar figure in Exeter for many years. In his early days he was the agent for General Tom Thumb, the famous midget, with whom he travelled all over the world.

Western Times, Friday 16 May 1919
CULLOMPTON - Cullompton Fatality. Widow Whose Two Husband's Have Been Accidentally Killed. - Mr G. Stephens held an Inquest last evening on WILLIAM WOOD, aged 49 years, a Cullompton carter, who was killed on Tuesday afternoon, at Cullompton Station. - From the evidence it appeared that the deceased was holding his horse's head, the animal being restive. It bolted, and WOOD clung to the reins. He was carried about 30 yards, and struck the side of a cattle truck with his head. There was a cut six inches long on the left side of the head. He also, apparently, received a blow over the right temple, which fractured the skull. - Dr Alleyne stated that death was caused by the blow over the temple and was caused by the blow over the temple and was instantaneous. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed his sympathy with the widow, who had lost her first husband in a similar accident. - Mr G. F. Marshall, the G.W.R. cartage agent, by whom deceased was employed, also expressed his sympathy.

Western Times, Saturday 17 May 1919
OTTERY ST. MARY - Talaton Fatality. Cyclist Killed in Collision With A Motor-Car. Driver Exonerated. - Dr E. T. Tweed held an Inquest at Talaton yesterday on REGINALD SAMUEL WOODLEY, aged 25, carpenter, of Talaton, who died in the Ottery St. Mary Hospital as the result of severe injuries received as a result of a collision with a motor-car. The facts concerning the accident were fully reported in our yesterday's issue. At the Inquest yesterday Supt. Braddell appeared on behalf of the Police and the driver of the car, Mr Oswald Read, son of Mr Read, baker, of Whimple, was represented by Mr S. Ernest Crosse, of Exeter. The relatives of the deceased were represented by Mr J. McGahey, of Exeter. - GEORGE CHARLES WOODLEY, brother of the deceased, said Moor-lane (at the corner of which the accident occurred) was between the Talaton Inn and the Railway Bridge, and it ran off the Ottery road. There was a good deal of traffic in Moor-lane, which was a parish road. - By Mr McGahey: Witness said he arrived on the scene of the accident about two hours after it happened. He then observed that there was a good deal of blood in the middle of the road and a little further on past the pool of blood there was a mark of a wheel in the right hand hedge for some distance. It was not a clean run into the hedge, and showed by the track of the wheels for a distance of eighteen feet the car had been travelling on the wrong side of the road. There were two other witnesses present who observed this. His brother lived with his mother and was her sole support. - Oswald Read, baker, stated that on Wednesday he was driving a Ford car for trade, and his last stop was at Talaton Rectory. He was travelling at ten miles an hour. when nearing Moor-lane he was going at a slow pace as he was about to turn off from this particular road about 300 yards further on. When approaching the corner of Moor-lane a man came out from the side road on a bicycle. Witness had not heard the sound of a bicycle bell and considered he would have heard it if it had been rung. - The Coroner: Did you look on it as a dangerous corner? - Witness: Well all roads are dangerous, more or less. I was taking all the precautions necessary. - Do you consider it a dangerous part of the road? - It is just an average road, I should say, for Devonshire. - Proceeding, witness said he was travelling well on the left hand side of the road when he saw the deceased cyclist coming out and the only thing to do was to swerve to the other side of the road to avoid him. Witness said he pulled his car to the right hand side of the road to avoid running straight over him. The cyclist, or rather the bicycle, struck the near side of the car. Directly witness saw an accident had happened he stopped the car and got out. Deceased was thrown and fell in the centre of the roadway, and about two or three feet from the car. Deceased was then unconscious and made no statement whatever. - Replying to the Coroner as to a previous accident, witness admitted that on one occasion a boy on a bicycle ran into him and the boy acknowledge it was his own fault. This happened about four years ago and the boy's name was Pratt and he then lived at Clyst St. Lawrence. - Mr McGahey: Did you sound your hooter? - Witness: Yes. - Do you remember anything that happened a week ago when Eli Batten, a servant in the employ of Mr Skinner, farmer, passed you with a young horse and held up his hand for you to stop? - I don't know. - That he had to jump off his colt and hold it by the head as you whizzed by on this very road? - I was not on that road. - The night before this accident you were driving at such a dangerous speed that you nearly ran into the deceased's man's brother with your car? - No. - Do you suggest the deceased man merely fell off his bicycle? - The car did not hit him, the bicycle ran into the car. - You must have come into contact with that bicycle at a very great speed? - No, my car was practically stopped in the hedge opposite. - Replying to Mr Crosse, witness said he thought deceased was making up the road towards him. If he (witness) had gone on in the same direction he would have been bound to run into deceased. The cyclist did not appear to have complete control. It was his opinion, as he saw the accident, that if the deceased man had control of his bicycle, and had not got a varnish tin, he would have been able to avoid it. - MR WOODLEY, recalled, said it was possible the varnish tin was attached to the bicycle, as there was some string lying in the road. - Dr J. A. W. Ponton said he was called shortly after 1.30 on Wednesday and proceeded to the end of Moor-lane, where deceased was lying by the side of the road in an unconscious state. He made no statement, and witness examined him and found he was suffering from severe lacerated wounds to the right temple and back of the head. He dressed the wounds and had the man removed to the Ottery Cottage Hospital. He remained unconscious until he died at a quarter past twelve the next morning, death being due to fracture of the base of the skull and severe concussion of the brain. The wounds must have been received, in his opinion, by contact with an irregular clean object, either from a part of a motor car or bicycle. - In reply to Mr McGahey, witness said the injuries must have been caused by a very violent collision. - P.C. Rockey said it was a windy and dusty day. He saw a mark in the hedge but failed to find the tracks of the wheels of the car on the roadway. The road was 20 feet wide and there was a hedge ten feet high at the corner of Moor-lane, and it was impossible to see anyone until you got to the bend of the road. He considered it would be much more convenient for traffic if these high hedges, which were not unusual in the district, were cut down at these corners. He thought Moor-lane corner was a dangerous one. - Further evidence was given by JOHN PETER WOODLEY and HUBERT WILLIAM WOODLEY, brothers of the deceased, the latter stating that the driver of the car and his brother may have lost their nerve and run into one another. - The Jury found the cause of death was Accidental, and exonerated the driver of the car from blame. They thought he did his best to get out of a difficult position. The Jury recommended the cutting down of the hedge in question and expressed their sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - Mr Crosse also expressed sympathy on behalf of the driver of the car.

Western Times, Monday 19 May 1919
SIDMOUTH - Sidmouth Servant Girl Dies In Her Sleep. - Dr E. T. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital on Friday relative to the death of LAURA BOWLES, 37 years of age, a servant in the employ of Mrs Underwood, of Ashcroft, Salcombe Regis. The deceased was found dead in her bed by Miss Williamson, niece to Mrs Underwood, at 7 a.m. on Thursday. At 5.30 the same morning Miss Williamson noticed the light of a candle from under the door of the bedroom occupied by deceased. She just opened the door and saw the girl (as she thought) asleep in her bed. Later she was found propped up with pillows, evidently arranged by herself, while suffering from a difficulty of breathing. She had carried out her duties in the house and was believed to be perfectly well up to the evening of her death, beyond the fact that she suffered from boils and carbuncles. - Evidence to this effect was given by Mrs Underwood and her niece, and Dr Cohen, who had made a post mortem examination, stated that he found the coronary arteries were blocked and the young woman suffered from a disease called atheromatus, and died from angina pectoris. The Coroner returned a verdict of death from these causes.

PAIGNTON - Sudden Death Of An Artist At Paignton. - Mr S. Hacker on Friday held an Inquest at Paignton respecting the death of JOHN ALEXANDER CUMMINGS, aged 46, a black and white artist, who had been residing in the town for about 18 months. On Thursday afternoon he was painting his boat on the quay of the harbour and complained of a pain in his leg. Dr George was telephoned for and on his arrival found the man dead. Dr George made an examination at the mortuary and found the organs in a degenerate condition, death being due to the rupture of a blood vessel in the brain. Verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Monday 26 May 1919
BRIXHAM - Drug Habit Victim. Brixham Chemist Found Dead In Bed. - At Brixham, on Friday, Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest on JOHN PHILLIPS SWAFFIN, chemist, Beach House Pharmacy, who was found dead in bed on Thursday. - Miss Bartlett, housekeeper, deposed that during the past nine or ten months deceased had had thickness of speech and at times been strange in his manner. She often asked him what was the matter, to which he replied he suffered from his old complaint - a bad heart. On Wednesday, at 2.45 p.m. he went upstairs to his bedroom. She called him for tea, but he replied he was not getting up as he was too tired. She called him again at 8.30 p.m., when he said he was not going to get up. On Thursday morning, unable to get an answer, she fetched Capt. and Mrs Putt, who found him dead. - P.S. Rowlands deposed that last September deceased commenced getting in a bad way, and he came under his observation in consequence of statements received. The Chief Constable came to the conclusion that he was not in a fit state to prescribe for panel patients. Last February witness was called to Exeter to give evidence before the District Committee, and that evidence had gone forward to the National Health Commissioners in London. Deceased had the appearance of a drunken man, but he detected no smell. Though thick in his speech, he was always polite and perfectly gentlemanly in manner. Witness considered his condition was due to drugs. - Dr G. B. Elliott deposed that he found no valvular disease of the heart, but muscular degeneration. His condition was such that he might have been tempted to take drugs to seek relief from pain. When he taxed deceased with taking drugs he replied "No," but he subsequently admitted taking chloral. He denied having taken cocaine. He warned him against taking chloral. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Heart Failure and to Heart Disease, accelerated by taking narcotic drugs."

Western Times, Tuesday 27 May 1919
CREDITON - Shobrooke Park Tragedy. Swansea Woman Found In The Pond On Saturday. - Mr Henry W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the Crediton Police Station yesterday relative to the death of MARY GREEN, 47, wife of WILLIAM DUNDAS GREEN, of Pentre Estyell, Swansea. Evidence was given by the husband to the effect that he last saw her alive at her home at 8.45 a.m. on Friday last. For some time she had been depressed owing to her two boys having been killed in the War. She did not tell witness that she intended to leave home, but at 4.30 p.m. he missed her. She left no communication. She had friends at Crediton called Balsom, with whom she had previously stayed. He wired to Mrs Balsom the same night, but the wire did not get through. - Ellen Balsom, of Crediton, said deceased stayed with her a fortnight and returned home safely three weeks ago. While deceased was at Crediton a woman drowned herself in Shobrooke pond. Deceased referred to it several times, and visited the spot. She suffered in her head, but was not depressed while at Crediton. Witness had heard that she had been depressed. - Edward Lovell, carter, who picked up deceased's hat and bag near the pond on the 24th, said he saw the body in the water, but no signs of a struggle on the bank. - Daniel John Gallin, roadman, stated that about 5.30 p.m. on the 23rd he met the deceased in the road about a quarter of a mile from the pond. - Dr W. Scott Campbell stated that there were no marks of violence. Death was due to drowning. - P.S. Webber said there was nothing found on the deceased which would throw any light on the matter. - The Coroner found that deceased committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Monday 2 June 1919
EXETER - Sad Affair. Scottish Journalist's Suicide At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Saturday, relative to the death of a retired Scottish journalist, WALTER JAMES RIVETT, aged 48, married, who died in the Hospital last night. Deceased had been suffering during the past two years from gastric ulcers, and as he was unable to retain his food he underwent an operation at the Hospital on the 14th inst. Although the operation relieved him, it was discovered that the malignant growth in the liver was more extensive than had been thought. He lost ground, and on Tuesday he asked the House Surgeon to be told the truth as to whether he was likely to recover. Dr Domville told him that he had no chance. His wife stayed with him by day. Friday night, at 7.40 the nurse in charge (Miss V. Blake) left the room in which deceased was in bed adjoining the Cresswell ward, and on her return ten minutes later she heard him groaning and saw him leaning half-way out of the bed with his throat cut. She said he had been in the habit of shaving himself and she afterwards discovered that during her temporary absence from the room he had pulled a soap case from underneath the bed and taken from it a razor. Although his mind had been wandering lately, she had no suspicion that he contemplated suicide. - Mr E. J. Domville, acting House Surgeon, who was called about 9.50 p.m. said deceased was then still alive, but he had a severe gash in his throat. If he had not inflicted the wound, he would not have lived another 24 hours. It was not thought he had strength enough to reach out of the bed. He could not have known what he was doing. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary insanity," and remarked that no blame attached to the Hospital authorities. Deceased's brother expressed thanks for the treatment deceased had received while in the Institution.

Western Times, Wednesday 4 June 1919
EXETER - Sad Death Of An Old Lady At Exeter. - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest yesterday at the St Thomas infirmary, Exeter, relative to the death of MRS CHARLOTTE NEWTON, 89, widow of FRANCIS NEWTON, gardener. It transpired that deceased had fallen at the back of the Almshouse, Kenton, where she had been living for many years. Speaking of the accident to Mrs A. M. Pidgeon, she said it seemed as if her feet had been lifted from the ground and she had fallen like a stone. She was picked up by Miss Hilda Gardener, of High-street, Kenton, to whom she complained of having hurt her thigh. As a result of the accident she was admitted to the St. Thomas Infirmary, where she died on the 30th May lat. Dr Black attributed death to the shock of the fall and old age. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 5 June 1919
HEANTON PUNCHARDON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, at an Inquest held by him at Wrafton on the body of WILLIAM COTTLE, 84, a retired seaman and old age pensioner. The deceased lived alone and as no reply could be got when he was called on Sunday morning, an entrance was effected, and he was found lying at the foot of the stairs unconscious, having apparently fallen down over. Dr Wright said deceased's skull was fractured and his right shoulder dislocated.

LANDKEY - Mr Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Landkey touching the death of EMMA JANE VERNEY, wife of a labourer. The husband, JOHN VERNEY, said she complained of feeling ill soon after going to bed on May 27, and died within a few minutes. Dr S. R. Gibbs of Barnstaple, who made a post mortem examination, said the valves and arteries of the heart were chalky and the heart was very small. He attributed death to atheroma and cardiac failure, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Saturday 7 June 1919
PARRACOMBE - Bristol Merchant's Death At Parracombe. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest conducted by Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held on Thursday at Parracombe, on the body of MR JOHN C. AVORY, aged 71 years, a wine and spirit merchant of Bristol, who died suddenly the night previous shortly after his arrival by train on a few days' holiday. Deceased's son said his father had been attended by a doctor at Bristol for heart trouble. Dr Cummings, who made a post mortem, said that deceased's heart was large and dilated. Death was due to heart failure, the result of exertion in walking up a hill.

Western Times, Monday 9 June 1919
NEWTON ST PETROCK - Young Girl's Sad Death In North Devon. - Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton St. Petrock on Friday touching the death of GERTRUDE EMILY TUCKER, aged 17, daughter of a farm labourer living at North Hockwill. The evidence showed that about twelve months ago deceased was operated upon for cerebro spinal meningitis, and recovered from the illness, going into a situation about two months ago. About a week ago she returned home complaining of feeling ill and was treated by Dr McSwiney, locum tenens for Dr Smith, of Shebbear, but died somewhat suddenly on Wednesday night. A post mortem examination revealed fatty degeneration of the heart, death being due to heart failure. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NORTHAM - Mr George Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Appledore, on Saturday evening, touching the death of WILLIAM KEEN, fisherman, who was taken suddenly ill early on Friday morning while out fishing with his son. Dr Valentine, who said death was due to syncope, drew attention to the lack of a suitable place at Appledore, in which to conduct a post mortem. In the present case he had to carry out the post mortem on the floor of the sitting room of the house. The Court promised to make representations to the proper quarters. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 12 June 1919
HOLSWORTHY - Boy Dies From Burns Near Holsworthy. - Mr H. C. Brown and a Jury of which Mr Harris, Vaglefield, was Foreman, held an Inquest at Cranbury, near Holsworthy, on Tuesday, on the body of ERNEST WILFRED PRIEST, aged 4 years and 11 months, son of MR and MRS J. PRIEST of Cranbury, who was sent to a shop at Holsworthy Beacon about one mile distant for some errands amongst which were two boxes of matches. Deceased was seen on the journey by Arthur Skinner, sitting on the grass lighting matches, by whom he was told not to do it, and was some time later sitting on the grass outside the entrance to his father's farm with his clothes (except his boots and socks) burnt. The mother in her evidence stated that she sent the boy for the thing she required and accompanied him part of the way. The father stated he found the boy outside his gate laying on the grass, with his clothes off and badly burnt about the body. Arthur Skinner spoke of his conversation with deceased, - witness being very closely examined by the Coroner. Sergeant Spicer stated that on receipt of information, he with Supt. Boutfield visited the spot and picked up portions of burnt clothing for the distance of about a quarter of a mile; also at various distances, matches, from the gate to Holsworthy Beacon. Dr W. G. Gray said he found deceased very badly burnt from the legs upwards, and stated it was a hopeless case from the first. The Coroner, in summing up, spoke of the practice which seemed to prevail of sending small children for errands. After due consideration the Jury returned a verdict of "Died from Shock caused by Burns, through his clothes being Accidentally set on fire."

Western Times, Friday 13 June 1919
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Sensation. Shooting Affray On U.S. Steamer. Charge Of Murder. - A shooting affray took place on Tuesday night on the American steamship Western Maid lying in Dartmouth Harbour, and as a result of the fracas one man was killed. Trouble arose between the engineering staff and the firemen, and revolvers being brought into use the first assistant engineer, ANTHONY F. KELLY, was shot dead while a fireman named J. Geary was seriously wounded. The Police arrested the chief engineer, Raymond Timmins, on a charge of murder and the next morning the arrested man appeared before the Dartmouth Bench on a murder charge. Formal evidence was given by P.S. Jewell, who deposed to going to the ship on Tuesday night, consequent on a report reaching the Police Station, and finding KELLY lying on the deck dead, having been shot through the heart. In the captain's room the sergeant saw prisoner whom he cautioned. P.S. Leach then charged Timmins with the murder of KELLY, and he replied "Yes." On this evidence prisoner was remanded until tomorrow, when he will again appear before the Bench. The event caused a sensation at Dartmouth equalled only by that caused by the great fire some years ago. The parties concerned in the affray are all American subjects. - Geary, who is lying injured at the Cottage Hospital, passed a comfortable night and has considerably improved. He is suffering from a bullet wound in the left shoulder and unless complications ensue he is expected to fully recover. - The Inquest was held yesterday afternoon by the Borough Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, and after a lengthy hearing the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" against Timmins.

Western Times, Monday 16 June 1919
EXMINSTER - Mamhead Camp Fatality. Brakesman Killed On Light Railway By Runaway Truck. - A fatal accident to a young brakesman named REGINALD PATRICK RYAN of 4 Melbury Street, Exminster, who had been employed on the light railway at Mamhead Timber Camp, was the subject of an Enquiry held in the Club Room, Exminster, on Saturday, by Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District. - JOHN RYAN, of Exminster, a groom, gave evidence of identification, and stated that deceased was eighteen years of age and had been working at the timber camp for the past four months. - Arthur John Frayne, seaman, of 8 New North Road, Exmouth, said he had been working at the timber camp for about nine weeks as a ganger, his duties being to see that the brakes on the trucks were in order, that the light-railway track was kept clear and that there was a regular supply of trucks to and from the depot; also to keep control of the brakesmen. On Thursday last, at about 4 p.m., three of them - deceased and another brakesman named Charles Pepprell, and the witness - started a truck in Mamhead Wood from where the horses hitched off to the top of the double cable, a distance of about 300 yards. When they had gone about 100 yards witness found the brakes were not properly holding the truck, which was loaded with heavy pit props. Witness and the other two men were all riding on the wagon, deceased in front and the other two at the back. Witness shouted to his companion who jumped off. Witness also shouted to deceased to try and get clear, and the latter shouted back "The brakes won't hold." Deceased then made a sudden jump for it, and witness jumped off immediately afterwards. When witness got up he saw the truck was upset and the deceased was lying across the rails. Witness ran to him but he did not speak and was almost dead. The truck must have gone over him. Witness added that a cable with a windlass was provided for the working of the trucks, and they usually attached the heavily loaded trucks to this cable, but they were unable to do so on this occasion owing to the fast increasing speed at which the truck was travelling when it passed the spot. Witness had been told not to ride on the trucks and in doing so on this occasion was disobeying orders. Deceased and Pepprell, however, were fulfilling their duties properly. After the accident witness looked at the brakes on the truck and found they were all smashed up. It has been raining, but he neglected to sand the lines. - Charles Pepprell, age 17 years, of the Lime Kiln, Exminster, a general farm labourer, who had been working at the camp as a brakesman for about five weeks, gave corroborative evidence, and stated that he had never taken any heavy timber before without using the cable. - John Culverhouse of 14 Charles-street, Exminster, farm bailiff, a foreman at the camp, said he was not present when the accident occurred. The men had been cautioned by him not to ride on the front of the trucks - although he admitted that the brake could not be efficiently worked unless they did so, without a wedge. According to the evidence given, it was impossible for the cable to have been attached, owing to the truck running away. - Geoffrey Stuart McLeod, of Exeter, assistant manager at the camp, said the expert men who had been employed at the camp had all gone, and the present staff consisted of novices. He was of opinion that the truck ran away because the lines were greasy; they should have been sanded. - Dr J. H. Iles, of Starcross, said he had examined the body of the deceased and was of the opinion that the truck ran over his chest, which was crushed. Death was due to shock, caused by internal injuries. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Tuesday 17 June 1919
TAVISTOCK - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd, Deputy Coroner, at the Cemetery Lodge, Tavistock, on the body of GEORGE TRICK, aged 62, farm labourer, recently employed by Mr Walter Harvie, of Will Farm, Petertavy.

