Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1926

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:  Adams; Alford; Allen(2); Ambrose; Amery; Appleby; Baker(2); Bale; Balkwell; Barber; Barnes; Bawden; Beer; Bess; Bidder; Bloomfield; Bodycote; Booles; Bovey; Boyer; Boyes; Bradford; Brealy; Bright; Brimblecombe(2); Briscoe; Brooks; Bulley; Burden; Burgoin; Candey; Carter; Chapman; Charles; Chilton; Clarke; Cleave; Clements; Clogg; Coates; Cocker; Cole; Coleman; Copp; Cornwell; Coulthard; Courtier; Cox; Creasy; Croot; Cross; Davey(2); Davis; Dayment; Denmead; Dimon; Dingle; Downing; Drew; Edwards; Ellis(2); Elson; Ewings; Farrier; Finch; Foster; Freeman; Frost; Furneaux; Gaitch; Gale; Gigg; Gilbert; Gillard; Gilmore; Goodwin; Gosling; Greenway; Gurney; Guy; Hagley; Harding; Harold; Harper; Hart; Harvey; Hawkins; Hearn; Hillman; Hine; Hitchcock; Hooper; Howard; Isaac; Jackson; Kedge; Kelly; Kennard; Kenny; Knight; Langford; Leat; Lee; Liesching; Littlejohns; Long(2); Luxton; Mallett; Masters; Matthews(2); McCann; McInnes; Merrett; Miles; Miller(2); Mingo; Mitchell(2); Moore(3); Morey; Morgan; Morrell; Mounsden; Mullins; Nash; Newbery; Newcombe; Nichol; Nicholls; Nicholson; Nott; Oakley; Organ; Osborne; Painter; Parr; Pascoe; Payne; Pentecost; Pepperell; Perry; Phillips(2); Pitts; Ponsonby; Poole; Potter; Pratt; Prigg; Purse; Pyne; Quinell; Radford; Reddaway; Redwood; Rendle; Retter; Rew; Reynolds; Rice; Richardson; Rockett; Robinson; Rogers; Rook; Roper; Rose; Rundle; Salter(2); Seage; Selwyn; Shaddick; Shapland; Skinner; Sluggett; Soper; Spargo; Spicer; Squire; Steer(2); Stenner; Streat; Taylor(2); Thomas; Thorne; Tonkin; Towler; Tratt; Treneman; Valentine; Vanstone; Vaughan; Ward; Warren; Webber(2); Westcott; White; Whiteway; Williams; Wilson; Windeatt; Wood; Yeo; Zanetti; Zealley.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 January 1926
EXETER - A Mystery. What Caused Exeter Woman's Death. Adjourned Inquest. - No cause of death was ascertainable at the adjourned Inquest on the body of MRS ALICE MAUD SPARGO, widow, of Well-street, Exeter, who died on December 8th, held before the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. - Mrs Lucy Veryard, of 25 Well-street, Exeter, who resided in the same house as deceased, said MRS SPARGO lived with a man named Smith, and she seemed to be in fair health. About a month previous to her death she complained of pains in the head, and she had a bilious attack on the 5th. On the 4th she had eaten some pork sausages. Subsequently she became delirious and was taken to the Hospital. - Dr S. F. Durrans, of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted to that Institution on the 8th, when she was unconscious and on suspicion of poisoning he washed the stomach out. That wrought no improvement. He was informed that deceased ate some sausages on the Friday before. Deceased died the same day (Tuesday). Witness made a post-mortem examination, but found no cause of death. There were no external marks of violence. Even now he could express no opinion as to the cause of death. - Coroner: Supposing there had been something wrong with those sausages, would you have expected to find some trace of them? - I should have expected to find some signs in the intestines, but there were none whatever. - Mr T. Tickle, analyst, Exeter, said he had examined the intestines and found no poisonous substances, while some medicine and tablets he analysed agreed with the prescriptions supplied him by Dr Dodd. He could not tell the cause of death. "I could not be sure of covering all the possibilities of poisoning," said witness, to a definite extent. I can deal definitely with reference to older poisoning suggested to me by the detective who has assisted me, but beyond that there still remain some unexplored possibilities. Whether they include a likelihood or not of poisoning is another matter, but as far as I can see they do not. - The Coroner said the Inquest was opened on the 10th, and there had been three adjournments but they could not discover the cause of death. It seemed to him that from the absence of external marks of violence and the result of the analyst's examination, a violent death and death by poisoning seemed to be eliminated. The cause of death was untraceable. He returned a verdict that deceased died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 8th, and that there was no evidence to show the cause of death; therefore there would be an Open Verdict.

HOLSWORTHY - Child's Fatal Fall. Inquest At Holsworthy. - At Holsworthy Poor-law Institution yesterday Mr Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, with a Jury, of which Mr Wm. Daniel was Foreman, held an Inquiry touching the death of DAVID TOWLER, an infant. - MISS TOWLER said the deceased was her son. He was born in Kennington Workhouse Infirmary about two years ago. About ten weeks ago she went into service with Mrs Parsons at Bradford, Brandiscorner, taking the child with her. On December 20th she was upstairs making beds. Mrs Parsons and the child were in the kitchen. She called her mistress to assist her and presently Mrs Parsons said "Go down, I hear the child tumbling down the stairs." Witness went at once and found the child lying at the bottom of the stairs, with its hand clenched and apparently dead. Mrs Parsons put cold water over its head and sent for Dr Candler. The child did not regain consciousness. On Boxing Day the witness and her son were taken to Holsworthy Workhouse Infirmary. Her son had fallen down stairs about three weeks before. - Dr E. O. Kingdon, Medical Officer at the Infirmary, said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. There were bruises practically all over the body, in all probability caused by the second fall down the stairs. Everything possible was done for the child after the accident. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

CULLOMPTON - Curious Case. Sad Death Of A Cullompton Clerk. The Inquest. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest held at Cullompton, yesterday, on the body of MR JAMES MURRAY FOSTER, clerk, aged 25, of Cullompton, who died on Sunday last. - Mr M. T. Foster, pharmacist of Cullompton, father of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, and said his son was unmarried and employed as a clerk with Messrs. Plumpton and Son, Cullompton, sanitary and domestic engineers, and he was learning the business. Although deceased had a bad cold for a few days, his health was good, but on the 17th he complained that he was not feeling well and went to bed early. He did not get up until after breakfast the next day. When he returned home about five he said he was feeling very poorly and had a swelling on his lower lip. He went straight to bed. The swelling increased, but he never spoke of a cut, nor were there any visible signs of one. He did not go back to business again, and on the 21st he complained of soreness in the nose and there was a swelling on the outside. Witness did not treat it, but bathed it with hot water. Drs. Alleyne and Roper were then called in. Deceased's habits were very regular, and witness could not account for the swellings. - Mr W. Plumpton, deceased's employer, said FOSTER did not do any of the practical work. They had been stock-taking and deceased had been out with the lorry, but as far as witness knew he would not have been handling anything which would set up septic poisoning. - Dr E. F. M. Alleyne, of Cullompton, said he had known deceased all his life and his general health was good. He had never attended him for any serious or organic trouble. When he was called he saw the swellings were septic and full of matter. The lip and nose swellings broke the following day and both seemed to clear up. He then got another swelling in the nose and had a high temperature, while his breathing was bad. On the 24th deceased got paroxysms of pain on the left side of the body and witness called in Dr Roper. The last-named thought the pains indicated pleurisy, and leeches were applied, with the result that the pain ceased. When Dr Roper saw deceased the swellings had gone back and he was afraid of septic pneumonia. On the 27th the whole of the right side of the face and nose was swollen and witness took a swab to see if there was diphtheria, but there was none. Deceased got no better and after becoming unconscious, meningitis set in on the 28th, when he died. He considered deceased died from septicaemia and septic meningitis. - A verdict, as stated above, was returned.

Western Times, Friday 1 January 1926
KENN - Baby's Death At Kennford. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Budleigh, Kennford, last week, on the body of AUDREY CLEAVE, the six months' old daughter of MR and MRS CLEAVE. The infant was found lying dead in bed beside her parents and the evidence of Dr Isles at the Inquest showed that death was due to Suffocation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 January 1926
CREDITON - His Last Sort. Postman's Fatal Hurry At Crediton. The Inquest. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest at the Police Station, Crediton, yesterday, on WILLIAM HENRY THORNE, a postman, who died yesterday morning while sorting letters. - ANNIE THORNE of Medlands, The Green, Crediton, identified the body as that of her brother-in-law. He was 57 years of age, and always enjoyed good health. She last saw him alive the previous night, when she went to bed. She did not hear him go out in the morning. He did not put a kettle on the gas fire as usual, and it looked as if he had left the house in a hurry, since the bed clothes were thrown back. - Arthur Wm. Setter, postman, said he went to look for deceased at 6.20 a.m. yesterday, as he had not arrived, and was usually punctual. He met him at the top of Market-street, walking fast., They went back to the Post-office, but deceased made no remark about his being late. He proceeded to sort his letters and five minutes after witness heard him gasping. Deceased was bent forward and there was a rattle in his throat. Witness loosened his collar and gave him water and then sent for the doctor. - Dr H. F. L. Hugo, of Crediton, said THORNE was dead when he arrived at the Post-office just after 6.30 a.m. He considered that a heavy meal the previous night, together with hurrying in the morning, produced syncope, from which death resulted. - The Postmaster of Crediton, on behalf of the postal authorities, joined with the Deputy Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Father-in-law Causes Unpleasant Scene. Inquest Verdict. - The Deputy Exeter Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, into the circumstances surrounding the death of ELLEN MATTHEWS, wife of MR ARCHIBALD L. MATTHEWS, of 179 Cowick-street, whose body was recovered from the Basin, on Sunday. - The husband said deceased generally enjoyed good health until about six weeks ago, when she fell down some stairs in the house. Afterwards she complained of pains in the back, but declined to see a doctor. Last Saturday she seemed depressed and went to bed for a while. Coming down about 3 o'clock in the afternoon, she spoke to witness with reference to visiting a doctor, but said she would not go if anyone accompanied her. She left the house about 5 o'clock, saying she was going to Dr Gates by tramcar. She kissed him before going. As she had not returned by 7.45, witness telephoned to Dr Mabel Gates, who informed him that deceased had not been to see her. Inquiries were made and the Police informed. - Deceased's father, MR ALFRED HURD, intimated that he wished to put a number of questions to the witness, and, among others, asked: You said that she kissed you before going out at 5 o'clock in the afternoon? - The Deputy Coroner: He made that statement. - MR HURD: He also said that she refused to have a doctor at all these six weeks. Does it not occur to you that a woman who kisses her husband before she goes would be subject to his authority if he wished to have a doctor for her? - The Deputy Coroner (to witness): Your father-in-law wants to suggest that if you were on ordinarily affectionate terms with your wife you could have persuaded her to have a doctor. - Witness replied that he had endeavoured to persuade his wife to see a doctor but was unsuccessful. On one occasion, noticing a doctor's car near his shop, he told his wife he was going to call in the doctor. He left the shop and his wife promptly locked the door. - The Deputy Coroner: She had a very strong objection to doctors? - Witness: She had a strong objection even when she was well. - MR HURD (to witness): This kissing occurred at 5 o'clock. Was that an ordinary daily occurrence? - Witness: It was. I was most affectionate with your daughter. - The Deputy Coroner (to MR HURD): I should not ask any more questions of that sort. If you want to help me in this Inquiry, do so. Have you any more questions? - MR HURD: I want to ask if you don't think a man whose wife had been ill for six weeks, suffering from, shall I say, change of life, nervous depression - a very serious thing at that age, 47, - should have taken into consideration those things and looked after her and not allowed her to go away? - The Deputy Coroner (to MR HURD): Were you on speaking terms with your daughter? - MR HURD: No; I have not spoken to her for years. - The Deputy Coroner: That will do; sit down. Don't you ask any more questions unless you are requested. - MR HURD: Right you are. - P.C. W. Gribble deposed to being informed that deceased's body was in the water at the Basin, and to recovering it. - Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to drowning. - The Deputy Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," said it was well-known that many women objected to medical attention. As to the questions put by the father-in-law he did not think he need refer to them. There was no doubt that MR MATTHEWS would have liked his wife to see a doctor.

EXETER - Fatal Fumes. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning From Coke Dump Fire. Exeter Tragedy. Circumstances connected with the death of CHARLES MANNING SEAGE, aged 47, of 26 Poltimore-square, an auxiliary member of the Exeter Fire Brigade, who died while engaged in extinguishing a coke dump fire at the Exeter Gasworks, were investigated by Mr Hamilton Brown, Deputy City Coroner, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon. - Mr Vosper, on behalf of the City Council, expressed sympathy with the relatives in their bereavement. Mr W. N. Weslake, engineer and General Manager, represented the Gas Company. Mr C. G. Gates, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also present. - Arthur John Sercombe identified the body. - Supt. Pett stated that the Fire Brigade was called on Thursday to the Gasworks, where a coke dump was alight. After consultation, it was decided to cut through the coke to isolate the fire from the remainder of the dump. Deceased was left in charge with three other firemen. The next morning (Friday), on receiving a telephone message, witness went to the Gasworks, where he saw deceased under-going artificial respiration as well as Fireman Penberthy. SEAGE was unconscious, but Penberthy was not. Witness immediately sent for Dr Stokes. None of the men complained to him about any fumes. As a matter of fact, he did not smell fumes, although he was at the fire for a considerable period. There was steam. By Mr Gates: There was no sulphur gas, only vapour. The coke was scalding hot. Irons were thrust down 12 feet into the dump to discover the depth of the fire. It was deeper than 12 feet. There was a certain amount of steam, but no suspicion of danger to the men who were moving about the dump or stack quite freely. - Fireman Clapp said that occasionally he could not see the other men working on the dump for steam. He heard a shout, and, going to the spot, found Penberthy lying down unconscious. When witness came off the stack he "felt nearly gone himself, feeling sick and choking." Witness and Fireman Bowden returned to the stack and then found deceased. This time witness was nearly overcome on the stack. They, however, brought SEAGE to the ground. - Fireman Bowden said he noticed the stack was getting a bit warm on Friday morning and SEAGE told him to telephone to Supt. Pett. Before telephoning Fireman Clapp told him to come back quickly because he could not get any answer from deceased and Penberthy. The two men were found on top of the stack. Deceased was lying on his face and hands. Five minutes before witness did not notice any fumes, but was getting a little dry in the throat. The stack was warmer at that time than during the night and a little blue flame was visible. - Dr Stokes said that when he arrived deceased was in the mess-room at the works and artificial respiration was being applied and oxygen administered. He could not detect any sign of life. He considered the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning generated from the coke. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr Weslake, on behalf of the Directors of the Company, expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives and with the Brigade in the loss it had sustained. This was the first time in living memory that there had been a fatal accident at the Works. - Supt. Pett also expressed sincere sympathy on behalf of the Brigade and referred to the great loss he and his colleagues had sustained by the death of SEAGE.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 January 1926
EXETER - Fatal Rabbiting. Inquiry Into Sowton Farmer's Death. Irony Of Fate. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on ERNEST JAMES BURGOIN, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday, as the result of a shooting accident at Sowton on Thursday. - George Ingleton, accountant, of Dymond's Farm, Sowton, identified the body of deceased, who was 29 years of age, and a farmer living at Dymond's Farm. When witness saw BURGOIN at the Hospital before he died, the latter said to him, "It was a pure accident." - Edwin Wills Lane, a mental nurse of 8 East Wonford Hill, Heavitree, said he was with BURGOIN and a Mr Corry, who were shooting rabbits at Sowton on Thursday. Corry had a gun under his right arm with the muzzle pointing to the ground. BURGOIN produced a packet of cigarettes, and then witness heard the report of the gun, but did not see the accident, as he was looking in another direction. - P.C. Worden of Clyst St Mary, spoke to examining the gun carried by Corry. The front barrel, which the last witness told him was the one that discharged, was very tender. BURGOIN told witness that Mr Corry need not be upset, as the affair was a pure accident. - Leonard Corry, tailor, of Ivy Cottage, Heavitree, said he was carrying his gun in the crook of his right arm. He was standing away from the hedge at the time. - Dr J. S. Hovell, House Surgeon, said BURGOIN was admitted on Thursday suffering from gunshot wounds in the left thigh. On Sunday morning gas gangrene set in, and death occurred in the afternoon. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Deputy Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased and with Mr Corry, who, he said, was in no way to blame, as the accident was one of the regrettable incidents that did occur at shooting parties. - MR BURGOIN served in the Royal Devon Yeomanry throughout the war and saw service in Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine and France without any mishap.

BARNSTAPLE - Lace Hand's Death. Barnstaple Inquest. - The Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary yesterday concerning the death of ERNEST JOHN CLEMENTS, an unemployed lace hand, of Newington-street, Barnstaple. MRS CLEMENTS, the widow, said her husband was 44 years of age. He went to a football match in Barnstaple on Saturday and on returning home complained of pains in his head and went to bed. An hour or so later, when she took him a cup of tea, she found he was dead. Dr F. L. Thomas said the post-mortem examination revealed a diseased heart, the other organs being healthy. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. MRS CLEMENTS is left with five children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 January 1926
HONITON - Fatal Fall. Sidmouth Octogenarian's Death Hastened. Inquest Evidence. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, conducted an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM WEBBER, aged 84, formerly of 4 West View, Newtown, Sidmouth, who died the previous day in the Honiton Poor-law Institution Infirmary, where he was admitted following an accident. - EDWARD JAMES WEBBER, blacksmith, son of deceased, gave evidence of identification. He last saw his father alive the previous day in the Infirmary. He could see his father was sinking. On October 23rd the deceased met with an accident. According to what he told witness, deceased was standing on the sea front at Sidmouth, looking at the storm damage, when a girl, who appeared to be alarmed at a horse that came round a corner, knocked into him and he fell over. He sustained injuries to one of his legs. Witness added that his father was suffering from creeping paralysis, from which a doctor said he would have eventually died. - Beatrice Margaret Channing, widow, of Holndale, Sidmouth, said she was standing outside the York Hotel, when the incident occurred. The driver of the horse shouted to deceased. The latter appeared to turn suddenly and fall, catching one leg in the other. - Ernest John Meacy, bank clerk, of Sidmouth, gave similar evidence. - Dr C. M. B. Case, Medical Officer of the Honiton Poor-law Institution, said WEBBER was admitted on November 27th from the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital. He was suffering from a fracture of the left femur, and his general condition was bad, in any case he had not long to live. Death took place on the previous day from congestion of the lungs, cystitis and prostatitis, and was accelerated by the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

ILFRACOMBE - A Fatal Fall. Sad Death Of Fremington Farmer. Inquest Story,. - MR JOHN BALE, a well-known North Devon agriculturist, of Lyddicott Farm, Fremington, died at Ilfracombe, on Tuesday, under sad circumstances. - MR BALE, who had always enjoyed good health, came to Ilfracombe on December 24th for a holiday, staying at No. 2 Collingdale Villas. On the 26th he went with relatives to one of the local cinemas, and on returning shortly after 8 o'clock, slipped and fell on the pavement. As he was in considerable pain the next morning, Dr Osborne was called in and found that MR BALE was suffering from dislocation of the shoulder. An anaesthetic was administered with the aid of Dr F. Longridge, and the dislocation was reduced. He was getting on very well and made arrangements to return to Fremington on Tuesday. On being assisted into a car he became unconscious and expired almost immediately. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital yesterday afternoon. - MR ARTHUR BALE, deceased's son, said his father was 77 years of age and had always enjoyed good health. - Mr Arthur Christopher Jackson, who was with deceased when the accident occurred, said MR BALE appeared to swerve off the pavement as though he had slipped and he fell face forward. He was assisted to his rooms and the next morning it was seen that his shoulder was very swollen. Dr Osborne was then called in, and found that his shoulder was dislocated. After the dislocation had been reduced, MR BALE got on splendidly and expressed a wish to return home on Saturday. Dr Osborne said this was too soon, and arrangements were made for his return home on Tuesday. A car had been hired from Barnstaple to take him all the way by road. He was helped downstairs and into the car. After he had been in the car a few minutes a change came over him and he collapsed. He was dead when the doctor arrived. - Dr Osborne said deceased went on splendidly after the dislocation had been reduced and he last saw him alive on Monday. a post-mortem examination revealed that there was advanced fatty degeneration of the heart. Death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by the shock of the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 8 January 1926
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Woman Who Bled To Death. - As the result of a fall, SYLVIA THIRZA TONKIN, aged 52, unmarried, daughter of MRS TONKIN of Spring Hill, Tavistock, bled to death, the tibial artery being severed. At the Inquest, Monday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. P.C. Mock said deceased had evidently stood on a wash-hand basin which was a fixture on the wall and put her arm through a hole in the roof to clear the shute. The basin, which had a flaw in it, had broken and deceased had fallen to the ground.

SANDFORD - At the Inquest held at Sandford Wednesday afternoon by Mr Hy. Gould, District Coroner, relative to the death of JOHN GILMORE, 59, labourer, a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. Evidence was given that deceased had been medically attended for influenza and bronchial pneumonia, but his health improved. He had shown no signs of depression or suicidal tendency. Dr C. Pratt said that from the position of the gun found between deceased's legs, he thought the deceased probably placed the barrel in his mouth.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 January 1926
SEATON AND BEER - The death occurred suddenly at No. 3 Westcliff-terrace, Seaton, of MRS MARTHA W. PHILLIPS, wife of MR W. T. PHILLIPS, of The Retreat, Grove-avenue, Yeovil. Dr A Smart was summoned, but could only pronounce life extinct. Deceased was 68 years of age. At the Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr R. B. Dunning, Dr Smart said the cause of death was heart failure and a verdict accordingly was entered.

HONITON - Labourer's Death. Payhembury Incident. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquiry on Saturday evening into the death of GEORGE STREAT, of Higher Haskins, Payhembury. Evidence of identification was given by MRS ELIZA COOMBES (daughter). Deceased was 69 years of age and a farm labourer. On December 27th her little boy called to her, "Grandfather has cut his throat." She went to the linhay and saw deceased standing with his back towards her. Blood was flowing from his throat, and she went for assistance. Her father was worried about his eyes, and was often depressed. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. The knife produced belonged to deceased. He had informed witness he trimmed his beard with it. - HECTOR JOHN VALENTINE COOMBES, aged 6, said his grandfather had a knife in his hand. - John Pope deposed that on going to the linhay he saw deceased in a stooping position. Asked what he had done, deceased replied, "I was going to trim my whiskers, when the knife slipped." Witness had heard him complain of his eyes, but had never heard him say he wished he was out of it. - Dr Hope Gill said the wound was "V" shaped and jagged. He thought it might have been possible to have inflicted it with the knife produced accidentally when trimming his beard. - Dr Christine Mary Bathurst Case, Medical Officer to the Honiton Union, spoke to dressing the wound after deceased was admitted to the Infirmary. It was very inflamed. Death was due to septicaemia, which witness attributed to the debilitated condition of deceased. - The Coroner entered a verdict of "Death from Septicaemia following an Accidental Self-Inflicted Wound."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 January 1926
TIVERTON - Tiverton Death. Coroner To Write Bampton Council. Dangerous Steps. - At Tiverton Hospital last evening an Inquest was held on ROBERT FRANCIS NICHOLSON, 56, retired commercial traveller, Bampton, who died in the Institution on Saturday evening following an operation for a fractured femur that would not unite. The widow said that on November last deceased slipped on some steps leading from a pathway to the road in Fry-street, Bampton, and broke his left leg. - Dr Nicholson said the bone would not unite and Dr Dyball (Exeter) performed the operation to put in a plate. Deceased was under the anaesthetic over two hours, and he died afterwards from shock and heart failure. The operation was necessary if deceased was not to have been a cripple. - P.S. Goodland described the steps as narrow and dangerous and the Coroner (Mr Clutsum) in returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, said he would write the Bampton Council on the subject.

Western Times, Friday 15 January 1926
BUCKLAND BREWER - Septuagenarian's Death At Buckland Brewer. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Buckland Brewer on Saturday on the body of WILLIAM HOOKWAY ELLIS, a farmer, aged 70 years. Dr Anderson said death was due to heart failure owing to deceased over-exerting himself through walking up a hill too fast.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 January 1926
EXETER - Motoring Tragedy. Inquest On Honiton Clyst Youth. The Verdict. - At the Court House, Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of AARON STANLEY RETTER, aged 20, son of MR AARON RETTER, of Holbrook Farm, Honiton Clyst, who, as reported in the "Gazette", succumbed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital from injuries received when his motor cycle collided with Arthur Hitchcock, of Holbrook Cottage, Honiton Clyst, on the Honiton - Exeter main road on Sunday night. Hitchcock, who is a farm labourer employed by MR RETTER, is still in the Hospital suffering from injuries which are likely to necessitate his detention for at least a fortnight. - AARON RETTER, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification and said his son lived with him and worked on the farm as an assistant. Deceased had ridden a motor-cycle for about three years, being the owner of a Rudge machine, which he had had for about twelve months. He was a careful rider. On Sunday the 10th inst., about 3.15 p.m., he left home to visit his uncle at Honiton. Witness expected him home about 10 p.m. Deceased, however, did not return. Witness knew nothing of the accident until he saw an account of it in a newspaper. Deceased was not a teetotaller, but he never took much alcoholic liquor. - Dorothy Ponsford, of Southbrook Cottage, Rockbeare, stated that the house in which she lived was on the same side of the road as the Crown and Sceptre Inn. Last Sunday evening, at about twenty minutes past 10, she was standing outside her cottage door when she saw the light of a motor-cycle approaching. The motor-cycle was on its proper side of the road and was going towards Exeter. Witness saw nobody else in the road. The engine of the motor-cycle did not sound to be working properly. It was making an unusually loud noise. The machine passed witness and had gone about 200 yards along the road when she heard it collide with something. Witness then heard groans and proceeded to the spot. She saw deceased on the ground. He was lying flat in the roadway. The handlebars and front wheel of the motor-cycle were resting on his feet. He was unconscious. Witness also saw Mr Hitchcock, who was sitting in the roadway. She saw nobody with him. the motor-cycle passed her at a reasonable rate of speed. - P.C. White, of Broadclyst, deposed that he was informed of the accident on Sunday evening by Mr Goss, of Exeter. The two of them went for Dr Orr-Ewing. The accident occurred about fifty yards on the Honiton side of the Crown and Sceptre Inn. Deceased was unconscious and bleeding freely. Mr Hitchcock was also there. The latter's son was with him when the accident occurred, but he was unable to give evidence. The lad was not altogether strong mentally. Witness said the road was 23ft. wide at the scene of the accident. About 6ft. from the near side of the road - the correct side for deceased to have been riding - there were marks caused either by the near pedal or the foot rest of the motor-cycle. These marks were 16ft. in length. There were no marks of tyres or anything suggestive of a skid. Witness added that RETTER was riding a very old Rudge. In order to start the engine the rider had to use two pedals. When down, these were only about 2 ½ inches off the ground. Witness suggested that this fact might have accounted for the motor-cycle falling over when it collided with the pedestrian. - Dr Hovell, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said RETTER was admitted about 12.50 a.m. on the 11th inst. He was unconscious and suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull and a fractured nose. He died at about 2 a.m., the cause of death being the fracture to the base of the skull. In answer to the Deputy Coroner, witness said he was still treating Hitchcock, whom he had asked to state what happened. All he could get from Hitchcock was that the motor-cycle overtook him. Hitchcock would not be well enough to give evidence for at least a fortnight. - Detective Annett (Coroner's Officer) said he interviewed Hitchcock at the Hospital. Hitchcock said he was walking along the main Honiton road on his left-hand side when the motor-cycle overtook him. He heard no warning sound. Hitchcock, said witness, was not deaf. - The Deputy Coroner: He does not seem to know much about it? - Witness: Very little; all he seems to know is that he was knocked down. - The Deputy Coroner said it appeared that no good purpose would be served by adjourning the Inquiry. Detective Annett had taken a statement from Hitchcock. The latter did not seem to have heard the motor-cycle. He was walking on his proper side of the road, and deceased was also on his proper side. Both were going the same way. Accidents did occur in which motor-cyclists even with a good light overtook pedestrians without seeing them. Fortunately, in this case, the pedestrian was not killed, but, unfortunately, the motor-cyclist did meet his death. The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed as a result of falling off his motor-cycle on the main Honiton-road, through coming into collision with a pedestrian.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 January 1926
WERRINGTON - A Mystery. Death Of A Lad At Werrington. Inquest Adjourned. - The circumstances surrounding the death of GEORGE MURRAY MERRIMAN SELWYN, aged 10, son of MR W. N. S. SELWYN, formerly a well-known explorer, now living in retirement at Wilkey Down, Werrington, were Inquired into by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. J. Atkinson, and a Jury, the Inquest being adjourned until February 1st, to enable the contents of the stomach to be analysed. - The father said his son went to bed last Wednesday evening between 10 and 11. He appeared quite well then, but about midnight he complained of pains in the back of his head. From that time up to about 5 in the morning witness kept putting up cold water to the back of the neck and the lad appeared to be slightly relieved. About 5 o'clock he asked for some tea. He was then very highly strung, but seemed to be depressed rather than in pain. After having the tea he went to sleep. About 8 a.m. witness noticed deceased's face was livid and his lips black. He was, apparently, not breathing, but witness ascertained his heart was beating and gave him eight drops of sal volatile in some warm tea, which he drank. After taking this the lad's lips became normal in colour, and his cheeks resumed their rosy appearance. A little later he became worse and witness sent a message to Dr Glennie, of Launceston, but before the Doctor arrived the lad had further attacks. Dr Glennie or his assistant was in attendance from 11 until the lad died at 5 p.m. Witness added that he could not account for the lad's condition. He was always very highly strung, but had led a healthy, happy life. He had his ordinary meals on the Wednesday, but witness had ascertained that during the dinner hour, while attending school at Yealm Bridge, he bought some sweets at a local shop. Witness always carried morphia in solution in a bottle on his own person, but never left it about in the house. He used the morphia, on a doctor's prescription, for asthma, from which witness had suffered since a child. There were no other drugs in the house. The boy could not have got at the morphia. Deceased was not insured. - Dr Glennie said he found the lad breathing with difficulty, the lips were very blue in colour and the pupils of the eyes dilated. He was comfortably warm, and his temperature was normal. The pulse was sometimes good and sometimes disappeared altogether. There was no moisture on the skin and from his general appearance witness thought he was suffering from poison, and the only one he could think of was opium. Witness added that he gave the lad 1-60th grain of strychnine about 12.45 and he appeared better. About 3 p.m. he gave inhalations of oxygen and the lad considerably improved, the pulse becoming almost normal. the oxygen gave out at 4.15 and another cylinder was sent for, but it arrived a few minutes after the lad died. Witness was away from 3.15 to 5 p.m., but his assistant remained with the lad during his absence and gave oxygen. He thought the remedies MR SELWYN gave before his arrival were as good as circumstances permitted. - Dr D. Gailbraith, Launceston, who conducted a post-mortem, said he could find no immediate cause of death. The body was quite normal, healthy and well nourished. The finger nails were blue, the ears somewhat blue and the lips a brilliant scarlet. The only abnormal feature he found in the body was in the brain, which was enlarged with blood, and, therefore, heavier than usual. He removed the viscera, but it in a sealed packet and handed it to P.C. Kelly, the Coroner's Officer. The condition of the brain must have arisen from some internal cause and he thought that death was probably caused by poison of some kind. - P.C. Kelly stated that he had ascertained that deceased purchased a pennyworth of sweets at a shop at Yeolm Bridge, Werrington. Witness had since made purchases at the same shop of a pennyworth of sweets from each of three bottles kept on the counter of the shop. The shop-keeper had informed him that those were the only sweets in the shop sold at a penny an ounce, and that pounds of them had been sold without any complaint being received. - In order to allow time for the analyst's report on the contents of the stomach the Inquest was adjourned until February 1st, as stated above.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 January 1926
DARTMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest on the victims of the wreck near Dartmouth of the London barge Lord Kitchener - HERBERT AMBROSE (mate), and CHARLES MCCANN (cook).

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 January 1926
BERE FERRERS - Farm Tragedy. Story Related At Bere Ferrers Inquest. Verdict Of Suicide. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Colly Town Farm, Bere Ferrers, yesterday, concerning the tragic death of a Naval pensioner named FRANCIS JOHN PASCOE, aged 65, whose body, considerably decomposed, was found in a loft on the previous day at the farm, where he had been employed as a farm labourer. - Edwin Francis Viggers, farmer, said he had employed deceased since June last. On Saturday, 2nd January P.C. Dymond had called with a warrant for the arrest of the deceased, in respect of arrears due for the maintenance of his wife, who was living at Saltash. Witness had offered to advance the money by cheque to the Constable, but he was not sure if the deceased had understood that. He had disappeared immediately after and witness had reported the fact to the Police. On Tuesday witness went up into the loft to obtain bedding for some bullocks, and in removing the straw with a pitchfork, uncovered the body. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the deceased left no letter behind. - Florence Childs, an employee of the previous witness, said that on January 2nd she saw from the separator shed, the deceased rush down past the house and a few minutes later rush back again. - P.C. Dymond said that the warrant had been for £13 18s. On two previous occasions similar warrants had been issued against the deceased and he had paid up. Deceased had said that he could not pay the money until his pension came. He had seemed quite calm and normal, and had asked to see his master. He had asked the latter to lend him the money and Mr Viggers had said he would make out a cheque for the amount. There had been some discussion between witness and Mr Viggers as to the cheque, and deceased had said he would go and "finish the cows." When, the same evening, PASCOE was reported to be missing, 300 to 400 acres of woodland were searched. When, following the discovery of the body in the loft, witness visited the farm and found the body on its left side with a razor clenched in the right hand. A deep gash in the throat had severed the windpipe. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide by Cutting his Throat with a Razor, there being no evidence as to deceased's state of mind at the time."

Western Times, Friday 22 January 1926
WOOLFARDISWORTHY (EAST) - Young Woolfardisworthy Farmer Hangs Himself. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, held an Inquiry at Woolfardisworthy, Mid-Devon, yesterday, into the death of FRANK WEBBER, twenty-six, Higher Minchindown Farm, Woolfardisworthy, who was found hanging from a beam on January 20th. - ELSIE WEBBER, widow of deceased, said her husband got out of bed on Wednesday morning about nine o'clock and had his breakfast. As witness was coming in from milking she saw him going across the yard, and gathered that he was about to feed his cattle. Deceased's father came to witness and asked for his son as they were going to work together. Not finding him, they made a search, and witness eventually found him lying on the ground. - Deceased had been depressed for the last six months and seemed to take his work and everything he had to do as a worry. They had been married since April last. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. - CHARLES WEBBER, farmer, Lower Minchindown Farm, said deceased was his son. He left witness in April last to be married. They sometimes worked their farms together and witness had expected him about 9.30 that morning. As he failed to appear, he made a search and found him hanging by a rope to a beam. Witness cut him down and saw he was dead. His son had complained of pains in the head. - Medical evidence was called and death was attributed to asphyxia. - The Coroner returned a verdict "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 23 January 1926
TOPSHAM - Exeter Suicide. Pedlar's Depression And Dread Of Choking. "Driving Me Mad." - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," at an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY WILLIAMS, aged 65, a pedlar, of 19 Preston-street, Exeter, whose body was recovered from the Canal on Wednesday. - MARY ANN WILLIAMS, the widow, gave evidence of identification, and said deceased did not go to bed on Tuesday night as he said he was afraid of being choked. About 3.30 on Wednesday morning he said he must go out to get some fresh air. At seven he returned and got witness some tea. She advised him to go to bed, and he did so. An hour later he dressed and sat by the fire. He said to her: "MARY, I can't stand this much longer; it is driving me mad." Witness urged him to remain indoors while she went to her work. At 2.15 in the afternoon she found deceased had gone out. As he had not returned by the evening she became alarmed and made inquiries. Witness remained up all night. The next day the Police informed her that a body had been found in the Canal, and she later identified it. During the last three months deceased had suffered in the throat and was afraid of being choked. He was often depressed and several times threatened to take his life. He had been medically treated, and was waiting for a bed in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Thomas Shorland, of the Drawbridge, Countess Wear, said he was walking along the Canal Banks, when he saw deceased jump into the water near the lime kilns, at 4 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon. The spot was about a quarter of a mile from him. Witness fetched his clothes prop from the kiln and got to the spot in a couple of minutes. Deceased was floating, with a basket on his back. With the aid of the prop witness got him out quite easily, and then discovered a bag, containing several heavy tools, fastened round the man's neck. After five minutes' artificial respiration he saw signs of life and half an hour later WILLIAMS seemed to have come round. - Dr B. M. Young, Topsham, said he examined deceased on the banks about 5 o'clock and found respiration had been restored, but the skin was extremely cold. Deceased was suffering from extreme shock, exposure and immersion. After three-quarters of an hour witness had WILLIAMS removed to a cottage and applied hot[water bottles, massage and stimulant. There were hopes of recovery if deceased could stand the shock, but he seemed very weak and was debilitated and thin. Deceased died from shock caused by immersion and cold. - P.C. Willis said that, as deceased seemed to have recovered after treatment at the cottage, he sent for a car to remove him to the Infirmary. Just after the doctor had left he had a relapse and died within a few minutes. Further efforts at artificial respiration were unsuccessful.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 26 January 1926
PINHOE - Broken Neck. Retired Exeter Farmer's Fatal Fall. Inquest Evidence. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday morning on the body of RICHARD JOHN NEWBERY, aged 80, retired farmer, of Marsh Barton, Alphington, which was found lying in a field on Polsloe Priory Farm, Pinhoe, on Saturday, with the neck broken. - Evidence of identification was given by ALFRED EDWARD NEWBERY, son of deceased, who said his father lived with him at Marsh Barton. Witness last saw him alive at 4.30 p.m., on Wednesday, in Marsh Barton-lane. Deceased was going in the direction of Exeter. As he did not return, witness informed the City Police in the night. Witness added that his father had previously been to Exeter, and, finding he had no money, he returned to fetch some. It was after this that witness last saw him. Witness did not think his father was conversant with the neighbourhood where he was found. About 12 months ago he went away and was found at Honiton Clyst. He was then brought home by a friend. On that occasion, he appeared to have lost his bearings, and was also suffering from loss of memory. - Leslie Stephen Taverner, of 10 Lansdowne-terrace, Holloway-street, Exeter, groom, stated that he was exercising a horse, and, when going down Minchin Lake-hill, he looked across the valley and noticed what appeared to be a man on the ground. On investigation witness found this was the case and gave information to the Police. - P.C. Holman stated that, at about 1.15 p.m. on Saturday, in consequence of information received, he went to a field on Polsloe Priory Farm, near Minchin Lake Bridge, Pinhoe, where he saw the body of deceased near the lower gate. Deceased's feet were under the gate and his head was lying out towards the field. The body was in a straight position. A walking stick was beside the body. Deceased's hat was on the ground. The occupier of the field told witness that he had not been there since the 14th inst. and there was no stock in the field. Witness formed the opinion that deceased had attempted to get over the gate, which was fastened, and, in doing so, fell backwards. His neck appeared to be broken. He appeared to have been dead some time. On the body witness found, among other things, a bank book, papers, £20 in pound Treasury notes, a 10s. Treasury note and 19s. 11d in silver and coppers. - Mr V. F. Farr, Surgeon, of Pinhoe, said deceased's neck was broken. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," caused by the deceased falling and breaking his neck.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 January 1926
EXMOUTH - Tug Master's End. Death Of MR W. MITCHELL At Exmouth. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth Court House, yesterday, touching the death of WILLIAM MITCHELL, master of the Exeter City Corporation steam tug, Venture II., whose death took place at No. 11 Boathouse, The Docks, Exmouth, on Sunday evening. Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, conducted the Inquiry without a Jury. - EDWIN PHILIP MITCHELL, brother of the deceased, said he last saw his brother alive about a fortnight before Christmas at Falmouth. He had been complaining for several years as a result of a blow on the top of the head which he received while serving in the Royal Navy. Deceased was a master mariner and lived at 107 Victoria-road, Exmouth. He was about 59 years of age. When witness last saw deceased he was in his ordinary condition of health. Witness believed deceased was looking after No. 11 Boathouse for Mr Norman Dray, but he did not know what deceased was doing at the boathouse on the Sunday evening. Deceased was a married man, but had not lived with his wife for some years. - Miss Mabel Penwarden, of Morton-crescent, Exmouth, stated that on Sunday evening she met deceased, who was an old friend, on the sea front. He appeared very shaky and ill, and, after a short walk, he said he wanted to go to the boathouse. He seemed so ill that witness was afraid to leave him, and when he got there he complained of feeling worse. He then made a sudden exclamation and fell down, with blood pouring from his mouth. Witness ran outside and knocked at the door of a neighbouring boathouse. Colonel birch, who answered the knock, returned to the boathouse with witness, and then summoned a doctor. In reply to Inspector Bastin, Miss Penwarden said deceased had a little port and whisky at the boathouse. The drink belonged to Mr Dray, and deceased had full control of it. - Inspector Bastin informed the Coroner there was no question that deceased had full access to the bungalow and its contents. - The Coroner said he wished to give Miss Penwarden an opportunity of clearing herself of any suggestions that might be made, and Mr H. Linford Brown, who appeared for Miss Penwarden, elicited from her that she went with deceased to the bungalow simply because he was ill. She knew he was in the habit of looking after the bungalow for Mr Dray. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said she saw deceased for a few minutes on Saturday night, when he told her he was unwell, and had been to the doctor. - Lt.-Col. Charles Birch said when he was summoned by Miss Penwarden he went to the bungalow and saw CAPT. MITCHELL who he knew very well, lying on the hearthrug. Deceased had evidently lost a tremendous lot of blood. - Dr R. S. Thomas said he had attended deceased on and off for 12 years. Deceased had had a serious operation to his throat, and often suffered from difficulty in breathing and rheumatism. Witness last saw him alive on Saturday evening, when he complained of weakness and shortness of breath, and humorously said he could not run as well as he used to do. Witness prescribed for him and told him to go carefully. He was very cheerful when they parted, and on the following day, on responding to an urgent telephone message, witness was horrified to find him dead in a pool of blood at No. 11 Boathouse. He had evidently burst a large blood vessel and death had been instantaneous. In the examination on Saturday witness had not detected anything like an aneurism, but deceased had evidently had one, which was often the case, and he was thus liable to sudden death at any time. - The Coroner said the cause of death was perfectly clear, and he would not have held an Inquest, but for the circumstance that deceased was a married man living apart from his wife, and was found in the bungalow alone with an unmarried lady. He thought it only fair, if there was any kind of impropriety, as he had no reason to think there was, that Miss Penwarden should have the opportunity of having the exact facts elicited in public.

