Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1921

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included: Andrews; Ashton; Baker(2); Barrett; Bellew; Betts(2); Bickle; Blackmore; Box; Bracher; Bray; Breadner; Brinton; Broad(2); Brooks; Brown(2); Burnell; Butt; Butterwith; Byne; Cardell; Carter; Chalker; Chamberlain; Chapman; Chave; Chorley; Clark; Clayton; Cleave; Coles; Coombes; Copleston; Cossins; Cowler; Currey; Curtis; Dare; Davidson; Davison; Deary; Duckworth; Dunsford; Dymond; Eliot; Emoe; Evans; Featherstone; Fieldus; Ford; Frith; Frost; Frowde; Furness; Gard; Gardner; Gliddon; Godsland; Gollop; Grant; Greening; Greenslade; Hallihan; Hamlyn; Hannaford; Harris(3); Hawkins; Hayler; Heard; Hext; Hill; Hillman; Hitchcock; Hope; Horner; Hurdle; Hussey; Jennings; Johns; Kellow; Kelly; Kernick; Lee; Lerwill; Lewis; Lock; Lovell; Lucas; Lyddon; Lyne; Mardon; Marker; Martin(2); Maunder; May(2); Mays; Merson; Miles; Millman; Mogford; Morrell; Moulding; Moyce; Moyse; Nevill; Nex; Norton; Palmer; Parr; Parsons; Paterson(2); Payne; Pearce(2); Perring; Phillips(3); Pollard; Pope; Rae; Read; Reed; Reynolds; Rice(2); Richards; Rudland; Sanders; Scagell; Scholes; Seabrook; Sealey; Shapley; Shears(2); Shilston; Smale; Smith(2); Soper; Stone; Summers; Symons; Tapper; Thorne; Tithecott; Trounson; Truscott; Tuckett; Turner; Vaggers; Venn; Vigers; Vivian; Ware; Warne; Warren(2); Webb; Weeks; Wellington; Wells; West; Westcott(2); White; Williams; Wills; Winter; Wood; Worden; Young; Zelley.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 January 1921
FRITHELSTOCK - Inquest Adjourned. Unsatisfactory Evidence. - Mr Coroner G. W. F. Brown adjourned an Inquest held at Frithelstock yesterday on the ground that the evidence was unsatisfactory and instructed a medical man to make a post-mortem examination. - It appears that on Monday MRS EUNICE MAUD HARRIS, wife of a labourer, residing at Catsborough Cottage, Frithelstock, was found with a terrific gash in her throat, which was presumably self-inflicted with a razor. The husband admitted being told by a neighbour that his wife had threatened to throw herself out of the window, or destroy herself with a razor. He, however, did not remove the razor, as he did not think she would carry out her threat. - BERTHA SANDERS, sister of the deceased, said while at tea on Monday, she heard a noise in the bedroom as if someone had fallen out of bed. She did not ascertain the cause as she thought something might have happened, but called a neighbour. - Mrs Mugford, the neighbour referred to, deposed to finding the deceased lying on the floor of the bedroom with her throat cut. - Dr Mortimer said deceased told him a few days previously that she had a growth in her stomach. On examining her, however, he could find no cause for her suggestion. The pains deceased complained of were, in his opinion, due to neuralgia of the nerves and spine. - At this stage the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until today.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 January 1921
TIVERTON - Fatal Error. Tiverton Tragedy. The Inquest. - The Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an inquest at the Tiverton Hospital last evening on the body of REUBEN CHARLES MORRELL, 44, brewer's labourer, employed by Messrs. Starkey, Knight and Ford, who met his death under tragic circumstances on Tuesday. Mr W. H. Martin watched the proceedings on behalf of deceased's employers, while Mr J. Owner (Plymouth), H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also present. Evidence of identification was given by deceased's wife, who said her husband was a very steady man. - Dr Pollock deposed to being called to see the deceased and said he found him with severe bruises on both legs, right arm, and chest. MORRELL'S ribs were also smashed, while his back was "pulped." The cause of death was shock, following injuries. - George Wm. Chilcott, labourer, said he was working with the deceased, who was cleaning the mash tun, on Tuesday. Deceased asked witness to "knock the catch out," and in a flurry witness manipulated the wrong lever, setting the machinery in motion. He then realised that something was wrong, and shut off the lever. Witness assisted deceased out of the tun to the sugar-room. Although he (Chilcott) had been employed at the brewery for 18 years, he had never touched that machinery before, and did not understand it. - Evidence was also given by Wm. Henry Wreford, foreman of the tun-room and Wm. Anderson, brewer and manager of the firm. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, and asked the Factory Inspector to take steps to prevent a repetition of a similar accident.

FRITHELSTOCK - Woman's Sad Death. Adjourned Inquest. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday concluded the Inquiry into the death of EUNICE MAUD HARRIS, 31, wife of W. J. HARRIS, farm labourer, of Frithelstock, who was found on Monday with a terrible gash in the throat, from which she died in a few moments. The evidence originally given was that the woman had been depressed and excited in manner for some days. Dr Mortimer also said that she had complained of a growth in her stomach but on examination he could find no cause for her suggestion, and attributed the pains to neuralgia of the nerves of the spine. The Coroner adjourned the Inquest in order that a post-mortem examination could be made. Yesterday Dr Mortimer stated that in his post-mortem examination he found all the organs of the deceased quite healthy and no signs of any cancer or tumour. He was still of the opinion that the pain which deceased felt was caused by neuralgia of the nerves of the spine. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide while Insane," said it was satisfactory to know that the woman had no real cause for destroying herself on the ground of having an internal complaint and of not having had the operation for which she had asked.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 January 1921
TIVERTON - Sad End Of Tiverton Clerk. - At the Tiverton Hospital, last evening, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the death of FREDERICK HENRY HILLMAN, 33, CLERK, in the employ of the Tiverton Town Clerk, whose body was found in the River Exe the previous day. - Ernest George Coombe, managing director of Messrs. Rossiter and Co., said that on Friday of last week the deceased came to the shop and was supplied with 3 ozs. of tincture, which he said was for veterinary purposes. Later he came and asked for another dose, and when refused took out a German revolver. Witness reported the facts to the Police. He had since heard the deceased had attempted to get more poison from other establishments. - SIDNEY JOHN HILLMAN, of Newton Abbot, brother of the deceased, said when he was home at Christmas his brother said he was going to turn over a new leaf and try to conquer the drink habit. Witness knew of nothing that would cause his brother to take his life. He had been wounded in the head in France. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case, and he returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." He added that he had been informed by the Town Clerk that everything connected with the deceased's work was in perfect order.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 January 1921
TORQUAY - Woman's Sudden Death. - A remarkable case of sudden death from an apparently mysterious cause, which was only revealed by a post-mortem examination, was the subject of an Inquiry at Torquay. The deceased was EMMA FREATHA BRAY, aged 53, wife of ROBERT BRAY, kinema attendant, of Hoxton-road, Ellacombe. The evidence of the husband and his married daughter showed deceased had for some time complained of suffering from indigestion, and during the last week or two had remained in bed for a day or two occasionally. With this exception she had good health and was fairly active. On Friday, after drinking a cup of tea about 5.30 she breathed heavily. The husband went for a doctor and when he returned deceased was unconscious and died a few minutes afterwards. Dr Thistle said a post-mortem examination revealed the existence of an extensive cancerous growth in the stomach and, in his opinion, this was the cause of death. The Coroner remarked that this showed how such a disease as cancer might exist without the person suffering or any of the friends being aware of it. He returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 January 1921
WEARE GIFFARD - A curious accident was revealed at an Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown on SARAH ANN RUDLAND, 84, who, on December 6th, was found in bed with a fractured leg and who died on Friday last. Mrs Clements, of Osborne Cottage, where deceased lived, said about 10 years ago deceased fractured her leg and had been weak in the legs ever since. If she crossed her legs in bed she could not uncross them without help. Dr Wilson, of Bideford, said the injury was a simple fracture of the leg, which might have been caused through crossing the legs in bed. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 January 1921
LYNTON - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquiry at Lynton Town Hall yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM GARDNER, 75, farm labourer, of the Coffyn's Cottages. Evidence was given by deceased's married daughter, MRS STILING, with whom he resided, to the effect that her father had been under the care of Dr Cummings for about two months, suffering from a septic ulcer on the left foot. On the 8th inst. witness left him sitting downstairs in front of the fire smoking his pipe and went upstairs. Shortly afterwards she heard the children calling out and, running down, found that deceased, while apparently walking across the kitchen, had fallen, his head coming into contact with the wall and rendering him unconscious. The doctor ordered his removal to the Hospital, where he died the previous morning. Dr Cummings attributed death to the effects of the septic ulcer, combined with heart failure, the result of the fall, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 January 1921
NEWTON ABBOT - Tragic Death Of Retired Doctor At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot Hospital yesterday, on DR MAURICE PATERSON, 57, of Thornliebank, South-road, Newton Abbot, whose death occurred at the institution on Sunday night from severe burns. Mr Coroner S. Hacker had no Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by DR ALEXANDER PATERSON, 19 Western Parade, Southsea, brother of the deceased. He said the latter was in very good physical health when he last saw him at Newton Abbot in October, but he was very much inclined to worry about trifles. There were no signs of any mental breakdown and he had nothing to worry about. Deceased had worked exceptionally hard as a medical practitioner at Grangemouth, Scotland, especially during the war, and it was a great change to go into retirement and have nothing whatever to do. - MRS JEANNE PATERSON, widow, said they came to Newton in April last year. Deceased had been in very good health until about three weeks ago, when he began to worry about their inability to find a house when they were due to leave in April next. He began to get very downhearted and melancholy and nothing would persuade him that he had no worries. He remarked that everything was going against him and he could never get out of it. There were, she said, in answer to the Coroner, no grounds for his worries. As he got little sleep and had no appetite she called in Dr Culross. She had no suspicion of any suicidal tendencies and he had never hinted at it. She never left him alone, as he was so depressed she thought he should have company. Deceased slept during Saturday night until about four o'clock in the morning and then became restless. He dozed once or twice until he rose about eight o'clock. He dressed with the greatest care, as usual, and went downstairs about twenty minutes to nine. A few minutes later the maid came to her room and said deceased had gone to the tool house and had remained there. Witness went into the yard leading to the tool house and saw her husband lying on the ground enveloped in flames. She got a rug, and, with assistance, put the flames out. She thought, however, deceased was unconscious. - Lucy Constable, domestic servant, said until MRS PATERSON told her a fortnight before that deceased was not well she had not noticed it. She afterwards saw he was restless. On Sunday morning deceased looked through his letters on coming down, as usual, and then went out into the tool house. As she did not know what he was doing she called MRS PATERSON. She afterwards heard MRS PATERSON scream and running out saw the deceased, in flames, kneeling on the ground. There was a petrol can close by, and a box of matches. - Dr J. Culross said he had known deceased for several years and was called to attend him on January 8th. He was suffering from insomnia, worry and mental depression. Witness saw him practically every day afterwards. Deceased told witness he was very much worried, but gave him no details, except on one occasion when he said he thought he had acted dishonestly in using his car for recreation when he had taken out a professional license at the beginning of 1920. He was in a condition of incipient melancholia, but his condition was not such that he could certify him as insane. No suicidal tendencies had been observed, but he warned the relatives that there was that danger in all cases of that sort. They had discussed the advisability of engaging a male attendant, but they considered that this would precipitate a mental breakdown. The deceased, when in Scotland about six weeks ago, had a great shock when a friend said he had heard that he had been in an Asylum. Witness was called to the house on Sunday about nine o'clock. Deceased was then lying on his back in the yard, the flames having been extinguished. He was practically unconscious, but gradually recovered. There were very bad burns about the head, neck, ankles and hands, and there were burns in all parts of the body. There was a smell of petrol about the body, and a petrol tin close by. - The Coroner asked if it was only the lower parts of the body that were soaked with petrol, as if the tin had been accidentally tipped over. Dr Culross replied that the whole of his (deceased's) clothing was saturated with petrol. He thought deceased must have poured the petrol all over himself. Inside the waistcoat was a quantity of cotton wool, in the form of a scarf around the neck, and this was also soaked in petrol. Deceased, when he recovered consciousness, asked what had happened, and witness told him he had been burnt. Deceased said, "This is a terrible thing." He seemed distressed as to the trouble he had brought on his wife and family and said he was sorry he did not kill himself. - The Coroner: Did he say enough to lead you to understand that he admitted doing it? - Yes, he did. In the evening at the Hospital I asked him what made him do it and he said "The idea came to me that I must make a great sacrifice," adding, "how useless it is, how futile." - Do you know what his idea was? - I think he thought that everything had gone wrong, that he and his family were ruined. I think that was in connection with what he had done to himself. He said, "It was, I suppose, what they call an uncontrollable impulse." Deceased later asked witness whether he would live and witness replied that he hoped he would. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Death from Shock following Burns result of deceased setting fire to himself while of Unsound Mind.

EXETER - The Exeter coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday on HARRIET DUCKWORTH, aged 52, who was found dead in her bed on Sunday afternoon at her home, No. 6 Exon Court, Sidwell-street. - WM. DUCKWORTH, husband of deceased, identified the body and said she seemed to be in good health on Friday morning. On witness arriving home on Friday evening his son informed him deceased had gone to bed, as she had a slight cold. Deceased asked for a drop of whiskey, which was given her. - WM. DUCKWORTH, son, corroborated his father's statement, and said deceased seemed much better on Saturday, and Sunday witness tried to get a doctor, but could not. - Dr Pereira Gray said he examined the body on the 17th inst., and found death was due to peritonitis. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 January 1921
BARNSTAPLE - File And Fits. Barnstaple Boy's Death. - The death of THOMAS BOX, 15, of Carlyle Avenue, Barnstaple, lately employed at the Taw Shipyard, has been investigated by the Barnstaple coroner, Mr A. Bencraft. The evidence revealed that on December 18 the lad scratched a finger with a file at the yard, and two days later went to the first-aid man, Mr Ball, who advised him to go to the North Devon Infirmary for treatment for blood poisoning. He went to that Institution on the 24th, and the scratch healed up. Last Wednesday fits suddenly developed and the boy died the same evening. Dr F. L. Thomas could not see any connection between the blood poisoning and the death, though it probably reduced the boy's vitality, and might have conduced to death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," accelerated by the injury to the finger.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 January 1921
LYDFORD - After The Concert. A Fatal Drive. - An Inquest was held at Riddon Farm, Princetown, Lydford, by Mr H. C. Brown, on ELIZABETH ANN TUCKETT, aged 81 years (widow of AMOS TUCKETT, farmer). ADA ANN TUCKETT, step-daughter, said deceased went with her and three others to a concert at Widcombe-in-the-Moor and on the way back the horse tripped and fell, with the result that deceased and two others (one the driver) were pitched out of the carriage. Deceased complained the same evening of a pain in her side and the next morning Dr Ellis, of Ashburton, was called in. The driver of the horse, a farm servant, said the tripping was a pure accident. Dr Ellis said he found two ribs in the right side broken and some bruises. Death was due to shock. Deceased talked to him of the accident, but blamed nobody. The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from Shock following upon injuries received Accidentally.

TEIGNMOUTH - Blood Clot. Shaldon Resident's Sudden Death. - At Teignmouth, Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, investigated the circumstances attending the death of MRS MARY SHAPLEY, of 4 Albion-street, Shaldon, who died suddenly on Saturday afternoon. - Miss Jessie Macdonald, 7 Salem-place, Bath-road, Exeter, identified deceased as her aunt, who was 70 years of age. She was the widow of SAMUEL GEORGE SHAPLEY, gardener, of Teigngrace. Witness spent Christmas with deceased. Her aunt lived alone in a furnished house and was in fairly good health, being very active and going for a walk every day. She complained of heart attacks and suffered from biliousness while witness was with her. She never remembered deceased receiving medical attention, though witness had suggested the calling in of a doctor. She ate her meals well. Deceased had some brothers and sisters in Scotland, one of the former living at Aberdeen. She consulted her relations very little. - Mrs Marion Follett, 6 Albion-street, Shaldon, said she saw deceased every day. On Friday evening she called to witness, said she felt ill and asked her to fetch some brandy. Witness could not obtain brandy, so she brought whiskey. Deceased said she had a bilious attack and witness advised her to have a doctor. Before she left deceased she asked if she should get someone to stay with her for the night, but deceased refused. On Saturday morning she saw deceased had got up and put out her milk jug. Later, witness went in and MRS SHAPLEY said she was feeling better. Miss Kitts also visited her and remained. In the afternoon Miss Kitts was leading deceased from the back kitchen when she fell down and, in witness' opinion, died right away. Mr Underhill fetched the doctor. Witness got 2s. worth of whiskey for the deceased, but it was not all consumed. Deceased told her she would be all right by Sunday. - Dr A. G. Holman, Shaldon, said he was called to the deceased on Saturday afternoon about four o'clock. She was sitting on a chair near the back door supported by Miss Kitts. Her teeth were tightly clenched and she was dead. The pupils of her eyes were also dilated. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found the stomach generally unhealthy. The liver showed marks of fatty degeneration, as also did the kidneys and heart, which was very small. There was a clot of blood on the brain, caused by degeneration of the cerebral artery, which, he considered, was the cause of death. There was nothing unnatural in the death. - Miss Sarah Kitts, 10 Albion-street, Shaldon, said she saw deceased on Friday when going to Teignmouth to do some business. Deceased said she was all right. Witness saw deceased again on Saturday and, while leading her from the lavatory she collapsed and died. - Mr H. C. Full, solicitor, said deceased called at his offices in Teignmouth on Friday on business and appeared quite jocular. - P.C. Yeabsley said he found deceased's will and other property in the house, but no letters of recent date. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that deceased died a Natural Death from Cerebral Thrombosis and entered a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 January 1921
WILLAND - Woman's Death. A Road Accident. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest in the Assembly Rooms, Willand, on SARAH JANE GOLLOP, who met with an accident and died the same day. - Evidence of identification was given by GEORGE GOLLOP, farm labourer, husband of deceased, who stated that his wife was 62 years of age. He last saw her alive about 8 a.m. when she left home to go to Willand. - Eva Lily Marshall deposed to coming out of Mr Maunder's farm between 8 and 9 a.m., and seeing a horse and cart driven by Mr Anstis pass in the direction of the Junction. MRS GOLLOP was on the left side of the road going in the same direction. When witness came out of the double doors she saw the trap get into contact with deceased, but it prevented her seeing the deceased actually hit. The driver jumped out and caught the horse by the head and deceased walked across the road in front of the horse. Witness ran to deceased, who, pointing to her left side, said "Its here." Assisted by Miss Carter, who was in the trap, deceased walked to Mrs Lee's at the Schoolhouse, just above. Deceased said she was on her right side, and was going to die. Witness did not see any blood, but Dr Gidley, of Cullompton was sent for, and arrived before the deceased expired. By the Superintendent: The pony was going at an ordinary pace. - Ellen Carter, who was in the trap, stated the pony and trap belonged to Mr Eveleigh, and was taking milk to the Factory. The pony had been driven in the trap frequently and had always worked quietly, as it did on the occasion of the accident. When near deceased, the pony was going steadily along, but slipped and went towards the wall on the left side. The driver had hold of the reins and did his best to hold up the pony. As the pony slipped, the left shaft caught deceased in the body and seemed to push her around against the wall. After witness had assisted her to the Schoolhouse, deceased said she thought she had broken a rib. - Samuel Anstis, Bradfield Cottage, Uffculme, farm labourer, the driver of the trap, said he was employed by Mr Eveleigh, Skinner's Farm, Uffculme. He corroborated the last witness and said the pony was a bay mare and very quiet. Just before he reached the deceased he pulled the right rein and the pony turned its head to the right but its body seemed to go towards the left and struck the deceased. The pony appeared to slip or slide on the tarred road. Witness held the pony while the last witness assisted deceased. He had driven horses all his life and kept a tight rein. - P.C. Small deposed to examining the road after the accident and finding skid marks of the pony's shoes from the middle of the road to a dent in the wall on the left side - a distance of 12ft., gradually going towards the wall. He also examined the near shaft of the trap and found wall marks on the point of it. - Dr Gidley, of Cullompton, said that when he saw deceased she was conscious, but in much pain and groaning. Deceased had no pulse and was suffering from shock. On examination, he found several ribs broken in the left side and the symptoms were compatible with rupture of an internal blood vessel with haemorrhage. He considered death was due to shock as a result of the injuries.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 February 1921
EXETER - Tedburn Farmer's Sudden Death. Collapse While Talking. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on WILLIAM PHILLIPS, aged 73, of Coate Farm, Tedburn St. Mary, who died suddenly at the King's Arms inn, Cowick-street, St. Thomas, last Friday. - REGINALD PHILLIPS identified the body as that of his father, who, he said, left home in good health and spirits on Friday morning to attend Exeter Market. - Hubert Callaway of 13 Sidney-road, Exeter, said he was helping in the bar at the King's Arms when deceased arrived. Deceased, who appeared to be in good health, asked, in accordance with usage, for some food and two glasses of beer. He subsequently called for a drop of whiskey. During the course of conversation with witness, he collapsed and died before medical assistance could be obtained. - Dr L. P. Black said he was called to the King's Arms, where he found PHILLIPS beyond human aid. A post-mortem examination revealed fatty degeneration of the heart which, in witness's opinion, was the cause of death. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

ALPHINGTON - Open Verdict On Heavitree Resident. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner for the District, conducted an Inquiry, at Brooklands, Alphington, yesterday morning, relative to the death of JOHN SYMONS, of Clinton-avenue, Heavitree, Exeter, who disappeared from his home on 20th January, and whose body was discovered in the Canal on the 29th. - MR J. L. SYMONS, of Aylesbeare, farmer, identified the body as that of his father, who was a retired farmer, aged 80. Witness, who saw deceased on January 20th, said he noticed nothing unusual in his habits. Deceased told him, however, he was not going for a walk which he usually did on fine days. Deceased used to do a fair amount of walking and did not always confine his rambles to Heavitree, but sometimes went to the Canal, though generally with his wife. Later, deceased said he was going for a walk and that he would be back to an early tea. Deceased was of cheerful disposition and witness knew of nothing that would cause him to worry. Deceased's sight was good, he had never suffered from loss of memory and had never threatened to take his life. - P.C. Brewer, of Alphington, stated he recovered the body from the Canal, near Salmon Pool Bridge on the 29th ult. The body was fully clothed, except for a hat. - Dr C. E. Stokes, of Exeter, said he had examined the body and found no marks of violence. The body had been in the waster several days and presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. - An Open Verdict was returned of "Found Drowned."

ALPHINGTON - Apoplectic Stroke. Alphington Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held at Mandrake House, Alphington, yesterday by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, on MARY ANN DUNSFORD, of Mandrake House, Alphington, who died in bed about 5 o'clock yesterday morning. MRS LOCKYER, wife of a small holder of Alphington, identified the body. Deceased, the widow of a labourer, was her mother, and had lived with her some time. On Sunday night witness noticed nothing unusual except deceased had some pains. Deceased had not had a doctor for two years. During the early part of the night the pains got worse, but in the latter part of the night deceased slept well. About 5 a.m. deceased complained of pains all over her body and witness aid that, as soon as it was light, she would send for a doctor. Witness went downstairs to get a cup of tea and some biscuits and on her return, in five minutes, found deceased had expired. Dr L. P. Black, of Exeter, said he had examined the body and found no marks of violence. Witness attended deceased some two years ago for a seizure and attributed death to an apoplectic stroke. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. Thursday 3 February 1921
AXMINSTER - Old Lady's Death At Axminster. - The Coroner for East Devon, Dr E. R. Tweed, conducted an Inquest at the Police Station, Axminster, yesterday, relative to the death of EMMELINE MATILDA ELIOT, 70, spinster. Evidence of identification was given by MAJOR MARK ELIOT, R.C.D., Indian Army, and nephew of the deceased, who stated that he last saw his aunt alive about a week ago. She was stone deaf. - William Clarke, farmer, Uplyme, stated that having driven to town on Thursday, January 27th, he handed his horse over to the care of William Searle, stable lad at the George Hotel, and then proceeded to the market. Some time later he heard that a horse had broken out from the stable at the George Hotel and knocked down an old lady. On making inquiries he found the horse was his. He had stabled his horse there for the past three years and the animal was always quiet. - William Searle, stableman at the George Hotel, stated that he received the horse from Mr Clarke, and tied it up in the stable with a piece of hay cord, as was customary. The horse, having on a snaffle bit, he considered it quite safe. Afterwards, however, the horse came out and galloped up the Lyme-road. - The Coroner questioned witness as to the safety of tying up horses with the cord produced and Searle replied that it was the practice to do this and he considered it to be quite safe. - Herbert Stephen Vince deposed to seeing the horse gallop out of the stable just at the time when deceased was crossing the road, the animal knocking her down. Deceased was bleeding from the head. - Wm. George T. Hill, spoke to rendering first aid to the deceased and assisted in conveying her to the Cottage Hospital. - Dr Padbury stated that he saw the deceased at the Hospital. He found she had sustained a fracture of the base of the skull from which there was a compression on the brain. Deceased never regained consciousness. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone. - The Coroner expressed his deep sympathy with relatives of the deceased.

DREWSTEIGNTON - The Tragedy At Drewsteignton. Inquest On Retired Major. - At Netherton House, Drewsteignton, yesterday, Mr H. C. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of ROBERT V. DAVIDSON, aged 56, a retired Major of H.M. Indian Army, and recorded a verdict that it was due to Gunshot Wounds from the deceased's own gun, but that how the same were received it was impossible to say. - Miss Jane Hannah Smith, a paying guest at Netherton and Rose Webber, a house-maid there, said that between seven and eight on Tuesday morning deceased came down, took tea as usual, and shortly afterwards went out, saying he intended to shoot some pigeons. - Mr Leslie Stuart White, also a paying guest at Netherton, said he was out shooting on Saturday last with deceased, and the gun the latter was carrying went off twice on that day without the trigger being touched. On Tuesday morning, as deceased had not returned from shooting pigeons, he went to look for him and found his body in the paddock beyond the fowl-yard. He reported the matter to the Police. He knew nothing of deceased's financial or business affairs. - Dr H. L. G. Hughes, of Chagford, and P.C. Newbery, Drewsteignton, said the deceased was lying on his back, a double-barrelled gun lying close by with the steel behind deceased's feet. The left side of the head was completely blown away. The muzzle of the gun was not close to deceased's head, and he was not grasping the gun. There was nothing on the head or surrounding the injury to indicate the muzzle had been held close. They considered the deceased had been standing up and fell backwards after the shot. One of the barrels of the gun was still loaded and deceased had four cartridges in the left-hand pocket of his coat.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 9 February 1921
ABERTILLERY, WALES - Abertillery Crime. Inquest Opened. - The Inquest on the body of ELFRED ELSIE MAUD BURNELL, aged nine, the Teignmouth-born girl, who was found murdered in a back lane at Abertillery, Mon., in the early hours of Sunday morning, was opened yesterday and after formal evidence, adjourned until Tuesday. The Coroner expressed a hope that the dastardly murder would not go unpunished, and the Foreman of the Jury said the whole population of the town was most anxious to bring the assassin to justice.

EXETER - Girl's Tragic End. - The Exeter coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest yesterday on BEATRICE MARY COOMBE, aged 20, of 26 Prospect-place, St Thomas, who broke a blood vessel while walking down Cowick-street, on Saturday evening, and expired a short time later. BERTRAM COOMBES of 70 High-street, Totnes, identified the body as that of his sister. MRS COOMBES, mother, stated that deceased suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis. She was very bright on Saturday, went out and was then taken ill. Cecil Ernest England of 143 Cowick-street, said that in the evening of the 5th he heard someone knocking at his door. On opening it deceased fell into his arms. Dr Atkins was called but deceased died. Mr C. Bernard Kelly, Surgeon, of Exeter, stated that deceased was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and death was due to haemorrhage. A verdict of "Death From Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Infant's Spasm. - An Inquest related to NORMAN JOHN MARDON, of 2 Summerlands, Topsham-road, Exeter, who died suddenly on February 4th. The father identified the body and said the child was in good health. JANE HUMPHRIES, grandparent, said she was nursing the child, when it seemed to have a fit. Witness did all she knew to revive deceased, but it was of no avail and before a doctor could be fetched the child had died. Dr T. M. M. Horsfall said he had examined the body and was of opinion that death was due to a spasm of the glottis, caused by inhaling particles of food. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 February 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure, due to Shock," was returned at an Inquest held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, on the body of AUDREY KATHLEEN WESTCOTT, aged one year and four months, whose parents reside at 114 East John-street, Exeter, who died in the Institution early on Tuesday morning as the result of scalds to her arms and face which she Accidentally sustained the previous evening.

NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Ride In Farm Waggon. Tramp's Terrible Death. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at the Guardians' Offices, Newton Abbot, yesterday, into the circumstances surrounding the death of GEORGE ERNEST SCAGELL, no fixed occupation or abode, who died at the Workhouse Infirmary, Newton Abbot on the 7th inst. - William Beer, Master of the Totnes Workhouse, stated that the deceased was in that Institution from January 8th to the 31st. He gave his age as 66, but witness thought he was 12 or 14 years younger. - Frank Dart, farm labourer, in the employ of Mr Adams, Way Barton, Ipplepen, said that on January 31st he gave deceased a lift in his waggon from Totnes to Way Barton. The waggon contained maize and a drum of paraffin oil. Through the shaking of the waggon there was a little leakage of paraffin, and it was possible that the deceased rubbed against the drum. He alighted at Way Barton and witness did not see him again. - William Henry Adams, farmer, of Way Barton, said that about 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the 31st ult. , he saw flames near one of his ricks. On going towards the spot he saw the deceased on fire, and crawling towards a hedge where there was a stream of water. SCAGELL laid down in the water. A man who was with witness took off his coat and suppressed the flames with it. A doctor was sent for and SCAGELL was removed to the Newton Workhouse Infirmary. - P.C. Webber, Ipplepen, spoke to receiving instructions from Dr Seeley, Ipplepen, and to visiting the deceased next morning. In answer to questions SCAGELL said "I was lighting my pipe and was in flames in an instant." Deceased's clothes - what was left of them - stunk of paraffin. Papers found on SCAGELL showed that he enlisted in May 1915 in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers and gave his age as 39. He told witness that, after leaving the Army, he had been travelling about the country, principally in Wales. - Dr J. J. Scrase described the burns on deceased as deep and severe. Death was due to shock. - The Coroner said it was clearly a case of accidental death. It was probable that the deceased's clothes had become saturated with paraffin, and that he struck a match on his trousers to light is pipe. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ALPHINGTON - Kentisbeare Man's End. Alphington Mortuary Criticised. - "You will find my body close to the Double Locks, the Canal, Exeter. My poor old mother; best woman in the world. I leave my sister, GERTRUDE DYMOND, half I possess, and half to Rose Hill, or her daughter, Jeanne. Love - FRANCIS DYMOND." - This was the last message left by FRANCIS DYMOND, of Kentisbeare, whose body was recovered from the Exeter Canal on Tuesday. Mr Henry W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest on the body at Brooklands, Alphington, yesterday. - GERTRUDE DYMOND, sister of deceased, identified the body as that of her brother. Deceased was 45 years old and served in the Navy as chief engine-room artificer. He was recently a pensioner. Witness last saw him when he left Kentisbeare, about 12 o'clock on Saturday, January 22nd. Deceased said he was going to Modbury with Mr and Mrs Hill, who were neighbours. Witness heard from her brother on the following Tuesday morning. He wrote saying he was coming home for his boxes. Witness said deceased had complained of pains in the head and sometimes had touches of malaria. He had intimated he would do away with himself if he did not get better. He was unemployed but drawing a pension of £1 18s. 6d. per week. - Harriet Rose Hill, wife of Sidney James Hill, a mason, living at Kentisbeare, stated that she went with deceased to Modbury on January 22nd. She stayed with him until Monday afternoon, when he left witness to go home and fetch his boxes. He had arranged to return to witness and they were going to live together. He was very bright when he left her and they had had no quarrel. She had not heard from him since the 24th January. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. Witness's husband knew of the intimacy between herself and deceased and her husband had complained to deceased about it. - Percival John Alford, of Wellington, at present residing at the Rackfield, Alphington-street, Exeter, an iron moulder by trade, said he was on the Canal banks on January 24th at about 10.20 p.m., when he found deceased's overcoat, cap, gold watch, silver chain, pipe, and newspaper on which was written the above message, about 25 yards the Exeter side of the old oil stores. Witness took the articles to the City Police. - Percy John Brewer, Police Constable, stationed at Alphington, stated that on Tuesday, from information received, he went to the Canal and found the body of deceased near the spot where the articles were found on the 24th January. He recovered the body from the water and on searching it found £10 in money, a wallet, purse, silver match box, razor and a comb. He removed the body to the Mortuary at Alphington. - Dr L. P. Black, of St. Thomas, said he had examined the body, which was decomposed and bore the appearance of having been in the water for rather more than a week. It had the indications of death from drowning. - The Coroner said deceased seemed to have had an entanglement with a married woman and sought a way out of it by drowning. On this evidence, couple with that of the sister, he returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - After the Inquest Mr W. Rundle, of Kentisbeare, a cousin of deceased, said the family resented having the body put into a pig-sty for a Mortuary. It was a disgrace to civilisation to have such a place. - P.S. Webb, of Alphington said the Police had done their best to get a better mortuary, and it was not their fault. - The Coroner said he had spoken about the matter before and would again bring it forward. - Mr Rundle thanked the Police for the help they had given the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 February 1921
SIDMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Sidford. - On Saturday morning, about 11.30, FRANCIS HENRY PARSONS, aged 7, son of MR JOHN PARSONS, smallholder, of Rag Farm, near Sidford, met his death by drowning. His father was engaged in drawing gravel to the yard of a builder named Northcote, at Winslade-road. It being a holiday, the boy accompanied him and was playing about the yard, where there was a cement water tank with a manhole. The tank was full of water, but covered by boarding. It is supposed that the boy lifted the covering board, over-balanced and fell down the manhole, the boarding falling back into position. The father, who did not know of the tank, missed his son and went looking for him. He came on the tank and walked over the board and, hearing a hollow sound, his suspicions were aroused. He took off the cover and, procuring a rake, caught it in his son's clothing and swung the body out. The boy was quite dead. The Inquest was held yesterday by Dr Tweed, District Coroner, and a verdict was returned of "Accidental Death by Drowning." A degree of pathos is lent to the tragedy by the fact of the lad's mother having been absent from home the same day attending a funeral.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 February 1921
EXETER - Convulsions. Exeter Infant's Death. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest yesterday, at the Court House, on HENRY THOMAS SCHOLES, the eight-months-old child of MR and MRS ERNEST SCHOLES, who died suddenly on Saturday, the 12th inst., at 6 p.m. ERNEST SCHOLES identified the body as that of his son. On Saturday his wife went to visit her mother in George-street and took deceased with her. About 2.30 p.m. MRS SCHOLES gave the baby some bread and milk and put it to sleep. On going to look at deceased later, MRS SCHOLES saw it was only breathing very faintly. She took the child to witness at his shop at the top of South-street and he went to a chemist, who advised him to bathe the child in hot water. This he did, but the child died. MRS SCHOLES gave similar evidence. - Dr Pereira Gray said he had examined the body, which was very healthy and found death was due to convulsions. - The Coroner asked if witness could say what caused the convulsions. - Witness replied that he could not, but convulsions were prevalent among children at the present time and the cause was unknown. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was entered.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 February 1921
CULLOMPTON - Inquest On Cullompton Baby. Death From Suffocation. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr G. H. Stephens, conducted an Inquest at the Court Room, Cullompton, yesterday, on the five days old daughter of ALFRED HENRY NEX, postman, of Cullompton. - Evidence of identification was given by the father, who stated the child was not healthy at birth, and did not appear to feed well. The child was apparently all right on Monday evening before witness went to bed, which was the last occasion he saw it. - Violet Winifred Flay, niece of the child's mother, stated that she slept with the mother, and the child was on the opposite side of the mother. She went to bed at 10 p.m. on Monday and woke up about 6.30 the following morning. The mother then called her attention to the child, which she had in her arms and asked witness to fetch the nurse as the child was not moving. The mother told her she had fed the child twice in the night and had not noticed anything unusual. - Dr E. F. M. Alleyne deposed to seeing the child on Friday last as the District Nurse was uneasy about it. The child was very small, under-weight and weakly. Later the same morning he saw the child and noticed its bad colour, and that there did not appear to be much life in it. On Monday, on being fetched, he found the child dead. It had, apparently, died about an hour previously. The mother said she had fed the child twice during the night. She was very deaf. Witness expressed the opinion that death was due to suffocation, but did not think the child had been overlaid, as there was no sign of pressure. There were no indications of convulsions but the bed-clothes might have caused suffocation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death by Suffocation while in bed with the Mother," was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 February 1921
BIDEFORD - Boy Found Hanging. A Bideford Tragedy. - An Inquest was held on LEONARD J. BRACHER, aged 11, who was found hanging to a lavatory door at his uncle's house at Bideford. The lad's father said the boy was of a bright and cheerful disposition, and seemed happy with his uncle at Bideford, with whom he lived. - Mrs Passmore, aunt, said the boy got home from school at 12.30, and went upstairs to the lavatory, his usual practice. He did not come down, and, going to see the cause, found him hanging by a strap to the lavatory door. The boy was fond of lassoing. He had had no trouble and had not been punished. - George Passmore, of Allhalland-street, husband of the last witness, said that when he was called by his wife he immediately went upstairs and cut the boy down and tried artificial respiration before Dr Toye came. He could not give any reason why the lad should take his life. He was happy and comfortable with them and there was no fuss or trouble whatever. The only reason he could assign was that the boy was very fond of lassoing and frequently lassoed their cat. The day previous there was an exhibition on the Quay of a woman who was tied by ropes to the mast of a vessel and then suspended in mid-air, and from that position managed to get herself free. Witness had heard that some of deceased's fellow schoolboys had been practising that, and he did not know if that was what deceased might have been doing. The strap from which deceased was suspended was 3ft. 6in. in length and the handle of the door was 3ft. 6in. from the ground. Deceased was in a kneeling position when witness came up, but his knees were not touching the ground. Witness had used the strap as a razor strop. - Dr Toye said deceased was dead when he arrived. The cause of death was strangulation. He thought deceased got the strap around his neck and then got frightened when it tightened and had an attack of syncope, which prevented him from standing up so that the strap might be unloosened. All the organs were normal. There was no other explanation he could put on it. From the air in the lungs it was certain that good steps had been taken to endeavour to restore life by artificial respiration. - The lad's schoolmaster gave deceased a good character and said he was a bright, cheerful lad, whom he had commended for good work. There had been no cause at school to make him do anything. - The Coroner said it was extraordinary that deceased should not have thought of unloosing the strap around his neck when he found it was tightening, but he thought the suggestion of Dr Toye was quite reasonable. - The Jury, of which Mr E. L. B. Brayley was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Strangled."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 February 1921
EXETER - Exeter Resident's Death. "Found Drowned." - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest without a Jury, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on MRS ELLEN ANDREWS, aged 87, of 8 Centre-street, Holloway-street, Exeter, who had been missing from her home for several days and whose body was found in the leat of Trew's Weir Mill on Saturday. - ALFRED ANDREWS, son, The Triangle, Bath, identified the body, and said he last saw deceased in August when he paid her his annual visit. Deceased lived by herself and had an income. She suffered from giddiness a lot, but had no worries. - Miss A. Howard, of 66 Radford-road, Exeter, stated she visited deceased regularly. Deceased was fairly well in health taking into consideration her age. The only thing she complained about was her loneliness. Deceased was all right on the evening of Monday, 14th inst. - Matilda Stone of 13 Centre-street, said she saw deceased cleaning a window about 3.30 p.m. on the 15th, but on the 16th deceased was not cleaning her brass, which was very unusual and witness informed Miss Howard. - John Crocker, of 2 Tuckwell's-buildings, Exe Island, stated he went to clean out a part of the leat on Saturday, 19th inst., about 7.15 a.m., and found the body of deceased about two feet under the water near a small bridge which went over the leat. He got the body out with assistance. It was possible for anybody to fall over the bridge as it had only two bars as railings with plenty of space between. - Dr Pereira Gray, of Exeter, said he examined the body on the 19th and found no marks of violence. The body showed the usual signs of death from drowning. - The Coroner said it was probable deceased was on the bridge, got giddy and fell into the water. He returned an Open Verdict of "Found Drowned."

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Lady's Fatal Hesitation. - An Inquest was held at the Exmouth Cottage Hospital yesterday, by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of MRS ANN BYNE, which occurred at the Institution on Friday, following a cycle accident on February 3rd. - COLONEL R. M. BYNE said his mother was 84 and in possession of all her faculties with the exception that she was slightly deaf. She was an extraordinary woman for her age and possessed exceptional vitality. - John Hellier, carpenter's apprentice, of Church-street, Exmouth, said that shortly after midday on February 3rd he was riding a cycle down the road leading from Rolle-street into South-street at six or seven miles an hour and started ringing his bell about 15 yards from where he collided with deceased. The latter was walking in the middle of the road and on seeing witness she hesitated and turned to her right. The handle-bars struck MRS BYNE and she fell backwards into the gutter with witness and the cycle on top of her. When they picked deceased up she was unconscious. - Captain Arthur Evans Jones, R.G.A., 23 Raleigh-terrace, who assisted to pick the deceased up, said he could not swear that the bell was not rung, but he did not hear it. - Dr G. H. Hanna said the deceased never recovered consciousness sufficiently to explain what had happened. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 February 1921
BLACK TORRINGTON - Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, has held an Inquest in Black Torrington Reading Room on WILLIAM GEORGE HARRIS, farm labourer, of Black Torrington, aged 27, whose body was found in the Torridge on Sunday last and who had been missing since December 28th. A verdict was recorded "Death from Drowning through deceased throwing himself into the water while in an Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 February 1921
HONITON - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Angel Hotel, yesterday afternoon, to Inquire into the death of MR ARTHUR WELLS, retired bank manager, aged 63. Several witnesses stated they saw deceased on Saturday and noticed blood flowing from his right eye, but that no coherent reply could be elicited to their inquiries as to how he had met with his injury. Dr Mills said about 7.30 p.m. on Saturday deceased was brought to his house and, although conscious, he could not make anything of the answers to his questions. He had a moderately deep wound, about two inches long, at the outer end of the right eyebrow, which apparently had been caused by something blunt. Witness attended him off and on up to his death and two nurses were also with him. He had made a post-mortem examination, and death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. Verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 March 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Georgeham Licensee's Death. Sad Case. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquest conducted by the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM THOMAS LOCK, licensee of the King's Arms, Georgeham, who was found lying, with his throat cut, in his bootmaker's shop at Braunton on Saturday morning. Deceased was the son of a former well-known Barnstaple tradesman. - George Carder, mason's labourer, and son-in-law of the deceased, said the deceased was aged 56 years. He was carrying on trade as a shoemaker at Braunton, in addition to being the licensee of an Inn at Georgeham. The King's Arms had recently been sold and deceased was to vacate the premises on March 25th, a matter which troubled him a good deal. The deceased's lock-up boot repairing shop was situate at the top of Church-street, Braunton. Deceased was also worried because he could not get a house at Braunton. Witness had never heard deceased say he would do anything to himself. He last saw deceased alive on Friday evening last, when he seemed a little low-spirited. Witness understood that he left home about 8 o'clock on Saturday morning, after having a cup of tea, to go to Braunton. - Fredk. Thorne, builder, Heanton-street, Braunton, said he was working on the property of which deceased's workshop formed a part on Saturday morning. About 9 o'clock deceased looked in, apparently having just come from Georgeham. Deceased remarked, "Good morning; I see you are busy." Witness replied, "Yes; how is it with you?" and deceased replied, "Rather quiet." Witness observed nothing unusual about the deceased, and the latter walked away without any further conversation. Some time after, about 10 o'clock, witness heard a noise and some shouting outside. Going to a little door at the back of the workshop he saw deceased lying on his back on the floor. Deceased had an ordinary shoemaker's knife (produced) grasped in his left hand and was holding it towards the wound. Witness remarked, "Don't do that, MR LOCK!" and took the knife out of his hand, but deceased made no reply. LOCK was breathing heavily and blood was oozing from his mouth. There was nobody about at the time, but Mrs Stevens, a neighbour, came in and tried to staunch the blood with a towel. The wound could not have been inflicted very long before that. There was a pool of blood around LOCK'S head. The man was subsequently taken to the doctor's surgery. - P.S. Hall, of Braunton, stated that there were two cuts, about two inches long, and several smaller ones on deceased's neck. Witness did what he could pending the doctor's arrival. The latter took the man to his surgery and inserted two stitches. LOCK was the conveyed to the Infirmary. Witness understood that deceased called at a chemist's on Saturday morning to buy some poison and the label produced was a copy of the label attached to it, but witness did not find any poison or any trace of a note. - CARDER, recalled, said he knew one of deceased's sisters was in an Asylum. - Dr Herbert Mackey, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, gave evidence to the effect that when deceased was admitted to the Institution between 11.30 and 12, he was comatose and pulseless, witness could not feel his heart beating and his breathing was laboured. There were five cuts altogether in the neck. One was from 2 ¼ to 3 inches long and ½ inch deep and had severed the jugular vein; the others were only skin wounds. There were two stitches in the neck. The deceased received every attention, but it was a hopeless case from the first. The deceased had not sufficient vitality to speak. He collapsed and died about 12.40 p.m. A post-mortem examination revealed fatty degeneration of the heart, a valve of which showed chronic inflammation. Haemorrhage, shock and heart failure, the result of the wounds, caused death. The stomach showed no evidence of corrosive poisoning. - The Coroner, summing up, said that was a very distressing case. He had known deceased since he was a boy and his sympathy went out to the family. It appeared to be perfectly plain that MR LOCK inflicted the wound himself with a knife and that when he did so his state of mind amounted to Insanity.

TAVISTOCK - 'Brian Won't Let Me.' Pathetic Letter By Tavistock Teacher. - An Inquest was held yesterday, at Tavistock Hospital, by Mr R. R. Rodd, District Coroner, on MISS EDITH FANNY PEARCE, assistant-mistress in a Tavistock School, who died early on Saturday morning. There was no Jury. - Mr S. T. Rosevere, clerk at Tavistock Post-office, said deceased, aged 45, was his sister-in-law and lived at 9 Mount Tavy-road. She lost her father four months ago, and had grieved a good deal since. She had slept at witness's house at night and had been going home during the day. The letter produced was in her handwriting. She was going to Helston last Saturday on a visit to an uncle and aunt. - The following letter, written by the deceased, was read:- "Dear Beat and Tom, - I have tried to pack up my things, but cannot. All my friends, and you and Tom, and Mrs Gould and her daughter and Miss Davey, and everybody have showered kindnesses on me, but I do not sleep at night and thousands of thoughts are passing through my mind. I am dying. I am simply doing the same thing over and over again. I cannot remember anything I have done or where I have put things. I know I cannot travel tomorrow, my brain won't let me. I am only a trouble upon earth. I am simply facing about at home. - Your broken-hearted EDITH." - Dr Cree said deceased had been under his treatment off and on for years, suffering from nervous debility. She complained that her memory was going. He was called to her house on Friday. She said she had taken something, but could not remember its name, although she knew it was poison. She did not suggest she had taken it accidentally. Her lips showed signs of burning and there was evidence of bleaching of the tongue and the inside of the mouth. She died in the Tavistock Hospital at 4 o'clock on Saturday morning from shock, as the result of burns to the stomach caused by spirit of salts. He never regarded her as an insane person, but she was in such a state that anything might have thrown her off her mental balance. She had probably written the letter after taking the poison. He thought, fearing the journey, she took poison under an insane impulse. He did not think suicide was premeditated. - P.C. Leach said he found the bottle, produced, with other bottles, on a shelf in the larder of deceased's house. Messrs. Pearce and Co., chemists, told him it had not been sold by them during the past six months. - Mrs Gould, headmistress of the school, said deceased taught in the school two hours on three days a week and had been at the school for six years. - The Coroner found that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 March 1921
EXETER HEAVITREE - At an Inquest yesterday on ALBERT JOHN CARTER, journeyman wheelwright, aged 50, of 1 Regents Square, Heavitree, who died suddenly, Dr J. H. Whaite attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 March 1921
EXETER - An Inquest was held at 11 Red Hills, Exeter, yesterday, on THOMAS WEBB, aged 79, retired railway servant, who died suddenly on Saturday morning. He had been in good health until about a fortnight ago, when he developed a cough, but it was not thought necessary to get a doctor. FREDERICK BOLT, son-in-law, said that about 2.30 on Saturday morning deceased attracted his attention by rapping on a table in his room. Witness, who was in an adjoining apartment, went to see what was the matter. He found deceased in a bad fit of coughing and choking. About five minutes later he died, before medical aid could be summoned. - MRS F. BOLT, daughter, bore out her husband's statement and said that her father had not had a doctor for nearly six years. Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to heart failure and a verdict was brought in accordingly.

WIDWORTHY - Widworthy Inquest On Rector's Son. - An Inquest was held at Widworthy Rectory, yesterday, on EDMUND WATERS TURNER COPLESTON, son of the REV. J. H. COPLESTON, Rector of Offwell and Widworthy. Deceased went hunting on SAturday and in the evening his brother, JOHN SCOTT COPLESTON, found him lying in the drive making a gurgling noise. Dr Langran was called, but on arrival could only pronounce life extinct. He attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage and a verdict was returned in accordance with this evidence. - [Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 March 1921 - Amid many tokens of respect and sympathy, the remains were laid to rest in the parish churchyard. The deceased, who was only 17 years of age, was of a very genial and cheery disposition, and was much beloved by everyone. The principal mourners were the Rev. J. H. H. Copleston (father), Messrs. Jack and Reggie Copleston (brothers), Mr and Mrs Lovell Copleston, Mr and Mrs Eggar, Miss E. Copleston, Commander R. Copleston and Mr C. Copleston (uncles and aunts), Mrs Copleston, Dr Langran, Mr and Mrs North. The breastplate on the coffin bore the inscription:- "EDWARD WATERS TURNER COPLESTON; aged 17 years."]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 March 1921
DAWLISH - Dawlish Railway Fatality. Combination Of Circumstances. - "Apparently this fatality was due to an unfortunate combination of circumstances," observed Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy District Coroner, in returning verdicts of "Accidental Death" at Dawlish, yesterday afternoon, in connection with the Inquest on the two Dawlish men who were knocked down and killed by a goods train near Shell Cove tunnel last Saturday morning. The men appeared to have been taken unawares, as one train rushed out of the tunnel just as another passed into it. The deceased were THOMAS GIBBONS CURREY, aged 60 of Stockton-road, Dawlish, and CHARLES MOYCE, aged 29, of Old Town-street. Both were married, the latter having a young family. The fatality occurred at Phillpot's tunnel, which is familiarly known as Shell Cove Tunnel and is the third of the series of five between Dawlish and Teignmouth. The deceased were engaged on the work of extending Holcombe tunnel, the one nearest Teignmouth, and were proceeding to their work when the fatality occurred. - Chief-Inspector Mapledoram (Exeter) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company and Mr G. W. Brown (Bristol), Organising Secretary for the South-Western District of the National Union of Railwaymen, on behalf of the relatives of the deceased. - Evidence of identification having been given by the widows, William Robert Shilston, labourer, of 3 Swan-court, Dawlish, said he was engaged on the Holcombe tunnel extension. He walked to his work on Saturday morning, and, after leaving the second tunnel from Dawlish, proceeded along the up track. MOYCE and CURREY were in front of him. Witness saw them approach the third tunnel. They were walking along the ends of the sleepers on the up track. Witness heard a down train whistle and this passed him between the second tunnel and Shell Cove tunnel, where the fatality occurred. The train also passed deceased all right. Just as MOYCE and CURREY were walking into Shell Cove tunnel an up goods train emerged. The entrance to the tunnel was filled with smoke from the engine of the down train. Witness saw CURREY fall. After the up goods had passed - witness had to be "pretty quick" to get off the track without hurt - he went on and found both the deceased lying alongside the metals. MOYCE was just inside the tunnel and CURREY was outside the entrance to it. - The Coroner: Would the smoke created by the down train have prevented them from seeing the approach of the up goods? - Witness: Yes, sir. - The Coroner: I take it the noise of one train would have drowned the noise of the other? - Witness: Yes, sir. The up goods was almost on me before I saw it. - By the Coroner: They were both goods trains. - Witness went on to say that both men were dead when he reached the spot. He should think they were struck by the left end of the buffer-plank of the engine. - The Coroner: There are places of refuge in the tunnels. - Witness: Yes; but if I was caught between them I should regard the only chance to be lying down. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram said there was a path six feet wide alongside the down track through all the tunnels. - Witness replied, in answer to Mr Brown, that about the time concerned a down goods passed the spot every morning. - By Mr Brown: The path was discontinued between the second and third tunnels owing to their being a sub-way there. If a down train overtook him at that point he would go over on the up road for safety. There was no proper path there - meaning alongside the up road. - Mr Brown: Was there anything unusual in the way these man proceeded to work that morning? - Witness: No; they followed the usual route. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram: there was ample room to stand in safety on the down side until the down train had passed? - Witness: Yes. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram: So by stepping across the lines you put yourself in a dangerous position? - Witness: Yes. - Chief Inspector Mapledoram: Before you reach the sub-way there is ample room for twenty men to stand? - Witness: Yes. He attributed the accident to the unfortunate fact that the two trains passed at the particular point concerned. - Dr A. Hudson, of Dawlish, who was called to the scene of the accident, spoke of the terrible injuries received by deceased. Death in both cases must have been instantaneous owing to blows received by deceased on their heads. - Frederick James Climas, of Plymouth, said he was driving the engine of the up goods. He reached Shell Cove tunnel about 6.55 a.m. Witness was not aware at the time that he had knocked anybody down. He passed the down goods near the tunnel. At Exeter he was informed there had been an accident, and he examined the front of his engine. There were marks on one end of the buffer-plank and also on a cylinder. There were no marks on the wheels of the engine. - By the Coroner: His train entered the tunnel just as the down goods emerged. He could not possibly have seen the men. - Claude Prior, Park Cottages, High-street, Dawlish, blacksmith's striker, employed on the Great Western Railway, spoke to moving the deceased from the rails after the accident. - The Coroner expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved families and Chief Inspector Mapledoram and Mr Brown associated themselves with this on behalf of the parties which they represented. - The verdicts were "Accidental Death," as above and no blame was attached to anybody.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 March 1921
SIDMOUTH - A Boys And 'Bus Rides. The Sidmouth Fatality. - Dr Tweed, District Coroner, held an Inquiry with a Jury, at the Police Station, Sidmouth, yesterday afternoon, on LEONARD JAMES PALMER, of Sidmouth, who was killed through falling off a motor 'bus plying between the Railway Station and the town on Monday night. - The principal witness was Thomas William Parratt, who said he, with deceased and another boy, named Eveleigh, rode to the Station on the back of Mr Dagworthy's motor 'bus. On the 'bus returning witness and Eveleigh got up behind, while PALMER jumped in and sat on the step at the front of the 'bus. The driver was unaware they were riding on the 'bus. At a point just below the higher Knowle gates, PALMER accidentally fell off into the road. - Dr Cohan said he was called about 8.15 p.m., and found PALMER lying by the road, assisted by several persons. He found him suffering from a severe lacerated wound on the right side of the head, with a compound fracture of the base of the skull. The lad must have been rendered unconscious by the blow and died almost immediately. - A verdict of "Death from Accidental Causes" was returned. - The Jury expressed sympathy with the parents and Mr Dagworthy (owner of the 'bus) tendered his deepest regret at the accident.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 March 1921
EXETER - Death Follows Operation On Exeter Child. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of ARTHUR EDWARD BLACKMORE, son of MR RALPH BLACKMORE, cycle agent, of 36 Brunswick-street, St. Thomas, Exeter, who died at the Belmont Nursing Home, Exeter, on the 19th inst. - The father identified the body as that of his son, who was aged three years. Witness said he put his son in the Belmont Nursing Home on the 17th inst. to undergo an operation. Witness saw deceased at 10.30 the following day of the operation and visited him again about 3 a.m. on the 19th inst., but he died about five hours later. - MRS BLACKMORE, mother, said deceased had been attended by Dr Stokes, who had advised an operation, and it was arranged that the child should be sent to the Belmont Nursing Home. Witness said the child had been poorly since before Christmas and she took it to Dr Stokes on the 15th. The latter said the child was well enough to undergo an operation. - Nurse Guppy, Sister in Charge of the Nursing Home, said the operation was carried out on Friday morning last by Mr Worthington, in the presence of Dr Stokes, a nurse and witness. After deceased came round he seemed too placid and did not look as he should have done. Mr Worthington attended the child, who died on the Saturday morning. - Dr C. Ellerington Stokes said he had attended the child since birth. When MRS BLACKMORE brought deceased to witness to see whether the child was well enough for an operation, witness said he would be better after having gone through it. Witness examined the child before the operation, and he appeared to be quite fit to undergo it. - Mr Robert Alfred Worthington, Consulting Surgeon, said he operated on the child, and when he left the Home at 11 a.m. deceased was as well as could be expected, but at 2.15 p.m., on his return, the child was looking pale and witness was alarmed. On examining the child he came to the conclusion that it was suffering from shock, due to bleeding, and gave the child a small dose of morphia. At 4.30 p.m. witness again visited deceased, and thought the child looked a little better. Deceased was about the same at 8 p.m. Sister Guppy called witness again about 2 a.m. on the 19th and also four hours later, but the child died at about 8 a.m. Witness attributed death to excessive shock, produced by haemorrhage after the operation, which led to heart failure. - In reply to MR BLACKMORE witness said that the fact that the child was crying nearly all the night before the operation did not affect the heart. Witness had performed nearly 3000 similar operations and this was the first one that had resulted in death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added that they considered deceased had had every possible care and attention from the two doctors and those at the Home.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 24 March 1921
DREWSTEIGNTON - Small Boy Found Hanging. A Drewsteignton Case. - An Inquiry was held by Mr H. C. Brown, District Coroner, at Weir Mill Cottage, Drewsteignton, into the circumstances surrounding the death of THOMAS BROWN, aged 11, son of JAMES BROWN, farm labourer, Drewsteignton, whose body was found hanging by the side of a hedge near Weir Mill Cottage. - The father stated that when he went to work at 8.45 on Saturday morning, the boy was in the kitchen by the fire. There was nothing said between them and deceased was perfectly happy as far as witness knew. About 1.15 p.m., when he was ploughing, Mr Shilston came beckoning to him and said there was a boy hanging by the hedge, but did not know if it was his boy or not. Witness went with Mr Shilston and found deceased hanging by a rope. Mr Shilston cut the boy down. Deceased was always happy, well and strong, and witness never saw him show much temper and he knew of nothing to cause him to take his life. - The mother of the deceased deposed that on Saturday morning, at about 9.15 she sent deceased to pick up some sticks in a cover about a field away He had done similar work many times before and took a piece of rope to bind the sticks with. Deceased took a piece on Saturday. He got into a bit of a temper, as she thought, because he wanted to take back a cross-cut saw to a Mr Gloyn. She told him she wanted him to help her and that the other children could take back the saw. As deceased did not return she thought he had gone to Mr Gloyn and the next she heard was from her husband, who told her the boy had been found. She did not abuse or scold the boy in any way in the morning, neither did she touch him. He did not often get into tempers, but when he did he soon got over it. Witness never heard him speak about anything like hanging, and could not tell how anything of the sort got into his head. He never went to the pictures and she never heard him talk of people killing themselves. He was always cheerful and healthy. - Percy Shilston, of Drewsteignton, said he was at work repairing gates on Wollen Farm, in company with a boy, called Lake, between 12 and 1 p.m. on Saturday. They went to have a look at the Weir Pool and while doing so, witness saw deceased hanging by a rope to a steeper on the hedge. Witness cut the body down, the rope was tied in a double knot to the steeper and the noose was tight round the boy's neck. His right hand and arm were raised and were across his chest. There were no footmarks or signs of a struggle and he saw no strangers about there in the morning. - Albert Lionel Lake gave corroborative evidence. - Dr H. L. G. Hughes, of Chagford, said beyond the mark round the neck there were no injuries or marks on deceased's body. Asphyxia was the cause of death, the neck was not broken which showed that the hanging was probably gradual and not sudden. - P.C. Newberry, Drewsteignton, said he had made a careful search round the spot where the body was found, and could see no footmarks or signs of a struggle. He had also searched the body but could find nothing whatever to throw any light on the affair. - The Coroner found that death was due to Asphyxia caused by deceased Hanging Himself with a Rope, but that whether such hanging was accidental or intentional, it was impossible to say.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 March 1921
LYDFORD - Dartmoor Farmer's Death. - An Inquest was held on Thursday at Lydgate, Postbridge, Princetown, by Mr R. C. Brown, District Coroner, on WILLIAM WARNE, farmer, of that place, aged 49 years, who died on Tuesday, as a result of injuries received while driving a horse and cart on the highway that day. After medical and other evidence, the Coroner found that death was due to fracture of the skull, caused by deceased accidentally falling from a cart which he was driving on the Dartmeet-road, in the parish of Lydford. Deceased was a brother of MR WARNE, butcher, Tavistock.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 March 1921
SILVERTON - Tragic Death. Silverton Farmer's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Silverton yesterday by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, on FRANCIS SQUIRE MERSON, 67, of Lower Hayne Farm, who was found dead on the railway crossing near Stoke Canon on Sunday. MISS F. M. MERSON said she went to church with the deceased and left him at the gate for him to go to meet Miss Percy, who was coming to their home to lunch. The deceased was deaf in his right ear and nearly so in his left. - Miss M. Percy said she had arranged to lunch with the deceased, whom she had informed he would be going to Killerton. The way from Killerton Church to the farm would be across the line. As she came across the line she saw a man lying face downwards on the rails. She at once went to him, and found that he had a terrible wound in the back of the head and was dead. She informed the Stationmaster at Silverton. She did not at the time recognise the body as that of MR MERSON. She believed that a better view of the road over which she was to come was obtainable from the spot where deceased was found than at any other spot near. - Mr J. R. Langdon, Stationmaster at Silverton, said the body was lying 19 yards from the crossing. From the spot the train from Silverton could be seen for a distance of about a quarter of a mile. - George Oliver, of Newton Abbot, engine-driver, said on Sunday, while driving from Paddington to Plymouth, he felt a slight jolt after passing Silverton Station, but could see nothing. He stopped the train at Stoke Canon crossing signal-box and examined the engine, but found no marks. He, however, informed the signalman. He sounded no whistle as he came to the crossing and this was quite in order with the regulations. - Dr Clayton Jones of Silverton, deposed to examining the body. He found deceased had a broken neck and a wound on the head. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 April 1921
LYDFORD - An Inquest has been held at H.M. Prison on DR ERNEST HASLAR KELLY, aged 51, Medical Officer of the Prison, who was killed yesterday week while riding a motor cycle at Postbridge. The Deputy Governor of the Prison, Major the Hon. E. G. French, said his daughters were in deceased's side-car at the time of the accident. Immediately before it occurred deceased said "Something has happened," or "Something is going to happen." A moment later he was thrown into the road. They were going fairly fast at the time. Witness's daughters were suffering from shock and not in a fit state to give evidence. Hayden Newham, motor engineer, of Princetown, deposed that he could not say whether defective metal or a badly hardened part was responsible, but it was one of the two. A bolt or pin supporting the front forks was completely fractured. Work on bad roads might have affected the machine. The breaking of that part would cause the machine to drop and the rider would, if going fast, naturally fall forward on to his head. Dr H. S. Hillyer, Deputy Medical Officer of the Prison, said there was an extensive fracture of the base of the skull and death must have been instantaneous. The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from Fracture of the Skull caused by being Accidentally thrown from a Motor Bicycle."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 April 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Open Verdict In Drowning Fatality At Teignmouth. - At Teignmouth, on Saturday, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of PRIVATE JAMES SANDERS, R.M.L.I., of Kingsteignton, whose body was found in the river off the New Quay, Teignmouth. - Deceased's mother, wife of a clay worker at Kingsteignton, said her son was home for weekend leave which expired on Tuesday night last. He was very happy and cheerful and let home on Monday to attend a football match at Teignmouth. - Dr H. E. Goulden attributed death to drowning and concluded that the body had been in the water four days. - William Hitchcock, fisherman, who found the body, said it was in 10ft. to 12ft. of water, about 10ft. from the edge of the Quay. It rained torrents on Tuesday night and it was blowing half a gale. - Eli Tozer, of Shaldon, and Lewis Willcocks, clay worker, of Kingsteignton, who was with the deceased at Teignmouth, said after the football match they adjourned to the White Hart Inn, where deceased had three or four pints of beer and some spirit. They were there for two hours, when deceased and his companions left to catch the 'bus home to Kingsteignton. SANDERS had had enough liquor to make him "wobbly," and was assisted down the road by two men. After waiting for the 'bus at the Triangle for ten minutes deceased went away and despite the efforts of Willcocks to detain him he walked towards the harbour. - The Deputy Coroner said, apparently, deceased wandered on to the Quay and walked into the river and met his death by drowning. He returned an Open Verdict.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 April 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Young Lady's Sad End. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at 92 St Brannock's-road, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon, on the body of JANE GWENDOLINE CARDELL, who was found the previous evening hanging by a strap from a hook in the kitchen. - MRS ELIZA CAROLINE CARDELL, mother of the deceased, stated that her daughter was 24 years of age and single, and had always lived at home with witness. Deceased was to be married in about a fortnight's time, either the 20th of 27th of this month, to Frederick Bernard Jones, of Oxford. Deceased had been engaged to him since October last. Sometimes she was looking forward to the wedding and at other times not. At times she wanted to put the event off. Deceased had been unwell since February and at times was depressed. She had been attended by Dr Langridge. On Monday deceased had a very poor night, but appeared fairly cheerful in the morning and went out and did some shopping. She was home to lunch, and helped to clear the dishes away. Witness and another daughter left the house about 4.40 on Monday and left deceased in the house alone, which was not unusual. When witness went out deceased asked how long before she should cook some fish they intended having for supper. Witness returned about 6.50 and her daughter saw her first from the passage, and they went to the Vicarage for help. On coming back witness saw Mr Finch, who came in and took her down. Deceased had never threatened to take her life, but sometimes, after she had had a bad night, she would say she was tired of everything and afterwards say she only said it for fun. Deceased had two letters on Monday morning, but witness did not know what they contained Deceased wrote to Mr Jones the previous day putting off the wedding for a time owing to a doctor's advice, and saying she was going to stay with her sister. Deceased had no trouble of any sort which witness knew, but had not been herself for some time. - MRS DOROTHY BUDDEN, sister of deceased, said in her opinion deceased was sometimes pleased over the prospect of her marriage and sometimes not, but never wanted to break it off to witness's knowledge. On Monday she decided to go and stay with witness, as Dr Langridge had advised her to have a change. They intended leaving on Friday next. Deceased asked witness to draft a letter to her fiancé about postponing the wedding for a time, which she did to help her, as accused appeared puzzled what to say. Deceased was quite normal on Monday afternoon when they went out. When they returned witness saw deceased from the passage, but did not go into the kitchen, but went for help. - William Finch, who resides next door, said that about 6.30 on Monday evening he was called by MRS CARDELL, who requested him to go into her kitchen, as there was something the matter with her daughter. Witness went into the kitchen and saw the deceased hanging by a strap (produced), which was fastened round her neck twice, suspended from a hook in the ceiling. There was a chair a little to the rear of the left of the body which had, apparently, been heeled away by the deceased. Witness lifted the body down and examined it, and saw she was dead. Witness sent for Dr Sawtell, who pronounced life extinct. - Dr Langridge said he had attended deceased for some time for symptoms of dyspepsia, weakness and nerve exhaustion. He last saw her alive on the 2nd inst. at about 8 pm., and, after consultation with Dr Sawtell, advised a change. Deceased told witness she did not feel well enough to be married, but that she wanted to be married. - Dr Sawtell said he was sent for on Monday evening, but when he arrived deceased had apparently been dead for two hours. Witness thought she was worrying about her marriage, and that was the reason he had suggested with Dr Langridge deceased should go for a change. - Mrs Hammett said she was working at the house on Monday, and deceased had not been so bright as usual, but on Monday afternoon she made a cup of tea for her and paid her money as usual. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind."