EXETER - Taken Ill While Motoring. Bournemouth Lady's Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at No. 2 Baring-crescent, Exeter, yesterday afternoon by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of MRS FRANCES AUGUSTA SCOTT, of Bournemouth, which occurred suddenly at the house on Saturday afternoon whilst the lady was on a visit. - Miss Fursdon identified the body, saying the deceased was 69 years of age, and was the widow of MR ROBERT SCOTT, tea planter, of Ceylon. On Saturday last MRS SCOTT arrived at the house about noon, saying she had intended motoring from Somerset to Cornwall without stopping, but was feeling unwell, so she had called to get some hot water. She went to a bedroom and tried several remedies, but soon afterwards was taken worse, and witness sent for a doctor. Mrs Lock, a trained nurse, kindly came in, and did what she could, but MRS SCOTT passed away within a few minutes. Witness had known MRS SCOTT for many years, and knew that she had suffered for a long period from heart trouble. - Dr J. M. Acland, M.R.C.S., said he came as soon as possible on Saturday after he was sent for, but on arrival he found the lady was dead. Witness believed the cause of death was heart failure, due to disease of that organ. - Dr R. Pickard gave corroborative evidence as to the cause of death, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

MOLLAND - North Devon Cyclist Killed Through Colliding With Motor-Car. - At Smallcombe Farm, Molland, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, has Inquired into the accidental death of FREDERICK J. POOK, 22 years, son of a farmer. - Richard Nicholls stated that the previous Monday evening he was motoring from the Black Cock Hotel to Molland. Near Sheepwash Corner he slowed down to about four miles an hour and kept close to the left-hand hedge, in order to round the sharp corner. As he turned the corner, he saw POOK cycling down the hill towards him, and immediately applied the brakes, stopping the car. POOK, however, crashed into the car, and his head having struck the glass screen, he bounded off from the car and lay in the roadway. With assistance, witness lifted the young man into the car, drove him to the farm, and sent for Dr Mortimer. - Dr Mortimer, who saw POOK the same evening, informed the Coroner that he was suffering from fractured ribs and a scalp wound and was vomiting. Later he consulted Dr Harper, of Barnstaple, in regard to the case, but nothing could be done and death occurred the following night. - P.C. Cole who interviewed POOK after the occurrence, stated that the young man informed him that he thought he could turn the corner before the car reached it, but instead crashed into it. He attached no blame to the driver of the car. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated Mr Nicholls from blame.

Western Times, Tuesday 24 June 1919
TORQUAY - Commits Suicide At Torquay. End His Misery. - The circumstances attending the death of JOHN COTTLE, who was found hanging from the banister of the staircase at 33 Windsor-road, Torquay, on Friday morning, were investigated by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, at Torquay on Saturday. - MR CHARLES HOWE BROWNE, solicitor, of 23 Cottrell-road, Surbiton, identified the deceased as his father-in-law. He was 67 years of age and of independent means. When witness saw him last, in January, he was in a bad state of health and as a result of this he got very despondent at times, as the various doctors he had consulted were unable to do anything for him. Apart from his health, deceased had no trouble whatever. As far as witness knew, he had not threatened to take his life. Deceased's wife went to Bournemouth on holiday last Wednesday. Witness produced a letter, written by deceased, in which he alluded to his "hopeless malady." The letter further stated: "I have struggled on for the last two months, but the internal pains have been so excessive and the mental depression so severe by day and night, that I am compelled to put an end to this misery. - Elizabeth Mitchell, a widow, living at 44 Windsor-road, deposed that she went to deceased's house each morning to give any assistance and to take MR COTTLE a cup of tea. He was as usual when she saw him on Thursday, but when she entered the house at 7.30 on the following morning, she found him hanging to the banister. A rope was tied from the bottom of the staircase to the umbrella stand, apparently to prevent the witness from walking through the passage and colliding with the body. Witness informed Mr Lakeman, who cut down the body, which was then cold. Witness knew deceased suffered considerably, but she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Dr J. A. Francis (locum tenens for Dr Wiggan), stated that deceased was dead when he arrived at the house just before 8 o'clock on the previous morning. Death was due to hanging. Dr Wiggan had been attending deceased for the past five or six years and had told witness that COTTLE was very depressed about his various ailments. Death probably took place at 9 o'clock on Thursday evening - he had been dead ten hours or more when witness saw him. - Evidence was also given by William E. Lakeman, draper, 31 Windsor-road, and the Coroner read a letter, addressed by deceased to Dr Wiggan, similarly worded to that sent to MR BROWNE. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 26 June 1919
COMBE MARTIN - Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Combe Martin yesterday on the body of MARY LEY, aged 92, whom the evidence showed fell on March 13th last, severely bruising the right side of her head and temple and also her right loin. Dr Manning treated her for the same, death taking place on Tuesday, the cause of which he attributed to heart failure, the result of the shock from the accident. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 27 June 1919
BIDEFORD - A Child Killed By Motor-Car At Bideford. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford Hospital, yesterday afternoon, on WINIFRED NORAH STONEMAN, aged 11, daughter of MRS CLARA STONEMAN, of Hart-street, Bideford, who died as the result of being knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Wiley, of the Bath Hotel, Westward Ho! The accident happened in Mill-street, at a dangerous corner between the top of Bridgeland-street and North-road. The evidence shewed that the child must have run out from behind another vehicle just as the car was passing. There was no blame attaching to the driver of the car, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Saturday 28 June 1919
TEIGNMOUTH - Found Dead In A Boat At Teignmouth. - Sitting without a Jury, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, last evening held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on the body of MR EDWARD F. EDEN, 69, of Lynton, Coombe-road, who died whilst out fishing the previous day. - MISS MARGARET EDEN, daughter, said her father had not been attended by a doctor for the past nine years. He left to go fishing on Thursday in his boat as he was accustomed to do. - Rev. Hubert G. Chalk, Vicar of St Thomas, Exeter, who was lunching on the Ness Rocks, saw deceased rowing against the wind and tide, and all at once he disappeared from view. He attracted the attention of Mr J. Minton, a Shaldon boatman, to MR EDEN'S boat, and on Mr Minton and witness going there they saw the occupant had fallen backwards with his knees over the side. - Dr E. H. Goulden attributed death to syncope, due to atheromatous disease of the aorta. In his opinion MR EDEN was unwise to pull against the tide and wind with the boat. Mr Edmonds did not think there was any necessity to carry the Enquiry further as the deceased came to his death, according to the doctor, in a Natural way.

Western Times, Tuesday 1 July 1919
EXETER - Infant's Death. Inquest Opened At Exeter Yesterday. How The Body Was Found. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, opened at the Court House yesterday the Inquest on the female child of CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH ELLEN LOW, 32, wife of a soldier of Colleton Grove. The child was, it will be remembered, found dead in a bedroom on Friday morning, and MRS LOW was later in the day brought before the Magistrates on a charge of causing its death and was remanded till Friday next. - Detective-Inspector Hoyle watched the Enquiry on behalf of the Police. - Mr Roland S. Purnell was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner said they would not be able to finish the Enquiry that day. He proposed to take sufficient evidence to warrant his giving a certificate for the burial of the child. - Detective-Sergt. Walters stated that on Friday, about 10.20 a.m. he went to 4 Colleton-grove, the Friars, where Mrs Hendy, the occupier, said, in response to a question from witness as to the body of a child being in the house, "Yes; it is MRS LOW'S baby. She is staying here." MRS LOW, witness added, was the wife of a sergeant in the R.A.M. Corps serving in Egypt. Witness went to a bedroom, and in a basket under the bed he found the child wrapped in a flannelette blanket. He took the body to the mortuary, and the mother to the Police Station. On the strength of a statement the mother made to him, she was taken before the Magistrates and charged with unlawfully causing the death of her illegitimate child. She was remanded until Friday next. The birth certificate (produced) was taken from a purse belonging to MRS LOW. It showed that the child was born in Bridport Infirmary on the 2nd June. MRS LOW told him where he would find the certificate. - The Coroner suggested that on that evidence there should be an adjournment. - Mr W. H. Pring (a Juror) asked whether the child was born at Bridport and brought alive to Exeter. - The Coroner: We shall know that next week. We shall produce witnesses from Bridport. At the present moment we cannot say what their evidence will be. - The Inquest was adjourned till Monday next at 2.30.

Western Times, Friday 4 July 1919
NORTH MOLTON - Death Of North Molton Farmer's Son. - At South Ley Farm, North Molton, yesterday, Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of CYRIL GEORGE TUCKER, the eleven-year-old son of WILLIAM TUCKER, farmer. The evidence showed that on 25th April last the boy was sent to Nadrid Farm, North Molton, by his father with a message and left on a pony which he had been accustomed to ride for many months. Later he was brought back to the farm by Mr Westcott in a dazed condition, and said, "I am going to die." - The father stated that when he had somewhat recovered the boy told him that he was endeavouring to get up on the pony outside Nadrid Farm, when the animal became restive and bolted, he (the boy) being dragged along the road with his foot in the stirrup. He did not remember anything else. - Dr Seal, of South Molton, said in his opinion death was due to osteo-myelitis and septicaemia. Although it was not certain that the accident had any bearing on the cause of death, yet it might have reduced the boy's general vitality. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes as certified by the doctor.

Western Times, Monday 7 July 1919
EXETER - Too Late For Operation. Widworthy Girl's Death At Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - At an Inquest held by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday, relative to FLORENCE DARE, aged 20, domestic servant, who died in the Institution on Thursday, it was stated that she was the daughter of MR THOMAS DARE, gamekeeper, of Knapp Cottage, Widworthy, near Honiton, and had been in service at Crewkerne where, after having been medically treated, it was found that an operation was necessary and on Wednesday she was removed to the Hospital at Exeter. Evidence was given by the Acting House Surgeon, Mr E. J. Domville, to the effect that the girl was suffering from abscess in the pleural cavity. When admitted to the Institution she was in a feeble condition, but it was decided that the only chance of saving her life was an operation without delay. On Thursday she was placed on the operating table, and only a small portion of the anaesthetic had been administered when she collapsed and her breathing stopped. A post-mortem examination revealed that a large abscess was pressing on one side of the lung and the substance of the heart was diseased. Miss A. Mills, who assisted the last witness, said she had just started administering the anaesthetic when deceased collapsed. The abscess was pressing on the lungs and heart and her excitement might have accelerated death. - The Coroner found that death was due to pressure of the abscess on the heart and that it was accelerated by shock.

OKEHAMPTON - The Suicide Of An Accountant At Okehampton. - Mr A. C. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Okehampton on Saturday, relative to the death of MR A. W. BLACKBEARD, solicitors accountant, aged 55, whose body was found in the West Okement on Thursday. - Mrs Jessop, with whom deceased lodged, said, for some years deceased had suffered from gout. Very often he became depressed. On Wednesday afternoon he went out without saying where he was going and that was the last time she saw him alive. - Fred Horne and Alfred George Melhuish, of Meldan, deposed to finding the body. The latter said he also discovered a watch and hat (which was identified as the deceased's property) on the river bank. - Mr Brown, the Coroner, stated that deceased had been in his employ. He always understood that he suffered from depression, and at times had considerable pains from gout. His accounts appeared to be in perfect order. Deceased had no worries of which he knew beyond bad health and depression. - Dr Burd said that death was due to drowning. - The Jury found that deceased threw himself into the river whilst in an Unsound State of Mind.

BAMPTON - Angler's Tragic Death Whilst Trout Fishing In The River At Bampton. - Mr Henry W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Bampton on Saturday, relative to the death of ARTHUR CONRAD WILLAN, aged 31, of Brockenhurst, Hants, who had been staying at Bampton fishing since the 19th May, and who died as the result of a seizure which overtook him while he was playing a fish at Highly Weir Pool on the evening of the 3rd. - COLONEL F. WILLAN, of Burley Manor, Brockenhurst, who identified the body as that of his son, said the deceased had been attended medically for epilepsy, following an accident some years ago, and had undergone an operation to the head to relieve pressure on the brain. At Bampton he had been accompanied by a friend and an attendant. The latter had always been vigilant in the discharge of his duties. - William McInnes, the attendant, said on Thursday deceased started fishing at 11.45 a.m., and caught a number of fish. At 6.20 p.m. he was in the Highly Weir Pool, Bampton. He caught a fish and was in the act of playing it when he had a seizure. Witness, who was on the bank, waded into the river and fetched him out. Deceased went under water, but witness got him to the surface within three minutes and moved him to the bank. Witness endeavoured to restore animation. Deceased showed signs of life, and attempted to climb up the bank. When deceased died at 7.30 they were still in the river, as witness was unable to get him up on the bank, which was too steep. Subsequently, with assistance, he got deceased to the bank. Witness had seen him in fits before both on land and in the river. When deceased was got out of the water on Thursday evening blood was oozing from his nostrils, mouth, ears and eyes. He is a member of quite a military family, and his two brothers, one a General and another a Colonel, have served their country during the war. Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 8 July 1919
EXETER - A Baby's Death. Husband's Tribute To His Wife At Exeter. A Touching Scene. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, of which Mr R. S. Purnell was Foreman, resumed at the Court House, yesterday, the Inquest on the female child of CHARLOTTE ELIZABETH ELLEN LOW, 32, wife of a soldier, of 4 Colleton-grove. The mother is on remand on a charge of having caused the child's death. At the previous proceedings evidence was given by Detective-Sergeant Walters as to going to Colleton-grove, The Friars, on Friday, June 27th, where, in a bedroom, he found the body in a basket under the bed. It was wrapped in flannelette. The mother made a statement to him, and she was charged with causing the death of her illegitimate child. The officer took from a purse belonging to MRS LOW a birth certificate. - Yesterday, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens was present to represent the Public Prosecutor; Chief Inspector Martin was present on behalf of the Police; Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the mother; and Mr S. Ernest Crosse represented Mr E. Hendy, landlord of the house in which the child's mother occupied apartments. - Detective Sergeant Walters again went into the witness-box and stated that when he went to the house at 4 Colleton-grove, and while he was speaking to Mrs Hendy, the landlady, MRS LOW was in the back kitchen. She was called into the room where witness and Mrs Hendy were, and witness told her the purpose of his visit. She said her husband, who was a sergeant in the R.A.M.C., had been serving in Egypt, and was then on his way home. He was formerly an engineer in a ship-building yard. Asked what the name of the child was, the woman replied that it was MARGARET ELLEN LOW, and was aged three weeks. "It is my baby that is dead," she said. "It was born on June 2nd last in Bridport Infirmary. I went to Bridport a month ago yesterday and stayed at 16 Barrack-lane. It is not my husband's child; he has been away two and a half years. I left Bridport by the 2.30 p.m. train yesterday, and brought the baby with me. It was then all right. I came here from the Station in a cab about eight o'clock. The baby was just living then. I came straight here. Oh, I done it." Seeing it was getting serious, witness then cautioned the woman, and she continued, "I done it. I tied it around the neck in the train." Witness told her she was bringing a very grave charge against herself of having taken the baby's life and she went on, "I don't remember any more. I am gone in my brain. This trouble has turned my brain. I've got to suffer for somebody else. This has been forced upon me. I tied the napkin around baby's mouth when I was in a waiting room at one of the Stations where I had to change. It just squeaked when I took it out of the cab. I had it lying on my hat box, wrapped in a blanket. I didn't tell Mrs Hendy anything about it. Later in the night I put it in the dress basket. It was dead then. I have had awful pains in my head since. I had the influenza in October. The baby is up under my bed. Mrs Hendy's husband is the father. He forced me. Dr Roper has been attending me for my eyes; they pain me awful at times. Oh, why did I do it? I had a letter from my husband on Wednesday saying he was coming home on the 26th or 27th." This statement, said witness, was made in the presence of Mrs Hendy, who accompanied witness to the bedroom where the body was found. It was wrapped in a blanket and a napkin was tied round its face. Just where the mouth and nose came, there was a blood stain. The napkin was tied behind and came undone readily. There were bloodstains about the blanket. The nose was flattened and turned towards the right. The body was fully dressed. MRS LOW handed to him a letter dated February 5th, which she said was a copy of one she wrote to her husband when she knew the condition she was in. - The Coroner said the letter was of a penitent character. - Witness, in answer to Mr McGahey, said there was nothing against MRS LOW'S moral character outside this matter, and she was at one time in service with a lady in the city from January to May. He believed that lady was in Court and willing to speak on her behalf. When witness had the interview with the mother she was agitated and excited, but he could not say anything as to her mental state at the time. - By Mr Crosse: It was after she had complained of her head that she made the allegation against Mr Hendy as to the paternity of the child. - Mr McGahey said he did not know whether this point was going to be pursued by Mr Crosse. He did not see what it had to do with the inquiry. - The Coroner: We are here to consider the cause of death of the child, but it has never been the custom to inquire into the paternity unless there is an allegation that he is in some way connected with the death. - Mr Crosse said he should not have mentioned the matter, but up to the present Mr Hendy had never been accused of being the father of the child. He had instructed him, Mr Crosse, to give an absolute denial to the allegation, and with this he, Mr Crosse, would be content. - Mrs Jessie Hendy said MRS LOW had occupied a room at her house for two and a half years. In October she had influenza and was subsequently attended at the Eye Infirmary by Dr Roper. In the early part of this year she took a situation as temporary cook, and in May she told witness she was going away by the doctor's orders for a holiday. She took her child, named MILLICENT, three years old, with her. She said she was going to Bridport. Witness noticed nothing in the woman's condition. She was away about a month and returned the day before Sergt. Walters visited the house. She came in a cab with her little girl. Witness's husband carried in the dress basket. He offered to carry in a cardboard box and a parcel on the top, but MRS LOW would not let him, saying she would carry that herself. Her little girl pointed to the parcel on the box, and said, "There's a little baby in that." MRS LOW then said, "She keeps on saying there is a baby there." - In consequence of a statement made to witness by her (Mrs Hendy's_ daughter, she went to MRS LOW'S room on the following morning and asked her if she had had a baby. She at first said she had not, but subsequently admitted that she had. Witness asked where it was and MRS LOW said it was dead, and was in the dress basket. Witness screamed, whereupon one of the neighbours came into the room, and afterwards went for the Police. When MRS LOW asserted that her husband (Mr Hendy) was the father of the child, she told witness not to tell her husband or her children. - By Mr McGahey: Since she had the influenza, MRS LOW had complained of awful pains in her head, and had had to go and lie down because her head was so bad. - Dorothy Gwendoline Hendy, daughter of the last witness, said on the evening that MRS LOW came back from Bridport she went to her room to speak to her. MRS LOW held the door in her hand, and while they were talking witness heard the cry of a baby. She asked MRS LOW what it was, and she answered, "It's nothing; it's only a cat." Looking towards the window whence the sound came, witness saw a big roll like a blanket. MRS LOW then said she was going to look for her little girl and witness turned away and MRS LOW closed the door. Almost immediately witness again heard the cry, and she spoke to her parents about it. - Mrs Alice Tompkins, who lives at 16 Barrack-street, Bridport, a beer-house known as the Tiger Inn, said she answered an advertisement in a Bridport paper for a furnished room for two or three weeks for the wife of a soldier and a girl of three years. She got a letter and afterwards a visit from MRS LOW. Noticing the latter's condition, she made some remark about it, and MRS LOW said the event suggested would not take place until September. She took the room and one morning, four days later, finding she was very unwell, witness suggested she should go to the Workhouse Infirmary to be confined. She did so, and returned to witness' house afterwards. She was very grateful to witness for what she had done for her. Witness noticed nothing wrong with MRS LOW'S mind. She left on June 26th, and took some milk with her for the baby. She was all right when she left. On her arrival, she told witness she had had influenza and had come to Bridport for a change. - In answer to Mr McGahey, Mrs Tompkins said when MRS LOW came back from the Workhouse Infirmary she purchased a complete outfit of clothes for the baby. - Clara Annie Friend, Matron and head nurse of Bridport Workhouse infirmary, said MRS LOW was admitted to the Infirmary at 10.30 on June 2nd, and the child was born at half past two the same day. The child was of average size, but below the normal weight. MRS LOW remained three weeks in the Infirmary and during that time nothing transpired to lead witness to think her mind was not all right. There was nothing in her conduct that looked hostile to the child. - P.S. Bishop of Bridport, said he saw MRS LOW at Bridport Station on June 26th. While she was waiting there, a woman spoke to her, and in reply she said her husband was coming home, and she did not want him to arrive and find the door locked. She was carrying an infant in her arms and there was a little girl with her. She took a ticket for Exeter, and travelled on the 2.47 train. Witness came some distance by the same train in another compartment. - Dr Bell, Consulting Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that with Dr Pereira Gray he made a post-mortem examination of the child. He described the conditions of the organs, which were for the most part congested. With the exception of injury to the nose and mouth, there were no external marks of violence. The cause of death was suffocation. - Mr McGahey suggested to Dr Bell that the fact that the woman, after three weeks suckling the child, suddenly stopped that method of feeding and resorted to bottle nursing, added to the effects of influenza, followed by paralysis of the eye and the worry of her husband's home-coming to find she had this illegitimate child, might be conducive to puerperal insanity, but he had never in his experience found a case in which this form of insanity came on and passed off suddenly. - Dr Pereira Gray said he had a long conversation with the woman, and he saw no sign of insanity; neither did he think she was suffering from puerperal fever. - Dr Gray agreed with Dr Bell as to the cause of death. - As to puerperal insanity, he said, in reply to Mr McGahey, that such cases usually took time. - Mrs Bertha Elizabeth Drew, called by Mr McGahey, said the accused woman, whose maiden name was DENSHAM, had been a servant of hers for a short period and witness had known her for a very long time. The woman had been subject to very violent pains in the head, which temporarily incapacitated her for her work. She was always very steady and industrious. - The accused woman's husband, SERGT. HARRY LOW, R.A.M.C., said he left his wife at the beginning of January 1917, when he went to Palestine. He saw her again just one week ago. All the letters he had received from her were very affectionate, as usual, and all very bright and cheerful with the exception of last autumn, or winter, when she had a severe attack of influenza. - The Coroner: As far as I know you have no ill-feeling against your wife at all? - Witness: None whatever. She is one of the best wives that ever was - truthful and loving and honest. I know that the brute that did it must have put her in a most peculiar position. She is not the sort of woman who goes running about doing things like this. - Mr McGahey: And you are willing to stick to her? - Witness: Certainly. I forgive her freely for anything she has done. I know she is true and faithful. - The accused woman, who was sitting immediately below the witness-box, sobbed pitifully, but quietly. - This concluded the evidence. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said the woman had, apparently, gone about this matter very methodically. There was abundant motive for her getting rid of the baby and he suggested that it looked as if it was carried out with a certain amount of cunning and very considerable care. He did not say that one did not feel sympathy with a woman who had made a slip of that sort, and who saw that she had to face the music, but the question for them was whether she, with malice aforethought, deprived the child of its life. The question of insanity was one not for them, but for a Court of Assize. The husband denied having ever received a letter from his wife explaining all the circumstances. Yet what purported to be the copy of such a letter had been produced to them. That did not suggest any weakness of mind, so far as he could see. - The Jury retired at 5.15 p.m. to consider their verdict, and five minutes later re-entered the Court and returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against the mother, the Foreman remarking that they had been quite unanimous. - The accused, who, on the conclusion of the evidence, had been removed to the Dock, was taken from the Court in custody.