Western Times, Friday 29 January 1926
EXETER - Exeter Youth's Suicide. Fractured Skull And Spine At The Neck. Inquest's Dramatic Turn. - Sensational developments marked the Inquest at Exeter last evening on the body of WILLIAM HENRY MINGO, aged 18, of 27 Alphington-street, Exeter, who was found lying in a dying state in a passage at the back of his home. - It was first presumed that he had fallen and broke his neck, but from evidence given at the Inquiry it appears that deceased had thrown himself from a window. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, questioned witnesses as to whether they had ever heard deceased threaten to take his life, and when he produced a letter in the deceased's handwriting he remarked that he had found some difficulty with the witnesses in the case. They did not seem to have helped one very much, and, excepting for the letter, the handwriting of which had been identified, he would have had great difficulty in making up his mind as to how deceased came by his death. - In the letter deceased said, "I am sorry to have to put you in such a predicament, but I found it was the only way to get rid of my bitter enemies," and then referred to money and about disposing of property. That, said the Coroner, showed that while deceased was writing the letter he knew he was going to die. He must at the moment have been contemplating suicide. - Mr Brown returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - HENRY MINGO, hairdresser, of 27 Alphington-street, identified the body as that of his son, and said deceased was employed at the Vulcan Stove Works, and was in the Coldstream Guards two years ago. He was discharged from the Army because he was not old enough. He had since suffered from giddiness and seemed to "lose his legs." Eight years ago deceased was knocked down by a motor-car and sustained two nasty scalp wounds. Deceased had been attended by Dr Carroll, but witness did not say how long ago. Deceased did not come home until 11 o'clock on Tuesday night. Witness was then in bed. His wife asked witness if he had heard a "thud and moaning in the backyard," and he went down into the yard passage, and saw his son lying on his back. Deceased was very excitable, but got on all right at home. He was very partial to witness, who had never heard him speak of suicide. - The Coroner then handed a letter to witness and asked him to identify the writing. - Witness: I could not swear by it. I seldom saw it. - The Coroner: He (deceased) refers to having some bitter enemies. Do you know of anyone he would describe as being his bitter enemy? - No. - WILLIAM MINGO, butcher, of 28 Alphington-street, uncle of deceased, said when first found, deceased was without boots, coat or waistcoat. A wire clothes line that ran across the passage was broken. Deceased was unconscious when found. - The Coroner: Would you say deceased was a normal man? - Yes. A fine fellow. - Was he excitable? - He was at times, sir. - You know of no reason why he should do away with himself? - No. - You know of no bitter enemies? - He seemed to be liked by everybody. - Miss Whitfield, of James-street, Exeter, said she was friendly with deceased and had been for 2 ½ years. He was usually cheerful. On Tuesday night they went to the Hippodrome and left about 10.40. Deceased took witness home and seemed normal. Witness identified writing as that of deceased. - The Coroner: You have no idea why he should write you a letter? - None at all. I was more than surprised. - Have you any idea of these bitter enemies? - None whatever. - Detective Annett stated he visited the spot where deceased was found, and found the winder right over the spot where deceased had fallen, and the broken clothes line was directly in the line of fall. The window was about 30 feet above the ground. - Dr Beards, of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said MINGO died five minutes after admission on Tuesday. He had made a post mortem and found the skull fractured and also the spine at the neck. The injuries although consistent with a fall could have been possible by falling backwards on a hard floor. - The Coroner thought the only explanation of the position in which deceased was found, and the fact that the clothes line was broken, pointed to the fact that he must have jumped, or fallen from the window. The letter, however, did away with his having fallen out; he must have jumped out. He found deceased Committed Suicide, under great mental stress as shown in the letter, and his earlier giddiness. He returned a verdict as stated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 January 1906
EAST BUDLEIGH - Salterton Lad's Death. Medical Theory. - Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Budleigh Salterton, yesterday, on ALBERT ERNEST SKINNER, aged 10, who, as reported in yesterday's "Gazette," fell dead in the street the previous day while returning home from school. - Evidence given by the father, ALBERT EDWARD SKINNER, of Clyst Hayes Farm, Little Knowle, showed that up to the age of seven the lad had been subject to epileptic fits, but had apparently recovered from them. - Dr T. C. Evans of Budleigh Salterton, attributed death to a violent epileptic fit, and put forward the theory that the boy had a fit, fell backwards in an awkward position and never recovered. The lungs and brain were congested, but the heart and other organs were healthy. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 February 1926
WERRINGTON - Boy's Death. Result Of Analysis In Werrington Case. Natural Causes Verdict. - Mr G. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, resumed at Withey Down, Werrington, the Inquest into the death on January 14th of GEORGE MURRAY MERRIMAN SELWYN, aged 10 years, son of MR W. M. S. SELWYN, formerly a geographical explorer, and now of no occupation. The Inquest was opened on January 18th and adjourned from that time until Monday to enable an analysis to be made of the viscera of the deceased, there being a suggestion then put forward by the medical men present that death might have been caused by poison of some kind. - At the resumed Inquiry, P.C. Kelly deposed to having handed to the County Analyst on January 19th the viscera in the sealed jars and three packets of sweets which he had purchased at a local shop and of the sort that deceased was said to have bought and eaten on the day prior to his death. - The Deputy Coroner then read a letter from Mr Thomas Tickle, Public Analyst, of Exeter, dated January 28th, stating that having examined the viscera he had found no poison. - MR SELWYN, father of deceased, recalled, said that about 7 a.m. on the day of his death deceased was lying in his mother's arms, but was jerking very violently from time to time, but not constantly. He nearly jerked himself out of bed. - Dr Glennie, of Launceston, recalled, said that, after hearing the Analyst's report and the further evidence of MR SELWYN that day, he might venture a diagnosis of convulsions with coma. The cause of the convulsions he could not say; he had known children who had died of convulsions, to cause which nothing had been found at a post-mortem. The death, in his opinion, was due to natural causes. There were no bruises or anything unusual about the body. - The Jury found that death was due to coma following convulsions arising from natural causes.

EXETER - Sudden Death. - A case of sudden death was Inquired into at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown. The case was that of HARRIET MARY SLUGGETT, aged 49, wife of MR S. SLUGGETT, butcher and purveyor and charabanc proprietor of Alphington-street. MRS SLUGGETT died on Tuesday morning, a few minutes after sitting down to breakfast. Dr C. J. Vlieland said deceased, whom he had known for many years, was apparently a healthy woman. He attributed death to apoplexy. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Sudden Death. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest the Court House, Exeter, into the death of JAMES STENNER, aged 38, of 22 Brunswick-road, St Thomas, who died at the Friernhay Institute on Monday evening. JAMES STENNER, a Great Western Railway guard, said his son, who was an iron moulder, had been in bad health for twelve months. He was a member of the Friernhay Institute and occasionally went there in the evening. Albert Thomas Webber, 94 Fore-street, Exeter, said he was playing billiards at the Institute about 7.15 on Monday night, when deceased entered the door. He looked ill. Witness thought he was going to collapse, caught hold of him, and, with assistance, put him on a couch. He was semi-conscious. He was brought round after ten minutes and attempted to get up. He was put on a chair, vomited and again collapsed. For a quarter of an hour artificial respiration was tried, but STENNER died. Dr Hyde said deceased had tumours on the spinal cord, which probably caused haemorrhage of the brain, which resulted in death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 February 1926
COLEBROOKE - Shying Horse. Colebrooke Farmer Sustains Fatal Injuries. Coroner's Inquiry. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Pennyland Farm, Colebrooke, on LEWIS GILLARD, farmer. - Deceased's son, WILLIAM GILLARD, said his father, who was 72, left home about 9.30 a.m. on January 30th with a horse and trap for Chagford. His father had made complaints about the horse being shy of motor traffic, but witness believed that was due to his father's nervousness. Witness had driven the horse himself and found it quite all right in traffic. Deceased was brought home injured the same day. He was conscious, but could not tell witness what had happened. - Bernard John Lyddon, motor garage proprietor, said he was driving a motor car from Chagford to Exeter on January 30th. As he came round the corner at Crossways, Chagford, about 2.30 p.m. he saw a horse and trap driven by deceased about 25 feet away. Witness was driving at a moderate pace. As he approached, deceased began to shout, but witness did not see him hold up his hand. Witness put on the brakes as hard as he could, but did not stop the engine. Before he could stop, the horse turned round, backed and the trap came into contact with the motor. Witness called to deceased to know what he was doing, but received no reply and the horse bolted. Witness saw the trap strike the hedge twice and then observed deceased on the ground. He did not see the man actually fall, but the horse galloped on with the trap when deceased fell out. Two men went to deceased's assistance. Witness fetched Dr Hugo and a Police Constable, and also ordered a car to convey deceased home. When witness came round the corner he saw no signs of fright on the part of the horse; indeed, he did not realise it was frightened until it turned round. When he first saw deceased he was standing up in the trap and continued to do so when the horse bolted. - William Stephens, Lower-street, Chagford, steam lorry driver, who was working near by, said that, hearing shouts, he ran out and saw a horse and trap across the road and, apparently, across a motor car. The horse gave a couple of plunges and bolted down the road. Deceased was standing up, with one foot on the shaft, as if he wanted to get out, but had the reins in his hand. Subsequently the trap hit the hedge, deceased fell out, and the horse freed itself from the trap and galloped on. Witness assisted to move deceased. He afterwards found that one of the shafts of the trap was broken. - P.C. Membury said deceased was taken into a carpenter's shop near by. Blood was coming from his nose and mouth. Dr Hugo rendered first aid and witness removed deceased to Pennyland Farm. - Dr Hugo stated that he found deceased to be suffering from shock and recovering from the effects of concussion. Two ribs on the right side were fractured; there were bruises on the right side, and abrasions on the forehead, nose, knees and hands. He attended deceased until he died. He attributed death to shock, as a result of the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was caused Accidentally.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 February 1926
CHUDLEIGH - Butler Hangs Himself. Chudleigh Sensation. - An Inquest has been held at Stokelake House, Chudleigh, concerning the death of MARTIN LUTHER BLOOMFIELD, who was found hanging in his bedroom. Deceased only arrived at Stokelake House on Monday evening from London, taking up the position of butler to Mrs Sheepshanks, and his wife was going to follow later. In a letter which he left for his wife he said he could not live without her and that he was in great pain. - The Inquest was conducted by Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner. Evidence of identification was given by MRS BLOOMFIELD, wife of HERBERT WILFRID BLOOMFIELD, deceased's brother, of Stamford-street, Blackfriars, London. - Dorothy Compton, lady's maid at Stokelake House, said she last saw deceased on Tuesday evening, when he appeared bright and in good spirits. - Frank Elson, chauffeur to Mrs Sheepshanks, spoke to seeing deceased on Tuesday afternoon, when he appeared normal. The following morning witness was sent for at 8.45 as the butler was not up. On going to his bedroom he found deceased lying on the floor. Witness tried to lift him up, but discovered he had hung himself with a strap and was dead. - Dr H. B. Walters (Chudleigh) said death was due to strangulation. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and expressed deep sympathy with Mrs Sheepshanks and the widow.

DURHAM - The death has taken place of MR WINFRED JOHN PONSONBY, younger son of the REV. S. G. PONSONBY, Chancellor of Exeter Cathedral, Rector of St Mary le Bow, London and formerly Vicar of Stoke Gabriel. Deceased was found on the railway near Durham. He was an undergraduate of Durham University. At the Inquest a verdict of "Suicide, there being no evidence to show the state of mind," was returned. CHANCELLOR PONSONBY, who had given evidence of identification, was greatly perturbed at the verdict and expressed his surprise. "I thought misadventure or accident might have explained it," he said. The Deputy Coroner replied in the negative. The father: "I am exceedingly sorry at the verdict, I cannot think he meant to take his life."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 February 1926
CULLOMPTON - Cullompton Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday, at Cullompton, concerning the death of JOHN GEORGE COLEMAN, cattle dealer, aged 50, who was found hanging the previous evening in a loft at the Market House Inn, Cullompton, where he had been lodging. Evidence was given by Arthur Denner, licensee of the Market Inn, that COLEMAN had been worried about the prospect of becoming blind and had also suffered from indigestion.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 13 February 1926
EXMOUTH - ELIZA MOORE, aged 65, a spinster living with her sister, MRS J. WANNELL at 28 Bicton-street, Exmouth, died suddenly on Thursday evening in the kitchen at 4 Albion-hill, where she was employed as a cook by Mr H. Seymour Ghosley. At the inquest, held yesterday afternoon by the Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. N. Tweed, Dr D. L. H. Moore gave evidence that death was due to heart trouble.

BEAWORTHY - Fatal Shunting. Acting Stationmaster's Death At Hole Beach. Inquest Story. - At Halwill Junction Hotel, Beaworthy, yesterday, Mr H. C. Brown, without a Jury, held an Inquiry respecting the death of CYRIL BRIMBLECOMBE, a single man, aged 21, acting Stationmaster at Hole Beach, Torrington, on the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway, who was killed in the Station yard on Wednesday afternoon. - OWEN BRIMBLECOMBE of Callington, brother of deceased, gave evidence of identification. - Sidney Williams, of the relief staff, Southern Railway Company, said he was at Hole Station when shunting operations were in progress. Hearing a shout he went towards the truck at the rear near the stop block and there found deceased, who was pinned between the stop block and the draw bar. The engine was moved and deceased dropped; he might have been alive but never spoke. Witness could not account for deceased being near the stop block. There might have been something to do about the truck which deceased noticed and being in charge would go to see to it. - Reginald Squibb, engine driver, said he was shunting with an engine and eight waggons, picking up one. The guard did the usual and regular signalling to witness, and he carried out his instructions, and went to the truck at ordinary speed as carefully as he could - practically at no speed. - Frederick Hunt (guard) corroborating, said he did not know deceased was at the stop block and gave no sign to him. He saw the road was clear before he gave the driver the signal to come back. - Dr Candler, of Black Torrington, said death had occurred before his arrival. There were marks on the left side of the chest and also on the left forearm and deceased was frothing from his mouth and nostrils. There was no sign of any fracture and death was due to shock, following the injury received. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 February 1926
EXMOUTH - Boy's Death. Fatal Result Of Enlarged Thymus Gland. Danger Of Shock. - The circumstances of the death of WALLACE EDGAR COULTHARD, the seven-year-old son of MR and MRS H. W. COULTHARD, of 13 New-street, Exmouth, were investigated at Exmouth Court House yesterday afternoon by Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, and a Jury, of which Mr F. Hayne was Foreman. - HARRY WALLACE COULTHARD, father of the deceased lad, said he last saw the child alive on Monday evening at 4.30. He was then at home and appeared in fairly good health. Witness had been advised by Miss Frayling, the Health Visitor at the school, to have the child examined by Dr L. H. Moore. Dr Moore advised an operation for adenoids, and the child was admitted to Exmouth Cottage Hospital on Monday evening, being taken there by his mother. The child was nearly eight years old and attended the Exmouth Council School. The first time witness knew the child was suffering from adenoids was about a week ago, when he was taken to Dr Moore. - Dr D. L. H. Moore, of Exmouth, said he could not say when he first saw the deceased child. He saw a large number of children and put them on a list to be operated upon, afterwards advising the Cottage Hospital so that they could be sent for, as opportunity arose. Witness examined the child immediately previous to the operation. Dr Moore, in reply to the Coroner, said he had better not answer the question of who sent the child to him, because he would be answering simply what had been recalled to him. He saw the child in his consulting-room, but whether he was sent as a school clinic case or not witness could not say. The child, however, was entered as a school case. He found deceased to be suffering from nasal obstruction from adenoids and septic tonsils, which he advised should be removed. There was no indication on Tuesday that the operation should be postponed, and it was a matter of necessity it should be done. There was no question of postponement. There was a slight external soreness of the nose. - The Coroner: Do you know if the School Medical Officer was going to recommend him for operation for adenoids, but considered the time not ripe for it? - Witness: No, I do not. Dr Moore added that he commenced the operation at 11.20 a.m. the previous day. Dr Thomas administered the anaesthetic and witness completed the operation for removal without incident. He found a large degree of nasal obstruction, but there was rather less haemorrhage than was usually the case. After the operation witness was assisting to settle deceased on the trolley to be returned to the ward, when he stopped breathing. Artificial respiration and stimulants were immediately applied and persisted in for about three-quarters of an hour, but the heart had stopped breathing almost at once, and did not recommence. One could only guess, but obviously the primary cause of death was heart failure. The anaesthetic was administered without incident, took the usual time and the child began to come around immediately after the operation. Only very light anaesthesia was needed for tonsils. In witness's opinion, death was due to some idiosyncrasy on the part of the patient, rendering him liable to heart failure on receiving an anaesthetic. Witness had performed many similar operations - probably between one thousand and fifteen hundred for adenoids and tonsils alone, and had never previously had a fatal case. Every precaution was taken in this case and rather more than usual, because there was an electrical appliance present for stimulating the heart. - Dr R. S. Thomas, of Exmouth, said he knew the boy and examined him before giving the anaesthetic. The heart action was then good and the boy took the anaesthetic (chloroform with a little ether) very well. When ready Dr Moore removed the tonsils and adenoids. The boy was under the anaesthetic from five to ten minutes. In witness's opinion, the operation was very necessary. Deceased did not bleed as much as was usual. They were about to send him back to the ward when he suddenly stopped breathing. Everything possible was done in the way of artificial respiration and the administration of restoratives, but deceased's pulse did not return, although he breathed once or twice. After persisting for over half an hour the efforts were abandoned. In witness's opinion, death was due to some condition of the patient which would render an anaesthetic fatal and such condition could not be previously ascertained. - Dr G. F. C. Walker said on the previous day he performed a post-mortem examination and found status lymphaticus, due to an enlarged thymus gland, a condition which made the patient subject to sudden death from slight injury, shock, or a little anaesthetic. - The Coroner: Would you confirm the view of the other doctors that death came about in consequence of the anaesthetic? - Dr Walker: I should not like to say so. I have read the subject carefully and a great many now think that the slightest shock to a patient like that would cause sudden death. It might be the anaesthetic, and possibly was. That view has been accepted for a long time, but recently they have found a case of bathing where a patient has not been immersed in the water long enough to drown, and it was found death was due to shock. In another case a hypodermic syringe was inserted, and the patient died from the shock before the serum had taken effect. The condition always produces paralysis of the hart and death in the present case might have been due to the operation and the anaesthetic combined. Unfortunately, it is a condition which cannot be diagnosed. I am not surprised that Dr Thomas found the heart action good, for there would be nothing by examination of the heart to show that this was going to happen. The chief work on this subject has been done in Germany and America, because you do not get these cases until they are dead. Such a condition is usually found in children, but it is occasionally found in adults. I should like to add that if this child had lived and received any sudden shock he would probably have gone, quite apart from this operation. If he had gone bathing he might have died straight away. The operation was quite a proper thing to do. We have a number at the Hospital, but this is the first case of this kind I have known here in eight years. I examined the stomach and found there was no loss of blood, which shows the operation was done skilfully and carefully. - The Coroner said in all cases where a patient died under an anaesthetic or death followed the administration of an anaesthetic, an Inquest was desirable and necessary, not because it was necessarily suspected there was any negligence on the part of the doctors, but rather to dissipate any suggestion which might be made that there was such negligence. The doctors concerned were, as a rule, only too anxious an Inquest should be held and he had purposely called a Jury so that full publicity might be given to the case. He believed the Jury would be satisfied that everything was done that could have been done and that death was due to some cause which could not be detected by the two doctors who performed the operation. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

EXMOUTH - Heart Failure. Exmouth Boatman's Death In A Lodging House. Shock For Room-Mate. - Taking a cup of tea to his room-mate at Exmouth common lodging-house yesterday morning, Frederick Saunders, a casual labourer, found that in the short time since he left the room the man had died. The matter was investigated by the Coroner for East Devon, Mr Cyril N. Tweed, at Exmouth Court House yesterday afternoon. The deceased man was GEORGE PYNE, aged 78, a local fisherman and boatman. - HENRY PYNE, brother of the deceased, said he last saw deceased alive about a week ago, when he complained that he was not feeling too well. Deceased was a boatman, and had formerly been a mercantile seaman. He would have been 78 years of age in April. - Frederick John Saunders said he shared a room with deceased at the common lodging-house, 3 Fore-street, Exmouth. Witness heard deceased groaning early that morning and he said to witness, "I'm bad." When witness got up at 8 o'clock deceased asked him to get a cup of tea and some brandy, and added, "I am dying." Witness procured a cup of tea for deceased, but when he took it to the bedroom PYNE appeared to be dead. Witness had known deceased for years. - Henry William Batten, deputy at the lodging-house, said deceased had lived in the house for about three years. On the previous evening at about 8.30 deceased told witness he was going to bed, but he did not complain. That morning Saunders told witness he had found PYNE dead. - Dr R. S. Thomas said death in his opinion, formed from a post-mortem examination, was due to advanced disease of the aortic valve of the heart. Deceased had old-standing pleurisy and some recent bronchial catarrh. The valves of the heart were in such a condition that deceased was liable to sudden death at any time. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 19 February 1926
HONITON - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr Cyril N. Tweed, concerning the death of MRS JESSIE TRATT. Dr D. S. Steele-Perkins said in his opinion death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, accelerated by a fall. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 February 1926
EXETER - Road Ridge. Chudleigh Knighton Motor Cyclist's Death. Tragic Ride To Dance. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, yesterday on CHARLES BROOKS, 29, single, of Chudleigh Knighton, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the previous day as the result of an accident in which he was involved while riding a motor bicycle. - JAMES BROOKS, Chudleigh Knighton, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification. His son left home about 7.30 p.m. on February 12th on his motor cycle, which he had had for about 18 months. About an hour later he was brought home injured and a doctor was summoned. Deceased thought he had broken a rib. - Miss Frances Gill, Chudleigh Knighton, said she went with deceased on February 12th to go to a dance at Teigngrace School. Witness rode pillion. After they had been riding about ten minutes, they got to a bend in the road near Mr Lang's farm. Just before they got to the bend there was a jerk and they fell off. They were not talking at the time. She thought they had got against a ridge in the road. Assistance was forthcoming and deceased was taken to his home with witness in a car. Almost immediately afterwards deceased said to her, "It's that ridge." - William Thomas Steer, of Heathfield, said he knew the bend, and was there about 7.40 on the evening of the accident. Witness was facing the motor cyclist, who did not give him the impression of travelling fast. Suddenly the machine swerved a little to the right and he saw both riders fall off to the left. - P.C. Horn (Newton Abbot) gave evidence that on February 14 he went to the spot where the accident had taken place. There was a ridge for 25 feet about an inch above the road. No one could say the road was dangerous; the surface, apart from this ridge, was quite good. Deceased was a careful driver. - Dr Beards, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was suffering from shock and abdominal injuries. He was operated on the same day as admitted and recovered from the operation, but died on Thursday. Witness had made a post-mortem and attributed death to laceration of kidney and other injuries. - The Deputy Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" said no doubt the skid or side-slip was caused by the ridge described by the Constable.

AXMINSTER - An Inquest has been conducted at Axminster by Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, respecting the death of WILLIAM MILLER CHARLES, of Lower Watchcombe Farm, Shute. Dr Crockford said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 February 1926
EXMOUTH - Woman's Death. Fatal Beginning To A Holiday Trip. Exmouth Incident. - On her way to Exmouth Railway Station, yesterday morning, MRS SARAH ANN ELLIS, aged 68, a widow, of The Ingle Nook, Marsden, near Huddersfield, fell in the street at the junction of Victoria-road and Point-road and expired almost at once. She was about to spend a few days with friends at Weymouth and was accompanied by her son, with whom she had been staying at Exmouth since Christmas. Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Exmouth Court House. - SAMPSON ELLIS, son of the deceased, of 10 Mamhead View, Exmouth, said his mother was staying with him in Exmouth and arrived at about Christmas. Yesterday morning witness left the house with deceased about 8.50 to go to the Railway Station to catch the train for Weymouth, which left at 9.42. They walked up Victoria-road, and went to cross the road to go up the back road by the railway line, to the Station. Witness was just stepping on to the pathway and deceased was two or three yards behind, when he heard her say, "Oh, SAM," and turned to see her falling. Attempts were made to revive deceased and witness sent for a doctor. Deceased had had bread and butter, an egg and tea for breakfast. Witness and deceased were going to stay for two or three days with friends at Weymouth. She had not been attended by a doctor since November, at Huddersfield. A couple of weeks ago she commented that if she walked a long way she felt discomfort in the chest. She had not otherwise complained and had no domestic worries. The doctor ordered deceased to go south, and in consequence she took up residence in Exmouth. Witness understood the trouble was connected with the heart, but during the time deceased had been at Exmouth she had not needed a doctor. - Mrs Lucy Hedger, of 10 Mamhead View, Exmouth, said deceased and her son were lodging with witness. They came on December 19th. Deceased had never complained of feeling ill, but said she believed she was suffering from a weak heart and that she must not walk uphill. She said she had never had any real illness. Witness last saw deceased alive as she went out of the door to go to the Railway Station, and she was then bright and cheerful. Deceased's room was on the ground floor, and she did not have to use stairs. - Dr D. L. H. Moore, of Exmouth, said he was called to Point-road, Exmouth, at 9.5 a.m., and found deceased at the junction of Point-road and Victoria-road. She was lying on the pavement and life was extinct. Witness had subsequently found the heart slightly fatty, but otherwise healthy. There was slight kidney disease and the brain was congested. He considered the cause of death was congestion of the brain, due to an old clot of blood becoming dislodged. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 February 1926
BOVEY TRACEY - Mr E. Hutchings, District Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at the Town Hall, Bovey Tracey, respecting the death of ROBERT CHARLES MORRELL, of Courtenay-street, Newton Abbot, whose death occurred at Forder Farm, Bovey Tracey, on Wednesday, as a result of an injury received while at work the previous Saturday. Mr J. Mason, of Newton Abbot, attended on behalf of deceased's employer (Mr Samuel Payne, contractor, Newton Abbot) and Mr R. J. McGahey attended on behalf of deceased's family. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner sympathising with the relatives. Mr Mason also associated himself with the expression of sympathy.

Western Times, Friday 26 February 1906
SIDMOUTH - Determined Suicide. Wife's Tragic Discovery At Sidmouth On Sunday. - Sitting without a Jury, Dr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for the District, held an Inquest at the Sidmouth Police Station, Monday afternoon, relative to the death of WILLIAM STANDFORD COATES, of Hive Cottage, Church-street, Sidmouth, who committed suicide in a most determined manner on Sunday evening. - MRS KATE ELIZABETH COATES, widow, said on Sunday about 5.30 p.m., she left her husband in the living-room, and went to make up the fire in the front room. While away, she heard a sort of rustling noise and called out, "What's that, WILL?" Receiving no reply she returned to the living room to find her husband had gone to the scullery at the back, and on looking in that direction she perceived him near the sink tottering and covered with blood. She rushed towards him and succeeded in steadying his fall. He made no reply to her question of "What have you done?" and believing him to be dead she ran out of the house for assistance. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said her husband had suffered from sciatica, for which he had been medically attended. He had also complained of pains in his head, and although he had never threatened to take his life he had declared that the pain he suffered would drive him mad. He was 47 years of age last Thursday, and they had always lived happily together. to the best of her knowledge her husband had no financial worries. - Charles Davey, gardener, related how he was called by the last witness and on going to the house found deceased on his back with a razor in his right hand. - Dr B. Cohen said deceased had an enormous wound in the throat, which had in all probability been inflicted with a razor. There were three incisions, the largest starting 1 ½ inches below the left ear and reaching right across and above the larynx to 1 ½ inches below the right ear, severing all structures down to the spine. Death must have been almost immediate. - Summing up the Coroner said it was a very sad case. Undoubtedly COATES had suffered intense pain, which had caused him to temporarily lose his mental balance. He had no hesitation in returning a verdict accordingly.

TORQUAY - The Deputy County Coroner, Mr T. Edwards, held an Inquiry at Torquay on Monday, concerning the death of DR JOHN F. BOYES, aged eighty-five, of Wellswood Park, Torquay, who met his death on Sunday afternoon as the result of a fall from an upstair verandah at his residence. - Dr J. Harley Gough said deceased had been a patient of his for some years and suffered from senile decay and chronic heart trouble. He had no suicidal tendencies whatever. When called at 1.30 p.m. on Sunday he found him lying on the lawn. His jaw was broken, and he attributed death to concussion of the brain. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 March 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Inquest. Pottery Worker's Death. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Newton Abbot, last evening, on WILLIAM BARBER, 51, pottery worker of Vale-road, Newton Abbot, who died in Newton Abbot Hospital on Thursday night. John Babbage, driver, in the employ of the Devon General Omnibus Company, said he was driving along the Torquay road about 5.45 on February 19th, when he saw deceased riding a cycle in front of him. They were just approaching a part of the road where half of it had been concreted but was not yet open to vehicular traffic. Witness sounded his hooter and was in the act of passing deceased when the latter swerved right across in front and was knocked off his machine. The only explanation witness could give of deceased's action was that he attempted to cross over to the concrete which was used by cyclists. Corroborative evidence was given by two men employed on the road reconstruction scheme and also by William Wallen, of Torquay, who was cycling in the opposite direction at the time. All expressed the opinion that no blame was attached to the driver and that he did everything he possibly could to avoid an accident. Dr J. Culross stated that deceased, when admitted to the Hospital, was suffering from a number of injuries, including a compound dislocation of the left thumb, a scalp wound, and very severe bruises on the upper part of the back. He progressed satisfactorily for three days, after which pneumonia set in. He did from septic pneumonia as the direct consequence of the injuries which he received. The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and exonerated the driver from blame. He expressed his sympathy with the widow and relatives of the deceased, as also did Mr Martin Alford, on behalf of the driver and the Devon General Omnibus Company.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 March 1926
MORCHARD BISHOP - Morchard Tragedy. Rush From Cottage. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Morchard Bishop yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN EDWARDS, 34, who died on Monday after being knocked down by a motor car. - ELIZA EDWARDS of Red Hill, Morchard Bishop, mother, said deceased was mentally afflicted, could not talk and had no occupation. She last saw him alive when he ran out of her cottage which abutted on a narrow road. He was fond of tea and had intimated he wanted some. She told him the kettle was not boiling and that he could not have tea then. Deceased threw down the tea-pot he had in his hands, and rushed out of the cottage. - Alfred John Southern, chauffeur, said he was driving a car past the cottage when deceased ran out into the vehicle and was thrown down. Witness, who was going about 10 miles per hour, pulled up and the car did not go over deceased, who, however, was rendered unconscious. Witness blew his horn and drove carefully, because he knew deceased was in the habit of rushing out of the cottage. He went for Dr Pratt. - Dr C. Pratt, of Morchard Bishop, said he thought deceased had a fracture at the base of the skull. He died the same evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 5 March 1926
WARKLEIGH - Tired Of Life. North Devon Farmer's Body Found In Stream. About A Foot Deep. - "Just a line before I go. I am tired of this life. I have not enjoyed good health for several years. Dr Good knows the reason, so I think I shall be better off out of it." Thus ran a note found in the coat pocket of SAMUEL YEO, aged 32, whose dead body was found on Sunday morning in a tiny stream on Greendown Farm, Warkleigh, which he farmed with his brother. At the Inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, Tuesday, deceased's mother, MARTHA YEO, said when she retired to bed on Saturday night she left deceased sitting in the armchair reading a newspaper, as he intended seeing to the sheep, which were lambing. Receiving no reply when she called him next morning she went to his bedroom, and found his bed had been unoccupied and a search was made for him around the farm. Deceased appeared quite normal the previous day, and she knew of nothing worrying him. She was puzzled why he should have committed such an act. Witness identified the note quoted above and produced, as being in deceased's handwriting. Asked if her son had been ill, witness said he had never been well since he came out of the Army. At times his nerves were very bad. He was in the Army 2 ½ years and had frostbitten feet. - P.C. Windsor, of Chittlehampton, spoke to joining in the search for deceased, and to finding the body, lying face downwards, in a narrow stream which was about a foot deep. He was quite dead. Deceased's coat and hat were on the top of a hedge about nine feet from the body, and the note was in the breast pocket. - Dr A. S. Good, of High Bickington, attributed death to drowning. He had attended deceased for nervous depression, the last occasion being in March of last year. - "He says in the note, 'Dr Good knows the reason," remarked the Coroner, "Did he ever threaten to take his life?" - "No," replied the witness, "But there is always the possibility in those cases." - "Could you detect any signs of insanity at all?" further enquired the Coroner. - Witness replied that the border line was too fine to differentiate. One never knew when nervous depression would suddenly get more acute. "They never threaten their lives; those who do, never actually do it." - Witness added that not having seen deceased for eleven months he thought his health had improved. - HENRY YEO, brother, said he knew of nothing to cause deceased to take his life. There had been no dispute between them. The farming was going on all right. His brother appeared in his usual health the afternoon previous to the occurrence. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," said there seemed to be no reason why he should have done such a thing.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 March 1926
EXETER - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of GEORGE BIDDER, a telegraph linesman of 34 Princes-cottages, Bonhay-road, Exeter, who died on Friday, a month after he broke his leg at Exmouth. A Jury was empanelled. Mr T. J. W. Templeman represented the relatives and Mr G. H. Snow (general manager's assistant) the Railway Company.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 11 March 1926
EXETER - Fatal Bath. Inquest On Exeter Resident. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on EDMUND C. NASH, of 35 Thornton-hill, a retired solicitor, aged 48, who was found dead in his bathroom on Monday. MRS NASH stated that her husband appeared to be all right before he went to the bathroom. When he did not respond to her call she obtained the assistance of Mr W. Congdon, who burst open the door. Mr A. H. G. Down, Surgeon, stated that the cause of death was heart failure following immersion in cold water.