NORTH LEW - An Inquest was held yesterday at West Kimber Farm, Northlew, by Mr H. C. Brown, without a Jury, on ALFRED EDWARD BICKLE, aged 50, the owner and occupier, who on Monday, was found dead near his house with a double-barrelled gun by his side. MISS FANNY BICKLE, sister of deceased, said her brother received an injury to the spine within the last few years and suffered a great deal of pain. He had consulted a specialist, and, lately, he appeared depressed and worried. Deceased had also overworked himself lately about the farm. - John Worthington Brown, and William John Saunders, employees of deceased, both stated that lately MR BICKLE had appeared worried. Saunders stated that on Monday afternoon he found his master dead in the garden with a double-barrelled gun by his side. In the left barrel there was a spent cartridge. - Dr C. C. Court, of Okehampton, said on examination he found the right side of deceased's face and head had been blown away in a way consistent with gun fire. Death would have been instantaneous, for the entire charge had been received close and had entered the left angle of the jaw. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Gunshot Wounds Self-Inflicted while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 April 1921
TIVERTON - Died At Work. Tiverton Man's End. - At Tiverton Hospital, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Coroner, has conducted an Inquiry into circumstances attending the death of SIDNEY ZELLEY, 52, an employee at the Tiverton Lace Factory, who dropped dead while at his work in the Factory. Evidence was given by deceased's son to the effect that his father never complained of being ill, although he suffered in his breath, due to being gassed at the Factory some years ago. Robt. Peters, foreman in the Folding Department, said he saw deceased the same morning at his work, when he appeared all right. Shortly after deceased fell and expired almost immediately. Dr Seymour said he had made a post mortem examination and found that the heart muscle was degenerated and fatty. Death was due to this and syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PUDDINGTON - Depression Follows Influenza. Puddington Farmer's Death. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily of Unsound Mind," was returned at an Inquiry, conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, at Puddington, on Saturday, concerning the death of WILLIAM THORNE, 36, farmer, of Ash Farm. Evidence of identification was given by the widow, MINNIE FLORA THORNE, who said she last saw her husband alive the previous morning about 10.25. They were in the kitchen and deceased asked witness to go and look at the chicken. He also suggested that witness's sister, who was staying with them, should go with her. When they returned deceased had left the kitchen. witness called, but received no answer. A shotgun, usually kept in the kitchen, had been removed. Witness opened the dining-room door and found deceased on the floor. Deceased was taken ill during the Easter, and, although he had improved under Dr Pollock's treatment, was depressed and anxious about work on the farm. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. They lived happily together. - P.C. Kingdon, of Black Dog, spoke to finding deceased lying in a pool of blood on the dining-room floor. Part of his skull was blown away. A gun was resting between his legs and pointing towards his face. - Dr Pollock, of Tiverton, said deceased had suffered from a milk attack of influenza. Witness prescribed for him on Easter Monday and the next day MRS THORNE called and said her husband was better. Witness was not sent for afterwards. Influenza was often followed by depression. He examined the body, which made it apparent that deceased had taken his life.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 April 1921
HONITON - Fatal Burns. A Honiton Inquest. - Dr Tweed conducted an Inquiry at Honiton Poor-law Institution, yesterday, concerning the death of MISS MARY HUSSEY, aged 79, of Honiton, who was admitted to the infirmary, at midday, on Friday, suffering from extensive burns. According to the evidence, deceased, who resided alone in Queen-street, had, apparently, fallen on the fire. Dr Ash was summoned and ordered her removal to the Infirmary. Here she was attended by Dr Steele Perkins, but died about 4.30 p.m., the day after admission. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BIDEFORD - Cycle Fatality. - SAMUEL WILLIAMS, aged 51, a married man with three children, employed as a chauffeur at Comborough House, Abbotsham, was discovered lying in North Down-road in an unconscious condition just after 6 o'clock on Saturday evening, his bicycle, with the forks crumpled up, being close by. He was found by Percy Pound, a carter, who went to Mr Douglas Lane's house close by and telephoned for medical assistance. Dr Pearson soon arrived and, seeing the man's serious condition, he removed him in his own car to the local Hospital. There it was found that the base of the skull was fractured and WILLIAMS never regained consciousness. dying on Sunday night. An Inquest was held by Mr Brown, Coroner, last evening and the bicycle, which deceased had recently bought, was produced. The accident was apparently caused by putting on the brakes, which jammed and the forks gave way, the deceased having been evidently thrown over the handlebars. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 April 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Tetanus Causes Death Of Ilfracombe Boy. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY LERWILL, aged 13, son of JOHN LERWILL, a labourer, of 3 Belvedere-flats, Ilfracombe. - Evidence was given to the effect that on Sunday, the 3rd inst., MRS LERWILL noticed that her son was lame, and that she questioned him as to the cause of his lameness. The boy said he had knocked his heel, but did not say how it was done. The next day the lad was unable to do his milk round, and had to return home. On examination the mother found a small wound on the right heel and she dressed it with lint and boracic powder. The wound appeared to be going on all right until Friday, when the lad complained of a headache. About 3 o'clock the next morning he became very ill, suffering from spasms. Dr Stephenson was called in, but the lad died the afternoon of the same day. The doctor's evidence was to the effect that death was due to tetanus. - The Coroner's verdict was "Accidental Death, following a cut on the heel."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 April 1921
UPTON PYNE - Woman's Death. Collision With A Cycle. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, has conducted an Inquest at Upton Pyne relative to the death of BESSIE ANN CHALKER, of the Waterworks, Pynes, who was knocked down by a cyclist on Sunday, April 3rd, as she was leaving church and died from the injuries received on Friday last. - DAVID J. CHALKER, of 55 Clifton-street, Exeter, a tailor, identified the body as that of his mother, the wife of JAMES BOLT CHALKER, engineman at the Waterworks, Pynes. Witness said deceased was aged 67, and that she had been knocked down by a bicycle on Upton Pyne Hill. She was taken to a cottage after the accident, and was later removed to her home on the advice of her doctor. Deceased remained unconscious until Tuesday, and died on Friday. Witness said deceased had exceptionally good hearing. - Merton Brimblecombe, of Moretonhampstead, a farm labourer, stated that on the day in question he was cycling down Upton Pyne Hill at about 8 p.m., being accompanied by a friend named John Beer, who was riding behind witness. Witness saw several people on the hill and when he rang his bell they went to the left of the road and he passed them. He saw deceased walking on the right-hand side of the road, and passed her on the left. When witness got to the bottom of the hill he noticed Beer was not coming and saw a lady running after him, who told him that his friend had fallen off his cycle. Witness went back and found deceased had been taken into the cottage. When witness passed deceased Beer was some little distance behind him. - John Beer, of Dunsford, farm labourer, stated that when he saw deceased he rang his bell, as did the previous witness. After Brimblecombe had passed her deceased walked across the road and witness ran into her. He was keeping to the left of the road. He had lights and had his brakes on tightly, as he was coming down the hill. He was travelling about seven or eight miles an hour. Witness had been riding a cycle for four years. - Mr W. J. Bonting, of Upton Pyne, said he saw deceased walking down the hill on the right-hand side of the road. He was walking behind her and the two cyclists passed him. The first cycle went down the hill safely, and Beer, who came on at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, was ringing his bell, and seemed to have the brakes on. Deceased walked across the road in front of Beer's machine. Beer did his best to avoid MRS CHALKER by keeping to the left of the road, but he could not pull up in time. Witness was of the opinion that it was a pure accident. - Dr Pereira Gray, of Exeter, deposed to seeing deceased at about 9 p.m. on the Sunday at the cottage. She was unconscious and was bleeding at the mouth; and also had a large bruise on the left eye. Witness had her moved on the following day to her home. She was suffering from concussion, from which she died. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 16 April 1921
EXETER - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on ALLAN STONE, 50 of Taw Bridge Farm, Coldridge, it was said a young horse he was driving ran away, frightened by a motor cycle. Deceased was thrown out and a heavy box fell on him, fracturing both legs and he died from embolism of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 April 1921
TIVERTON - Epidemic. Sudden Deaths At Tiverton. - Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening, into the circumstances attending the death of MR JOHN PARR, whose sudden death occurred on Saturday. The widow said her husband had worked rather strenuously as clerk of works to the housing scheme and on Friday he appeared to be done up, but he did not complain. he stayed in bed until 11 o'clock on Saturday morning, and then got up and went out. He came in tired and complained of the cold weather, but went out again later. he had tea about 4.30 and while sitting in his chair he leaned back and expired. - Dr Pollock said he had attended deceased for the past 20 years for minor ailments, but it was more than two years since he had last attended him. He was called to MR PARR'S house on Saturday and found him sitting in his chair dead. As there was nothing to show the cause of death, he had made a post-mortem examination and discovered that death was due to fatty degeneration of the walls of the heart. The stomach was dilated and, combined with the cold weather, was sufficient to cause death by syncope. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - This is the third sudden death within a week at Tiverton.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 April 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Unusual Death At Teignmouth. - At the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM EMOE, 42, unmarried, a sailor on the Lancaster schooner Gauntlet now lying in Teignmouth Harbour, who died suddenly on Monday night, Robert Jones, the skipper, said deceased had a fit of coughing on Saturday night and had frequently complained of asthma. Carmello Mizzi, a Maltese-British subject, said on Monday deceased offered to put him ashore, and jumped in the ship's punt. When near Teignmouth Quay he stood up and pulled the muffler from his throat and threw his arms about. William Michael Ready, mate of the schooner Snowflake, said he was standing on the quay when he saw the Gauntlet's boat coming ashore. Deceased got up and said, "I am suffocating," and caught hold of his throat. Witness assisted him on to the quay and rubbed him, but he was unconscious and died in a few minutes. - Dr Morton Palmer attributed death to suffocation from the ulcerated state of the wind pipe. Internally, there were signs of old pleurisy around the lungs and the wind pipe was nearly blocked with disease. EMOE'S vocal cords were almost eaten away, and witness did not know how he was able to talk. The latter was due to tubercular disease, which accounted for the cough and supposed asthma. It was a very unusual death, there being no tubercular disease of the lungs. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Inquest. "Natural Causes." - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry at the Exeter Mental Hospital, yesterday, relative to the death of WILLIAM CLARKE BARRETT, who died at the Institution the previous morning. - Dr G. W. Bartlett said deceased was a retired upholsterer, aged 72 years, and formerly resided at Abbey-road, Exeter. Deceased was admitted to the Institution from the City Workhouse on the 24th March suffering from senile dementia and in much-impaired health. The night of his admission deceased was placed in a padded room for his own safety and was continuously there until the 28th March, when he was removed to bed, where he remained until his death. Deceased was very restless while in bed and at times required restraint to keep him there. As the result of a post-mortem examination witness had discovered deceased had suffered from Bright's Disease and arterial sclerosis and he also found fractures of three ribs on the left side. Witness first heard of the latter on the 13th inst., when there was a slight swelling over the lower two ribs. Dr Pereira Gray, the Medical Officer of the Institution, had informed witness that he had no knowledge of the fracture, but was aware of the bruises. Deceased was removed to the Institution because he was so restless the nurses could not manage him. - Walter Harold Trice, the senior attendant of the mental wards of the City Workhouse, stated that deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on the 10th February last and was removed to the mental ward on the 12th February. Patients had informed witness that deceased had tumbled about the ward, but he had no personal knowledge of this. An attendant would patrol the ward periodically, but would not be in the ward the whole of the night. Witness had no knowledge of the fractured ribs as deceased had not complained. - SELAH LILY ELIZABETH BARRETT, of 5 Abbey-road, wife of a coachbuilder, stated that deceased was her father-in-law and he had lived with them up to the time of his removal to the Institution. Deceased was restless and would wander about in the dark. Witness knew that twice deceased fell out of his bed not long before his removal to the Institution. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 April 1921
EXETER - Kennerleigh Farmer's Death. A Fatal Kick. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on MARK WARREN, farmer, of Lower Woodbeare, Kennerleigh, who died in the Institution the previous day from the effects of a kick in the head by a horse on the 14th April. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM WARREN, farmer, of Templeton, Tiverton, brother of the deceased. Deceased was 57 years of age. - MISS ALVINA MARY WARREN, daughter of deceased, deposed to seeing her father with three horses in a drag, just after 8 a.m., prior to going to work in a field about 250 yards away. About 11.30 witness went out with his lunch, and, on arrival, found her father lying on the ground at the heels of the horses, which were standing quiet. Deceased was unconscious and had a wound on the top of his head. Witness lifted him clear of the horses and drag and fetched assistance, after which deceased was got into the house, where Dr Hugo examined him, and advised removal to the Hospital. - Charles Tucker said deceased was clear of the drag when witness arrived. There was no sign of the horses having bolted, but deceased might have been trying to alter one of the chains of the drag and been then kicked by one of the horses. - The inquest was adjourned until tomorrow morning for the attendance of Dr Rolfe, who was unable to be a witness yesterday owing to having to perform an operation.

NEWTON ST. CYRES - An Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of MRS A. M. LUCAS, 40, widow, licensee of the Crown and Sceptre Inn, was conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. The deceased died in bed on Tuesday. The medical testimony was to the effect that death was due to heart failure consequent upon chronic alcoholism. A verdict in accordance with medical evidence was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 April 1921
EXETER HEAVITREE - Prussic Acid. Retired Chemist's Suicide At Heavitree. - An Inquest was held at Heavitree Police Sub-Station yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, on ROBERT DAVISON, of Homefield Lodge, Heavitree. - MARGARET HARRIET DAVISON, widow, gave evidence of identification. - Deceased was 63 years of age and a chemist, but had retired over four years. He had been on the staff at King's College, London, for 24 years. He suffered from heart trouble. On Tuesday he was as usual, and witness had arranged to go to London on Wednesday morning. She last saw deceased alive on Wednesday morning, about a quarter to eleven. Witness had a fall about a fortnight ago and deceased had been very anxious over it. She let him sleep on that morning. She went upstairs, told him the time, and, as she was afraid she would not catch the train, came down again. She put the kettle on for him to make a cup of tea. As he was longer than usual, she went up and found him in an unconscious condition on the bed. He was very eccentric. Twelve years ago he threatened to take his life, and went away. The following day she made inquiries but no one knew of his whereabouts. Two days later she received a registered letter from him stating where he would be found, that it was useless for anyone to attempt to look for him except his brother, and that if there were anything found of him it would be in a gorge in South Wales. Later the same day, she received a telegram saying he was coming home at once. He later told her it was thinking of her at the last moment that prevented him from doing it. - Mrs Annie Westcott said MRS DAVISON called her and she fetched a doctor. She did what she could to revive deceased, but he died just before the doctor came. - Inspector Snell said he was sent for by Dr Hipwell and saw deceased lying on the bed. He was partly dressed. By the side of the bed were two small glasses and also a jug containing water. Under deceased's pillow was a huge sheathed knife. Deceased was eccentric in manner and carried another large knife about with him. - Dr A. Hipwell said deceased's mouth was open and there was a smell of prussic acid. Immediately witness saw he was dead, he tried to find out where the acid came from, and found the two glasses mentioned by Inspector Snell. There was prussic acid in one and a preparation of arsenic in the other. - A verdict of "Suicide from Poisoning while of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 25 April 1921
EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Baby's Fatal Burns. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Saturday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on the 15-months-old child of SERGT. J. REYNOLDS, R.S.A., who succumbed at the Hospital on Thursday, as a result of burns. - The evidence showed that deceased was left in a bed sitting-room at 54 Holloway-street, on Thursday, while the mother, MRS REYNOLDS went downstairs. After a few minutes the mother heard screams. She rushed upstairs and found deceased enveloped in flames. The Fire Brigade was called and extinguished the outbreak. MRS REYNOLDS wrapped the child up carefully and took it to the Hospital where it died one hour after being admitted. - MRS REYNOLDS said she thought the accident was caused by the baby putting on the fire a brush which had been left in the dustbin. - Dr G. M. Rolfe, House Surgeon, stated that practically the whole of the body was burnt with the exception of the feet and ankles. - SERGT. REYNOLDS, in reply to the Coroner, said there was no guard around the fire. He intended getting one, but had recently been taken from the permanent staff at the barracks and placed on the attached list, and had to hold himself in readiness to move to another depot at any minute. He therefore, could not have too much furniture to carry about, his pay would not permit it. He had to go all over England, and to take his wife with him. Government bore no part of the expense. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EXETER - The Inquest was concluded at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday, on MARK WARREN, of Lower Woodbeare, Kennerleigh, who died on Wednesday in the Institution from the effects of a kick on the head by a horse. Dr G. Mary Rolfe, House Surgeon, said death was due to laceration and inflammation of the brain following a fracture of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 April 1921
HENNOCK - Chudleigh Knighton. - A man, named SAMUEL WARREN, was found in the old disused building near the pound on the Common in a serious condition. Dr Walters, of Chudleigh, was sent for, but, as he was not at home, his brother, who was staying with him, came, but his services were of no avail. An Inquest was held the following day, when it was stated that the man had taken poison. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 May 1921
EXETER - Playing At Spies. Bradfield Tragedy And How It Occurred. - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr W. L. Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on JOHN PATERSON, in the employ of Commander Adams at Bradfield. Mr A. Anstey (solicitor) represented Commander and the Hon. Mrs Adams and Supt. Joslin was present on behalf of the Police. - Thomas Riddick, farmer, Kentisbeare, identified the body as that of his nephew, aged 24. On April 28th he saw him in the stables on the Bradfield Estate suffering from a gunshot wound. He was conscious, but did not give any details beyond saying that it was at very close range. - John Humphrey Walrond, son of the Hon. Mrs Adams, said he would be 13 on May 15th. He knew the deceased very well and on the 28th went round the estate with him. At the time witness was carrying a 16 smooth bore gun (single barrelled) and which he had had for the last 18 months. He asked deceased to accompany him and pick up some snares which he had set. Witness's step-sister, BETTY, was with them at the time. Witness described their movements and said that he unloaded his gun when getting through fences. On reaching a certain cover he loaded it and walked along at the east side. The gun was at that time at the "safe." When they got to the corner of the cover witness told JACK (deceased) and BETTY to stand still because there might be some rabbits round the corner. He then put the gun at the "unsafe" and walked along the north side of the cover. Not seeing any rabbits he told them to come on. Going another few yards witness again asked them to stand still while he went on. On reaching a fence he unloaded to get through and called the deceased and his step-sister to come on. When they had got through deceased said he (witness) was to go on by himself. He did so and subsequently fired at a rabbit, but missed it. He loaded again and walked up the west side, when he saw two rabbits. He fired at them, killed both and returned to deceased and his step-sister with the gun unloaded. - "We went back," he continued, through the fence and came to some posts which are used for riding practice. Then I put down the gun and we had jumping races, and things of that sort, and also played at being spies, using my forefinger as a pistol. Having done this for a good time I looked at my watch and saw that it was time to go home. So I loaded the gun, because there are some rabbits round the house and asked JACK if he would fetch some snares. Having picked up the gun, JACK, just as a parting thing, pretended he was a spy. - The Coroner: What were his words? - Witness: He said, "I am a spy." - The Coroner: Yes, and what happened then? - Witness: He started walking towards me in a crouching position and then, without knowing what I did, I raised my gun and fired. (At this stage the witness burst into tears.) Deceased stopped where he was for a minute, put his hands to his "tummy," and bent forwards. He walked for about ten yards and fell. I went straight home and told my step-father. Answering the Coroner, witness said the gun was "safe" when he raised it, but he must have altered it when he fired. - The Foreman: I think the witness has explained the matter very lucidly. - Commander Adams said that on the 28th April, shortly before 7 p.m., he was sitting reading in the widow of his room, which looked out at the front of the house, when he saw the two children - Humphrey Walrond and his daughter - running across the lawn. He thought from the look of them, something was wrong, and lent out of the window and said "What's up?" or words to that effect. Humphrey said, "I have shot JACK." Witness said he did not believe it, and that it was nonsense, whereupon his daughter said, "Daddy, he has." Immediately witness rushed into the hall and called to the butler, telling Betty to take Humphrey up to the housekeeper. Witness and the butler went off to the riding sticks, where he found deceased lying on his back with a considerable wound in the stomach. Witness picked him up and put his head on his knee. He was in great pain and kept saying "Don't blame the boy, Commander; don't blame Humphrey; we were playing and it was all an accident." He kept on repeating the words and also said various things he wanted done. He also said, probably forgetting it was a single barrelled gun, "For God's sake shoot me with the other barrel." Replying to the Coroner, witness said deceased and his step-son were very good friends. - Dr M. Rolfe, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Thursday about 9.30 p.m., suffering from a gunshot wound. He was operated upon almost immediately. Witness was of opinion that he was shot at very close range. He died the next day, the cause of death being shock and loss of blood following internal injuries. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Foreman (Mr Knapman) remarked that guns similar to the one produced were called safety guns, but he had given them up, because, in his opinion, they were not. In getting over a fence a person might think it was safe whereas it was not. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said they were very sorry for both families. The Foreman concurred and said the Jury sympathised deeply with Master Walrond and the family as also with the relatives of the deceased. Mr Anstey promised to convey the expression to the relatives, and also took that opportunity of expressing the sympathy of Commander and the Hon. Mrs Adams with the relatives of deceased. It had been a most unfortunate affair, for it was not merely a case of the loss of a valued servant, but of the loss of a valued friend.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 May 1921
EXETER - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on JOHN COURPON CHORLEY, of Heavitree, aged 72, who died from injuries received through falling from a ladder, it was stated that deceased was employed in decorating Mr C. T. K. Roberts's house at Fairhill when he fell 15ft. owing, it was supposed, to giddiness. Dr Pereira Grey said death was due to fracture of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr Roberts expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 May 1921
TIVERTON - Cove Tragedy. Inquest And Funeral. How Accident Happened. - At an Inquest at Tiverton, on MR WILLIAM CURTIS, 46, farmer, of Bicknell Farm, Cove, who died as the result of being crushed with a roller, Arthur James Reed, farmer, of Farradon Farm, Cove, said he was working with deceased rolling a field of corn. Witness had lent MR CURTIS a colt, and he was there to see how it would work. The colt was in the shafts and in front there was an old mare belonging to deceased, which, witness understood, was very quiet and about 20 years of age. The roller was an iron one. There was a man on each side of the colt and another was leading the mare. Deceased was holding the head of the colt. Just as they began operations the mare kicked. Deceased remained by the colt, and witness believed the chain of the front horse became unhitched and caught in MR CURTIS'S leg. He fell on his face and hands, and the roller passed over his legs and body. The colt fell and kicked deceased in the leg. Deceased got up, but did not complain of being hurt. He remained in the field about half an hour talking to witness. Later on, deceased's man came to him and said his master could not get home. Witness found deceased lying in a hedge about 300 yards from where the accident happened. George Edworthy said he worked for MR CURTIS, and knew the mare well; it was always quiet. On Wednesday last he was at the head of the front horse when it started kicking and plunging. It continued to kick for some distance. Witness saw MR CURTIS fall and the roller go over him, but could not say what made him fall. After a while deceased walked towards his house, but when he had gone a little way he sat down in the hedge and could not get up. - Dr Pollock said he was called to Bicknell Farm at 2.40 on Wednesday. He found deceased in bed dead. There was a lacerated wound in the leg, and there were some bruises on the head and back. There were no other external injuries. He considered death was due to internal injuries caused by the pressure of the roller - probably internal haemorrhage. The wound in the leg was consistent with a chain having become entangled with it. - The Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." - At the funeral at Cove churchyard, on Saturday, the coffin was conveyed in the deceased's own horse and trap and the bearers were neighbouring farmers who rode in front on horseback.