Western Times, Wednesday 9 July 1919
DARTMOUTH - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned at a Dartmouth Inquest, Monday, on the body of WILLIAM PROUT WYATT, aged 69, a shoemaker, who passed away in his sleep on Friday night, from an affection of the heart. - Mr A. M. Davson (Coroner) sat without a Jury.

HENDON, MIDDLESEX - Murder Of A Devonian. Inquest On The Victim Of The Hendon Tragedy. - The Inquest was opened yesterday at Hendon on the victim of the Hendon wine shop murder. MISS SYBIL GREGORY said deceased, her father, came from Devonshire in August, 1915. On Thursday morning she said he proposed to sleep at night at the Hendon shop. Her father made a practice of carrying his own loose money in his pockets and notes in a wallet. A large suit case produced, found on the scene of the murder, witness had never seen before. Her father's named was JOHN THOMAS GREGORY, and the initials on the suit-case were J.W.B. - Through the courtesy of the Coroner, the Press Association representative was shown a photograph of the scene of the crime taken before the Police removed the body. On the floor in front of the fireplace the deceased is showing lying dead, with his face and hand terribly smashed in, and bathed in blood. On a table are two wine glasses and an over-turned flower vase. On the floor near the body there is a bent poker. - Witness said she did not see enough of the man to recognise him again. - William Tanner, who was called by Mrs Bailey to the shop, said when he opened the flap of the letter-box he saw the sole of a boot or shoe disappearing down the passage. - A neighbour, lodging next door to the shop, spoke to seeing a stranger cross the lawn shortly after the murder was discovered, unbolt the garden gate, close it hastily behind him and walk in the direction of the Edgware Road. - It was stated that the shop takings had been paid into the bank last week. - A little boy brought into Court admitted statements he had made of having seen men hanging about outside the shop were untrue. - Mrs Bailey said whilst passing the shop last Friday she heard the sound of the smashing of glass. She turned back and saw blood splashes on the bottom of the window. A man came to the window, pulled the top curtain to and rubbed the window with the bottom curtain from the inside. - A Police Inspector said the Police had been unable to trace the owner of the suit case found in the garden at the back of the wine stores. - The Coroner here announced that the publication of the evidence to follow would hinder the Police in their enquiries and he therefore proposed to exclude from the Court everybody except the Police, Jury and medical witnesses. The Jury returned a verdict of Wilful Murder against some Person Unknown.

Western Times, Monday 14 July 1919
EXETER - Fatality At Heavitree. Exeter Youth Falls Under A Loaded Waggon. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Saturday, relative to the death of ERNEST EVANS, aged 16, Rack-street, Exeter, who died from injuries received through being run over by a waggon, of which he was in charge, at Heavitree, on the 7th inst. Mr F. Templeman appeared on behalf of the deceased's relatives, and Mr S. Ernest Crosse represented the deceased's employers, Messrs. Pearse and Co., marine store dealers, Commercial-road. - The father of the deceased said his son, who was in robust health, formerly worked on a farm at Tiverton. He had been working for Messrs. Pearce and Co about a week before the accident. Witness saw him in the Hospital on Wednesday, two days after the accident. Deceased then told him he was on his rounds on the Monday; that he had about 7 cwt. of bones in the waggon; and that when he was getting into the waggon to take the reins, the pony darted off. Deceased added that he slipped and fell, his left foot falling under the wheels, which passed over his stomach. He died at the Hospital on Thursday. - John Westcott, foreman in the employment of the firm, said he was walking about 12 yards in front of the waggon when Mrs Nethercott shouted "Oh!" and he immediately heard a scuffle as if the pony was starting off. Witness dropped his bicycle, and caught the pony within six yards. He saw deceased between the two wheels of the waggon, which, with the load, would be about 14 cwt. The pony had run away on one or two occasions before, but had never injured anyone seriously. - By Mr Templeman: A boy was slightly injured about three years ago, but not sufficiently to cause him to remain at home. - by Mr Crosse: Witness said it was three or four years ago that he last saw the pony run away. - Caroline Nethercott, Coombe-street, said she heard a shout of "Whoa!" and saw the deceased by the side of the pony and pulling at the reins. His foot appeared to slip and he fell, the hind wheel passing over his body. When the deceased fell the pony was endeavouring to gallop. Witness picked up deceased, who quickly became unconscious. - Mr E. J. Domville, Acting House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased, when admitted, was in a state of collapse. The usual stimulants were applied. His breathing became very rapid and on Wednesday he was apparently dying. An operation was performed on Thursday night. the abdomen was full of blood and a large rent in the liver, for which nothing could be done. Death was due to haemorrhage from the liver. - The Coroner found a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Crosse expressed, on behalf of Mr Pearse, profound sympathy with the parents.

Western Times, Tuesday 15 July 1919
TAVISTOCK - MRS WILMOT, aged 79, living alone at Tor Cottage, near Walreddon, Tavistock, was found dead in the road near her house on Thursday. She had been collecting wood, and appeared to have been carrying a bundle of wood weighing 27lbs. At the Inquest held on Friday by the Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, a verdict of Death by Natural Causes was given.

ST MARYCHURCH - At the St Marychurch Town Hall on Saturday afternoon, the District Coroner, Mr Hacker, held an Inquest respecting the death of SAMUEL THOMAS RABJOHNS, the manager of the York Hotel, St. Marychurch, who died suddenly on Thursday night. After hearing the evidence of the widow and Dr Pitt Palmer, the Coroner returned a verdict to the effect that the death of deceased was caused by sudden heart failure, through a diseased heart, accelerated by injuries received about three years ago at Tiverton, through falling from a window. - MRS RABJOHNS said that after closing the house on Thursday night at 10, her husband went out, and shut the back door. He came in again, and remarked to a lodger in the sitting-room that he was not feeling well. The lodger fetched MRS RABJOHNS. Deceased exclaimed "I am going," and dropped down dead. He was 50 years of age.

TOPSHAM - "Found Drowned." A Visitor's Death In A Brook Near Exeter. Inquest At Countess Weir. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest, without a Jury, at the Countess Wear Inn, near Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of ALFRED CARLISLE EDGER, whose body was found on Saturday in a dyke near the St. Thomas's sewage outfall, about 200 yards from Countess Wear Bridge. - JOHN WARREN EDGER, a commercial traveller, living at Oakleigh Gardens, Whetstone, London, brother of deceased, identified the body. Deceased, he said, was 39 years of age, and for the last 13 or 14 years had lived in Australia. Before going to Australia he was a schoolmaster, but did not follow his profession long after getting there. He moved about a good deal, and had no fixed abode. He was rejected for the Army out there, and came to England with a Labour battalion. Witness had not seen him since he landed in this country. - MISS IVY AMELIA ELIZABETH EDGER, of Chisleborough, Somerset, sister, said her brother came over in March 1918, and subsequently joined the Royal Air Force. She last saw him on the 26th May at Taunton. He was then going to Sussex, he having been demobilised in February. She presumed he came to Devonshire to seek work. He had no friends in Exeter so far as she knew. She had a letter from him a week ago from Bristol. - Asked if in any of his letters to her deceased had indicated that he contemplated committing suicide, witness said in the letter before the last she received from him he said he wondered what would be the end of it all, but she would know soon. There was no direct threat of suicide. He had complained of the difficulty of getting work. He was married, but had not seen his wife for 14 years. - Thomas Shorland, of Exminster, canal employee, stated that about midday on Saturday he discovered the body just below Countess Wear bridge. the tide was out and there was a portion of the body showing above the water. He had previously seen a cap lying on the bank, and searching round, he also found a bottle labelled "Methylated spirits." This was lying about two yards away from the cap. There was a wall by the side of the brook, and he had to get assistance and a ladder and a rope to reach the body. - MISS EDGER, recalled, was asked by the Coroner if her brother was in the habit of drinking heavily? - She said he had occasional drinking bouts. - Mrs Gladys Priston, who resides in Exeter, and is employed as assistant at Double Locks Hotel, said she remembered deceased coming to the Hotel on Friday morning. He was alone and was supplied with a drop of whisky. He was then quite sober. He remained about an hour. He sat in the tea room, and when she went in to wipe down the tables deceased was then leaning forward, with his head between his hands. There was a paper spread before him, but he did not appear to be reading it. She remarked upon the weather to him, but he made no answer. - William Fletcher, manager of the Church Army Home, Catherine-street, Exeter, said deceased came to the Home on Wednesday night. Witness had no conversation with him, but he looked depressed and worried. He remained until Friday. He paid before leaving. He left no correspondence behind him, but did leave a collar and tie. - P.C. Brewer, of Alphington, said he found on deceased papers relating to the Royal Air Force, a discharge on account of vision from the Imperial Force, an empty methylated spirit bottle, and 8s. in money. Witness had found that deceased purchased methylated spirits at two different chemist's shops in Exeter on Thursday. His discharge paper from the R.A.F. showed that he was a third clerk, and was discharged on March 4th last, he having enlisted in June 1918. His conduct while in the Force was described as "good." Witness found on inquiry at the Labour Exchange that deceased had drawn 70 days' unemployment pay, and that there were three days' pay due to him. - Dr W. Ashford, of Topsham, expressed the opinion that death was due to drowning. His experience of people who drank was that they would drink methylated spirits if they could get nothing else. - The Coroner observed that it was impossible to find a conclusive verdict on the evidence. It was quite consistent that death might have been the result of an accident or of suicide. He therefore returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Times, Wednesday 16 July 1919
SIDBURY - Sidford Fatality. Unfortunate Accident For Which No One Was To Blame. - At the Sidford Hall yesterday, an Inquest was held by Dr Tweed, District Coroner, concerning the death of ERNEST CHANNING, third son of MR RICHARD CHANNING, who met with a fatal accident on Thursday last. - MR RICHARD CHANNING (father) stated that his son was 30 years of age last November. He had recently been demobilised from the Navy, where he was an able seaman. In civil life he was a motor mechanic. The deceased had told his wife that the accident, which was the cause of his death, was not his fault. He could not have avoided the car. - Mr Edwin Lennard, butcher, of Branscombe, said he was driving his car up Church-street, Sidford, on Thursday, when a man in a stationary car opposite the Post Office held up his hand, and he slowed down. At that moment a cyclist came round the corner at a very fast speed, taking a wide sweep and crashed into his car, smashing the wind screen and cutting witness about both hands. As soon as he saw the man in the car hold up his hand, he slowed down, and pulled out the clutch of his car, so that at the time of the smash he was practically at a standstill. In reply to Sergt. Bugler, of the Sidmouth Police, witness said that he had been a licensed driver for 2 ½ years, and had never previously had an accident. The driver of the stationary car, Mr Hopkins, of "Shaldon," Sidmouth, in his written statement, said he heard a hooter sound behind him and seeing the cyclist approaching, held up his hand, the oncoming car at once slowing down. - Sergt. Bugler said the width of the road at the point of the accident was 60ft wide. - Leonard Willey, labourer, a witness of the accident, did not consider blame could be attached to anyone. - Dr B. G. Pullin, of Sidmouth, said deceased was brought to his surgery on Thursday afternoon, where he attended to his wounds. Later he visited deceased, and rebound his wounds. There was then no unconsciousness. Witness was sent for in the evening of Saturday, and found deceased in a state of restless unconsciousness, and on Sunday he died from cerebral compression, due to fracture. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that on Thursday deceased said to him it was nobody's fault, and added, "I could not get out of the way of the car." - In summing up, the Coroner said that in such accidents there was a tendency to blame the motorist on account of their superior speed, but the evidence had shown that there was no blame attaching to either, and the verdict would therefore be "Accidental Death from Cerebral Compression, due to Fracture of the Skull caused by the Accident."

Western Times, Thursday 17 July 1919
TAVISTOCK - Hayfield Fatality Near Tavistock. - At Tavistock Hospital on Tuesday Mr R. Rodd held an Inquest relative to the death of WILLIAM HENRY HUNN, farm labourer, of Norris Green, Calstock. THOMAS HENRY HUNN, the son, stated that his father was 59 years of age. Samuel Maunder said he was haymaking on Friday, for the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, with the deceased, and other men. The deceased, while on the load, made a false step and fell off the waggon, pitching on his head and one of his shoulders. After a while he was able to speak, and said he had broken his neck. Dr Leakey, of Gunnislake, stated that he saw on Friday that the man was badly hurt and ordered his immediate removal to the Hospital. He had made a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was fracture of the fifth cervical vertebra. The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 19 July 1919
EXETER - Exeter Fatality. The Inquest Opened And Adjourned. Old Lady's Death. - A shocking affair happened at 31 Paris-street, Exeter, about 8 o'clock yesterday morning, when an elderly woman named MISS JULIA FLORENCE EMERY, aged 58, was apparently suffocated in bed. - The house, which is a tenement one, is occupied by several people, and the tenant of a small top room at the back was deceased. EMERY had been unwell and attended by Dr Duncan for some time. A Mrs Wills, who does not live on the premises, has been calling several times daily to tend to her requirements and when she left on Thursday night, asked MISS E. Darkes, who occupies another room in the house, whether she would open the door and give deceased more air in the morning. - Accordingly, about 7.45 a.m. yesterday Miss Darkes opened the door and was startled to find that the room was full of smoke, which appeared to be proceeding from the foot of the bed. Being unable to render any assistance herself, she shouted for help and Mr Scott, another tenant, went for the Police. - P.C. Bellotti and P.C. Annett were quickly on the spot and it was at once seen that the old lady was dead. The body was removed from the bed, which was thrown out of the window and the prompt arrival of the fire brigade put an end to all further danger. - From the appearance of things when the Police came it seems that clothes hanging over the side of the bed were caught on fire by a candle which had burned down on a chair close by. - The Inquest was opened at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting without a Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by Mrs Wills, of 3 Belgrave-road, who said the deceased came to Exeter from Plymouth 30- years ago. For years she had been unwell, and apparently suffered from dropsy. During the past fortnight deceased had not been out of doors, and on Wednesday witness had to obtain assistance to get her into bed. On Thursday she seemed quite lively. Witness last saw her alive at 9 o'clock on Thursday night. Among other things on the table near the bed occupied by the deceased was a candlestick, but the candle in it was not lit when witness left. At the bottom of the bed was a black skirt. - The Coroner: Was it near enough to get alight from the candle? - Witness: I should think so. - In reply to another question by the Coroner, the witness said she understood deceased had been known as "LOTTIE GREY" for years. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Tuesday afternoon.

TOTNES - Fatal Fall Near Totnes. - Yesterday afternoon at Totnes Cottage Hospital, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, Enquired into the circumstances connected with the death of GEORGE RANDALL, 60, of Brixham. Evidence was given that deceased was working as a painter's labourer at Ashfield, cleaning the front of the house and was found lying injured at the bottom of two steps. He stated that he had not been up the ladder, but fell at the corner of the steps, where a piece of cement had broken away. - Dr Gibson said that deceased had his left collar-bone broken, some ribs fractured on the left side and a scalp wound at the back of the head. He died from shock, following concussion of the brain, and the injuries. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Wednesday 23 July 1919
EXETER - Drowned In The Exe. Danger Of Children Playing On The Quay. Man Who Has Saved Many Lives. - At an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of EDWARD JOHN MILTON, aged seven, son of FRANK MILTON, skilled labourer, and belonging to the 9th Devons, evidence was given by Nellie Ireland, aged 12, to the effect that on Sunday she saw the deceased throwing stones into the water in the river near the Custom House. She advised him to get up and told him if he did not he would fall into the water. Shortly afterwards she heard a splash. - George Rowe, aged 11, said deceased was running towards the water from the chains, and being unable to stop himself went over the edge of the Quay. - Thomas Gregory said the affair occurred just behind the sheds. A boy in a boat indicated where deceased had sunk, and witness obtained a hook, but failed to find him. A man named Osborne ultimately found the body. Witness said he had saved a good many lives in the river, and he should have jumped in on this occasion, but when he arrived nobody could give any indication where the deceased had sunk. - Mark Osborne, of Coombe-street, said he was sent for by the last witness, who on his arrival asked him to take charge of the grappling irons. Witness, however, threw off his coat and dived, and saw the deceased about eight yards from the bank. He conveyed the body to a raft, but the deceased proved to be beyond resuscitation. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said altogether he had from the first to last taken from the river about 20 persons alive, and this was the fourth dead body. He had spoilt a watch, and several suits of clothes, and he thought it was about time the public should recognise it. He thought the Humane Society, in particular, should have recognised him. No matter how deep the water or how heavy the person, he was always ready to go in the water. - The Coroner said his only duty was to find the cause of death, but he would see whether anything could be done to recognise Osborne's commendable acts. - Mr Gregory advised that a long pole at the sheds for use on an emergency of this kind. There were several people about when the boy fell in the water, and if a pole had been available he could have been pulled out by anyone who was not able to swim. - The Coroner found a verdict of "Accidental Death".

EXETER - Candle By The Bed. Results In Fatal Fire At Exeter. Woman Asphyxiated. - The adjourned Inquest on MISS JULIA FLORENCE EMERY, aged 56, who was found dead in bed at 39 Paris-street, on Friday after a fire in the house, was resumed at the Exeter Court House yesterday. Deceased came to reside at Exeter from Plymouth a some time ago and was known as LOTTIE GRAY. - Miss Florence Darkes, who lodged in the same house as the deceased, said MISS EMERY was looked after by day by a Mrs Wills. On Friday morning witness opened the door of the deceased's room. Seeing smoke, she called Mr Scott, another tenant. She was unable to get any reply from deceased. Witness thought during the night that she smelled weeds burning, but she had no suspicion there was fire in the deceased's room. - Walter Scott, who lives in the same house, said deceased about twelve months ago had a stroke, and was for a short time in the Infirmary. On Friday morning, on being called by the last witness, he ran into the room, and poured water over matches which were looking red at the bottom of the deceased's bed. He sent for the fire brigade. - Supt. Pett, of the Fire Brigade, said on entering the room which was on the first floor at the back of the house, he found practically the whole of the bedding on fire. Deceased was on the bed apparently dead. The fire had crept up to her feet, which he believed were scorched. She had evidently been dead some hours. There was a table about four inches from the bottom bedpost. On the table there was a candlestick which was in close proximity to the bedpost, on which some wearing apparel had been hanging. The fire had burnt a portion of the tablecloth and the whole of the wearing apparel. The palliasses of the bed were smouldering and the floor had caught. There was no flame. The fire was simply smouldering. He found a box of matches between the deceased's legs and an empty box on the table. He came to the conclusion that she had gone to bed leaving the candle alight. - Dr Pereira Gray said the deceased's both feet were burnt and also half the calf of her left leg. He attributed death to suffocation by smoke. - P.C. Aggett said when he entered the room was thick with smoke. The deceased was on the bed, with one leg out, as if she had attempted to get out of bed. The wearing apparel had evidently been ignited by the candle, and that in turn had ignited the palliasses, which were of straw. - The Coroner, who found a verdict of "Accidental Death," said the deceased evidently tried to get out of bed, but being ill was unable to do so.

Western Times, Tuesday 29 July 1919
TOTNES - Dart Tragedy. Coroner's Comment On An Australian's Conduct. - At Totnes Guildhall last evening, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Enquiry into the death of DOROTHY NORRISH, aged six, who was drowned in the Dart on Saturday afternoon. - Miss Mary Rowe deposed that she heard someone shouting, and saw something in the river. She thought it might be a child and shouted for help. She reached the spot as the deceased was sinking. In reply to Sergt. Mortimore, witness said a man was sitting on the wood near by, who must have seen and heard her shout, but he did not render any assistance. - Edna May Marshall, aged five, said that deceased was looking into the river, overbalanced and fell in. - Richard King said he heard a child was in the water, rushed up with his brother, both diving in. His brother found the body. Artificial respiration was tried without success. - Thomas H. Cullis, of the Australian Forces, was then called by the Coroner, and said he saw a lad bathing from the Island, and whilst the lad was swimming he heard a woman shout "Bring a boat." As he saw the boy land he thought the woman was deceived. He did not think it necessary to go up and increase the crowd which had by that time gathered. - The Coroner: I think you acted in a very callous way. - A verdict of "Accidental Death from Drowning" was returned and the brothers King were complimented on their efforts to save the girl.

Western Times, Friday 1 August 1919
MALBOROUGH - Salcombe Tragedy. Young Lady's Body Found At The Foot Of The Cliffs. - On Sunday morning MISS M. G. TWINING, aged 27, who has been staying with her brother, DR TWINING, at Walton Leigh, Salcombe, was missed from her bedroom, and on a search being made her body was discovered at the foot of a cliff near Stonehole, a bay inside of Bolt Head, which has a drop of about 100 feet. The young lady was only wearing her nightdress. The walk from Salcombe to Bolt Head is about two miles and a considerable portion is over a rough path, whilst the track from Stonehole to Bolt Head is a narrow path on the edge of the cliff, requiring care in traversing. It was one of MISS TWINING'S favourite walks and it is conjectured that in a somnambulate condition the young lady left her home early on Sunday, and thus met her death. That was the view taken by the Coroner at the Inquest on Tuesday.