Western Times, Friday 12 March 1926
DAWLISH - A remarkable story of how an elderly husband sat by and attended his wife for nearly 24 hours when she was lying on the floor of her bedroom before she died, was unfolded to the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at Dawlish on Friday afternoon, at an Inquest held on MRS WINIFRED MARY JANE RUNDLE, who died in the early hours of Wednesday morning. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. Deceased had a fall and said she felt a pain in her right ear and that side of her face. She could not get up from the floor. Her husband made her comfortable and suggested having a nurse and doctor, but she refused. Death was due to heart failure owing to the diseased condition of the heart muscles and valves. A doctor could have done no more for her than her husband had done.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 March 1926
TAVISTOCK - Man And Girl. Tragic Story Unfolded At Tavistock. Inquest Verdict. - The tragic story of a young girl's infatuation for an elderly man was unfolded at the Guildhall, Tavistock, yesterday afternoon, when the District Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, conducted an Inquest on the bodies of VIOLET GALE, aged 18, the adopted daughter of MR and MRS HART, of The Bungalow, Tavistock and HORACE ORGAN, 55, a tailor's cutter, who had recently been living in Tavistock, which were found in the River Tavy at Tavistock early on Saturday morning. A Jury, of which Mr R. Tucker was elected Foreman, was empanelled. - The Coroner, in a review of the circumstances of the tragedy, said it had been presumed that both died by drowning. As a result of a post-mortem examination which he ordered that morning, that was found to be not so. The girl was drowned, but the man died from heart disease, according to medical evidence. The story, which probably the Jury knew, was that on the previous evening the man and girl were found together in a bedroom at MR HART'S bungalow. The man was undressed and was in the bed. In order to get to the bedroom in which the girl was sleeping it was necessary to climb up a ladder. There was a trap-door on the top and in the roof of the bedroom there was a sky-light sufficiently large to enable the body of a man and woman to emerge on to the roof. Leading out of the bedroom was a sort of box-room lit by a small window. MRS HART, although directly under the bedroom, apparently did not hear anything, but she seemed to have smelt stout. - Match Message. - She called to the girl. Not being satisfied with the answer, she ascended the ladder and discovered the man in bed. She summoned her husband, who went up to the bedroom. The girl was standing by the side of the bed and the man was still in the bed with his clothes off. While he was lying in the bed MR HART set about him to some purpose and that would account for the bruises found on the right-hand side of ORGAN'S HEAD. It appeared the ladder was taken away and the door downstairs locked and MR HART went for the Police. It was thought it would not be possible for the man and the girl to get out of the room. MRS HART hard a window smash and the man and girl evidently got through the sky-light. When MR HART with the Police arrived they found the couple had disappeared. A search was made in fields and shed in the district without success. About six o'clock on Saturday morning one of the postmen on his way to work saw an object in the Tavy and went to the Post-office for assistance. The body of the girl was first found and later, about 40 yards higher up the river towards Tavistock the body of the man was discovered. Artificial respiration was tried but both were dead. An envelope was found by a Mr Hicks containing a note, apparently written by the girl with a stick or match. It was difficult to decipher, but it read:- " I am dying with the one I love, VIOLET HART. Please send this to HART, the Bungalow." - Remarkable Letter. - In the envelope was another document which was presumably written by the man. In view of what was written, the Coroner mentioned that, sometime since, MR and MRS HART had objected to the attention the man was giving to the girl and complained to the Police. The letter was as follows:- "Read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest. A few maxims for some of the descendants of the Pharisees in Tavistock. Evil be to him or her whom evil thinketh. Let ye that is without sin cast the first stone. When thou hast taken the beam out of thy own eye thou will see more clearly the mote in thy brother's. All ye damned hypocrites, liars, slanderers, blackmailers, are murderers and murderers of the 1st degree and lynching is your deserts. So take note ye Nosey Parkers, police narks, etc." - Evidence of identification was given by EDWARD HART in the case of the girl, and by George Gerry, Tavistock, in the case of ORGAN. The latter said he did not know his name was HORACE. Deceased came to lodge with witness last Saturday week. - HART'S evidence was then continued. He stated he found ORGAN was first paying attention to the girl some months ago. Witness interviewed him and said if he ever caught him with the girl again he would give him a thrashing. ORGAN said he had not interfered with her in any way at all. The girl was present then. ORGAN offered his hand and promised he would not speak to her again. The girl made no remark. They shook hands and ORGAN said "As man to man, I will not interfere with her again." Later witness complained to the Police because he heard ORGAN was still seeing the girl. - Bedroom Fight. - Referring to the incidents on Friday night, witness said he found ORGAN in bed and the girl standing by its side. Witness tried to take the clothes off, but ORGAN was holding them. He was undressed and the girl was also undressed. - The Coroner: Did you do anything to the man? - Witness: Rather. - What did you do? - I started for him with my fits on his head and neck. - Did he speak? - No. - Did the girl say anything? - Yes, "Leave him alone." - Continuing, witness said nothing was said to him about their being married. Witness fetched the Police. The girl had lived with witness twelve years, and was bright and happy. She was practically like that up to the end. Witness was continually speaking to her about ORGAN, but she always denied that she was going out with him. Occasionally when the matter was broached witness noticed flickers of momentary fear on the girl's face. He kept asking her about ORGAN because other people were talking about it. Witness heard no noise in the bedroom on Friday night. - The Foreman of the Jury (to witness): Did you point out to the girl kindly the peril in which she stood by associating with such a man? - Witness: It was at her instigation that I interviewed him. There was no anger on my part. I only pointed out the seriousness of the association. - URSULA HART, wife of the previous witness, said the girl never spoke of ORGAN unless someone else referred to him. Witness often told the girl about her associations, and warned her of the consequences. Sometimes witness spoke to the girl in anger, and other times in a most kindly way. Witness thought the intrigue had ceased, and she had not spoken about the matter to the girl for the past month. On Friday, about 10.30, witness smelt drink as she was going up the passage. VIOLET had gone to bed an hour previously. The trap-door was open - in fact, the girl seldom shut it. Witness called, "VIOLET, what is it I smell?" She replied, "Nothing, mother." Witness was not satisfied, so she went up the ladder and saw ORGAN in the bed. Witness said, "VIOLET, you are a wicked girl," but the girl made no reply. - "We Are Married." - Witness spoke to ORGAN, and he replied "Do you know that we are married?" Witness said, "You are nothing but a scamp and a blackguard." The man commenced to dress and witness left the room. She took away the ladder, but left the trap-door open. She then heard some glass smashed. - The Foreman: Had you and MR HART been out previous to the discovery of ORGAN and the girl? - Witness: I went out in the afternoon, but came home at 6 o'clock and was in the house all the time. - The Coroner: Did you hear ORGAN come in? - Witness: No. - Witness said ORGAN must have come into the house by the back door and crept up the ladder. The girl had never made any suggestion of suicide. Witness identified the note as having been written by the girl. - Elsie Cook Hicks, married, of 64 West-bridge, Tavistock, said ORGAN had lodged with her since last August and left about a fortnight ago. Early on Saturday morning she was out of bed. On looking out of a backroom window she saw a light in a lavatory opposite the house. She told her husband, but he said "Nonsense." - Witness stayed at the window, and soon the light was lit again. It seemed to be a candle. She then thought it was a tramp. Next morning Mr Hicks found the envelope (produced) in the front-door porch. He placed it on the table and witness found it. ORGAN often used to say he was "fed up." Mr Hicks went to the lavatory before he went to work and found cake, biscuits, cigarette ends and matches. Witness heard the front gate shut about 5.30. - The Foreman: Did ORGAN ever have any fainting fits? - Witness: No, but he used to give way to drink a lot. - William Doidge, postman of 6 West Bridge Cottages, Tavistock, described how he saw a body in the river on Saturday morning and heard a noise like a groan. He went to the Post-office and sent some fellow workers to the spot. - Charles Knight of 53 West-street, Tavistock, described how the bodies were recovered. The girl was scantily dressed, but had shoes and stockings on and wearing an overcoat. Artificial respiration was tried for 20 minutes without success. Witness thought the body must have been in the water more than half an hour. A man who was with witness found the man's body higher up stream. It was lying face downwards. The body was fully clothed, with the boots undone. Witness did not think the man's body had been in the water as long as the girl's. The man's body was lying as if it was a deliberate attempt of drowning. - Dr E. Fyfe Griffiths, of Tavistock, said he had made a post-mortem examination of the man's body. The lungs were comparatively free from water, and the heart was in an advanced state of fatty degeneration. There were bruises on the right side of the head which could have been caused by fist-blows. There were no definite signs of violence on the girl. ORGAN'S death was due to heart failure, following shock from immersion. - "On My Honour." - The Coroner said a note had been left at the house of a Mr Rawbone, in Tavistock (where ORGAN previously lodged), from ORGAN, in which he said: "As my heart is so bad lately, should anything happen to me please write to my brother, MR CYRIL ORGAN, of Organ and Thomas, Sussex-street, Rhyl." That gentleman had been communicated with, but said it was inconvenient to attend. P.S. Lake said the female was dressed in a green blouse, an under-vest, shoes and stockings and the man's overcoat." ORGAN was attired in a suit. There was a letter in one pocket and a small bottle of Lysol in another. ORGAN'S watch, which was in a waistcoat pocket, had stopped at 5.55. The watch was fully wound. On Friday night a thorough search was made, but no trace of the couple could be found. Witness cautioned ORGAN on February 5th about associating with the girl, and ORGAN replied, "On my honour, I will have nothing more to do with the girl." He only cautioned ORGAN as a friend. - The Jury, after a retirement, found that ORGAN had incited the girl GALE to take her life while he himself was in his right mind. They recorded a verdict of "Murder" against him and of Felo-de-se. The efforts of the postmen who had found the bodies in the river and attempted artificial respiration were commended by the Jury. - The Coroner concurred and added his appreciation of the services of the Police.

TOTNES - Dart River Tragedy. Inquest And Verdict. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Totnes Guildhall yesterday morning concerning the death of MISS ANNIE FARRIER, 26, whose body was found in the river Dart on Saturday. Deceased's sister stated that she had previously been a domestic farm assistant, but came home suffering from a nervous breakdown. She had been better lately, but was depressed and low spirited. Deceased had no other cause of trouble. Two notes produced were in deceased's hand-writing; one was a rambling letter, and she did not know to whom it was addressed. Deceased went to Torquay on Monday, but returned and went away again on Wednesday - witness thought to Paignton or Torquay. Except for fancies, deceased behaved in a reasonable manner. - Dr W. Chapman said that deceased had a nervous breakdown five years ago. He saw her in September last, when she was suffering from nervous debility. There was nothing to indicate she would develop suicidal tendencies. - Henry Syms said he was coming up the river in his fishing boat on Wednesday at 12.20 p.m., and saw a young lady walk out from the shelter by Helper's Tree. When he heard on Friday a lady's coat and hat had been found he reported the incident to the Police. - The Coroner said the letter found showed deceased was not in possession of her mental faculties, and he returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 March 1926
LYME REGIS, DORSET - Cyclist's Death. Colyton Girl's Fatal Ride To Church. Story At Inquest. - An Inquiry was held yesterday at Lyme Regis by Mr F. E. Howard, Deputy Coroner for West Dorset, into the circumstances attending the death of MISS KATHLEEN GLADYS MARY PURSE, aged 14 ½ years, who succumbed at the Cottage Hospital on Sunday evening following a cycle accident. - FRANK PURSE, father, of Coombe House, Colyton, said deceased was employed as under-housemaid at Pinhay. She had been riding a bicycle for two or three years, was strong and healthy and had been an athlete at school. - Dr H. F. Lunsden (Lyme Regis) spoke to seeing the deceased in a chair outside a Hotel, and ordered her removal to the Hospital. The only injuries he found were abrasions and signs of bruising on the top of the head: there was nothing to indicate a fracture of the skull. She was showing signs of recovering consciousness and he left instructions for the patient to be carefully watched and that he should be notified of anything untoward. About 5.45 he received notification that she had become unconscious after gaining consciousness and he arrived at the Hospital shortly after six. He then found marked signs of rapid increasing compression of the brain. He withdrew some spinal fluid to try and get temporary relief and went downstairs to get instruments to open the skull. While doing so, however, he was summoned to go up again and then found deceased on the point of death. He attributed death to compression of the brain as a result probably of the accident. The inner plate of the skull was cracked and had ruptured a blood vessel. - Alice Worrall, whose home is at Teignmouth, said she was in service with deceased at Pinhay. they left on cycles on Sunday morning to attend church at Lyme Regis. They got about 50 yards down a hill, known as Clappentail-lane, leading to the Lyme Railway Station, when deceased, who was about a yard in front, called out that her brakes had gone. Witness shouted to her to jump off or turn into the Station yard. Finding her companion did not jump she eased her own brakes and tried to keep up with her, hoping to help turn her into the Station. Witness kept within five or ten yards of deceased until the last turn, when deceased disappeared out of sight. On turning into the Uplyme-road witness found deceased hanging over some wood railings in front of the Victoria Hotel. She was still conscious and clutching the railings for support. The railings were broken and the bicycle was lying practically on the kerb. A doctor was sent for and witness rode to the Black Dog Hotel for a car. PURSE spoke to witness twice after the accident. - Answering the Deputy Coroner, witness said she and deceased had ridden down the same hill previously, and although some people might call it steep it never seemed so to her. In reply to P.S. Carter, witness said she had no knowledge that the brakes of deceased's bicycle were no good; in fact, they had been tightened up the previous week. - P.S. Carter said deceased was thrown over the railings and her head probably came in contact with the Hotel wall. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" remarking that the accident, which was a very sad one, seemed unavoidable, as there was nothing to show that the brakes were defective. He sympathised with deceased's relatives and complimented her fellow-servant on the coolness she had shown in trying to avert the accident.

TOTNES - "Victim Of Alcohol. Moreton Farmer's Death. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at Totnes by the South Devon Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, who conducted an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES ROWDEN WINDEATT, a farmer, aged 49, of Sloncombe Farm, Moretonhampstead, who died on Saturday from gunshot wounds. - SUSAN MARY WINDEATT, widow of deceased, said she heard the report of a gun while she was feeding her poultry. She returned to the house, but could not find her husband. - Albert Cuming, who was fetched by the last witness after she heard the report of the gun, spoke to finding deceased lying on the ground, with a gun between his legs and an injury in the side of the head. - Dr H. McColl said the gun was discharged at close range. Deceased was a victim of alcohol and witness thought the act was done on sudden impulse, due to a state of mind resulting from alcoholism.

EXETER - An Inquest was held by the Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. L. Brown, at the Court House yesterday, on MARY ANN KENNARD, a widow, aged 74. - WM. THOMAS KENNARD of 14 Baker-street, Heavitree, identified the body as that of his mother, who resided at Attwell's Almshouses, New North-road. - Mrs Elizabeth Bertha Peters, a neighbour, said deceased had been in good health during the four years witness knew her. Last Sunday, at 10 p.m., deceased asked her to go to her room and witness found she was sick. - Mrs Anna Maria Coleman, another neighbour, said she was with deceased at 12.309 a.m. on Monday, but at 7 a.m., witness found on going to her room that she was dead. - Dr Depress said deceased was dead in bed when he saw her on Monday morning. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found there was no definite cause of death. He thought she died of heart failure through senile decay. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes " was returned.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held on SARAH POTTER, a spinster, aged 76, of 16 South Lawn-terrace, Heavitree, who died suddenly on Monday.

Western Times, Friday 19 March 1926
EAST BUDLEIGH - Salterton Fatality. Collision Between Cyclists At Kersbrook Hill. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner and a Jury, at Budleigh Salterton Cottage Hospital yesterday Enquired into the circumstances attending the death of LESLIE IVAN GILBERT MATTHEWS, nineteen, labourer, of Kersbrook Farm, Budleigh Salterton, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a cycle accident on Tuesday evening. - MARK EMMANUEL MATTHEWS, deceased's father, asked by the Coroner how long the brake on his son's bicycle had been out of order, said he did not know. His son had been cycling for about two years. - Charles Knowles said when deceased passed him on the Salterton road he was not cycling fast. About two minutes later, on the foot of Kersbrook-hill, he found him lying in the road with his head about two feet from the wall. Close by was a lady's bicycle and the rider, Miss Pile, was also lying in the roadway. - Miss Doris Sage said Miss Pile stopped and spoke to her about thirty yards from the corner at the foot of the hill. She then mounted her cycle and proceeded towards Budleigh Salterton, and two minutes later witness heard a crash. She went to the spot and found her brother picking up Miss Pile who had not then lost consciousness, but was dazed. She became unconscious after being taken to her home at Fulhayes Farm. - Courtnay William Sage said he found both the cyclists more or less entangled in their machines. When he was removing deceased a part of the front brake of his machine fell from MATTHEWS' pocket. - Dr Semple said MATTHEWS died in the Cottage Hospital on Wednesday morning from a fracture of the base of the skull. Miss Pile was suffering from injuries to her head and would not be sufficiently well to attend the Enquiry for a month. She might be all right then, but at present she had no memory whatsoever, even to going out that day. She was still in a semi-conscious state. - The Coroner said he did not think he would be justified in concluding the Enquiry without giving Miss Pile an opportunity of saying something about the accident. It might be suggested that she was driving negligently and he wanted to rule out any suggestion of negligence on either side. - Mr J. Marks, Foreman of the Jury, said he did not think anything would be gained by prolonging the Enquiry. - Inspector Bastin said the evidence of the position of the two cyclists pointed to the fact that the lady was on her right side of the road and deceased on his wrong side. - The Coroner decided to adjourn the Enquiry for two months in the hope that Miss Pile would then be able to give evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 March 1926
UFFCULME - Fatal Delusions. Curious Feature Of Uffculme Tragedy. Inquest Story. - The Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Mr B. R. Dunning, held an Inquest at Uffculme yesterday, concerning the death of FLORA FROST, aged 61, and single, of Bridge-street, Uffculme, who died early the previous day as the result of burns caused by setting fire to her clothes after saturating herself with paraffin. - JOSEPH VENN, aged 92, of Bridge-street, said he was deceased's uncle. MISS FROST, who kept house for him, went to bed as usual on Wednesday night. Later he heard her screaming. - Mrs Patience Thomas, widow, said she had resided at MR VENN'S house for two and a half years. MISS FROST had been in fair health of late. Sometimes, however, her actions and speech were not normal. - The Coroner: Was she ever depressed? - Very often. Continuing, witness said they went to bed about nine. She said "Good-night," and there was then nothing unusual about deceased's manner. Witness had slept in the bedroom next to that of the deceased ever since she had been at the house. At 3.20 a.m. witness heard deceased go downstairs, which was unusual. She asked whether there was anything the matter, and deceased replied, "No, I'm just going down." Witness did not speak to her when she returned. Deceased bolted the door on re-entering her bedroom. Witness went to sleep again and between 5 and 6 a.m. was awakened by deceased's terrible screams, which were repeated two or three times. Calling out to her, witness got no reply and rushed to the door, asking "Is anything the matter? Can I come in?" She smelt smoke, which was issuing through an aperture at the top of the door. She rushed to Mr Morrell, a neighbour and on the way downstairs told MR VENN she thought the house was on fire. - Mr Morrell rushed to the house as quickly as possible and broke open the door with an iron bar which MR VENN had carried up. The room was choked with smoke and it was almost impossible to see anything but the flames. The window was thrust open to admit air. The body was on fire and Mr Morrell extinguished the flames with a carpet and jug of water. Deceased was dead. There was plenty of paraffin about the room and an empty oil can was near the bed. - The Coroner: Do you know anything about her mental condition? - She has been very queer off and on, with strange ideas, for some time. Answering further questions, witness said that deceased was in a Mental Institution for about five months. - Frederick Thomas Morrell, chauffeur, Bridge-street, said that, finding the door of the room locked, he forced it with an iron bar. The room was dense with smoke. He threw a rug over the burning body of the deceased, who was dead. - P.C. Needs (Uffculme) spoke to finding the partially-dressed body of deceased terribly burned and charred. The legs had been tied together just above the ankles with string. The body and bedding were saturated with paraffin and under the body he found a box of matches. Deceased was lying on her back, quite naturally, with her hands crossed on her chest. He could find nothing to throw any light on the affair. - Dr F. F. Laidlaw said the arms and upper part of the body were badly burned. Deceased's uncle was worried about the state of her mind and witness had attended her. Eighteen months ago she went to the Devon Mental Institution. He was told that just before he certified her she made an attempt to drown herself. She had had a delusion that she was the object of contempt in the eyes of the public and was afraid to go out, faring that she would be scorned. She was at the Institution for about six months. He had seen deceased several times since her return and she seemed normal. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 22 March 1926
OTTERY ST MARY - Fatal Flames. - Mr C. N. Tweed, the East Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at Ottery St Mary, on Saturday, on MRS LENA HAWKINS, aged 79, who sustained fatal burns while in bed on March 18th. The evidence showed that deceased was discovered enveloped in flames in her bed and it was assumed that she had overturned a lighted candle. Miss Elsie Kingwell, who was in the house, rushed to the room and wrapped deceased in the bedclothes. By this means she succeeded in extinguishing the flames, but MISS HAWKINS was so badly burnt that she died in the Ottery Cottage Hospital on Friday. A verdict of "Accidental Death, due to shock from burns," was returned.

OKEHAMPTON - Boy Commended. - Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest, without a Jury, on Saturday evening, at Okehampton Workhouse, on LILY PARR, aged 12 years, daughter of RICHARD HENRY PARR, labourer, of Broadwoodkelly village, who died early on Friday morning in the Okehampton Workhouse Infirmary - reported in our issue of Saturday - owing to burns received the previous day at her home. Evidence was given that deceased left in the house with some younger children by her parents, who had gone to fetch a cow, was attempting to remove a kettle when her clothes caught fire and sustained serious injury. Later the same evening she was, on the suggestion of Dr Izard, removed to the Okehampton Infirmary and died there early on the next morning, after being attended by Drs. Wright and Gameson, of Okehampton. The Coroner recorded a verdict that death was due to shock, following burns Accidentally received and warmly commended John Phillips, aged 12 for his presence of mind in wrapping a sack around deceased when she was found in flames.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 March 1926
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on MURIEL OSBORNE, of Coombe-street, Exeter, aged 7 months, who die during Sunday night. BERT OSBORNE said his daughter had a slight cold but was not medically attended. MARY ANN OSBORNE said the child was quite lively on Sunday evening. Dr Gray said he considered the child died while in a convulsion, which might have been caused by a cold.

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Tragedy. Woman's Terrible End After Worrying. Coroner And Poisons. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, yesterday afternoon investigated circumstances attending the death of ANNIE REW, an unmarried woman, aged 52, who was found dead in bed at No. 8 Bicton-place, where she acted as housekeeper for her uncle. - ALBERT HARRY GARDNER said deceased was his niece and had been living with him for about 21 years. She came first as help to his late wife and had recently kept house for him. At about 10.30 on Sunday morning she went upstairs. As he did not hear anything of her he thought at first she was lying down and did not take much notice until about 1 o'clock when he went to the door of her room, and, to his astonishment, found it locked. He became uneasy, and, after a time hammered at the door, eventually breaking a panel in order to get his hand inside and unlock the door. He then found deceased in bed, apparently dead. A bottle of sanitary fluid was lying on a chair beside the bed, and there was black fluid coming from deceased's mouth. the bottle was usually kept in the scullery and witness used it when he washed his dog. Deceased brought it to him on Sunday morning for that purpose, and, after he had used a little in water, the bottle was nearly full. Deceased was in very good health up to the time he last saw her, but she had had a good deal of worry over a relative who suffered from mental trouble. She was usually of excitable disposition, but, after she had visited her relative on Friday, she was very depressed. - Dr D. L. H. Moore said he was called to see deceased between 2 and 2.30 p.m. on Sunday and found her dead. She was lying in bed on her back, and there was a fluid with a smell of disinfectant pouring out of one side of her mouth. There were no other marks on the face and the poison cold not have been otherwise than self-administered. She was dressed and the fluid had gone over some of her clothes. Death was due to shock caused by swallowing a corrosive fluid and was, probably, a matter of only a few seconds. A tablespoonful or two would have been sufficient to cause death. - The Coroner commented that deceased had, apparently, swallowed about three-parts of the contents of the bottle. There could be no doubt she was in an abnormal condition of mind, apart from the fact that there was evidence of congenital insanity, and he returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind. - Commenting on the evidence of a chemist that the fluid contained 27 per cent of cresol and could be purchased by anyone without signing a poison book, the Coroner said he was surprised a poison of that nature could be obtained so easily. A tablespoonful was sufficient to cause death, and yet there was nothing to regulate the sale of it. It seemed a rather dreadful state of things, because so much fuss was made about obtaining certain poisons. - Inspector Bastin pointed out that carbolics and other disinfectants could be obtained wholesale in drums containing one or two gallons for the purpose of disinfecting kennels and stables.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 March 1926
WINKLEIGH - Reaching To Damper. The Winkleigh Tragedy. - An Inquest was held last evening at Winkleigh Court, Winkleigh, on ETHEL FINCH, aged 19, cook. - Mary Spicer, housemaid, said that on Wednesday morning, about 8.15, when upstairs, she heard deceased scream. Deceased told witness she was reaching to the damper in the kitchen and that her dress was drawn into the bars and caught fire. - Wilfrid E. Ewart, butler, said that when he was in the pantry he heard deceased scream and found her frock in flames. He put a tablecloth round her and stifled the flames at once. - Dr J. H. Clements, Winkleigh, said he was fetched at 8.30 and found deceased suffering from severe burns on the neck, back and abdomen. She must have been all in flames. He remained with her until 12.50 when she died. Death was due to heart failure and shock, following the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 March 1926
OTTERY ST MARY - Ottregian's Death. Paralysed Man's Fall Into Stream. A Fatal Walk. - A verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" was returned by the District Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, at an Inquest at Ottery on Saturday evening on HARRY PRIGG, aged 63, formerly a labourer, whose body was found in a stream that runs alongside the Ottery-Fairmile road on Friday morning. - MRS HARRIET ELIZABETH POWLESLAND, of Dunkirk, Ottery, sister, said deceased had been living with her for nine months. About two years ago deceased had a slight stroke, but was able to get about. He left home on Friday morning about 9.30 to go for his usual walk, but at 11 o'clock had not returned and witness became worried. She went to look for him and Mr J. Burrows told her he had met deceased at 11 near a bridge going over the stream. Deceased had done no work since he had the stroke and had never threatened to take his life. - Dr R. R. Traill, of Ottery, stated that deceased had a stroke of moderate severity about 16 months ago. It was due to apoplexy and, as usual in such cases, the legs, arms and back became stiff and rigid. When walking deceased tottered and almost appeared to be falling forward. - When turning round he would have to use great care not to fall over even on level ground. He was depressed, but for the last nine months had been much more cheerful. Witness regularly treated deceased, who walked like an automaton. When he first had the stroke PRIGG hinted at suicide, but his state of mind had been better lately. Witness examined the body on Friday afternoon and attributed death to drowning. If deceased had died before he fell into the water his lungs would have been reasonably empty, but they were rather full. Even if deceased had a small stroke at the time, witness still held he died from drowning. - James Burrows, farmer, of Cadhay Bridge, Ottery, referred to his meeting deceased. They conversed on general topics and PRIGG seemed quite cheerful as on other days. When witness was returning the same way about 1 o'clock he met MRS POWLESLAND, and went in search of deceased while MR POWLESLAND and a Mr Daw also joined in it. They found PRIGG'S stick and later saw a cap in the stream. Two marks were noticed on the bed of the stream and they followed them for about 500 yards down the stream, where the body was discovered lying face downwards in 3ft. of water. - MR POWLESLAND, brother-in-law, considered the marks were made by deceased's toes as he was carried along by the stream. - He had never heard him mention suicide.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 March 1926
EXETER - Accidental. Girl Killed By Motor At Holcombe Burnell. Inquest Evidence. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest, with a Jury, at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, on the body of PEGGIE KEEVIL QUINELL, aged five, who was knocked down by a motor car outside her home at Mount Hindrance, Holcombe Burnell on Saturday afternoon, and who subsequently died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Mr F. P. Cottey appeared on behalf of the driver of the car, Thomas Wood, of Doddiscombsleigh. - Mrs Bessie Wills, of Holcombe Burnell, said the deceased was the daughter of ADA QUINELL, of Exmouth. In reply to Mr Cottey, witness said she had known Mr Woods from childhood and he always sounded his horn when passing the spot. - John Gill, of Mount Hindrance, Holcombe Burnell, labourer, said he was stood outside his cottage on Saturday afternoon talking to a man who was in charge of a horse and trap. The deceased ran out of the first witness's house right across the road in front of the car. The horse and cart was not impeding the view. The car was going very slow, having just come up a very steep hill. Witness heard no hooter sounded. Replying to Mr Cottey, he said he could not say that the driver did not sound his horn: he was talking at the time. Witness admitted that he afterwards told the driver no blame was attached to him, and that only a miracle could have saved the girl. - Thomas Wood, chauffeur, of Doddiscombsleigh, said he was driving home to Doddiscombsleigh from Exeter. He negotiated the hill at a speed of about 12 to 14 miles an hour. He sounded his hooter more than once, and he had to go a little more to his right than the left because of the trap. He did not see the deceased until she was right on the car and then there was no time to do anything. Either the off wing or wheel must have struck the deceased, and witness felt the car go over her. He pulled up in about six to eight feet. - Dr Beards, of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased died twenty minutes after her admission to the Hospital. The cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from all blame. - Preb. F. F. Buckingham, Wood's employer, and Woods expressed sorrow at the accident, and the Jury passed an expression of sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 April 1926
TIVERTON - Tiverton Death. Inquest And Funeral. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest held by Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, at The Chalet, Tiverton, concerning the death of WILLIAM ENWRIGHT LIESCHING, 58, who died suddenly after working in his garden. - MRS LIESCHING said her husband got up as usual on Thursday morning, and at 10 a.m. went to the garden to work. About an hour later he came indoors looking very ill, and complaining of pain in the chest. He sat in a chair for a little while and then went to bed. Witness stayed with him and gave him brandy, but he was in pain the whole time. She left him for a quarter of an hour, thinking he was going to sleep, and when she returned he was dead. - Dr Seymour considered death to be due to acute angina pectoris. - The funeral took place in Tiverton cemetery. The mourners were MRS LIESCHING (widow), D'Arcy and Mercy (son and daughter) and Mr and Miss McNair (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).

Western Times, Thursday 1 April 1926
COLYTON - Sudden Death At Colyton. - It came as a great shock to the people of Colyton on Monday morning, when it became known that MRS ANDREW ZEALLEY, of Colybank, had passed away during the early hours of the morning. The deceased (who had attended Divine service at the Parish Church on Sunday evening) retired to rest apparently in her usual health. About 2 a.m. she complained of want of air. MR ZEALLEY at once opened the window and gave her some brandy, also some tea; she then felt better. Between 3 and 4, after breathing heavily once or twice, MRS ZEALLEY collapsed and died. Dr McMorland was at once sent for, but he could only pronounce life extinct. An Inquest was held at Colybank on Tuesday by Mr Coroner Tweed, who, after hearing the evidence of Dr McMorland (who had made a post mortem examination) returned a verdict that the deceased died from heart failure, due to an old standing pericarditis with adhesions. Much sympathy is extended to the bereaved husband.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 April 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Bus Tragedy. Passenger's Fatal Jump At Kingsteignton. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr E. Hutchings held an Inquest on Saturday evening at Newton Abbot concerning the death of WILLIAM KENWOOD CREASY, 19, of Bitton-street, Teignmouth, postman, from injuries received at Kingsteignton late on Thursday night. - The father, a mason of Teignmouth, gave evidence of identification. - Dr J. J. Scrase described the injuries, which included a fractured spine. Deceased was conscious, and although in great pain volunteered the information that he had fallen from a 'bus. He died early the next morning from shock consequent upon the injured spine. - Robert Castle of 25 Bitton-street, Teignmouth, said he was a 'bus conductor for the Devon General 'Bus Company. On Thursday deceased (a friend of his) went with him to Plymouth. They arrived back at Newton Abbot at 9.30 p.m., and decided to return home by a later train. Witness wanted to go to Kingsteignton to see about his duties next day. They went to the Square, but found there was no 'bus, so they decided to walk to Kingsteignton. Near the Pottery Cottages a 'bus overtook him. Witness hailed it and the vehicle stopped. Both mounted the 'bus, and when near the garage witness asked the driver, Gordon Napper, to slow up, which he did and witness dismounted. There were some passengers in the 'bus, which was driven properly to the garage. Witness jumped off as the 'bus was in motion, and proceeded towards the depot. Looking back he saw deceased trying to alight from the 'bus backwards. He fell backwards in the direction in which the 'bus was going, and so far as he (witness) could see he thought the vehicle went over him, as the back of the 'bus lifted. Witness found that he was injured. - Gordon Napper, living at Kingsteignton, said he was driving the 'bus, although he had only previously driven 'buses in and around the garage. He, however, considered he was competent to drive, but had never before driven a 'bus which carried passengers on the main road. When he was waiting to go home from the shelter the driver asked him to take it home as he was not feeling well. He experienced no difficulty in driving the vehicle, as he had on many occasions moved the 'buses about the garage. There were some passengers aboard the 'bus and he picked up the last witness and someone else near Pottery Cottages. Witness slowed up by Castle's request at the garage and he alighted. He next heard the conductor tell deceased not to jump off the car, but witness took little heed of the remark, as he was within a few yards of the stopping place. Next he heard the conductor say "Stop," and he did so. On alighting he found deceased under the wheel. He extricated deceased, who appeared badly injured. - Coroner And Risks. - John William Dennis, conductor of the 'bus, said after Castle alighted deceased proceeded to go down the steps. Witness advised him not to get off, and caught hold of him by the arm. Deceased appeared to be going to stay where he was and witness proceeded to make up his way bill. Then he noticed deceased on the bottom step and witness thought he had landed all right on his feet. He next saw deceased on the ground, but had previously heard no shout. Witness did not feel any jolt of the 'bus, and ventured the opinion that the wheel did not go over him. - Frances Edwards said she was walking by Oakford Corner when the 'bus passed her. It was being carefully driven. Witness saw someone alight backwards and then heard a scream. - P.C. Friendship spoke to removing deceased to the Hospital. He did not say how the accident happened. The 'bus had been driven on its proper side. - The Coroner said he would adjourn the Inquiry until Monday (today) as he wanted to ascertain the age of Napper, who, if he was not 17 years of age, had committed an offence in respect of which he was liable to be prosecuted. Everyone sympathised with the father and family of deceased. It was amazing what risks all them took - they did not stop to think when alighting from many vehicles of the danger they ran. It could not be impressed upon the public how necessary it was to be careful, and to wait until a 'bus stopped before alighting. He would not return his verdict, which would be one of "Accidental Death" and added that there was no suggestion of any blame in regard to the management and control of the 'bus at the time of the accident. - Mr T. H. Player, Acting Postmaster, expressed the sympathy of the Newton and Teignmouth staffs with the bereaved father, and said that the deceased had a promising career.

Western Times, Friday 9 April 1926
TORQUAY - Driver's Evidence. The Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was held at Torquay Wednesday relative to the death of MISS ELSIE EWINS, a visitor from London, who died from injuries received in a motor smash when returning from a ball at the Medical Baths in the early hours of Tuesday morning. - Dr B. M. Rowe said most of the young lady's ribs on the left side had been fractured, and a penetration of the lungs, with subsequent internal haemorrhage was the cause of death. - Mr C. A. Walsh, who described himself as a motor car salesman, of Meadfoot Ridge-avenue, Winchmore Hill, London, the driver of the car, said he was 19 years of age last February, and was at present staying at Riviera as a friend of Mr and Mrs Haslam Lucas. Witness detailed the drinks he had up to dinner on Monday. - Mr Hutchings remarked that he was a young man and asked how long he had been in the habit of taking that refreshment. - Witness said at the Baths he had a whisky when he arrived, a beer, and another whisky about 12.30. He was dancing most of the evening. Coming home they got into the car and turned to face the hill. MISS EWINS was sitting on the seat, and not on the side of the car. His explanation was that he misjudged his distance on the corner, and before he knew where he was they were absolutely on the post. The road was clear, and they proceeded down the hill at a fair pace. He called 12 to 15 miles per hour a moderate speed. He did not think they were doing more than 15 miles per hour. - The Coroner remarked that it seemed to him that if the standard had not been there they would all have been in the harbour. - As the doctor stated the other patients from the accident at the Hospital, would not be fit to attend to give evidence for at least a fortnight, the Coroner adjourned the Inquest for three weeks. Mr Hutchings told Walsh he was not satisfied with his evidence.

NEWTON ABBOT - Youthful Motor 'Bus Driver Exonerated. - At the adjourned Inquest at Newton Abbot on Monday on WM. KENWOOD CREASY, a 19 year old postman of Bitton-street, Teignmouth, who met his death when he attempted to alight from a moving motor 'bus at Kingsteignton on the previous Thursday, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - He remarked that a careful inquiry had been made, and although the driver had in fact no right to be driving the 'bus, no blame could be attached as to the manner in which it was driven. He testified to the intelligent way in which Gordon Napper of Kingsteignton, the driver, gave his evidence, and said that to him he certainly appeared older than not quite 17.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 April 1926
EXETER - At an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on the twin infant male children of MR and MRS H. J. NICHOLLS, of 77 Holloway-street, Exeter, Dr Ffoulkes stated that one child had not had a separate existence and the other died through premature birth. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 April 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - The adjourned Inquest concerning the death of JOHN BRIMBLECOMBE, aged 77, of Pomeroy-road, Newton Abbot, who died after being knocked down by a motor cycle in Wolborough-street, was completed yesterday by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and stated that no blame was to be attached to the cyclist.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 April 1926
EXETER - Fatal Lockjaw. Awliscombe Man's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at an Inquest yesterday concerning the death of MR HARRY LEAT, of Awliscombe. FREDERICK WILLIAM LEAT said deceased was 33 years old and a roadman in the employ of the Devon County Council. MRS AGNES LEAT (widow) said her husband had trodden on a nail. the wound healed, but he later complained that his jaw was becoming stiff. Dr M. W. Dewhurst, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from tetanus, from which he died the next day.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 April 1926
TORQUAY- Torquay Collision. Exeter Soldier's Death. - At Torquay on Saturday, the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, opened an Inquest on Sergt.-Instructor BODYCOTE, of the 56th Field Brigade, R.F.A., whose home address is 54 St Anne's-road, Exeter, who died in the Torbay Hospital on Friday, from injuries sustained in a collision with a motor lorry in Torquay. - Evidence of identification was given by Regimental Sergeant-Major Farringdon, of the same Brigade. Deceased was a motor cyclist. Witness last saw him alive in Torbay Hospital, after the accident, when he told witness he was going from Teignmouth to Torquay, and was passing through a road, the name of which he did not know, on his correct side, when he saw a motor lorry. He sounded his horn, but the lorry crossed the road and knocked him down. Deceased was a single man, and had been in the Army for 22 years. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until Wednesday, when he intimated he would have the assistance of a Jury.

OTTERY ST MARY - Gun Tragedy. Retired Farmer's Tragic Death At West Hill. The Verdict. - The Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Mr B. R. Dunning, held an Inquest on Saturday concerning the death of RICHARD SAMUEL BRADFORD, found dead, as reported in Saturday's "Gazette," in an outhouse at Pike's Farm, West Hill, Ottery St Mary. - GLADYS IDA BRADFORD (daughter-in-law) deposed that on Friday deceased said he had seen crows taking hens' eggs and should shoot or frighten them. He took a sporting gun and two cartridges and went out into the yard. About a minute later witness heard a gun shot, and as there were no further sounds she went out to look for her father-in-law. She found him in the wash-house lying on his face, with the gun beside him. She spoke to him but received no reply. With the help of neighbours he was removed to the house, where it was found he was dead. Deceased had been unsteady on his legs lately. She had never heard him threaten to take his life. - ARTHUR GEORGE BRADFORD (husband of the previous witness) identified the body as that of his father, a retired farmer, aged 74. He was of a cheerful disposition, but had recently complained of giddiness. Deceased often used to take the gun to scare the crows. - William Rigby, who was fetched by MRS BRADFORD, corroborated the evidence of the last-named. - Dr Micklem, of Ottery St Mary, said the wound in deceased's chest was consistent with a gunshot at close quarters. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned, the Deputy Coroner finding that the gun was Accidentally discharged.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 April 1926
UMBERLEIGH - Motor Cycle Crash. Kingsnympton Man's Death. - While motor cycling to his home Captain HARRY G. V. N. FREEMAN, of Kingsnympton, was killed through colliding with the wall of the Portsmouth Arms Hotel on the main Barnstaple-Exeter road. CAPTAIN FREEMAN, who was about 38, was in the Cheshire Regiment and was disabled in the war. He had for some time resided at Wooda Cottage, Kingsnympton. He was married and has one daughter. No one appears to have witnessed the accident. The attention of the son of Mr Snell, landlord of the Hotel, who was in the yard, was attracted by the noise of the crash. Going out he found CAPTAIN FREEMAN unconscious in the road and the motor cycle near by. Dr Good, of High Bickington, was sent for, but CAPTAIN FREEMAN died within about half an hour of the accident. A possible explanation is that CAPTAIN FREEMAN might have struck a fowl and there were evidence that the machine slid diagonally across the road, there being marks on the road and on the footrests of the machine. He was then apparently thrown straight on to the end of the Portsmouth Arms Hotel, striking the top of his head. - At the Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Portsmouth Arms, Dr A. S. Good of High Bickington, stated that death was caused by a fracture of the base of the skull. The Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", there being no evidence to show how the accident occurred.