LONDON - Alleged Murder. Whimple Girl Charged. Witnesses Missing. - There were some curious features connected with a case that came before Mr Cancellor, the West London Magistrate, on Saturday, when NORA GWENDOLEN WARE, a Devonshire girl, came up on remand on a charge of murdering her illegitimate child on April 4th. - Mr E. Clayton, prosecuting for the director of Public Prosecutions, stated that the girl, who was only 18, had been in service as a kitchen maid at 20 Clanricarde-gardens, Bayswater. In the early morning of the 4th, her fellow servant, Gertrude Bowscher, was awakened by a scream and found the accused apparently in great pain. At accused's request she went downstairs to fetch a glass of water, and, while on her way, heard another scream. Returning hurriedly, she found accused standing the doorway in her nightdress about to go downstairs. Later the girl was interviewed by her mistress, Mrs Heppel, and she said, "It is in the log box in the kitchen." A doctor was sent for and eventually the body of a child was found in a box in the kitchen. An Inquest had since been held and Dr Spilsbury, who made the post-mortem examination, gave it as his opinion that the child had had a separate existence and that certain bruises on the body were caused before death. As the result of the medical evidence, the Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder". - Evidence was now given by Detective Kemp, who said the accused made a statement to him at the Kensington Infirmary on April 8th. Accused said, "I came to London in September 1919 and was employed as kitchen-maid to Mrs Heppel, at 20 Clanricarde-gardens. My home is near Whimple, Devonshire. Last Sunday, April 3rd, I went to bed at 9 o'clock and felt quite all right. About 3 o'clock in the morning I had violent pains and I asked the maid who sleeps in the room to bring me a glass of water. While she was gone I gave birth to a child. The child neither moved nor cried, and I am quite sure it was dead. I carried the child downstairs in my nightdress. While going down I came over very faint, and I dropped the baby and it fell down a flight of stairs. I picked it up and placed it in the log box in the scullery. I had previously wrapped it in a piece of cloth. I then returned to bed and later told Mrs Heppel what had happened. - Divisional Detective-Inspector Hall intimated that the case could not be carried further that day as two of the chief witnesses, Mrs Heppel and the maid Bowscher, had disappeared. They attended the Inquest, but when an Officer went to the house early this week to warn them to be in attendance at the Court that day he found the house shut up and, up to the present, he had not been able to locate them. - His Worship ordered a further remand, and directed that the accused should be conveyed to Holloway Prison in a cab.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 May 1921
EXETER - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday, on ROBERT JOHN LOVELL, who died from injury to the head sustained in a fall from a ladder in Clifton-road. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that the deceased died during his employment through using a defective ladder.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 May 1921
EXETER - The Exeter coroner conducted an Inquest yesterday on CHARLOTTE LYNE, aged 56, of 8 Sun-street, Exeter, who died suddenly at No. 47 Queen-street, on Wednesday morning. Dr J. Allan attributed death to heart failure caused through syncope due to a fatty heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - "Silliest Part Of It." Newton Abbot Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot yesterday on WILLIAM HEXT, aged 61, an unemployed labourer, of No. 31 East-street. The widow, MRS JANE HEXT, stated that deceased was dismissed from regular employment last November in consequence of slackness of trade. This seemed to have preyed on his mind and he had said that "life was not worth living." Last Saturday morning he went to the lavatory and later she found him in a bending position with his throat cut. A razor was close by. He was removed to the Infirmary and died on Tuesday. - To Mr John Dolbear, who went to MRS HEXT'S assistance, deceased said, "It's no accident," while to P.C. Edgecombe he said, "Worry," implying that was the reason for his action. - Dr J. J. Scrase, Medical Officer of the Infirmary, stated that the wound was severe, but deceased made satisfactory progress until Tuesday when he developed pneumonia and died. Witness attributed death to septic pneumonia, resulting from wounds in the throat. - Nurse Louisa Taylor, Superintendent of the Infirmary, stated she had charge of deceased from the time of his admission until his death. Witness asked deceased why he did it and his reply was, "I don't know, but I have been out of work for such a long time that there seemed nothing for it." She observed that it was a rather silly thing to do and he said, "The silliest part of it was that I did not finish it." - The coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE - Much sympathy has been extended to Mrs Rowland, an old resident of Farringdon, and caretaker of the schools, in her bereavement by the loss of her youngest brother under tragic but heroic circumstances. Deceased, WILLIAM GRANT, who lived at Shrewsbury, was the youngest son of the late MR JOHN and MRS GRANT of Huxham. It appears he was a miner, and hearing that several of his work-mates were in danger from fire-damp, deceased went to their assistance, but was himself overcome and suffocated. The Coroner commented warmly on the great act of self-sacrifice.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 May 1921
EXETER - Motor Car Fatality. Driver Exonerated. - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday afternoon, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest on MARY JANE SHILSTON, aged 62 years, of 4 Ebrington-terrace, Exeter, who was knocked down by a motor car in Alphington-road at 8.15 a.m. on Friday, May 20th, and who died at the Hospital an hour and a half later from injuries received. - JOHN EDWARD SHILSTON, baker, who identified the body as that of his wife, said deceased was in good health, and had good sight and hearing. - Ernest Harbell, of the Castle Hotel, West Lulworth, near Wareham, said he was the owner of the motor-car and on Friday, the 20th inst., at 8.15 a.m., was driving it along Alphington-road, going out of the City. Deceased rushed out of her garden gate in a great hurry - she seemed to be trying to catch a tram car that had just passed - and ran straight into the motor car. Deceased was about two yards away when witness just saw her. He applied his brakes and sounded his horn. He was travelling at a speed of about six to eight miles per hour, and stopped as quickly as he could. - CLARICE SHILSTON, daughter of deceased, said her mother left the house quite quietly. She was on her way to Broadclyst. When witness went out she saw her mother on the ground near the car. Mr Harbell could not have seen deceased coming out of her gate owing to a hedge. - William Isaacs, the driver of the tram car mentioned, said Mr Harbell was travelling at about 12 miles per hour on his correct side. As witness passed him he noticed a frightened expression come over his face. On looking round he saw deceased lying on the ground and the car standing about eight feet away. Mr Harbell pulled up as soon as he could. - Dr P. M. Little, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to fracture of the skull and also to a fatty heart. - Arthur Wm. Towill, of 5 Ebrington-terrace, stated he saw the accident from his bedroom window. He saw deceased come out of her house and then his view was obscured by the hedge. He next saw deceased knocked down. Mr Harbell was travelling at a moderate pace and did his best to avoid deceased. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and Mr Harbell was exonerated from blame. The Foreman of the Jury suggested that the hedge should be trimmed down. Mr Wilton Reed appeared on behalf of Mr Harbell.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 May 1921
EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Stableman's Suicide. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM WOOD, a stableman, aged 65, of 2 Tudor-gardens, Exe Island, who died at the Hospital on May 24th as a result of wounds in the throat. He was admitted to the Hospital on May 7th. - FANNY AGNES WOOD, daughter of deceased, said that on May 7 she heard her father groaning in the coal-house. Witness went to his assistance and found he had a wound in his throat. - Mr Brewer of 3 Tudor-gardens, said the daughter called him. He went to the house and found deceased as described. - MRS WOOD, widow, stated that her husband had been suffering from severe pains of late, due to stomach trouble. - P.C. Lovick said he was called, rendered first aid, sent for the ambulance and, together with Superintendent Bowden, took deceased to the Hospital. - Dr P. M. Little, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he held a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to septicaemia following a wound in the throat. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence - that the wound was self-inflicted and that at the time deceased was not responsible for his actions.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 May 1921
AXMINSTER - The Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. R. Tweed, has conducted an Inquest at the Police-Station, on JOHN SMITH, of 4 Penny's-terrace. MARY SMITH, widow, stated that deceased, who was a yard foreman employed by Messrs. Bradford and Sons, left home about 6.45 on Monday, May 23rd, in his usual health. He was always temperate in his habits. Frank Forsey, labourer, 4 New-road, stated he was on his way to work at about 7.45, when something unusual about the sound of the shunting caused him to enter the yard by Messrs. Bradford's office. There he found deceased lying on the ground by the trucks. In reply to inquiries, deceased informed witness he had been crushed between the flap of a brick truck and a wall. Mr Trivett then came on the scene and witness fetched Dr Langran. Sidney John Trivett, 9 Hillhead-terrace, delivery agent, L. and S.W.R., stated that when he arrived deceased was quite conscious. He stated he saw the flap of the brick truck was swinging and ran in to prevent it smashing a rain-pipe running down from the stores. Deceased added "I had forgotten the door of the box truck. This caught me and twisted me round. I am pinched to pieces." Fred A. Taylor, Police Sergt., gave measurements. Edgar Gosling, manager, said it was the duty of deceased to look after the yard, but for him to be in such a dangerous position was an excess of zeal. It was necessary to open the doors of trucks before running them alongside the wall. Dr Langran stated that two ribs on the deceased's right side were fractured, the right lung was injured and there were extensive bruises from the shoulder to the hip. There was also evidence of internal haemorrhage and the right kidney was ruptured. He died on Tuesday evening from internal haemorrhage and shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 May 1921
TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held by Mr R. Rodd, at Nutley Cottage, near Tavistock, on the body of MRS SEFINA MAY, aged 67, who died as the result of an accident, which occurred on March 26th, when she fell outside the kitchen door and fractured her thigh. Dr Brodrick said death was due to heart failure, accelerated by shock caused by the accident and the Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 May 1921
ALVERDISCOTT - Dangerous Plan. Alverdiscott Tragedy. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Alverdiscott, near Bideford, on Saturday, on RICHARD POPE, 53, of Stoney Cross, who met his death on Thursday afternoon while engaged in quarrying at Stoney Cross Cover Quarry. - The widow, who identified the body, said her husband was somewhat crippled with rheumatism. He was a road contractor under the Torrington Rural District Council. - John Hy. Hooper said he was working with deceased - his uncle - on Thursday afternoon and had been engaged in drilling a hole for blasting the stone, when he suddenly heard a rumbling sound, and, hearing something coming from above, jumped out of the way and had just got clear when a large quantity of stone, etc., fell on deceased and partially buried him. After he had got out deceased, witness ran for assistance, but he thought deceased was dead. There was no indication that anything was loose when he was working above a few days before. He had blasted the stone two days previously. He was working in the copse in the morning, but did not notice any cracks then. Replying to Mr R. King. H.M. Inspector of Mines, witness said the stone that fell came from a fresh seam of which they were not aware. They had not noticed it. They had certainly worked back under it, and he agreed now that it was dangerous, but they did not notice that anything was loose or they would have removed it. They did, in fact, take away everything that was loose as far as they saw. He agreed that it would have been better not to have worked back under. It was dangerous and he would not do it again. - Mr King: Could you not have commenced work at the top instead of cutting back under? - Witness: It would mean a lot of work. - The Inspector: Yes, I know, but it would have been the safer course. Under such circumstances you would not do it again. Witness: No. They had not been given any definite instructions from the Torrington Rural Council Surveyor as to how to work the quarry, but the way in which they did this was not the usual way they worked. - The Inspector: It is a very dangerous practice to undercut stone in this way. - The Coroner: An easy way but a risky one. - Dr Pearson said that when he arrived the deceased was dead, and, from the nature of the injuries, including several broken ribs and a compound fracture of the left elbow, etc., death must have been instantaneous. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr T. B. Fairchild, Surveyor to the Torrington Rural Council, on behalf of that body, expressed sympathy with the family of deceased, who was a very honest and conscientious man, who carried out his work in a satisfactory manner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 June 1921
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Canal Mystery. The Inquest. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, conducted an Inquest yesterday, at Brooklands, Alphington, on the body of BERNARD BELLEW, aged 29, a dentist, of Church-street, Newport (Mon), whose body was recovered from the Exeter Canal the previous afternoon. - JOHN BELLEW, of Newport, an engine driver, identified the body as that of his brother, who was a dentist, carrying on business at Abersychan, but residing at Newport. Witness last saw deceased alive on Friday evening at the latter's home. He noticed nothing unusual with deceased, who had always enjoyed good health. Deceased was married, and had two children, and always lived happily at home. Deceased told no one he would be going away. He was at once time stationed at Exeter in the Cadets and had never had any money troubles. The widow informed witness that when deceased left home on Saturday, between 9 and 10 a.m., which was the usual time he left for business, he was not in the least depressed. Saturday morning was the last time deceased had been seen by the widow. - Richard Hicks, of Catherine-street, Exeter, said he was on the Canal banks on Monday between 3 and 3.30 p.m. He saw a hat and stick lying on the right bank and about 600 yards the Exeter side of Double Locks. Witness searched round the spot and also looked in the water, and, on finding nothing else, informed Mr Hannaford at Double Locks and the latter communicated with the Police. - P.C. Huxtable, stationed at Alphington, stated that he went to the Canal and saw the last witness, who told him where he had found the hat and stick and witness noticed tracks leading to the water. Witness, accompanied by P.C. Phillips, dragged the Canal, and they found the body practically opposite where the tracks were at 4.15 p.m. The body was fully dressed. Witness searched it and found two halfpennies, two farthings, two old copper coins and some correspondence. There was also a wrist watch, which had stopped at 11.23 and another watch, which had stopped at 1.56. - Dr H. M. Sampson, acting for Dr Stokes, said he examined the body, which presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 6 June 1921
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Accident Near Tavistock. Quarryman Killed. - Mr R. Rodd, junr., Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tavistock Hospital, on Saturday, on the body of THOMAS RICE, a quarryman, aged 40, of Petertavy, near Tavistock, who lost his life on Thursday while working at the Pitts Cleave Quarry, Tavistock. - MRS NELLIE RICE, the widow, gave evidence of identification. - John James Griggs, quarryman, of Lamerton, stated that on the 1st inst., about 3.10, he was working by the side of the deceased. They were earthing rubbish to make a siding when a quantity of "muck" slipped away and buried the deceased.. Witness released him and telephoned for a car to convey him to the Hospital. There was no sign of the earth slipping. The height of the bank where they were working was about 13ft. The "muck" had been where it was for months and had shown no sign of slipping. By the Coroner: They were instructed by their employer to do what they were doing when the accident occurred. - Mr A. Hoare said he traded under the name of Hoare Bros., Wallabrook, near Tavistock. He gave instructions for an excavation to be carried out and in his opinion it was perfectly safe work. A bank higher than 20 feet might become dangerous if not shored up. The bank in question was 12ft 9 ¼ in. high. Twelve men were engaged in the work. The only reason he could give for what happened was that the earth which slipped away - about a ton in weight - came away from the mother soil. The work was still proceeding, but not at the same point. Every reasonable precaution was taken to prevent accidents. - Dr Brodrick said that death was due to general shock following internal and external injuries. - The Coroner said from the evidence he had heard, he thought that the occurrence was due to an accident. Mr Hoare appeared to have taken all the precaution he could. Griggs was only standing three feet away from where the accident happened, and had he not thought the bank safe it was not likely that he would have continued to work there. He therefore found a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Hoare expressed sympathy with the widow and family, for which he was thanked by their legal representative, Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell. The widow is left with six children.

BIDEFORD - An Inquest was held at Bideford, on Saturday morning, upon FREDERICK HENRY MARTIN, 38, motor car driver, of 4 Marland-terrace, Bideford, who died while being taken to Hospital after a motor car accident on Friday night. Deceased was driving a car with a passenger up the very steep rise at Worlington Hill, Instow, when the vehicle commenced to run back. He and the passenger jumped out and managed to retard the car somewhat. With the help of two men who came along, an attempt was made to restart it, but the car ran backwards again and overturned. The two other men jumped clear, but MARTIN was pinned against the hedge and fatally crushed. Deceased, who was a careful driver and popular among local motor brake users, leaves a widow but no children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 June 1921
EXETER - Cup Of Tea Causes Baby's Death. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on a four-year-old child named WILLIAM PHILLIPS, son of MRS ELSIE PHILLIPS, of Regent's-square, Heavitree. While spending a weekend with his mother at Whitestone, a cup of hot tea was upset over the little one, who died later in the Hospital. - The mother said she had a cup of tea brought up to her in bed on Saturday morning while staying at Blackdown Cottage, Whitestone. Deceased, who was in bed with her, put his hand for some bread and butter and upset some of the tea over witness. She turned around and in doing so upset the remainder of the tea over the child, who was scalded all over the front of his body. A doctor was sent for and ordered the child's removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Mrs Tucker, of Blackdown Cottage, corroborated. - Dr Little, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to pneumonia, following scalds to the chest and thighs. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 June 1921
EXETER - At the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest concerning the death of GEORGE RICE, aged 67, of 3 West-street. Dr M. Little, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a compound fracture of the leg before witness came to Exeter, but he was the doctor who examined RICE when he was discharged on the 10th March 1921. Deceased then seemed to be in a good condition, and the leg had set well. On the 30th April RICE was readmitted suffering from blood poisoning of the same leg and died on June 7th. In his opinion death resulted from the accident. Before he died, RICE said he was getting into a cart when the horse began to walk on, and he fell, the wheel passing over his leg. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

PYWORTHY - MR THOMAS SHEARS, aged 79, of Veal Farm, drove to Stratton this week to attend the monthly market, but was taken suddenly ill. Dr King found life to be extinct and at the Inquest held in the afternoon, a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 June 1921
LITTLEHAM (NEAR BIDEFORD) - At an Inquest conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, concerning the death of MRS ELIZABETH VAGGERS, aged 80, widow of a shoemaker, of Mount Pleasant Cottage, Littleham, Bideford, who was found dead in bed, Dr Ellis Pearson (Bideford) who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to cardiac syncope, following fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 June 1921
BIDEFORD - Mr Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford on MRS MARY LILIAN READ, of Springfield Terrace. MR H. WM. READ, the husband, said his wife had complained of sleeplessness for about two months and had been under medical treatment. She had no worries and was passionately fond of her two children. He had no reason to think she would ever attempt to take her life He left her quite cheerful. When he arrived home to lunch, as she was not about, he made a search and found her hanging to a rope in the lavatory. With the assistance of a neighbour, Mr Frank Routley, they immediately cut her down and efforts were made to resuscitate life, while medical assistance was sent for, but she was evidently quite dead. Dr Marshall said he saw deceased five weeks ago. She complained chiefly of sleeplessness. He prescribed for her and four days later she said she was better. There was nothing in her demeanour to suggest she was going out of her mind. When he arrived on Wednesday she had been dead three or four hours, due to suffocation. The Coroner said it was one of those inconceivable cases in which a woman appeared to have o trouble or worries of any sort, but suddenly determined to take her life. The verdict would be one of "Suicide." MR READ afterwards said his wife recently complained that she felt something oppressing her in her head, but no notice was taken of it at the time.

WINKLEIGH - At Taw Mill Farm, Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest on DOROTHY MAY HARRIS, aged three months, daughter of HENRY HARRIS, a tanner, who was found by her mother lying dead in her cot. The mother said she left the child for a short time in the cot and on returning found she was lying on her face. Witness lifted her up and found she was dead. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased "Accidentally turning on her face while lying on a bed."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 22 June 1921
EXETER - Tricks And Challenges. Exeter Swimmer's Fate. - At the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest on WILLIAM RICHARD SUMMERS, of 36 Haven-road, Exeter, who was drowned on Sunday, June 19th, in the Canal, where he had been swimming. - John Peters, of 7 Cotfield-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, who was 43 years of age and formerly a seaman in the mercantile marine, but had lately been working as a general labourer. Witness was with deceased at the Welcome Inn, on Saturday, when the latter challenged a man, named Charles Cook, that he would not throw him into the water. This Cook did. Deceased got out all right. Witness did not hear a bet made of 10s. between deceased and another man that the former would swim to Double Locks. Deceased told witness of this afterwards. Witness was at the same Inn on Sunday at dinner-time. Deceased came in. Later, witness saw him doing some trick-swimming in the Canal and the next he heard was that he had gone under. Deceased was just under the water when Mr Gregory dived in. Deceased had sometimes complained of pains in the stomach. - John Gregory, of Willey's Cottages, Canal Banks, said he saw deceased on Saturday afternoon. They talked about swimming, and witness said he would swim to Double Locks with deceased. The latter said "All right, for the sum of 10s." This event did not take place. Witness went for a walk with deceased on Sunday morning and they came back to the Welcome Inn. He subsequently saw deceased in the water and later heard he was in difficulties. Witness went out and jumped into the water, but could not help deceased. Deceased was a very good swimmer, and always in the Canal. - Charles Sharland, of Tan-lane, said he was at the Welcome inn, on Sunday. Deceased came in, and witness afterwards saw him dive into the water off the drawbridge. He was doing tricks. Witness advised him to come out, but he said he was all right. Then deceased seemed to sink all of a sudden. - William Gregory, of Drawbridge Cottage, Canal Banks, said he saw deceased in the water and then sink. Mr John Gregory jumped into the water, but could do nothing. Witness recovered the body with the aid of a grappling pole. - Dr C. E. Stokes said he was called, but when he arrived deceased was dead. Death was due to drowning. The cause of the sudden sinking might have been faintness. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 June 1921
STOKE CANON - Fatal Bathing Near Stoke Canon. Schoolboys' Pluck. - How a schoolboy lost his life in an attempt to save a companion, and plucky but unsuccessful efforts on the part of another lad to effect a rescue, were described to Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, at an Inquest held at Stoke Canon, yesterday, on the bodies of SYDNEY B. JENNINGS, aged 13 ½ and CYRIL RALPH CHAMBERLAIN, aged 12 ½ who were drowned while bathing in the River Exe near Stafford Bridge, the previous day. From the evidence of the lad King there appeared little doubt that the party mistook the Exe for the Creedy, as throughout his narrative King referred to the latter river. - Evidence of identification showed that JENNINGS was the son of a widow, who lived at 5 Porch-place, Sidwell-street, Exeter and was too ill to attend the Inquest. It was stated by Enoch White, an uncle of deceased, that MRS JENNINGS, the widow of an ex-Service man, told her son not to go bathing. He begged and prayed her to allow him. She went out to work and the lad evidently out to bathe. The uncle said the lad told him a few days ago he could swim a little. - ALBERT CHAMBERLAIN, a fitter, of 6 Summerland-street, Exeter, identified the body of CHAMBERLAIN, who left home about 1 o'clock the previous afternoon with the intention of going to Head Weir to bathe. Deceased could swim a little. - Frank Leslie King, living at 19 Springfield-road, Exeter, aged 13, narrated how, in company with the two deceased and another boy, he left the City about 2 o'clock. They had previously arranged to pick flowers along the Creedy. On arrival at the river all had a bathe. The water where they went in was up to their chests. The two deceased wanted to get into the deeper water, but witness and his companion warned them not to do so. Notwithstanding the warning, they went in until the water was nearly up to their necks. Then they took two or three strokes and got out of their depth, being in the middle of the river. At first, witness stayed where he was and watched them. When they got out of their depth the current took them down. CHAMBERLAIN could swim better than JENNINGS, who could only swim about three strokes. CHAMBERLAIN and witness (who could also swim) went to the aid of JENNINGS, who was in difficulties. CHAMBERLAIN, who became exhausted, swam away and had nearly reached the bank when he sank. Wiseman, the other boy, ran to fetch help and witness hung on to JENNINGS as long as he could. "I had to let him go just before help arrived," added witness. "He became unconscious, I had to let him go and he sank." Witness was swimming all the time. Neither of the deceased came to the surface again. - Thomas Wiseman, Exon's-court, corroborated his companion's evidence. - How the bodies were recovered were related by Thomas Pym, Water Bailiff, of Topsham, who in the course of his duties arrived at Stafford Bridge about 3.25. There he saw a crowd in the direction of Stoke Canon. He saw a Constable and, getting into a flat-bottomed boat, went towards him. On the way he recovered the body of JENNINGS, which was floating in the middle of the river, where the water was about 7 ft. deep. There was no sign of CHAMBERLAIN, but P.C. Wakeley and himself searched with a pole and the body was eventually discovered in 13 ft. of water, and about 15 ft. to 20 ft. from the bank. The two must have got into a "wash-out pit," which extended for some distance. It was a very dangerous place for bathing, especially when the current was strong. The lads had no right to be there. - Dr Baddoe attributed death in both cases to drowning. - The Coroner, who returned a verdict of "Death by Drowning," said it was a most pathetic case and he sympathised with the parents of both deceased. The evidence was perfectly clear and the boy King had given his evidence in a very intelligent and straight-forward manner. CHAMBERLAIN and King behaved in a very plucky manner and did all they could to rescue JENNINGS, but, unfortunately, their efforts were not rewarded. It was quite possible that if CHAMBERLAIN had not gone to the assistance of JENNINGS in the way he did, but thought only of saving himself, he might have been living today. He thought the conduct both of King and the poor boy CHAMBERLAIN was greatly to be commended. It could not be too much impressed upon boys - although boys would be boys - that the danger of bathing in rivers of which they knew nothing was very great. These boys got into the water without realising the danger. It was a most dangerous place to go. No one, boys especially, should go into a river to bathe without the knowledge as to the conditions. No one would object to boys bathing in a river, but they should not do so without advice or previous knowledge of the river. - Mr Pym said there were pits all through the river, especially as one went farther up. He was almost drowned near Brampford Speke last summer through walking into a pit.

PINHOE - "Found Drowned." Inquest At Pinhoe. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was recorded in connection with an Inquiry conducted at Pinhoe, yesterday, into the circumstances surround the death of JOHN RALPH HOPE, whose body was found in the River Clyst the previous day. It was stated that deceased was out of work and that he had expressed anxiety concerning the maintenance of those dependent on him.

AWLISCOMBE - An Inquest was held by the Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. N. Tweed, at the Honiton Inn, on the body of FRANK HAWKINS, who was found dead in Greenway-lane. Medical evidence was given by Dr A. E. Ash, and a verdict was returned in accordance with his statement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 June 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Boy's Extraordinary Death. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an inquiry at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, on Saturday evening, concerning the death of CYRIL THOMAS LYDDON, the four-year old son of MR THOMAS LYDDON, painter and decorator, of Richmond-street, Barnstaple, which occurred on Friday evening, following a fit of choking. - Evidence was given by Dr S. R. Gibbs, Barnstaple, to the effect that he was called to his surgery to see the boy, who, he was told ,had swallowed a stone. He treated him, but failed to bring about any improvement and as the boy was steadily getting worse, he consulted with a doctor from Bristol who happened to be there, and they decided that the only chance of saving the boy's life was to perform an operation. They did this, but did not discover the stone. The boy died about half an hour later. He had made a post-mortem examination and found a small pebble blocking the passage into both lungs. It was extraordinary how the stone went into the windpipe; he thought the boy must have been laughing at the time and breathed it in. He had never had such a case in all his experience, although he had read of such. - Other witnesses were the seven-year old brother of the deceased (with whom the latter was playing at the time and who said they were throwing stones at one another), Mrs Sarah Isaac, and the boy's father. - The Coroner said it was very sad that the young life of a strong, healthy boy should be cut off in such a way. It was a most extraordinary accident. As the doctor had said, the boy died from asphyxiation, due to swallowing a stone, which lodged in the base of the windpipe. He returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 July 1921
MERTON - Quite a gloom was cast over the village when it became known that MR EDWIN BROOKS, of Kingsford, had suddenly passed away in the early hours of the morning. The deceased gentleman retired to rest the previous evening in his usual health, but towards dawn was suddenly taken very ill, and expired before medical aid could be obtained. At the Inquest held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Dr O. Flaherty said that death was due to heart failure and expressed an opinion that the excessive heat of the previous day, together with strenuous work in the hay field, had hastened the end. Deceased leaves a widow and two daughters to mourn their loss and the deepest sympathy is felt for them. Sad to relate MRS BROOKS was away from home at the time. The funeral was largely attended. The Rev. E. J. Jeffery officiated. The breastplate bore the inscription:- "EDWIN BROOKS, died June 25th, 1921, aged 64." Messrs. J. Heale (Fishleigh-street), J. Pudner and Croker (Huish) and J. Balch and J. Burrows (Merton) acted as bearers. There was numerous floral tributes from relatives and friends.