Western Times, Saturday 2 August 1919
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Canal Tragedy. Inquest On Soldier: Verdict Of Suicide Returned. - An Inquest was held by Mr G. H. Stephens, at the Institute, Alphington, last evening, relative to the death of ARTHUR THOMAS EGERTON, age 34 years, of Sheffield, who was found in the Canal near Salmon Pool Bridge on Thursday. - Dr H. A. Black, who examined the body, said there were no marks of violence and death was due to drowning. - Pte. R. C. Browne said he had only known the deceased two days, having met him in the barrack-room at the Higher Barracks. Witness chummed up with him and went out with him one night only. Deceased and witness were on draft for India. This did not appear to have any effect on deceased, who was rather reserved. On Wednesday evening they went out together and proceeded to the top of Paris-street. Deceased said he was going down Southernhay to meet a pal. No further arrangements were made, but deceased said he would see witness later. Witness reached the Barracks about 11 p.m., and finding deceased had not returned, the matter was reported to the corporal of the room. Deceased had seen service in Italy and did not appear to dread the service. He told witness he enlisted voluntarily. - Steven Ball, the Basin, Exeter, employed by the City Council as a Canal employee, deposed to finding the cap, tunic and belt on the banks near Salmon Pool Bridge. The coat was neatly folded, with the belt and cap placed on the top. He searched the clothes for a name, but could find nothing. There was a watch and fountain pen in the tunic. The clothes were then taken to Double Locks, where the Police were telephoned for. - P.C. Brewer gave evidence as to recovering the body on the Exeter side of Salmon Pool Bridge. Deceased had on his putties, shirt, trousers, boots and braces. There was some money in the pockets and in a wallet a discharge paper from the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Inquiries were made at the address given at Halifax, where it was said the deceased's name was EGERTON - HERBERT EGERTON, 33 King's-road, Willesden, identified the body as that of his brother. For some time the family had not seen deceased, but the father started him in business as a butcher about 12 years ago. The business was paying, but deceased was existing on his capital, which he outlived. He left the business several years ago. He joined the Colours about three years ago and witness last saw him on Monday week, spending the weekend Peace celebrations with witness. Deceased expressed the wish that he would like to go to India. He appeared to be in good health and had put on weight. There was no reason why he should take his life, in fact he was very happy and quite reconciled to his parents. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 6 August 1919
TOPSHAM - Topsham Suicide. Old Lady Suffering From Delusions Hangs Herself. - Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at No. 12 Monmouth-street, Topsham, last evening, touching the death of MRS ISABELLA BARTLETT, aged 75, who was found hanging from a bedroom door, in her daughter's house on Monday. MRS GOSS, daughter, deposed that deceased had not lived with her husband for over 20 years, and consequently could not say whether he was alive or not. On Monday deceased not feeling well, had gone to bed a little before 1 o'clock. MRS GOSS went to call her at 5 o'clock for tea. As MRS BARTLETT was deaf, it was of no use knocking, so witness entered the bedroom and saw her mother hanging by a violet coloured ribbon, to the door. She called for a neighbour. For the past month MRS BARTLETT had been suffering from delusions, but had never threatened to take her life. Mr H. Wills, residing at 11 Monmouth-street, a gardener, deposed to being called and cutting the body down. - Dr William Hugh Macpherson said death resulted from suffocation. Deceased had bruises on her neck and was cold and stiff, apparently having been dead some hours. He had attended her for minor illnesses. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 8 August 1919
GOODLEIGH - Found Dead In A Barnstaple Field. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner for North Devon, held an Inquest at Goodleigh on Tuesday, on the body of JAS. PASSMORE, 53, labourer, of Hardaway Head, Barnstaple, who was found dead in a field at Ivy Lodge, on Sunday afternoon. Mrs Georgina Broom, who identified the body, said deceased left home at 7 a.m. on Sunday morning to go and pick some apples, and did not return. He had complained of internal pains during the previous week and was also subject to fits. Mabel Ellen Gear, servant, in the employ of Mr J. Stanbury, at Ivy Lodge Farm, spoke to finding the body lying in a field where she went to fetch cows. Dr H. C. Jonas, of Barnstaple, said a post-mortem examination revealed valvular disease of the heart, to which he attributed death. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Monday 11 August 1919
SIDMOUTH - Sailor's Brittle Arteries Caused Sudden Death At Sidmouth Fireworks. - Dr E. W. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital concerning the death of FREDERICK CHARLES BROOKS, 58, a pensioner of the Royal Navy, who suddenly expired during a firework display on the lawn at Salcombe Lodge on Wednesday night. - ARTHUR BROOKS, a brother of deceased, living at Sidmouth, stated that on Wednesday evening a supper was given to silver badge men at Salcombe Lodge. His brother attended this, and afterwards came down the town and had a drink at the Swan Inn, returning with others to Salcombe Lodge for the remainder of the festivities. His brother was invalided from the Navy three years ago, suffering from rheumatism, and was later discharged as unfit. About two weeks ago he complained of a tight feeling over the heart after walking up a hill. - John French, gardener at Sidmouth Manor Grounds, stated that about 10 p.m. on the Wednesday he was sitting on the lawn at Salcombe lodge and heard the deceased fall. He ran to his assistance and started rubbing him thinking he had fainted. Witness heard a rattle in the man's throat, after which he breathed once and went stiff. - Dr Bingley Pullin, who was called by Mr Trump in a motor car, said he found that the man was dead. He had since made a post mortem examination of the body, and found all the organs quite healthy with the exception of the arteries, which were brittle. There was also cerebral haemorrhage at the base of the skull and the condition of the arteries was likely to cause haemorrhage and sudden death. The stomach was distinctly overloaded with food. The fact that the man walked to the town to have a drink after the meal and then probably hurried back to see the last of the entertainment, put some stress on his circulation, and in his internal state he suddenly collapsed and death ensued. - The Coroner said the medical evidence as to the man's state was very clear, and he returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Saturday 16 August 1919
ST MARYCHURCH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at St Marychurch last evening on the body of MISS HANNAH AMELIA MAYNARD, of Stratford, E., who died suddenly.

EXETER - Clay Pit Accident. Inquest At Exeter Last Evening. A Cutter's Death. - An Inquest was opened at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of JOHN KIBBY, a widower, of 8 North-street, Heavitree, who was killed on Wednesday afternoon by a sudden fall of earth while he was at work at Messrs. J. Hancock and Sons' brickworks, Clifton-hill, Newtown. Mr M. J. McGahey appeared on behalf of Messrs. Hancock, Mr T. Boydell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, watched the case on behalf of the authorities and Mr G. H. Stephens was for the relatives of the deceased. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS FLORA EMILY GLASSON, deceased's only daughter, who said her father was 53 years of age, and was a clay cutter. He worked formerly for the Brick and Tile Company, Monk's-road. She last saw him alive on Wednesday morning shortly before seven o'clock, when he left for his work, taking his dinner with him. She heard of his death on Wednesday afternoon. He had been living with her at 8 North-street. - Samuel Jackson, 21 Roden-terrace, who works at Messrs. Hancock's brickyard as a clay cutter, said Mr Anderson was the manager of the yard and Mr Gregory was foreman. On Wednesday afternoon witness was working in the clay pit near the corner of Gladstone-road and Polsloe-road. The face of the cliff was 30ft. deep. Witness was knocking out the bottom of the clay pit and the deceased was putting the clay into a truck. The clay was overhanging a little about 8ft. up and at about half-past two o'clock witness noticed that a small lump had fallen. He shouted to KIBBY, "Look up, JACK!" and an instant later a lump of clay - about two barrow-loads - fell, and pitched on deceased. The clay must have weighed from ½ cwt. to 1 cwt. Witness went to the deceased and lifted him out. KIBBY said, "Let me die," and then became unconscious. The brickyard had been closed down during the war and was only re-opened about four months ago. They had been working at the spot where the accident occurred for about three days. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the Inspector was there about 10 days ago. - In reply to Mr Stephens, witness said the deceased was shovelling when the clay shot out of the bank a few feet up. Deceased had not time to get out of the way. - Mr McGahey elicited from the witness the fact that his duty was to do "under-cutting," whilst deceased's work was to shovel the loose clay into the trucks which ran to and from the spot. The piece of clay which killed the deceased came from the shoulder formed by the undercut. Two or three men followed witness around to load the clay into the trucks. - Replying to Mr Boydell, witness said he did not think the weight of the earth which fell was as much as 3 or 4 cwt. It would be about two barrow-loads. Witness was a leading-man at the clay-pit and gave the men under him instructions as to where to go. An examination of the face of the cliff was always made from a ladder before they started working at any particular spot. Witness saw the projecting clay before the accident took place, but did not think it was dangerous. This clay shot out from the face of the cliff in quite an exceptional way. No complaint had been made by witness or, so far as he knew, by any other man, as to the working of the quarry. - John Goslin, of 4 Goldsmith-street, Heavitree, said he was working with the last witness and the deceased, and heard the shout of warning, but did not see the clay strike the deceased, as witness's back was turned towards him at the time. Witness had never heard any complaints with regard to the danger of working at that spot. - Dr Thomas Duncan said he was called to the brickyard and found KIBBY lying on the ground on his back dead. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and in addition to minor abrasions on the face, arms and hands, found severe abrasions all over the back and on the outer side of the left thigh. There was a large wound at the base of the body, and the left side of the pelvis was fractured. Death was caused by shock from the severity of the injuries. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said great force would be required to cause such injuries, and when he visited the clay-pit he expressed surprise that such a small quantity of clay as he saw at the spot should have had such an effect. The clay had come from the spot that had been described. - Answering Mr McGahey, witness said he thought the wound referred to might have been caused by the deceased being forced forward on to his shovel. - Arthur J. Gregory, works manager, said KIBBY had been working for the firm for about eleven weeks, and was a steady, hard-working man. Witness directed the men to work at the spot at which the accident occurred; he had examined it on Wednesday morning and considered it safe. Three weeks previously an Inspector called at the works and asked witness if he did not consider it was a dangerous practice to undercut clay. Witness pointed out that there was no other practical method of getting it and that he understood it had been worked in that way for the past 50 years. The Inspector said, "Think the matter over, and see if you can't find some other method of working." Witness reported the conversation to Mr Anderson, and he remarked that the pit had been worked in the same way for 50 years to the best of his belief and that he would think the matter over as to what was best. The Inspector came again and nothing had been done. The Inspector said he would be satisfied if they kept the overhanging portions of the cliff barred, or levered, off. That was then done. There was nothing overhanging on Wednesday morning, so far as the upper part of the cliff was concerned. The clay that caused the accident must have weighed 7 cwt. in all, but only a portion of the mass could have struck the deceased. - Mr Boydell, replying to the Coroner, said that, apparently, no breach of the regulations had been made. If the men undercut, it was required that they should support the sides, provided they deemed such a step necessary. - Mr Gregory pointed out that none of the workmen had suggested that there was any danger in working at this spot. Supports at the sides could not have prevented the accident, which was of a very exceptional character. The piece of ground which fell had been under the deceased's control and if he had thought it dangerous it was his duty to take it off with a pick. - Thomas Anderson, agent for the firm, said the works manager had entire charge of the works. After the Inspector's second visit, Mr Gregory reported to witness what had been suggested, and the top of the cliff was then barred off. Witness had no technical knowledge of the work and left the matter entirely to the works manager. - In summing up the case for the Jury, the Coroner complimented Mr Gregory on the frank, straightforward manner in which he had given evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and emphasised the fact that supports should be used when necessary. - Mr McGahey, on behalf of the firm, expressed regret at the accident and sympathy with the relatives, and the Coroner associated himself with the sentiment.

Western Times, Monday 18 August 1919
COLYTON - Old Lady's Fatal Fall At Colyford. - An Inquest was held on Friday at Stanley Cottages, Colyford, by Dr Tweed, without a Jury, touching the death of MRS HARRIET SANDFORD, aged 84, of Stanley Cottages. It appears that on Thursday of last week the old lady, who was very feeble, went to sit down in a chair and fell on the floor. She was put to bed and Dr Creighton was called in and found she had fractured her leg. She died on Wednesday. After hearing the evidence of her son, MR H. SANDFORD, her grand-daughter, MISS B. SANDFORD, the District Nurse and Dr Creighton, the Coroner came to the conclusion that she died from shock occasioned by the fall.

ST MARYCHURCH - Visitor's Sudden Death At Torquay. - At the Inquest relative to the death of MISS HANNAH A. MAYNARD, a visitor to Torquay, at St Marychurch on Friday, it was stated by her sister that they spent Wednesday afternoon together on Babbacombe Beach. Deceased seemed to be in her usual health, but while putting some sticks on a fire she exclaimed, "Oh, my head," and fell backward and died. Dr G. M. Winter, St. Marychurch, said death was due to syncope. It was a very hot day and the stones on the beach drew the heat, which acted upon a weak heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 19 August 1919
DARTMOUTH - A Dartmouth Tragedy. - A verdict of "Death by Drowning during Temporary Insanity" was recorded at Dartmouth yesterday, at the Inquest on MR HARRY FOLLETT (55), Mayon Avenue. Deceased had been very depressed lately, following an attack of influenza. On Saturday he left work at Messrs. Philip and Son, partook of dinner and rowed to Warfleet Creek. His body was found at 2.45 in the mud, and two men in a boat told a boy to go and inform the Police. Mr J. J. Tassell said he was with deceased at Lloyds Bank, Paignton, in June last, when he was taken ill and was away for three weeks. On returning to work deceased seemed very depressed. The Coroner referred to the action of the unknown men, who rowed away, as contrary to the idea of most Englishmen, which was to render all help possible. Deep sympathy is expressed with the family.

COMBE MARTIN - Combe Martin Fatality. A Life That Might Have Been Spared With Presence Of Mind. - The District Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Town Hall, Combe Martin, on Saturday relative to the death of LAWRENCE PARNELL, aged 16. Cecil Lawson in charge of a small camp of boys from an orphanage in Birmingham, said deceased, who could swim only a little, had gone to bathe near the Coastguard Station, with two chums, just after breakfast. William Toone said deceased, getting into deep water, disappeared. Witness tried to rescue him, but, being unable to swim, failed. A boatman was sent for. Asked by the Coroner whether he shouted for help, he replied that he only whistled. Michael Grady, in answer to the Coroner, said he couldn't shout because he was busy dressing himself as quickly as he could. The Coroner remarked that this was a very strange thing to say. Thomas Gould, boatman, deposed that on being informed of the accident, he rowed to the spot and dived into the water and recovered the body. Dr Hall, a visitor, stated that artificial respiration was tried for almost an hour without effect. The Coroner commented on the lack of presence of mind of the two chums of the deceased. If Boatman Gould had heard cries for help he would at once have gone to the rescue, and a life might have been saved. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. - Dr Hall divided his fee between Gould and Raymond Irwin, another boatman who assisted in the search for the body.

Western Times, Friday 22 August 1919
BOVEY TRACEY - Fatal Cycle Accident Between Bovey and Chudleigh Knighton. - An Inquest was held at the St John's Schoolroom, Bovey Tracey, Wednesday, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, relative to the death of MR JOHN SEYMOUR, who for several weeks had been staying at 3 Shaptor View, Bovey Tracey, and whose death occurred the previous Sunday as the result of a cycle accident. - DR HAROLD SEYMOUR, of 5 Pavilion Parade, Brighton, gave evidence of identification, and stated that his father was slightly deaf. - William Wallen, a grocer's assistant, of South View, Bovey Tracey, said that deceased passed him on Saturday morning, walking down over School-hill, going in the direction of Chudleigh Knighton. He was on the right-hand side of the road. Later, four workmen passed witness. They were going down over the hill in single file, at an ordinary rate, and were ringing their bells all the way down. He did not see how the accident occurred, but upon turning around he saw the leading cyclist and the deceased lying in the road. He went back to see what had happened. The other men stopped and picked deceased up. SEYMOUR was bleeding about the face and they bathed him. Later, he got up and walked towards Bovey,. Deceased did not say the cyclist was at fault. - Wm. Streat, of Oxford-street, St. Thomas, Exeter, stated that on the day in question he and three other workmen were cycling home from Cater Court, Widecombe. They saw the deceased going down over the hill on the right hand side of the road. They first saw him when they were about 50 yards off. They were going at an ordinary speed and had their brakes on. They rang their bells whilst approaching the deceased, and in witness's opinion that was the real cause of the mishap. When witness came up to SEYMOUR, the latter stepped out to the left, right in the way. Witness put up his hand to ward SEYMOUR off, and turned the handlebars of his machine sharply in the other direction. Both fell, but witness did not consider his machine touched deceased. There was plenty of room and it was quite unnecessary for SEYMOUR to have moved, as he and his fellow workmen could have passed all right. They picked the old gentleman up and found he was bleeding from the eye and ear. They attended to him and offered to accompany him to his lodgings, but he said he could manage. He did not complain to them, and thanked them for their assistance. They watched him set off for his home, and saw him walk out of sight. - James Best, of Ottery St. Mary, who was with Streat, corroborated. - Dr Symes, of Bovey Tracey, said the actual cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull. He expressed the opinion that the machine must have knocked deceased off his feet, there being abrasions on the left leg, and bruises on the right hand and knee. There was an abrasion and a severe wound at the back of the head. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, said it was clear that this unfortunate gentleman met his death by Accidental causes, either by being slightly deaf or by being startled by the ring of bicycle bells. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 23 August 1919
HOLCOMBE BURNELL - Longdown Postmaster's Death. - An Inquest was held at Longdown, Holcombe Burnell, last evening, on GEORGE MILFORD, of the Post-office, Longdown, aged 76. GEORGE HENRY MILFORD, son of deceased, said he last saw his father, who was Post-master, alive when he was about to take some ashes to a garden. About a year ago he had a heart attack. When he saw his father lying in the road he had a bruise on the temple and one on the back of the head. FRED MILFORD, valet, said he found his father about 50 yards from the Post-office, lying across the road. Dr Black stated that death was due to syncope, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Friday 29 August 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Motor Fatality. The Inquest: Chauffeur Exonerated From Blame. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, conducted an Inquiry at Newton Abbot, last evening, with respect to the death of WILLIAM HENRY DORE, aged four years, son of MR and MRS SYDNEY JOHN DORE, of East-street, who was killed by a motor-car the previous day, this vehicle belonging to Mr Alfred Hutchison, staying at Devon Dale, Paignton, and was being driven by Mr W. J. Edsell. - The chauffeur, whose London address is Brixton, informed the Coroner that he was driving through East-street, Newton, about 11.45 a.m. the previous day, on his way to Ashburton. His speed was about ten miles an hour. Two or three little children were playing on the left side of the road, and witness sounded his horn in order to warn them. Little notice was taken of the warning and witness applied his brakes. The children were about ten yards away when he first saw them. Suddenly a little boy darted from the side in order to cross the road. Witness jammed the brakes and made an effort to turn the car to the other side of the street. Witness had not an earthly chance of missing the poor little chap. The head light struck the child and the vehicle pushed him forward for a distance of about three feet before it stopped. When picked up the boy was unconscious: he was taken to the Hospital. Just at the point of the accident there was a slight bend in the road. - Mr Hutchison said it was absolutely impossible to avoid the accident. He also expressed his deep sympathy with the parents of the boy. - Dr Nisbet stated that the boy was dead on arrival at the Hospital. There had been a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict to this effect, attaching no blame to the chauffeur.

Western Times, Saturday 30 August 1919
EXETER - Torquay Lady's Death. Sad Occurrence At An Exeter Institution. - An Inquest was held at the Wonford House Hospital, Exeter, last evening, by the City Coroner, Mr Linford Brown, on MISS JANE HESTER WOLFERSTAN THOMAS, 59, Goronvy Vale, York-road, Babbacombe, Torquay, a patient, who was found dead in a bath, on Thursday. Mr R. W. Matthews represented Messrs. Kearey, Stokes and White, Chippenham, family solicitors. - Dr Edward V. Cuff, Assistant Medical Officer, said deceased was admitted in October 1908. She suffered from delusions and insanity. Of late she had been anaemic. On Thursday witness was called to the bathroom and found the deceased, lying apparently dead, on the floor on her back. There was no respiration and no pulse. Deceased was very fond of baths and had them frequently, sometimes every day. On this occasion deceased was left in the bathroom. Witness understood the glass of the door was frosted, but if a nurse wanted to see how a patient was getting on she would go in. A post mortem revealed congestion of the lungs. The walls of the heart were full of fatty infiltration and dilated. It weighed 13 ozs. The brain, thoroughly examined, showed old symptoms of meningitis and weighed 3 ¼ lbs. It was probable that the heart failed when deceased entered the water. He considered death was caused by syncope due to fatty degeneration and dilatation of the heart. There was no evidence of scalding. He understood that nurses saw patients frequently when they were taking baths, sometimes they remained all the time. - Miss Winnifred Duguid, who was in charge of the deceased, spoke to preparing the bath as usual on Thursday about half-past seven o'clock. - Deceased usually took an hour or more at the bath. At 8.30 witness went to tell deceased that her breakfast was ready. Receiving no reply she entered and saw deceased in the bath all covered with water except her knees, which projected an inch. Deceased was dead. Witness summoned help. There was not more water in the bath than there should be. Deceased was a quiet patient and gave no trouble. There was glass in the door, but it was not easy to see through. With patients showing suicidal tendencies it was the custom for attendants to remain in the bathroom while patients were bathing. - Nurse Margery Kate Mundy, charge nurse, said she looked in the bathroom about 8.10. Deceased was bathing and seemed all right. She had never heard deceased threaten to commit suicide. - Dr Cuff was recalled, and the Coroner asked: Have you any reason for saying she died from heart failure rather than drowning? - Witness: The condition of the heart. - In what way? - The fatty degeneration and dilatation on the right side of the heart. - By the Jury: He thought she was suddenly taken while in the bath. - The Coroner said they could dismiss the question of suicidal tendency. He thought it would have been better if there had been some means whereby the action of the patient could be checked. - A Juryman asked for Dr Cuff's real opinion as to the cause of death - drowning or natural causes - and he replied, "I think natural causes." - The Foreman of the Jury and another member expressed the opinion at this stage that there should be some improvement on the frosted glass in the door of the bathroom. - Dr W. B. Morton, Medical Superintendent, asked for permission to make a statement, and said the glass to the door was not for supervision. "We don't spy on patients." It was there for making the corridor lighter. Patients who were dangerous to themselves always had a nurse in attendance. All those who could be trusted were trusted and they were a very considerable portion of the patients. They had never had the slightest hesitation in trusting deceased anywhere. He considered that death had happened in a normal way and that deceased had gone on longer than might be expected. If patients had any suspicion that they were being looked at it was very bad for their mental condition. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Exonian's Death. Hurrying Up Steps Causes Heart Failure. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday on ANDREW SEATON CRAIG, aged 60, draper, of Cowick-street, who died suddenly at St Thomas's Station on Thursday after hurrying up the Station steps to catch a train. Dr Black said deceased suffered from diabetes and a weak heart. In this condition his hurrying up the steps would cause syncope. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

DAWLISH - Warren Tragedy. Devonport School Teacher Drowned. Boy's Action Commended. - At Dawlish yesterday, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest touching the death of HAROLD SPENCER EVANS, aged 18, of Devonport, who was drowned while bathing at Dawlish Warren on Wednesday. Deceased was described as a school teacher, who was staying at Dawlish on holiday. - Arthur C. Stephens, a schoolboy, also of Devonport, and staying at Starcross, said about 1 p.m. on Wednesday he was bathing with deceased at the Warren. The tide was low when they entered the water. They crossed the first sandbank and then took the water, not far from Crispin's Restaurant. Deceased could swim a little, and at the time of the accident they were standing in the water which reached about to their waist. Witness commenced to swim towards the shore when deceased shouted "Arthur." He turned round, and noticing the deceased was excited swam towards him. EVANS put both arms around his neck and dragged him to the bottom. At that moment deceased seemed to let him go. Witness tried to stand in the water, but was out of his depth and consequently swam to the shore for help. - William J. C. Stevens, father of the previous witness, said so far as he could see the boys were bathing between two sandbanks. It took him five minutes to run to the spot, took off his coat and waded into the water to the spot indicated. Although he could se to the bottom, he was unable to see the body. The sand was very irregular at that spot and after he had been searching for some time a boy came on the scene and the body was found. There was about four feet of water at the spot. - The Coroner: Are there any notice boards stating that the place is dangerous for bathing? - No. - Are there any life-saving appliances there? - No. - Dr J. Raglan Thomas said he was at the Warren, and although he feared it was useless as deceased had been in the water for more than an hour, he tried artificial respiration without avail. Death was obviously due to drowning. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he had bathed there many times himself, but had never noticed any pits in the sand. Sandbanks were often changing and in places the sand shifted. He expressed the opinion that owing to the amount of bathing at this place a man should be placed there to superintend. There had been many accidents there and he believed that last year two boys were drowned. Certainly several were nearly drowned. - The Coroner said death was due to Accidental Drowning. The only question was whether or not the public authorities ought to take such steps as were found necessary to prevent a recurrence of such accidents in future. He thought the lad Stevens had narrowly escaped a similar fate. Stevens certainly showed great bravery in trying to save a man heavier than himself when he was out of his depth.