HARTLAND - An Inquest has been held at Edistone by Mr G. W. F. Brown, on GEORGE LITTLEJOHNS, 84, retired farmer. He had been crippled for many years as the result of an accident with a water cart, at Meddon, but was a hale old man. Thomas burrow, son-in-law, said about noon on Friday he found deceased unconscious outside his front door. Dr Kay gave evidence of a post-mortem examination. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Syncope, following the shock of a fall."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 April 1926
BIDEFORD - Fatal Burns. Shebbear Girl's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, at Bideford Hospital on EDITH MAUD VANSTONE, aged 16, of Pitt, Shebbear, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr T. Goaman, of Bideford, who died in the Hospital on Saturday, following burns received on the 11th. - Miss Lily Goaman, housekeeper to Mr P. Goaman, said she left the girl in the kitchen. A joint of meat was cooking, but deceased had no occasion to attend to it or to the fire. Witness was upstairs, when she heard screams and, running down, saw the girl with her clothing in flames. Witness immediately took the kitchen tablecloth and wrapped it round her, but could not put out the flames. The girl ran from one room into another, then into the scullery and put her arms under the tap, by which time witness got the flames out. Deceased was wearing an apron, print frock and flannelette petticoat. - Dr Anderson said death was due to blood poisoning following the burns. - Mr T. A. Goaman (solicitor), on behalf of Mr P. Goaman, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 April 1926
HIGHAMPTON - Highampton Fatality. - A fatal accident occurred recently at Hillock's Mills, Highampton. MR JOHN CROOT, who was living with his sister (MRS GAY), was engaged in cutting branches from trees recently felled, when it is supposed that a tree, partly suspended, fell and struck deceased on the back of his head, causing instant death. Much sympathy is extended to MR and MRS GAY in their sad bereavement. At the Inquest the District Coroner, Mr Brown, of Okehampton, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TORQUAY - Exonian's Death. Verdict Of Coroner's Jury At Torquay. Manslaughter. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, resumed the Inquest at Torquay yesterday relative to the death of SERGT.-INSTRUCTOR ROBERT GEORGE BODYCOTE, R.F.A., of 35 St Anne's-road, Exeter, who died as the result of an accident while motor cycling in Torquay on April 12th. When the Inquiry was opened some allegations were made against the driver of a motor lorry and the Coroner adjourned the proceedings to enable a Jury to be summoned. - Harry Harvey (Torquay) said that on Monday, April 12th, he was in Lymington-road, Torquay, about 2.50 p.m., with a horse and cart and saw a motor lorry pass him at a terrific speed - much too fast, having regard to the cross-roads it was approaching. The lorry did not slow down as it went up the road, and the next thing he heard was a great smash and saw that the vehicle was at a standstill. Going to the spot, he saw a motor cyclist lying on the ground in front of the car, with his machine smashed. Witness said to the driver of the motor lorry, "The likes of you chaps ought to be pulled up; you were going like a madman when you passed me down the road." The driver's reply was, "Well, I was on a straight road." Witness said, "Straight road or not, you were going too fast." Witness estimated the speed of the lorry at from 25 to 30 miles per hour - far too fast for the cross-roads. - Mrs Guest of 206 Lymington-road, who was walking with her husband, also stated that the lorry was proceeding at a fast rate. She saw the motor cyclist at the same moment the lorry crossed the road and turned to the right, meeting the cyclist, who was thrown over the handlebars. There was nothing to prevent the driver of the lorry seeing deceased, who was on his proper side. Witness heard no horn sounded. It did not appear to her that the driver of the lorry slowed down when he turned to go into the side-road. Had he done so, she felt deceased could have proceeded without harm. - Dr B. R. West, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said deceased sustained fractures of the right thigh, upper part of the right leg, one right rib, the left bone of the left leg and the left rib. Deceased died on the morning of the 16th, the cause of death being pneumonia, due to the injuries. He never lost consciousness. The longer the lapse of time the better would be the recollection he would have of the accident. On the day following the accident he would have given a clear account of what occurred. - Robert Adams Owen, of Matlock-terrace, St Luke's-road, Torquay, who was painting a house in Lymington-road on the day of the accident, said the motor cyclist was travelling at a reasonable speed on his proper side of the road and the speed of the motor lorry was reasonable. In witness's opinion the driver of the lorry took too sharp a turn to go into the Wet Hill-road. There was nothing to prevent him seeing the motor cycle. - The Coroner: Had the motor cyclist any chance of escape? - Witness: None whatever. - Lewis Frederick Palmer, of Cleveland-road, Torquay, produced photographs taken after the accident, and which the driver said were obtained before the removal of the lorry. - P.C. Harvey told the Coroner that Lymington-road was 24 ft. wide and the entrance to West Hill off this road was 38 feet. The lorry's tracks showed that the vehicle had been driven on the correct side of the road. When he saw the lorry the front off-wheel was 10ft. from the kerb of the West Hill turning. The cyclist had gone three-quarters across the 38ft opening when he was knocked down. There was a clear view up Lymington-road for 160 yards. Witness told the motor lorry driver that it was obvious the motor cyclist was on his right side and that the motor lorry had only just started to turn when the collision occurred. Asked why he turned when the motor cyclist was so close he said, "I was intent on going into the road leading to the destructor and did not see the motor cycle until it was almost on top of my lorry." On the following day witness saw the injured man in the Hospital, and he said he could tell him nothing about the occurrence. - Harold Chapman, the driver of the motor lorry, living at 2 Higher Braddons-terrace, Torquay, and employed by Burgess, of London, elected to give evidence. He said that on the afternoon in question he was driving a lorry down Lymington-road, and his intention was to turn to the right at the cross-roads to go to the destructor. The speed at which he was driving was from 12 to 14 miles per hour, and he slowed down to five or six miles per hour as he approached the cross-road and put his right arm out. As he leaned to put out his arm, a metal stay, 2in. wide, attached to the windscreen, partially obscured his vision. Just as he began to turn he noticed the motor cyclist from five to six yards away travelling towards him on his correct side. Witness immediately applied his brakes, but a crash occurred. He was 22 years of age and had been driving five years. In January he met with an accident on the same road when trying to pass another vehicle. Witness agreed that it was his duty before turning to cross a road to see what traffic was approaching. - The Coroner: The motor cyclist was struck because you cut the corner? - Witness: Yes. - Further questioned, witness said the road was clear when he put his hand out to indicate that he was going to turn. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he had never heard of a clearer case of a man meeting his death by the carelessness of another person. That was his view, but the Jury were at liberty to say on the evidence before them "We don't agree the Coroner is justified in that opinion." The Coroner asked the Jury the following question: What was the cause of death? Was the driver of the motor lorry negligent? If so, in what way? - The Jury, after consulting together in private, found that death was due to Pneumonia - a direct result of the injuries. They said that the driver of the lorry was negligent in failing to see that the road was clear of traffic before turning to his right and also in cutting the corner. - The Coroner: That is a verdict of Manslaughter.

TORQUAY - Rubbed Flex. Coroner's Comments On "Thoughtlessness." Torquay Electrocution. - The South Devon Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, conducted an Inquiry yesterday into the death of HERBERT E. GURNEY, aged 14, of Ellacombe, Torquay, who was electrocuted on the premises of Mr S. E. Hunt, a Torquay electrician, on Monday. - It was stated by two doctors that the lad was in a somewhat abnormal condition owing to a persistent thymus gland and evidence of lympthatic tissue excess in the body, and it was for these reasons that an electric shock of 200 volts killed him. Such a voltage would not usually have killed anyone unless in contact with electricity for a considerable time, and then there would have been charring of the body, of which there was none in the present case. - The Torquay Borough Engineer, Mr H. F. G. Wood, said the tubing which caused the boy's death was put in and pulled out from a rack through an opening in the cellar wall. It was obvious that the flex produced in Court had been badly rubbed in two places, and that if it became entangled with the tubing the whole of the latter would get "alive." Answering the Coroner, Mr Wood said this was contrary to safety regulations and he would say it was thoughtless. Normally, 200 volts would not kill, but in this case he imagine the boy grasped the tubing while standing on damp ground. His muscles contracted and he continued to hold the rod, sustaining the shock until the current was switched off. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he could not shut his eyes to the fact that there had been thoughtlessness, which had, unfortunately, resulted in the boy's death. He did not know whether a Jury would have taken a more serious view of it. A layman might do a silly thing, but what had happened could not be expected from experienced people. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 April 1926
GREAT TORRINGTON - Torrington Tragedy. The Inquest. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, held an Inquiry at the Town Hall, Torrington, on Saturday, into the death of CHARLES MITCHELL, a naval pensioner and builder's labourer, who was found the previous day with his throat cut and a razor at hand. A daughter, MISS G. MITCHELL, stated that her father had been very depressed for some time. Reggie Short, a neighbour, said he was called and found deceased in bed with the razor by his side. Dr O'Flaherty said he arrived at deceased's house about 4.30 a.m. MITCHELL was in bed on his back, with a gash about four or five inches across the throat. The windpipe and main blood vessels had been severed. He was just breathing, but died within two or three minutes. Witness had treated deceased for a slight seizure and cerebral haemorrhage and he became somewhat better. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 April 1926
EXMOUTH - Farm Fatality. Sad Death Of An Exmouth Worker. Employer's Tribute. - A cordial tribute from an employer to the faithfulness and efficiency of a workman was paid at an Exmouth Inquest yesterday, when Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, investigated the circumstances leading to the death of CHRISTOPHER HAGLEY, a farm worker, aged 42, who died as the result of an accident at Bassett's dairy farm, Withycombe. Mr Fred G. Hill, of Budleigh Salterton, represented Col. D. R. Dietz, deceased's employer. - FLORENCE HAGLEY, widow, said she last saw her husband alive on Saturday afternoon, and saw him when he died in Exmouth Cottage Hospital at about 3.45. She saw him on Friday dinner time, when he left to go to a field owned by his employer, Col. D. R. Dietz. He was quite well when he left, and had been suffering from no complaint. Witness was informed of the accident at about 3.30. She was working at Mrs Brownjohns when she saw her husband's horse pass. As her husband was not with it she went to see where he was. On going to the field she saw someone who told her there had been an accident. She went to her husband, who was lying on a hurdle. He was conscious and was taken to the lodge. Deceased said he had a pain in his left side, and that he had fallen from the shafts of the cart and the horse bolted. He was subsequently taken to the Exmouth Cottage Hospital. Deceased was 42 years of age and a farm worker. - George Field, gardener, in the employ of Col. Dietz, said on Friday afternoon he was working in a garden adjoining the field in which deceased was engaged in distributing liquid manure from a tank. Witness heard a noise and saw the horse had bolted. He ran to stop the horse, which had reached the road, and as deceased had not appeared, witness went back and saw deceased lying on the ground. Deceased asked, "Where is the horse?" He subsequently said he went to reach the reins and slipped off the shafts. Witness got hold of deceased and raised him and HAGLEY then said the wheel had passed over his left side and right shoulder. Witness left deceased with another man and went to the lodge to get some cushions and a coat to cover him. Witness helped to carry deceased to the lodge. The horse seemed quiet when witness had handled it himself and he had not known it other than quiet. It was trotting up across the field, not many yards from deceased, when witness first saw it. - Fredk. Brownjohn, manager for Col. Dietz at Bassett's Dairy Farm, said the horse was quiet in all gears. Deceased had been at the farm for five or six months, and was a very good man with horses and took great pride in them. He had been at the same kind of work for three months. There was no vice in the horse, and it was quite accustomed to the work. - The Coroner recalled MRS HAGLEY, and said that, as she had interrupted the witness Field, she might wish to offer some further evidence. MRS HAGLEY then said that the horse was galloping when she saw it in the road, but she did not see it in the field. - Dr D. L. H. Moore, of Exmouth, said that on Friday, between 4.30 and 5 p.m., he saw deceased at the Cottage Hospital. He was conscious, but unable to give an account of what had occurred. He complained of pains in the right shoulder and left side of the chest. He was suffering from severe shock, but had no external signs of injury. He was treated on the assumption of possible internal injury. On Saturday morning he developed signs of a torn right lung, and at about 1.30 haemorrhage commenced in the lung. He died at about 3.20 p.m. An autopsy showed a definite track such as might have been caused by a wheel passing over him. The track crossed the right arm just about the elbow, the outer part of the abdomen and the left arm at the level of the elbow joint. There was no breakage of the arms. As the result of inflammation from the previous illnesses, bands of tissue bound the lungs to the walls of the chest and when the wheels passed over the abdomen it pushed up the lungs and caused one of them to be torn where it had been fastened to the wall of the chest. - Mr Brownjohn said the weight of the cart would be about 15 cwt., and the doctor said that would be sufficient to cause the injury. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said there was no evidence of carelessness on the part of anyone. - Mr Hill said Col. Dietz wished him to say how much he regretted the very sad occurrence, and sympathised with the widow and her two daughters. Col. Dietz had instructed him to say he had been engaged in business of a similar kind for 30 years, and had never had a man who had acted better than deceased. He was a man who was at all times willing to take his orders and carry them out, and who, in addition, took very great pride in his work. Col. Dietz regretted very much the loss of a faithful servant, and felt he would be unable to replace deceased, because of the great interest he took in his work and particularly in his horses. - The Coroner: I am very glad to hear you say that. TIVERTON - Canal Tragedy. Tiverton Painter Found Drowned. Open Verdict. - The Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clustom, held an Inquest at Tiverton last evening concerning the death of GEORGE HENRY WALKER ROBINSON, aged 25, painter of 10 Westexe South, Tiverton, who was found drowned in the Canal on Sunday. - MRS JESSIE ROBINSON said she last saw her son at 6 p.m. on Saturday, when he seemed normal in health. Latterly he had complained of giddiness. When young he suffered from convulsions. He was not in any trouble so far as she knew. - Miss Alice Maude Payne, of New Inn Gardens, Tiverton, said she was engaged to deceased, and they were to have been married at Easter, but the event was put off, as she said she would work on a little longer. Their favourite walk was along the Canal. Deceased wished her "Good night" at 8.40 p.m. on Saturday, and he then seemed all right, except for giddiness. - Mrs Ellen Jury, wife of James Jury, licensee of the White Ball Inn, said deceased called at the Inn on Saturday evening and seemed quite bright, although on the previous evening he was depressed. - Thomas Cecil Perry, of Westexe South, Tiverton, spoke to seeing deceased walking towards the Canal at 10.15 p.m. on Saturday; and John Wannell, of Gold-street, Tiverton, said at noon on Sunday he saw a body, face downwards, in the Canal and informed the Police. - P.S. Goodland said when the body was recovered deceased was holding a walking stick firmly in his hand. - Sidney Thorn, Chairman of the Tiverton Junior Imperial League, said deceased was Treasurer and Secretary of that organisation. He was to have called a meeting for that evening and had had the notices printed, but not delivered. The accounts were in order. - Dr G. J. Gregerson, House Surgeon at Tiverton Hospital, said death was due to drowning. If deceased had been subject to epileptic fits a minor attack would have sufficed to cause him to fall into the Canal. Having had convulsions in his youth, it was probable any stress would cause dormant epilepsy to assert itself. - The Coroner said that under the circumstances it was only proper to return an Open Verdict. It was probable that deceased, feeling unwell, took his favourite walk for fresh air, and while proceeding along the Canal bank had an attack of giddiness and fell into the water. An important point was that he was clutching his walking stick. If a man had determined to take his life he would probably throw down his stick before jumping into the water.

EXETER - Child's Death. Sequel To Motor Accident At Honiton. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of HENRY FRANK ISAAC, of Honiton, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as the result of injuries sustained by coming in contact with a motor car driven by Mr H. E. V. Crawford, of Chardstock, a member of the Devon County Council and Justice of the Peace. Deceased was knocked down in the main road at Honiton on February 26th. Mr F. P. Cottey appeared for Mr Crawford and Mr W. A. E. Stamp for deceased's father. The Inquiry was held before the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, and a Jury. - FRANCIS CHARLES EDWIN ISAAC, postman, identified the body as that of his son, aged six. - Robert William G. Dare said the car was travelling at a reasonable speed. When it had passed him about 50 yards he heard the brakes applied and saw deceased lying in the middle of the road. - Thomas Down, Combe Raleigh, a carter, said he was retailing coal when the accident occurred. After the boy was hit he got up from the road, staggered and fell again. - Bert Rapsey said when his attention was called to the accident the boy seemed to drop off the car when the brakes were fully on. The car seemed to be going at a reasonable pace. Replying to Mr Cottey, witness said the car appeared to have been pulled up in two lengths. - Seth Dunn said the lad came out of Manor-place, went round the head of a horse attached to a waggon and then ran across the road, when he came in contact with the car. Mr Crawford was driving in a reasonable manner, but deceased did not appear to see the car, as he did not seem to be looking in that direction. - Arthur Knowles also said the car was being driven at a reasonable speed. The boy ran fast into it and Mr Crawford could not have avoided the accident. - Henry E. V. Crawford said he was driving considerably less than 20 miles an hour and was travelling on the near side of the middle of the road. The lad appeared to be running with his head down. Almost immediately witness saw him he ran into the car, his head seeming to hit the handle of the door. Witness saw the lad about a fifth of a second before he struck the car, and was about 5 ft. away when he first saw him. - Dr Dewhurst, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said when the child was admitted an operation was performed. He appeared to do well, but subsequently it was again necessary to operate. The lad died on the 22nd inst., the cause of death being inflammation of the brain, the result of the accident. He seemed to have struck something hard head on. - The Deputy Coroner said the evidence was to the effect that there was not the slightest neglect by Mr Crawford in driving the car. The accident appeared to have happened owing to the child blindly running into the road. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from blame and expressed sympathy with the family of deceased. - Mr Cottey said Mr Crawford had been greatly upset owing to the accident and on his behalf he also desired to express sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 April 1926
CHUDLEIGH - A Fatal Fall. Woman Breaks Her Neck At Chudleigh. The Inquest. - Mr E. Hutchings, District Coroner, has held an Inquiry at Chudleigh concerning the death of ELIZABETH ANN DAYMENT, single woman, while on a visit to her brother, MR FRED DAYMENT of Burroughs Farm, Chudleigh. - FRED DAYMENT gave evidence of identification, and said his sister was 58 years of age. She had been in service in London and was on a visit owing to ill-health. At about 9.45 on the day of her death he saw her sitting by the kitchen fire. She said she had fallen downstairs and knocked her head badly. She had bathed it with hot water and rubbed in embrocation, but gave no indication how she had fallen down. She did not take the matter seriously. At 10.30 she said she was feeling better. When witness came back about 12 deceased was unconscious and sitting in an armchair by the fire. Witness immediately sent to Chudleigh for a doctor, but by the time he arrived she had passed away. - RHODA ELLEN DAYMENT, wife of the previous witness, said she heard deceased fall about 9.30 and ran to her assistance, finding her at the bottom of the stairs all of a heap. Deceased said she had fallen down and knocked her head against the wall. Witness helped her up and deceased walked to the kitchen and sat down in a chair. Her nose was bleeding and she asked for a pail of water to bathe her head as she had knocked it so badly. Deceased bathed her head and asked for some embrocation, which she used. She then got off the chair to get nearer the fire to dry her hair and did this without any assistance. Witness got breakfast and deceased had a cup of tea and also an egg and a piece of bread. She then got up and went into the front kitchen and poured herself out another half a cup of tea, which she drank. After some time deceased began to get sick, and then became unconscious. Witness had no one in the house and stayed by her until her husband returned from his work. Deceased was carrying a small pail and hot water bottle when she fell. - Dr H. B. Walters, Chudleigh, said he had attended deceased twice before the occurrence, the last time being the previous Thursday. She was suffering from neurasthenia. In a post-mortem examination he found that deceased had died from a broken neck. It was impossible to do anything to save deceased's life. MRS DAYMENT had done everything possible. - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with MR and MRS DAYMENT who had done their best for deceased and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 April 1926
TORQUAY - Dance Sequel. London Driver Exonerated At Torquay. Coroner And Drinks. - Much interest was evinced in the resumption of the Inquest at Torquay yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of MISS ELSIE EWINS, aged 30, single, of London, who was killed in a motor accident at Torquay in the early hours of Easter Tuesday morning, following a dance at the Bath Saloons. - Charles Edward Smethers, an attendant at the Bath Saloons, said that on Easter Monday he saw Mr Charles Albert Walsh (the driver of the car in which deceased met her death) at a dance at the Saloons. At 12.45 a.m. Mr Walsh spoke to him, asking if that dance was the last, and he then appeared quite normal and was not under the influence of drink. - Arthur Lane, labourer, of Torquay, who was at the Bath Saloons, on the morning of April 6th, said he left there about 1.15 a.m. when near the Green Cafe a car passed him going down Beacon-hill. It was being driven a lot too fast to turn the corner, and as witness watched it, the bonnet seemed to be headed towards the fish quay. Suddenly the back swerved and there was a crash as it went into a tram standard. Someone in the car was thrown up into the air and turned a complete somersault. Witness ran across the road and found a lady lying on the tram track and a gentleman on the other side, also lying prone. The lady, who had appeared to him to have turned a somersault, was lying 3ft or 4ft. behind the left rear wheel of the car, doubled up. She never moved or groaned and there were no signs of life whatever. Witness stopped a passing car and said to the driver, "I want your car or a taxi, as this young woman is dying." The driver replied, "I'll get a taxi," and left witness, coming back presently with a taxi, into which deceased was placed and taken to the Hospital, where it was found she was dead. In witness's opinion the accident was caused by the car taking the bend too fast. - Answering the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, witness said he could not say whether the heavy load in the car (a two-seater) would have prevented the driver from taking the bend as he might have done. - Answering Mr Fisher (representing the driver of the car) witness said there was a slight haze at the time, but it would be wrong to say a thick fog. - Herbert Edward Measor, barrister-at-law, who gave his evidence from an easy chair, said on Tuesday, April 6th, he was one of the passengers in the car, sitting in the dickey with his wife. The driver, deceased, and another lady were in front. It was a slightly hazy night. The car started from the Bath Saloons with a clear road, and it came down the hill at a fair pace. On reaching the bottom and taking the bend it seemed to him that the car accelerated slightly, although in this he might have been wrong. It occasioned him no alarm, but at the bend it seemed to him that the driver was taking too wide a bend for the pace they were travelling. Witness saw the standard when it was about two cars length in front of them, and then, in a flash, they were into it. He had no doubt that the driver saw the standard and tried to avoid it, but found that he had taken too wide a bend to do so. The driver was in no way inconvenienced by having two people sitting beside him. Witness sustained a chip off his right knee-cap and was still in the Torbay Hospital. - Mrs G. Measor, wife of the last witness, said she was sitting in the dickey immediately behind the driver. There was nothing in the way the car was driven to cause any alarm, but at the bottom witness thought it was going rather too fast. They then hit the standard, and she knew nothing until she came to as she was being put into another car to be taken to the Hospital. Witness danced the last dance with Mr Walsh that evening and he was then perfectly normal, there being nothing in his manner to attract her attention. - The Coroner said he had to ask witness the last question, having regard to what Walsh himself said he had had to drink at the opening of the Inquiry. - Mrs A. Lucas said deceased and Mr Walsh were staying at her house over the Easter. It was witness's car, and Mr Walsh had driven it on many occasions. It was correct that Mr Walsh had a whisky at the races and two gins during the afternoon. She did not think that the drinks admitted to have been taken by Walsh were more than usual. - The Coroner: He told me he had a whiskey about 12.30. Do you know where he got it? - Witness: I think he must have been mistaken in the time. - Continuing, witness said she was talking to MISS EWINS at the time of the collision, and she noticed nothing about the way the car was being driven. Witness sustained an injury to her hipbone and a broken cheekbone. She could not say how deceased was thrown out of the car. If witness had been driving the car she thought she could have stopped it in case of emergency in its own length. - The Coroner: Don't you think that for a person driving a car, a thing which needs considerable judgment and possession of all the faculties, that Walsh had had too much to drink? - There is no suggestion that he was drunk, but there is an intervening stage. He is a boy of 19 and according to his evidence he had eight drinks spread over eight hours. Don't you think that is too much for a boy who is driving a car at night? - Witness: It isn't for me to say. - P.C. Heath gave measurements, and produced photographs of the scene of the accident. There were marks on the road which might have been caused by the wheels being locked by the brakes. The whole of the left-hand side of the car was completely wrecked. - Miss E. Olding said that on the morning in question she was met by Mr Lane, who was waiting for her. She saw the car, but there was nothing wrong in the way it was driven. The next thing she heard was a grinding crash. - Charles Albert Walsh, motor salesman, of London, recalled, was asked by the Coroner if the drink he had - four whiskeys, two gins, and three beers between a quarter to six and 12.30 a.m. - was a greater quantity than he would ordinarily take. Witness answered that he had taken as much on many occasions. - The Coroner: Was it unusual? - Witness: No. - Witness repeated that the mist obscured his vision, and made things difficult to see. He first saw the standard when it was about eight feet away, and he was then doing about 15 miles an hour. Witness thought they would miss it, as they were locked over as far as they would go to the right and he did not apply the brake. - By Mr Fisher: Witness averaged about 20,000 miles a year and had experience of every make of car. - Albert Cecil Brown, a taxi driver, said it was a very misty night, but most of this had cleared off by one o'clock. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the case must be decided on one of four points, via.: 1, that the driver was drunk; 2, that he was guilty of culpable negligence; 3, that he was guilty of civil negligence; 4, that it was an inevitable accident. The crux of the whole thing was whether the Jury could decide that the car was being driven at 15 miles an hour when deceased had all the ribs of her left side forced into the lungs, Mrs Lucas had a broken cheekbone, Mr Measor had a broken kneecap and Mrs Measor was thrown out. It was rather an extraordinary thing that although there were three people in the front of the car, one now dead, that the other two could give no explanation of how the accident occurred. In his, the Coroner's, opinion, Walsh was not guilty of culpable negligence and was not drunk. - After a short retirement the Jury found that the driver of the car was not negligent and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 May 1926
EXETER - "Playing With Fire." Inquest Story At Exeter. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned last evening at an Inquest held at Exeter by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, concerning the death of DOREEN PHILLIPS, the three-year-old child of MR and MRS F. J. PHILLIPS, of 5 Willey's-avenue, Exeter. Deceased died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday evening as the result of burns sustained while playing with matches on April 15th. - MRS PHILLIPS stated that early on the morning in question she heard the child, whom she had left in bed, screaming and on running upstairs, found the calico nightclothes which the child was wearing in flames. She extinguished the flames and the child was removed to Hospital. Neither she nor her husband knew there were any matches in the bedroom, but they had since found several spent matches on the floor. - Dr Dewhurst, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to burns and absorption of toxins resulting from the burns.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 May 1926
TOPSHAM - Topsham Tragedy. Greasy State Of The Road Or Gnats? Inquest Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, sitting with a Jury at the Vestry Hall, Topsham, yesterday, after investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of CHARLES RIDGE BRIGHT, 22, of 15 Toronto-road, Exeter, who was killed as the result of a motor cycling accident at Bridge-hill, Topsham, on Saturday afternoon. Mr M. J. McGahey appeared on behalf of Mr C. H. Gould (the driver of the motor-car involved). - CHRISTOPHER WM. BRIGHT, Exeter, engineer's fitter, father, gave evidence of identification, ands said his son was an electrician. Deceased was going to Exmouth on Saturday. He was an experienced rider and witness thought he knew the road. - Mr McGahey: How long has your son been riding with a side-car? - All the time - about three years. - Clifford Henry Gould, engineer, Topsham, said he was driving a motor-car from Exton to Topsham and as he reached the Clyst Bridge he saw a cyclist ahead. then, as he got near the Topsham side of the bridge, he noticed a motor-cyclist coming down the hill towards him. Deceased was on his correct side of the road, but as he was taking the bend he went over to the other side, and struck the off wing of the car. "This threw his machine right along my car," continued the witness, "and it passed me. The wing of my car is crumpled right up and the edging of the running board was stripped off. The combination struck the rear wing, and must have glanced off on to the wall. I could not see it, but I heard a crash. I went over to him and found he was lying across the side-car, with his right leg on the saddle and his head against the wall. His head was hanging over the edge of the side-car. That was only about 10-ft from my car, but on the other side of the road. Deceased was unconscious." Witness could not say whether deceased was dead then, nor could he say he was travelling at an excessive speed. - Not A Terrific Pace. - There was a tendency for a side-car to lift going round a left-hand bend. It had just ceased raining at the time. Witness was travelling at about 10 to 15 miles an hour at the most and was just pulling up when the deceased struck his car. - A Juryman: Did he strike you at the narrowest part of the bridge? - Witness: It was just at the end of the brick wall. I suppose it would be at the narrowest part. - Mr McGahey: A motor-cyclist with an empty side-car knows that to take a left-hand bend he would have to reduce speed. If not, what would happen? - The side-car would rise off the ground and push you over to the right. - You don't suggest that this man was going at a terrific pace? - No. - But the roads were greasy, and the fact that the side-car was empty and he was taking a left-hand bend would tend to push the combination towards you>? - Yes. - Did he try to avoid you? - As he struck me he was leaning over to keep his side-car down, so that he could avoid me. - Did you observe the place was full of gnats? - Yes I did. - It is possible a gnat might have got into his eye? - I thought of that myself. - Dr Bertram Michell Young, of Topsham, said there was a compound fracture of deceased's skull and laceration of the brain. That would cause instantaneous death. - The Coroner said it could not be found out whether the collision was due to the state of the road, the gnats, or to an error of judgment on the part of the deceased. The Jury had to consider whether there was criminal negligence on the part of Mr Gould, but there was no evidence to show any neglect,. - The Jury returned the verdict as stated, and attached blame to no one. They joined with the Coroner in an expression of sympathy with the relatives, and Mr McGahey also expressed sorrow.

Western Times, Thursday 6 May 1926
PLYMOUTH - Accidental Death was the verdict at Plymouth at the Inquest on MRS MARY CHAPMAN, aged 83 years, of Plymouth, who was found dead in a praying attitude.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 May 1926
EXETER - Labourer's Death. Recurrence Of Illness After Operation. Inquest At Exeter. - At the Court House, Exeter, last evening, the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on FREDERICK JOHN HOOPER, aged 53, labourer, of 3 Victoria-place, Cowick-street, Exeter, who died at that address on the 4th inst. - HENRY WALTER HOOPER, deceased's father, gave evidence of identification, and said his son appeared to improve in health after an operation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. On the evening of the 3rd inst., however, his son came home from work feeling unwell and went to bed. Witness (an elderly man) said he got up about 10.15 the next morning and heard his son groaning. On going to the bedroom, witness found his son sinking and evidently near death. Shortly afterwards witness's daughter rushed downstairs saying "FRED is dead." - Mrs Vincent of 12 Victoria-place, said she was called to the house and Dr Black was sent for. - Dr Dewhurst (House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on February 26th suffering from acute inflammation of the gall bladder. He was operated on immediately, and recovered, being discharged to the Isolation Hospital at Whipton on March 25th. After his discharge from the latter place he had been an out-patient at the Hospital. Witness saw him on the 28th int., and, after examining him, suggested that he should enter the Hospital again. Witness made a post-mortem examination which showed a recurrence of the inflammation of the gall bladder and a more serious inflammation of the bile ducts of the liver. Death was due to heart failure caused by this. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 May 1926
HATHERLEIGH - Ostler's Suicide. Hatherleigh Inquest. - At an Inquest at Hatherleigh on WILLIAM BRISCOE, aged 65, ostler at the George Hotel, a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. When the proprietor went to call deceased it was found he had left the house. On the dressing table was a note which inferred he was going to take his life. Later in the day the man's body was found in the River Torridge at Target Pool, about 2 ½ miles from the town, by Mr A. E. Berg, who was salmon fishing in the vicinity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 12 May 1926
EXETER - Gunshot. Manaton Carpenter's Fatal Depression. Inquest At Exeter. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, sitting without a Jury, conducted an Inquest, last evening, on JAMES ENDICOTT COURTIER, 56, a carpenter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on May 9th, from gunshot wounds. - MARY LOUISA COURTIER, of Manaton, identified the body as that of her husband. About a month ago, she said, he had to give up his work and was ordered to go away for his health. He was very depressed and run down. In the morning of April 19th, (the day on which he was to have gone away) he was found in a shed suffering from gunshot wounds, with a gun by him. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. - GEORGE COURTIER, son of deceased, spoke to finding his father in the shed, where there was no reason for him to have gone. Deceased was in a kneeling position behind the door, with the gun standing behind him. - Dr Laly, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased, on admission, was suffering from a lacerated wound on the forehead which had fractured the frontal bone of the skull. After an operation deceased appeared to improve, but afterwards died. Death was due to the gunshot wound and meningitis, and the injuries were consistent with being self-inflicted. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 14 May 1926
SIDMOUTH - Sidmouth Tragedy. Retired Ranger's Accidental Fall Over The Cliff. - A verdict of "Accidental Death," was returned at the Inquest at Sidmouth, on Saturday, on CHARLES STEWART CHILTON, aged sixty-seven, retired rancher of Salcombe Cottage, Salcombe Regis, Sidmouth, whose body was found at the bottom of Alma Cliff, Salcombe Regis on Friday. - EDITH COMBERACH CHILTON, widow, said her husband left home for his walk on the cliff in extra good spirits on Friday morning. It was quite usual for him to take walks along the cliff. Deceased had no financial worries, but his eyesight was very bad. - Frederick Ebdon Russell, postman, Prospect-place, Sidmouth, said he was walking along the foreshore at the bottom of Alma Cliff at about 11.20 a.m. on Friday, when he saw the dead body of a gentleman lying on the beach about ten feet from the base of the cliff. The head was badly damaged. Witness summoned assistance by telephone. - Police Constable W. G. Knowles said from what he had seen he assumed that deceased had fallen from the top of the cliff. About twelve feet from the edge of the cliff witness saw a growing bush, and detected that a branch had been recently broken off. Just inside a gap in the hedge leading to the edge of the cliff, and about four feet from it, he noticed several pieces of stick which were of the same kind as were found lying near deceased's body. - Dr B. Cohen said he examined deceased and found an extensive fracture of the skull, which, he assumed, caused death. The left ankle was also fractured. The injuries were consistent with a fall over the cliff. Deceased had been in good health, but had very bad eye sight.

TEIGNMOUTH - Shaldon Inquest. Widow's Failure To Summon Doctor. Distressing Case. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, held an Inquest on WILLIAM AUSTIN DOWNING, mason's labourer, 37 Ringmore-road, Shaldon, who died on Sunday last. - The evidence of the widow was to the effect that the deceased, who was 66 years of age, complained on Tuesday, May 4th, of feeling unwell and went to bed about 2.30. She gave him some whiskey, which he drank, but would not let her send for a doctor. He passed away on Sunday last. - MARY HAMLYN, 36 Ringmore-road, Shaldon, said her sister-in-law, MRS DOWNING, was of weak intellect,. She heard nothing unusual in the house and knew MRS DOWNING kept her door locked. She heard the deceased groaning, but only thought he was sick. - James Westlake, a neighbour, said that on Sunday last he was informed that MR DOWNING had passed away and went to the house to know if he could do anything. He asked MRS DOWNING if she had sent for a doctor and she replied, "The doctor knows all about it." He went upstairs and found deceased dead. On the previous Tuesday he saw MR DOWNING, who said, "I have had no work for four months and now they tell me I am too old and you know the trouble I have got home." Witness could see deceased was worried. - Dr W. C. Mayo, Shaldon, said that when he was called to the deceased he was dead. He made a post-mortem examination and found death was due to acute pneumonia. - The Coroner said it was quite obvious that the wife was of very weak intellect, and in his opinion was not fit to live in a house alone and have charge of anyone. In this case he thought it his duty, instead of saying anything to her, which she would not understand, to communicate with the Relieving Officer. His verdict was that the cause of death was "Acute Pneumonia."