NORTHAM - MRS MARTHA COWLER, 81, was found lying on the ground under her bedroom window with a fractured thigh. At the Inquest the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

OKEHAMPTON - About a fortnight ago HENRY VIGERS, aged 25, a carpenter, of South Zeal, was found lying by his cycle near this town unconscious, as was a motor cyclist named Ashton Latham, of Southsea. Both were removed to the Infirmary, where VIGERS died. When the Inquest was opened Latham was still unconscious and the Inquest was adjourned until yesterday by the Coroner, Mr H. C. Brown. It was then stated that Latham remembered nothing of the accident and Dr Wright said it was probable the gap in his memory would be permanent. Under the circumstances the Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to Fracture of the Skull caused by Accidentally striking the road while cycling.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 July 1921
EXETER - Road Dangers. Exeter Tragedy. Lorry Driver Exonerated. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on HELEN GRACE TURNER, of 4 Edmund-street, who was knocked down by a motor lorry and died from injuries received. - MRS MARY GRACE TURNER, of 4 Edmund-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of her daughter, who was 18 years of age and a lace-mender. At 4.30 p.m. on Friday witness was in Edmund-street with deceased on the way home. They had just passed the church, when they crossed in front of a traction engine. They ran across until someone shouted and deceased stopped. When witness reached the path she saw a motor lorry knock her daughter down. The lorry was passing the engine and going rather fast. The vehicles seemed to be trying to get up the incline together. In reply to the Foreman, witness said no hooters were sounded. - Mr Norman J. Lake, who was present on behalf of the driver of the lorry that knocked down deceased, asked witness if she saw the first lorry approaching. Witness said "Yes." Mr Lake said that if she had heard a hooter she would not have stopped on the path. - James Baker, of the Queen's Head, Edmund-street, said he saw the last witness and deceased run across the road. As the lorry was about to pass the engine the driver of the former sounded his hooter twice. Deceased had jumped to avoid the engine and the lorry struck her in the back. The lorry pulled up dead directly it struck deceased. Witness was the person who shouted. - William Baker, son of the last witness, corroborated. - Mrs Tucker, of Edmund-street, said she saw deceased knocked down. The driver of the lorry pulled up instantly. - Francis Drew of 20 Regent-street, the driver of the engine, said he saw deceased and her mother on the path. When they got by the Blue Boy lodging-house they went across the road in front of his engine. Then deceased gave a half-turn, walked up the road and the lorry struck her in the back. - Thomas Isaacs of 57 Paris-street, employed by the Devon Transport Company, and the driver of the lorry, said he followed the engine and when in Edmund-street was about to pass it when deceased jumped out, turned, and walked up the road. Witness reversed his gears and pulled up immediately. He had been a driver for 17 years, and this was the first accident. - Albert Edward Miller, who was on the lorry, corroborated the evidence of Isaacs. - Dr P. M. Little said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from broken ribs on the right side of the chest and severe laceration of the right foot. Death was due to haemorrhage in the lungs and shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, with the Coroner and Mr Norman Lake, expressed deepest sympathy with the relatives of deceased. They exonerated the driver of the lorry from blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 July 1921
LYNMOUTH - Motor Fatality. The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown held an Inquest at the Council Chamber, Lynmouth, on the body of MR PATRICK HALLIHAN, wine and spirit merchant, of Cardiff, who was killed as the result of a motor accident on Countisbury Hill. Evidence of identification was given by a son of the deceased, who stated that his father left Cardiff on Thursday last on a motor tour through Devon and Cornwall. - John Hope, chauffeur, who had been in the employ of the deceased for about two years, said while they were negotiating Porlock-hill witness had to stop three or four times owing to internal engine trouble and when on top of the hill adjusted the trouble. When on top of Countisbury Hill witness saw a warning notice and he proceeded slowly. When under the Red House he discovered the hill was very steep and immediately applied his brakes. The latter, however, failed to act, and the car gathered speed. Witness stuck to the wheel, but the car collided with a telephone post just below Tors Garage. As the result of the collision he was rendered unconscious and when he recovered he found the car had swerved round and had run down the hill backwards, capsizing at the bottom. The Rev. Father Ryan, a friend of the deceased, who was riding in the car was lying in the road, together with the deceased. - Mr J. Moule, a motor mechanic, stated that the linings of the brakes were ripped off. He added if he had been in the same position as the chauffeur he would have applied the brakes suddenly. The foot and hand brakes were very loose and did not hold. - P.C. Passmore and Dr Falkner also gave evidence, the latter stating that when he was called to the scene of the accident MR HALLIHAN was quite dead, his brain having been cut clean out and his skull smashed. Witness considered that the hood of the landaulette must have penetrated the head when the car struck the telephone post. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," sympathised with the relatives of the deceased, and suggested that a different danger sign should be erected higher up the hill, bearing the words "At this point cars should drop into low gear."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 July 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, who conducted an Inquest at the Court House, yesterday, on WILLIAM HENRY DARE, son of MR and MRS HARRY DARE of 10 Exwick-hill, who died on Tuesday, one hour after birth. Dr Black attributed death to debility.

EXETER - Exeter Motor Fatality. The Inquest. - The Inquest on MRS CHARLOTTE BAKER, aged 85, of Wynard's Almshouses, Magdalen-street, Exeter, who was knocked down by a motor car while crossing the road on Tuesday morning, was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday afternoon by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, sitting with a Jury. - GEORGE JAMES BAKER, of Sidmouth, grandson, gave evidence of identification and said deceased's sight and hearing were good for her age. - ELLEN MOORE, daughter, said deceased's hearing was rather "thick," but she could hear better at times than at others. Witness went to work on the morning in question and deceased went out to get a bundle of wood, and on the way back the accident happened. - Frederick Parsons, of Exmouth, said he was driving a Foden steam engine through Magdalen-street and just before reaching the Eye Infirmary passed a wood waggon and window-cleaning cart. As he was passing these he saw the deceased on the path on the same side as the Eye Infirmary. She was carrying a bundle of wood and waiting for him to pass. At this time a motor car was coming from Heavitree, and it had to slow up. While he was half-way past it the deceased crossed the road towards the new wing of the Hospital. The car was then just passing his waggon. The driver sounded his horn and the deceased stood still until the car was level with her, and she then made a dash across. The car knocked her down and went over her. - Charles Weeks, steersman, said when the car slowed up to pass the waggon it was going at from four to five miles per hour. The deceased stepped forward in front of the car, but if she had stood still the accident would not have happened. - Arthur Williams, 39 Codrington-street, Exeter, window cleaner, said deceased was three feet from the left-hand pavement when she was knocked down. - Mrs M. S. Clarke said she was in the car, driven by Mr Holt. The latter sounded his hooter and went to the right to avoid her. As he did this deceased started to cross the road and was knocked down. - Ewart John Holt, owner and driver of the car, said he was going to Torquay. He was coming down Magdalen-street and when he first noticed the deceased she was from 20 to 30 yards away. Witness pulled up and sounded his horn, his intention being to stop and let her go across. Deceased stopped, apparently, to let him go on and finally stepped across in front of him. If she had not stopped he would have done so. - Dr Rolfe, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the deceased was dead on admittance to the Institution. there was an extensive fracture of the skull. Death was due to shock, caused by injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 9 July 1921
EXETER - Vanman's Collapse. The Exeter coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on JOHN SOPER, a vanman, of 16a James-street, Exeter, who died suddenly on Wednesday morning while loading his van with bread outside the premises of Messrs. Palmer and Edwards, South-street, Exeter. - ELIZA SOPER identified the body as that of her husband, who was aged 65. He was in the employ of Messrs. Palmer and Edwards. He went to work as usual and apparently all right, on Wednesday morning, but when he returned to breakfast he complained of pains in the chest. - George Spencer Hooker, foreman at Messrs. Palmer and Edwards, said deceased was loading his van at 9.20 a.m. Witness took him out a basket of bread and deceased complained of pains in the chest. Deceased went inside and later came out again. Witness followed, and, when he got out, saw deceased lying on the ground. With the assistance of another man, witness took deceased inside the shop and gave him brandy. This had no effect and deceased passed away. - Dr Raglan Thomas stated he was called, but deceased was dead when he arrived. He held a post mortem examination and found deceased was suffering from a dilated heart and stomach and congested kidneys. Death was due to heart failure. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

EXETER - Pensioner's Sad End. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday on JAMES JOHNS, late pensioner sergeant in the Royal Engineers, aged 57, who died suddenly at the Church Army Home, Chapel-street, on the 7th inst. Thomas Thorne, captain of the Church Army Home, identified the body, and said deceased had been at the Home since April 4th. He went to the Hospital with heart trouble and then returned to the Home. He was cheerful when he got up on Thursday, but complained of rheumatism. Witness found him at 11 a.m. in the recreation-room. Deceased complained of faintness. Witness could not find a doctor, but Sergt. Arnold, of the St John Ambulance Brigade, came to the Home and stayed with deceased until he died. - Sergt. Arnold gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Pereira Gray stated he went to the Home at 12.45 p.m., and deceased was then dead. Death was due to heart failure. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 July 1921
BARNSTAPLE - Tragic Affair At Barnstaple. Inquest Story. - The tragic circumstances of the death of HERBERT EDWARD FEATHERSTONE, a sawyer of 5 Buller-road, Barnstaple, who was found dead, suspended from a bannister by a sheet around his neck, at his residence, the previous night, were Inquired into last evening by the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft. - The widow, MRS EDITH FEATHERSTONE, stated that deceased, who was aged 47, had been depressed a good deal of late, having been out of regular work about five months and under medical attention. On Friday deceased came home very wet and said he had been in the river above the Iron Bridge, adding "I went down twice and if I had gone down a third time I would have been drowned." Deceased did not say he got in the water of his own accord, but previous to going there he said he had written her a letter, but had afterwards burnt it, and she did not see it. She could not say whether it was in the nature of a farewell letter or not. She had no idea he was contemplating suicide, but admitted he had said several times that he intended to do something to himself. - MISS EDITH FEATHERSTONE, daughter of the deceased, spoke to finding her father hanging in the kitchen. She ran outside and called for help and several men came in. - Henry Bennett, lace hand, of 15 Gaydon-street, Barnstaple, who answered the last witness's call for help, said the deceased was hanging by a sheet from the bannisters, his feet being a foot or fifteen inches above the stair nearest them. Messrs. Brooks, Morrish and Turner came to the house to help, and, as there appeared a chance of saving deceased's life, they tried artificial respiration, and Mr Brooks went for a doctor. The latter arrived promptly and worked hard at artificial respiration for about half an hour, but deceased did not recover. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, of Barnstaple, said he had no doubt that death was instantaneous from dislocation of the spine and that nothing could have been done to save him. There were marks on the bannisters indicating that deceased must have stood on them and jumped - a drop of 10 or 12 feet. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed deep sympathy with the relatives and children.

WOOLACOMBE - At an Inquest conducted by the North Devon Crooner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, yesterday, concerning the death of MARION CLAYTON, cook at the Woolacombe Bay Hotel, who died suddenly, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 July 1921
DAWLISH - Exmouth Drowning Fatality. The Inquest. - At the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, on Saturday, Mr F. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of ALAN WESTCOTT, the 12-year-old Exmouth lad, whose body was recovered from the sea off Dawlish, the previous day, by Mr J. Samson. FREDERICK GEORGE WESTCOTT, who identified the body as that of his son, said he last saw the boy alive at about 1.45 on the Saturday previous. He left to go to Starcross with his cousin, but returned to Exmouth beach about 4 o'clock, and went to bathe at the Marine Bathing Cove. He was able to swim a little, but the current was very strong at that spot. Witness thought there should be someone there to look after the bathers. Leslie Geo. Vowden said he accompanied deceased and other boys to the bathing place. WESTCOTT went further out than his companions. He got out of his depth and, although he could swim a little, disappeared. Witness returned to the beach and informed his mother of what had happened. - Mrs Vowden said after she learned what had happened she called to a visitor, who rowed to the spot where the boy had sunk. He made a search, but was unsuccessful. Edwin Richards, an Exmouth fisherman, said that at certain times of the tide a very strong current ran at the spot. He was of opinion that someone should be kept there to advise when it was safe or otherwise for bathing. Ralph Alfred Whiffen, supervisor of the beach, said precautions were taken against accidents. Lifebuoys and a boat were available and the chair attendant could use the boat if required. The boys were bathing about 250 yards from the proper bathing place. - The Coroner said that there was no doubt the boy had been carried out of his depth by the strong current and he returned a verdict of "Accidental Death through Drowning." He said he would bring the matter before the Exmouth Urban Council.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 July 1921
AXMOUTH - Drowned In The Axe. - JAMES MOULDING, aged 61, was found in the River Axe, between Seaton and Axmouth, and although artificial respiration was tried by Dr A. H. B. Kirkman, Sergt. Brown, P.C. Ball and others, for over an hour, their efforts proved futile. - At the Inquest at Axmouth by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, the widow said her husband, who had been out of work for some time on and off, was discharged from temporary employment at Rousdon on Saturday. When out of work he was addicted to drink, and on previous occasions had threatened to commit suicide. He did not do so on this occasion, however. - She went to the Ship Inn, Axmouth, on Monday afternoon, where her husband was playing skittles. When he came home he was very quarrelsome with both her and her daughter and threatened to strike the latter. Witness interposed, however, and he then left the house, but returned several times in the course of the afternoon in a very bad temper. She then went to Rousdon to visit a married daughter, who was ill and did not see her husband alive again. - Frank Ostler, Axmouth, said the body was about 20 yards from the road in about 2 ½ feet of water. Frank Pady, landlord of the Ship Inn, considered deceased quite sober. He had a pint of cider in the morning and later fetched a gallon of cider for some men who were felling timber for witness. In the afternoon while playing skittles deceased shared two quarts of cider with four other men. - Dr Kirkman detailed the steps taken to restore animation and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." Deceased was found in the water almost directly opposite Millmead House, where he worked for many years as gardener and coachman to the late Mr H. E. Waters.

COLYTON - Fatal Cycle Collision At Colyton. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquiry at Colyton, the day before yesterday, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MRS HARRIET WHITE, aged 65, widow of MR JOHN WHITE, gardener of Colyford. - It appeared from the evidence that deceased was riding a bicycle from Colyford to Colyton about 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon. She was ascending South-street, Colyton, on the wrong side of the road, when she was met by two young men from Colyton, named Ewart Turl and William James Solway, who were descending the hill. A collision occurred and MRS WHITE was thrown violently off her machine, sustaining a fracture of the base of the skull. - She never fully regained consciousness and despite the attention of Drs. McMorland and W. H. Evans, passed away on Monday morning. - Ewart Turl, who collided with deceased, said he and his companion were free-wheeling down the hill without applying their brakes. When they saw deceased about 30 yards away on her wrong side they rang their bells. Deceased did not attempt to go to her proper side of the road, so witness went to his wrong side in order to avoid an accident. Just at that moment deceased also changed her direction and the collision was inevitable. He estimated they were riding at about seven miles per hour. - L. Harris, motor driver, of Seaton, who saw them in front of him as he neared the scene of the accident, said they were going at least ten miles per hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Turl from blame. - The Coroner said he thought the young men were riding faster than they thought, but they had given their evidence fairly and admitted they were not using their brakes. He appealed to them and all cyclists to ride with greater care for the safety of the public. The greatest sympathy was expressed with the relatives. - Deceased was well-known in the district and greatly respected. The kindness of Mr and Miss Anning, outside whose dairy the accident took place, is greatly appreciated as they immediately placed their house at the disposal of the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 July 1921
BIDEFORD - The County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN TITHECOTT, 79, who lived with his son-in-law, RALPH SLUMAN, of 49 Lime Grove. It appears that on Sunday afternoon MR SLUMAN went for a walk leaving his little girl home with the deceased. In the room there was a pail of water which was being kept in consequence of its being necessary to save a supply owing to the shortage. The little girl afterwards found deceased with his head in this pail of water, which was not more than seven inches deep. She called in Mr H. Cowell, who was passing, and he found deceased was dead. P.C. Philpots produced a letter in deceased's writing, which was left on the table, and which read:- "My pains have made me do this. I cannot stand it any longer. Lord have mercy on me." Deceased's son, who lived next door, said his father was quite bright and happy, and he had never threatened to take his life. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 July 1921
EXETER - Sad End To Ship Inspection. Exeter Boy Drowned. - The tragic circumstances surrounding the death, by drowning, on Saturday, of ROWLAND ERIC FORD, aged 11 years, of 2 Lower-avenue, Ladysmith-road, Exeter, were related at a Coroner's Inquest held by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. Deceased left home about 2.30 p.m. with his brother KENNETH, aged 15, for a cycle ride. On arriving at Exe Bridge they decided to go for a row. On arriving at the Basin, and seeing a steamer there, they turned in to have a look at it. The deceased went on board to make a closer inspection. He was followed by his brother, who then got back into the boat and told the deceased to meet him at the steps. Before arriving there KENNETH heard someone calling that his brother was in the water, and he pulled around to the side of the ship where the deceased fell in, but could see nothing. A boy passing informed the Police and Sergt. Wise, assisted by William George Gregory, and a man named Cook, commenced dragging operations. The steamer was moved to fresh moorings and the body was recovered from where the vessel had been previous moored, it having been in the water for a period of 47 minutes. Sergt. Wise considered that the deceased had got under the steamer and was unable to free himself. It was stated that the deceased could not swim. - Dr J. A. Pereira Gray said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said it was a very sad case, and he extended his sympathy to deceased's parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 July 1921
WESTWARD HO! - Westward Ho! Bathing Fatality. Men Who Did Nothing. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at Westward Ho! last evening touching the death of OSCAR GARD, 14, son of a Westward Ho! widow who, with another boy, named WARREN SMITH, son of a chemist's assistant, was drowned while bathing at Westward Ho! on Sunday night. Frederick James Young stated that GARD had been living with him for four years, the boy's mother being in service. Deceased left home about 5.40 on Sunday evening, not saying where he was going. The lad, however, was in the habit of bathing practically every night. - Augustus Goodwin, a boy, said the deceased were a quarter of a mile out. The tide was coming in and there was a heavy ground swell which prevented them getting back. Witness went to call the coastguard. On his way he met a man, accompanied by a woman and two children and informed them of what had occurred. The man told him he had better inform the coastguard, but did not attempt to do anything. Witness also saw three men whom he did not know and they also told him to go to the Coastguard. Witness eventually found Coastguard Mortimer on the top of the Pebble Ridge and while he (witness) went to fetch some oars for a boat the Coastguard had waded into the water. - Wm. T. J. Goodwin, younger brother of the last witness, said GARD could swim a little, but SMITH could only float. They were playing a game of "touch and touch," but witness came ashore because he found the water was taking him out. Both GARD and SMITH remained in the water, saying they were going to finish their game. - After hearing other evidence, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," remarking that the boy Goodwin must have met some of the most cool-blooded people it was possible to find. He, the Coroner, would like to have had those people before him and he would have told them they were the worse cowards and skunks it was possible to conceive.

EAST BUDLEIGH - Strange Story. Salterton Samaritan. Ex-Service Man's Death. - An unusual story was elicited at an Inquest conducted by Dr E. R. Tweed at the Budleigh Salterton Cottage Hospital, yesterday, on the body of RICHARD SEABROOK, 22, a widower, who died at 16 Queen-street, Budleigh Salterton on Sunday night. - William George Freeman, plasterer, an ex-Service man, said he had known the deceased eight weeks. He found him on the Thames Embankment in London, opposite Charing Cross Tube Station, under Hungerford Bridge. Deceased scarcely had a rag to his back, and that was the reason witness took pity on him and got him clothing. Deceased told him he had previously been working, but, through slacking off of hands he had been out of work three or four weeks. He said he was a metal dealer and that he had been discharged from the Army. Witness believed that deceased then found employment in Messrs. Vickers-Maxim's munition works at Woolwich, where his relatives resided. Deceased seemed to have lived at various addresses. - The Coroner: When you met him in London you befriended him? - Witness: I befriended him the same as I have done others. - Freeman continued to say that he had been working in Essex. He obtained a complete rig-out of underclothing for deceased, as well as outside clothing from head to foot. He also provided deceased with a bath and two or three good meals. this went on day after day until witness spent himself out. - The Coroner: Until you, too, became impecunious? - Witness: Yes. - Witness added that he then went back to Grays, Essex, got all his belongings together, and put them into pawn in order further to sustain the deceased. They then started through different counties looking for work, but could not find any. - The Coroner: Did you try harvesting? - Witness: Harvesting! We were chased from every farmyard we visited. They had more men than they wanted. It was not from want of asking. Freeman said they then retraced their steps to London and on July 3rd left London to walk to Devonshire. They arrived in Budleigh Salterton on July 8th and went to the home of witness's parents, 16 Queen-street. Subsequently, deceased became ill and Dr Evans attended him for mumps. SEABROOK got on fairly well until Sunday last, when he was taken very ill and witness had enough to do to hold him down. He died on Sunday night. The man had to silver plates in his leg and complained of them. - The Coroner commented that it was a terrible thing an ex-Service man with two plates in his leg should have to walk the country in the way deceased had done. - Freeman said he believed SEABROOK had not reported himself as he should have done and that he lost his pension in consequence. - Mrs Freeman, mother of the previous witness, also gave evidence. - Dr T. C. Evans, Budleigh Salterton, said deceased came to him on Monday, July 18th, and complained of pain and swollen neck. He said nothing about his leg. He considered death was due to natural causes, and primarily to mumps. The wound in the leg had nothing to do with the cause of death. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly and commented that Freeman had behaved very well indeed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 July 1921
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - Cripple Found Hanging. Newton Poppleford Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Newton Poppleford by Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner, concerning the death of GEORGE CORNEY WORDEN, a carpenter of the village, who was found hanging by a rope from a beam in the back kitchen of his house. MRS WORDEN, wife of deceased, said her husband was 46 years of age and a cripple. On the day of his death she went out to work, leaving him at home. He had seemed rather peculiar of late and complained of people looking through the window. He had told her he thought he would be "better out of the way." Deceased's brother-in-law and a neighbour stated that deceased lived on affectionate terms with his wife. Albert George Lugger (16), a porter at the Railway Station, said he had lodged at deceased's house for seven or eight months, and had never heard deceased threaten to commit suicide. On Monday morning he went off duty at the Station about 11.25, and on entering the back of the house saw deceased hanging from a beam in the kitchen. Witness was too frightened to cut him down and ran for help. Reginald Roberts, innkeeper and coal merchant, said he was called and found deceased suspended by a rope in the kitchen. He cut him down immediately but the man was apparently dead. He was hanging from a beam and the rope was fastened round his neck. Witness went to Ottery St Mary for Dr Ponton, not knowing that Dr Pullin, of Sidmouth was his doctor. Dr Bingley Pullin, of Sidmouth, said he had attended deceased for five years. He suffered from paralysis and his feet were very bad and he could only get about by the aid of a stick. On Friday deceased came to his surgery and said he was very worried and had not been able to sleep for a fortnight. He imagined he had some disease, but witness told him he was not to worry, as he was all right. He considered deceased hung himself while of unsound mind. The Coroner entered a verdict that deceased Hung Himself while of Unsound Mind.

TORQUAY - Dying Man's Frenzy At Torquay. - A verdict was returned at Torquay yesterday of "Shock and Injuries through Jumping Out of a Window, deceased being of Unsound Mind" at an Inquest on the body of MR E. A. MAYS, dentist, of Torquay. Deceased was removed to the Devonian Nursing Home in a very serious condition on Friday and on Monday he jumped out of the window and was instantly killed. - Dr G. Winter said MR MAYS condition was such that it was doubtful whether he would have lived until Sunday night. In any case deceased could not have lived through Monday and witness was of opinion that he acted on the sudden impulse of a dying man. - Miss F. Firth, Matron at the Home, said deceased's condition became so serious on Monday morning that a solicitor was sent for in order that he could sign his will. While the nurse was away deceased jumped out of his bed and through the window. In her opinion it was the sudden frenzy of a dying man.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 July 1921
CULLOMPTON - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Court House touching the death of FREDERICK WILLIAM GODSLAND, aged 45. Evidence of identification was given by William Ingersent, Station-road, who said deceased joined the Army about 1899, when the Boer War was in progress. After a years' service he returned home, but subsequently rejoined the Army for another three years. When deceased left the service he was in ill-health and later on he suffered from rheumatism which rendered him unfit for work. During the recent hot weather deceased had complained of pains in the head and had been attended by Dr Gidley. Deceased, who had lived with witness since 190, retired for the night on Sunday about 9.30, but the following morning he was missed. As he did not return by the evening witness informed the Police. Deceased had been disposed of late. Ernest John Soper, packer on the G.W.R., deposed to seeing the deceased walking towards the river about 1.5 p.m. on Monday, but this fact did not strike witness as being unusual. CHARLES HENRY GODSLAND, carter, brother of the deceased, spoke to having searched for him on the banks of the Culm, and finding him in about two feet of water under some bushes. Witness added that his brother had suffered very badly from rheumatism and had seemed depressed. He could not attribute any reason for deceased going down to the river and had never known him to take a walk there. Dr G. G. Gidley said he had attended deceased since he left the Army nearly 20 years ago. He was suffering from chronic rheumatism and was incapable of work. He came to witness during the hot weather, complained of pains in the head and said he did not know what to do with himself. Witness had examined the body, which presented the usual appearance of death from drowning and had been in the water for 24 hours. P.S. Potter spoke of searching the body after its recovery from the river, and to finding nothing to indicate that the deceased intended to take his life. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 July 1921
DAWLISH - An Inquest has been held at Dawlish, by Mr S. Hacker, respecting the death of WILLIAM THOMAS COSSINS, a gunner in the Territorial R.F.A., who died at Dawlish Cottage Hospital, whence he had been sent from the Warren camp after reporting sick. LANCELOT COSSINS, of 62 Bitton-street, Teignmouth, said deceased was his adopted son, aged 16. Last May deceased, when playing with another boy in the bakehouse, fell and knocked his head and later complained of pains. Dr Cutcliffe said a post-mortem shoed an old slight fracture of the inner table of the skull Death was due to acute meningitis. There had been a chronic state of meningitis since the fracture and the disease, no doubt, was accelerated by the heat. Dr B. L. Thorlow, Medical Officer at the Camp, agreed as to the cause of death. A verdict in accordance with the doctors' evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 August 1921
DUNSFORD - Dunsford Man Found Dead On Cycle. - Cycling from Christow to Dunsford, Reginald Perry and Reginald Short found a man on a cycle leaning against the hedge. Dr Nicholl was fetched and found the man still grasping the handle-bar, but quite dead. The deceased proved to be HARRY BAKER, 58, of Dunsford. He was on his way home from the Baryta Works when seized with syncope, from which he died. He had complained of pains in the chest for some months. At the Inquest yesterday Mr Deputy Coroner Stephens returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Car And Cycle. Fatal Collision Near Halberton. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest conducted by Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, relative to the death of MARGARET ANN BRINTON, 51, wife of MR REGINALD SEYMOUR BRINTON, carpet manufacturer, Croft House, Kidderminster. Deceased succumbed on Saturday evening, to injuries received in a motor collision on the main road between Bridwell Cross and Half-Way House, Halberton, in the afternoon of that day. - MR BRINTON said he was accompanied by his wife and two daughters, his wife occupying a seat in the back of the car. Witness's second daughter was driving. They saw ahead of them a motor cyclist and his daughter sounded the horn. The cyclist turned round and beckoned to them to come on. Witness's daughter accelerated slowly with a view to overtaking him, and at that time would have been travelling at from 20 to 25 miles per hour. Almost immediately the car began to sway or "skid," and his daughter attempted to correct it. As they were passing the motor cycle the car struck it and then went into the ditch. Subsequently witness found his wife lying back and moaning. She had been thrown against his youngest daughter. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said there was a luggage carrier at the rear of the car, and, after the collision, he found that a tyre had burst, but could not say when it happened. - The road was 18 feet wide. - MISS BRINTON, the driver of the car, said she was not aware that the motor cycle had been struck until she had passed. - The Coroner: You did not lose your nerve? - Witness: No; but I have never been in such a situation before. Witness added that she had driven a car for 18 months. - Mr Denham Augustus Mead, of Allandale, Woodthorpe-road, King's Heath, Birmingham, the driver of the motor cycle, said his wife sat in the side-car and his little boy on the back. The latter warned him of the approach of the car that was going "very fast," and witness drew to the side of the road. This car passed safely. Witness's son then said, "Don't move, there's another car." Witness sounded his horn, and signalled to the car to pass. Then either his wife or his son - he could not say which - shouted, "Look up, they are coming into us," and before witness could look round he was into the ditch without any further warning. - P.C. Hill (Burlescombe), Gordon Batten and the Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital gave evidence, the latter saying that the cause of death was due to haemorrhage following a fracture of the skull. - The Jury, of which Mr Balsom was Foreman, returned a verdict accordingly, and stating that no blame attached to anyone. They sympathised with MR BRINTON and family in their bereavement. - The Coroner said he was sure one and all concerned in that sentiment. MR BRINTON returned his thanks.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 August 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Drowning Case. The Inquest. - The Inquest on the body of ROBIN BROWN, 14, who lost his life after bathing among the rocks at Teignmouth, on Friday, was conducted by Mr S. Hacker, on Saturday. - THOMAS JOHN BROWN, sub-inspector of the G.W.R., said his son left home the previous day at 2.30 in company with another lad named Babbage and his mother told him not to go bathing as he had a cold. Deceased could swim a little. MR BROWN asked the Coroner to thank the ladies and gentlemen who did so much to try and restore life. - Arthur Hughes, a motor driver, of Birmingham, said he saw the deceased floating 30 yards out in between 4 ft. and 5 ft. of water. Witness brought him ashore. - Dr H. E. Goulden said efforts to restore life were continued until 6 o'clock, but without effect. The cause of death was drowning. The boy Babbage at the Hospital had told him that the deceased and himself got on the rocks and stepped off into deep water. Witness said it was not a recognised bathing place and most people would not dare to bathe there. - Edwin George Wing, 13 Grove-crescent, said he often bathed with the deceased. Four lads, including himself, undressed on the beach where they had bathed before. They, however, strayed away towards Spray Point. Witness could swim a little, but was closer to the shore than the deceased. The deceased and Babbage were floating when he last saw them. That was the first time they had gone so far towards the rocks. - Frederick Kirby, a visitor from London, said he first saw the lads when they were skylarking and he remarked to a friend that they were too far out. He heard a call for help and he shouted to a man on the beach who replied that the boys were skylarking. As Wing shouted for help again, he brought him ashore as he was struggling and exhausted. - The Coroner: It must be very gratifying to witness to know that he was responsible for saving the boy's life and on behalf of the public he heartily thanked him. - John Way, bathing attendant, said the rocks commenced 60 yards from the Whale-bones. The beach was all right up to the Whalebones. - The Coroner said it was a question whether steps should not be taken to give people warning that the rocks were there. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning." - The Surveyor, Mr F. W. Knight, who with Mr P. R. Foster, represented the Urban Council, agreed that it would be prudent perhaps to put a notice at the spot where the accident happened and he would undertake that it should be done subject to the consent of the Railway Company, who owned the wall. - Mr Hacker said he should like, on behalf of the public, to thank all who made efforts to save the boy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 August 1921
CORNWALL - Magistrate Killed In Motor Smash. - MR JAMES VIVIAN, aged 53, of Brandiscorner, Holsworthy, a Justice of the Peace for Devonshire, was killed in a motor accident near Camelford, Cornwall on Saturday. He was motoring with two other Justices, Mr Jonathan Pickard of Chulmleigh (who was driving), and Mr Wm. Menhinnick, when the car skidded, crashed into a bridge, and overturned. MR VIVIAN sustained a fractured skull and Mr Menhinnick a broken collar-bone. Mr Pickard was unhurt. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 15 August 1921
TAVISTOCK - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Hospital on Saturday, on the body of WALTER HAROLD KELLOW, aged 7, son of MR G. W. KELLOW, stationmaster at Bere Alston, who on Thursday fell between the platform and the footboard of a train, and succumbed to his injuries. Medical evidence showed that the liver was ruptured in two places, causing internal haemorrhage, and the lad died about twenty minutes after an operation had been completed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 August 1921
TOTNES - Yesterday morning a sad fatality occurred at Totnes Poor-law Institution, where a boy, named WILLIAM ALBERT POLLARD, aged 11 years and ten months, who was admitted four years ago from Paignton, got on to a wall 3ft. 6in. high and, overbalancing, fell 10ft. and dislocated his neck. At the Inquest, held last evening by Mr T. Edwards, Deputy Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 August 1921
NORTHAM - At Appledore, Mr George Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of JOHN MCCULLUM HAMLYN, 52, a mason by trade, who was taken suddenly ill on a voyage from Brest to Appledore on board the steamship Ferrum, and on which he was acting as fireman. He was taken ill on entering the Bristol Channel. Hubert James Cavill, second engineer, said deceased was very inexperienced at stoking and witness had to help him considerably in the work. HAMLYN, however, appeared to be quite well in health until about 11.30 p.m. on Sunday, when he seemed queer and passed away in a short time. Deceased had not over-exerted himself on the journey, and the weather was favourable. Dr Valentine said a post-mortem examination revealed a fatty heart and he attributed death to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 August 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Topsham Resident's Death At Ilfracombe. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, yesterday afternoon, touching the death of EDGAR HURDLE, coal merchant, of Fore-street, Topsham. The deceased, who was 53, was on holiday at Ilfracombe. - The evidence showed that on Monday morning deceased played tennis with a friend and afterwards complained of a pain in the chest, which he thought was indigestion. Later in the day he was found dead in bed by the page boy at the Hotel where he was staying - Dr Longridge, jun., who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to embolism of the coronary artery. There were signs of fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Coroner's verdict was "Death from Natural Causes."