Western Times, Wednesday 3 September 1919
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Boating Fatality. The Danger Of Changing Seats In A Boat. - The County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest at the Alphington Church Institute last evening relative to the death of HENRY ELIAS PRATT, 22, of 34 Codrington-street, Newtown, Exeter, who was drowned in a boating accident in the Exeter Canal under circumstances already reported. - ALFRED PRATT, brother of the deceased, late of the Police Force, identified the body and said his brother was a farm labourer prior to the War and had served with the Royal Engineers. Witness last saw him alive just after 3 o'clock on Monday afternoon. He had told another brother that he was going boating. He had been boating several times previously, but could not swim. - Mr William Tesdale, of Torquay, now staying in Roberts-road, Exeter, an accountant, said on Monday afternoon, at about 5 o'clock, he was walking down the left bank of the anal from Exeter, and when just below the Welcome Inn noticed a boat approaching, containing deceased and a lady. They tried to change places in the boat, the lady having just finished rowing. Deceased stood up and while negotiating the change the boat overturned and the occupants were thrown into the water. Witness ran up to the scene of the accident and advised the young lady what to do. She managed to reach the bank safely. He (witness) thought deceased could swim, as he did not shout or get excited. Witness could swim, but could not dive and while he was preparing to go to deceased's assistance, the young man sank. Later the young lady went for assistance, and witness informed both the County and City Police. Witness could not, owing to his delicate state of health, remain on the spot any longer. - Miss Winnifred Olive Back, of 15 Marsh-place, Paris-street, Exeter, said she went on the Canal with deceased on Monday, starting from the Quay. Deceased rowed as far as Double Locks. Witness then took the oars, and rowed on the return journey. On reaching the spot where the accident happened, witness was somewhat exhausted. PRATT got up to take her seat, and the boat over-balanced. Witness confirmed the statement of the previous witness with respect to the rescue of herself and the drowning of deceased. She saw a man with a drag and informed him of the accident. She had only been boating with the deceased once before. - Mr Harry Hatley, a merchant seaman, of 8 Spring Garden Cottages, Alphington, deposed that he saw men dragging the river after he had left work and assisted with a spare drag. The water was about 13 feet deep at the spot. - Dr L. P. Black, who examined the body, said death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Accidental death" was returned. The Coroner said the case was a sad one, and emphasised the need for the utmost care in changing places in the middle of a river. Deaths similar to the one he had just enquired into were altogether too numerous, yet there never seemed to be any notice or heed taken by other boaters. Mr Gould complimented Mr W. E. Tesdale on his attempt to rescue the deceased and his companion.

Western Times, Friday 12 September 1919
IPPLEPEN - Newton Gun Fatality. Inquest On A Paignton Youth Found Shot. - Mr Hacker, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest at Dainton Farm, Ipplepen, Newton Abbot, yesterday, relative to the death of LEONARD RALPH TREMEER, aged 16, son of MR W. G. TREMEER of Paignton, whose body was found in a field on the farm, on Tuesday evening, with the top of the head blown away. - Mr J. Russell, Newton Abbot, grandfather of the deceased, with whom the lad had been staying for several days, said last Sunday LEONARD showed him two full sporting cartridges, and said he was going to Mr Maddacott's to have a shot at a rabbit. Witness advised him to throw the cartridges away and protested against his using a gun. - Mr Maddacott, of Dainton Farm, said deceased was accustomed to visit his place during the holidays. After tea on Tuesday witness's son asked if LEONARD could have a shot. He replied, "Not without I go, and I am too tired tonight." The single barrel gun found by deceased was kept in the kitchen and the lad must have gone there very quietly and taken it and then gone out through the window. Deceased had accompanied witness rabbitting, but was never allowed to have a gun. - Frederick Irish, a labourer in the employ of Mr Maddacott, deposed to finding the body of deceased in a field close to the house. The gun was between the boy's legs with the muzzle under his stomach. - Dr A. Sealey, Ipplepen, who examined the body, said there was a gunshot wound above the right eye and the whole of the top of the head had been blown off. He was positive the muzzle was close to the face when the discharge took place. About a foot from where the body was found was a stub of clay in the ground, into which he thought deceased had caught his foot and stumbled. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and sympathy was expressed with deceased's parents.

EXETER - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, held an Inquest at Hurst Cottages, Belgrave-road, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of FANNY HORRELL, aged 76. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased fell about a month ago while dusting her front room and fractured the left leg. Pneumonia set in. A verdict of Accidental Death was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 18 September 1919
EXMOUTH - The Withycombe Fatality. Coroner Adjourns Inquest: Juryman Who Could Not Attend. - Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at the Exmouth Police Station yesterday morning concerning the tragic death on the previous day at the Withycombe Brickworks of HAROLD CARDER, a young man, of Exmouth, who was crushed under a roller of the machinery at the works while feeding a pan with clay, and killed on the spot, the body being removed to the Mortuary. - Deceased, who was 20 years of age, and lived in Manchester-street, was in the employ of Messrs. Abell and Son as a brick labourer at Withycombe, near Exmouth. The firm was represented at the Inquest by Mr H. Ford (of Messrs. Ford, Harris and Ford, Exeter) and Mr A. Martin Alford was present on behalf of the family of the deceased. - Mr H. Cooper was elected Foreman of the Jury, and after they had been sworn the Coroner stated that he was about to adjourn the Inquest altogether for further evidence, if possible, until Saturday morning. - Mr H. C. Coles, a Juryman, said he would be unable to attend on Saturday. - The Coroner: I am afraid you must. You should have spoken before. - Mr Coles: I did not know the Inquest would be adjourned. It has taken me unawares. Saturday is a very awkward day for me. - The Coroner: It is very awkward for me, too. - Mr H. E. Wickings, another Juryman, said he had an engagement in London on Saturday and could not possibly get back till Tuesday. - The Coroner: It is very awkward for you, no doubt, but it is necessary that you should be here. These sudden deaths put you to all sorts of trouble and inconvenience. - After further protests on the part of these two Jurymen, the Coroner said he would see what could be arranged. The Jury then left to view the body. Upon their return, the Coroner called SAMUEL HENRY GEORGE CARDER, a brother of the deceased, a stoker at the Electric Light Works at Exmouth, who gave evidence of identification. - Having adjourned the Inquest until Saturday at 10.30, the Coroner, after consulting with the two Jurymen privately, exercised the latitude allowed him and excused them from attendance on Saturday.

Western Times, Friday 19 September 1919
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Canal Tragedy. Stoker Held Under By The Weeds. Married Woman's Story. - Mr H. W. Gould conducted an Inquest at the Church Institute, Alphington, yesterday, to Enquire into the circumstances surrounding the death of STOKER JOHN HOPWOOD, a native of Torquay, of H.M.S. Agincourt, who was drowned in Exeter Canal. - CAROLINE HOPWOOD, a widow, of 1 Alma-terrace, Torquay, identified the body as that of her son, aged 26. She last saw him alive on Monday, at 11 a.m., when she saw him off at Torquay Railway Station. She understood he was then proceeding to his ship at Rosyth. He did not say he was stopping at Exeter, and she was unaware of the fact that he knew anyone in the City. The train he left by was not a through one, and he would have to stay for a time at Exeter. She had received no communication from him since. He was of a cheerful disposition. Deceased had previously absented himself without leave. He was able to swim a little. - Mabel Helen Strong said she was the wife of John Strong. She did not know what her husband was doing now, but he was a soldier in the R.A.M.C. She came from Taunton. On Tuesday morning, at 8.30, near Queen-street Railway Station, she met deceased, who came across the road to her. She did not know him, but he asked where she was going, and they went to Northernhay and sat together on a seat for two hours. After that they walked about the City all day, also having food. In the evening they went to the Hippodrome and at 10 p.m. she left him outside the Devonport Inn. At 8.45 next morning, she met him, casually, at the top of Paul-street. The previous night she spent near Topsham Barracks, but was not with deceased. After meeting deceased, they went again to Northernhay, and half-an-hour later he suggested that they should take a row in a boat. At 10 a.m. they started from Exe-Bridge and deceased rowed down the Canal. Witness was reading and when between Bromham's Bridge and Salmon Pool Bridge she felt the boat jerk over to the left and looking up saw HOPWOOD in the water. He endeavoured to swim and shouted for help. Then he sank. His head came above water, and he called her Christian name, then went down again, holding his hands above his head. She shouted for help and deceased tried to get to the boat, but was evidently entangled in the weed. She had only been in a boat once previously. The oars were hanging by the side of the boat, the left one being out of the rowlocks. She was so frightened that she did not think of throwing an oar to deceased when he was in the water. They were quite friendly and there had been no quarrel or skylarking. He told her in the morning that he was overstaying his leave. A lady on the bank who was pushing a perambulator came back when she heard her screams. - Mrs Hubble, 3 Spring Gardens, Alphington, said she saw the boat going down the Canal. The sailor was rowing quite nicely and steadily. The last witness was sitting quite still, but she was not then reading. Later she heard loud screams and on running to the bank saw the girl in the boat alone. There was a big ring on the surface of the water. The boat had turned round. Witness helped to get the previous witness, who was much frightened, ashore. - James R. R. Mitchell, market gardener, proved recovering the body from the Canal an hour later. The body was completely enveloped in water weed. There was a large wheelbarrow full of weed on the body. - Dr L. P. Black certified that death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said there was no suspicion of foul play or suicide. Death was undoubtedly due to accident, and he returned a verdict accordingly. Deceased either "caught a crab" or had the oar entangled in the weed. That was the second death within a fortnight in which the victim suddenly disappeared and it looked as though they were drawn under by the weed. He thought some steps should be taken to warn the public of the danger they ran in boating on the Canal while there was so much weed there. He did not know whether the Exeter City Council would consider issuing a warning so late in the season, and perhaps another year there would be more ship traffic and less weed. As it was now, a good swimmer would have very little chance in the Canal and a non-swimmer or indifferent swimmer absolutely none at all.

Western Times, Saturday 20 September 1919
NORTH PETHERWIN. - Shocking Fatality At North Petherwin. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at North Petherwin, on the body of WILLIAM GOODMAN, a thresher, who died as the result of shocking injuries received at Trossell Farm, North Petherwin, while employed in feeding a threshing machine. The evidence adduced went to show that deceased was by some means drawn into the machine and his left leg literally torn off up to the thigh. He was immediately extricated and taken to the Launceston Infirmary, where he died.

DAWLISH - Dawlish Child's Death: An Inquest Adjourned. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish on Thursday relative to the death of DENNIS MICHAEL JOHNSTONE, {Also known as DENNIS MICHAEL KELLY) aged 5 ½ months, the infant son of MRS MARY JOHNSTONE, a widow, of Piermont House, Dawlish. In her evidence the mother stated she received her child from a home in Sussex on the 9th inst. It was ill, and had been attended by Dr A. Hudson. It died on Sunday, September 14th. The case was adjourned until Friday, September 26th, at 11.30 a.m., for the purpose of calling further evidence.

Western Times, Monday 22 September 1919
EXMOUTH - Taking Risks. The Fatality At Withycombe Brickworks. Adjourned Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on HAROLD CARDER, (20), a labourer at the Withycombe Brickworks, who met with his death on the previous Tuesday through being crushed by machinery at the works, was conducted by the Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, at the Exmouth Police Station, Saturday. Mr A. M. Alford (Exeter) was present on behalf of the relatives of the deceased, and Mr H. Ford (of Messrs. Ford, Harris and Ford, Exeter) represented the Withycombe Brickworks Co., on the instruction of Messrs. Abell and Son, Exmouth. Mr Joseph Owner, H.M. Inspector of Factories, of Plymouth, was also present. - John Bolt (16), a trolleyman at the Brickworks, said deceased was employed in feeding the pans, and his duties were to put the clay into the pans for it to be crushed. Witness had not known of any previous accident during the seven or eight months he had been there. Witness did not know of any rules or regulations in regard to the work. He believed there were some fixed up near the kilns, but he had never read them. Deceased remained on the stage during the feeding of the pans. The rollers sometimes got stopped by a lump of clay when the pans were over-filled. He would go down off the stage to restart the roller when there was a "nob" of clay in the way, and to do so he would have to put his foot on one of the spokes of the roller, standing on the safety bar. Witness did not know if this was against the rules, though he had himself fed the pans. The engine driver had told deceased he ought not to go down. Speaking in regard to what happened on Tuesday last, witness said he saw CARDER get over the railing, a proceeding which he did not think was allowed. Witness went on with his work, and then heard somebody cry and Harry Lindsey called to him to ring the bell to stop the engine, which he did. He rang the bell until it broke and fell into the pan. - By Mr Ford: He was rather excited at the time at what had happened, and pulled the bell rope very forcibly. - By Mr Alford: He had seen deceased use his foot to start the rollers when they had been blocked by clay dozens of times. It was only once, more than a month ago, that the engine driver told him he ought not to go down in that way. The men actually engaged in making the bricks were paid so much per thousand bricks turned out. It was not in the interest of the men to stop the engine when the pans became blocked with the clay. - By the inspector: Mr Lindsley, the foreman, was the responsible man at the works. Two or three weeks ago, witness got off the staging to restart the roller in Mr Lindsley's presence and nothing was said to him. A bar could be used for the purpose, but it was only used when the pan was blocked by an extra big lump of clay. The general practice was to get down over the railings when the rollers stopped and try to restart them with the feet first and if that failed, to use the bar. In further replies to the Inspector, witness contradicted his previous statement and stated that the men had been warned by Mr Lindsley not to go down and start the machinery with their feet. - Cross-examined by Mr Alford: Mr Lindsley had seen them go down to restart the rollers plenty of times, but had only cautioned them once. - Dr G. F. Walker stated that he was called to the brickworks on Tuesday, after the accident, and found the man dead. There was considerable bruising of the body, and he considered the cause of death was due to the pressure of machinery on the abdomen. - Harry Lindsley said deceased had never complained of the dangerous nature of his work, and was quite satisfied, as far as he (witness) was aware. Rules were placed at the works so that everyone could read them. It was the duty of deceased to ring the bell and stop the engine before getting into the pan, and he was quite sure deceased was aware of this. When witness got to deceased after the accident, he found him lying inside the pan with the rollers on his stomach. - By Mr Alford: The rules displayed were the Factory Act rules, and there was nothing in them to say how this roller should be started if it got jammed. Deceased might have to get down to restart the rollers half a dozen times a day. The other men would have been upset if the engine had been stopped three or four times a day, as it would have delayed their work and reduced the output. - In reply to the Factory Inspector, witness said he had told the man it was not allowable to get down from the stage on to the pan, and informed him that if an accident occurred in consequence of his getting inside the guard, he would not be able to claim compensation. He told deceased this, as he had seen him expose himself to the danger. It was possible for a person clearing the roller with a bar to fall into the pan even then. - John Neels, engine driver at the brickworks, said he had been employed there nearly 30 years. From time to time H.M. Inspectors visited the works and had expressed satisfaction with the machinery. He had warned deceased not to go down and do what he did when he met with the accident. He had known one man feed the pans for years and not go down to restart them when they were blocked with lumps of clay, until he had stopped the engine. - Replying to Mr Alford, witness admitted that the general practice of the men was to get down, as deceased did, and restart the pans with their feet. He had warned them not to do so many times. - By the Factory Inspector: The shafting that drove this particular pan was not fenced. - The Inspector: I have asked for it to be fenced and in spite of a personal request made by myself to Mr Abell, and confirmed in a letter, it has not been done. Do you still say all the Inspectors who have visited the works have expressed satisfaction? - Witness: I never knew anything was said about that. - George Lindsley, foreman at the works, stated that three weeks ago he saw deceased down in the pan and told him he had no right there. He knew the men were on piece-work, and it was not his job to continually tell them about going down into the pan. They had all done it barring one man, who never would go down into the pan. He had not reported it to Mr Abell as these men had done it for years. - George John Abell, joint owner and manager of the works, stated that on the Thursday previous to the accident he happened to go to the works and saw the deceased man CARDER climbing up from the pan to the staging. Witness told him he had no right to be on the pan at all, as it was dangerous. The deceased replied there was no risk. Witness told him there was always a risk with moving machinery and that if ever he slipped he was afraid nothing could be done to help him. - Mr Cooper, Foreman of the Jury, said they were of opinion it was a pure accident, and they attached no blame to the employers. They considered the man's death was caused by doing what he knew was very dangerous, and he ought not to have done it. - The Coroner: You think he was conscious of the fact he was disobeying orders at the time? - The Foreman: Yes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the owners from blame. - Mr Ford expressed the sympathy of the employers with the relatives of the deceased.

ASHBURTON - South Devon Tragedy. Inquest At Ashburton On Saturday. - The circumstances attending the tragic death of MISS EUPHEMIA ELIZA LLOYD ALLISON of Stone Park Cottage, Ashburton, who fell from her tricycle and was run over by a threshing machine on Thursday last near Bone Mills, Bickington, were Enquired into by Mr S. Hacker on Saturday at the Market Hall, Ashburton. Deceased was stated to be 61 years of age and of independent means. - Dr W. O. Sankey, who was called to the scene of the accident, said he found deceased lying across the road with her head, badly crushed, between the wheels of the threshing machine. Death was due to fracture of the skull. Only the front wheel of the threshing machine had passed over her. - Miss Maud J. Preacher, of Cross-lanes, Ashburton, a friend of deceased, said she was accompanying deceased (who rode a tricycle) to Newton on her bicycle. After proceeding 4 ½ miles on the road, witness was leading the way, and they saw a traction engine approaching slowly. The road was narrow at the point, but she judged there was plenty of room to pass, the engine being on its near side. Witness did not hesitate and passed the engine, then jumped off to look back. She heard a scream, threw her cycle in the hedge, and ran back and found deceased had been thrown forward between the two wheels. She pulled at deceased's feet, but the engine had stopped. At the time she pulled at deceased she was not aware that deceased had been run over. The front wheel of the threshing machine must have passed over deceased before she arrived. There was no delay in stopping the engine. - P.C. Blackmore, of Buckfastleigh, said he arrived at the scene just before 12 o'clock. The body was lying just in front of the rear right wheel of the thresher. The upturned tricycle was at her side. There was a traction engine, thresher and a straw binder. At this point the road was 12ft 6in. in width. The distance from the tyre of the thresher to the near side of the hedge (the opposite side to the accident) was 1ft. 9 in. There was, however, about a foot of gutter. The engine was the widest vehicle, and left about nine inches distance between its near front wheel and the hedge on the same side. On the side of the accident there was a distance of 4ft. 6in. between the thresher wheel and the hedge and 3ft. 6in. between the engine wheel and the hedge. There were heaps of soil thrown up at each side of the road, and one was directly beside deceased's feet. The tricycle was upside down between the thresher and the hedge, with the front wheel touching the thresher and the back wheels against the hedge. There was a heap of earth at the exact spot, but people having walked over it, it was impossible to see whether a wheel of the tricycle had gone over it. The axle width of the tricycle was 2ft. 6in. - A Juryman: Were the mounds of earth on the metalled part of the road? - No, in the gutter. - Sydney S. Hill, of Butta Farm, Buckfastleigh, the owner of the engine and threshing machine, said he was on the near side of the engine. It was being driven by a man named Coffin. They were driving as slowly as was possible on the low gear. He did not entirely stop, because he thought there was plenty of room. Thinking he heard a shout, the engine was brought to a standstill and he found deceased as stated by previous witnesses. He only used the engine for the first time on Wednesday. - The Coroner asked witness if he was aware of the bye-laws dealing with traction engines. - Witness said he was not, and left it to the driver, whom he put in charge. - The Coroner pointed out that one of the bye-laws laid down that where a road exceeded 100 yards in length and it was less than 16 feet in width for that distance, a person in charge of a locomotive should not proceed without having ascertained the roadway was clear of vehicles. - The Surveyor for the District, Mr Stanley Olver, produced a plan showing the road and the position of the engine and deceased after the accident, as described by previous witnesses. The width of the road from hedge to hedge was 12ft. 6in. He stated the distance from the off wheel of the threshing machine to the hedge was a clear 3ft. 9in. On the near side the distance from the wheel to the hedge was 1ft. 6in. The road was quite level, and heaps of road scrapings had been piled up at the sides. These were cleared the day after the occurrence. Such heaps were always cleared as quickly as possible. The particular heap by the scene of the accident projected about a foot from the hedge. The road for a continuous distance of 100 yards was under 16ft. in width. - Before giving evidence, the driver of the engine (Charles Edward Coffin) was cautioned by the Coroner. Witness said he was a private in the Royal Marines and was on leave until the 25th of this month. By trade he was a traction engine driver, having driven for nine or ten months prior to the War. He had agreed, at Mr Hill's request, to drive for him temporarily, and commenced the previous Wednesday, when he brought the engine and machines from Exeter. He did not know the width of the road where the accident happened, but considered there was ample room for the tricycle to pass. He had no idea how deceased came to be upset and did not think it necessary to stop until he heard screams. When he saw the ladies riding towards him he slowed up and, as he thought, left plenty of room for them to pass. - A Juryman enquired whether the road scrapings had anything to do with the accident and the Coroner remarked that they certainly had made the road narrower. - The Jury retired to consider their verdict, and in the meantime, Mr Olver (the Surveyor) re-examined his measurements of the road, and informed the Coroner that at certain places the roadway was more than 16 feet in width within the 100 yards. The Jury returned to give their decision, but before doing so the Coroner pointed this correction out, whereupon they again retired, and later returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They strongly protested against highway authorities allowing the road scrapings to remain ungathered for seven or eight days. They caused great inconvenience to the public on district as well as county roads. - Mr Warren, the County Surveyor, who was present at the Inquest, as well as Mr Olver, promised to give the matter immediate attention.