TOTNES - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, has Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of CHARLES JAMES WHITE, aged 56, general labourer, of St John's Cottage. CHARLES THOMAS WHITE said deceased was his father. He was working with him and his brother on Tuesday in a copse at Tigley, Rattery, felling an oak tree. They had cut through four-fifths of it, when there was a loud crash and it split upwards and fell. The split portion fell over that which was standing and when the top struck the ground the trunk rebounded and caught deceased across the stomach pinning him to the ground. Witness excavated part of the ground under him, but the tree began to sink and had to be sawn before deceased could be extricated. He was then unconscious, and died on the way to the Hospital. Witness had never known an oak tree split so far before. Dr S. C. Jellico said deceased had been caught across the abdomen. Death was due to internal haemorrhage and shock. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said nobody was to blame. It was an unusual and unfortunate accident with a very sad result and he sympathised with the relatives. - Mr Kerby, Newton Abbot, for whom the deceased was working, expressed his deep regret and that of his son and their deepest sympathy with the widow and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 May 1926
TIVERTON - Inmate's Rash Act. Master's Discovery AT Tiverton Institution. The Inquest. - An Inquest was held last evening at Tiverton Poor-law Institution concerning the death of FREDERICK MILES, aged 58, an inmate and formerly licensee of the Tiverton Hotel, Bampton, who died from a self-inflicted wound in the throat yesterday morning. - Dr Hamilton, Deputy Medical Officer to the Institution, said that he knew MILES, who had reported to him off and on for a considerable time. He complained of pains in the head. There was no organic disease so far as witness was aware. When he arrived at the Institution at 9.30 that morning he found him dead with an extensive and deep wound in the neck., He had bled to death. The wound had every appearance of being self-inflicted. From what he had heard of deceased's past history he considered he was not of a sane mind when he committed the act. - MRS MILES, the widow, said she last saw her husband on the previous Wednesday when he seemed a little worried because he had to appear before the Magistrates on account of misbehaviour., Her husband, she added, had been in a mental institution for four months in 1923. Since that time he had never seemed able to do any work. - Henry Dickenson Bowman, Master of the Poor-law Institution, said MILES had been in and out of the Institution five times since December 1923. He had been a bit cantankerous with the other inmates and a source of trouble to witness ever since he had been there. In witness's opinion deceased's mind was not normal. On Wednesday he reported deceased to the House Committee for misbehaviour and was instructed to see the Clerk to the Guardians in order to bring a case if thought desirable. That morning at 9 o'clock he was having breakfast when he heard a shout. Rushing to the men's yard he found deceased had cut his throat. He died 12 minutes later. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 May 1926
WINKLEIGH - Child's Tragic Death. Winkleigh Inquest. - Mr H. C. Brown, County Coroner, without a Jury, held an Inquiry at Winkleigh yesterday, concerning the death of VERA LOUISA DAVEY, aged three years, daughter of a labourer, of Barnstaple-street, which occurred under tragic circumstances, as mentioned in yesterday's issue. - Dr Clements said the cause of death was cardiac failure, consequent on the shock from burns. The Coroner entered a verdict of "Death from Cardiac Failure, following Burns Accidentally Received."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 20 May 1926
EAST BUDLEIGH - Bad Corner. Salterton Jury Advise Removal Of Cottage. Kersbrook Fatality. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, yesterday resumed the Inquest on LESLIE IVAN GILBERT MATTHEWS, aged 19, labourer, of Kersbrook Farm, Budleigh Salterton, who died on March 17th from injuries received in a cycle collision on Kersbrook-hill the previous evening. The Inquest was adjourned from March 18th to allow of the appearance of MISS PILE, the cyclist with whom deceased collided. The Inquiry was held at Budleigh Salterton Council office. - ALICE AMELIA PILE, daughter of SAMUEL PILE, farmer, of Pulhayes Farm, East Budleigh, said she remembered nothing from midday on Tuesday, March 16th. - The Coroner: When was the last time you remembered anything? - MISS PILE: On Tuesday at midday. I remember that my mother was away that morning, and I had to cook the dinner. - Do you remember taking your bicycle out that day? - No. - When did your memory begin functioning again? - On Wednesday morning. - Where did you find yourself then? - In bed at home. - Did anyone tell you what had happened? - I asked what had happened, and why I was in bed and they told me I had had an accident and that I had run into somebody. - Your memory is a complete blank then? - Absolutely. - The Coroner said it was obvious the Jury and himself could not get very much farther with the evidence of MISS PILE. What Dr Semple had said would probably be the case had proved to be correct. the Jurymen would, probably, agree with him it was right to adjourn the Inquest to give MISS PILE the opportunity, at any rate, of stating her version of what took place. The Jury would have no difficulty in determining the cause of death, because Dr Semple had stated it was fracture of the base of the skull. The duty of the Jury was also to determine whether there was any evidence that the collision was purely accidental and inevitable, or whether there was anything on the part of the two cyclists that contributed to it. The only evidence the Jury had on that matter was that of Charles Knowles, who stated that when deceased passed him he was not riding fast. There was nothing to give any practical clue whether deceased or MISS PILE was riding in a negligent manner or not. The Jurymen had heard that deceased was short of a brake on his bicycle, but that was the only kind of evidence that could be constituted evidence of negligence, and he did not think the Jury would be justified in saying that either of the parties was guilty of negligence. - The Foreman, Mr John Marks, said the Jury agreed, but wished to make some recommendation as to the dangerous nature of the corner, and to ask if anything could be done. - The Coroner: What can be done but the removal of the cottage? - It is a shocking corner. - Inspector Bastin: A cottage is a small thing to remove to make it safe there. - The Coroner said he would certainly add a recommendation if the Jury thought fit to make one. - The Foreman suggested the Coroner should recommend to the authorities that the cottage be removed. - The Jurymen expressed sympathy with MR MATTHEWS in the loss of his son and gave him their fees. The Coroner and MISS PILE concurred and the Coroner congratulated MISS PILE upon her recovery.

SIDMOUTH - Sidmouth Inquest. Servant's Sudden Death. - An Inquest has been held at Sidmouth Police Station on MARIA FORTESCUE ENGLISH PAINTER, cook-general, who was found dead on the kitchen floor at Camden, Elysian Fields, on Monday evening. Mr C. N. Tweed, District Coroner, sat without a Jury. - JOSEPH YOULDEN, naval pensioner, identified the body as that of his sister, who had been a widow for 20 years. Her age was 69. She spent the evening of Wednesday in last week at his house and was in good health then, though she had previously complained of giddiness and pains in the head. - Sarah Esther Shepheard, Camden, said deceased was in her employ as a cook-general. Witness had only heard her complain of rheumatism. Witness was called to the kitchen by Miss Mortleman on Monday evening. Miss Mortleman said she thought deceased was in a fit, but witness believed death had taken place. - Bertha Mortleman, residing with the last witness as nurse-companion, said she had known deceased for two years. Deceased had never complained except of rheumatism. At about 9.10 p.m. on Monday witness went into the kitchen for hot water and saw deceased on the floor. At first she thought she had slipped, but witness found there was no pulse. - Dr Loudoun Hector Macleod said he was called and found deceased lying on the kitchen floor dead. He conducted a post mortem examination and found the left middle cell artery was blocked by a large globule of atheromatic deposit, which in his opinion was the cause of death. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 May 1926
STOCKLAND - Melancholia. Stockland Labourer Takes His Life. Remarkable Case. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, at Stockland yesterday, on ALFRED DIMON, 70, a casual labourer, of Horse Plat, Shore Bottom, Stockland. - MARY ELIZABETH DIMON, widow of deceased, stated that on Tuesday morning her husband went out between 12 and 1 o'clock and as he was away longer than usual she sent her son to look for him. Her husband had been very depressed during the past two years, but had never threatened to take his life. He seemed quite normal and quiet on Tuesday morning. - ERNEST DIMON, gardener, of Brownhill, son, said he found his father lying across a ditch on his face. He was hanging from a rope attached to a withy stump, which was only about two feet from the ground. - Francis Edward Cook, farmer, who accompanied the last witness, also gave evidence. - P.C. Shambrook deposed to detaching the rope from the neck of deceased. - Dr A. L. Crockford, who was called, said deceased had apparently been dead some hours. Death was due to strangulation. Witness had attended deceased for several months and the last time he saw him - about a month ago - deceased was very melancholy. Deceased always complained that he was very depressed and was rather abnormally worried about it. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was abundantly clear that deceased deliberately and with intention took his wife and he recorded a verdict of "Suicide." Mr Tweed said he had never known a case of hanging quite on a par with this, for the withy stump to which the rope was attached was only a foot or so from the ground and it was rather extraordinary that the man was able to get sufficient weight on the rope to strangle himself.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 May 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened at Torquay yesterday on LAWRENCE JOHN NEWCOMBE of Newton Abbot, who succumbed to injuries sustained in a collision with a motor omnibus while riding a motor cycle in King's Drive, Torquay. Mr P. H. W. Almy appeared on behalf of the Devon General Omnibus Company. JOHN NEWCOMBE, a postman of 5 Netley-terrace, Newton Abbot, identified the body as that of his son, who, he said, was 27 years of age, and employed as sorting clerk and telegraphist at the Newton Abbot Post Office. Deceased was owner of a combination motor cycle which he had had for about 12 months. Witness last saw him alive on Saturday evening. At this stage the Inquiry was adjourned until Friday at 3 p.m.

EXMOUTH - Child's Death. Whit-Sunday Motor Fatality At Exmouth. Motorist Exonerated. - The circumstances of the death of LOIS BARBARA HILLMAN, the five-year-old daughter of MRS LILY HILLMAN, widow of 45 Albion-street, Exmouth, were investigated at Exmouth Court House, yesterday, by Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy East Devon Coroner, and a Jury, of which Mr F. C. Horn was elected Foreman. Mr A. Martin Alford represented Mr A. D. Brewer, of Truro, the driver of the motor car that knocked down the little girl as she was crossing Exeter-road on Sunday afternoon. - Evidence of identification was given by the mother, who said that on Sunday afternoon deceased attended service in All Saints Church, Exeter-road. Witness went to meet deceased after the service, and was waiting for her outside the church at 3.30. The little girl came out of the church and stood by the gate. Witness did not call to the deceased, but was about to cross the road to her when the girl commenced to cross the road. She started to run and the car came along from the direction of Exeter. Deceased ran into the car. Witness at first thought the car was going to miss deceased, as the latter turned, but she was struck by the side of the car. Witness could not say at what speed the car was travelling, but it pulled up very smartly. Witness went round the back of the car and a lady picked up deceased and took her to Dr Walker's surgery, close by. The girl did not speak and witness could see her head was badly injured. Dr Walker subsequently took deceased to the Cottage Hospital, and witness accompanied her. Deceased was unconscious and did not speak up to the time of her death. Witness was in the habit of meeting the child when she came out of church or Sunday School, and she had always crossed the road to the child, but on this occasion had not time to do so. Witness, in reply to Inspector Bastin, said that had the horn of the car been sounded her little girl would not have crossed the road. witness did not hear the hooter and did not notice the car until it had passed her. in reply to Mr Alford, she said she could not say definitely that the horn was not sounded. - Albert Bowerman, 50 New Street, Exmouth, said that on Sunday afternoon he was walking on the pavement near All Saints' Church when he saw the little girl run across the road. A motor car came along from the direction of Exeter at about 10 miles an hour and as the little girl ran from the church gate into the road she went up against the car. The driver sounded his horn on approaching, as a number of children were standing near the church gate and there was a corner near. The little girl ran into the right-hand front wing of the car, and was picked up by a woman. There were numbers of cars passing the spot and the car in question was on its proper side and pulled up within two or three years. Witness thought the driver must have applied his brakes before the child was knocked down, as the car stopped so quickly. In reply to Mr J. Culverhouse (a Juryman), witness said there were no vehicles pulled up near the spot and he informed Inspector Bastin he was quite clear the horn of the car was sounded. The driver, Mr Alford elicited, did all he could to avoid the accident and pulled in to the left-hand kerb. - Arthur Charles Carter, 91 Salisbury-road, Exmouth, a builder's labourer, said he was standing in the road opposite the church, having just left the church, where he was a member of the choir. About 120 children were standing at the gateway of the church. Witness had just crossed the road with his two children, when he saw deceased crossing the road. Her mother was on the opposite side of the road and was signalling to the child, but whether it was to come on or to remain on the other side, witness could not say. Witness saw the car proceeding towards Exmouth as the child was crossing the road and there was more traffic following. Witness heard the horn of the car sounded twice and the car was travelling from eight to ten miles an hour - not more. The child ran into the car, at the outside corner of the front right wing, and the car pulled up within its own length, with its near front wheel almost touching the path. Witness went to pick up the child, but a woman gathered her a second before him. In witness's opinion the driver of the car did all that was humanly possible to avoid the accident. Witness, in reply to the :Foreman, said he took it the woman was holding up her hand to let the child see she was there. - Mrs Violet Holman, 5 Ryll-cottages, Exmouth, said she had just come out of All Saints' Church when she saw the child run across the road. The car and the child met in the road. Witness had not heard the car coming, but on turning to speak to her daughter, who was following, she saw the collision. The child saw her danger and turned to run back, but she was struck by the front mudguard. The car must have been travelling slowly, and it pulled up very quickly. The mother picked up the child and witness took it from her and carried it to Dr Walker's surgery. The car was practically on to the child when witness first saw it. The little girl was struck on the head and fell close to the car. - Alexander Dingle Brewer, of 4 Clifton-gardens, Truro, the driver of the car, said he was passing All Saints' Church and saw some children standing on the pavement on his right-hand side. He sounded his horn twice and was driving very slowly, at not more than ten miles an hour, when a little girl darted across the road and ran into the wing of the car. Witness pulled up dead in about 13 or 14 feet. There was not much traffic about at the time. When witness first saw the child she was about 15 or 20 feet away, on the pavement and when the child started to run he applied the brakes and turned the car towards the left-hand pavement. Witness did not remember the child making an attempt to run back and she was struck by the off front wing. The child was picked up by a lady. - John Broadhurst Mathias, of Queen's-road, Exeter, said he was sitting beside Mr Brewer in the car. The horn was sounded two or three times as the car approached the church. Witness did not see the child run across the road, as he was watching the left-hand side. He saw the speedometer was registering ten miles an hour as the car was approaching the Church. Immediately the car stopped witness got out and asked the lady who held the child if they might drive it to the Cottage Hospital, but she told him there was a doctor near. In reply to Mr Alford, witness said Mr Brewer was the most careful driver he knew. - Dr G. F. C. Walker, of Exmouth, said the injuries to the head were such that nothing could be done to save the child, who died at 2.45 on Monday morning. there were minor injuries to the limbs, but they did not give the impression that the car had run over the child. The cause of death was shock, due to concussion and laceration of the brain. Witness thought the injuries to the head were caused by contact with the car, and not the ground. - The Deputy Coroner said the Jury might fairly assume the mother did not beckon the child. What she probably did was to lift her hand to indicate to the child she was there and then started to walk across; but the child, unfortunately, started before she did. There was no reason to doubt the horn was sounded, though some witnesses did not hear it, and the driver had given a specific reason for his slow speed, in that he was driving his father and mother, who were over 70 years of age, and had been under medical care. - The Foreman of the Jury, after a retirement, said the Jurymen wished to return a verdict that death resulted from pure Accident, and that the driver was in no way to blame. They wished to express their sympathy with the mother. The Deputy Coroner, Inspector Bastin and Mr Alford (on behalf of Mr Brewer) concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 May 1926
OTTERY ST MARY - "My God, ALICE." Ottery Assistant's Death In A Loft. Planned Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the District Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, at an Inquest at Ottery St Mary on ALICE TRYPHENA SALTER, aged 40, who was found with her throat cut in a loft belonging to the Plume of Feathers Inn, Yonder-street, Ottery. - Mary Elizabeth Williams, temporary licensee of the Plume of Feathers Inn, said deceased had been in her employ nearly 21 years. She last saw her alive on Thursday afternoon, when witness remarked she was going upstairs and would later be going out. Deceased replied "I'll help you." - The Coroner: Was she depressed? - Witness: She was a little low since my husband's death about a month ago. Deceased had nothing on her mind, continued witness, as far as she knew. She was not short of money. - Describing the events of Thursday afternoon, witness said she went upstairs and on getting down again thought the place seemed quiet. She called deceased, but got no answer and went into each room. Deceased did not sleep well the previous night and witness thought she might have gone upstairs to lie down. Then witness thought she might be in the flower garden, and went out with meat in her hand to feed the cats. She could not see deceased, however, but on going into the loft noticed a pair of legs. She at first thought they were those of a tramp, but going farther she saw deceased. "I said 'My God, ALICE, what have you done?" proceeded witness. "I flew down over the ladder and went to her parents' house and then her brother came." - Deceased had never threatened anything, witness continued, and there was no reason to suppose she was going to take her life. She was not peculiar in her mind. - Witness, in answer to P.S. Chaffe, said deceased stayed up every other night during Mr Williams' illness and felt his death keenly. - SIDNEY JAMES SALTER, half-brother of deceased, described how he found her in the loft. - P.S. Chaffe pointed out that Mrs Williams only held the Inn under a protection order at present and suggested that impending departure from the premises after many years there might have been keenly felt by deceased. - Witness replied that he did not think deceased minded that. He thought she was totally run down. - P.C. Heale said deceased was lying on a sack that had been neatly spread. In a barrel near by he found a clean butcher's knife, but about two feet from her right hand there was a blood-stained razor. - P.S. Chaffe said nothing could be found to throw any light on the tragedy. Everything in deceased's room was neatly arranged and she was not short of money. - Dr T. E. Micklen said deceased died in his presence. There was a wound about five inches long in her throat, and he should think the jugular vein was severed. - The Coroner said this was one of the most determined cases of suicide he had ever had before him. Evidently the deceased had made preparations for the act, since a sack was neatly laid on the floor. Her state of mind, however, was a little difficult to determine, because there was no evidence of any insanity before him. It seemed she was only suffering from a little depression. Apparently, there was no motive for her very determined act, and he thought he would be justified in coming to the conclusion that the state of her mind was not normal, and that at the time she committed the act she was Insane.

EXMINSTER - Lady's Sudden Death. Exminster Inquest. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, due to Cerebral Haemorrhage" was returned by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest at the Bungalow, Exminster, concerning the death of MRS CHARLOTTE ANNIE ROPER, wife of the REV. F. G. ROPER, a retired clergyman living at Rectory Cottage, Rewe. - EDITH ADA SMITH, of The Bungalow, Exminster, said her sister, who was aged 68, came to her on Saturday on a visit. Although never strong, she appeared in her usual health. When she went to bed about 10.30 p.m. on Monday she made no complaint, but about 2 a.m. witness, who slept in an adjoining room, heard a noise in her sister's bedroom. On going there she found her sister unconscious and breathing very heavily. As there was no one else in the house, witness ran for a neighbour. When she returned about three minutes later her sister, who had vomited slightly and was still unconscious, breathed heavily and expired. - Dr Iles, of Starcross, said when he arrived about 2.30, deceased was dead. As he was unable to determine the cause of death he later made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased had had a bad stroke and died from cerebral haemorrhage. [Note; Exeter & Plymouth Gazette, Sat. 29 May 1926 - In our report of the Inquest on Mrs Charlotte Annie Roper, she was described as the wife of a retired clergyman, instead of the wife of a company manager.]

Western Times, Friday 28 May 1926
TORQUAY - Torquay Visitor's Tragic Death. - Mr T. S. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday, relative to the death of MRS CATHERINE MASTERS, aged 54, of Mountain Ash, a visitor to the town, who was knocked down by a taxi-cab and died from internal haemorrhage and shock in Torbay Hospital. Hilda N. Lewis, who was with deceased at the time of the accident, said they went to cross the road opposite the Princes Pier when a private car and a taxi came along. They stopped and then deceased tried to get to the other side. She managed to keep clear of the private car, but came into contact with the taxi. The cars were both going at a moderate speed. Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said there was no suggestion of negligence on the part of the taxi-driver.

EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Little Boy Drowned In River At Exwick. Plucky Girls. - Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of CYRIL JOHN GOSLING, aged eight, whose parents reside at 4 Exwick-hill, Exeter, and who was drowned in the river Exe on Sunday afternoon, was held by the Deputy Coroner for the City, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting without a Jury, at the Guildhall on Tuesday. - Albert Edward Clarke, a laundry hand, said deceased was the son of MERCY GOSLING, of Axminster, and was adopted by him. On Sunday afternoon witness was fishing at Exwick. His wife, Mrs Carter and a niece came down and the boy, who was with them, slipped away while some cows were being taken from Mr Cornish's field. Witness got over a wall to stand by his wife, who was frightened at the cows. He did not see the boy then, but a lad named Tucker came up and told him deceased had fallen into the leat. Witness and a Mr Metherell got into a boat and rowed down the river to try to find the boy, but they were unsuccessful, he having apparently gone under. The body was discovered later by a man named Hammond. - Miss Marjorie Jeffries gave similar evidence. - The little boy, Hurford, who lives at 7 Exwick Hill, said deceased got on to the rails overlooking the stream and when the cows came along he fell back into the water. - Ivy Madeline Sanders of King Edward-street, said she was at the time sitting on the river bank with her sister on the side of the river opposite the mill. She saw a body floating in the river at the spot where the leat joins the river. She and her sister joined hands and waded into the river to try to reach the body, but it went past them. - Dr Pereira Gray said when he went to Exwick Mill, at five o'clock, he found Police Constable Ackland trying artificial respiration on the child in the proper way. The boy, however, was dead. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to Drowning."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 May 1926
ALPHINGTON - Canal Tragedy. Exeter Man's Illness And Depression. Coroner's Rebuke. - An Inquest was held at the Double Locks Hotel, Exeter Canal, yesterday by Mr H. W. Gould, on the body of ALBERT HENRY RADFORD, which was recovered from the Canal on Thursday afternoon. - LILY RADFORD of 21 Cecil-road, St Thomas, said her husband was 43, and a sweeper in the employ of the City Council. He left home on Thursday morning and said he would return in a few hours. they were on good terms. Deceased had been ill since Christmas and unable to work. He had been medically attended. He suffered from depression, but witness had never heard him speak of suicide. Just before leaving home he had received a post-card stating he would have to go to Hospital. by Mr R. McGahey: She had never told her husband to "go and drown himself." - Thomas Shorland, The Drawbridge, Countess Wear, said he saw deceased on Thursday morning near Salmon Pool. He passed the time of the day with deceased, who did not answer. - Harold Brading, aged 13, of 2 Albion-street, St Thomas, said he saw a body in the Canal. On the bank near the body were a hat and coat. He gave information to the Police. - P.C. Frank Hurford said that after dragging the Canal for some time the body of deceased was found near Salmon Pool Bridge. - Mr William James Watkins, Surgeon, St Thomas, said he had attended deceased for about five months for mental debility. He was responsible for his actions, but easily depressed. - A verdict of "Suicide by Drowning, while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - The Coroner said he thought the persons who had instructed Mr McGahey would have acted better if they had not done so. - Sergt. Ridd thanked all who assisted the Police in dragging the Canal.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 June 1926
WOODBURY - Exton Tragedy. Remarkable Revelations At The Inquest. The Verdict. - Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Daleside, Exton, yesterday afternoon, on the body of MISS FLORENCE KNIGHT, who died at Daleside on Friday evening under unusual circumstances. Mr F. G. Hill, of Budleigh Salterton, appeared on behalf of deceased's relatives and friends and Mr Forward of Chard, represented Mr B. Hodder, of Daleside. - GEORGE ALFRED KNIGHT, brother of the deceased, who gave evidence of identification, said he last saw his sister alive on or about June 21st 1925, at Croydon. She had never been employed by Mr Hodder, but was then living with him. At that time she was in her normal state of mind and health. Witness knew nothing about deceased's relations with Mr Hodder. he understood she had been living at Exton with Mr Hodder two years next September. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. - Replying to Inspector Bastin, witness said deceased was brought to Exton by Mr Hodder for the purpose of marriage, but he had no knowledge as to whether they were married. - Jessie Back, domestic servant, in the employ of Mr Hodder, said the latter and deceased came to Exton together 18 months ago. Witness understood they were married. There had been disputes between deceased and Mr Hodder and witness saw deceased crying on Thursday after a quarrel in the afternoon. Deceased intended to go to London on Friday as a result of the quarrel, and had her dog destroyed because she could not take it with her. On Thursday evening deceased gave witness directions in case she should be taken ill. She did not appear to be ill at the time, but witness thought she was probably worried at the prospect of going away and having lost her dog. On Friday morning, witness found MISS KNIGHT unconscious in bed. By the bedside was a syringe, which witness had never seen before; and a cup and saucer, the cup containing a sediment of some sort of salts, and the saucer having some water in it. A doctor was fetched and MISS KNIGHT died at 8 o'clock in the evening. Witness added that Mr Hodder went to Exeter on Thursday and remained there till the following evening. - "Loved Him Dearly." - Witness answering Mr Forward, stated that deceased was very upset because Mr Hodder's children were going to visit him. - By Mr Hill: It was clear, even before then, that there had been unpleasantness. - Mr Hodder returned from Exeter before MISS KNIGHT'S death. - Beatrice Ellen Howard, of Exe View, Exton, spoke to being called on Friday evening by the last witness to MISS KNIGHT, who was ill. On the previous day deceased visited witness and was then very distressed at losing her dog. She told witness that her reason for going away was that Mr Hodder's children were coming to the house. Prior to this witness thought deceased and Hodder, whom she thought were man and wife, lived happily together. - Alice Shapland, of Park Mansions, Vauxhall, London, said that deceased was sharing witness's flat at the time of her meeting with Hodder, and it was against witness's advice that deceased gave up; her employment to go away with Hodder, but deceased loved him dearly and went away on the understanding that he intended to obtain a divorce from his wife and to marry her. For some months witness had known that deceased was generally unhappy, for the latter had written that Hodder swore at her before the servants and that "nothing she did was right." Witness last saw deceased on the previous Monday, when the latter was unhappy, but perfectly sound mentally. Witness called at Exton as a result of recent correspondence to take MISS KNIGHT away, but when she arrived MISS KNIGHT was dead. In one letter, telling witness of the death of her dog, witness wrote, "I wish I were dead, too," and deceased told witness that Hodder said to her, "If you don't leave I shall put you out by the scruff of the neck on the lawn." - At this juncture, a will made by deceased, dated May 27th last, was produced. - Mr W. G. Blackwell, veterinary surgeon of Exmouth, gave evidence of poisoning the dog and said he had not supplied the syringe, which was of the type sometimes used for vaccinating dogs, though it was unusual for dog-owners to keep such instruments. - Meeting In London. - Ben Hodder stated that he first met deceased about three years ago on the premises of a firm of diabetic specialists in Regent-street, London, where she was a receptionist and he was a patient. They became friendly and shortly after their meeting deceased nursed him at her and Miss Shapland's flat after an operation. Witness explained that he had a wife, whom he had been separated from for 15 or 20 years, and had four children. He asked deceased to live with him, saying if he could get a divorce he would marry her. - They then visited various places together, and came to Exton 18 months ago. During the whole time they had been living together, there had been tiffs, but the only serious quarrel they had was about witness's son and his family visiting the house just after Easter. Deceased then "cut up very roughly," but witness insisted on their coming. Deceased said, "If your children come here, I go," and witness replied, "You can go." The son came several times and witness then threatened to bring his daughters, with the idea of asserting his authority. About ten days ago deceased announced her intention of leaving the house and last Tuesday the whole of her belongings, with the exception of her wearing apparel was taken away. Last Thursday deceased said to witness, "Now Ben, I want to know about my future." He replied that, as she had decided to leave him, he would act honourably and make her an allowance. He gave her £30 to go on with. She then said she had had the dog destroyed, and witness expostulated. During the last 12 months deceased had been addicted to taking some drug. He had seen her in a drunken state, showing the whites of her eyes, unable to recognise him and incoherent in her speech. She apologised once and said she had taken a drug. The last occasion on which she had been in that condition was a fortnight ago. Witness reproached her afterwards for "making a beast of herself," and witness alleged that Miss Shapland advised him, when he took deceased away from Vauxhall, to keep her away from drink or drugs. Witness was afraid of deceased doing him physical violence, as she had once blackened his eye. That was during a quarrel, in front of some friends, when witness called deceased a "Piccadilly ..... " Witness had never previously seen the syringe nor any drug. - By Mr Forward: If deceased had consented to witness's children visiting him the tragedy would have never occurred. - By Mr Hill: It was not a gentlemanly action on his part to have used the expression he did towards her. Although his son would not speak to deceased when he came, witness did not think that any reason why deceased should object to him calling at the house. - By Inspector Bastin: Witness had no narcotic drugs in his possession, but he had a small hypodermic syringe. - Alice Shapland, recalled, denied having ever told Hodder he would have to keep deceased away from drink or drugs. - Dr H. S. Darbyshire, of Woodbury, said death was due to a narcotic drug, probably morphine, which was administered hypodermically on the inner side of the left thigh. In returning a verdict that "Death was due to an overdose of a narcotic drug, believed to be morphine, self-administered," the Coroner remarked that Miss Shapland was undoubtedly genuine in her belief that there had been cruelty but as her evidence was mostly obtained second-hand, and, naturally, though unconsciously, biased, he could not fasten any responsibility on Hodder.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 June 1926
EXETER - Fall From Ladder. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquest was conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of CYRIL GEORGE GAITCH, of 19 Albert-street, Exeter. Mr T. J. W. Templeman was present on behalf of the relatives and Mr F. P. Cottey appeared for the employers. - GEORGE THOMAS GAITCH, baker, of 19 Albert-street, Exeter, identified the body as that of his son, aged 17. He had been employed by Mr C. Holland, of Paris-street, for 14 months. - Mrs Rebecca Quant, 33 Coronation-road, said she saw deceased some way up the ladder and heard what she thought was some slates falling. She then saw the ladder sway backwards, deceased being thrown into the road. - Mrs Beatrice Coles, of 27 Coronation-road, said deceased was painting the front of her house, the foot of the ladder resting on the front doorstep. She saw deceased fall into the road. The step was found to have been broken. - Charles Coles, labourer, of 81 South Wonford-terrace, spoke to seeing deceased clutch the shooting and fall into the road. - Detective J. Annett said from inquiries he made he found that the ladder was too vertical to be safe unless secured. He found no evidence of it having been secured. About twelve feet of shooting had given away. Witness thought that the breaking of the concrete of the step would be responsible for the ladder falling backwards. - Charles Holland said deceased was apprenticed with him. Ladders were only secured when it was necessary. He considered in this case the lad should have tied the ladder. The lad had to paint the lower windows and should not have been so far up the ladder. - Dr J. R. Laley, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Institution suffering from compression of the brain due to haemorrhage, from which he died. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased, as did Mr Cottey on behalf of Mr Holland.

ALPHINGTON - Exeter Canal Tragedy. Inquest Story. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at Double Locks, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM JAMES LONG, whose body was recovered from the Exeter Canal, near the Limekilns, on Monday. - REGINALD LONG, brother of 5 Russell-street, Exeter, basket-maker, identified the body and stated that deceased, aged 29 years, had formerly resided at Crediton, but came to Exeter on Whit-Monday to, so witness understood, take up a situation the following day. Later, however, witness discovered his brother had not been engaged in Exeter. - Frederick George Gregory of 118 Church Path-road, St Thomas, Exeter, in the employ of his brother, a boat proprietor at Exe Bridge, said deceased engaged an outrig boat for two. He had previous to this frequently hired a boat and was, witness considered, an expert oarsman. He identified the boat, subsequently found on the Canal, as the same boat which deceased hired. - P.C. Willis (Exminster) spoke to recovering the body from the Canal. Deceased was dressed, with the exception of his cap, which had not been found. Searching the body, witness found 12s. 6 ½d. in cash, a membership card of Crediton Liberal Club and several photographs, but nothing to throw any light upon his death. - Dr L. Black said the body bore the appearance consistent with having been in the Canal about a week. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 June 1926
EXETER - Heart Failure. Crediton Resident's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter yesterday on MRS ANNIE MOUNSDEN, aged 59, of 6 Crown Hill-street, Crediton, who died on Wednesday while on her way to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Harry King, house decorator, of the same address, identified the body as that of his wife's mother, and said she had recently been attending the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. William John Brewer, employed by Messrs. Mock, Martin's-lane, Exeter, stated that deceased expired in the fruit department, where she had been taken on asking witness for a glass of water. Dr D. B. C. Lawson, House Physician at the Hospital, ascribed death to heart failure.

Western Times, Friday 4 June 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Railway Messenger Killed Near A Turn-Table. Open Verdict. - A distressing tragedy occurred at the Locomotive Department of the G.W.R., at Newton Abbot Station on Tuesday. - About 10.30 when a large engine was being driven to the turn-tables, CHARLES RICE, employed as messenger in the Department, by some means got underneath the bogey wheels of the engine and was, subsequently, found with his head practically severed from his body and his shoulders severely injured. - No-one appears to have witnessed the occurrence and it is understood that the driver of the engine was oblivious of anything untoward having happened. - Deceased, who was a married man and who resided at 13 South Devon-terrace, Newton, has a grown-up family. He was 59 and had been in ill-health of late, only returning to work this morning, after having been for three weeks off duty. He was not considered to be in the best of spirits when he went on duty. - A son, employed in the department, was informed of his father's death and the terrible news was also at once conveyed to the widow. - The Inquest. - Describing the case as a remarkable one, Mr E. Hutchings, the Coroner, returned an Open Verdict at the Inquiry held at Newton Abbot last night. WALTER RICE of Lime Tree Walk, Newton Abbot, son of the deceased, said his father was attended on May 13th by a medical man, and later he complained of giddiness attributed to the work he had performed in connection with pay boxes. Deceased dislocated his knee some time ago and was bad on his feet. - John Molterhead, of Torquay, said during Wednesday morning deceased complained about "all mixed up," and witness arranged to get his job done for him. - Dr Culross said the head was completely severed, except for a strip of skin. - Further evidence was given by Mr Wm. Hy. Manley, Bonhay-road, Exeter, fireman, and the Coroner returned a verdict as above stated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 June 1926
EXETER - Cue Tragedy. Coroner's Comment In The Starcross Case. An Adjournment. - An Inquest on HARRY SPICER, aged 18, a pupil at the Western Counties' Institution, Starcross, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Thursday from the effects of injuries to one of his eyes, stated to have been caused by a cue while he was playing billiards with other inmates, was opened before Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, and a Jury at the Court House, Exeter, last evening. Mr L. D. Thomas was present on behalf of the Committee of Management of the Institution, and the Superintendent (Captain C. W. Mayer) was also present. The Deputy Chief-Constable of Devon (Major Halford Thompson) was in attendance, as the Institution is in the county. Mr Seymour represented the Devon Mental Defectives Committee. - Only formal evidence of identification was taken. This was given by THOMAS HENRY SPICER, of 19 Harvey-street, Cardiff, who said the body was that of his brother. Deceased would have been 19 in August. He knew his brother was at the Western Counties' Institution. - The Deputy Coroner informed the Jury that the case was one that would take some time to investigate. "We have to make many enquiries concerning it," he added, "and it is a case which may assume a serious aspect. I propose to adjourn the Court until June 15th."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 8 June 1926
EXETER - Accidents Not Liable. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Exeter, yesterday, on ISAAC DAVIS, a retired builder, who died on Thursday, aged 85. WILLIAM ROBERT DAVIS, builder, a son of deceased, who had lived alone with the latter at 4 Bartholomew-street West, Exeter, said his father became a patient at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in February, after running a mortar fork through his hand, and shortly after he was again treated there for injuries caused by dropping some bricks on his leg. Last Tuesday deceased became ill. On Thursday witness fetched a doctor, but his father died in the evening. Dr Dewhurst, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, stated that a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure brought on by kidney disease, and had nothing to do with the accidents. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 9 June 1926
SIDMOUTH - Unlighted Cycle. Salcombe Regis Man Killed. - Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Sidmouth, yesterday, on ALBERT HARRY MULLINS, 18, a chauffeur, of Salcombe Regis, who died in the Sidmouth Cottage Hospital, on Monday, from injuries received in a motor-cycling collision on Saturday. - Dr McLeod stated that he considered death was due to a fractured skull. - John Jenkins, labourer, of Higher Woolbrook, said about 10.15 on Saturday night he was walking along the road from Woolbrook, proceeding to Sidmouth. He heard a motor cycle and saw a light. The cycle passed on the turn of the road. It was dark at the time. The bicycle coming from Sidmouth, and ridden by MULLINS, carried no lights and was almost on top of the motor cycle when witness noticed it. The motor cyclist was travelling at a moderate pace. - Roy Welsman, of Fairmile Inn, Ottery St Mary, said that on rounding the corner he saw some men in front of him, and when he sounded his hooter they made way for him to pass. On coming round the bend he saw something approaching. He continued his way and then about five or six yards further on he heard a shout and remembered no more till he came round later. The approaching machine had no lights. - William Berry, who was riding pillion with the last witness, gave similar evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Welsman from blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 June 1926
KELLY - War Wreck. Kelly Farmer's Son Commits Suicide. Head Shattered. - At Shute Farm, Kelly, the evening before last, Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, without a Jury, held an Inquiry into the death of HAROLD JOHN ADAMS, aged 34, farmer's son, of that place, whose body was found in an outhouse there on Monday morning under circumstances reported in our issue of Tuesday. - JOHN EDMUND ADAMS, farmer, father of deceased, said he last saw him alive on Saturday morning about 10. Witness told him to go shearing. Deceased replied that he was not going to and added, "You can tell others what to do but you can't tell me." He did not come home on Saturday and was away on Sunday. At breakfast time, about 8 a.m. on Monday, witness noticed a gun was missing. He went to look for deceased and about 10 found him in a closet. About 11 on Saturday morning he thought he saw deceased going across one of the fields. Deceased had never been away like it before without telling anyone. He was wounded in the head during the war. Beyond being very hasty, deceased was not in other ways peculiar. He was told at breakfast on Monday morning that deceased had been home on Sunday night and he had ascertained deceased slept at Mr Sleeman's, of Bowerland on the Saturday night. - Edith Rowland, domestic servant at the farm, said she saw deceased on Monday morning a little after 7 in the kitchen; she had not seen him from Saturday until then. He did not say anything. He had a little tea and then sat down on the settle. Witness left the room and went upstairs. While upstairs she heard the gun being taken out of the rack in the kitchen, but she had seen deceased with the gun before for rabbit shooting and did not think anything of his taking the gun. When she came down a few minutes later deceased had gone out. Shortly afterwards she heard a sound like that of a branch cracking. She did not mention to anyone that deceased had gone out with the gun. - P.C. Davis of Lifton, said he was called to Shute Farm, on Monday morning about 11.15 and found deceased in a closet adjoining the outhouses. He was dressed in his ordinary working clothes, but his boots were unlaced. On the floor was a double-barrelled sporting gun. The bootlace of the right boot was hooked on to the trigger of the right barrel. One live cartridge was in the left barrel and a spent cartridge in the right barrel. Deceased was dead. The gun was flat on the floor and the stock between deceased's feet. The lower part of the lace was in a large loop, but the loop was not attached to the trigger when witness saw it. - Dr C. C. Broderick, of Tavistock, called in after death, said he found shot had, apparently, entered deceased's mouth and blown away the posterior part of the occipital bone, which was all shattered. The whole of the back part of the head was shattered, and, in his opinion, the barrel of the gun must have been very close to the mouth. Probably the injury deceased received to his head in the war had caused a loss of mental balance and that was indicated by his reply to his father on Saturday and his absenting himself from home from Saturday to Monday. - The Deputy Coroner recorded a verdict that "Deceased died from Gunshot Wounds Self-Inflicted while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 18 June 1926
MERTON - A tragic accident, which has cast a gloom over the whole neighbourhood, occurred here on Sunday morning, the victim being MASTER MICHAEL KENNY, aged 7, who, with his sister, has been living at the Rectory for nearly a year under the guardianship of the Rev. and Mrs Nelson, the children's parents being in India. On his way to church he was knocked down by a motor car and sustained severe injuries. He was carried to Downes Farm close by, where Nurse Berry and Dr Lusk (Dolton) were quickly in attendance, but passed away about an hour later. The heartfelt sympathy of parishioners and friends is extended to the Rev. and Mrs Nelson, as also to the parents and the little sister in their sad bereavement. At the Inquest, conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr George Brown, the Jury, of which Mr T. McDonald was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attributed no blame to anyone. They concurred in the Coroner's expression of sympathy and urged that for the general safety of users of the road warning notices to motorists to approach the village with care should be erected, as the road was narrow and had dangerous corners. The Coroner said he would forward the recommendation to the proper quarter. Mrs Nelson thanked the occupants of the car, whom she said did their best to help.