ASHBURTON - Ashburton Child Fatally Scalded. - How a little girl met her death through falling into a pan of boiling water was narrated at an Inquest which Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted at Ashburton Market Hall on IRIS GWENDOLINE, the 16-months-old daughter of MR and MRS W. P. WELLINGTON, of Great Bridge. - MRS WELLINGTON, the mother, in her evidence, said that on Friday she was preparing dinner and straining the vegetables from the colander into a pan for want of better accommodation. The child, who was near, stepped backwards into the pan of boiling water. The father at once picked it up, but it was very severely scalded on the lower part of its body. - Dr Ellis said death was due to shock caused by the scalds. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 August 1921
EXETER - After attending a concert at the King's Hall, Exeter, on August 25th, MRS JANE RICHARDS, aged 53, of 9 Franklin-street, Exeter, was taken ill. She died about 2 a.m. the following day. At the Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, Dr Lovely attributed death to an enlarged heart and pericarditis and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 August 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Insane. The Ilfracombe Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Ilfracombe yesterday afternoon on WALTER COLES, ship's steward, 9 Cross Park, Ilfracombe. - The widow stated that deceased had been ill six or seven weeks, suffering from gastric catarrh. On Friday she noticed his head was becoming affected. He got worse on Saturday and arrangements were made to take him to an Asylum. - Dr Stevenson said he saw deceased, who complained of violent pains in his head. He could not tell whether his condition was the result of early stages of insanity or of acute pain. He became worse on Saturday and witness certified him as insane. - John Bussell, Relieving Officer, said that when he saw COLES on Friday he answered his questions in a rational manner, but appeared despondent. Witness was sent for again by MRS COLES on Saturday evening. He was told that deceased had tried to get at a razor. When witness went to Cross Park deceased tried to leave the house and when witness restrained him he threw himself upon witness, who, after a severe struggle, overpowered him. With assistance deceased was strapped and left in charge of an attendant for the night. Arrangements were made to take him to an Asylum the next morning. - Further evidence showed that early on Sunday morning deceased succeeded in eluding the attendant and leaving the house. When his absence was discovered, the Police were informed and a search was instituted. Deceased was found about 5 o'clock standing on a narrow ledge about five or six feet from the top of the cliff near the Granville Hotel. Constable Abrahams was lowered by a rope over the top of the cliff, but, before he could seize deceased, the latter deliberately jumped off, falling on the rocks 150 feet below. both deceased's legs were broken and his skull was fractured and he died while being removed to the Hospital. - In returning a verdict of "Suicide while insane," the Coroner, Mr George Brown, said he attached no blame to anyone.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 September 1921
NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest on MISS PEARL TRUSCOTT, 31, of Wolborough-street, found by her mother hanging from a beam, it was said she had been in a mental hospital three years ago. She had complained again last week, and was worried because her fiancé was out of work. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 September 1921
MORTHOE - Woolacombe Drowning Case. Coroner On Precautions. - The County Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest at Morte-hoe yesterday on the body of SYDNEY FIELDUS, who was drowned while bathing at Woolacombe on Monday. The deceased, who was 29, resided at Seven Kings, Essex. He was a marine insurance manager and had been spending a holiday in North Devon. - Miss Mercer, who was on holiday with the deceased, said both of them entered the water to bathe, but as she could not swim she did not go out very far. Deceased could swim, but not very well. There were a lot of people bathing, mostly girls. She thought the bathing machines were quite a mile away. Had the life-line and life-saving apparatus been nearer she thought they could easily have been taken out to him. - Edward R. Siddle and Ernest Brown said they had left the boxes and were going to bathe when they heard cries. They ran the 300 to 400 yards to the water and went to the deceased, who was 100 yards out. He was conscious, but quite helpless. They tried to get him in, but all three drifted further out, and witnesses, greatly exhausted with the breakers, which were very heavy, had to leave deceased, or both would have been drowned as well. - Richard Branch, the attendant in charge of the machines, said the tide was dead low, and the life-saving apparatus were about half a mile from the water. He heard no cries. A gentleman came to him and asked for a boat and he ran to the Barricane Beach, half a mile distant, where there was a boat. - John Rawle Richardson, bathing machine proprietor, said his was the only life-saving apparatus available and he provided it for general use. Before the war the machines were moved up and down with the tide, but the cost of a horse and the higher wages would not now permit of that. In all his machines there were notices warning bathers not go to out too far when there was a surf. There were no public notices. Evidence was given by Mr Nethercott, Chairman of the Parish Council; Thos. Hy. Parker, (who found the body), and Dr Sanders (who attributed death to drowning). The Coroner highly complimented Messrs. Siddle and Brown on their attempt at rescue. Bathing at Woolacombe in normal times was perfectly safe and there was no danger if people used ordinary precautions, but if they went past the breakers at low water they got into the current of the Channel, which was very swift. If the owner of the land took up the revenue for the bathing machines and rents the owner should do something to provide for the safety of the people from whom revenue was taken, and he should press to the fullest extent of his power for something to be done. He returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 September 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Died On Teignmouth Den. Widow's Diseases. - At Teignmouth, on Saturday, Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest on MRS ANNA CAROLINE HITCHCOCK, widow, who died on the Den the previous Wednesday night. CHARLES WILLIAM HITCHCOCK, chief shipwright, R.N. Dartmouth College, said his mother visited him at his home at Shaldon during the afternoon. She did not complain of being ill, and was very active. She left him to go to her apartments at Teignmouth just after 8 p.m. Dr Ross Kilpatrick said when called to the deceased on Wednesday night she was practically moribund, and died within a few minutes of his arrival. A post-mortem revealed the fact that the deceased's kidneys were diseased and she suffered from muscular degeneration of the heart. She also had gall stones, which must have caused her great pain. Death was caused by cardiac failure, due to muscular degeneration of the heart, which was secondary to Bright's disease. The Coroner entered a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 September 1921
ALPHINGTON - Worry and Suicide. An Exeter Tragedy. - An Inquest on BRUCE GODFREY RAE, who had been missing since September 5th, and whose body was found in Exeter Canal on Saturday, was conducted at Brookland's, Alphington, by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, yesterday. - GEORGE STEPHEN RAE, of Broughty Ferry, Forfarshire, iron and steel merchant, brother of deceased, identified the body and said he had not seen his brother since July. He was then in good health, but seemed depressed. Since then he had received no communication from him. His brother was a bachelor and 42 years of age. - Horace Marler Anning, of 84 Haven-road, said RAE had been living with him for the past 15 years, and was station superintendent of the Exeter Electrical Works, where witness was an electrical engineer. He last saw deceased alive about 11.45 on the night of the 5th, when they went to bed. The next morning, about 7 o'clock it was discovered that deceased had gone out, but no undue alarm was felt as deceased had been in the habit of late of going to his work early. He usually returned about 8.30 for breakfast. As he did not appear witness made inquiries and found that RAE had not been near the works, which were only 50 or 100 yards from the house. He had been in the employ of the City Corporation for the last ten years. He had noticed deceased had seemed worried, more especially since a fire at the Works, which would entail extra strain. The fire took place on August 24th, but RAE was in no way responsible for it. - William Gregory, carter, of Drawbridge Cottage, the Canal, said that on Saturday last he was walking down the Canal to fetch a boat when two or three boys informed him there was a man in the water. He found deceased, and pulled him out of the water, while a message was sent to the Police. The body was fully dressed, except that the cap was in a pocket of deceased's coat. - P.C. Huxtable, Alphington, deposed to searching the body in the presence of the last witness. In a leather purse he found two £5 notes, five £1 notes, one 10s. note, half-a-crown, two shillings, and sixpence in silver, 4 ½d. and eight farthings in copper. He also found a bunch of keys, a cigarette case, a motor driving license, five photographs and correspondence, both private and business. Among the latter were two unfinished communications. One read as follows:- "To the Chairman and members of the Electricity Committee. Gentlemen, - I beg to submit my resignation of the post of Station Superintendent, as I am taking another post." - The other letter read:- "To the Chairman and members of the Electricity Committee. Gentlemen, - I beg to tender my resignation of the post of Station Superintendent." - Mr H. D. Munro, 6 Magdalen-road, city electrical engineer, said deceased had full responsibility for the power station under him. He had always found the deceased a capable worker, but extremely reserved and quiet. Since the fire all the staff had been working at high pressure, as, although most of the machinery escaped harm, a lot of clearing up had to be done. This would mean extra work for RAE, who, however, had never complained to him. Coroner: Has deceased ever intimated to you that he intended to resign or are these letters a revelation to you? - Witness: Completely. He has never said a word to me about resigning for two years at least. - P.C. Huxtable said Mr Anning had told him he advised the deceased to leave his work if it was worrying him. - The Coroner (to Mr Anning): Did you tell the Constable this? - Anning: Yes. - Why did you not tell me that in your statement? These things must be told voluntarily by witnesses and not have to be dragged out by me. - You did not ask me that, sir. - You must not wait to be asked. Make all your statements voluntarily. - Dr C. E. Stokes deposed to examining the body. There were no marks of violence, and death was due to drowning. He thought that the body had been in the water at least a week. - The Coroner: Do people suffering from worry develop suicidal tendencies? - Witness: Yes, very often. - The Coroner, in summing up, said death was undoubtedly due to drowning and he had no doubt deceased went to the Canal with the full intention of taking his life. The extra strain on deceased was more than he was equal to, and he had taken his life while of unsound mind. He believed that the other post spoken of in the letter was a delusion. He returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and extended his sympathy to the brother. - Mr Munro, on behalf of the Committee and staff also expressed sympathy and said the city had lost one of its most devoted servants. Had he been able to prevent the act he would have done so, and if deceased had complained the work was worrying him, he would have sent him away on a holiday.

EXETER - Fatal Fall. Ashton Octogenarian. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, by Mr H. L. Brown, Deputy Coroner, yesterday, on ELIZABETH CLEAVE, aged 85, of Lower Ashton, who died on Friday as the result of an accident. MRS A. TAPSON, daughter of deceased, identified the body and said that on the 11th August, about 9.30 p.m., she accompanied her mother to her bedroom, and, as she was in darkness, went to fetch a candle. As she was leaving the room she heard a fall and on returning found her mother in a sitting position on the floor. She asked what was the matter, but all she could get from the deceased was that she had hurt herself. Deceased went to bed, and, after a few hours, complained of a pain in her leg. Witness examined it, but could find nothing the matter. Dr Walters, Chudleigh, was called in next morning and, finding deceased had broken her thigh, ordered removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Dr Little, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that for a time the patient proceeded in a satisfactory manner, but hypostatic pneumonia set in and she died on Friday. In his opinion death was due to the latter setting in as a direct result of the accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 September 1921
PINHOE - Pinhoe Tragedy. Young Man's Head Partly Shot Off. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at Goffins Farm, Pinhoe, on JAMES ALBERT GLIDDON, who was found shot in a lane near the farm the previous day. - ALFRED RICHARD GLIDDON, farmer, of Goffins Farm, identified the body as that of his nephew. Deceased had been staying with him temporarily. His home was at Heavitree. He assisted witness in what way he could about the farm, but not in the same manner as a paid employee. Deceased was 26 years of age, and at one time carried on a posting business near Tavistock, but was compelled to give it up owing to ill-health. He was brought up on a farm, but it could not be said that he had any definite occupation. He served in the Army during the war and was invalided out in June 1917. Witness last saw deceased alive about noon the previous day. He had been paring hedges, and told witness that he had finished the job. Witness said he could go on cutting the tops of the hedges and so far as witness knew, took the hook to do so. Deceased said nothing about taking a gun with him. Witness went up to fields at the top of the lane, and, on his return, saw something down the lane. Not knowing what it was he went to see, and discovered it was the body of deceased lying face downwards. The stock of the gun was lying underneath him towards his feet and the muzzle pointing just under his chin. Deceased was dead. The hook was in a gateway close by. The gun produced belonged to witness, and he handed it over to the Police as he found it. Deceased was in the habit of using the gun, but not recently. He always had access to it for shooting rabbits. Witness had never heard deceased speak of suicide. He had very indifferent health and always suffered in his head, which was his biggest trouble. - The Coroner: Has he left behind him any communication? - Witness: No, sir; we have searched and cannot find anything. - John Davey, kennel huntsman, said that just before one o'clock the previous day he was sent for by the last witness. He went to the spot and subsequently helped in removing the body, which was in the position as described. - P.C. Brewer spoke to seeing the body in an outbuilding of the farm, whither it had been removed. It was then warm. He examined the gun and found a spent cartridge in the right barrel. The right trigger was easy to pull. The body was searched, but nothing found that would throw any light on the matter. - Dr Sandoe (Broadclyst) said the right side of deceased's head was blown off and death must have been instantaneous. Witness's partner had attended deceased for rheumatic pains in the head, which were his chief trouble so far as he could make out. - The Coroner said he had difficulty in arriving at a verdict, as there was nothing really to point to how deceased met his death. It might be a case of suicide; on the other hand it might have been an accident. The safest verdict he could return was an open one, and, therefore, entered a verdict to the effect that deceased was Found Shot, but that there was no evidence to show how the shooting occurred. The Coroner added that he sympathised with MR GLIDDON and the family in their bereavement.

EXETER - Crediton Railway Fatality. Inquest Story. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY WEEKS, gardener, of Byfleet, Surrey, who died at the Institution from injuries received as the result of an accident at Crediton Railway Station on Saturday. Mr T. J. W. Templeman was present, on behalf of the London and South Western Railway. - WILLIAM STANLEY WEEKS, of Byfleet, Surrey, said his father, who was aged 55, was on a holiday in Devon. - Ernest Steer, a booking clerk at Crediton Station, said he was on the platform when the train on which deceased was travelling came in. He did not see deceased alight and gave the guard the signal to start. Everyone was standing clear of the train. He then heard someone shout, and on looking around saw deceased turn around twice and fall between two coaches in the rear part of the train. Witness gave the alarm. Deceased seemed to be touching the train when he was turning round. the train was pulled up about a quarter of a mile further on. - Samuel Harvey, railway porter, said he saw nobody get out of the train. When witness heard Steer shout he saw a man throw up his arms and fall under the train, which was going at a fast rate. Deceased was standing at the Exeter end of the platform and apparently endeavouring to catch the rear of the train. Witness found him lying between the platform and the first rail. He rendered assistance and took him to the doctor's surgery. The latter ordered the man's removal to Exeter. - Elias James, of Crediton, said deceased ran across the platform from the lavatory, stretched out his hand and touched a handle, which caused him to turn and fall. He was not trying to get into any particular compartment. - William Mortimer, of Mount Pleasant-road, Exeter, the rear guard, said they stopped one minute at Crediton. They were seven minutes late. Witness saw nothing of the accident. There were 15 bogey carriages on the train, which was stopped by a passenger pulling the communication cord. When witness asked the latter why he had not pulled the chain before he replied that his wife would not let him because if he did so he would be fined. - Dr P. M. Little, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased's right leg was crushed from the knee to the ankle, while three ribs were fractured and had penetrated the lung. Death was caused by heart failure due to shock and loss of blood brought on by the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, with Mr Templeman, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 September 1921
WESTWARD HO! - At the Inquest on MR THOMAS NORMAN HEARD whose death by hanging at Westward Ho! has been previously reported, a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned, the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, saying that it was one of those extraordinary acts which could not be explained. Deceased was stated to be of a highly nervous temperament and seemed to have taken much to heart his mother's death some years ago.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 September 1921
ILFRACOMBE - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Ilfracombe yesterday on the body of ARTHUR JONAS CLARK, draper, High-street, Portishead, aged 56, who was found dead in bed at a boarding-house in Greenclose-road. ARTHUR GEORGE CLARK said he and his father went to bed about 10.30. They slept in the same room, and when witness woke the next morning he discovered that his father was dead. Dr Stevens, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to acute pneumonia. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 September 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - At an Inquest yesterday on MARY ANN SEALEY, widow, of Indus Cottage, Willow-street, Dr H. E. Goulden attributed death to syncope, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

BIDEFORD - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, has held an Inquest on FREDERICK WILLIAM MOYSE, 7, the son of a labourer of Honestone-street, who was killed on Thursday afternoon. From the evidence given, the lad was riding or running behind an oil motor waggon in Meddon-street. A Mrs Short called out and while one lad ran over to Mrs Short's side of the street, the other attempted to reach the other side, but, instead, ran into a large motor char-a-banc, driven by Albert Burfitt of Ilfracombe. He was struck by the front wing and was also apparently run over, as it was found that the left arm was practically torn from the body, in addition to which the lad received a fractured skull. Dr Cecil Wilson said by the time the deceased was got to the Hospital close by he was dead. The Coroner remarked on the great danger of children running and riding behind vehicles. This should be instilled into them both in and out of school. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 September 1921
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest at Dartmouth on ALFRED FRITH, aged 19, of Tudor-street, Hull, an apprentice on the steamship Burmese Prince, resulted in a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." Deceased fell from a derrick into the hold of the vessel and sustained a fractured skull, with laceration of the brain.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 September 1921
MANATON - As MISS TAPPER, of Natsworthy Farm, Widecombe, was hurrying to Manaton to the wedding of a relative - Miss Perryman, of Cripdon Cottage - she suddenly fell in the road near Langstone Cross. A medical gentleman, who happened to be passing, went to her assistance, but she soon expired. - The body was taken to Ford Farm, where an Inquest was held, and at which a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned. The funeral took place at Widecombe on Tuesday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 September 1921
EXETER - Exeter Woman's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on CAROLINE ELSIE CHAPMAN, aged 64, of 50 Clifton-street, JOHN CHAPMAN, labourer at the Corporation Electricity Works, husband of deceased, identified the body, and said that during the past three or four years his wife had not had a doctor. On Sunday, before going to work, he took her a cup of tea. She then appeared to be happy and made no complaint of any kind. - IVY LAURA THOMPSON, daughter, said her mother had not been in good health, and, although she had never had a doctor, she had been to a chemist several times for indigestion. On Saturday her mother ate an apple, and soon after complained of pains in her shoulders and chest, but was all right when she went to bed. On Sunday morning deceased seemed all right and witness took her a cup of tea about 10.30. Ten minutes later, when she again entered the bedroom, she found her mother dead. - Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to heart failure, caused by acute indigestion. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 September 1921
NORTHAM - Northam Woman's Sad Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown conducted an Inquest at Northam the day before yesterday concerning the death of REBECCA SMALE, wife of EDWARD SMALE, labourer. Miss Heywood, of Bideford, stated deceased was working for her the day previous. During the morning she complained of pains in her stomach and as she got worse Miss Heywood offered to send for a doctor, but deceased would not hear of it. She made her some ginger tea and gave her some brandy and allowed her to lie down on the bed. About 6.30 p.m. deceased said she was feeling much better and she sent her home in a car. - EDWARD SMALE, husband of the deceased, said his wife went to bed as soon as she arrived home. She complained of pains in her stomach all the night. Twice he attempted to go for the doctor, but she got into such a state and would not allow him to go. About 4.30 a.m. he went to fetch a neighbour and on returning found his wife lying dead on the floor. - Dr Toye spoke to making a post mortem examination. Deceased had suffered from a perforated ulcer in the stomach, which had caused syncope. If she had been attended in the afternoon, as was desired, probably her life might have been saved. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

SOUTH MOLTON - Southmolton Widow's Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown yesterday conducted an Inquest at Station-hill, Southmolton, concerning the death of MRS MARY HILL, a widow, aged 84. Mary Cottey, a servant in deceased's employ, said her mistress went to bed on Monday night apparently in her usual health. About 10.30 on Tuesday morning she complained of feeling unwell, but she would not allow her to send for a doctor. She stayed with her until 2 o'clock, when she said she would like to go to sleep. Witness left her for a quarter of an hour, and, on returning, found her lying in bed quite dead. Dr Mortimer deposed to making a post-mortem examination. Deceased had been suffering from congestion of the lungs, death being due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 September 1921
EXETER - Exeter Motor Fatality. - The Exeter Coroner held an Inquiry at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday afternoon, into circumstances attending the death of ANNIE PRICE PEARCE, aged nine, daughter of GEORGE PEARCE, a non-commissioned officer attached to the Depot, Devon Regiment at the Higher Barracks. The evidence showed that deceased and two other children were on their way home from school on Wednesday afternoon, and suddenly ran into the roadway of Sidwell-street in front of a motor-car driven by Fred Wm. Corrigan, of School-road, St. Thomas. A lady shouted to them to come back. Deceased and another girl hesitated with the result that the car, which the driver stated was going at between six and eight miles an hour, ran into them. A mud-guard hit deceased on the head. She was immediately taken to the Hospital by Corrigan, but died there the same night. Dr S. Goldsmith said the child sustained injuries to the face, a broken right arm, and a fracture of the base of the skull. Death was due to the latter. The Jurymen returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame. They also passed a vote of condolence with the father.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 October 1921
CHARDSTOCK (DORSET) - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the East Devon Coroner, on CHARLES MANUEL PERRING, of Twist Farm, Chardstock, on Thursday afternoon, and whose death was announced in yesterday's "Gazette." Much sympathy is felt in the parish and district for the family and relatives of the late MR CHARLES PERRING, of Twist Farm, who met his death under tragic circumstances. Deceased had been in ill-health for a considerable time and medically attended by Dr Padbury, of Axminster. Telling his invalid wife that he was going for a walk in the fields, he left the house. Later he was found dead in a stream.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 October 1921
HONITON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the District Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, at Honiton yesterday, on MAVIS MARKER, the four-year-old daughter of MR and MRS E. R. MARKER of Gittisham Hall, Honiton. Deceased was kicked in the head by a horse on August 15th, the frontal bone of the skull being fractured. She was taken to the Ottery Cottage Hospital, but succumbed to her injuries on Saturday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 October 1921
LITTLEHEMPSTONE - Farmer Found in Tank. Littlehempston Fatality. - MR HERMAN EVANS has been found dead by one of his workmen in a tank in one of the fields on his farm at Grattons, Littlehempston. Deceased, who was 52 years of age, was a native of the parish, in which for many years he had been engaged in farming and he was well known among the agricultural community of South Devon. He took a leading part in the Church life and all the affairs of the parish, which he represented on the Totnes Board of Guardians and Rural Council. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held by Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner. MRS EVANS said deceased had a serious nervous breakdown about two years ago, but had completely recovered. William Clements, farm labourer, said his workmate (John Sorton)told him that his master's cap was on the galvanised roofing of the tank. Witness had heard deceased say the ball tap was out of order, and wondered if he had been mending it and fallen in. He got on the tank, and, looking in, saw the heel of deceased's boot. Deceased was in a standing position, with his shoulders touching the roof and his head under water. Dr E. S. Bowes, Totnes, who made a post-mortem examination, said he found superficial bruises on the face which might have been caused if deceased fell and struck the side of the tank or roofing. Such a blow would possibly have caused partial unconsciousness and it was probable there would be a spasm of the stomach, which was full, through sudden immersion, which would account for the position of the body. Death was due to Drowning.

BRAUNTON - A painful sensation was caused here when it became know that MR FREDERICK WEST, a Detective-Inspector of the Metropolitan Police, who had been staying in the parish on sick leave, had been found dead, shot in the region of the heart, the injuries apparently being self-inflicted. At the Inquiry, conducted later in the day by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, MR HENRY WEST, brother of the deceased, stated that the latter had been staying with him for several weeks on account of ill-health. The previous day he appeared as usual, but at 7.15 that morning, on going into the garden, he found the deceased lying with a Colt revolver by his side and a bullet wound in the chest. Dr Traill, of Braunton, stated that he had been attending the deceased for some weeks for insomnia but nothing seemed to give him relief. He had examined deceased that morning and found a wound in the chest, over the heart and the bullet had come out at the back. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 10 October 1921
BIDEFORD - The body of FREDERICK PHILLIPS, 23, hawker, of Allhalland-street, Bideford, was discovered on Saturday morning in the River Torridge, beside Bideford Quay, by Hy. Drew, a stevedore. An Inquest was held by Mr Brown, Coroner, on Saturday evening. EDWARD PHILLIPS, brother of deceased, identified the body and said he saw him on Friday night about 10 o'clock in Mill-street speaking to someone. He could not see anything amiss. He had been drinking, but seemed rational. Witness spoke to him, but he did not answer. Deceased was not a big drinker but liked a glass of beer. Witness did not know any reason why he should have gone on the Quay. - Chas. Way, haulier, said he met deceased on Friday night on the Quay at 10.10. He was sitting on a seat dozing. Witness spoke to him and advised him to go home. Deceased said he thought he would. Witness wished him "Good night," and went home. He did not think deceased was under the influence of drink. - Hy. Drew deposed to going to the Quay about 6 o'clock on Saturday morning. The tide was out and he saw the body of deceased lying on the mud, on its face and hands. He got someone to report the matter to the Police. - Dr Cecil Wilson said there was a mark under the chin on the left side of the jaw. Witness thought he might have received that in falling over the edge of the Quay. Death was due to drowning. - P.S. Broad said there was about 8 feet of water off the Quay at 10.30 and the total height to the top of the Quay was 20 feet. - P.C. Evans said that about 11.40 he heard someone vomiting on the Quay and he went to look around, but did not see anyone. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show how deceased got over the Quay, and the verdict would be "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 October 1921
EXETER - Fatal Football. City Teacher's Death. Doctor Difficulty. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, on GEORGE BREADNER, an assistant-master, at the Practising School, attached to St Luke's Training College, aged 24 and belonging to Windsor. - The Rev. R. L. Collins, Principal of St. Luke's, said MR BREADNER completed his course in July and took up the duties of an assistant-master at the Practising School. On 24th September deceased played in the College Rugby XV against Tiverton away. Witness understood deceased was knocked out, but resumed after a time. Since then witness had received various complaints from him of headaches and both he and the Matron of the College advised him to go to a doctor, which he said he would do, but had not done as he said he was getting better. Last Wednesday deceased played in a hockey match and on Thursday refereed a football match for the schoolboys. That would finish about 4.15. At 4.30 BREADNER became violently sick and was put to bed in the College sickroom. At 5.30 witness telephoned to Dr Depree, the Medical Adviser to the College and was told he would be out until 7 o'clock, so he gave a message asking the doctor to come over as soon as he came home. Meanwhile soda water and brandy were administered to deceased and the vomiting ceased. AT 8.40, as Dr Depree had failed to put in an appearance, he again telephoned and asked him to come over at once. The doctor demurred, asking if he might come in the morning, but witness said he would rather he came over that night as neither the Matron nor witness had had experience of a similar case. He pressed to know when Dr Depree would come and he replied "In a few moments." Witness was then engaged until about 9.15 when he once more went to see deceased. The Matron had received a telephone message that the doctor had been called away and asking them to get someone else. Another doctor was not sent for, however, as deceased seemed to be better and in view of witness's previous experience, he doubted if he would have been able to have got one at that hour. Witness went to bed, but was called at 2.30 a.m. by the Matron, and found the deceased moaning and kicking. Witness offered to say in the room with him for the next two hours, which he did. Deceased appeared to be better after this and seemed to be sleeping, but at about 4 o'clock, when witness had another look at him, he thought he was dead. Witness at once telephoned to Dr Depree, and not getting an immediate answer, went across and rang the bell. the doctor at once came and found life to be extinct. - Alice Bennett, Matron at St. Luke's, said it was about 9.15 p.m. when she received a message from the doctor. The exact working, as she remembered it, was:- "Dr Depree has had an urgent call. Can you get someone else until the morning?" - William Martin Trewhella, a student who was present at the Tiverton v. St Luke's match, said he saw MR BREADNER fairly tackled by three men. There was no complaint of a foul - it was a clean sporting game throughout. - Dr Pereira Gray deposed to having made a post-mortem and found deceased was suffering from extensive haemorrhage on the right side of the brain. Death was due to compression of the brain owing to meningeal haemorrhage. He thought it must have been caused by the injury received in the Tiverton match, which had got better for a while, but broke out afresh when deceased took part in two strenuous games. - Witness, in answer to the Coroner, said he did not think the attendance of a medical man the previous evening would have made any difference, but it was hard to say. - The Jury brought in a verdict of "Accidental Death." They considered it would have been more satisfactory if a doctor had seen deceased, but attached no blame to hose under whose care deceased had been: on the contrary, they thought everything possible had been done for him.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 October 1921
TORQUAY - Remarkable evidence was given at an Inquest conducted by Mr S. Hacker, at Torquay, on a child born to a farm servant of Kingskerswell and driven in an open trap to Torre the day after its birth. BEATRICE FLORENCE WINTER, a girl of 16, said she had been a farm assistant in the employ of Mr Mann, at Rosehill Farm, in the parish of Kingskerswell, for over a year. She was unmarried. She had the child (a male) removed by a Mrs Parke, who was present at its birth, because witness did not want anyone to know. On the following day Mr Mann drove Mrs Parke and the baby in his farm trap to Torre, where a home was to be found for it. Eva Parke, living at Torre, cousin of the late Mrs Mann, said no nurse or midwife was sent for when the birth took place, witness agreeing to act in that capacity. The Coroner: Did you tell the doctor of the removal? - No. - Mrs Florence Galloway, Orchard-road, Hele, stated she took the child for a payment, but was horrified to find no woollen clothes on it. The baby was all right for a fortnight and then she thought it had an inward convulsion. Following the directions of Dr Winter, she kept it in a warm room with a fire. Dr G. M. Winter said the child suffered from malnutrition, as the result of its inability to assimilate food. The food was properly prepared and the child properly looked after, but it gradually lost strength and died. Asked by the Coroner if the removal in a trap had in any way caused the death, the doctor said it was very bad for the child. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and censured Mr Mann and Mrs Parke, the former for not taking proper precautions for the girl and the child, as she was in his employ and Mrs Parke for not informing the girl's mother of her condition. The Coroner intimated that he agreed with this rider.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 October 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmothian's Gruesome Inquiry. "Made A Good Job!" - Mr Sidney Hacker, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Teignmouth, on Saturday, on ALFRED ERNEST SHEARS, 63, who was found dead in a fowls' house at Lower Brimley on Thursday. - REGINALD ERNEST SHEARS, son, 20 Buckley-road, Brondesbury, steward in the employ of John Lewis and Co., Oxford-street, said his father had been employed at Messrs. Young's until the business was taken over by the International Stores. He left on his own account, and, since then, had had no work. No members of the family resided with him. Deceased had a wife and daughter who were living with witness. After deceased left Messrs. Young's, MRS SHEARS went to Bristol to live and later came to live with witness as he thought it would be better. - The Coroner: Was there any trouble? - Witness: They weren't too happy together. - That has been the case for some time? - A long time, sir. Witness added that the last time he saw his father was in January, when the living at Messrs. Young's was abandoned. He asked his father what he intended to do, and, as the answer was not satisfactory, he took his mother with him. - The Coroner: Has he ever threatened to take his life? - Witness: No, sir. I thought he was getting uncomfortable until the new firm took over the business. He was accustomed to take too much drink at times. I have not heard from him since January. I think the leaving of his employment troubled him. - Mrs Lucy Wright, widow, Somerset-place, with whom the deceased lodged, said she last saw him on Sunday night. She had never seen him the worse for drink. She thought he was a man of means as he always seemed to have money. On Monday he left the house while she went to get some milk. He drank a cup of tea she had poured out. He was bright and cheerful and, as a friend had asked him to go fishing, she did not trouble much about him until Tuesday morning, when she asked Mr Sims to inform the Police the deceased was missing. He did not seem troubled with domestic affairs. He had paid her regularly except for the last week. He had told her he was not going to give the new firm his life's experience in the business, although he could have continued his employment there. - Richard Charles Sims said he served the deceased with a paper on Monday morning at 9 o'clock. He was in his usual health. About three months ago witness bought deceased's furniture for about £30 to £40 and he supposed SHEARS was living on that. He also gave witness his Pomeranian dog as he said he had no home for it. The previous week the deceased disposed of his fowls. Witness supposed that that was the last thing he had to sell. - Matthew Coyde said deceased saw him last Sunday night and asked him to sharpen his knife. He did so on Monday morning and deceased asked him if he had made a good job of it. - Evelyn A'Dell, theatrical proprietor, said the foul-house was situated on a piece of land adjoining his garden. He saw deceased on Sunday morning. Witness did not know what deceased came to the garden for as he sold his fowls a fortnight before. - Dr H. E. Goulden attributed death to haemorrhage caused by a large, deep wound in the neck. The pruning knife produced could have caused the wound which witness considered was self-inflicted. The tongue was protruding through the teeth, but there was nothing to show deceased had been hanging. - P.C. Body proved finding the body hanging in the fowl house with a deep wound in the neck. The door was locked from the inside. Deceased was dressed in a shirt, trousers and boots. His other clothes were hanging on a nail. The clothes he was wearing were saturated with blood. He was hanging by a rope, which was attached to the top of a partition about 6 ft. from the ground. The rope was not right around the neck and was only suspending deceased by the chin. - The Coroner said the evidence showed deceased came to his death from haemorrhage through a self-inflicted wound in his throat. There was no evidence to enable him to pronounce the state of mind of deceased at the time of his death. Mr Hacker extended his sympathy to the widow and family.