Western Times, Saturday 27 September 1919
DAWLISH - Dawlish Child's Death. Suspicion About A Sussex Home Removed. Mother's Amended Story. - At Dawlish, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, and a Jury held an adjourned Inquest respecting the death of a child whose real name was DENNIS MICHAEL KELLY, aged 6 months, and who died on Sept. 14th shortly after having been received from a babies' home in Sussex. The child was in a terribly thin condition and the doctor refused to certify the cause of death. The mother, who had given her name as MARY JOHNSTONE, resided at Pierremont House, The Strand, Dawlish. - The evidence given at the opening inquiry, which was not reported, was to the effect that the mother was the widow of LIEUT. DENNIS JOHNSTONE, of the New Zealand Infantry, to whom she was married about 3rd July 1918, at a Roman Catholic Church near Ilfracombe. She did not know the name of the church or the village. They motored there and were married by special license. Her husband was on leave, and left about five days after the marriage to join his regiment in France. She received no letter from him after he left, but at the end of the month of July she received a telegram from France stating that he had been killed in action, although she had received no official information of his death beyond that. The child was born on 31st March 1919, at a nursing home in York, and was healthy. When the child was one month old she took it to Lady Maud Barratt's Baby Home at Oak Dene, Sussex, and left it in charge of the Matron, Miss Goff, who undertook to give it personal attention at a payment of 10s. per week, other expenses being extra. There was one permanent nurse and two girls in training at the Home. She left the child at the Home and at the time it was thriving. She came to Dawlish in the early part of June, and intended to have the child when she had settled down. On 8th September she went to London to take the child out of the Home. She received it the following morning, but did not examine it until she got to the Station. Looking at the child in the train, she found it was a mere skeleton, frightfully emaciated and the bones almost coming through the flesh. Miss Goff had told her the child had been suffering from colitis, and had been attended by a Dr Preston. She fed it on milk and water and it seemed to get stronger. This was continued until the child died. - This morning the mother asked the permission of the Coroner to correct her previous evidence, and said the whole of her statements about her marriage were untrue. - The Coroner: What caused you to make these statements? - Witness: I was very agitated and was very grieved at my loss. I was also desirous of shielding myself from the fact that the child was not born after marriage. - Continuing, witness said her correct name was MARY GWENDOLYN JOHNSTONE KELLY, and that, as far as she knew, the man whom she alleged was her husband was not dead. She produced a birth certificate which stated the child was registered in the name of DENNIS MICHAEL KELLY. She produced receipts from the Home, and also a batch of letters from Miss Goff relating to the child. What she complained of was that she was not told exactly what the condition of the child was. - She did not consider there was sufficient in the letters to tell her the child was dying, which it was. If the letters had only stated the child was losing weight rapidly she would have known. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the child was not suffering from colitis at the time of birth. - A letter from the Home stated that the child was suffering from chronic colitis, with which it must have been born. - Dr A. Hudson, of Dawlish, stated he saw the child on the 9th September, and described it as being in a very emaciated condition, weak, thin and miserable. He had made a post-mortem examination and found there was a complete absence of fat, although the organs were in a healthy condition. Death was due to malnutrition, due to some cause or other, he could not say what. There were no marks of violence. - Dr Prison, of Heyward Heath, Sussex, stated he attended the Home in question, which was run on splendid lines, no expense being spared. Generally speaking, the babies in the Home were those whose parents were unable to look after them. This particular child had lost 4 oz. in the first month of its life before it was brought to the Home. It was not in a good state of health and in succeeding months, although he saw it regularly, and it lost 11 oz. Witness surmised the child might have been born with some hereditary disease. - The Coroner: It was necessary to endeavour to find what it was? - I think it had some specific trouble for which I treated it, but it did not respond. - Witness added that the child received every treatment. In his opinion death was due to an hereditary disease which he could not name, and from which it was quite possible the mother had not suffered. - A Juror: Was the child fit to be moved from London to Dawlish? - It would not do it any good. - The Matron of the Home, Frances Beatrix Goff, said the child had her personal care the whole of the time the child was in the Home. - The Coroner: Why did you not keep the mother informed of the fact that the child was getting emaciated? - The letters I wrote would have been sufficient for me if I had been anxious about a baby. - The Coroner: There does not appear to be anything urgent about any of them. - Witness was also questioned as to the condition of the child when the mother came to fetch it, and the reason for her not informing her of its condition, and replied that there was not time. - The Coroner remarked that it was a case in which there was a great deal of suspicion. It might have been one of those baby homes they heard of too frequently in which children were not properly treated and were simply run for the purpose of making money. The evidence showed clearly such was not the case, although he thought the Matron was guilty of an error of judgment through not acquainting the mother of the emaciated condition of the child in her letters and of handing the baby over without any explanation. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - The Coroner remarked that the mother had placed herself in a very serious position by making a false statement to the Court, but he quite understood that this was due to her agitation, and a desire to hide the circumstances of the child's birth.

Western Times, Tuesday 30 September 1919
LYMPSTONE - Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at Lympstone yesterday concerning the death of JOHN LENDON BREMRIDGE, retired farmer, living at Brook Cottage, Lympstone, who was found hanging in his cowshed on the previous evening. - Wm. George Bowerman, dairyman, of Town Farm, Lympstone, said he rented some ground off deceased, and last saw him alive at 8 a.m. on Sunday, when witness came to fetch some milk. He was then apparently quite well and passed the time of day as usual. He had never heard deceased threaten to take his life, but he had been very quiet during the last week. - Walter Moxey, gardener, said he had worked for deceased for four years. Deceased lost his wife about ten days ago and the funeral took place on September 22nd. Deceased complained that he missed his wife very much. He had one daughter only, but she was not living at the house. Deceased appeared very depressed on the previous Thursday when witness went to Exmouth with him. He had never heard deceased say he would take his life. About six o'clock on the previous evening witness went to the garden to shut up the glass houses, which he had opened up in the morning. He then saw Mr Patten (deceased's son-in-law) who asked him if he had seen "the governor." Witness replied that he had not seen him all day and left saying that no doubt he would be found somewhere. He had no idea then that anything had happened, and thought deceased had gone for a stroll, which he was often in the habit of doing. Witness was afterwards informed that deceased had been found hanging. He went to Brook Cottage and saw deceased standing on a ladder in the cowshed, one end of the ladder was in a manger and the top end passed through a trap door leading into a hay loft. Deceased was about half-way up the ladder, and his feet were on the sixth rung from the bottom in an ordinary standing position. His head and shoulders were in the loft and deceased had his arms round the ladder. A cord had been taken from his neck and was attached to a rafter overhead. - JAMES PATTEN, son-in-law, of 14 Lyndhurst-road, Exmouth, said deceased was 75 years of age. Of late he had seen deceased every day and arrangements were made for witness and his wife to come and live with him. He thought the fact that deceased had lost his wife preyed on his mind and he appeared to be suffering from indecision as to what he would do in the future. Witness's impression was that his father-in-law had gone up the ladder, tied a cord with a slip-knot around his neck and walked down the ladder rung by rung until he strangled himself. - Dr C. E. Gaitskell, of Lympstone, stated that when he arrived he found that death had taken place from eight to ten house, rigor mortis having set in. He formed the conclusion from what he saw that death was due to strangulation, caused by hanging. He had no doubt as to the fact that deceased took his own life. - P.C. Rabley said he knew deceased, and had noticed some alteration in his demeanour, which he (witness) attributed to the loss of his wife. - Witness produced the cord which was fastened to deceased's neck. He stated that deceased's arms were tightly clasped around the ladder and witness had some difficulty in releasing them. He was satisfied that deceased committed suicide. - The Coroner said he found that deceased had taken his own life by hanging, but the evidence was not sufficient to show the state of his mind at the time. He read, however, from a memoranda showing that both deceased's father and a brother had committed suicide.

Western Times, Friday 3 October 1919
EXETER - Elderly Lady's Sad Death At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the death of JOSEPHINE B. NORRIS, of 4 Polsloe-road, whose body was found by a Council employee in the River Exe near Ducks' Marsh. - MISS SUSAN H. NORRIS, sister, said the deceased was 67 years of age. She was last seen alive Wednesday morning, when she intimated she would like to go for a walk. She had never threatened to take her life, but had been depressed for some time. As deceased did not return for dinner, witness went to several shop sand enquired about her. She later heard of her body being found. - James A. Westcott, West-street, Exeter, said he saw a woman's hat on the bank about 9.10 a.m. Wednesday. He presumed there was a body near, and searched. About a yard away, near Ducks' Marsh, he discovered the body. He removed it from the water. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was evidently due to drowning and no doubt deceased's mind had become unhinged. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned, the Coroner expressing sympathy with the relatives.

WITHERIDGE - At Creacombe Barton, Witheridge, on Wednesday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of BESSIE ANNIE GREENSLADE, wife of MR FROUDE GREENSLADE, farmer. Deceased was found by her husband lying on her face and hands on the stone floor of the parlour on Monday morning, having apparently been dead some hours. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation."

Western Times, Friday 10 October 1919
STOCKLEIGH POMEROY - Boy's Fatal Fall From A Tree Near Crediton. - Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at Westwood Farm, Stockleigh Pomeroy, yesterday, relative to the death of ROLAND CLARKE, aged 12, son of MR WILLIAM JOHN CLARKE, farm labourer, of Dally's Cottage, Cheriton Fitzpaine. The mother of deceased stated that on October 1st, her son and grandson, a child of 4, went out to pick up some wood. Her son returned later and said he had fallen from the bough of a tree. He had some lunch and went out and fetched some more sticks. He said he did not hurt himself in the fall. He showed no symptoms of being ill until the following Friday evening, when he complained of sickness. He became sick, but the next day he ate his breakfast and dinner. Subsequently, he again complained of being unwell and wanted to go to bed. Next day he spoke of stiffness in his neck. Afterwards she sent for the doctor. Her son died on Tuesday last. - Dr Beatrice Parson, of Christow, said she found considerable retraction of the neck, complete paralysis of the left arm, except a slight movement of the left hand. The shoulder and upper arm were also paralysed. The only bruise was about the size of a sixpenny piece on the left side of the neck. The cause of death was cerebro spinal meningitis, accelerated by the fall. A verdict was returned accordingly.

EXETER - Southmolton Man's Death In Exeter Prison. - Mr G. H. Stephens held an Inquest at the Devon County Prison yesterday, relative to the death of ARTHUR DUNN COKE, aged 56 years, whose home is at 25 Cooke's Cross, South Molton. Major R. A. Marriott, D.S.O. (Governor of the Devon County Prison) said deceased was a wood turner by trade and was admitted to the Prison on September 6th on remand, on a charge of having attempted to commit suicide. He died on the 7th inst. During the time he had been at the Prison he had been very ill and had been given a proper bed in his cell and kept under observation. Later the doctor had him removed to the Infirmary. - William Napper, St Anne's-road, Exeter, temporary attendant, and Naval pensioner, said he had charge of deceased during the time he had been at the prison. Asked by a Juryman whether the man had been troublesome, witness said he was not, but kept on talking to himself and was restless. - Dr E. J. Y. Brash, acting Medical Attendant to the Prison, said deceased had suffered from tuberculosis of both lungs, and the complaint must have been of long-standing. He did not think death was due to the attempted suicide, but this may have hastened the end. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Tuesday 14 October 1919
SOUTHLEIGH - A Dangerous Practice. Climbing A Hedge With Loaded Gun. Southleigh Farmer's Fate. - "It is a very dangerous thing to climb up a hedge with a loaded gun. Everyone ought to know that. It is not, however, generally acknowledged, especially by farmers" observed the East Devon Coroner, Dr Tweed, at an Inquest yesterday, on WILLIAM HENRY MUTTER, 47, farmer, of Little Waddon Farm, Southleigh. - Deceased, said the widow, left the house at half-past six in the morning to fetch cows from the Path Field, taking with him, as he often did, a gun to shoot any rabbits he might come across. As he had not returned by 8 o'clock she went to look for him and found deceased in a hedge apparently dead. Witness spoke to him but he did not answer. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said she did not go nearer than six feet to him because she was too frightened. - The Coroner observed that people ought not to run away in such circumstances; they ought to go over and see if they could render any assistance. - Witness proceeding, said she went back towards the cow shed and saw her daughter coming towards her. They returned and found deceased lying on his back in the hedge with his feet over the near side. It looked as though he had slipped from the hedge. It was, said witness, the custom of the deceased to get up on the top of the hedge to look down into the village, where he could see his heifers grazing. Witness could not say whether it was the deceased's habit to take out the cartridges from his gun when he climbed over a hedge. - By Sgt. Brown: witness had not heard her husband complain that his gun was defective, or that the trigger would easily pull. - CLAUDINE MUTTER, 16, daughter, said it looked as though her father had slipped over the hedge. - Ernest Underdown, a neighbouring farmer, who was called, stated that he saw the gun lying across the body of the deceased, and the trigger was caught in the brambles. One of the cartridges had been discharged; the other trigger was at full cock. - SAMUEL J. MUTTER, blacksmith, Southleigh, brother of deceased, said he attended Honiton market on Saturday and saw his brother. In the evening deceased, in the course of a conversation, mentioned the fact that he had a few rabbits on his farm and intended to try for one or two. - Dr J. A. Creighton, Colyton, said he found the deceased in the hedge in a semi-upright position. His right foot was caught in the moot or branch of a tree. The gun, which was covered with blood, lay across his thighs, and the trigger was caught by a bramble. There was a large aperture in the neck where the shot had entered, and both the lower and upper jaws were shattered. Witness agreed with the other witnesses that it was an accident. Deceased apparently caught his right foot in the hedge as he was climbing over and, in trying to extricate himself, a bramble caught the right trigger of the gun which was accidentally discharged. Death, he thought, must have been instantaneous. Witness had known deceased for eight years and always found him to be of a cheerful disposition. - A verdict of "Accidental Death was returned. The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the widow in her bereavement.

Western Times, Saturday 18 October 1919
EXETER - The "Down" Express Strikes Young Fireman And Stops Automatically. Sad Accident At Exeter. - The Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, regarding the death of WILLIAM BAXTER, of 24 Oakfield-road, St Thomas, the young fireman, who was killed on the Great Western Railway on Wednesday afternoon near the oil tanks siding at Cowley-road, revealed a very remarkable circumstance. BAXTER was crossing the line in front of an express train that was running into St David's Station, when he was struck by the engine in such a way that he knocked the vacuum pipe and thus brought the train to a sudden stop. He was found lying underneath the second-last coach with both arms and a leg broken and a severe wound in the head, death from shock having been almost instantaneous. At the Inquest, which was held without a Jury, Inspector Vernon, of the Trade Department, and Inspector Cook, Locomotive Department, represented the Great Western Railway Company and there was also in attendance, Mr H. Parfitt, organising secretary for South Wales, of the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Fireman. - HARRY BAXTER, of 24 Oakfield-road, St. Thomas, identified the body as that of his son, who lived with him. the lad had been a cleaner and had just passed as a fireman on the G.W.R. Witness saw him alive last at 1.15 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, when he was in the best of spirits. The boy had been in the Army and was absolutely steady and his sight and hearing were good. - Harry John Clarke, 1 Diamond-road, St Thomas, a first-class fireman, acting driver, G.W.R., stated that on Wednesday, the 15th inst., he booked on at 1.52 p.m., with WILLIAM BAXTER as fireman. At about 2.40 o'clock witness was short of coal and told his mate to go to the signal box to have this reported to the "Loco," and to ask for another engine, or to know what should be done. Witness told BAXTER before he left to look up and down, to see there was nothing about. BAXTER reached the box all right. Witness did not see him leave, as he was busy with the shunters. - Edward John Gardiner, signalman, said he was on duty at the East signal box, near the oil tank siding, when deceased came and asked witness to wire in for a relief engine, as the fire was very bad and there was no coal left. Witness found that the usual relief engine had just left for the Basin, and would not be back for some time, and he told the deceased that the only alternative was for his driver to go back to the shed for coal. BAXTER was in the box ten minutes. Witness went to the window and then pulled his signals back for the "down" express. The lad was going down the steps when witness spoke to him last, but witness did not think of telling him about the express, as although it was on witness's block he had not pulled his signals back for it at that time. Next thing he saw that the express had been pulled up; the lad was lying underneath the second last coach of the train. - William Stoneman, a packer, who was working near the East Box, said he saw a man in the four-foot way coming away from the box, and walking towards the train. As the express drew near witness lost sight of the man, and could not see whether he had been struck down or had cleared the train. Then the express pulled up. The man could not have been looking out, or he must have seen the train coming. - Arthur Sergeant, driver of the express, said he had reduced the speed of the train to 10 to 15 miles per hour as they approached the East Box, and was preparing for the stop at the Station, when his mate blew the whistle and asked "Is there a man gone past that side?" Witness said "No." With that the train stopped, and witness found that the plug had been knocked nearly off the vacuum pipe. - William Thomas Collins, fireman on the train, said he saw the man walking across in front of the engine, hardly a coach-length away. He rushed across and blew the whistle, and asked the driver if he had seen a man pass on his side. The train was stopped automatically through the vacuum pipe being knocked. - Dr J. Pereira Gray deposed that life was extinct when he reached the scene of the accident. BAXTER had had a severe blow on the forehead, his right arm and leg were badly fractured, and his left forearm was all but severed. The cause of death was shock, due to these extensive injuries. - The Coroner said it seemed a very sad case. So far as he could see it was a pure accident and no one was to blame. He was very sorry for the parents.

Western Times, Wednesday 22 October 1919
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, sitting without a Jury, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of HENRY EDMOND PARR, who expired suddenly on Monday morning in Mr Searle's shop in Paris-street, Exeter. Deceased's son said his father complained of pains in the chest, near the throat, on Monday morning. MRS E. A. PARR said her husband had enjoyed fairly good health and his last illness was in the Spring. Dr Kingdon Frost who was called to the shop, attributed death to a spasm of the heart. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Thursday 23 October 1919
OTTERTON - Otterton Fatality. Tragic Death Of An Exmouth Resident. Sad Inquest Story. - The untimely end of ROBERT THOMAS GOUGH, 47, of Exmouth, a retired police constable, who was accidentally shot while shooting rabbits at Week's Farm, Otterton, on Monday, was the subject of an Inquest held at Otterton yesterday by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner. - Supt. Arbuthnot (Exeter) represented the County Police. - Charles Dymond, butcher's manager, of Exmouth, said on Monday he was rabbiting at Week's Farm with deceased, Mr George Bishop, the occupier and Mr W. Andrews, of Exmouth. Witness and Andrews were on one side of the hedge with deceased, who was about ten yards away. Mr Bishop was on the opposite side of the hedge, but could not see him because the brambles were in the way. At three o'clock witness heard the report f a gun, and saw deceased fall down with his hand to his chest. He fell forward, and shouted "Oh". Witness ran to his assistance, and said, "That's nothing, you will be better in a minute." Deceased pointed to his chest and said, "Oh! Chest." Witness unfastened his shirt and placed him in a sitting position and saw a shot inside the skin on the right side of the chest, which was bleeding a little. Mr Bishop then arrived and deceased asked to be allowed to stand, as he thought he could breathe better. Witness went to the farm for some whisky and water. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said he surmised that deceased, seeing a ferret, went to the hedge for it. MR GOUGH was standing well back a moment before when Mr Bishop shot a rabbit, but when the second shot was fired he was close to the hedge. - Walter Andrews, butcher's assistant, Exmouth, corroborated. He said the ferret had been put into the hedge and a rabbit bolted, Mr Bishop firing. As far as he remembered, it was Mr Bishop's first shot. - MRS GOUGH, widow, gave evidence of identification. - Mr George Bishop, giving evidence, said he stood 21 yards from the bank. A rabbit bolted, and witness fired at it. The fence was 12 or 14 feet high and quite thick, so that witness could not see the men on the other side of the hedge. A rabbit bolted on witness's side of the hedge and a voice from the other side said, "There's another." Witness slipped back to his original position and fired as soon as the second rabbit appeared, and then heard the deceased call out. Witness at once jumped over the fence. Dymond, who was squeezing shots from the deceased's chest, said "It is only flesh wounds." Deceased said, "Let me stand up," and they lifted him. Witness said, "Where were you MR GOUGH?" Deceased replied, "In the corner" (meaning the junction of two hedges.) Deceased complained that he could not breathe and witness asked Dymond to fetch some spirits. Deceased again fell forward and subsequently his head fell on witness's shoulder. He died about ten minutes after witness's arrival. Witness aimed at the bottom of the hedge. Replying to the Coroner, witness said he could not say how deceased came so near the hedge; he may have come for the ferret. - Had you known he was so close to the hedge would you have shot? - Certainly not; we always make a promise before we start not to do so. - Witness, replying to further questions, said they dropped back from the hedge when the ferret was put in, and stood there until it came out, or someone had fired. The procedure on the part of the deceased was unusual. Witness understood that this was the first time MR GOUGH had used a gun. - Dr H. F. Semple, Budleigh Salterton, stated he conducted a post-mortem examination, which disclosed the fact that a pellet had penetrated the heart. This would be sufficient to cause death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated Mr Bishop from any blame. - Mr C. Sage, the Foreman of the Jury, testified, as one who had known Mr Bishop for many years, to the great care which he observed while shooting. Mr Bishop never shot on the hedge and always unloaded his gun when he returned to the house.