Western Times, Friday 18 June 1926
BRIXHAM - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at the Inquest held at Brixham by Mr Ernest Hutchings, on NORMAN ERNEST ROGERS, aged 2, son of MR and MRS W. E. ROGERS, who was knocked down by a lorry and succumbed to his injuries. They exonerated the lorry driver from blame, but recommended that as 'bus traffic in Fore-street and King-street, where the accident occurred, was a source of great danger, it should terminate at Bolton Cross.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 19 June 1926
EXETER - Cause Unknown. Fatal Injuries To Inmate Of Starcross Institution. Inquest Story. - The adjourned Inquest on HARRY SPICER, aged 17, a pupil at the Western Counties' Institution, Starcross, and whose parents live at 19 Harvey-street, Cardiff, was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, before the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, and a Jury. SPICER died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as the effect of injuries to one of his eyes, received while he was playing bagatelle with other inmates at the Starcross Institution. Mr L. D. Thomas was present on behalf of the Committee of Management of the Institution, with the Chairman of the Committee (the Rev. the Hon. H. H. Courtenay) and the Superintendent (Capt. C. W. Mayer). Mr R. T. Shears watched the proceedings on behalf of the Devon County Council Committee for the Care of the Mentally Defective and Inspector Champion. - Dr Lailey, Senior House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said he examined deceased on admission to Hospital on June 2nd. He was unconscious, suffering from cerebral compression and a small lacerated wound on the outer margin of the left eye. He died early the following morning. Death was due to cerebral compression due to haemorrhage. He had ruptured a very large vein just behind the left eyeball. - Capt. Mayer said deceased was a mental defective. He was one of those lads who, on account of their conduct, were usually put in what were known as private rooms of an evening. That privilege was one which they granted only to their better and more hopeful cases. In each of the private rooms was a billiard or bagatelle table in common use. Deceased was in number three private room on the evening of the occurrence, and there was a bagatelle table there. Another mental defective, Herbert Clement Slocombe, aged 17, was in the same room. Slocombe, in addition to being mentally defective, was also deaf and nearly dumb. He could do lip reading, but preferred to write his questions. He spoke curiously, as he could not hear. He had the intelligence of an average child about twelve. - The Coroner: Would you say that this boy Slocombe would understand the nature of an oath? - Witness: No. I do not think so. - The Coroner: It would be my duty to inform him that he could give evidence or not if he liked, and that he need not give any evidence which might tend to incriminate him. Would he understand the difference between evidence which would incriminate and evidence that would not? - Witness: I don't think so. - The Coroner: I thought not. - Further questioned, witness said he saw nothing of the occurrence. He was informed by the head attendant of what had happened. - In reply to Mr Thomas, witness said he had been superintendent of the Institution for over four years. Seventy-six boys had the privilege of the private room on an average of just over 300. The majority of such cases would be on their way out to live as citizens of the world. The object was to give them some sense of responsibility and self-control. - Mr Thomas: You are urged by the Board of Control to give the lads an opportunity of securing a sense of responsibility and self-control? - Witness: Yes. - Board Of Control's Views. - And to give them a certain amount of freedom from the immediate inspection and control of your attendants? - Witness: Yes. - So that if possible they may be allowed to assume the normal life you want a boy to lead, and to do all you possibly can to try these young man out with a view to their going out into the world? - Yes. - It is like putting plants out in a cold frame from the hothouse before they go out into the garden? - Yes. - Mr Thomas: I want to show how very much this course of training is urged upon superintendents in these Institutions. - The Coroner: I think we all know the Western Counties' Institution, and I think the Jury will appreciate, Mr Thomas, that everything is done for the benefit of these boys. - Mr Thomas agreed, and said he only wanted to put a matter shortly to Capt. Mayers. Dr Rotherham, who was a Commissioner of the Board of Control, urged you superintendents, Capt. Mayer, to give freedom to the boys, although he appreciated it might involve some risk, and in his report he actually forecasted such a case as we are dealing with - a case which might have to come before a Coroner for Inquiry? - Witness: Yes. - He said that in such a case the Board of Control would stand by you and back you up? - Yes. - Had you any reason for thinking that SPICER or Slocombe was quarrelsome? - Witness: I had had no report about either that would have kept them out of the private room. I have never heard of any fights. - Archibald King, attendant at the Institution, said he was in No. 3 yard on the evening of the occurrence and the first he heard was when one of the lads came to him and said there was a fight taking place in No. 3 private room. He immediately went there and saw Slocombe with blood coming from his mouth and in an excited state. For a few seconds he could get nothing from him, but then he pointed to SPICER, who was on the floor and unconscious. Witness put Slocombe in a chair and then attended to SPICER, taking off his collar and undoing his clothes. He then sent for the sick attendant. Nothing in the room was upset and there was no disorder. - Cross-examined by Mr Thomas: SPICER and Slocombe were both well behaved as far as he knew. - Dr J. H. Iles, Medical Officer to the Institution, said he did not think Slocombe could give evidence on oath, nor did he think two other inmates of the Institution present were in a position to do so. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said that was all the evidence he proposed to call. Probably the Jury would think it meagre, but he did not see what evidence they could get out of the youths, especially the lad, Slocombe, who was absolutely deaf and [?faded text]. He did not think it would be right to put him in the witness-box if he could understand neither the nature of the oath nor the caution which it was necessary to administer to a person when there was a possibility that he might be charged with a criminal offence. If he could not appreciate the caution he could not appreciate the necessity of telling exactly what was the truth and what did happy. - "The Only Possible Verdict." - There was no doubt that everything that was done for these boys was done for their ultimate good. The certain amount of liberty allowed was to try and make them feel some sort of responsibility so that they might possibly be able to take their place in the world and become useful citizens. Having summed up the evidence, Mr Brown pointed out to the Jury that they had had no evidence put before them as to why SPICER was on the ground or how he got his injuries. Of course, they must have evidence, and corroborative evidence, before they could return a verdict of manslaughter against anyone. He did not see how they could get evidence when dealing with people of that type and they would be satisfied, he was sure, that if one of these mental defectives went in the box that what he might tell them would not be the evidence of a normal individual. If they thought that Slocombe caused the injuries to the deceased he was guilty of manslaughter, but there was no evidence as to that, and they could not find such a verdict without that evidence. The only verdict they could really give, he thought, was that the deceased died of the injuries described by the doctor - a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and that there was no evidence to show how the deceased met with those injuries. It was entirely a matter for the Jury. - The Foreman said the Jury agreed that it would be useless calling the inmates, and returned a verdict that SPICER died from injuries described by the doctor and that there was no evidence to show how it happened. - Mr Thomas: I should like to say how deeply the Committee of Management of this Institution regret that any such thing should have happened. In the whole history of the Institution such a thing has not happened before. - Capt. Mayer informed the Jury that any time, day or night, they were passing the Institution and would like to look over it and see how it was carried on, he would be pleased to show them over.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 22 June 1926
HONITON - Mr C. N. Tweed held an Inquest yesterday at the Poor Law Institution, Honiton, concerning the death of LUCY JANE HOWARD, who died suddenly at Slade's Foundry Yard, Honiton, on Saturday morning. Robert Grundy, salesman for J. Lyons, Ltd., stated that on Saturday deceased came to see him at the yard. She was somewhat out of breath, having apparently hurried up the hill. She started talking about some forms her son had to fill up, when she collapsed. Dr Sampson, locum tenens for Dr Mills, said death was due to apoplexy. A verdict accordingly was returned.

DAWLISH - Still A Mystery. Plymouth Man Drowned At Dawlish. Inquest Story. - Mr T. A. Edmonds, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, yesterday, relative to the death of LESLIE THOMAS HERBERT ALLEN, aged 22, an electrician of 23 Pounds Park, Park-road, Peverell, Plymouth, who was found drowned on Saturday morning near Spray Point, Teignmouth. - Dr Thurlow (Dawlish) said there were no external marks of violence on the body with the exception of abrasions on the face. The lungs were full of water and death was due to drowning. The body had not been in the water for more than 48 hours. - ALFRED HENRY ALLEN, Plymouth, identified the body as that of his son, who had lived with him. On Sunday, June 13th, he complained of a bilious attack, although his general health was good. He never suffered from depression and had no trouble which might lead him to commit suicide. Deceased saw a doctor, and on the 18th went out for the first time since his illness. He said he was going for a little air and to meet his fiancée at 11.30. He did not return and on Saturday, witness reported the matter to the Police. An hour later he was informed that a body had been found on the beach at Teignmouth. Deceased knew no one there and did not tell witness of his intention to go there. - Harold Arnold of the Jolly Sailor Inn, Teignmouth, said deceased came to the Inn on Friday evening and said he was going to London, but had broken his journey at Teignmouth. He had two drinks and arranged to stay the night. At 10 o'clock he went out, saying he was going for a stroll. He then seemed quite normal. Deceased did not return. - P.C. Phillips (Teignmouth) spoke to finding the body, on which were 25 £1 notes, a ten-shilling note, 8s. in coins, a gold watch and a book entitled "Rolling Stones." The watch had stopped at 1.32. High tide was between 12 and 1 a.m. - P.S. Phillips (Dawlish) said deceased's fiancée could throw no light on the matter, and the doctor he saw corroborated the father's evidence about his health. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," remarking that there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

EXETER - Delusions. Aged Exonian Commits Suicide. "Good-Bye Emma." - The Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN BEER, aged 75, retired cabman, of 4 Wynard's Almshouses, Magdalen-street, Exeter, whose body was found near Belle Isle sewerage disposal works on Sunday, after he had been missing since Wednesday. - ALFRED JOHN BEER, furniture packer of 4 Cheeke-street, identified the body as that of his father, whom he last saw the previous Monday evening, when deceased was fairly well. Deceased had suffered much worry owing to delusions that he was drawing money to which he was not entitled from his Club. On Wednesday evening witness saw his mother, who told him his father had gone out that afternoon saying he would not be back for a few hours and had not returned. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. - The Deputy Coroner read a note from deceased to his wife saying: "Goodbye, EMMA; my head won't stand it any longer. Alf and Mabel will look after you." - Detective Annett spoke to having been led by a boy to the body which was lying about 400 yards beyond Belle Isle sewage disposal works. In deceased's hand was a blood-stained razor, and there was a deep wound in the throat. - Dr Pereira Gray said he was of opinion that the wound in the throat was self-inflicted and that death was due to shock, following upon the wound. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity " was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 24 June 1926
EXETER - Natural Causes. United States Lady's Death At Exeter Hotel. The Inquest. - At an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, on MISS NAOMI WOOD, aged 53, of Washington, U.S.A., an American subject, who was found dead in bed at the Royal Clarence Hotel, Exeter, the previous day, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown. The body was identified by Isabella Camillia Wells, of Washington, U.S.A., who came with deceased to England on May 29th. They reached Exeter last Friday and stayed at the Royal Clarence Hotel. MISS WOOD'S health had been satisfactory since leaving America. On Tuesday morning witness waited for her for some time, and, as she did not come, knocked at her door twice without a reply. - Ellen Preston, a waitress at the Royal Clarence Hotel, said she saw one of the maids knocking at the door of deceased's bedroom. The maid received no reply. Witness also knocked and, getting no answer, entered the room by a window, saw deceased lying on the bed, and informed the manageress. - Dr Raglan Thomas said that when he arrived he found deceased lying across the bed, nearly undressed, with the clothes lying over her. She had been dead a good many hours. A post-mortem examination showed that deceased had had haemorrhage of the brain, and was also suffering from gall-stones. Death was caused by the haemorrhage of the brain. - Miss Wells said deceased had been under medical treatment in Philadelphia.

Western Times, Friday 25 June 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Trusham Fatality. Man's Head Crushed Between Quarry Trucks. Accident No One Saw. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Wednesday relative to the death of GEORGE WILLIAM GILBERT of 3 Oldway, Chudleigh, who was killed on a siding at Trusham Quarries, belonging to the Teign Valley Granite Works, on Monday. According to the medical evidence deceased's skull was crushed between the buffers of two trucks. - William Henry Dolbear, of Trusham, said just after 4.30 p.m. he was working with deceased clearing up loose stones from the rail track of a siding. They finished their job and went away in different directions. A few minutes later, witness heard of the accident. - Alfred Knight, 24 Old Exeter-street, Chudleigh, who was loading trucks at the siding, said he saw deceased lying between the rails. Trucks were being shunted about, but witness saw nothing of an accident. - Harry Bickerleg of 85 Fore-street, Chudleigh, in the employ of the Teign Valley Granite Co., said he was engaged in shunting trucks on Monday afternoon at the quarry. It was part of his duty to see that the line was clear, but he saw nothing of the deceased until after he had been killed. - The Coroner: How do you account for not seeing the deceased? - He was not thee when I passed by. - Further questioned, witness said after seeing all was clear he got on a truck for the purpose of loading and then signalled to the driver to move on in order that the next bin of stone could be unloaded. - William James Glass, of Ideford, who was driving the carne attached to the trucks, which was also used as a locomotive, said he shifted his position when a signal was given by Bickerleg. It was taken for granted that when there were trucks working there was nobody on the line. Witness admitted that after having had a signal it was not necessary to walk down the siding every time he moved. - The Coroner: Doesn't it show carelessness that you should have moved the engine without seeing if there was anyone about? - No, because it is an every-day occurrence. We are on that line almost every half-hour of the day. - The Coroner: But deceased was working on this line? - Not on this particular line. - Other questions were put which elicited from witness that it was a question whether or not it was the duty of anyone to give a signal every time the trucks were moved. He agreed that it would make for safety if this were done. It was an understood thing that deceased had a roving commission throughout the yard, and it was possible for him to be at the end of the trucks. Witness knew that it was deceased's job to clear up the line and that this particular afternoon there was a fire burning near by, though he did not know who lit it. Witness could not see the end trucks from his position on the crane. - Mr H. A. G. Hough (Manager of the Teign Valley Co.): If deceased at any time wanted any trucks would he have asked you? - Yes. - Mr Hough informed the Coroner no one was allowed on this particular siding when there was shunting being done. It could easily be arranged for someone to keep a look-out. - At the request of the Coroner, Mr Hough gave an undertaking that in future he would see that every precaution was exercised in seeing that the line was clear and that there should be no trespassing. - Mr Edmunds returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and remarked that there did not appear to have been any carelessness on the part of the driver or shunter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 June 1926
CHUDLEIGH - Chudleigh Suicide. Octogenarian's Lament. - An Inquest has been held at Chudleigh on MISS CAROLINE RICHARDSON, who was found hanging in a potting shed at Bridgelands, Chudleigh. Deceased, aged 83, had been in the family of Mrs H. C. B. Tanner as nurse for 63 years. Evidence disclosed that deceased, owing to her age, had lamented she could not do all she (deceased) desired for Mrs Tanner (who is lying ill), and had expressed the view that, consequently, she was a burden to the family. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Friday 25 June 1926
SIDMOUTH - Thirteen Years' Suffering. Sidmouth Hotel Porter's Jump From Window. The Inquest Story. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at Sidmouth last night, touching the death of GEORGE ALLEN, aged 49, former hotel porter, who was found lying outside his bedroom window on Monday morning and who died before the arrival of the doctor. - MRS LILY ALLEN, the widow, of Chapel House, Sidmouth, stated that during the last thirteen years her husband had suffered from locomotor ataxy, and had been confined to his bed for the last four weeks. On Monday morning she went downstairs about seven o'clock to make some tea, and shortly after heard a thump. She found that her hsuband had fallen out of the bedroom window and was lying unconscious. The deceased had complained of an awful pain and seemed depressed at times, but she had never heard him threaten to take his own life. - Neil Abbott, aged 17, a gardener, living in the same house, said his mother saw deceased falling from the window and screamed. Witness was just getting up at the time, and, on looking out of the window, which was immediately below the bedroom window of deceased, he saw him lying on the floor of the yard. - Samuel H. Spencer of Bedford-square, Sidmouth, said he had known deceased for twenty years. He was of a nervous disposition and suffered from depression. Witness had never heard ALLEN threaten to commit suicide, but he made the remark that it was no wonder people who suffered as he did, did so. - Dr Spence Bernard said that when he arrived at 7.30 the man was dead. There were no marks of violence and witness thought the shock of the fall was the cause of death. He had attended deceased for the past two years for pain due to locomotor ataxy and during the last month for inflammation of the lungs. He considered deceased was a plucky man in his trouble and he must have suffered great pain. Witness thought he had seemed rather depressed in the last day or two. - The Coroner said an important factor in the case was the fact that a pole used for purposes of the blind was broken and he did not think deceased would have taken hold of this and broken it unless he intended to jump out of the window. It was a very sad case and he was sorry in finding that deceased died from shock, following a fall, to have to record that he took his own life during a fit of Temporary Insanity.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 June 1926
EXETER - The Exeter Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday on the body of EMILY DREW, of Sun-street, widow of an Exeter tailor. Deceased fell down in Guinea-street in September 1923 and was taken to the Hospital, where she remained as a patient for three months. She suffered from a fractured thigh and died on Friday. Dr F. H. Hudson stated that he attended deceased for the last 12 months. The fracture had not re-united. Everything possible was done for the woman. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held by Mr H. Linford Brown last evening as to the cause of death of ALICE MAUD CANDEY, aged 36, of Alexander-terrace, Tiverton, who passed away at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital while under an anaesthetic. RICHARD CANDEY, a retired lace-maker, identified the body as that of his daughter, who was a lace mender. She had suffered internally for some time and received medical attention at Tiverton and Exeter. After a consultation she was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Dr R. Lailey, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that after being X-rayed deceased was considered to be in a fit state to be operated on. She was placed under an anaesthetic and collapsed just after the chloroform had been administered. Death was due to degeneration of the heart muscles, which, with other complications, caused heart failure. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Chudleigh Accident. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, opened the Inquest at Newton Abbot, yesterday, on WILLIAM HAROLD BULLEY, aged 37, of Netherton, who died at Newton Abbot Hospital. William Stabb, of Ashburton, said on June 24th he was motoring down Haldon, near Chudleigh, when he passed a traction engine drawing a big furniture van. When he had gone about 100 yards he heard an explosion, and, looking round, saw a heap of debris over the engine. The engine gained speed and went straight down the middle of the road for nearly 100 yards, then mounted a hedge and dropped in over. Witness saw deceased, who was the steersman, fall from the engine. Witness went back and found that the driver (Leslie Broughton) was also injured. He conveyed both men to the Newton Hospital. The traction engine was being driven slowly at the time and when witness passed everything appeared to be normal. - Dr J. Culross said death was due to blood poisoning, due to the injuries received in the accident. Deceased had a very small wound on the front of the right thigh, but the muscles underneath were badly torn. He also had wounds on the right hand and arm. - The Coroner said that half the fly-wheel had broken off and appeared to have hit the roof of the engine. - Dr Culross thought deceased must have fallen on some sharp substance. There was no metal in the wound. - The Coroner, who adjourned the Inquest until July 26th for the attendance of the driver, expressed appreciation of the prompt manner in which Mr Stabb acted, and his remarks were supported by Mr F. White, the men's employer.

Western Times, Friday 9 July 1926
SOUTH BRENT - Death Of MR J. GOODWIN. Popular Master Of Dartmoor Otter Hounds. - The sudden death of MR JOHN DAVID POWER GOODWIN, of Beggars Bush, South Brent, aged 45, has caused profound regret throughout the neighbourhood. MR GOODWIN was a very popular gentleman, and had been Master of the Dartmoor Otter Hounds for many years. Only last Saturday he did a big day with his pack. On Sunday he complained of a slight sore throat, and on Monday morning he was found dead in bed. - Mr T. Edmonds, the Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Beggars Bush House. - Hilda Jelbard, a domestic, said that as MR GOODWIN did not come down as early as usual she knocked at his door several times, and, receiving no reply, she opened it and saw him leaning out over the side of the bed apparently dead. She immediately called assistance. Dr Style, of Brent, was telephoned for and could only pronounce life extinct. - Dr Style had since made a post-mortem examination. The throat was badly inflamed and swollen and the cause of death was asphyxia. - A verdict in accordance with this evidence was passed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 July 1926
BOVEY TRACEY - New-Born Baby's Death. Heathfield Parents' Loss. - Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, has conducted an adjourned Inquest at Bovey Tracey on the newly-born baby of MR and MRS WALLACE J. STEER, of 7 Heathfield Cottages, Heathfield, which died on June 12th after living a few hours. - Dr A. Perry, of Bovey Tracey, said post-mortem examination showed that death was due to asphyxiation, but there were no signs of violence or of outside pressure having been applied. - Nurse Burton, District Nurse, said she found no preparation for the child. Some clothes had been made, but not what one would have expected. - RUBY STEER, the mother, said she was uncertain as to the date of the expected birth. She heard the baby make a gurgling noise in the throat after the nurse had left and sent her husband for the nurse. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said she was certain she did not drop off to sleep when left by the nurse. - The Coroner: You might have been worn out and tired, and you might have rested on the child and scarcely known it. We must find out the cause of the asphyxiation. - Witness said she was sure she did not go to sleep and was clear as to everything that happened. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and that the cause of the asphyxiation was unknown. Most careful inquiries had been made in this case, and there was no sign of any violence which would have caused the child's death. There was nothing to show that the child's death was caused by the act of anyone.

OTTERY ST MARY - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall by Mr C. N. Tweed on GWENDOLINE MAY MORGAN, aged three years, daughter of SIDNEY and ELLEN MORGAN of Fern Cottage, Alfington. Evidence showed that while engaged in washing, MRS MORGAN placed a bucket of boiling water on the floor while she pumped another bucketful. While she was away the child accidentally sat in the boiling water and was badly scalded about the legs and lower part of the body. Dr F. N. Sidebotham removed the child to the Cottage Hospital, where she died two days later. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death due to shock as a result of Accidental Scalding."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 July 1926
BROADWOODWIDGER -Fractured Forks. Lady's Neck Broken. - MISS GWENDOLINE DINGLE, 25, of Upcott Mill, Broadwoodwidger, was cycling to her work as a typist at Launceston, when the forks of the machine broke and in falling she broke her neck. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr Coroner Brown found that death was Accidental.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 July 1926
EXMOUTH - Fatal Worry. Death Of Popular Exmouth Football Player. Sequel To Accident. - Keen regret is felt in Exmouth at the tragic death of PERCY ROBERT REGINALD NICOL, a French polisher, which took place on Friday evening as a result of taking bichromate of potash, a chemical used in the trade for the making of polish. The deceased, who was 27 years of age, and resided with his father and mother at 40 Lawn-road, was a popular local Association Football Player, who had frequently assisted Exmouth United and Exmouth Church Institute while he was a member of Exmouth Conservative Club. Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, conducted the Inquest on Saturday afternoon, when deceased's father, MR ALEXANDER NICOL, said Dr Walker had been attending his son for neurasthenia. In reply to the Coroner witness said he could not say deceased was depressed, but he was more excited and during the week before his death he was certainly worse. He had never heard deceased threaten to commit suicide, though there was an impression he might do so, and he was kept under observation. In February last deceased came home wet through and said "I have been in the water, dad." He did not give any other explanation. His son worked as a French polisher, but witness did not know what he used in his work. Deceased had a delusion that he had done something wrong with a motor car three years ago. He had been attended by an Exeter specialist, who said he thought it would be a good thing to get Inspector Bastin to try and relieve deceased's mind. Inspector Bastin accordingly saw deceased and told him there was nothing to worry about. Deceased seemed a little better afterwards. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said deceased was mixed up in a motor accident when a man was knocked over the sea wall and that partly got on his mind. - MRS KATHLEEN NICOL, mother, said that after tea on Friday evening she saw deceased tip a small portion of some powder from a tin into a jam jar. She asked him what he was going to do with it, and he replied that he was going to polish a wireless set. Witness took away the stuff and threw it down the sink. Deceased shaved and went upstairs, but later became sick, and she gave him an emetic in case he had taken anything. Deceased had been suffering from neurasthenia for six months. - Inspector Bastin said deceased's father saw him on Thursday morning and at his request witness saw deceased and told him not to let the motor car affair worry him, as it was all finished with long ago. He was looking very ill and seemed strange. - Dr Walker said he had been attending deceased for some months and an Exeter specialist had also been called in. Witness was called on Friday evening, but deceased appeared fairly normal and as MRS NICOL had administered an emetic witness did nothing more at the time. Witness subsequently received another message and when he again visited the house he found deceased in a state of collapse and gave him treatment. The substance in the tin was potassium bichromate and witness had no doubt deceased had taken some of it. It was a chemical used for polishing, and was a corrosive poison. - The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased had Committed Suicide by taking corrosive poison while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 July 1926
OTTERY ST MARY - A Fatal Pause. Little Girl Killed By Car In East Devon. Driver Exonerated. - Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest last evening with the assistance of a Jury at Little Ash Farm, near Fenny Bridges, concerning the death of DOROTHY FRANCES EDITH GREENWAY, aged 13, daughter of GEORGE HENRY GREENWAY, licensed hawker, of Little Ash Cottage, who was killed by a motor car on the Honiton - Exeter main road on Saturday evening. Mr C. S. Mossop (Sidmouth) watched the proceedings on behalf of the driver of the car (John Matheson) and his employers, a motor hire Company. Mr W. North was the Foreman of the Jury. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's father, who said his daughter's hearing and eyesight were all right. - "Afraid Of Horses." - Mary Brown, daughter of George Brown, of Little Ash Farm, stated that at about 8.30 on Saturday evening she was in the engine-house at the back of the orchard when her brother told her that the deceased wanted her. Witness went to meet deceased, who was standing at a gate looking towards witness. A colt passed through the orchard and deceased said she was afraid of horses. With the same she ran out into the roadway and was about half-way across when witness, who had also passed through the gate, saw a car coming from the direction of Honiton. It was on about the crown of the road and witness alleged, travelling at a fast speed. - The Coroner: Did it appear to be going faster than most of the cars which pass here? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: Do you think you are able to estimate the speed of the car? - Witness: It was going fast. Witness, continuing, said she called out to the deceased, "A car is coming!" Deceased hesitated and then proceeded across the road and the car collided with her, although it swerved to the right in an attempt to avoid her Deceased was carried several feet by the car and then she dropped from it. The car then stopped. - The Coroner: When you made a statement to P.S. Chaffe you said the car was going "rather fast," and now you say "very fast." Which do you mean? - Witness said she would stick to the phrase "very fast." - By the Coroner: Witness heard no hooter sounded, but thought she heard someone shout. - Speed Of Cars. - Mr Mossop suggested that the thing was so sudden that the witness could not tell whether or not the car was travelling fast. - In answer to Supt. Braddell, witness admitted that she had been speaking to a local garage proprietor about the speed of cars, and that in consequence of what he told her she had altered her opinion with regard to the speed of the car from that which she gave to P.S. Chaffe. It was a perfectly clear road. - Ernest William Robinson, motor driver in the employ of a motor hire Company, said he was driving a car from London in company with a fellow employee (Matheson), who was driving the car which collided with the deceased. Witness's car was in front. As he was passing the farm three children were at the end of the building. One ran out into the road. Witness sounded his hooter and the girl ran back again. It occurred to him that it was a risky thing for the child to do. His speed at the time was about 30 miles an hour. - By Mr Mossop: As he was leading, it might have occurred to the children that, after he had passed, all was clear. He did not know how far the other car was behind him. - Driver's Explanation. - John Matheson, driver of the car concerned, said he was driving from the direction of Honiton to Exeter about 8.15. "When I was travelling near the farm," proceeded witness, "I saw some children at the gate about 30 yards away. I sounded my klaxon, warning the children of my approach. In the meantime one girl (the deceased) ran out into the middle of the road and hesitated. I shouted, and swerved to the right to avoid her, but she ran across in front of the car. She was hit with the off headlight. I was proceeding at 25 miles an hour. When I came over the brow of the hill I looked at my speedometer." - By the Coroner: He should say he could stop the car in an emergency at that speed in 12 ½ yards. He was about ten yards away from the girl when she ran across the road. Witness had been driving for 18 years and had a clean license. He had been employed by his present Company for 14 years. - By the Foreman: The other car was fully 200 yards in front of him. - P.S. Chaffe, of Ottery St Mary, gave details regarding the measurements of the road, and said the gate from which the child emerged was not visible to a motorist until abreast of it. The driver of the car gave the same version immediately after the accident as he had done that day. He was perfectly sober and very upset at the fatality. - Dr Meeklen, of Ottery St Mary, spoke to finding deceased lying on the right side of the road dead. There had been profuse haemorrhage. Death was probably instantaneous, and due to haemorrhage following a fracture to the base of the skull. - The Jury, after a consultation in private, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the car from all blame. - The Coroner: I entirely concur with that verdict. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the parents of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 July 1926
CHARDSTOCK (Dorset) - Gun Fatality. Superintendent's Tragic Sport At Chardstock. Accidental Discharge. - A shooting accident, of which BENJAMIN CHARLES MILLER, 42, of Tatworth, near Chard, was the victim, was Inquired into by the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, at Ridge Farm, Chardstock, on Tuesday night. MILLER went rabbiting alone on Monday evening, and was found lying dead by a stile near Ridge Farm with two wounds in his head. It was surmised that his gun had been accidentally discharged. - MRS ELIZABETH BISHOP, sister, stated that deceased, who was superintendent of a department at Messrs. Salter and Stoke's butter factory, was always of a cheerful disposition. On the evening of the tragedy he visited the farm, which was quite a common practice, and later went out alone with a gun to shoot rabbits. Just before 9 o'clock she heard a report and half an hour later was rather disturbed because he did not return. With Clifford Symes, a labourer on the farm, she made a search, and his body was discovered. There were two dead rabbits beside it. - Clifford Joseph Symes, a labourer at the farm, described the finding of the body, and the gun was produced to the Coroner by William Bishop, a farmer. - P.C. Pearce said he found a spent cartridge in the right barrel of the gun and a full cartridge in the left barrel, which was not cocked. - Dr G.E. A. Evans, of Chard, said he found two gunshot wounds just above the eyes of the deceased; the shot had penetrated the brain and the skull was fractured. Something must have divided the shot before striking MILLER. - The Coroner, summing up, said he was persuaded by the evidence that death was the result of an accident. There was no possible motive for suicide, and no ground whatever for entertaining such a possibility. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 July 1926
SEATON AND BEER - Beer Suicide. Tank For Drowning. - A labourer, JAMES BOOLES, of Beer, aged 68, married, was found drowned in a tank early on Saturday morning. Deceased was a pensioner and late of the Royal Engineers. He saw a good deal of service in Egypt. For some time he had been unwell and was under the care of Dr Tonge. As BOOLES did not return to his home on Friday evening his brother-in-law was informed and, with the assistance of P.C. Mardon, a search was made. The body was found in the greenhouse of an unoccupied dwelling adjoining where BOOLES lived. At the Inquest on Saturday a verdict of "Suicide while Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 July 1926
CHUDLEIGH - Killed By Train. Angler's Death On Teign Valley Branch. Victim's Deafness. - On Saturday morning the news was received in Chudleigh that Comdr. FRANCIS HENRY BOYER R.N. (retired), aged 72, of Home Lodge, Old Exeter-road, Chudleigh, had been knocked down by a Teign Valley train just below Chudleigh Station. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner. Chief-Inspector Mapledoram watched the proceedings on behalf of the G.W.R. Company. - Dr H. B. Walters, of Chudleigh, identified the body. He had known deceased for years and had attended him. Deceased was stone deaf in the right ear and nearly so in the left. He was a very keen fisherman and fished frequently in the waters round Chudleigh. Deceased left home in the morning on his bicycle for the purpose of fishing in the Teign. He left his bicycle in the Chudleigh-Kingsteignton road, and crossed near the leat on to the railway. Witness was called just after 10.30 a.m. to Chudleigh Station, and there he saw deceased lying on cushions on the platform. He was still conscious. Witness was informed that deceased had been knocked down on the railway. Witness got deceased home and stopped with him until he died. He was suffering from a broken shoulder blade, a fractured spine, two scalp wounds and shock from injuries sustained. The deceased would not have heard the whistle of the engine, but would have known the time of the trains. Deceased was subject to giddiness at this time of the year. - Jack Northam, 26, Stafford-road, St Thomas, Exeter, said he was driving the 9.30 train from Exeter to Heathfield, on SAturday morning and left Chudleigh Station at 10.21. He had gone about 120 yards when he saw a man on the left-hand side of the line in front, about 120 yards away, proceeding the same way as the train. Witness blew his whistle as a warning, but no notice was taken. He then applied his brakes, with the whistle still blowing. Speed was considerably reduced, but deceased was still being overtaken. As the train approached, deceased turned to his right, without looking round, going into the four-foot way. It was his opinion that the buffer struck him and knocked him clean off the line to the ground. The train would have hit deceased if he had not moved. The train was stopped within 20 or thirty yards, and both the fireman and guard, with himself, went back and found deceased lying beside the track, his head being about 6 ft. from the rails. They lifted him into the train and took him back to the Station, where he was taken out and laid on the platform. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said the cause of death was shock as a result of direct injuries received through being knocked down by a train. The driver was in no way to blame, as it was a pure accident, owing to the infirmity of deceased. He expressed the deepest sympathy with MRS BOYER in her sad loss.

Western Times, Friday 23 July 1926
WELLINGTON, SOMERSET - Cyclist Killed. Motor Accident At Wellington: Inquest Story. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict recorded by the Coroner's Jury at Wellington Police Court, Tuesday, before Mr F. Foster Barham, the Coroner for West Somerset, on the body of a young man, called RICHARD VALENTINE, who died at Wellington Hospital on Saturday evening, as a result of a collision with a 11 h.p. Standard motor car, driven by Mr Glanfield, motor garage proprietor, of Willand. Great interest was taken in the case locally, where VALENTINE, who kept a cycle repairing shop, was very popular, and was to have been married early next month. His home was at Burlescombe, where he lived with his parents, and he cycled into town every morning. - Dr Hellyer, of Wellington, said the immediate cause of death was haemorrhage of the mouth. Deceased was so seriously injured that several of his injuries may have proved fatal. - Police Constable Watts said that he was on the scene of the accident soon after the accident happened. In the course of a statement made by Mr Glanfield, he said, "I don't care, I am insured," and also that as he turned the corner he saw VALENTINE wobbling about the road, and he apparently lost his head and ran right into him. - The Coroner remarked that in all probability proceedings would be taken against Glanfield by the Police and the Foreman of the Jury, Mr H. Bowerman, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said they had decided not to add anything further to their decision in view of the various remarks.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 24 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Tragedy. Pathetic Note. - At the Inquest yesterday concerning the death of THOMAS ELSON, 68, of 100 Torquay-road, who was found shot in his house, it was stated that deceased left a note: "God forgive me for what I am doing. This disease is killing me, having been on now since 1891. My children are calling me. Thank everybody for their kindnesses. May they all forgive me. God bless Laura, Will, Nelly and Tommy and all my dear friends. I cannot do for myself or anyone else. Hope you can make this out. 2.30." - The widow said her husband, who was a retired licensed victualler, had lost his two children during the past three years and had been very depressed. - Dr Haydon said deceased suffered from very high blood pressure, and also from glaucoma of the left eye, which was very painful. He was also threatened with cataract in the right eye, rendering his condition very miserable. He was very apprehensive of total blindness. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - Natural Causes. Tiverton Man's Tragic Death After Fishing. - The Deputy Coroner held an Inquest at Bickleigh last evening concerning the death of SIDNEY WESTCOTT, 36, butcher's assistant, of Tiverton, whose sudden death was recorded in yesterday's issue. - Dr C. Jones stated that the cause of death was a ruptured artery in the heart. - MRS WESTCOTT said her husband was a total abstainer and had always enjoyed good health. - Robert Sanders, hairdresser, of Tiverton, stated that at 8.30 on Wednesday evening he went fishing at Burn, Bickleigh, accompanied by deceased. They were fishing until about 11 p.m., and when nearly across the suspension bridge which spans the River Exe on their way to fetch their cycles, a fish was heard to rise. Deceased made the remark, "There's a whopper," and stopped a moment, looking in the direction from whence the sound came. They then proceeded and suddenly witness heard deceased fall behind him. turning round, he saw he was gasping for breath and it was with some difficulty that he prevented him from falling into the river. Witness managed to drag deceased into an adjacent field. - Replying to the Deputy Coroner, Dr Jones said that walking across the suspension bridge and the jumping of the fish were factors which might have acted on him. - In recording a verdict of "Natural Causes" the Deputy Coroner complimented Mr Sanders on his efforts to keep deceased from falling into the water and his attention in other ways.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 July 1926
YEALMPTON - Fatal Cup Of Coffee. - Through the upsetting of a freshly-made cup of coffee a two-year-old girl, MURIEL ENID BARNES, of Yealmpton, sustained fatal scalds. She was playing with a sister in a neighbour's kitchen, and it was stated at the Inquest on Saturday, while the neighbour's back was turned the little one apparently tugged at the tablecloth on which the cup had been placed. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 July 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Runaway Lorry. Fatal Result Of Flywheel Bursting. Haldon Tragedy. - The adjourned Inquest into the death of WILLIAM HAROLD BULLEY, 37, of Netherton, who was the steersman on the furniture lorry that ran away on Haldon on June 24th took place at Newton Abbot yesterday afternoon. Mr Harry Geen (instructed by Messrs. H. Michelmore and Co.) appeared on behalf of Mr Frank White, the owner of the lorry. - Leslie Broughton, Pomeroy-road, Newton Abbot, the driver of the lorry, who came from the Hospital to give evidence, said they were returning from Appledore with a load of furniture in the lorry and a load in the trailer. They were coming down Haldon-hill when witness "saw something fly," and remembered nothing more until he was passing through Chudleigh in a private car. - Evidence was also given by William Draper, furniture packer, who was riding on the back of the trailer. He heard a bump as they were descending the hill, saw BULLEY fall out into the road and the lorry went on to crash into the hedge. BULLEY walked down and witness put him and Broughton into a private car. - Mr T. Davis, chartered civil engineer, technical adviser to Messrs. Fodens, Ltd., gave it as his opinion that the flywheel burst through differential expansion, due to overheating through the brakes being used down the long gradient. The screw brake had just been relined, and probably the driver had used the flywheel brake in addition. From the description of the injuries of the deceased he did not think a portion of the flywheel hit him. He probably hit the mudguard or lamp on falling from the lorry. - Mr F. White said the flywheel brake was not supplied with the lorry, but specially ordered by him to be fitted, as from his own experience he found it of great service in traffic and emergencies. - The Coroner said the deceased was evidently a very careful driver and it appeared as if his desire for caution had over-reached itself and he had unconsciously applied the fly brake more than he would have done in any other kind of country. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and said no blame was attached to anyone.