TIVERTON - Tragedy Near Washfield. The Last Smoke. - Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Tiverton Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital, on Saturday, into circumstances attending the death of JOHN ASHTON, carter, who died in the Hospital, from injuries received on Thursday. - WILLIAM ASHTON identified the body as that of his father, 54 years of age. Witness saw his father on Thursday night. He was alive, but unconscious. there were eleven children. - John Mogford, farmer, of Pilemore Farm, Washfield, said that last Thursday morning, about 11.30, he was riding towards Washfield. Just in front of him, going in the same direction, he noticed a horse and waggon, with a man sitting on the shafts. The horse started trotting and the man, apparently, was endeavouring to stop it, but could not do so. the man then jumped off and ran beside the horse. He tripped and fell and witness thought the wheels of the waggon went over him. Witness dismounted and went to deceased's assistance. ASHTON was then conscious. The horse was caught about a mile farther on; the waggon was overturned. - Mrs Harding, a nurse staying at Middle Hill, Washfield, said she was looking out of a window at the time of the accident, and saw the horse galloping around a corner. She went to see what had happened, and saw Mr Mogford supporting a man by the side of the road. She found ASHTON had fractured a thigh and that he was bleeding from the ear. She rendered first aid. Deceased was conscious, asked for his pipe, and smoked until assistance came. P.C. Stewart, stationed at Washfield, said deceased told him he noticed one of the reins had got caught in the shaft and he got off to unhitch it. The horse was going fast, and it either pulled him over or he was knocked down. - Dr Ellen Teevan, House Surgeon, Tiverton Hospital, said deceased was unconscious when admitted and never regained consciousness. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. The case was hopeless from the first. - Mr B. Hobbs, of the firm of Messrs. Webber and Saunders, said deceased was very steady and had been used to horses all his life. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 October 1921
TAVISTOCK - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr Rodd at Lumburn, near Tavistock, yesterday, on the body of WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN, aged 56, a farmer of Higher Hellingtown, Buckland Monachorum.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 October 1921
TEIGNMOUTH - Loose Bolt. The Motor Tragedy At Shaldon. - At Teignmouth yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, held an Inquest on ROBERT BUTTERWITH, cinema proprietor, of Winton House, Dawlish, who died at Teignmouth Hospital, on Monday, as the result of a motor accident on the Torquay road, Shaldon, on Sunday night. - BEATRICE MAY BUTTERWITH, deceased's widow, 42 Lawn-street, Liverpool, said her husband was 53 years of age. Witness had lived apart from him since he took up the cinema business and he had not been to Liverpool since June. There were six children. Her husband was hoping to save enough money to bring them to Dawlish, but things had not panned out as hoped, and they had not been able to come together again. - Constance Ada Saxty, Eastdon Farm, Starcross, spinster, said she was acquainted with deceased. She produced a letter from him asking her if she would care to have a side-car run with him. They arranged to meet at Starcross and did so at 10 minutes to 3 o'clock. At first deceased suggested going to Exmouth, but at Kenton they met some cows, and, as the machine was not going well, he suggested going back to Dawlish. They reached Dawlish and, as the machine was running better, he decided to go on to Torquay. On the way home the machine did not go well. Deceased had turned to speak to her when she heard a grinding noise and caught hold of the side of the car. The next thing she remembered was picking herself up in the road. - Hugh Denison, staying at Ellacombe Church-road, Torquay, said he noticed deceased descending a slight slope in the road with his motor cycle and side car. Witness remarked to his wife, "They are coming to grief for certain," as the cycle and side car were wobbling as if something was wrong. After the combination had passed him he saw it collapse while going at 20 miles an hour. - Dr Piggott said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - Lionel William Broadbeer, Teignmouth, motor engineer, said the accident was due to the front connection slipping out of the coupling joint. If the bolt had been kept tight the accident would not have occurred. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 October 1921
BIDEFORD - At an Inquest at the Bideford Town Hall last evening on MARY ANN FROWDE, 81, widow of Bridge-street, Bideford, who was found dead by her brother at their house, 24 Bridge-street, Bideford, the previous afternoon. Dr Wilson said the cause of death was a rupture of one of the arteries of the heart and the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 October 1921
BIDEFORD - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, at Bideford, on Saturday evening, on MRS ELIZABETH MILES, aged 83, widow of a retired master baker and confectioner, who was found dead in her bedroom at 15 Park-lane. Dr C. Wilson said death was due to syncope following degeneration of the heart.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 November 1921
SOWTON - Sowton Motor Tragedy. A Forgotten Purse. Clergyman's Driving. Inquest Story. - At Sowton Rectory, near Exeter, yesterday, Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MRS KATE BETTS, wife of a gardener, living at Sowton Rectory Cottage, who sustained fatal injuries through being knocked down by a motor car after she had alighted from a motor 'bus at Sowton on Friday last. - Supt. E. Braddell and Inspector Bawden watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police, while Detective-Sergeant Walters represented the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, Mr M. J. McGahey the deceased's husband and Mr Norman J. Lake the driver f the car (the Rev. E. Bramwell.) - ALFRED GEORGE BETTS, a gardener, and husband of the deceased, gave evidence of identification and said deceased was 37 years of age. - Chas. Percy Chatfield, of Heavitree, motor 'bus conductor, said he was conducting the 'bus from Exeter to Honiton on Friday last. At about 4.45 two passengers - Mrs Rowsell and her daughter - wished to alight at the Council Cottages, but as there was another car coming behind he did not signal the 'bus to stop until they were between the cottages and Sowton Lodge. MRS BETTS, a passenger to Sowton Lodge, and her children, two boys and a girl, also alighted. They proceeded to the offside of the 'bus and he then heard a conversation between MRS BETTS and the driver regarding a lost purse belonging to the girl. As lost property concerned him, he immediately came forward and said he would get it for her. He turned to get into the 'bus, and as he reached the tail end of it, observed a car proceeding round the corner at a tremendous speed in the direction of Honiton. His first thoughts were to turn and warn deceased and her children to get out of the way. He shouted to the boys, and they jumped on to the bank on the right side of the road. Witness also shouted to MRS BETTS and with the same, dived to the end of the 'bus to avoid the oncoming car. He at once turned to see if MRS BETTS had got clear and noticed the car strike her and the child. The latter was carried about five or six yards and MRS BETTS a distance of about eighteen paces. He immediately picked up the child, which was bleeding from its mouth and placed it head downwards on the bank. Witness then went to see MRS BETTS, who was badly mangled. the car stopped about 34 paces away from where the body was released from the car, and the driver ran back and said, "Good God! what have I done now." Witness said to him, "There's no need to look twice. Turn your car around and take the little girl to the Hospital." Witness also told him to bring back Dr Whate and Inspector Snell, of the Heavitree Police. He estimated the speed of the car at 35 miles an hour at the very least. The distance between the offside of the 'bus and the near hedge was about nine feet, which left room for another 'bus to pass comfortably. MRS BETTS was in line with the driver and standing about three feet from the 'bus. This still left six feet. The car showed no signs of slowing down when approaching the 'bus. He did not hear the sound of the horn. The road was straight for a distance of 200 yards. - In reply to Mr Lake, witness stated that the car was tight against the near hedge, and passengers alighting had to step from the 'bus on to the bank. He did not know the width of the car that caused the accident, but there was ample room for a light car to pass. The engine of the 'bus was running at the time, but it was a very silent one. It was out of the question to say the horn was sounded, or he would have heard it. MRS BETTS took a step backwards when the car struck her. Witness had been a conductor for four months and while in the Army had driven a lorry. From his experience as a driver, he knew that the speed of a car appeared different to a person standing in the road from what it was when one was driving. A passenger measured the distance and the body was carried 18 paces. The car travelled a distance of 34 paces after it struck deceased. When in the 'bus the woman always seemed to hear him. - The husband, recalled, said his wife was somewhat hard of hearing. She could hear those she was used to, but others had to raise their voices. - Chatfield, in reply to Mr McGahey, said when struck the body rolled over. He had no doubt that the car was going at an excessive speed. There was no reason, if the car was going at a reasonable rate, why it could not have pulled up yards before it reached the 'bus. Mr Williams, a passenger, remarked to the driver, You were going too fast altogether, you know." Even if deceased had heard his warning he could not say that she would have got back in time, as she was impeded by the child. - Mr J. Knowles, of Honiton, a passenger, said he was looking out of the window and saw deceased holding her hand up to receive the purse. At the same moment he saw the car come at the corner of the 'bus, and there was no time for anything. The car went by "like a flash" and he saw it had taken both deceased and the child away. there was no time for them to get out of the way, but the woman drew a little back. the car went a considerable distance without slacking speed, and after the little girl was dropped it went twelve paces before dropping the woman. He heard no hooter sounded, but thought he would have heard it had there been one. The car looked to be passing quite close to the 'bus and deceased was stood not more than two or three feet away from the 'bus. Unless the woman stood perfectly erect against the 'bus he did not see that the car could have cleared her. The car was certainly going too fast, and no sensible man would have said that it was right for the car to travel at that speed. - Mrs Margaret Ann Chick, of Honiton Clyst, another passenger on the 'bus, said the car came like a flash of lightning. She was not a judge of speed, but it was the fastest car she had ever seen. If the driver had sounded the horn it must have been some distance back the road. She heard no sound of the car until it passed, and the car looked as if it was "jumping over the very earth." If the window had been open she could have touched the car with her hand. - William Chas. Webber, an inspector of the A.A. and M.U., said he was sat beside the driver. He heard the roar of an engine coming and with the same a thud. He could not say whether the combined noise of both engines drowned the sound of the horn, but thought that if the horn had been sounded he would have heard it. The car was quite ten yards in front of the 'bus when it stopped. It was fairly light at the time of the accident. - Dorothy Higman, Honiton Clyst, said she was sat beside the driver. A passenger was about to pass the purse out through the fanlight, but before he could do so the car knocked deceased down. the car seemed to be going like an express train. The child's shoes were flung in the air. the woman did not appear deaf. Witness was certain deceased was not standing more than two feet away from the 'bus. - George Williamson, Ottery St Mary, stated that he overheard the conversation deceased had with the driver. He heard the roar of machinery and the woman vanished "like a picture on the kinema." He had measured the distances and found that the spot where the child was dropped was exactly eleven yards and the woman eighteen yards from the point where they were standing when struck. The car travelled twelve yards after dropping the woman. - Alfred Burgess, Ottery St. Mary, said he saw the car flash by and then saw the body of deceased in the road. He imagined the estimates of the previous witness to be correct. He did not hear the horn sounded. - Mrs E. Rowsell, wife of a market gardener, said she was the first to get off the 'bus and her daughter followed. After going half-way towards her house she turned and saw MRS BETTS holding up her hand, and then the car passed. There was no hooter sounded and witness then heard a crash and saw MRS BETTS on the ground. - Frederick Brown, Clyst St. Mary, said he prepared the plan produced at the instructions of the Police. The distance from the front of the 'bus to the spot where the body was dropped was fifteen yards. The width of the 'bus was 7 ft. 2 in., and the distance from the off-side of the 'bus to the hedge was 9 ft. 8 in. - P.C. Worden said he arrived at the scene of the accident about 5 o'clock and MRS BETTS was then dead. The 'bus was 1 ft. 6 in. from the left hedge and it was a good three paces from the opposite hedge. He fetched a doctor from Exeter, but on his return found Dr Orr-Ewing in attendance. The body of the deceased was fifteen yards from the 'bus and the place where the car stopped was fifteen yards further on. The distance of clear road from which the 'bus could be seen was 166 yards. There was 9 ft. 2 in. for a motor car, 6 ft. 7 in. in width to pass. While he was taking the names of the witnesses one lady said she heard the driver of the car blow the horn. - P.C. Taylor deposed to examining the car the following day. The near headlight was bent up about two inches and the near wheel was also bent. On going into the inspection pit he found some woolly material, and on the back axle a single hair. The width of the car was 5 ft. 6 in., and the track of the wheels 4 ft. 6 in. Mr Bramwell said if people in the 'bus heard the roar of the engine it was because when he applied the foot-brake he also applied the accelerator, as they were only two inches apart. - Dr A. Orr-Ewing attributed death to a fractured skull. It was impossible to say whether the blow was struck from the front or behind. There were two different sorts of deafness. One was nerval, and the other catarrhal. With the latter, which he suggested deceased was suffering from, it was possible to hear distinctly in the 'bus, with the engine running, a sharp noise, but outside the car the conduction was not so great, and deceased might not have been able to hear so well. - Mrs Bramwell said she was in the car with her husband, nurse and baby. They left Exeter about twenty minutes past four. Her husband was driving and she was sitting with him. When they arrived at Sowton she heard her husband say, "Good heavens what can I do about this woman." They saw a motor 'bus stationary, and when her husband made this exclamation they were only a few yards away from the deceased. She did not see the woman until they were within four or five yards of the 'bus. The car, almost simultaneously with her husband's exclamation, ran into the woman. Witness did not see any child. Her husband sounded his hooter when within a reasonable distance of the 'bus. Deceased might have been visible for some distance, before witness saw her, but witness had been talking to the nurse behind. When her husband sounded his hooter she noticed some people at the back of the 'bus. Her husband had driven for 15 years without mishap. It was a left-hand drive and they had been to Exeter in it on more than one occasion. She thought they were going from fifteen to twenty miles per hour and they took from twenty to twenty-five minutes to come from Exeter. When they approached the 'bus her husband slowed down. - Mrs Gladys Fewing, nurse to Mrs Bramwell, said it seemed as if deceased came from the direction of the 'bus and stepped right in front of their car, which was going very smoothly. - The Rev. Ernest Bramwell stated that before arriving at the bend near the scene of the accident the car ran down a slight hill on its own weight. He was just commencing to use his accelerator again when he saw the stationary 'bus and at that time was going at about 20 miles per hour. He then gave a short "bark" with his electric horn and gently applied the foot brakes. Further on he gave another blast and eased his clutch. When about 20 or 25 yards off he saw that the passage was clear he accelerated. Just as he came to the rear of the 'bus, however, a woman seemed suddenly to appear straight in front of him, and a little to the left of the car bonnet. There the collision took place. He did not see the child. His first impulse was to jump out of the car and push the woman away, but he applied his footbrake and accidentally accelerated at the same time, and the car lurched forward. He then let out his clutch and the engine gave a great roar. He hardly knew what he was doing. He agreed that the car might have gone 30 yards after the collision occurred. He could not account for the fact that he did not see the woman before. He considered if the road was clear and there was room enough to pass it was right enough. - The Deputy Coroner: But we know by the evidence that the road was not clear. - Witness: I swear I did not notice the woman. He had the impression that she was flush up with the 'bus. If she had stayed there he would have cleared her. - By Mr McGahey: He considered that one blast, at 180 yards and another at 120 yards was sufficient warning for people alighting from the 'bus. One used one's hooter according to the condition of the road. - In reply to other questions, witness agreed that in the circumstances the evidence showed this was insufficient. He had never driven at 40 miles an hour in his life and his speed in passing the 'bus was nothing like it. He denied that his attention was detracted from the road by his wife and child. - The Deputy Coroner, in summing up, said the difficulty the Jury might have - and it was a very important matter indeed - was to determine whether there was any responsibility or any person connected with the case which was of a culpable nature and which led to the death of the deceased. The thing he found to be a great difficulty was if MRS BETTS was at the right-hand side of the 'bus with her child, and the road was perfectly clear for 160 yards, why Mr Bramwell did not see her. He (Mr Tweed) was sure he did not see her. The evidence and probabilities also pointed in that direction. If the Jury came to the conclusion that MRS BETTS'S death was caused by negligence on the part of Mr Bramwell it would amount to manslaughter. - The Jury, after fifteen minutes; retirement, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that they agreed that Mr Bramwell should have given greater warning and should have considerably slowed down before passing the 'bus. The considered that allowance should be made, and any negligence appearing from the evidence did not amount to culpability in the highest degree. They expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased with which Mr Lake and the Coroner concurred. - The Deputy Coroner said the rider amounted to a certain expression of reproach to Mr Bramwell. they realised the position was a very painful one and no one felt it more acutely, probably, than Mr Bramwell. It would act as a serious warning to him. - The hearing lasted about eight hours, and a word of thanks is due to the great hospitality extended by the Rector, The Rev. W. H. A. Cullen, who was Foreman of the Jury, in providing refreshment for the witnesses and others attending the Inquest.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 November 1921
EXETER - Mother And Fireguard. Exeter Fatality. - Mr H. L. Brown, Deputy Coroner, sitting without a Jury, held an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday respecting the death of GEORGE HANNAFORD, the five-year-old son of ANNIE HANNAFORD, of 34 West-street. - From the evidence of the mother it appeared that the deceased and his little brother, NATHANIEL, were standing by the fire eating their breakfast while she went downstairs to fetch a bucket of water. NATHANIEL ran down almost immediately afterwards, and said "GEORGE'S shirt is burning." Witness rushed back to the room, tore off the shirt and wrapped her coat round him. She took him to the Hospital, where he died the next day. - The Coroner: Had you a fireguard? - Witness replied in the negative. - The Coroner: Do you know that that is an offence? - Witness replied in the affirmative, but added that with two children to keep and rent and rates to pay she had not the money to purchase one. - Dr P. M. McDonald Little, House Surgeon, said death was due to acute pneumonia, brought on entirely by the burns and a verdict accordingly was entered.

EXETER - Sowton Tragedy. Second Inquest. Inquiry Adjourned. - The Inquest held at Sowton on Monday on MRS KATE BETTS, wife of MR A. G. BETTS, a gardener, working in Exeter, but living at Sowton Rectory Cottage, who sustained fatal injuries through being knocked down by a motor car the previous Friday, was followed yesterday afternoon by an Inquiry conducted by the Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. L. Brown, in the Board Room at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital into the circumstances of the death of DOROTHY ANNIE BETTS, daughter of the above-mentioned MRS BETTS, who succumbed in Hospital to injuries sustained at the same time and place. - Mr A. Martin Alford represented the father of deceased and Mr Norman Lake the Rev. E. Bramwell (Rector of Uplyme), the driver of the motor car concerned. Mr Hamlin was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by ALFRED GEORGE BETTS, father, who said deceased was five years of age. Other witnesses repeated the evidence given at Monday's Inquiry. - Chas. P. Chatfield, conductor of the motor 'bus from which deceased and her mother alighted just before the accident, stated, in answer to the Deputy Coroner, that he did not shout to the occupants of the motor car, which appeared to him to approach "at a tremendous pace." He could not give an exact estimate of the speed at which the car was travelling; it might be 35 miles per hour, but that was only a rough estimate. There were no means of checking it. The colour of the motor 'bus was white and red - chiefly red. Deceased wore a brown coat, and her mother a green coat. He did not think the motor car was in sight when deceased and her mother alighted from the 'bus. - Answering a Juror, witness said that if the driver of the motor car swerved to avoid MRS BETTS' two boys, who were with her, he would naturally have collided with the mother of deceased. By Mr Lake: MRS BETTS was three feet from the 'bus at the time of the accident. - Mr Lake: You will appreciate the fact that a car running quite close to you would seem to flash by even if it were only going at 10 miles per hour? - Witness: Yes. - The horn might have been sounded without you hearing it? - No, I don't think so. - By Mr Alford; Witness barely had time to get out of the way of the motor car, and he was afraid that MRS BETTS had no time to get out of the way. There would have been ample time for her to have done so had the car passed at a reasonable speed. - Mr J. Knowles, of Honiton, in reply to Mr Lake, said MRS BETTS was not standing flush by the 'bus. He did not hear a warning by the conductor, but was positive that MRS BETTS was not deaf. A horn might, possibly, have been sounded, but it was a long way off. - A Juror: Is it possible that when the conductor shouted MRS BETTS mistook it for a signal for the re-starting of the 'bus, and, therefore, stepped back? - Witness: I can't say that; I saw no movement. MRS BETTS dropped her hand, and was about to move when she was lost to view momentarily. - Witness, in answer to Mr Alford, said that, in his opinion, whether or not the warning was heard, deceased would not have had time to step out of the way. - Mrs Chick (Honiton), a 'bus-passenger, deposed that the motor car passed so close that she could have touched its bonnet. In cross-examination by Mr Lake, witness said the probability was that if she had not tapped the 'bus window to MRS BETTS the accident would not have happened. - Inspector Webber (A.A. and M.U.) having given evidence, Dorothy Higman (Honiton Clyst) stated that no sooner had the accident occurred than deceased and her mother disappeared. "It was all done in a flash," added the witness. Cross-examined by Mr Lake: Witness was sure shoes she saw flying n the air were those of the deceased. By Mr Alford: The motor car passed the 'bus like an express train. If the driver had sounded his horn near she would have heard it. - At this stage the Inquiry was adjourned until 2.30 p.m. today at the Police Court.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter, conducted yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown, relative to the death of ETHEL HAYLER, the ten-months-old daughter of MR GEORGE HAYLER, a stoker at the Exeter Gas Works. Dr Burton certified the death to be due to convulsions, the result of teething.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 November 1921
EXETER - Sowton Motor Tragedy. The Second Verdict. - The Inquest on DOROTHY ANNIE BETTS, daughter of MRS BETTS, of Sowton, both of whom were killed in a motor accident at Sowton on Friday last, was continued at Exeter Court House yesterday before the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown. Mr A. Martin Alford represented the father of deceased and Mr Norman Lake was for the Rev. E. Bramwell (Rector of Uplyme), the driver of the motor car concerned. Mr H. Hamlin was Foreman of the Jury. Before the Inquiry was continued the Coroner, witnesses and Jurors visited the scene of the accident. - George Williamson, of Ottery St. Mary, a draper, a passenger on the motor 'bus from Exeter on Friday, said he was sitting in the front with the driver. He saw no passengers alight. A woman and child came to the front of the 'bus and the former said she had lost a bag. They stood parallel with the 'bus and were looking across the road, deceased holding her mother's left hand. Both went nearer the 'bus and stood at an acute angle. Witness heard a rush of tyres and then both deceased vanished. Following the car with his eyes, he saw the child thrown out from under the car. That was nine full paces from the 'bus. The car pulled up quite 30 yards from the 'bus. - By Mr Alford: He would not have driven the car by the 'bus so fast. He heard no hooter, but could not say if one had been sounded. - Mrs E. Rowsell, of Pinhoe, another passenger, said deceased was standing rather close to the 'bus, but there was a space between. The car was going very fast and witness heard no hooter. - Dr Edmund O. Goldsmith, House Physician at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased had sustained a fracture of the base of the skull and laceration of the brain so severe that brain tissues were coming from her ears and from a cut under an eye. Witness attributed death to fracture of the base of the skull, laceration of the brain and, to some extent, haemorrhage. - Mrs B. Toogood, of Pinhoe, another passenger, said the car was going very fast considering there were so many people on the road. - Mrs Florence E. Blatchford, of Honiton Clyst, drove home from Exeter in a Ford van, having left the city after the 'bus. The car passed witness near Cross Park and it was travelling rather fast. - By Mr Lake: She could tell the car by the driver. - Mr Lake submitted that the car could not have been travelling very fast. - P.C. Worden, stationed at Clyst St. Mary, said there was about nine feet clear space for the motor car at the point where the 'bus was standing. A lady passenger who said she heard the hooter had not been traced, but it was understood she alighted at Ottery St Mary. - Mrs L. A. Bramwell, wife of the Rev. E. Bramwell, said she, with her husband, nurse and baby, left their last pace of call in Exeter about 4.30. She saw the 'bus standing, but was looking back when her husband said "Good heavens, what can I do about this woman?" Mr Bramwell sounded his hooter while witness was turning to the nurse. They travelled slower as they approached the 'bus. Their speed, she thought, was about 15 miles per hour, but in reply to Mr Alford, witness said she could not swear they were not going at 25 miles per hour. After the collision her husband must have lost his head, or he would have been able to pull up much quicker. - Miss G. Fewings, the nurse, said she heard Mr Bramwell sound his hooter, and heard a noise like a brake being applied. She looked up, saw the 'bus, and saw a woman stand out immediately in front of the car. - The Rev. E. Bramwell, Rector of Uplyme and Rural Dean of Honiton, said they left Priory-road, their last place of call in Exeter, about 4.30 p.m. He was travelling at about 25 miles per hour, on an incline before coming to the cottages, the car then practically running on its own impetus. He slowed up at the bend and it was here he first saw the 'bus; he was then travelling at about 15 to 20 miles per hour. He was slowing down gradually to the 'bus. Witness was not aware he had passed two people before reaching the 'bus. He sounded his electric hooter twice. He went ahead when he got up the 'bus because he thought the road was clear. Then the woman seemed to appear straight in front of him; he did not see the child. He made a remark because he was so horror-struck at seeing anyone there. He was about eight feet off the woman when he saw her first. He lost his head after the collision and in trying to put his foot on the brake pedal he put it on the accelerator and thus the car rushed on and went for about 25 or 30 yards before he pulled up. He had no chance of saving MRS BETTS had he been able to apply both brakes. Witness had never had an accident before and had been a motorist for 15 years. Had he seen anyone standing near the front of the 'bus he would not have tried to pass. - The Jury, after about 20 minutes' retirement, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but added a vote of censure on the driver of the car, as they did not consider he exercised sufficient care in passing an inconvenient omnibus stopping place. Some blame also attached to omnibus officials who conducted conversations with passengers standing on the danger side of vehicles.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 November 1921
EXETER - At an Inquest at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, yesterday, on FREDERICK JOHN PAYNE, 12, of Clappswater Farm, Northleigh, Dr P. M. Little, House Surgeon, said the boy died from injuries to the groin due to falling on a stick in a hedge. The immediate cause of death was septic pneumonia. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. [Friday 11 November 1921 - Northleigh: The funeral of FREDERICK JOHN PAYNE, aged 12, the eldest son of MR and MRS F. PAYNE, Clappswater, took place in the parish churchyard. He was borne to his grave by Messrs. J. and W. Haycraft, E. Moss and S. Trim. The mourners were Mr and Mrs F. Payne (father and mother), Miss Dorothy and Master Wilfred Payne (sister and brother), Mr and Mrs Ellis (uncle and aunt), Mrs Payne, senr., and Mrs Underdown. There were numerous beautiful floral tributes.]