Western Times, Friday 24 October 1919
YARNSCOMBE - Old Man's Death At Yarnscombe. - The County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Vicarage, Yarnscombe, on Monday afternoon, touching the death of MR CHARLES SCOUGALL, aged 67 years, and of independent means. - Mrs Ellis, housekeeper to Rev. J. B. Singleton, said she had been housekeeper at the Vicarage for over 20 years, during the whole of which time deceased had resided there. On Sunday he had complained of feeling unwell and remained in bed all day. Witness saw him at 4.30 and promised to bring him tea at 5.30. When she arrived with the tea she found that he had passed away. - Dr Good attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

DARTMOUTH - Mr A. M. Davson, Dartmouth Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of MISS JULIA PRICE, newsagent, Fairfax-place, who was found dead in bed on Tuesday. Deceased was 73 years of age, and did her paper round to the last. Dr Soper attributed death to syncope, due to a dilated heart, primarily caused by chronic bronchitis.

RUISHTON, SOMERSET - Young Devonian's Death. Overtaken And Knocked Down By A Train Near Taunton. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure " was returned by the Coroner at the Inquest Wednesday, at Ruishton, near Taunton, on ALAN DE LA BERE, aged 23, a farm pupil, whose mutilated body was found on the Chard branch line early on Monday morning. - Edwin John Govier, a farmer of Thornwater Farm, stated that deceased had been his pupil for nearly a month. He left the farm on Saturday evening saying that he had a headache and intended going for a walk. He did not return and nothing further was heard of him until Monday morning, when his body was found near a cutting on the line, some little distance from a level crossing. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said that during the time he was at the farm deceased appeared to be in good health and spirits. He was, however, somewhat deaf and short-sighted. - Evidence as to the finding of the body having been given. - P.C. Jenkins stated that there was a fog on Saturday evening and his theory was that deceased was walking along the line when he was overtaken and knocked down by a train. - Dr W. B. Winckworth stated that deceased had consulted him about a small surgical matter and on the six occasions when he had seen him he appeared absolutely normal in his manner. Witness had examined the body, which showed signs of having been exposed for two nights. There were injuries to the right thigh, shoulder and scalp such as might have been caused by the impact of an engine. Death was due to shock, following the injuries. - Deceased, who had served in the Army, was a son of the REV. JOHN DE LA BERE, Rector of Woolfardisworthy, North Devon.

Western Times, Friday 31 October 1919
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Fatality. Inquest On Boy Who Was Knocked Down By Motor. - At Newton Abbot, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker conducted an Enquiry into the circumstances of the death of ARTHUR LEONARD EARLY, 9, son of MR GEORGE EARLY, 45 East-street. The boy was knocked down by a motor car in Highweek-street on Tuesday. - William J. Bishop, who witnessed the accident, said he saw the boys playing in the middle of Highweek-street as the car came down the slope. Witness could not say whether the horn was sounded, but from the way the car slowed down, it was evident the driver had noticed the boys. As the car came up to them the deceased appeared to be thrown off from the other boy and staggered. Before he could recover he was knocked down, and both wheels of the car went over him. The car was pulled up two yards from the body. - Mrs Alice Burge, who picked up the boy, said the boy was nearly in the middle of the road. Blood was issuing from his ears, and she believed he was dead. - One of the occupants of the car, Thomas Woollacott, of Kingskerswell, said he was sitting beside the driver. The horn was being sounded all the way from Highweek School to where the accident happened. The deceased appeared to have been thrown directly in front of the car, which was being driven at a rate of from 4 to 5 miles an hour. There was plenty of room for the car to pass had the boy not been pushed. Under the circumstances the driver had no chance of averting the collision. - Dr L. H. Glanfield stated that deceased had sustained a very severe fracture of the skull, sufficient to cause instantaneous death. - Mr W. H. Mortimer, of Kingskerswell, who was riding in the car, said the horn was sounded and the driver even spoke to children, telling them to get on one side. - Terrance Eggington, aged 10, said deceased and two other boys were wrestling on the pavement. they neither heard nor saw the motor car approaching. He denied pushing the deceased. - William Rendell, taxi-cab owner, of Torquay, who was driving the car, said he saw two boys near the edge of the pavement. The road was quite clear for him to pass, but just as he got in line, deceased tapped another boy and started to run across the street. He tripped and fell in front of the car. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned, the driver being exonerated from blame. - Sympathy was expressed with the boy's parents by the Jury, Mr E. Hutchings, who appeared for the driver, the Coroner and Mr Mortimer.

Western Times, Tuesday 4 November 1919
EXETER - Exonian's Sudden Death From Natural Causes. - Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, sitting without a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Court, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of MARY ANN KEATS, Gatty's-court, Exeter. WILLIAM CHARLES KEATS, Gatty's-court, identified the body as that of his wife, aged 58 years. She had had no illness for years, but heart spasms when she got a little excited. She used to be taken with fits, and recently had faints. On Friday she appeared quite all right. He heard that she had died after he had gone to work. - Mrs Wood, Bedford-place, said deceased came to her on Saturday, and just as she was about to go again, she had a slight fit, and witness bathed her face and laid her on the sofa. Later she found she was dead. - Dr Pereira Gray said he considered death was due to heart failure, following spasms of the heart. - The verdict was "Natural Causes."

CHRISTOW - The Christow Fatality. Full Story Told At The Inquest. Company Not To Blame. - An Inquest was held at the Teign House Inn, Christow, by Mr G. H. Stephens, Exeter, sitting with a Jury, yesterday, relative to the death of FRANK LANGMEADE, lodging at 146 Cowick-street, Exeter. Mr T. Boydell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was present. - Mr James Channing, 146 Cowick-street, St. Thomas, Exeter, carpenter, identified the body. Deceased had lodged with witness for about three months. He was a bachelor. As far as witness was aware there were no relatives in this country. He was 53 years of age. He had been doing small jobs as a general labourer. Witness had known deceased about 17 years, and he was last seen alive on Thursday morning last at about five minutes to seven, when he left witness's house to catch the train. At the time of his death he was employed at the Scatter Rock Macadam, Ltd. - Reginald Percy, lodging at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Club, Gandy-street, Exeter, employed by the Scatter Rock Company as a general labourer, said he and deceased were working together on the day of the tragedy. Deceased was engaged in removing earth at the face of the quarry, and which was being thrown down from above. Between 4.30 p.m. and 4.45 p.m. in the afternoon, witness saw a fall of earth and stone and the deceased was buried underneath it. Only a portion of his coat was visible. Witness immediately helped to dig deceased out. Assistance was obtained, and the body was uncovered within three or four minutes. He appeared to be dead and was bleeding at the nose and head. - Deceased, added witness, received all his instructions from the foreman. The foreman had warned the witness that no undermining must be done. This had never been done. No warning of danger had been given as to shovelling. When the earth is being thrown from the top the men keep a respectable distance away. Witness felt sure that the earth fell from the face where he (witness) was excavating earth the day before. There had never been a sudden fall of earth previously. - Charles Hugo, No. 1 Snell's-buildings, Waterbeer-street, Exeter, general labourer, said he had been in the employ of the company for about six weeks, as a labourer. At the time of the accident, he was working on the top of the excavation in which the accident happened. He was digging the turf with Charles Canniford. They were not touching the bed rock of the quarry. They knew that the deceased and Jack Curry were working below, clearing the earth away. Witness did not see any fall, Curry's shout being the first intimation witness had of the accident. Witness at once jumped down a distance of about 10 feet, and helped to recover deceased. Curry was also struck and received an injury to his leg. - Dr E. Nicholls, who made a post-mortem examination, said there was presumably a fracture of the skull and deceased's nose was smashed. Some ribs on the right were broken and there was a compound fracture of each leg above the ankle. Death was probably instantaneous. Witness added that he thought the neck was broken, it being very flexible. - Reg. Herbert Huglow, Bridford, foreman at the Quarry, said he was in the excavated part of the quarry where the deceased was knocked five minutes before the accident. He saw a portion of the top overhanging. Two men were placed on the spot (Hugo and Canniford) to bar it down. He thought it necessary because it looked dangerous, but he did not communicate with the deceased as to his instructions to the two men. Witness said in his opinion the accident was the result of the barring. When witness saw deceased and Curry, they were working on the right-hand side, about twelve feet from the place where the body was found. They must have moved to the centre, for what reason witness could not understand. On being asked what caused the death, witness considered that a stone of about 9 or 10 cwt, fell on him. This was in the centre of the excavation. The stone was on a portion of the body, and witness rolled it away. Witness had worked for the company for about two years, on and off, and about 19 months permanently. - The Jurymen considered that if deceased and the injured man Curry had obeyed the orders of the labour foreman, and kept to the right, instead of moving about twelve feet into the centre, they would not have met with such terrible misfortune. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, no blame being attached to the company.

HARTLAND - At Farford, Hartland, on Saturday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on CYRIL JOHN PROUSE, the infant son of JAMES PROUSE, a farm labourer, who died from accidental burns. The mother stated on Thursday she was doing some washing in an outhouse adjoining the kitchen, where she had left deceased with his little twin sister. Within ten minutes she heard the child screaming, "Mummy, fire," and rushing into the room found the little boy with his clothes burned off, on the kitchen table, the cloth of which was also on fire. She wrapped the child in a blanket and got some linseed oil and sent for the doctor. The child was wearing flannelette petticoat and shirt. Dr Young, who came within half an hour, said the case was hopeless from the start. There were extensive burns all over the body and death was due to shock, the result of the severe burns. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" pointed out to the mother that she should have had a fireguard.

TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay on Friday relative to the death of MRS SARAH, a widow, aged 71, of 2 Laburnum-street, Torquay, who met her death about 8.30 on Wednesday evening, by an accidental fall down the stairway, the fall causing immediate death. She was found lying at the bottom of the stairs by Mrs Roberts. Dr Thistle was called in, but could only pronounce life extinct on his arrival. A verdict to the effect that death was caused by a fracture of the case of the skull, caused by the fall, was returned.

TIVERTON - Fatality Near Tiverton. Crushed By A Traction Engine: The Inquest. - Mr F. R.D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital on Friday into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM HENRY LEE, who expired at the Hospital the previous evening from injuries sustained through falling under the trucks drawn by a traction engine. There was no Jury. - The first witness was Dr Stolterfoth, House Surgeon at the Tiverton Hospital, who said the deceased was brought to the Hospital on Thursday afternoon about ten minutes to three. Deceased was in a hopeless state of collapse, very cold and pulseless. His injuries were very extensive; the left leg was torn right off below the knee; the right thigh was fractured in numerous places; the muscles from the knee were torn and contused. The leg was so broken that it was nearly off. They administered chloroform to relieve the poor fellow's pain and preparatory to an operation, but deceased passed away before an operation could be performed, about twenty minutes after his admission to the Hospital. - MR THOS. WILLIAMS, of Ash Thomas, identified the deceased as his step-brother. He was about 49 years of age and a widower. - William Alford, of Town Cottage, Halberton, traction engine-driver, in the employ of Mr Elworthy, said he was driving the engine in question and deceased was the steersman. On Thursday afternoon, about 1.15 he was driving the engine on the Wellington road with two loaded trucks. When they got to the top of Lamb-hill, they stopped, because the brake on the hind truck was broken and they had to chain the wheel. After this, witness got on the engine and LEE put the brake on the front truck and walked by the side of the truck to tighten the brake. The engine then seemed to be getting out of control and he came to the conclusion that something was wrong with the brake. He put on the brake and the fly wheel brake. He then looked behind and saw LEE lying in the roadway. Witness rushed back to the deceased, who asked for assistance. Witness saw deceased was badly injured and went off to get help. When he got back he found a motor-car had stopped by the side of LEE. They went at once to Dr Laidlaw, of Uffculme, who came and conveyed deceased immediately to the Tiverton Hospital. Witness afterwards examined the brake and found the handle broken right off. He considered the handle must have come off while LEE was turning it, and he must have fallen backward under the hind truck. In answer to the Coroner, witness said they did not have any systematic inspection of the engines or waggons. - William Elworthy of Crosslands, Halberton, the owner of the engine, said he always waited for the men to report anything wrong before they examined the engines or waggons. He had never known a case like this before. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Coroner expressed his opinion that these engines and waggons should be periodically inspected.

Western Times, Monday 10 November 1919
EXETER - Whitestone Child's Death From Burns. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday by Mr W. Linford Brown, relative to the death of FREDERICK CHERITON, aged 2 years and 8 months, who died at the Hospital on Wednesday as a result of burns received at Whitestone. MR ALFRED CHERITON, father, said he was not at home when the accident occurred, but reached home about five minutes later. He found the child in his wife's arms. The fire was quite out. Witness wrapped the deceased in a blanket and carried him to the doctor. The fire was a hearth one, and there were no guards, as he was unable to afford one, having a large family. - The Coroner said the law required a guard to be kept. - MRS CHERITON said about 5.30 p.m. she went to feed the poultry and left the children in the kitchen. She heard a scream a few minutes later and going to see what had happened found the boy in flames. She tried to extinguish them. Later the doctor applied some oil and the child was taken to the Hospital. Deceased must have been playing with the fire. - Dr Wayland Smith, House Surgeon, said the child was suffering from burns on the legs and stomach, and death was probably due to shock following extensive burns. - The verdict was "Accidental Death" and the Coroner extended sympathy to the parents.

Western Times, Tuesday 11 November 1919
EXETER - At an Inquest at Exeter last evening on the body of MR HOMEYARD, who died suddenly at his residence in Culverland-road, Dr Kingdon Frost attributed death to heart failure, following chronic asthma, and bronchitis. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

DARTMOUTH - At the Inquest at Dartmouth on Saturday on WILLIAM CUMMING HENLEY, who died during the passing of Dr Soper's funeral procession, Dr Sparrow said that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, the result of a fall. Mr Davson, Coroner, expressed sympathy with MISS HENLEY on the loss of her brother, who was a highly cultured and well-read man.

Western Times, Wednesday 12 November 1919
EXETER - Child Dies As Result Of Burns At Heavitree. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last evening, on GLADYS PEGGY COOPER, three-years-old daughter of MR and MRS COOPER, South View-terrace, Heavitree, who died of burns. MRS COOPER said at half-past one on November 4th deceased was alone in a room at the back of the shop. There was a fire in the grate (an open one) but no guard. Suddenly witness heard her daughter scream and rushing in found deceased on fire. Witness had never seen deceased play with the fire, and it was her opinion that something in the fire had exploded and ignited the deceased's clothing. - Mr Calliford, who ran to the deceased's assistance, said he wrapped her up in a rug and table cloth. Dr Rolfe said there were extensive burns on the body. Death was due to shock and sceptic absorption. - The Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, " and said it was a pity a guard was not placed to the fire. - MRS COOPER said it was only a very small fire.

EXETER - Plymouth Visitor's Sad Death At Exeter. - "Death From Shock due to sudden immersion in water while in an enfeebled state," was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr Linford Brown, sitting without a Jury at the Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, last evening, on TOM TOZER, aged 40 years, 12 Cattedown-road, Plymouth. ARTHUR N. TOZER, brother, of the same address, said deceased had been in ill health for years, having received medical attendance and also hospital treatment in London. deceased had lived with witness for about eight years and left on November 5th. Ernest Smith, 6 Rosebery-road, Exeter, said deceased was a friend of his and paid him a visit from Plymouth. He understood he was in the City on business. P.C. Newman deposed to finding the deceased sitting in the doorway of the City Brewery, Commercial-road, which adjoins the Exe. He was very wet and remarked "Take me somewhere or I shall die." Witness and P.C. Gribble took him to the Police Station, massaged him and wrapped him up in blankets, and he was then taken to the Hospital. From his statement he had apparently come to Exeter to visit friends, and on return failed to catch his train home. Coming back from the Station he became giddy and either fell or walked into the river. He was wet up to his shoulders. Dr Irene Mules, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted suffering from shock. The organs were sound but the body emaciated. P.C. Newman, recalled, said the deceased's mind seemed unhinged. In returning the above verdict, the Coroner said there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

Western Times, Tuesday 18 November 1919
PAYHEMBURY - The death occurred suddenly at Payhembury on Saturday morning of MR SAMUEL JARVIS, coach builder, in his 59th year. Deceased, who had not enjoyed good health for some time, was taken suddenly ill early on Saturday morning. Dr Ponton was summoned, but MR JARVIS died before his arrival. Deceased was formerly a ringer at the parish church. He was also a prominent member of the Payhembury Cricket Club. At the Inquest held yesterday, the District Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, sitting without a Jury, recorded a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

EXETER - Sad Exeter Fatality. Cyclist Killed In Collision With Motor Car. Driver Exonerated. - At the Court House, Exeter, last evening, Mr W. Linford Brown, with a Jury, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ALFRED JOHN COLLARD, 42, Cemetery Avenue, Exeter, who was knocked from his bicycle by a motor car on Saturday morning. Mr M. J. McGahey represented the relatives of deceased, and Mr J. Norman Lake appeared for the owner and driver of the motor car. JAMES COLLARD, 156 Pinhoe-road, identified the body as that of his brother, whom he last saw alive just after ten o'clock. Deceased was then at his office in Monks-road, and when the accident took place he was proceeding to the yard in Cemetery-road. His brother's sight and hearing were perfect. - By Mr McGahey: His brother was an experienced and careful rider and had been over the road hundreds of times. The way in which motorists used the road was a danger to children. At the corner of Cloister-road were two big fir trees which shut out the view. - Captain F. J. Boles, Peter-street, Tiverton, stated that on Saturday he was in a taxi-cab, driving along Pinhoe-road. They were in no hurry and the pace of the car was very ordinary. As an experienced motorist he judged the speed at not more than 15 miles per hour. He saw deceased riding out of Cloister-road into Pinhoe-road and he thought the cycle was in the middle of the road. He considered deceased was riding rather fast seeing that he was coming from a side road. It seemed to witness that he would hit the car about the middle of the front wheel, but the cyclist swerved and the left lamp hit him. The driver applied all brakes and the car skidded thirty yards. The driver also sounded his hooter repeatedly on the way down Pinhoe-road. When the car struck the cyclist it was clear that he was badly injured. Dr Bartlett was in a car behind and MR COLLARD was taken into a house, where he died a few minutes later. - By the Jury: The road was not slippery. - By Mr McGahey: He did not agree that any car going at a speed of 15 miles per hour could be pulled up in a length and a half. It depended on the weight of the car and condition of the brakes. He was surprised that the driver could have seen deceased 18 yards before he hit deceased. The taxi driver may have also swerved to try to avoid deceased. His statement that the car skidded 30 feet was an estimate. He did not measure it. - By Mr Lake: The taxi driver did all in his power to avoid the accident. He was a very careful driver and kept to his proper side of the road. - Deceased Riding Too Fast. - Henry Godfrey Rew, of Heavitree, said he was driving up Pinhoe-road and saw what happened. Deceased came suddenly from a side road and looked as though he would strike the side of the road, but he got in front of the car. In his opinion the cyclist was riding too fast at that place. - By Mr McGahey: He could form no opinion as to the speed of the car. - By Mr Lake: The driver of the car had often driven witness. He found him a careful driver and thought most people would regard him as too slow. - Dr Pereira Gray deposed that death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - William Roberts, 10a. Cheeke-street, taxi driver, expressed a desire to give evidence. He stated that he was well to the left of the road, and sounded his hooter nearly all the way down Pinhoe-road. He did not see the cyclist till he came in front of the car. Witness applied the brakes and shut off the engine. Deceased swerved, and the car, with the wheels locked, skidded a few yards forward. He did not measure the distance. His speed was 14 to 15 miles per hour. The road was smooth and down hill, and to that he attributed the fact that the car skidded. He had been driving a car for from five to six years. - By Mr McGahey: He did not think he was travelling more than 15 miles per hour. He agreed that the trees prevented a driver seeing anything come out of Cloister-road. He did not regard 15 miles per hour as too great a speed. - By Mr Lake: He had never had an accident before. - P.C. Farrant said he was fetched by the last witness who said he had had an accident. The road was 25 feet wide. The taxi had proceeded on the left side of the road about 6 feet from the kerb. From the place where the taxi brakes were applied to the spot where deceased was struck was 34 feet. Deceased appeared to have swerved in one direction and the car in the other. - By the Jury: The cyclist was on his wrong side. - The Coroner, dealing with the speed of motors, said there was a time when a pedestrian had some rights on the road, but he thought it was right in saying that horse vehicles were driven with more consideration for other users of the road than motors were. He did not suggest that the car in this case was going too fast. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from all blame. They added a rider expressing the opinion that there should be a speed limit for motors in the City. - A Juror afterwards stated that Pinhoe-road was used as a trial ground by motorists. There had been several narrow escapes. - Mr Lake expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Western Times, Thursday 20 November 1919
HIGH BICKINGTON - North Devon Suicide. High Bickington Wife's Sad End. Husband's Tragic Discovery. - At High Bickington yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, Inquired into the death of MRS LUCY C. WONNACOTT, aged 34, wife of MR W. H. WONNACOTT, baker. - MR WONNACOTT stated that his wife left home the previous Saturday to go to a sale, but evidently did not do so; and she did not return until Monday, when she said she did not know what had made her go to Exeter. Everything went on very comfortably and his wife was very cheerful. On Thursday he went into the bakehouse to work, and returning found his wife was not in the house. He made inquiries of the neighbours without result and after giving the children their dinner went out into the back yard to feed the pigs. when close to the water tank, he saw a piece of paper bearing his wife's handwriting, and informing him that she had taken her life. Witness called his brother, and they found his wife's body in the tank, in which the water was about 5ft. deep. Dr Good was sent for, but could only pronounce life to be extinct. His wife had been suffering from nerves lately, but had never threatened to take her life. - Mrs Louisa Sussex, a neighbour, stated that on Monday morning deceased came to her house. She had walked from Portsmouth Arms Station, and said she did not know in the least what made her go off to Exeter. Witness walked up with her to the shop and the husband seemed very delighted to get his wife back. Witness last saw her on Tuesday morning with the youngest child in her arms, MRS WONNACOTT being then very cheerful and bright. - Dr Goode attributed death to drowning. He attended MRS WONNACOTT for about two months for a nervous complaint, and she was a woman full of impulse. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Friday 21 November 1919
TORQUAY - "My Brain Has Gone." A Torquay Suicide's Pathetic Note. Ex-Soldier's Tragic End. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, conducted an Inquiry at Torquay yesterday with respect to the death of JOHN MEDLAND, aged 35 years, a discharged soldier, who was found in a wash-house at the rear of his house in Church-street, Torre, with his throat cut. - Dr Thistle stated that the wound was 7ins. long, a razor lying by the side of his right hand. It was obviously a self-inflicted wound. MRS MEDLAND, widow, said deceased had been wounded in the war in Egypt. He complained of something wrong with his head two or three days after returning home. - The Coroner: Did he ever say anything about taking his life? - Witness: He wanted us both to go once. - You understood by that, that you should both commit suicide? - Yes. - Was he depressed about anything? - He felt very keenly because his firm did not take him back, and because he was out of work. - Witness added that before the war her husband was employed by a firm in London. They came to Torquay about two months ago. On Tuesday morning, about 6.30 her husband dressed, saying he was going for a walk. He was advised to have a cup of tea before doing so and later she went downstairs, finding the kettle boiling and her husband absent. She called her brother-in-law. - Frederick Green said deceased had been very strange in his manner lately. Very often deceased looked strangely at witness, and would crack grim jokes about death. On Monday deceased came home in a taxi with him, and as the brakes squeaked on stopping, he observed, "Ah, the death rattle." - P.C. Tulley produced a note found on deceased, written on the back of civil employment paper. It contained the following words: "My poor brain has gone - lost on active service. Now there is a conspiracy to bound me down. So this is the end. I did it all for the best, as I did not want to drag them down with me." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Tuesday 25 November 1919
CHERITON FITZPAINE - Domestic's Depression. Suicide In A loft At Cheriton Fitzpaine. - Mr Henry W. Gould, the District Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday at the Post Office, Cheriton Fitzpaine, relative to the death of EMMA SHARLAND, aged 50, daughter of an agricultural labourer at Stockleigh English. - Evidence was given by Sarah Prior, widow, to the effect that deceased had been in her employment for 30 years as a domestic servant and assistant at the Post Office. Deceased had been ill for several months, suffering from pains in the legs and head. Witness had never heard her speak of suicide. Deceased had been offered an almshouse, but she did not want to leave witness, who promised to provide for her. Witness last saw her alive on her going to bed about 10.30 p.m. on the 19th. Next morning she was missing from her bedroom and was ultimately found hanging in a store-room. - Annie Westcott, employed by the last witness, said on taking a cup of tea to the bedroom about 7.15 a.m., she missed deceased, whose bed had been slept in. - Thomas Pride, chemist, now of the Flying Corps, son-in-law of the first witness, proved finding deceased in the loft, hanging from a beam by a cord round her neck. There was a box, on which she must have stood, and dropped off. When witness cut her down the body was slightly warm. Deceased was fully dressed, with the exception of her boots. - Dr Beatrice Pearson, Cheriton Fitzpaine, who saw the deceased about 7.40 a.m. on Thursday, said the cause of death was asphyxia, caused by hanging. The last time witness saw her, deceased was depressed about her health. - The verdict was "Suicide during Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Monday 1 December 1919
EXETER - At Exeter, on Saturday, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of HARRIET WEEKS, wife of MR ROBERT WEEKS. Deceased had been suffering from chronic bronchitis for some time, and had been attended by Dr G. T. Clapp. She woke up on Friday at 3.30 a.m. and had a fit of coughing. Before the doctor could be called, she died. Dr Clapp said death was due to heart failure consequent upon the bronchitis and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was entered.