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Tragedy. Postal Official's Fear Of Inefficiency. Great Depression. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, yesterday held an Inquest at Exmouth Court House touching the death of WALTER ROBINSON LONG, aged 36, clerk at Exmouth Post-office, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Sunday morning as the result of taking Lysol. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smyth said he first attended deceased in October of last year, when he was suffering from severe nervous depression and considering he was unable to do his work. Witness sent him to a nerve specialist, and he had three months' rest, after which he returned to duty improved in health. He reported to witness once this year, feeling better, but still worried about his work. Witness had not seen deceased since February until on Friday, at 4 p.m., he received a telephone message to go to Phear Park, where he found deceased lying behind a haystack quite unconscious. Witness was shown a bottle of Lysol, which had been found lying beside deceased, whose face showed considerable burning and his tongue showed signs of corrosion. Witness had him conveyed to the Hospital, and under treatment he recovered consciousness that evening. He passed a comfortable night and was quite conscious on Saturday morning. At about 4 p.m. his temperature suddenly rose, and witness found complications of the lungs had developed, and there were the beginnings of septic pneumonia. At 3 a.m. on Sunday his heart suddenly failed, and he died from septic pneumonia and acute failure of the heart, which was weakened by the carbolic poisoning. The pneumonia was caused by the acute corrosion of the throat, due to the poisoning. Witness never heard deceased threaten to take his life. He was a most amenable patient and witness thought he had made considerable improvement. - EVA MARGARET LONG, the widow, gave evidence of identification and said she last saw her husband alive at 11.45 on Friday morning. He had been for a bathe, and was talking quite normally. He had to be on duty at 1 p.m., and witness advised him to take a walk in Phear Park. He did not return. He was not more than usually depressed, though he had not been well for several days that week. He had been depressed on account of one of his duties being changed, and he thought he could not do the work, so he brooded a good deal over it. He had never said anything about committing suicide. The bottle of Lysol and the tumbler were kept in the bathroom. Witness bought the Lysol because she was ordered to bathe a bad finger with it and there were about half the contents left. He was always a nervous man, but there was no insanity in the family and deceased did not talk in a strange way. He was depressed about his work, and felt he could not do it, and he worried because he had to pass some of it on to others. - The Coroner: You don't want me to bring in a verdict of felo de se? - Witness: I don't think for one moment he was in his right mind. He had seemed to be all right, only he had this frightful depression. Replying to Inspector Bastin, witness said she had been married to deceased fourteen years and before marriage he went away owing to a nervous breakdown. During the war he was torpedoed and had a terrible time and he had suffered from his nerves since then. He was off duty six months of last year, but had not been off this year. - Ada Stuart, wife of Sidney Stuart of 45 Withycombe-road, Exmouth, said that at about 3.10 p.m. on Friday MRS LONG came to her in great trouble, as deceased had not returned. Witness went in search and found deceased lying behind a hayrick in Phear Park. She called her husband, who went for assistance. Witness then found the bottle and glass near deceased's right hand. She spoke to deceased on Monday evening, when he was very quiet, but there was nothing strange about his conversation. It was in consequence of knowing the state of deceased's mind that witness and others went in search of him, though she did not think he would take his life. She thought his mind was wandering. MRS LONG came to witness and said, "I expect his poor mind is wandering." - Sidney Stuart, postman, of 45 Withycombe-road, said he was in the drive of Marpool Hall when he saw his wife in Phear Park and presumed she was looking for deceased. He knew deceased was missing and was on the alert. He saw his wife raise her hand and on going to the hayrick saw MR LONG lying apparently in a fit. He telephoned to the Post Office for assistance and on his return saw the Lysol bottle and then informed the Police. Deceased had recently been very quiet, but witness did not expect he would take his life. Having found deceased had not returned to duty, witness was prepared for something unusual. He considered deceased was suffering from the delusion that he could not do his work. He had never heard that deceased had been in trouble because he could not do his work. Deceased appeared very quiet and strange on Monday. - Lieut.-Colonel A. W. Gaze, M.C., Postmaster of Exmouth, said deceased was a sorting clerk and telegraphist, and had been employed in an established capacity since January 14, 1906. He did his work properly and witness had no reason to complain. Deceased was witness's personal clerk for nearly a year and did his work well and conscientiously, but was under the impression it was too much for him. He kept this from witness until he went off duty owing to ill-health. On his return he carried on his ordinary duties for a time, but evidently had returned to work too soon, for he went off ill again in October and complained of a stunned feeling. He wished to return to work in time for the Christmas rush, but as he had been given leave until January, witness told him not to return, as he did not think it right that deceased should start in a rush period. Since his return he had carried on normally and at the beginning of last week he was put on to compare the cash accounts and wages sheets. It was part of the duties deceased had carried out before. The overseer was going on leave and witness instructed him to ask MR LONG if he would do this duty. He began the duty on the Monday and was assisted by the acting-overseer. On the Tuesday the acting-overseer reported that he did not think MR LONG would carry on with the duty, and it was arranged that he should return to normal duty on Thursday. On that day he carried out the money order duty, which most sorting clerks and telegraphists would consider much harder duty than the special duties deceased had been performing. On Thursday night deceased balanced up the money and transferred it, and on Friday witness received a telephone message that deceased had not returned to duty. Witness went and saw MRS LONG, and, thinking deceased might be suffering from loss of memory, gave information to the Police. When he returned to the office witness received a telephone message from Mr Stuart stating that deceased had been found. Deceased was on the maximum scale for sorting clerks and telegraphists, and so far as witness knew, he was not in financial trouble. He had had considerable home trouble owing to the illness of his wife and children, but these matters he seemed to tackle well. He believed deceased had purchased his own house and he recently received a sum of money as the result of the House of Lords' judgment which gave back pay to men who had served in the Royal Engineers during the war. He did not think deceased in his right mind would be capable of such an act. He was a man of religious turn of mind and witness had heard him express surprise that people should take their lives. - P.C. Hitchcock spoke to finding deceased lying behind the haystack with a bottle containing Lysol in front of him. A few feet away were deceased's coat and hat, and in the hat were a set of false teeth and a pair of spectacles. - The Coroner said that, with regard to the state of deceased's mind, it had happened, as was so often the case, that the wife was reluctant to admit deceased was in any way insane. He was satisfied from the evidence of the doctor, the Postmaster and Mrs Stuart, that deceased was in such an abnormal state of depression that he would be justified in coming to the conclusion he was insane at the time. It was clear to his mind that both the wife and Mrs Stuart were on the look-out for something abnormal. The Coroner accordingly returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

NEWTON ABBOT - Nerve Trouble. Newton Man's Suicide. - Mr E. Hutchings conducted an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday relative to the death of ERNEST JOHN REDDAWAY, 41, coal dealer and haulier of Bowden-hill, Newton. - The Rev. J. A. Cound, 31 Devon-square, said deceased was a very nervous man and seemed worried about business. - Mrs Jessie Lloyd, of 68 Osbourne-street, said she had known deceased for about three years and had seen him practically every day. on Thursday last he came to her house and said, "Mrs Lloyd, I have taken spirits of salts." Witness said, "Whatever did you do that for?" and ran for a doctor. - Dr J. J. Scrase said death was due to spirits of salts. Deceased had returned from Canada with nervous breakdown and had had nerve trouble since. - Mr G. B. Purser, chemist, 83 Queen-street, said spirits of salts was not a scheduled poison. - The Coroner: I think it is time it was. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 July 1926
TAVISTOCK - Lewdown Boy Killed. Motorist Exonerated. - "Accidental Death, there being not sufficient evidence to show negligence on the part of the motorist" was the verdict returned by a Coroner's Jury at Tavistock yesterday, concerning the death of FRANK CROSS, the six-year-old son of a Lewdown mason, in Tavistock Hospital, as the result of being knocked down outside the school at Lewdown by a motor car driven by Mr Sydney Albert Gould of Kenton, Middlesex., Deceased's father was working close by at the time of the accident.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 July 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - At an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on the body of JOHN ALLAN MCINNES, civil engineer, of Wandsworth Common, London, who was carried out to sea while bathing from the beach at Shaldon, a verdict of "Death by Drowning" was returned and the Coroner suggested that a notice should be erected that the place was dangerous for bathers.

Western Times, Friday 30 July 1926
MILTON DAMEREL - Broken Chain Responsible For A Boy's Death At Langtree. - An Inquest was held at Milton Damerel Rectory last week, by Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, on VERNON CHARLES MOORE, aged 14, son of CHARLES MOORE, farmer of Cholash Farm, Langtree, who was killed in a motor car accident on Tuesday. - Deceased was identified by his father, who stated his son had been going round with Mr Chapman, butcher, of Newton St Petrock, with a view to learning the trade of a butcher. - Mr Chapman stated that about 3.30 p.m. on Tuesday he was driving a Trojan van towards the Rectory. As he ascended the hill the driving chain broken. He at once applied the hand brake but it had no effect and the car ran backwards and toppled over. Deceased was riding with him in the van, and either jumped or was thrown out, the van falling on him. He, Chapman, was also caught by the leg and shouted for assistance. Miss L. Morrish, at the Rectory, heard the cry, and ran down and pulled the lad, who was unconscious, from under the car, and tried to release witness, but was unable to do so until she had obtained assistance. On being freed it was found that witness was unhurt. - Mr L. J. Whitlock, motor engineer, of Holsworthy, gave evidence as to examining the car. He produced the broken chain, which was weak in five different places. The hand brake would be useless after the chain had broken. The foot brake had been shifted before his examination consequent to putting on a new chain, but the foot brake appeared to be in order. - Dr Kingdon gave details of the injuries received and the Jury, of which Mr Sanders was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed appreciation of the action of Miss Morrish and sympathy with deceased's parents. - The Coroner concurred, remarking that Miss Morrish acted in a very plucky manner.

DAWLISH - Found Drowned. Inquest On Body Of G.W.R. Packer At Cofton. - Mr J. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Parish Room, Cofton, relative to the death of MR HARRY REYNOLDS, whose body was found in the brook on Monday, by a little boy, named Roy Foot. MRS MARY REYNOLDS, widow, said her husband was 46 years of age, and had been employed as a packer on the G.W.R. line. He had been suffering from nervous depression. She last saw him about 8.15 a.m. on Monday, when he seemed as usual. He called to her "Mother, I am going out for a mouthful of fresh air." She thought he worried at not being able to work. Dr J. H. Iles (Starcross) said he had been attending deceased, who was suffering from depression following strain of the heart, which worried him, and he could not throw it off. There was always the possibility of a suicidal tendency if he got worse. The post-mortem examination showed that deceased died of drowning and there were no marks of violence. Mr W. Dodge (Cockwood), roadman, employed by the D.C.C., said he saw deceased walking past Middlewood towards Westwood, where the brook runs parallel with the road. Mr G. Rowe (Westwood) said on being told of the tragedy he went to the brook and lifted the body out on to the bank. At that time there was about a foot of water. - The brook was 3ft. below the level of the road and in the morning, at high tide, the water there was a depth of 5 feet. Asked by the Coroner, he said there was a possibility of anyone walking on the banks - and he had often seen deceased there - of tripping and falling in. There was nothing to prevent it. He might have accidentally fallen in, in his weak state of health. The Coroner returned an Open Verdict, that deceased died from Drowning, but there was no evidence to show how it happened.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 August 1926
WHITCHURCH - Walkham Case. Stonecutter's Death By Drowning. The Inquest. - "Death from Drowning during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict of the Tavistock District Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest on ALBERT THOMAS ROOK, of No. 5 Merrivale Cottages, in the parish of Whitchurch. On Thursday his body was found in the River Walkham, near Mis Tor. Near by were deceased's hat and walking-stick and a message to his wife and children, written with pencil on an envelope. - FRANCIS CLAUDE ROOK, son, said deceased was 56 years of age and a stonecutter by trade. Witness last saw him alive on Wednesday. He had been unwell for some time and under the care of Drs. C. C. Brodrick and C. S. Anderson, of Tavistock. On Thursday witness's stepmother told him his father had left home about 1.30 p.m., and at about 5.30 witness and his cousin, FREDERICK GEORGE ROOK, went in search of him. They found his body in the River Walkham, in a pool. He was dead. When witness saw him on Wednesday his father seemed the same as usual. An envelope with a pencilled note that he hoped he would be forgiven by his wife and children was in his father's handwriting. He had never heard his father threaten to take his life. - FREDERICK GEORGE ROOK, nephew, said deceased had done no work for over a year. - Dr Charles Spencer Anderson, of Tavistock, said his partner, Dr Brodrick, had attended deceased for about nine months. He was suffering from neurasthenia. Witness had attended him for the past three months. He was in a state of disordered health, mainly shown by his incapacity for physical and mental work. He had had subjective sensations and the only thing he had ever complained of was numbness of the thighs. The nature of his illness would tend to a fit of temporary insanity. He had been in rather low spirits.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 August 1926
EXETER - Exonian's Death. Retired Tradesman's Months Of Pain. Inquest Story. - The circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM GEORGE LANGFORD, aged 58, a retired trunk manufacturer, who was found dead in an armchair in the room he occupied at 8 Old Tiverton-road, on Sunday, with rubber tubing connected with a gas jet in his mouth, was Inquired into by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. - Evidence of identification was given by CHARLES LANGFORD, a trunk-maker, of Torquay and Newton, who said his step-brother was a retired trunk-maker, formerly carrying on business in Queen-street, Exeter. His step-brother was in bad health and complained of constant pain. He was practically blind and had to be led out of doors. On one occasion when he complained of his health he said, "If only I had the pluck I would finish it, but I have not." Deceased's landlord, Charles Budgeon, said LANGFORD had lodged with him for about 18 months, deceased's father also living with witness. Deceased, who occupied a bed-sitting room downstairs, had been in very bad health all the time he had been lodging with witness. He suffered from chronic neuritis and a spinal complaint, being in constant pain. He had been medically attended on or off all the time. Dr Bradford sometimes calling twice a day. On Saturday he said he felt a trifle better. On Sunday witness was with him until lunch time and most of the afternoon. He was sitting in his chair when witness went out shortly after six. When he returned about 9.20, he went as usual to deceased's door, but it was difficult to open the door as there was a chair against it. He pushed the chair over and on entering there was a strong smell of gas, and he noticed deceased in an armchair with a towel around his head. There was a tube connected with the gas bracket in his mouth. Witness pulled the tube out of his mouth and turned the gas off. He called Mr Cole and they made a search of the room. Deceased seemed to be breathing, so they laid him on the bed and tried artificial respiration. The letters produced were in deceased's handwriting. - The Coroner said there were several letters, which he did not propose to read. In one of them deceased wrote "I cannot stick it any longer. I am helpless and unfit for anything. Please excuse me for this. Thank you all for your kindness. Sorry the trouble I have given you. Goodbye, all, W.G.L." - Answering further witness said deceased was often very depressed. - P.C. Sangster deposed to finding the letters referred to by the Deputy Coroner in deceased's waistcoat pocket. - Dr F. W. Brunker said Messrs. Budgeon and Cole appeared to have done everything they could have done for deceased, who died from carbonic oxide poisoning. - A verdict was returned that deceased Committed Suicide by Gas Poisoning while of Unsound Mind. The Coroner commended Messrs. Coles and Budgeon for what they did to save the man's life.

Western Times, Friday 13 August 1926
DAWLISH - Exeter Boy Drowned. Coroner's Surprise At Scouts Who Could Not Swim. Danger Notices Wanted. - "It comes as a bit of a shock to hear that there were Boy Scouts on the beach, who could not swim. I thought that Boy Scouts were always taught the useful arts of life," commented the District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the conclusion of an Inquest held at Dawlish last evening, concerning the death of DENNIS APPLEBY, aged 10, of the Temperance Hotel, St David's, Exeter, who was drowned, on Tuesday, while bathing on Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren. - ALBERT EDGAR APPLEBY, of the Temperance Hotel, said the deceased was his son. On Tuesday he left home about 11.30 to go to Dawlish, being on holiday from St John's School, Exeter. He was just beginning to learn to swim. - Alice Smith, 23 Cedars-road, St Leonard's, Exeter, stated that on Tuesday last, at about 4.45 she was bathing with some children by the Langstone Rock, Dawlish. She could swim. The sea was very rough. She saw a little boy bathing and, altogether, there were five of them - boys and girls - bathing. She said to him, "Aren't the waves rough?" and he said "I love it. I could swim 50 yards." - Witness said: "I should not go out any further," and he replied, "I shall be all right." The next thing she knew was that he was shouting for help and she saw that he was in difficulties. She immediately went ashore and ran and told her mother and others, who gave the alarm to some men, who were quite close. They said they could not swim. Witness had often bathed there, and had never noticed a strong current. - Mrs F. Granger, of 23 Clifton-villas, Exeter, said that she was on the beach when the fatality occurred, and was sitting near the Langstone Rock. She saw the children go into the water to bathe, and she noticed that the sea was a bit rough. When she was told by Alice Smith, of the boy being in difficulties, she shouted to a crowd of seven men. Only one of them could swim, and that a very little, and although she begged him to try, he did not do so. He said he could not see the boy and said it was no use making an attempt. While he was taking off his shoes the boy had disappeared. If there had been a lifebuoy there she was sure he would have been saved. Previous to this she had gone up to a boat, but the owner said he could not take her out. There were oars but no rowlocks. She also spoke to three Boy Scouts, of about 14 or 15, but they said they could not swim. - Mr Oliver Alway, of Wycroft Bungalow, Dawlish Warren, said he saw on Wednesday by the Langstone Rock, the body of a boy floating in the water, about 20 yards from the shore. He brought the body to the beach and sent for the Police, who subsequently arrived and the body was taken to Dawlish. He was often near that place, and people frequently bathed there. But it was very dangerous since the current was strong. There was no notice there and he should strongly recommend that a notice be put there. - P.C. R. Thomas said that in consequence of information received he went to the Langstone Rock on Wednesday. He knew the place, which was in the urban district of Dawlish, and there were neither notices nor life-buoys there. It would be a simple matter to fix buoys there. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed his sympathy to the boy's father and relatives. It seemed, he said, most unfortunate that there were seven men there on the beach, of whom only one could swim, and he only a little. He could hardly be blamed for not attempting to rescue the boy. He expressed his surprise that the three Scouts, previously mentioned, could not swim. He thought it was his duty to communicate with the local authorities drawing their attention to this dangerous place, which was frequented by bathers and suggesting that a conspicuous notice be fixed up, warning persons of the danger, and that life-belts be permanently fixed there, so that they could be seized hold of by someone, who could not swim, and thrown to the bather who was in distress. "I am satisfied," he stated, "that had there been a life-belt there within reach, the probability is that this little fellow would not have lost his life." He was sure that Mrs Granger did everything she could under the circumstances. She could have done no more. He also commended the conduct of Constable Thomas in trying to find the body.

WIMBORNE, DORSET - Wimborne Tragedy. Inquest On Plymouth Lady Killed In Motor Accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death", the Jury attributing no negligence, was returned at an Inquest held at Wimborne, on Monday, on the body of MRS LILIAN MERRETT, aged 47 years, wife of MR ALFRED JOHN MERRETT, furnishing manager, Plymouth, who was killed while motoring at Wimborne on Sunday. HENRY MERRETT, son of deceased, said he was driving a 19 h.p. car in the direction of Cranborne, deceased, her husband, and two daughters being also in the car. Approaching Wolford Bridge, on the out-skirts of Wimborne, witness saw a horse-drawn governess car coming toward them. He applied his foot brake, which reduced speed to about 15 miles per hour. As the governess car was passing the motor car the horse apparently took fright and swung into the car. - George Bailey, farmer, who was driving the horse, said he did not think the animal shied, but that the footboard of the motor car caught the wheel of the cart and pulled the horse into the back of the motor car. - The medical evidence showed that death was caused by perforation of the right lung and haemorrhage. The wound was of such a nature that it could easily have been caused by the point of a shaft. - The Coroner and Jury expressed sincere sympathy with the husband and family of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 August 1926
EXETER - Photo Under Head. Exeter Trader's Pathetic Procedure. The Inquest. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Exeter Deputy Coroner on Saturday at an Inquest on ALFRED WHITEWAY, aged 64, butcher, of Exeter, who was found dead the previous morning with his head in a gas stove in the scullery of his house at 91 Paris-street, Exeter. - REGINALD THOMAS WHITEWAY, son of deceased, said his father had enjoyed fairly good health, but had suffered from depression since his wife's death in January 1925. Her loss he "took to heart" deeply, and, as time went on, he became worse. He had no other trouble, and had never threatened to take his life. Witness last saw his father alive on Thursday night, when he went to bed shortly after 9 o'clock. Deceased made no remark to indicate he was more depressed than usual. On Friday morning, about 7.5, witness's wife, who had gone downstairs, called him and he found his father lying on his left side in the back kitchen, his head, which was covered by a coat, being in the gas stove. He was dead. Deceased's wife's photograph was under his head. The photograph was generally kept in his bedroom. - FLORENCE MARY WHITEWAY stated she did not hear her father-in-law go downstairs, but on going to the back kitchen she found him lying as described. On reaching the bottom of the stairs she smelt gas. She turned off the tap of the gas stove and immediately called her husband. Deceased had been very depressed, but she never heard him say anything to lead her to think he contemplated a rash act. - Dr Foulkes said there were no marks of violence and it was evidence death was due to gas poisoning. Deceased had probably been dead three or four hours when found.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 August 1926
EXETER - Winkleigh Crash. No Blame Attached To Motorist At Inquest. Dangerous Stones. - The Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, on STANLEY WILLIAM STONEMAN PAYNE, of Eaton-place, Crediton, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on August 13th as a result of injuries received in a collision between his motor-cycle and a car driven by Mr R. J. Board, of Bideford, at Taw Bridge, near Winkleigh. Mr W. G. Seager appeared for the relatives and Mr S. Ernest Crosse for Mr Board. - Cecil Joseph Wilcox, of 22 Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, said his brother-in-law was 40 and a journeyman plumber. He had been riding a motor-cycle for four years, and was an exceptionally steady driver. He had no physical defect, but was slightly deaf, caused by the removal of an abscess when a youth. His deafness varied. - Robert Wentworth Cook, of Taw Cottage, Winkleigh, said he saw a car pass his garden at a reasonable speed, going in the direction of Winkleigh, and then heard a crash. Soon after a man approached him and asked for water, saying he had knocked a man unconscious. He accompanied the man to the scene of the accident and saw deceased, who was unconscious, lying at the side of the road. Witness did not hear any hooter. On the bend of the road where the accident took place was a heap of stones. From the position of the car there was room for another car to pass. He considered that the stones interfered with passing along the road. - Dr Ernest Joseph Eric Topham said deceased was admitted to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital suffering from a fractured skull, a compound comminuted fracture of the leg and other injuries. Deceased, who was not expected to live, was operated upon for the skull wound, and his leg was amputated, but he died on August 13th. - William Cottrell Prescott, engineer, of 217 Sharrow Vale-road, Sheffield, stated that he was travelling with others in the car. The driver slowed up at every corner and sounded his horn frequently. At this corner he could not say whether the hooter was sounded. Witness felt the car suddenly pull up directly before the crash. He thought there was room for a motor-cyclist to pass the car, but he would be taking a risk. Witness found deceased near the stones, with the cycle on top of him. There were three feet clear for the motor-cyclist to pass, otherwise the rear wheel of the car would have gone over the front tyre of the deceased's motor-cycle. By Mr Seager: Witness agreed that the car swung out in taking the bend. The car went ten yards before it pulled up, but he did not think it was going at an abnormal speed. Witness returned with the Police Constable to the scene of the accident, but the tracks of the car had vanished. - Corroborative evidence was given by another occupant of the car. - P.C. Newton said that at the point of collision the road was 13 feet wide. The damage to the motor-cycle was on the right side. The car was damaged on the off-side near wing and hood stay. - Reginald James Board, 8 Chudleigh-terrace, Bideford, the driver of the car, said the car belonged to his father and he had driven it for four months. The road was well known to him and he slowed down on the bend and blew his hooter. He did not hear any horn sound as he rounded the corner. He first saw the motor-cyclist at a distance of ten yards, occupying the centre of the road. Witness was on the left side of the road, but had come out a little to get around the bend. - The Deputy Coroner said he did not think it was necessary to call the evidence of the St John Ambulance representative who rendered valuable aid. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Foreman of the Jury adding that there was not sufficient evidence to attach blame to any person, but they wished the attention of the proper authorities to be called to the dangerous position of the stones.

TIVERTON - Curious Case. Five-Months-Old Fall Ends Fatally. An Exe Plunge. - An Inquest at Tiverton Hospital yesterday on THOMAS POOLE, aged 56, stableman in the employ of the Knightshayes Estate office, resulted in a verdict of "Death from the effects of an Accident at Burn Farm, Bickleigh, on March 19." Deceased was then riding on horseback across the Exe in the course of his work, when the animal plunged and he had a fall. The mishap was not regarded as serious, but when deceased reached home he complained of pains in his right shoulder and knee. Dr Cullen attended him. After being home three weeks he resumed work and continued on and off until June 20, when he was taken ill and complained of pains in the damaged knee, which, on Dr Cullen's advice, was bathed and poulticed. As POOLE became worse, DR Burgess was called in and advised removal to the Hospital, where on July 24 the right leg was amputated. Death occurred on August 13. Dr Cullen said he did not consider the original knee injury serious, and advised hot fomentations and poulticing as the proper procedure. When deceased was removed to Hospital the knee was septic. Dr Burgess stated that the actual cause of death was respiratory and heart failure, due directly to an ante-mortem clot found in the heart, which was indirectly the result of the deceased's septic condition. There must have been, in the first instance, some abrasion of the skin of the knee.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 August 1926
EXMOUTH - Baby's Death. Sad Story At An Exmouth Inquest. An Adjournment. - Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at Exmouth Court House touching the death of an un-named female child. - Mrs James Rowland of New North-road, Exmouth, said a MRS WINNIFRED HARVEY had two rooms in her house, which she occupied with her two daughters. MRS HARVEY was separated from her husband. On Friday MRS HARVEY'S daughter called witness and said she thought a child had arrived. Witness went upstairs and saw MRS HARVEY and then fetched the nurse and doctor. Witness knew MRS HARVEY had fits. - District Nurse Ethel Mary Dowsett said when she arrived the baby was born. She examined it and found it dead. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said the child might have died in consequence of the mother's fits. - WINNIFRED JOAN HARVEY, of 7 New North-road, Exmouth, said she lived with her mother in rooms. On Thursday she was up the whole night with her mother who was suffering from fits. - Dr D. Moore said he was called to see MRS HARVEY on Thursday morning. He found her recovering from a fit. He saw her again later in the day, when she was confused. She made no mention of her condition. He was called in again in the evening and she was then in another fit. The following morning he was summoned and he found that the patient, who was in a fit, had given birth to a full term female child. When he saw it the child was dead. Birth had probably taken place a quarter of an hour previously. There were no suspicious external signs of violence. MRS HARVEY was removed to Hospital, where she was in a serious condition. Witness thought that she might be able to give evidence in a month or six weeks. When witness saw the patient on Thursday morning she spoke of returning to work on the following day. - Mrs Emily Pearce of the London Hotel, Exmouth, by whom MRS HARVEY was employed as a cook from June last till Wednesday, the 11th August, said she left because of slackness in her work. - The Inquiry was adjourned till October 2nd to enable MRS HARVEY to give evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 August 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - A Broken Heart. Torquay Cyclist's Death At Teignmouth. Inquest Adjourned. - The South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, opened an Inquiry at the Council Chamber, Teignmouth, yesterday, into the circumstances surrounding the death of CYRIL FRANK CORNWELL, aged 18, a shop assistant of Chelston, Torquay, who lost his life in a motor accident on Wednesday night. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's brother, KENNETH GEORGE CORNWELL, of Belgrave-road, Torquay. He said his brother had ridden a motor cycle for four years, and had owned this particular one for about five weeks. It was a 2 ¾ h.p. Excelsior. - Dr D. R. Kilpatrick said he saw deceased in the Dawlish-road. He was quite dead, but at that time witness could form no opinion as to what had caused death. That morning he had made a post-mortem examination of the body and found two excised wounds on the point of the lower jaw. There was an extensive bruise on the left breast-bone, abrasions of each lung and cuts on the right hand. - The Coroner: What did you find was the cause of death? - Witness: I found rather a curious thing. His heart was punctured in two places, as though somebody had taken a knife, or he had been cut by something in his pockets. It is possible he was struck a violent blow on the chest, and this caused spontaneous rupture. The fifth rib was broken, but this had not penetrated the heart, nor could I find anything else that had. Deceased might have had a very friable heart. A suggestion is that the heart ruptured and caused the accident. - The Coroner said the bruise on the breast would point to a blow. - Witness said it must have been a very violent one. - In answer to the Coroner, deceased's brother said he was not very strong. He had not been attended for his heart, but had had an operation for appendicitis a little while ago. Deceased had not suffered from shortness of breath. - The Doctor: Something tore the heart. - The Coroner: Then there must have been contact with something? - The Doctor: A very violent blow might have caused it. - A Constable stated deceased's machine had a lamp- quite a small one - which was uninjured. - The Doctor said it was usual in cases of spontaneous rupture for the heart to break vertically. This was broken horizontally. There were two punctures - one two inches in width into which he could put two fingers and the other three-quarters of an inch wide. The cause of death was haemorrhage and it must have occurred quite instantaneously. - Answering the Coroner as to whether it was an exceptional thing for boxers to die from a blow over the heart, witness replied that boxers were muscular men, whereas deceased had no excess muscle at all. He was rather thin across the chest. - The Inquest was adjourned until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, August 31st, when it is hoped the second victim of the accident will have so far recovered as to be able to give evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 August 1926
CHERITON BISHOP - Fatal Accident. Cheriton Bishop Man's Fall From Cart. Inquest Evidence. - At the New Inn, Cheriton Bishop, on Saturday morning, an Inquest was conducted by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, on WILLIAM HENRY WARREN, 64, licensed victualler, who succumbed to injuries received in an accident on the main road between Tedburn and Cheriton last Thursday. - ANNIE SHILSTON, daughter of the deceased, stated that her father, who kept the New Inn, was in the habit of gathering grass cuttings, etc., by the roadside. About 4.30 on Thursday he was brought home by a motorist. Deceased told her he had been thrown off a load. He was placed on a couch and the District Nurse was fetched. He died on Friday about 11 a.m. - Edwin Lake, roadman, said deceased asked him to help load some hay which was by the roadside. Deceased got on the cart and witness threw the hay up to him. They had practically finished the load when deceased, seeing a lorry coming, called to witness to catch hold the horse. Witness did so and the animal backed. Deceased called to the lorry driver to stop, but witness did not think the driver heart. After the lorry passed deceased fell off on to the road. If he had fallen off before the lorry passed, it must have gone over him. The lorry driver was proceeding at a reasonable pace. There was a lot of motor traffic on the road during the loading, but the horse was quiet and used to traffic. - Dr Hugo, Crediton, said deceased was attended on Thursday by his partner, Dr Jackson, who told him deceased was bleeding from nose and mouth. There was a wound about one inch long on the right temple. He was paralysed in the left arm, and bad partial paralysis of both legs, which indicated injury to the brain. Witness saw deceased next morning and found him dead. The cause of death was laceration of the base of the brain. - The Coroner, who sat without a Jury, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 27 August 1926
TORQUAY - Octogenarian Burned To Death. - At the Inquest at Torquay, on Friday, on the body of MRS THOMAS GUY, widow of MR THOMAS GUY, a well-known local builder and a member of the old St Marychurch Local Board, who died as the result of burns, a verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned. Deceased, who was 85 years of age, was put to bed by the attendant, and in the room was a paraffin lamp, a candle, and a box of matches. About 7 o'clock the next morning the attendant smelt something burning and saw smoke in the house. She rushed to her mistress's room and found her lying dead on the floor, having been badly burned. She was wearing a flannelette chemise.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 August 1926
DAWLISH - Paignton Lady's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquest at Dawlish on MRS EDITH EMILY ZANETTI, who was missed from a Nursing Home at Teignmouth, and whose body was found at Spray Point, Teignmouth. The body was identified by JOHN ZANETTI, of Paignton, who said his wife had been in failing health for four years. Dr Gragg of Torquay, deposed to having treated deceased, who suffered from delusions. He advised her removal to a Nursing Home at Teignmouth. Dr Thurlow said he made an examination of the body. The cause of death was drowning. The Inquiry was conducted by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy District Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 August 1926
OTTERY ST MARY - Strange Fatality. Ottery Labourer Thrown From Bicycle. Possible Cause. - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall, Ottery St Mary, on ALFRED BAKER, labourer, of Sandhill-street, Ottery St Mary, who died in the Ottery Cottage Hospital as the result of an accident. The Inquiry was conducted by Mr C. H. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon. - MARY BEATRICE BAKER, widow, identified the body. Her husband was 37 years of age. When she was informed that her husband had had an accident she proceeded to the Hospital, where she saw him. He was living, but was unconscious. She stayed with him until 3 o'clock the next morning. He died just after 4 o'clock. - Harry Palfrey, painter, of Fairview, Ottery St Mary, stated that he was cycling home from work. On getting to the hill by Dairy Mount Cross, the deceased, a man named Whitcombe, a man named Sherriff and himself cycled along for some distance together. Deceased gradually rode ahead, and, when the accident occurred, witness was about a hundred yards behind. All at once, without any sign of "wobbling," deceased seemed "to go over the side." Witness rushed up to him and found that he was still across the saddle. Witness spoke to him, but could get no answer. Mr Sherriff went into a nearly cottage to get assistance. The front wheel of the bicycle had broken away and was found in the hedge on the left-hand side of the road. - Charles Lovell, cycle dealer, of Broad-street, Ottery St Mary, stated that deceased came to him to borrow bicycle as his own was damaged. Witness told him that he had not got a gentleman's bicycle, but offered him a lady's bicycle, which was quite all right. Witness gave it as his opinion that the sudden application of the brake might have caused the accident. He could not suggest any other reason. He had known several bicycles break just like this one. Deceased was not a heavy man. - P.S. Chaffe said that the right-hand brake of deceased's own bicycle applied the rear brake, whereas the right-hand brake of the one he was riding applied the front one. His theory was that the crown piece had got broken some time before, perhaps when going over a pot-hole and the sudden application of the brake finished it. He had known such a thing happen before. - Dr F. N. Sidebotham stated that he was called to the scene of the accident. He found deceased lying at the side of the road, and there was a pool of blood in the middle of the road. Deceased was unconscious, but was not bleeding when witness got there. He considered that he had fractured his skull, and he had him removed to the Hospital. Deceased never regained consciousness. He died just before 5 o'clock on the following morning from heart failure, following fracture of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence. He was satisfied from the evidence of Mr Lovell that the latter knew of no flaw in the bicycle, and he thought that the idea of the Police-Sergeant was the most likely one, namely that deceased applied the brakes too suddenly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 September 1926
HALBERTON - "Accidental." Coroner's Comments On Halberton Fatality. Present-Day Traffic. - While returning home from Aller on Sunday night FREDERICK WILLIAM NOTT, of Worthy Farm, Rackenford, was killed in a collision between his motor cycle and another on Jubilee Tree Hill, Halberton. The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, Inquired into the circumstances of NOTT'S death at an Inquest at the Halberton Constabulary yesterday. He sat without a Jury. Mr T. J. W. Templeman (Exeter) appeared on behalf of Jack Lucas White (with whom deceased came into collision), and Mr F. W. Wilmott (Taunton) watched the interests of deceased's relatives. Supt. Carey and P.S. Wilde appeared for the Police. - JOHN NOTT, of Holmead, Tiverton, farmer, brother, said deceased was a single man, aged 29. He had been riding a motor cycle for several years, and was an experienced and careful rider. - Jack Lucas White, of Smithincott Barton, Uffculme, farmer's assistant, said that on Sunday night he was proceeding from Tiverton on a motor cycle. He was accompanied by his brother, Thomas Edward White, who was riding another motor cycle. When approaching Jubilee Tree corner his brother's light went out and they stopped. The lamp was re-lighted and witness went off again in front. "Just as I was on the turn of the corner," continued witness, "this other man came up. I saw a light right on the corner. When I saw the light I stopped my engine and before I could do any more he was into me. Deceased was riding a motor cycle. From what I could see of him he was cutting the corner. I was unconscious, practically, when I was thrown from my bike. I do not actually remember much about the smash. I had an acetylene lamp on my machine." - Coroner: Could you see before the impact how the deceased was riding? Was his head over the handle-bars or upright? - Witness: I could not see. - Did you see the white line around the corner? - Yes. - Were you inside the line when the impact took place? - Yes, I was on my left side. - Were you inside the line or outside? - I was on the left-hand side. - What pace were you going at previous to the accident? - Before we collided? - Yes. - Not more than 10 miles an hour, because we had stopped just up the road. I had got my bike in second gear. - Could you see how fast the deceased was going? - No, not definitely. - Was he going faster than you were going? - Yes. - Witness had been riding a motor cycle about six months, and had a clean license. - Mr Wilmott: How long was it after the collision that your brother came down? - He was about 20 yards behind me. - Front Wheel Buckled. - Witness added that his light was shaken out by a pit in the roadway. - Mr Wilmott: In what distance could you pull up your machine when going 10 miles an hour? - Witness: I have never tried. - How comes it that you were found on your wrong side of the white line? - I was not. - Was it your front wheel that caught the deceased's cycle on the front springs? - I could not say. - Your front wheel was completely buckled? - Yes. - That rather indicates that you ran into him, doesn't it? - No, not necessarily. - You had got to the bend and deceased had not arrived there when the collision took place? - No, he was cutting around the corner. - How far were you inside your line? - About 3ft. or 4ft. - But you were not at the moment of impact? - Yes. - Mr Templeman: What sort of light had deceased got? - Not a very good one. I did not see it on the road. - When you saw the light did it seem to be coming straight towards you? - Yes. - You could not have done anything to avoid the collision? - No. - If deceased had been taking a wide sweep it would not have happened? - No. - Thomas Edward White, farmer, who resides with his brother, stated he and his brother stopped because his light went out. When they re-started his brother went on in front and witness was about 20 yards behind. He did not actually see the collision, but he heard it. When he reached the spot he found his brother and deceased on the road. He ran to the one nearest him, which was his brother. His cycle lay close to him and deceased's was in the middle of the road. His brother's machine was half-way between the near hedge and the white line. The deceased was lying right across the line. Both the men were unconscious, although his brother soon recovered. Deceased was somewhat under his machine. Then a man arrived, and helped witness's brother to attend to NOTT while witness went for a doctor. - The Coroner: Did you hear your brother sound his horn? - Yes. - Could you say what pace he was going? - Witness: Well, he could not have been going fast; not more than 10 or 12 miles an hour. I had no difficulty in stopping, and he was going about the same speed as I was. - He started off 20 yards in front of you, and had that distance been increased or decreased? - There was not much in it. - Straightforward Evidence. - Supt. Carey: Can you explain why all the glass was on the other side of the white line? - Witness: Well, you cannot explain that. It might have gone yards before it touched the ground. - Mr Willmott: Where did you start from? - Witness: Fore-street, Tiverton. - Did you see any blood on your side of the line? - Yes. - Then does it not occur to you that the collision must have taken place on that side of the line? - No; I don't say that at all. - Your brother was cutting the corner? - No. - Doesn't it show he was going down the hill at a terrific speed and could not take the bend in time? - Not at all. - The Coroner: Was your brother bleeding? - Witness: No; I did not see any blood. - Mr Templeman: Where was the deceased's body lying? - Witness: His head was on the wrong side of the road but his body on his own side. - The Coroner: I do not attach much importance to this cross-examination, and it seems to be perfectly clear how the accident happened. - John Dallyn, farmer of Stouridge Farm, Tiverton, stated when he got to the corner he saw the deceased lying with his head down the hill, on the left side of the line going to Tiverton. That was his own side. - The Coroner: On which side of the road was White lying? - Witness: Near the line, but I don't think he was over it. - Was he on the left or right side going from Tiverton to Halberton? - The left side. - Witness stated he helped the previous witness to move deceased. He did not actually see what happened. He paid no attention to any blood on the road as he was helping deceased. - Dr W. M. Browne, of Sampford Peverell, said he reached the spot about 12.5. Deceased was dead then. He had a punctured wound just over the bridge of his nose, the bones of his nose were broken, and there was a cut on the left nostril. Death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner: Would those wounds be caused by impact with a bicycle or with the road? - Witness: I should say by the bicycle. - Witness said that Jack White had a wound over his eye, but was not bleeding very much. - The Coroner said it was a most regrettable case and their sympathies would go out to the relatives. He was quite satisfied that it was the result of an accident, and mentioned that the brothers White had given their evidence very clearly and straightforwardly. He could not say there was any blame attached to them. He was afraid it was one of those accidents which were incidental, and would be incidental in the future to the present-day traffic. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Templeman also expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased on behalf of his client.