TIVERTON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at the Hospital on the body of ELIZABETH VENN, widow, aged 73, of Melbourne-street, who died in the Institution from loss of blood due to injury received by a fall in her bedroom.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 7 November 1921
EXETER - Death Follows Scalds At Exeter. - Through slipping in the yard of his home RONALD STEWART MILLMAN, aged 2 years and 10 months, son of MR and MRS MILLMAN, 2 Courtenay-road, St Thomas, Exeter, got one of his arms in a tub of boiling water. Septicaemia ensued and he died. The facts were related to the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, by the mother at an Inquest held at the Police Station on Saturday. She described how, on October 31st, she put some engineers' coats to soak in a tub of boiling water in the back yard. The little one was then in the kitchen. She proceeded about other duties and later heard him in the yard. She called to him not to play there, and, hearing him slip, rushed hither. He was then taking his arm out of the water. She treated him and immediately took him to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. There the arm was dressed and the deceased appeared to make good progress for several days. Each morning he was taken to the Hospital. On Wednesday he had a high temperature, and, after returning from the Hospital, she sent for Dr Black. The little one died on Thursday. Dr Black described how, when he first saw the child, he was flushed, the temperature was high, and he had a rash similar to that associated to scarlet fever. From other symptoms, however, he was convinced deceased was suffering from septicaemia. Death was due to septicaemia following extensive scalds. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 11 November 1921
NORTHAM - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest here on GEORGE HY. MAY, captain of the Annie, of Bideford, which was wrecked on Bideford Bar on Tuesday morning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 November 1921
EXETER - Hot Tea Upset. Exeter Child's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at an Inquest at the Court House, yesterday, on ANNIE MAY, aged 1 year and 7 months, daughter of MR and MRS DEARY, 64 Exe-street. The mother stated that while she was in the kitchen on November 8th deceased tipped some hot tea over her face and neck. Witness dressed the burns with oil and the following morning took deceased to the Hospital. Dr E. O. Goldsmith, House Surgeon, said death was due to septic bronchial pneumonia.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 November 1921
EXETER - Road Dangers. East Devon Tragedy. Insufficient Lorry Lights. - An Inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM WILLS, aged 63, labourer, of Black Horse, Honiton Clyst, who died on Sunday at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, following injuries received through being knocked down by a motor lorry on the Exeter - Honiton Clyst road, on Tuesday, October 25, was conducted by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House, yesterday. Mr M. J. McGahey (Messrs. Dunn and Baker, Exeter) appeared on behalf of the widow of the deceased, and Mr W. A. Parkhouse (Exeter) for the Anglo-American Oil Company, owning the lorry. - JOHN WILLS, Broadclyst, son, gave evidence of identification, and said his father told him he was returning from work on October 25th on the correct side of the road and heard a motor approaching. Deceased thought the lights of the vehicle were poor, and the motor itself seemed to be hugging the side of the road. Deceased got nearer to the ditch by the side of the road, but remembered nothing more until he was hit in the ribs and jaw by "something hard." The lorry, to deceased's knowledge, did not stop. Nothing was said about the speed of the vehicle. Deceased's one idea was to get out of the way. His father's hearing and sight were quite good. By a Juror: The ditch was about a foot wide. By Mr Parkhouse: His father mentioned that a "car or lorry" struck him. - by Mr McGahey: He examined the site of the accident the following morning (the 26th) and saw a wheel track on the grass by the road side of the ditch and that the hedge had been damaged. He could not say whether these marks were recent or old. - Thomas James Eveleigh, Black Horse, Honiton Clyst, said that on the 25th ult., accompanied by his wife, he went to the village and when o the main road heard a motor lorry approaching with a small white light attached to the near side. He fancied he saw a man holding a light behind it. Farther on he heard someone talking by the hedgeside and a man groaning. Witness's wife inquired the matter and ascertained that deceased was lying in the gutter. Deceased said a car had knocked him down. - Witness inquired whether it was the one that had just passed and deceased replied in the affirmative. The lorry was travelling at between 14 and 15 miles an hour. by the Foreman (Mr G. Newbery): The lorry did not stop. By Mr Parkhouse: He noticed no other cars on the road at the time. By Mr McGahey: He was emphatic that the vehicle he saw was a motor lorry. - Reginald Craib Langdon, carpenter and wheelwright, Honiton Clyst, deposed that on the 25th his attention was drawn to a motor approaching with very poor lights. He inquired whose it was and was informed it was "oil," and then commented it was "a very poor advertisement for the trade." The motor that passed was going rather slow and the time between 6 and 6.30. - James Hallett related that he was proceeding to the village and heard groans. He investigated, and, finding deceased, asked the matter. Deceased replied, "That blooming lorry has knocked me down. Exactly as he caught me I asked 'where he was going to.'" Deceased's hat was six feet away. Witness, Eveleigh, and the latter's wife assisted deceased to his home. By a Juror: Deceased was able to walk with assistance. Witness, answering Mr Parkhouse and Mr McGahey, was emphatic that the vehicle involved was a lorry. - The widow testified that she met her husband as she was=s proceeding to the village to do some shopping. After exchanging a few words with him she proceeded on her way and saw a lorry by a butcher's van, near the Post-office, travelling "very fast" and insufficiently lighted. - P.C. Stoneman, Honiton Clyst, stated the width of the road at the point in question was 21 feet. He made enquiries and went to the Anglo-American Oil Company's stores at St David's, Exeter and subsequently saw Percy John Anning, of whom he inquired what time he passed through Honiton Clyst the previous day. Replying to a question regarding the knocking down of a man there, Anning said "I did not know I had knocked down anyone. If I had I should have stopped and picked them up." - He interrogated a man named Edmonds, who was carrying a light at the rear of the lorry and was told he did not hear anyone shout or see anyone. There were some marks on the lorry. By the Foreman of the Jury: Witness could not tell whether the marks were fresh or old. By Mr McGahey: The driver of the lorry informed him his electric lighting set had gone wrong and that he had to borrow oil lamps. - Dr Rolfe, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted suffering from fractured ribs and paralysis of the intestines. He said he had been knocked down by a lorry. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia and heart failure following the injuries sustained. - Percival John Anning, 21 Isca-road, St. Thomas, the driver of the lorry of the Anglo-American Oil Company, volunteered evidence. He said he was returning from Axminster on the 25th. His electric lighting set failed and he obtained three oil lamps at Whimple. two were attached to the front of the lorry and one was used at the rear. He estimated his speed through Honiton Clyst at four or five miles an hour. His limit as to pace was from ten to twelve miles per hour. Witness observed a big car, well lighted, outside a public-house at Honiton Clyst and passed a man and woman near the village. He adhered well to the left side of the road. He thought he was making allowances for overtaking pedestrians. He did not notice anybody on the road. By the Foreman: He knew his lighting set was not good when he started. The fact was known to his employers. By Mr Parkhouse: He had no knowledge of having gone into the ditch. One of the front lights went out near Heavitree. Witness employed second gear through Honiton Clyst and to the top of Heavitree-hill. This would give a speed of between six and seven miles an hour. If he used third gear he knew he would have had light trouble. By Mr McGahey: Although he expected to be home earlier than he was, he did not try to make up time because he was late. By keeping close to the proper side of the road he thought he would avoid the roughness of the centre of the road. He denied he was driving fast. Replying to further questions by the Coroner, witness said he had been driving for twelve months. - Alfred James Edmonds, lorry porter, estimated the speed of the lorry(at the back of which he was sitting with a red lamp) through Honiton Clyst at about five miles an hour. He denied seeing anyone but a woman and girl near Honiton Clyst, or hearing anyone shout. - This concluded the evidence. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Anglo-American Oil Company should have provided the driver with proper lights. There was a time when pedestrians used to be considered masters of the road, but nowadays one had many unfortunate cases where people were killed while walking, as they were entitled to, along the public highway. He suggested the law on the subject was being ignored. - The Jury, after consulting in private, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that the Company was to blame for sending the lorry out with insufficient lights.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 16 November 1921
ALPHINGTON - Canal Banks Tragedy. Exeter Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquiry into the death of HERBERT NEVILL, aged 54, whose body was found under a tree on the Canal banks, near Exeter, was held at Brooklands, Alphington, yesterday, by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner. - MR BENJAMIN NEVILL, of Ivybank, Gravesend, identified the body as that f his uncle. Deceased had lived for many years abroad, and came to England in 1913 from South Africa, where he had been a farmer. He had no financial difficulties, but was very deaf and lame. - Elizabeth Webber, 3 Northernhay-square, Exeter, said deceased had been lodging with her for eight months. He was usually in good health, but liable to pains in the head. Deceased used to take an aspirin tablet when his head pained him; he kept the tablets in a small bottle. He left witness's house between 2.30 and 3 o'clock on Saturday presumably to go to a football match and did not return. On the previous Thursday witness was worried because deceased had not returned until 11 p.m., but he told her not to worry if he did not come back - he would be all right. He was fond of walking along the Canal banks. - William Francis Tinworth, 10 Market-street, Exeter, said he and Albert Ware, whilst walking along the banks of the Canal, about 8.30 on Sunday morning, found the deceased behind a tree, about 200 yards from Double locks on the Exeter side. - P.S. Webb stationed at Alphington, said deceased's face was frozen. There was slight disturbance of the soil that might have been caused by deceased's right hand and there were marks as though he had been standing against the tree and his feet had slipped out in front of him. His hat had only partially fallen off. In a pocket of deceased's woollen waistcoat was a small empty bottle bearing a poison label and a South African address. - The Deputy Coroner adjourned the proceedings until the 29th, pending result of analysis of the contents of deceased's stomach.

TIVERTON - The Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening into the circumstances attending the death of FLORENCE BESSIE MAUNDER, the 10-year-old daughter of WILLIAM MARK MAUNDER, who died at the Institution on Sunday from burns. She was standing by a fire when her clothing became ignited. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 17 November 1921
TORQUAY - An Inquest was held at Torquay yesterday, relative to the death of NURSE FRANCES HARRISON LEE, who threw herself from a window at the Trinity Nursing Home and succumbed to injury received. A letter was produced, which deceased had written to her mother in Leeds, and which was read by the Matron on Sunday evening, in which it was stated: "I cannot really say what are the meshes around me. I can see my dear father's face. I shall pray to be forgiven for committing suicide." The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," said he could not exonerate the Matron from blame, inasmuch as she did not inform the nurse in charge of deceased of the contents of the letter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 November 1921
MOLLAND - An Inquest has been held by the North Devon Coroner on the body of MRS E. GREENSLADE, a widow, who died suddenly. the evidence showed that deceased, aged 72 years, had been to Southmolton and was walking from Molland Station. She had barely gone a hundred yards from the Station when she was seen to fall by Mr W. Cockram and Pastor Isaac, both of whom went to her assistance. She spoke a few words respecting a little grandchild who was with her and then died. A post-mortem was made by Dr Baker and a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned. Sympathy is felt for the relatives, two sons and two daughters, all of whom are married.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 November 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Exeter Coroner at an Inquest at 41 St Anne's-road on WALTER WILLIAM KERNICK, on Saturday. FREDERICK CHARLES KERNICK identified the body as that of his father, who suffered from shortness of breath and a weak heart. On Friday deceased was taken ill with pains across the chest; he was laid on a sofa, but expired before a doctor could come. Dr Pereira Gray said he knew from past knowledge of the case that deceased was suffering from degeneration of the heart. He attributed death to heart failure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 November 1921
TIVERTON - Shocking Tiverton Fatality. The Inquest. - Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Tiverton Hospital last evening into the circumstances attending the death of MR THOMAS MOGFORD, who died at the Tiverton Hospital the previous day as the result of injuries received at the fire at Croscol's garage on November 8th. Dr Teevan, House Surgeon at the Institution, said deceased was admitted on November 15th with extensive burns to the skull, ears, interior of mouth and both hands, but he did not think he was ill enough to be kept in Hospital. Deceased, however, was detained. On examination it was found both eyes were closed and he complained of pains in the mouth. He rallied until the third day, when he became worse and passed away on Sunday morning last. The cause of death was septic absorption following burns. - STEPHEN MOGFORD said his brother was 75 years of age and he saw him very often. Deceased enjoyed good health. At about eight o'clock on the 15th inst., he was proceeding to the fire when he was told that his brother had met with an accident and had been taken to the Hospital. Witness went there and saw his brother in bed. He was conscious and witness asked him what had happened. Deceased said he went into the garden to try and get some potatoes from an outhouse, but he did not succeed in doing so and when he was returning the explosion occurred and he was enveloped in flames. He was thrown to the ground and he rolled himself on the ground to help put out the flames. He then crawled out at the back door of the garden. Mr King helped to put out the flames on his coat. Witness believed the staff at the Hospital had done their best for deceased. - John King, chauffeur, said on the 15th inst. he was at his garage adjoining Croscol's Garage at about eight o'clock. He was taking his car out when the explosion took place and the next thing he saw was MR MOGFORD rushing out of his garden door in flames. Witness took off his coat, put the fire out and suggested deceased should be taken to the Hospital, which was done by Mr James Mayne. - John McAlister, motor driver in the employ of Messrs. Croscol's Ltd., said on the date in question he went to the garage at about 7.30 and the first thing he did was to take out the 'buses. In the meantime another employee, named Sweet, came in and opened the petrol store and took out the supply of petrol from the cask o the jib. There were five gallons in the cask. There was another cask of petrol in the shed containing about 40 gallons. With the aid of Sweet he put this cask on the jib. He then took some of the petrol out. There was no gauze at the bung-hole. He had just taken the empty cask outside when he noticed a fire on the floor, which was of cobble stones. He shouted to Sweet, who called for some sacks, at the same time throwing some coasts on top of the flames, which spread rapidly towards the cask. The only thing he could suggest caused the fire was that in turning over the empty steel cask a spark was caused by the cask striking the cobble floor. He saw no one smoking. There was no smoking allowed in the petrol store. - Percy Sweet said he kept the keys of the petrol store. On the morning in question he went to draw some lubricating oil and helped McAlister to put the barrel of petrol on the jib. It contained between 40 and 50 gallons. He was engaged in making up the mileage book when McAlister shouted and when he turned round the floor was all in flames. He got a couple of coats and threw them on the flames, which ran along the floor towards the cask. He never smoked there, nor had he seen anyone else. No one could go into the store unless he was there. - Captain Youlton, Director of Croscol's, Ltd., said there was only one full cask of petrol in the store that morning. The cask, if full, would contain 50 gallons. Smoking in the store was absolutely forbidden. The only thing he could suggest as to the cause of the fire was the same as McAlister. He realised that care should be exercised in moving the casks, to prevent sparks coming from the floor. - Supt. Mercer said he was inspector under the Petroleum Act and Captain of the Fire Brigade. On the arrival of the Brigade the whole place was in flames. The explosion occurred before they arrived. He examined the debris afterwards and found two casks of lubricating oils and two steel drums. One of them had the end blown out. His theory was the same as the witness's as to the cause of the fire, that a spark was caused by McAlister overturning the steel cask on to the cobble floor. It was a possible and a probable story. As an inspector under the Act he had examined the garage before the license was granted. He refused, but he allowed Captain Youlton to use the place till he could get suitable stores elsewhere, providing he did not store more than 60 gallons of petrol there. Witness visited the place frequently and urged Captain Youlton to shift his petrol store as soon as possible, but if he kept within the Law he could stop where he was. Witness never found more than the proper quantity there. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

SIDMOUTH - Cliff Tragedy. The Inquest Story. - At the Inquest on MRS EMMA JANE BROAD, aged 56, who was found dead at the bottom of a cliff at Sidmouth, last Thursday, the Coroner, Dr E. R. Tweed, said the evidence was not sufficient to show whether deceased fell or purposely threw herself over the cliff, but he would give her the benefit of the doubt, and would return a verdict "That she died through Falling Over the Cliff." - Deceased, whose husband is a retired Constable of the Metropolitan Police Force, of 42 Leonard-road, Forest Gate, London, left home on November 11th, to stay with a relative, Mr William J. Smith, of Eastern Town, Sidmouth, to recruit her health. Three months previously, after suffering from pyrrhoea, the deceased had 29 teeth extracted and made seven visits to the dentist within a month, this being advised by a doctor. This made her slightly depressed, though she had never had a day's illness before. While at Sidmouth she improved, and went out on the day of the accident at 11.15 a.m. Deceased was later seen on the cliff when she took off her hat, fur and gloves, and, though there was half a gale blowing, got up from a seat and looked over the cliffs. Further up the hill she repeated this performance. As she did not return to dinner Mr Smith sent his on to look for her. Proceeding along one of the fields on Salcombe Hill he found a glove which he recognised as deceased's. Further on he saw the other glove and deceased's fur hanging over the cliff. He looked over and saw what appeared to be a fur coat and going down with two other men found the body. - P.C. Hawkins said n examining the spot beneath which the body was found he discovered marks which looked as if made by someone sitting on the edge of the cliff sliding down the side until the perpendicular drop was reached. - Dr B. Cohen stated that when he treated deceased for pain in the chest on November 18th she gave not the slightest indication of being a person who would take her own life. - Having 29 teeth extracted within a month was a great nervous shock.

SHALDON - The Ringmore Tragedy. - At the Victoria Hall, Shaldon, yesterday, Mr S. Hacker, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ARTHUR EDWARDS BROAD, agricultural labourer, who was found dead under a horse at Ringmore, Shaldon, on Friday. From the evidence it appeared that deceased was drawing mangold from a cave to Ringmore Farm for his employer, Mr R. Towill. Having taken in one load, he was on his way for another load, when the horse drew too near the hedge, with the result that the cart struck a large stone and overturned. Apparently deceased was riding on the shafts, as the reins were fastened to the back of the breeching. Dr Alex Thomson, of Teignmouth, said death was due to suffocation. There were no fractures, but an abrasion on the head might have caused concussion. The Coroner said he was satisfied that no vehicles passed to frighten the animal. The probability was that deceased, having fastened the reins to the breeching, which was a wrong thing to do, the horse proceeded where it pleased. His verdict was that deceased came by his death from suffocation, due to the accidental upsetting of a cart which he was driving.

ALPHINGTON - Fatal Dose Of Strychnine. Exeter Canal Tragedy. - The adjourned inquiry into circumstances surrounding the death of HERBERT NEVILL, aged 54, who resided at Northernhay-square, Exeter, and whose body was found by a tree on the Exeter Canal banks, about a fortnight ago, was concluded by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. N. Stephens, at Brooklands, Alphington, yesterday afternoon. - At the opening of the Inquiry, evidence was given to the effect that deceased had lived for a number of years in South Africa, suffered from pains in his head, was in the habit of taking aspirin for it, and had in one of his pockets, when found, a bottle bearing a poison label and a South African address. The Inquiry was adjourned in order that the contents of the deceased's stomach might be analysed. - Yesterday afternoon, Drs. R. V. Solly and C. E. Stokes, deposed to making a post mortem examination and find nothing to account for death. - Mr T. Tickle, public analyst, Exeter, stated he found 1.7 grains of strychnine - more than a fatal dose - in the stomach. The bottle found in deceased's clothing had contained strychnine. - By the Deputy Coroner: If the contents had been in the bottle for five or six years, the strength of the strychnine would not have deteriorated; strychnine kept permanently. - The Deputy Coroner, in recording his verdict to the effect that deceased committed "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," observed that the presence of the bottle in deceased's possession, and scraps of notes which he left behind him, left no room for doubt that deceased had for a considerable time contemplated taking his life. As to the state of deceased's mind, there was evidence that he suffered considerable pains in his head, and those, no doubt, somewhat affected him, and made him at times irresponsible for his actions. - No Jury was empanelled. - Major Halford Thompson (Deputy Chief Constable of Devon) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 2 December 1921
GEORGEHAM - Mr G. W. F. Brown conducted an Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM LEWIS, aged 50, of Braunton, who was found dead on the rocks at Baggy Point. EDITH LEWIS, widow, stated she last saw her husband alive on November 22nd, when he left in the morning to go to work with Mr Perryman, a farmer. He seemed quite normal and took his dinner with him. He did not come back that night and she had not seen him since. She knew no reason why he should have gone off in the way he did. GEORGE ARTHUR LEWIS, brother, gave evidence of identification. P.C. Stevens, of Georgeham, stated on Sunday afternoon he was informed there was a body lying on the shore, under Baggy Cliffs. Owing to the tide being out and darkness setting in, it was impossible to descend the very dangerous cliffs until 7 a.m. the next morning. Then, with help,. the body was got up the cliffs and brought to the mortuary. The only clothing on the body was a portion of his trousers, a pair of green socks and nailed boots. Dr Trail stated he had made a post mortem examination of the body and in his opinion death was due to fracture of the neck, fracture of the thigh and several wounds about the head, which might have been caused after death, as in his (Dr Trail's) opinion the man had been dead four or five days. The Coroner returned a verdict that "Deceased was found on the Sea Shore at Baggy on the 27th November and there were no facts to show how he got there."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 December 1921
EXETER - Exeter Hotel Mystery Solved. - The Exeter Coroner conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on CHARLES JAMES YOUNG, 46, who was found dead in a bedroom at the Great Western Hotel, St David's, on Friday. - The Rev. Thomas B. Walters, Vicar of Christchurch, Hampstead, identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, who was an engineer and naval gun mounter. That kind of work had practically ceased and it seemed that after the Washington Conference it would stop altogether. The absence of work had been preying upon deceased's mind. - Edgar C. Calthorpe, manager of the Great Western Hotel, said he received a wire on Thursday from deceased asking him to keep a single room. He arrived the same night about 8.30, signed the book "J. Yates, Sydenham," and left the Hotel about nine o'clock. He returned about 11 p.m., asked for a syphon of soda water to be taken to his room and said he would like to be called about 8.30 next morning. He was found dead in bed. - Detective-Sergeant Edwards said he examined the clothing of deceased and found that most of the makers' tabs had been cut off. By the side of the bed was a syphon of soda water and a nearly empty glass. A bottle containing cyanide of potassium was in a suit case. The only money he could find was 19s. 1 ½d. - Dr C. Newton Lovely said about five grains of cyanide of potassium would cause death, but the deceased must have taken a much larger dose. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 December 1921
TIVERTON - At the Hospital, the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest on the body of THOMAS CHAVE, 53, of Ashley Court Lodge, whose body was found by his brother in the Exe about 150 yards from his house. ARTHUR CHAVE, gardener, at Hestercombe, Taunton, said his father had suffered a nervous breakdown, and was in a nursing home in 1915. Witness's mother died about six months ago and since then his father had been more depressed. He had also experienced trouble in getting a housekeeper. FRED CHAVE, 18, living with the deceased, said he missed his father on waking on the morning of his death. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

SIDMOUTH - Cliff Tragedy. Coroner's Comments. - The circumstances relating to the finding of the body of ANNIE NORTON, single, aged 54, (employed as housekeeper to Mr George Peach of 7 Lower Summerlands, Exeter) at the foot of Alma Cliff, near Salcombe Regis, on Monday afternoon, were Inquired into at Sidmouth yesterday by Dr E. R. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, sitting with a Jury. - JACK COLBORNE, of 2 Cecil Terrace, Sidmouth, newsboy, said he was walking on Salcombe Cliff about three o'clock on Monday when he saw some marks at the edge of the cliff. Looking over, he observed the body of what appeared to be a woman lying on the beach in a huddled up position. He called the attention of Mrs Dorothy Page, who was coming up the cliff and she advised him to inform the Coastguard which he did. - George Peach, a retired G.W.R. official, said deceased, who was his sister-in-law, had been in his employ for over 20 years. She had an illness about 12 month ago, when the doctor stated she was run down and suffering from nervous depression. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. He did not know why she went to Sidmouth last Monday, although she had previously been there and was attached to the place. Deceased usually told him when she was going away for the day. In reply to P.S. Bugler, he said that after deceased had left he found the following memorandum in her handwriting:- "Gone to see Bessie, as she is ill. Do not know whether I shall be back till tomorrow." - Bessie was her sister, living in Bath. He was under the impression she had gone there until Monday evening, when the Police communicated with him about a body found at Sidmouth, and he afterwards identified it as that of MISS NORTON. His idea was she intended to go to Bath, but, missing the train, went to Sidmouth. - Chas. Ferns, Coastguard, deposed to finding the body in company with Colborne and two fishermen named Harris. She seemed dead, but could not say whether the body was warm or cold. - Francis Cornish, gardener, of Sidmouth, said that on returning from dinner on Monday last he saw a lady sitting on the edge of the cliff about 100 yards above the flag staff. She began to read a newspaper and seemed quite normal. She was about 2 ft from the edge of the cliff. The height of the cliff was 150 ft. He had seen people having their lunch with their feet over the edge of the cliff. - The Coroner remarked that the path was an invitation to people to throw themselves over, as it went right up to the edge of the cliff. - Witness, continuing, expressed the opinion that when deceased got up and started to gather up her things, including a mackintosh, her foot slipped away. He came to this conclusion by reason of the slippery state of the ground there. - Dr Spence Barnard said there were extensive injuries and death was due to haemorrhage through rupture of both lungs. - P.S. Bugler deposed that on searching the body he found a slip of paper containing the address of MR PEACH, Oldfield Place, Bath, and also the return half of a railway ticket from Sidmouth to Exeter. The spot pointed out to him by Cornish as being the place where deceased was sitting was 4ft. 6 in. from the edge of the cliff. Where the body was found was 364 yards from the scene of the tragedy a fortnight ago. - The coroner said there were several things that indicated deceased did not intend taking her life. He thought the cliff should be protected by some means or other, as the path was a direct invitation for people to look over. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that attention of the Honiton Rural Council be called to the danger resulting from the unprotected state of the cliff.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 December 1921
CHAGFORD - An Inquest has been held at Belmont House by Mr Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of SARAH ANN HORNER, aged 77, who had, for many years, resided with her two sisters at Belmont House. Evidence showed that deceased left her bedroom at 5 a.m. on Saturday morning, the 10th inst., and called to her sister, MRS POPE, who was sleeping on the third story . Before MRS POPE could reach the second story landing a noise indicated a fall and deceased was found at the bottom of the stairs. The second sister was called and Dr Hughes was soon in attendance. The injuries sustained by deceased were attended to, but she expired after about four hours without regaining consciousness. A verdict was returned that deceased died as a result of Cerebral Haemorrhage, caused by a fractured skull, through falling down the stairs. Great sympathy is felt for the two sisters and relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 December 1921
EXETER - War's Victim. Exonian's Suicide. Horrors In France. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the City Coroner, on FRED TROUNSON, aged 45, of 15 Culverland-road, who was found dead in the basement of his house on Tuesday morning with his throat cut. - ALBERT EDWARD TROUNSON, assistant sanitary inspector, 8 St Leonard's-terrace, identified the body as that of his brother, whom he last saw alive about three weeks ago. He remembered that since coming out of the Army, in 1919, his brother had continually talked about the horrors he had seen in France. - MISS ANNIE TROUNSON, sister, said her brother had done no work for twelve months. He would talk at meals about the times he had in the Army, and would say that he could still hear the sound of the heavy guns in his ears. On Tuesday morning, about 8 o'clock, she went into the underground kitchen of the house and discovered her brother lying on the floor in a pool of blood. She informed the Police. - P.C. Strawbridge gave evidence that at 8.30 on Tuesday morning he was called to 15 Culverland-road, where he found the deceased in a large pool of blood. He was dead and cold. In his hand was an open razor, the blade of which had been tied with string to prevent it from moving. The case was found in a pocket. - Dr Pereira Gray deposed to examining the body. He found a wound in the neck and the windpipe severed. In his opinion the wound was self-inflicted, and death was caused by shock, due to haemorrhage. - The verdict returned was that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 December 1921
EXMINSTER - Girl's Suicide By Drowning. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, at the Stowey Arms, Exminster, yesterday afternoon, on LOTTIE SARAH FROST, aged 28 spinster, of Exminster, whose body was recovered from the Exeter Canal the previous day. Evidence of identification was given by deceased's mother, MARY FROST, who stated that she last saw her daughter alive about 5.30 p.m., the previous Friday. Deceased then said she was going to the chapel, where she had been in the habit of attending meetings. Deceased had been under the care of a doctor for about two months. Several years ago she was an inmate of the Devon Mental Hospital, having attempted to take her life previous to admission. She had not threatened to do so of late. - JAMES FROST, labourer, father of deceased, deposed to seeing his daughter returning from the chapel about 6.15 p.m., the previous Friday. - Thomas Jones, Naval pensioner, said he assisted in searching the Canal. The body was recovered near the limekilns about 3.30 p.m. the previous day. Deceased was fully dressed, but had no hat. P.C. Phillips assisted in the search. - Dr Worsley, of Topsham, said he had been attending the deceased of late. She had been suffering from anaemia and debility. He had not noticed she was depressed. Witness saw her on the morning of her disappearance, told her he was not satisfied with her progress and said he should like to examine her the following Tuesday. Deceased did not seem upset. He had made a post mortem examination, and attributed death to drowning. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

LYNTON - Lynmouth Drowning Mystery Still Unsolved. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Lynton Town Hall on the body of HARRY REED, 28, fishmonger's assistant, and son of MR H. REED of 3 Orchard-terrace, Lynton. - The father said his son lived with him. He last saw him alive on Tuesday morning at 7.15, when, as usual, he took him up a cup of tea. He seemed in his usual health and went to work as he always had done. His son had been keeping company with a young woman for some nine or ten years, formerly of Brendon, now living near Southmolton. He had heard a rumour that they were to be married on Saturday, but his son had never mentioned it to him, nor did he know of any preparations made. - Mrs Jeffery, employer of the deceased, deposed that he was at work as customary on Tuesday and left for dinner at 1 o'clock. As he did not return at two, she sent after him, but found he had not been home at all. He had told her he was to be married, first in November, but then the date was altered to December. He alluded to his marriage very little. He had worked for her for 16 years. - Mr W. H. Dyke, Queen's Hotel, Lynton, said deceased called there at 1.10, had a pint of stout, stayed about five minutes and left. He was perfectly sober, but he had never seen him so depressed before. - Mr Tarrant deposed to seeing the body, for which he and others were searching, in the water of Wringcliff. They hauled it out by a stick. the coat was lying on the rocks. the place was easy of access by a path down the cliff. - Dr Falkner deposed that the body bore only slight injuries, such as cuts on the face and head, caused by the washing about among the rocks. In his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said the case seemed inexplicable - it looked as if the marriage was to take place the following day (Saturday). - There was in a letter from the girl received from Northmolton a request for him to state the time of his arrival. It was impossible to say what had happened. His verdict would be "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 December 1921
EXETER - Fatal Exeter Accident. - At the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday, Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on THOMAS JAMES BUTT, 79, of 3 Albion-street, St Thomas. CHARLES BUTT identified the body as that of his father. Mrs E. J. Hitt said her father broke his leg on December 12th and was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the next day. Dr P. M. Little, House Surgeon, said deceased died the day after admission. A post-mortem examination disclosed traces of pneumonia in the right lung. the left lung had collapsed and both were affected by pleurisy. He attributed death to heart failure. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 December 1921
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, conducted an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM JAMES FURNESS, aged 47, of Chelsea, who died suddenly at his lodgings, 17 Poltimore-square, Exeter, on Saturday. Deceased had recently joined the orchestra at Exeter Hippodrome. The evidence was to the effect that deceased had not enjoyed good health for a couple of years, was emaciated, and that the right lung was completely destroyed. Death was attributed to haemorrhage, caused by tuberculosis of the lungs, and a verdict was returned accordingly. Mr J. A. Fitchett (Manager of the Hippodrome) attended on behalf of the Management.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 December 1921
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was yesterday returned by the Exeter Coroner at an Inquest on SUSAN GREENING, aged 89, of 22 Cambridge-street, who died after fracturing her thigh by a fall.