Western Times, Tuesday 2 December 1919
ATHERINGTON - Mr Geo. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Furzedown Cottage, Atherington, on the body of MAURICE THORNE, aged 64, labourer. MARY ANN THORNE, widow, stated that on Sunday deceased left the house just after 10 a.m. to feed the pig at the top of the garden. As he was away some time she called to him, and getting no answer she went up and found him lying in the doorway of the pig's house, with his head in an iron trough. He was quite dead. He had not complained of any illness lately. - Dr Good, High Bickington, who had made a post mortem examination, said deceased's heart was very flabby and enlarged and death was due to syncope. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

BIDEFORD - North Devon Motor Fatality. Car's Steering Gear Fails And Dashes Into Hedge. - At Bideford Hospital yesterday afternoon, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM EVANS, aged 46, of Heale Cottages, Littleham, a gardener in the employ of Capt. C. T. Bell, of Littleham, who was killed in a motor accident at Yelland, on the Bideford-Barnstaple main road, on Saturday. The deceased was one of the "beaters" of a shooting party on their way to Fremington Covers, the shooting of which is rented by Capt. Bell. - Mr H. R. Bazeley, solicitor, watched the proceedings on behalf of an Insurance Company and for Capts. Bell and Elger. - The widow gave evidence of identification. - Capt. Elger, of Whitehall House, Northam, said on Saturday he drove a car to Fremington, the other occupants being a chauffeur, named Fred Northcote, and the deceased, the latter occupying the "dickey" seat at the back. On rounding a slight bend just past Yelland, the car failed to respond to his efforts to turn her straight again. At first he thought it was a front wheel skid and turned a second time, but, as she still failed to respond, he realised the steering gear had gone wrong. He was travelling about 20 to 25 miles an hour at the time. He took out his clutch, applied his brakes and waited for the crash which he knew must come. The car slowed down appreciably before running into the hedge and it overturned. Witness was pinned down under the steering wheel and became dazed. Witness was the only one left in the car when it turned over, the other two occupants being thrown out. He saw Northcote in the road holding up deceased's head, EVANS being unconscious and bleeding from the nose. Capt. Bell's car came along almost immediately and EVANS was conveyed to Bideford Hospital but he died on the way. - Capt. Elger called a mechanic, who produced a portion of the steering apparatus and explained that a nut had come off the steering arm, rendering it useless. - Capt. Elger thought it was criminal that the nut was put on, as it evidently was, without a split pin. The car, with which he had never had any trouble before, was in a garage about six weeks ago. - The Coroner having inspected the steering arm, pointed out that the threaded portion seemed worn. - Frank J. Northcote, chauffeur, corroborated the evidence of Capt. Elger, whom, he said, did everything possible. - Dr Littlewood said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull, which was consistent with his head having struck the ground. - The Coroner said it was obviously a pure accident, caused by the nut having come off the steering arm, rendering it perfectly useless. Capt. Elger did all that was possible under the circumstances and there was no blame attaching to anyone. - He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Wednesday 3 December 1919
EXETER - At Court House, Exeter, yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown held an Inquest relative to the death of MARY E. WESTLAKE, late of 7 Albany Place, Cowick-street, St. Thomas. Edith Marie Nightingale, 2 Cowick-street, identified the body as being that of her aunt, who was 69 years of age. Dr J. Pereira Gray said deceased had a large tumour in the abdomen. He attributed death to heart failure due to condition of the abdomen. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 5 December 1919
BARNSTAPLE - Death of MR T. MILLWARD, of Barnstaple. - Very deep regret was occasioned at Barnstaple on Tuesday, when it became known that MR THOMAS MILLWARD, a well-known figure in the business life of the town, had died suddenly. MR MILLWARD has for about 12 years, carried on an extensive business in poultry, game and eggs in Boutport-street, and he was known and greatly respected throughout North Devon, and wherever he had business dealings. Possessing keen ability and tact, he continued business with affability and his many friends will miss his cheery personality and feel very deeply for the widow and family in their loss. MR MILLWARD was a member of the Barnstaple Parish Council and frequently lent valuable assistance to numerous organisations in the town. He was about 65 years of age, and a native of Abingdon, Berks, but had resided many years in Barnstaple. It is believed death was due to heart failure. On Monday MR MILLWARD was at business as usual, and apparently quite well. Yesterday he made no complaint, and asking his son, MR E. R. T. MILLWARD, to open the business, said he would join him in a few minutes. But when he did not come the son went to the dining-room and found him sitting on the couch dead. Dr Cooper, who was promptly called, could only confirm the fact that MR MILLWARD had passed away. At the Inquest Dr Kendrew, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Saturday 6 December 1919
EAST STONEHOUSE - Saltash Tragedy. Inquest Opened and Adjourned. - The Inquest opened at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday on the bodies of seven men from the sloops Silveio and Swindon, stationed at Devonport who were missed from their ships on Sunday and whose bodies were on Thursday found floating in the Tamar. The Coroner said he proposed, after issuing certificates of burial, to adjourn the Inquest till Tuesday, so that full inquiries might be made as to the circumstances in which the men left their ships and their subsequent movements.

Western Times, Tuesday 9 December 1919
DAWLISH - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest without a Jury, at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, on Saturday, relative to the death of MR W. N. TAPPER, which occurred suddenly at the Railway Station on Wednesday morning. - Dr Hudson said deceased had been suffering from valvular disease of the heart, and a verdict of Natural Causes was entered.

Western Times, Friday 12 December 1919
OTTERY ST. MARY - Fatal Fall Downstairs. Sad Accident At A Farmhouse At Bishops Court. - An Inquest was held at Bishops Court Farm, near Ottery St. Mary on Tuesday, by Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner, concerning the death of MRS JANE SKINNER, aged 71 years, wife of MR ISAAC SKINNER, of Bishops Court Farm. - Evidence was given by MR ISAAC SKINNER, junr., a son, stating that on the previous Saturday about 4.45 p.m. his little son, who was in the house with his grandma, said to him as he entered, "Granny has fallen down bang." Witness went to look for his mother, and found her lying at the foot of the stairs unconscious. Some money was lying scattered on the floor. He thought his mother had gone upstairs to get some money to pay the workmen, and on coming back had fallen downstairs. - Dr Johnson, who was called, stated that death was due to concussion and compression of the brain as the result of the fall. - A verdict of Accidental Death in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

TIVERTON - An Inquest was held at the Tiverton Hospital on Wednesday on the body of MISS ALICE MILTON, aged 63, of Parsonage-lane, Silverton. On Friday last MISS MILTON, who was a cripple, fell and broke her right arm. She was conveyed to the Tiverton Hospital, but the shock played upon her low physical condition and she died on Tuesday morning from heart failure, resulting from shock caused by the compound fracture of the arm. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

Western Times, Friday 19 December 1919
ILFRACOMBE - Sudden Death While At Tea At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe on Tuesday evening, touching the death of CHARLES MOORE, labourer, of 2 Neva Cottages, Ilfracombe. The widow stated that deceased, who was 62 years of age, was having his tea when he fell forward and without uttering a sound, expired immediately. Dr Stephenson stated that death was due to heart disease; and the Coroner's verdict was "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Exeter City Coroner, this evening, relative to the death of a four-years-old boy named ALBERT SIDNEY BROOKS, son of a carter of Churchill-place, Cowick-street, St Thomas. The evidence was that the boy had measles, and was in bed a week when he suddenly became worse and died. Dr Atkins attributed death to bronchial pneumonia.

Western Times, Monday 22 December 1919
EXETER HEAVITREE - Death from Heart Failure was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, who held an Inquest at Heavitree Police Station on Saturday, on MRS JANE PENNY, of 29 Regent-square, Heavitree. Mrs E. M. Davis said when she left home on the morning of December 19th, her mother seemed quite well, but when she returned she found her dead in a chair. Dr Hepwell attributed death to heart disease.

CLAYHIDON - Dr E. R. Tweed held an Inquest on VICTOR ARCHIBALD RICHARDS (twin brother of ARCHIBALD VICTOR RICHARDS), Jennings Farm, Clayhidon, aged seven days, who was found dead in bed by his mother. Dr Lees and Dr Hellyar, of Wellington, gave evidence and a verdict was returned that death was due to pericarditis and accidental suffocation during an attack of vomiting.

CULLOMPTON - Cullompton Tragedy. Clergyman Commits Suicide By Shooting Himself. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy County Coroner, at Cullompton on Saturday, Inquired into the death on Friday of REV. HERBERT ATHILL, a retired Church of England clergyman. - MISS BERTHA ATHILL said her father was 72 years of age. For years he had suffered from chronic heart trouble, in consequence of which he was at times very irritable. His nerves had been affected, and when suffering from the attacks he was not responsible for his actions. He had such an attack on Friday about 10 o'clock. When she came downstairs to breakfast he was in the dining room in an irritable state and abusive. Later she went upstairs to give the maid a letter, and just after heard the report of a pistol from her father's dressing room. The door was locked when witness went there and her mother was standing outside. Getting a ladder she looked through the window and saw her father on the floor. A doctor was at once sent for. She knew her father had a revolver. Dr Alleyne stated that he found a bullet wound in the right temple. Death was probably instantaneous. Five chambers of the revolver were loaded, and in the other was an exploded cartridge. Chronic heart trouble often caused irritability and violent temper, making people irresponsible for their actions at times. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Tuesday 23 December 1919
EXETER - Exonian's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, on Friday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the death of MARGARET TIDDEBOROUGH, who passed away suddenly at the Exonia Vaults, South-street, Exeter. MR W. TIDDEBOROUGH, husband of deceased, said his wife had of late complained of a cold, and also of heart trouble. Two or three weeks back she fell on her hip. She suffered in her back in consequence. No one saw her fall down. The son, SIDNEY TIDDEBOROUGH said he was not personally aware of the fall; he only heard about it. The Coroner said it was very unsatisfactory, and he must adjourn the Inquiry until Monday. In the meantime there would be a post mortem.

EXETER - "Natural Causes" Verdict At Exeter Inquest. - The adjourned Inquest on MRS MARGARET TIDDEBOROUGH, aged 50, of the Exonia Vaults, South-street, Exeter, was resumed by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon. It will be remembered that the Coroner, at the former Inquiry, last week, pointed out that the evidence was not satisfactory owing to the relatives being unaware of a fall which deceased had. Her hip was bruised and no one knew anything about it. Dr Pereira Gray, who examined the body, was informed of the fall, consequently the previous Inquiry was adjourned to enable a post mortem examination to be made. MRS A. WINSOR, daughter of deceased said her mother told her she had slipped over two stairs. She had complained of no pain and appeared quite cheerful. Dr Pereira Gray said he made a post mortem on the 18th inst. There were no marks of violence and no bruises. The heart was enlarged and fatty and death was due to heart failure caused by a fatty heart. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

Western Times, Saturday 27 December 1919
LONDON - Teignmouth Man's Death. Fatal Injuries In A Quarrel In London. - William Kimber, a general labourer, of powerful build, living at Stalbridge-street, Marylebone, was charged on remand at Marylebone on Tuesday with the manslaughter of ERNEST WESTAWAY SHOBROOK, a furniture buyer, of "Crofton," Lower Brinley, Teignmouth, and 42 Lisson-grove, London. During the remand an Inquest had been held, said Detective-Sergeant Pinnock, and a verdict of excusable homicide was returned. - Mr C. V. Hill, the solicitor defending, asked whether the Police intended to proceed with the charge in view of that verdict. - The Magistrate replied, "Oh, yes. We are not in any way affected by the Coroner's Jury." - Evidence was given that on the night of the 5th December the prisoner and the deceased were drinking in the King Alfred public-house, Lisson Grove, when Mrs Kimber pointed out the deceased to her husband as a man who had grossly insulted her. The two men went outside. The deceased said, "I apologise if I have said such a thing to your wife; but I doubt whether I have." They then shook hands and parted. Shortly afterwards, however, the deceased returned in an excited state, apparently annoyed at the fact that the prisoner had noised his apology abroad. He struck the prisoner and in self-defence the prisoner pushed him, with the result that he fell, striking his head against a wall and on the pavement and became unconscious. Eight days later he died in the Marylebone Infirmary, at Rackham-street, death being due to extensive damage to the brain, following a fracture of the skull. - Mr C. V. Hill, the Solicitor defending, having suggested that the verdict of the Jury was the right view to take of the case, Mr Biron said he did not think any Jury would convict on these facts and ordered the prisoner to be discharged.

HONITON - Christmas Eve Fatality. Exonian's Untimely End At Honiton: The Inquest. - "He fought for me in France and we were so happy together " sobbed MRS MINNIE GRANT, giving evidence at Honiton, yesterday, at the Inquest on her husband, JAMES GRANT, 33, labourer, employed by the London and South Western Railway Company, of St Sidwells, Exeter, who was knocked down and killed by an express train at Honiton Station, on Christmas-Eve. Deceased had served in the Army in France and was demobilised in April. Having eaten his dinner in the platelayers' hut on Wednesday, he went into the town to buy a couple of rabbits. He returned and was seen afterwards waiting, near the down four footway, by the rails for the up express - (12.10 from Exeter) - to pass. The down express - the 8 a.m. from Waterloo, which was due at Sidmouth Junction at 1.9 a.m. - was also signalled. - "I had entered the Station from the Booking Office as the trains went through," said Ernest Howard, goods warehouseman. "The up express went by first. Then I saw the down express coming and the deceased waiting near the down four footway for the up train to pass. I shouted to him." - The Coroner (Dr E. R. Tweed): do you think he heard you? - Witness: He turned round and I think he saw the train, but it was only a second before the down train was on him. One more stride and the deceased would have cleared the train. Witness explained that the tail part of the up train had only just left the spot where the accident occurred as the engine of the down train appeared. - Richard Thomas Bowden, parcel porter, stated that while on duty in the Booking Office he heard someone shout and was informed of the accident, and rushed to the crossing with the stretcher. Nar the up line he found two rabbits. The body of the deceased had been cut to pieces and scattered over the line, a leg and thigh being found 100 yards from the scene of the accident. Death must have been instantaneous. - Fred Titt, Salisbury, engine driver of the down train, said when he arrived at Sidmouth Junction, a permanent way inspector asked him if a man had been knocked down by the train at Honiton. Witness was not aware of the fact, but upon examination found blood splashed over the disc board. On arrival at Exeter the engine was again inspected, but no further marks could be discovered. The train went through the Station at 35 miles per hour and the whistle was sounded as it approached the platform. - Evidence was also given by John Seage Harris, a foreman under whom deceased was engaged repairing stop blocks at the Station. GRANT, he said, was a steady man and smart at his work. Deceased, at the time of the accident, was on his way to the hut to hang up his coat. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." Inspector A. Meardon and Inspector Coombes represented the Railway Company and Supt. Braddell, the Police. [Western Times, Monday 29 December 1919 - Description of funeral which took place at the Higher Cemetery, Exeter - JAMES GRANT, formerly of the R.A.M.C. of Sidwell-street, Exeter, a labourer in the employ of the L. and S.W.R. Company.]

Western Times, Monday 29 December 1919
TIVERTON - Tiverton Man's Fall. Jury's Rider As To Lighting Of Dangerous Spot. - The Borough Coroner of Tiverton, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, has held an Inquest at the Tiverton Hospital into the circumstances attending the death of JOHN CARTER, aged 71, a retired mason, residing with his daughter (MRS C. LOWE) in Backway, who was found on Christmas Eve lying unconscious across the town leat in Backway, a courtway leading off Fore-street, and who died later from a fractured skull. - Evidence was given to the effect that at about 8.30 on Christmas Eve a boy coming down Backway saw the body of a man lying across the water. He called at one of the houses near by and informed the occupants. It appears that no one saw deceased fall, and the doctor said when called he found CARTER suffering from a very bad fractured skull, consistent with having fallen and striking his head against some hard object. The case was hopeless from the first. He had attended deceased for heart trouble, and he surmised that CARTER had one of these attacks, which would make him giddy and in the dark fell over the waterway. - The Jury commented on the fact that the place was very badly lit and added to their verdict of "Accidental Death" a rider to the effect that they considered there were insufficient lights there, and that this state of affairs should be remedied as soon as possible.

Western Times, Tuesday 30 December 1919
LAMBETH, SURRY - Devon Railwayman Killed At Nine Elms. - At Lambeth on Saturday, Mr Oddie held an Inquest on WILLIAM GEORGE LOCKYER, 38, eldest son of MR G. T. LOCKYER, Fore-street, Colyton, a shunter employed by the L. and S.W.R. Co., of Hartington-road, S. Lambeth. The evidence showed that at night deceased was engaged in shunting operations at Nine Elms and was walking along one of the roads, slightly foul of the running rails, when an engine came upon him unawares, and knocked him down, death taking place in St. Thomas Hospital. The Coroner said he was always sorry to hold an Inquest on a railway servant, because they were a very brave class. The probability was that LOCKYER was engaged in deep thought, and for a moment forgot the danger. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

ALPHINGTON - An Inquest was held at Cross Farm, Alphington, yesterday, by Mr G. H. Stephens, relative to the death of MISS ELLEN E. CLAMPITT, aged 54, which occurred on Saturday last. Deceased had kept house for Wm. Hookway, her cousin, for 28 years, and during that time had not been attended by a doctor, and had never complained of feeling unwell. She was found by Mr Hookway, lying out over the bed. Dr C. E. Stokes said deceased had extensive dropsy and heart disease. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Times, Wednesday 31 December 1919
OKEHAMPTON - Sudden Death At Okehampton. - An Inquest was held at the Okehampton Institution yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM GOODYEAR, aged 65 years, of No. 10 Hartfield-crescent, Wimbledon, S.W., a fitter employed by the L. and S.W. R. Company. It appears that deceased arrived at Okehampton on Monday by the 3.45 train, accompanied by an assistant. They proceeded into the town to get some refreshment and on returning to the Station deceased complained of shortness of breath and stopped several times on the way up the hill. When they arrived they crossed over the bridge, waiting for the down train. Deceased was given a little rum and just after he fainted, and did not come round again. Dr Wright was called and pronounced life extinct. Drs. Wright and Young made a post-mortem examination, and found deceased had a fatty heart. A verdict in accordance with the medical testimony was returned.

EXETER ST THOMAS THE APOSTLE - An Inquest was held at Exwick by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, yesterday on the body of GEORGE BATTISHILL, of St Andrew's-road, Exwick. MRS FEODORA E. BATTISHILL said her husband was 75 years of age and had suffered from chronic rheumatism, rupture and pains in the head. Dr Stokes had seen him. Dr C. E. Stokes said he had attended deceased for the past ten years. He considered death was due to heart disease. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.