TEIGNMOUTH - Ghoulish Scene. Sensational Evidence At Teignmouth Inquest. - "Body Snatchers." - Sensational evidence was offered at the adjourned Inquest yesterday concerning the death of CYRIL FRANK CORNWELL, aged 19 of Chelston, Torquay, at Teignmouth, as the result of which the South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, severely censured two men - one of whom is a well-known Torquay newsagent and the other attached to the circulating staff of a London daily newspaper. Deceased met his death in a motor cycle accident at Teignmouth, on the night of Wednesday, August 18th. Mr L. M. Kennaway represented Mr J. H. Best, who was driving a car up the hill on the Teignmouth-Dawlish road, at the time of the occurrence. - Harry Elliott Lowe, St Marychurch-road, Torquay, said on the evening of Wednesday, August 18th, he left home on a motor cycle driven by deceased. He was riding pillion, as he had done on many previous occasions. Witness did not remember anything that happened, but it was to Dawlish they were going. He did not remember going there or being there, and could throw no light upon the accident. Witness's weight was about 10st. 10lb. Having given evidence witness left the Court for the Hospital, of which he is still a patient. - Samuel Charles Bastin, Holcombe, Dawlish, in service with the R.A.F., said he was on leave on August 18th, and was on his way home from Teignmouth late in the evening. A car was coming up the hill behind him. On the corner, near Clintons, he saw a motor cycle coming down the hill, but there was nothing about it to attract his attention. It did not seem to be going too fast. - Motor Cycle On Wrong Side. - As the car approached the corner on its left and proper side the motor cycle came round and had the former continued its course there would have been a collision, as the cycle was about three-parts on its wrong side. The motor car swerved to the right and enabled the motor cycle to just pass. When it got a few yards beyond he heard a smash and on going back found one man lying about two yards from the side of the road. This proved to be the youth who was killed. Near by was the motor cycle. The car stopped about 60ft. away and someone got out and came to the scene of the accident. Then witness saw a second man lying in the gutter. The Police and a Doctor were summoned. Witness was certain the accident happened after the motor cyclist had passed the car. In his opinion deceased must have hit a stone. - Jack Henry Best, 32 Bitton-street, Teignmouth, electrician, said he went to the cinema on the date in question and left there about 10.30 p.m. He had promised to take several friends home to Dawlish in his father's car. Witness drove and Miss Honeywill sat by his side, there being four other people in the back. His headlights were not on. He proceeded up the hill on his proper side, when near the corner he saw a motor cycle coming towards him on the wrong side. Witness saw that the only hope of avoiding a collision was to swerve to the right and this he did. As a result the cyclist passed him, but having done so he heard the sound of a smash. The motor cycle was going very fast. Witness stopped the car and returned to the scene. He did not consider it safe for a small two-and-a-quarter machine to carry a pillion rider down that hill. It would considerably lessen the driver's control of the machine, and in the present case it might be that deceased could not turn the corner owing to travelling too fast and having a weight on the back. - Miss J. Honywill, Dawlish, corroborated. - P.C. Connett said he went to the scene at 11.10 p.m. Deceased was lying 5ft. 9in. from the left-hand side of the road facing Dawlish, and the front wheel of the motor cycle was buckled. Witness found a large piece of stone weighing 64lb broken off from a boulder embedded to protect the drain, which had been carried 10ft. 5in. down the road. - Sensational Evidence. - Dr R. Kilpatrick, who had given evidence at the opening of the Inquest, was recalled and asked by the Coroner: When you arrived the man was lying dead in the road? - Yes. - Did you see a motor car standing there? - I saw one drive up behind one already there. - Did you see a man get out of it? - I saw two or three get out. - What did they do? - They came up to the man lying on the ground, opened his coat, and started to search in his pockets. One of them was standing astride the body. I thought it was other medical men arrived. - The Coroner: Why did you think that? - Witness: From the way they were standing over the body. I thought they were making an examination. Then I went over to see, and asked them who they were. - The Coroner: When you went over what were they actually doing? - Witness: They were going through the man's pockets. I said, "Stop that at once!" - did you actually see anything taken out of the pockets? - Yes, a motor driving license and two or three sheet of paper. I said, "Look here, what are you doing?" Someone said, "The Police Inspector is here," and one of the men replied, "I am the Press." I think he also said something about wanting to find out what the man was called, but I could not be certain about that. I said, "I don't care, the Inspector is in charge." When the Inspector arrived he took from one of the men the driving license he had taken from the pocket of the coat. While this man was talking to the Inspector another man got between the wall and the body and he was pushing the Inspector by the shoulder. - A man in Court at this juncture asked the witness (who was at times inaudible) to "speak a little louder, please," and was sternly rebuked by the Coroner, who dared anyone to interfere with his conduct of the Inquest. - Inspector Pushed. - Proceeding, Dr Kilpatrick said the man was sort of clawing at the Inspector, who received a push and fell over the body. - The Coroner: You don't think that the man intended to push the inspector down? - Witness: I think not; I think he fell by reason of the deceased being so near his feet. - The Coroner: Did you hear anything said at all? - They were asked what they were trying to find on the body, and they said they wanted to find the identity of the deceased. One of them said he was the Press - spelling out each letter. - The Coroner: Where they sober? - Witness's reply was almost unheard, but he was understood to say he thought they were not, as that was the only reason he could offer for their conduct. - Did you hear the Inspector ask for their names? - After he had fallen down he caught the man by the coat and told him he was not going to let him go until he had told him his name. Then the other said: "You know me, Inspector," and gave him their names. - What was their conduct like generally? - Very provoking having regard to the fact that there was a man lying dead in the road. The whole thing was very unseemly. - Police-Inspector Champion said he did not know the doctor had spoken to the men before he arrived. - The Coroner: Did you ask for their names? - Witness: I did after I had a push from one man… I then caught hold of him and told him I should not let him go until I had it. The second man, who had been searching the dead man's pockets, then said, "You know me, Inspector," and to the man who pushed me, "It is all right; It is the Inspector. I know him." - "Lee, Of 'The Graphic.'" - Did you see this man actually going through deceased's pockets? - Yes. The man said to me: "I am Lee, of the Daily Graphic.. You know me, Inspector. I want to get a report off." I said if he could come to the Police Station later on I would give him such information as I had got. I told him to stand back and to return what he had found in the pockets of deceased. He gave me a motor driving license and other papers. The other man was sort of clawing me about. He wasn't altogether rough, but interfering unnecessarily. I said to him: "You have already heard me tell your friend who I am, and I want you to stand back as well. Don't stay here interfering." He replied: "We're the Press. That's good enough for you," and pushed me. I don't say roughly at all, but I was close to him and the dead man's legs were right up against my heel, and I lost my balance, falling over deceased. Then I caught hold of him, and he said "Let me go." I said, "Not until you have told me your name," and he then said "It's all right, Ernest. That is the Inspector." To me, Lee said: "This is Mr Ernest Bishop, of Torquay. I'll come to see you in the morning, Inspector." The incident then closed. - Mr Lee, who was in Court, said he wished to give evidence. He said he should like to tell his story from the start. - The Coroner: Did you take anything out of the dead man's pockets? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: What explanation have you to offer? - Lee's Story. - Speaking very fast, witness said he was told it was a Torquay man involved, and he and Mr Bishop were doing the best they could when they arrived to attempt to identify him. The doctor said he thought they were body snatchers. - The Coroner: Did you say to him you were doing your best? - Witness: I was there in the interests of humanity, with the idea of trying to find his relatives. - The Coroner: Didn't you say you were there for the Press? - Witness: The Press was the second consideration. Humanity was the first. - Did you say when the doctor spoke to you "I am the Press?" - No. I did not. - Did you say, "I am Lee, of the 'Daily Graphic.' I want to send a report off?" - I said I was Lee of 'The Graphic,' but I will not commit myself as to the other. - I suppose Lee would want to get a report? - That was a secondary consideration. I had no idea the Police were on the spot when we got there. - There was the man lying dead. What was your first act? - I undid his coat and felt his heart. It was warm. Then I felt in his pockets and got his driving license to establish his identity. The Inspector was in plain clothes. Up to now he has never proved to Mr Bishop that he was the Inspector. - The Coroner (sarcastically): Then it is for the Police to satisfy Mr Bishop that they are the Police? - Witness denied a great deal of the conversation as given by the Inspector. Mr Bishop never said he was the Press. Witness did not call at the Station the following morning. - Mr Bishop's Evidence. - Mr Ernest Bishop, who also said he wished to give evidence said he proceeded to the scene in his car in order to be of assistance. They did not know on their arrival that the Police were on the spot, until he saw the Police Inspector had his brother by the collar. Then witness asked him what he was doing, and he turned round and caught hold of him. In so doing he fell over the body. He denied pushing the Inspector: he did not say "I am the Press," and Dr Kilpatrick did not tell him the Inspector was in charge. - The last witness's brother stated he was looking at the things taken from the dead man's pockets when somebody clutched him and said, "What are you doing? I am the Inspector of Police." Witness said: "Sorry, sir," and handed the articles belonging to deceased to Mr Lee to put back. Dr Kilpatrick remarked: "I thought it was a lot of body snatchers." He did not say that he was the Press. The whole incident did not last more than a few seconds. - J. Smith, driver of Mr Bishop's car also gave evidence. - Recalled, Lee was asked by the Coroner if he was an accredited representative of the 'Daily Graphic.' Lee said he was on the circulating staff. - Are you an accredited representative? persisted the Coroner. - "Well," replied the witness, "I have no real right to say I am the Press." - The question was asked a third time and witness answered "No, not the representative." - The Coroner: Do you report for the 'Daily Graphic'? - Witness: No, I don't. - Caustic Summing Up. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", saying he thought the accident was probably caused by the heavily weighted motor cycle being ridden too fast down the hill. "I suppose," said Mr Hutchings, "Coroners will go on speaking about the danger of pillion riding for ever and people will go on for ever taking no notice. Still, I feel it my duty to emphasise once more the danger of pillion riding in a county like Devon, when you have such hills and bends in the roads. Every person who goes pillion riding, at any rate, in this part of the world, takes his or her life in their hands." Referring to the other incident, the Coroner said he summoned Mr Bishop and Mr Lee to attend the Inquest in order that out of fairness they should hear what was taking place. They asked him to believe they were interfering with this dead man, on the ground, so Lee said, of humanity. He could only say that he did not believe it. Mr Lee on his own evidence was a liar. He lied when he said he was an accredited representative of one of the great newspapers, knowing he wasn't when he said it. He lied too, standing in the presence of the dead man. A more unseemly and disgraceful affair he had never heard of - a young fellow lying dead by the roadside to be subjected to the gross indignity of having his pockets rifled by passers-by. - The only excuse was that the person was trying to get copy for the Press. No reputable person, or any respectable paper would have been guilty of such an indecent thing to get copy. There certainly was not a newspaper in Devon who would do it. The tradition of journalism was above it. He censored the two men, whose interference with the body and whose conduct towards those in charge was unjustifiable, and that was all he regretted to say he could do.

NEWTON ABBOT -"Grave And Serious." Coroner's Comment At Newton Inquest. Carbolic For Beer. - "I think this is obviously a case for a Jury," was the comment of Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner at Newton Abbot, after hearing a portion of the evidence at the Inquest concerning the death of JOHN ARTHUR BESS, 51 of 101 East-street, Newton Abbot, who died in Newton Hospital from the effects of carbolic acid poisoning on August 2nd, when it was alleged he drank carbolic in mistake for beer, at the house of Mr Samuel Thorning, Bank-lane, Brixham. The Coroner informed Mr Thorning that he would be well advised to be legally represented at the adjournment. It was a grave and serious case, which would have to be carefully investigated. - MRS L. WOODLEY, of Union-street, Newton Abbot, deceased's sister, who gave evidence of identification, was asked by the Coroner whether deceased had said anything to her respecting the occurrence. She replied that at the Hospital deceased told her he was going to sit down to supper when Mr Thorning poured out "this stuff." He drank: Felt it was burning his stomach, and sipped it again. Deceased did not think he drank more than a teaspoonful altogether. - The Coroner: Did he say he drank it in mistake for beer? - Witness: He did not say. - Miss Susan Thorning, who lives with her father at Brixham, said she reached home about 10.15 p.m. on Monday, August 2nd, and found her father, her uncle, Ernest Thorning, of Newton Abbot and the deceased at home. Witness was asked to get supper for the three, and also to pass a bottle of beer from a cupboard in another room. There was no light in this room, so she lit a match and took out one of the bottles and placed it on the table. It was a pint bottle with a screw top. - Answering the Coroner, witness said the bottle was labelled and it was full. There was a lamp in the kitchen when supper was laid. - The Coroner: Did you know this bottle containing carbolic acid was in this cupboard? - No. - What subsequently caused your attention to be drawn to the supper party? - I heard my uncle say, "This is not beer, Sam. " - Witness added that two tumblers were filled by her father, and that the contents were the colour of beer. Her uncle then got up and went to the door, where he started to vomit. Witness smelt the glasses and found it was not beer. About a tablespoonful of the liquor had gone from each glass. - The Coroner: Were the three men sober? - Witness: My father and uncle were "lively," but MR BESS seemed stupid." - Were they in such a condition that they would know what they were doing? - I thought they were. - You think they had been drinking? - Yes, sir. - when you looked at BESS after what you thought was beer had been poured out, was there anything different in his manner? - He was leaning forward, and I saw there was something blue around his mouth. - Witness further stated that she went for a chemist, who gave both men olive oil and mustard and water, and later she fetched a doctor. The latter ordered BESS to be removed to Brixham Hospital. - The Coroner: After the liquid had been poured into the glasses what happened to the bottle? - I don't know. - Where is it now? - It is thrown away. - Who threw it away? - Father. - Did he tell you he had thrown it away? - Yes. - Did he say why? - No, I think he just wanted to get rid of it. - Has your father ever told you he threw the remainder away and smashed the bottle? - He threw the stuff down the lavatory the same night. - Did he tell you why? - He just wanted to get rid of it. I think he was nervous - afraid of what might happen. - As long as the bottle was empty there was no need to get rid of it? - No. - Miss Thorning, further questioned, added that she did not know there was a bottle of disinfectant in the cupboard. Her father told her some time ago that he had brought home some disinfectant for the lavatory and sink. She did not think the carbolic was purchased, but that it was given to her father during the hot weather by a Council man named Searle to use in the sinks. - At this stage Mr Hutchings adjourned the Inquest until 3 p.m. on Monday, in order that a Jury could be empanelled.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 September 1926
DARTMOUTH - Broken Spine. Tragedy At Dartmouth Regatta. Woman's Fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday on MARY ANN BAWDEN, 42, married, who died from injuries sustained at Dartmouth Regatta fair. She was in a side-show called "Over the Walls," and fell from a swinging platform through the protecting side canvas 9ft. from the ground, fracturing her right leg and spine near the neck. Death was due to crushing of the spinal cord. The side show manager said no similar accident had happened though the machine was patronised by thousands.

CHELTENHAM, GLOS. - Torquay Man's Suicide. Inquest Story. - At an Inquest at Cheltenham concerning the death of ERNEST JAMES THOMAS, aged 49, hairdresser, of 64 Babbacombe-road, Torquay, who died from injuries caused by a fall from a bedroom window at Cheltenham on Friday, a verdict was returned of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - HERBERT HENRY THOMAS, said his brother, who was a hairdresser's assistant to his mother, had suffered for three or four years from diabetes. About five weeks ago he went to a Nursing Home at Torquay for a fortnight and so improved in his condition that Dr Viner, of Torquay, allowed him to go with witness to Cheltenham. On arriving at Cheltenham he had fits of depression, partly on account of money matters. Witness, however, relieved his mind on this score, and they went to bed, sleeping in separate beds side by side in the same bedroom. Witness fell off to sleep at once and on awakening suddenly at 3.15 in the morning, saw his brother leap from the bedroom window. Witness ran downstairs and found his brother lying apparently dead. Witness said what really led to his brother getting queer was that some time ago he lost an assistant of whom he was very fond. Witness believed the holiday deceased was having at the time of his death was the first for 20 years. Their father died of diabetes and deceased had the idea that he might get into the same state as his father, who was bedridden for two and a half years. - Medical evidence was to the effect that deceased's nose and frontal bones of the skull were broken. Death was from compound fracture of the skull and was instantaneous.

EXETER - Exeter Inquest. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter last evening concerning the death of MATILDA COCKER, aged 65, of 2 Sadler-s-lane, Exe Island, who died the previous day after having been ill since Wednesday. - Dr Bromilow, who attended her, stated that the cause of death was heart failure, due to acute bronchitis. She had not been previously attended by any other doctor, but had been, so far as he knew, a healthy woman.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Stoker's Death. A Sidmouth Address. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," was returned at an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, on ERNEST JOHN SALTER, aged about 30, a 1st class stoker, of the Naval Barracks, whose death occurred on Monday morning, as a result of a wound in the throat. Deceased's address was 3 Peaslands-road, Sidmouth. - The dormitory manager at the Devonport Home for Sailors, said SALTER engaged a cubicle on Sunday. On Monday morning witness heard groans and he found the man lying on his bed with his throat cut, and a blood-stained razor at the foot of the bed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 September 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Drinks. Carbolic Acid Taken In Mistake For Beer. Newton Inquest. - A great deal of public interest was taken in the resumed Inquest at Newton Abbot, yesterday, on the body of JOHN ARTHUR BESS, 51, of 101 East-street, Newton Abbot, who died in the local Hospital after drinking carbolic acid in mistake for beer at Brixham on August 2nd. The South Devon Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, had adjourned the inquiry to allow a Jury to be empanelled. Mr W. L. Parsons, of Brixham, represented Mr S. Thorning, in whose house the tragedy occurred. - LAURA WOODLEY, Newton Abbot, and Miss S. Thorning, Bank-lane, Brixham, repeated the evidence they gave at the opening of the Inquiry. - Answering further questions Miss Thorning said she knew her father kept bottles of beer in a particular cupboard, in the house, but as far as she knew there was nothing else. Her father, uncle and deceased had been spending the Bank Holiday together. She could not say they were drunk, but she thought they had had plenty. Asked if she thought they were in such a condition that they should not have had anything more to drink, witness replied that they had had enough. She thought BESS was the worst of the three. After the acid had been drunk she immediately ran for a chemist. She did not know then what poison it was. About three weeks ago her father brought the carbolic acid home for disinfecting purposes. She had never used it and had, in fact, forgotten it. It was in a pint beer bottle. - The Coroner said his difficulty was how sober men could sit down and drink carbolic acid without knowing it. It was such a pungent liquid. - Samples of beer and carbolic acid were produced in the Court and the Coroner said he could not imagine sober men sitting down to eat their supper, and calmly drinking acid. One answer to the whole question would be that all three men were drunk, but there was strong evidence that they were not. - Appearance Of Beer. - Dr J. Falkner, of Brixham, said on the evening of August 2nd, he was called to the home of Mr S. Thorning, and there found two men ill. The man who died was practically unconscious, lying in a yard outside the house. The whole place was reeking with carbolic acid. Witness ordered deceased's removal to the Brixham Hospital. His condition was consistent with carbolic acid poisoning, coupled with alcoholic poisoning, which had produced coma. The alcohol deceased had taken might not have produced the coma had he not had the shock. In witness's opinion deceased had been drinking heavily. Had he not done so, he would have had a much better chance of recovering. The following afternoon deceased was transferred to Newton Abbot Hospital. - Dr J. J. Brown said he first saw deceased on August 3rd, when he was admitted into Newton Abbot Hospital. He was suffering from shock and bronchitis, and had some of the acid in his lungs. Deceased improved, but the bronchitis developed and he died of heart failure. The carbolic acid had set up the bronchitis. Witness had made a post-mortem examination, and found the man emaciated and spare, as though he had not been getting the benefit of food for some time. There were stains as of acid in the trachea and stomach and the lungs were in a state of advanced bronchitis. - The Coroner: Does intoxication interfere with the sense of smell? - Witness: It does all the senses. - Witness said half a mouthful of carbolic acid would have been sufficient to cause what happened to BESS. It was very vitriolic stuff and had the appearance of beer. - Mr Parsons: He did not think death was caused by bronchitis purely and simply. The bronchitis appeared too bad for it; it was a very terrible bronchitis. He would not like to say definitely. - Mr Parsons: Would bronchitis interfere with the sense of smell? - Witness: I don't see why it should, sir. - The Coroner: Have you any doubt that the bronchitis was caused by carbolic acid poisoning? - Witness: No, sir. The mystery is that he lived so long. If the bronchitis had not got him, his stomach would. It was badly ulcerated ready to break out. - Samuel Searle, of 5 Church-street, a labourer employed by the Brixham Council, said he was disinfecting a street gully about two months ago, when Samuel Thorning asked him for a drop of carbolic acid to disinfect a lavatory and sink at his house. Witness replied that he would, and gave him some the same afternoon in a beer bottle, which Thorning brought. The acid was kept in a drum in the Sanitary Inspector's office. - By a member of the Jury: It was a mistake on his part that he did not label the bottle poison. He did not tell Thorning it was carbolic acid. - By the Coroner: He did not think it was a risky thing to give a man this deadly poison in a beer bottle. - "This Isn't Beer!" - Ernest Thorning, 11 Waltham-road, Newton Abbot, clay miner, brother of Samuel Thorning, said he met him at Newton Abbot Station about 11.15 on August Bank Holiday. They went to the Union Hotel, and stayed there until about 2 o'clock, after which they went to witness's home for dinner. In the afternoon they went for a walk, but did not visit any hotel - because they were not open. Just after five witness and his brother went to the Union again and stayed until nearly seven. Following tea, they returned to the Union about 7.30 and were there until five minutes after nine. Then he went to get a taxi to take his brother to the Station, and when he got back BESS had joined the party. He obtained the taxi, and all three got in to go to the Station. When they got half-way up East-street one of the party suggested driving right on to Brixham, and this they agreed to do. He could not say who made this suggestion, but his brother paid for the taxi. At Brixham they stopped at the Bolton Hotel, and had one drink. It was then ten minutes to ten. From the Hotel they went to his brother's house. At supper Thorning told his daughter to fetch a bottle of beer. This was brought and put on the table near the young lady's father, and it was he who poured out two tumblers practically full. Witness was handed the two glasses and he passed one on to BESS. - Witness was handed a glass of the acid in Court and said he could smell it quite strongly. - Continuing his evidence, witness said Samuel Thorning said "There you are, my sonnies," and passed the glasses, but he did not have any himself. BESS and witness took the glasses together, and, saying "Here's fun, then," sipped from them. Witness then said, "My Christ, this isn't beer! This is something hot." and slipped out to the door and vomited. He could not remember much after that. Later his brother told him that he had marked the bottle in order that nothing of the sort should ever happen again. - The Coroner: During the day you had had a fair amount to drink? - Witness: We had had a pint or two. - The Coroner: A pint or two! You had spent most of the day at the Union Hotel. Were you merry? - Witness: A little bit merry, but nothing out of the way, sir. - Isn't it the truth that you were all drunk and weren't capable of appreciating these nice distinctions? - Perhaps we were, now. - By the Foreman: It was not his custom to smell what was offered to him. It was at his lips and drunk before he smelt it. - By Mr Parsons: BESS only had a lemonade at the Bolton Hotel, but he did not know that he was refused anything else. - By the Coroner: BESS was not drinking lemonade at the Union. - Mark Northway, taxi-owner, said he went to the Union Hotel to take a fare to the Station. On the way witness suggested they should go on to Brixham. Somebody asked how much; he replied 15s. and was told to proceed. At the Bolton they each had two drinks. The men weren't absolutely sober, but they were not drunk. - Acid In Beer Cupboard. - Samuel Thorning said he put the bottle of carbolic acid into the cupboard where he kept his beer. It was sheer carelessness which made him do that. He did not tell his daughter that the acid was in the cupboard. When the bottle was put in the cupboard he forgot all about it. After the accident witness threw the remainder of the contents of the bottle down the lavatory and the bottle away. BESS was not intoxicated. - The Coroner said on the evidence there could be no suggestion of any criminal intent at all, because it was quite obvious that what happened, though it may be the result of gross carelessness, was what the law called pure misadventure. The Jury could not, however, shut their eyes to the fact that Mr Samuel Thorning, in putting a bottle of deadly poison among bottles containing beer, was guilty of an act of the grossest and the most stupid carelessness. He hoped they would not whitewash that, as he deserved to be told that he had done an extremely foolish and stupid thing. He would have thought that a man in unscrewing a bottle of carbolic acid would have known it at once. There was not the slightest suggestion or suspicion of Thorning wanting to deliberately poison anybody. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." - The Coroner told Thorning he did not intend censuring him, as the Jury had not asked him to, but he implored him to be more careful in future.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 September 1926
ALPHINGTON - Exeter Tragedy. Exminster Girl Drowned In The Canal. Avoiding Cows. - An Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of MISS MABEL BREALY, aged 16 ½ of Exminster, who met her death while cycling along the banks of Exeter Canal, on Saturday, resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death" being recorded by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Double locks, yesterday morning. - Clara Mildred Treby, of Exminster, said the deceased had ridden a bicycle for about four months, and it was her custom to ride to Exeter, where she was employed in the refreshment department of Messrs. Colson's, every morning. She always went by way of the Canal banks, and left home on Saturday at 7.40 a.m. - John George Lewis, Morgan-square, Paris-street, Exeter, labourer, who was proceeding along the Canal banks from the direction of Exeter, said that, thinking he heard a scream, he looked up and saw the deceased on the opposite side coming towards Exeter on a bicycle. She seemed to swerve in order to avoid some cows, and the machine jumped. The girl then fell into the Canal with her bicycle, after which witness immediately gave the alarm. Dragging operations were commenced, and after the body was recovered, artificial respiration was tried without success. - The Coroner pointed out that there were two other persons on the bank at the time, and witness, in reply to a question, said they were nearer to the spot where the deceased entered the water than he was. - P.C. Willis remarked that the people in question were a young lad and young girl. They saw the deceased fall into the water, became frightened and immediately rushed to Double Locks and informed Council employees. - Jane Hatley, Spring Gardens, widow, in the same employment as the deceased, gave evidence to the effect that deceased was a very good cyclist. - Dr C. S. Stokes, St Thomas, stated that deceased, on his arrival, was lying dead on the bank, and presented the usual signs of death from drowning. - The Coroner observed that the evidence did not show clearly what happened, but in all probability deceased met her death through suddenly jamming on her brakes in order to clear some cows. The spot where she fell into the water was one of the most dangerous along the banks. There was no overgrowth, and the bank was perpendicular, thus showing that deceased fell at once into deep water. It was a most regrettable case, and he expressed sympathy to the friends of deceased.

Western Times, Friday 17 September 1926
HARBERTON - Shot In The Mouth. Suicide of Ex-Naval Stoker At Harbertonford. - Mr T. Edmonds, Coroner, conducted the Inquest on the body of JAMES FURNEAUX, 43, who was found shot at Harbertonford Mill, on Tuesday, at the Factory yesterday. Wm. A. White, painter, Harbertonford, said deceased had been in very low spirits since the death of his wife, about 6 months ago, and had been under the doctor. Deceased had said at times that he "wished he was somewhere else," but witness had always urged him to buck up. - Dr H. R. Allingham, Totnes, stated that the deceased had been a patient of his for many years, in fact since he left the service. He seemed to improve under his treatment, and witness saw him at intervals of about a week. He never mentioned suicide, but he had said he was very depressed and could not get over the loss of his wife. Deceased must have shot himself in the mouth, and death was instantaneous. - P.C. Tully, Harbertonford, said he took charge of the revolver which had a spent cartridge in it, and in the magazine were several live cartridges. On the body he found two loose live cartridges. Later he went to FURNEAUX'S house and found in a locked drawer a number of similar cartridges and a spare magazine for the revolver. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 September 1926
NEWTON ABBOT - "Where's Ted!" Coroner's Comments At Newton Inquest. Accident Sequel. - At the Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK CLOGG, aged 28, of Newton Abbot, who died at the local Hospital as the result of a motor cycle accident, the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, adjourned the proceedings until Tuesday. - Frank Knowles, of Kingsteignton, said he was returning from Teignmouth at about midnight on Wednesday in company with deceased and Mr Percy Keys, of Newton Abbot. They were riding motor cycles and, after going down Ware-hill, deceased appeared to fall from his machine and witness found him bleeding badly from a wound in the head. - The Coroner drew attention to the fact that the road was cut up for 84ft. and witness said this might have been caused by the foot-rest of deceased's machine, which sometimes caught the road in negotiating corners. - Percy Keys, baker, said he was riding in front and the first intimation he had that anything was wrong was when deceased's cycle, riderless, came along and knocked him off. Knowles then came running up, asking "Where's TED?" They went back and found deceased. - Knowles, recalled, was asked by the Coroner why he asked "Where's TED?" when he saw deceased fall. - Knowles replied that he could not see deceased. - The Coroner said it was difficult to understand a man who saw another fall and then went up to a companion to ask where he was. - Witness said the light of the cycle illuminated the road in front, but they could not see behind. - The Coroner again referred to the marks on the road which witness said he had not seen, and advised witness to see them. He added that there were clear marks for nearly 120ft. and the place where the blood was 23ft. on the Teignmouth side of the end of the marks. The only explanation seemed to be that witness was going very fast and touched the wheel of deceased's cycle. "But your evidence has shaken me in that matter," added the Coroner. "It seems impossible that you saw a pal fall and yet went on and asked the other where he was."

SOUTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE - Mind Unhinged. Exonian Discovered Shot At Southampton. Inquest Verdict. - The body of a man found dead at Southampton with a revolver by his side has been identified as that of MR ALBERT GEORGE ROSE, aged 40, only son of the late MR GEORGE ROSE, watch and clock maker, of Exeter. He was well-known in Exeter. For many years he was employed at Messrs. Eland's establishment in High-street and on the outbreak of war went to India with the 4th Devons as a private. He subsequently received a commission in the Indian Army, and saw service in Mesopotamia. He afterwards proceeded to India, and signed on with the Indian Army for 14 years. Three years ago he was married at St Thomas Church to MISS KENDALL of St Thomas. He left Exeter for Southampton about six months ago to take up a situation, but the appointment did not materialise, and it is considered that this caused him to become at times depressed. - The Inquest was held yesterday afternoon, when the widow said her husband suffered from malaria. They got on very happily together, but since deceased's death she had found out he had had financial difficulties. - James Younger, of 49 Bath-street, Southampton, said while walking on the Common he found the body of deceased lying under a hedge. There was a wound in the head and a revolver was near by. Witness had previously heard a shot, but attached no importance to it. He found two letters. The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," said from the letters he had read he was satisfied that when deceased committed the act his mind was unhinged.

TIVERTON - Old Man's Death. Sequel To Tiverton Motor Cycle Accident. Coroner's View. - Last evening, at Tiverton Hospital, Mr T. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY PHILLIPS BOVEY, aged 86, who was knocked down by a motor cycle ridden by Mr Albert Nott, builder, of Bampton, in Church-street, Tiverton, on the morning of August 27th, and died on Thursday last from shock and heart failure. The injuries were a broken ankle and left arm, and for some time deceased seemed to make progress. - The evidence of the Police, eye-witnesses and Mr Nott showed that the motor was going only about a walking pace, and that the horn was sounded, but that deceased in crossing the road hesitated, and then ran practically into the machine. P.S. Williams said deceased was rather careless in the streets and would not walk on the pavements. - Deceased, in a statement, while in Hospital, said it was a "pure accident." - The Coroner found that the death was Accidental, and that no blame whatever attached to Mr Nott. Speaking generally, however, he said motor cycles were sometimes driven through Tiverton streets at 40 miles an hour. If motor cyclists would calculate the fraction of time so saved compared with eight or ten miles an hour, he was sure they would come to the conclusion that excessive speed was not worth while in the town, though a faster speed might be permissible in the country.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 September 1926
TORQUAY - Gas Poisoning. Torquay Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest has been opened at Torquay on MARY GEORGINA KELLY, 78, who was found dead in her bedroom at 2 Summerland-terrace, St Marychurch, the day after she went there to live. - MRS SARAH GODBEER, deceased's sister, said they rented three rooms and a kitchen, the landlord being Mr Hocking, of Broadhempston. When witness arrived there a man was doing something to the gas meter. Witness and her sister went to bed at half-past nine, occupying separate bedrooms. Witness got up about eight o'clock in the morning. As her sister had not appeared at quarter to nine, she went to her bedroom and on opening the door smelt gas. Her sister was in bed and could not be awakened. - DR J. W. Malin said death was due to coal gas poisoning. On an inspection being made by a foreman fitter of the Gas Department a defective gas pipe was found under the floor in which deceased slept. - Police Constable Turner said a test showed that the rate of leakage was one foot in 5 min. 4-5 secs. - Lawrence Lenning said he tested all the visible pipes with a match. - The Coroner said he would adjourn the Inquest for a week in order that the landlord might attend if he desired to do so.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 22 September 1926
CREDITON - Tricky Lamp. Crediton Spinster's Fatal Alarm. Coroner's Inquiry. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest at the Court House, Crediton on ELIZA RENDLE, who died on Monday. - MARJORIE JOSEPHINE TAYLOR of 21 East-street, Crediton, school monitress, identified the body as that of her great-aunt, with whom she lived. Deceased was a spinster and 75 years of age. She had been suffering from shortness of breath, but had not seen a doctor for some months. When witness departed for school just after 1 o'clock on Monday deceased seemed all right. There was a heating lamp in the scullery and since purchasing it new three weeks ago there had been some trouble with it, as it would not turn up and down freely. At dinner time witness used it to boil a kettle. When she was in the next room she heard the kettle boiling. Deceased went out to turn down the lamp, and became very flustered when she could not do so. When witness left for school she told deceased not to touch the lamp as it had gone wrong. At 3.45 witness was summoned home and found her aunt was dead. - Mary Heard, of 58 East-street, a neighbour, said she heard groans coming from deceased's house and on entering found deceased in a chair in the kitchen. Deceased said "I have had a shock with the lamp; I smelled oil very strongly." Witness gave her some water and sent for Dr Cooke. - Rhoda Taylor, who also lived with deceased, said that when she arrived home she did not see a rag, produced in Court, but it was kept in the house. The lamp was out, and an oil bottle was on the floor near it. The bottle was usually kept on a table. - P.C. Turner stated that he found the rag produced placed inside the lamp on the wick. The smell in the room indicated that the lamp had been on fire. He found no traces of burns on deceased's clothes. - Dr William Henry Soady said he had attended deceased for heart trouble for about six years. He had warned her relatives that deceased might die suddenly. He considered the shock produced heart failure, from which deceased died.

NEWTON ABBOT - Road Speeds. Death Follows Accident At Kingsteignton. Coroner's Comments. Mr E. Hutchings, the South Devon Coroner, renewed the Inquiry at Newton Abbot yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of FREDERICK JOSEPH CLOGG, 29, of Abbotsbury-road, Newton Abbot, who died after a motor cycle accident near Kingsteignton on Thursday. - George A. Hadfield, a visitor, said he was in the company of three young men, of whom deceased was one, at the Beach Hotel, Teignmouth. He saw them at 12.5 on Thursday morning, and they were then perfectly sober. - P.C. Carpenter said that at the scene of the accident he found marks for 41 yards. Twenty-eight yards from the Teignmouth end of these marks was a large pool of blood. The motor cycle from which deceased fell was in perfect order except that the foot-rest and pedal kick-starter were bent. - Frank Knowles, Kingsteignton, one of deceased's companions, spoke to seeing deceased fall from his machine to the right. Witness, who was also riding a motor cycle, swerved to the right to avoid injuring deceased or running into his machine. Witness went into the hedge and his bicycle over-turned. - The Coroner: What puzzles me is why you should go further away from him and ask your other companion, "Where's TED?" Could not you have found him by picking up your machine and shining your light back on the road? - Witness: I never thought of that. - You have seen the marks on the road - how do you suggest they happened? - Witness said deceased might have looked behind, or touched a stone or a rabbit or something in the road, and swerved so that his foot-reset touched the ground. After he had fallen his bicycle might have gone on. Witness was not a good judge of speed, and they might have been travelling faster than his estimate of 15 miles an hour. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" said he wished to make it clear that these young men were in a fit state to ride the motor cycles. One of the facts that could not be got away from was that deceased received very terrible injuries indeed. There was a fracture at the base of the skull which extended from the right ear into the throat, and he must have received a terrible impact when his head came into contact with the road. Could he believe for one moment that the man received these injuries by simply falling from a motor cycle when it was going at 15 miles an hour? To his mind the suggestion was absolutely absurd. One witness stated he had not got much idea of speed, and he did not think many motor cyclists had. What the witness took to be 15 miles an hour was probably 30 or 35 and there was no negligence in that if the road was clear. He again expressed the hope that motor cyclists in that part of the country would either provide themselves with speedometers or do something to acquaint themselves with rates of speed, because otherwise they were a danger not only to themselves but to everybody else. He commended the promptitude with which P.C. Carpenter acted and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Times, Friday 24 September 1926
TORQUAY - Death Under An Anaesthetic At Torquay. - Mr Ernest Hutchings held an Inquest at Torquay Wednesday on REGINALD DENMEAD, aged 14, who had undergone several operations for ear trouble. He had been doing well, but on Monday evening became worse. He complained of sickness and his temperature rose to 104 degrees. Dr Fenton, ear specialist, decided that an immediate operation was necessary. This was performed the same evening and the boy died without regaining consciousness. Witness discovered that the right ear bone was extensively diseased and this caused fluid to enter the base of the brain and compress the breathing centres. When DENMEAD'S breathing became difficult, artificial respiration was commenced at once, but proved ineffective. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 25 September 1926
WOODBURY - Woodbury Man's Death. Illness And Worry. - At Woodbury yesterday the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, Inquired into the circumstances surrounding the death of MR WILLIAM CARTER, aged 62, a carpenter of Cottles Cottages, Woodbury, who was found lying in his garden on Wednesday with a gash in his throat. - MRS MARY CARTER, widow, said on Wednesday morning, about five minutes past eight, her husband brought a paper to her bedroom, and said "Here you are." He seemed quite cheerful. Witness went downstairs at a quarter past eight and as her husband did not come into breakfast she thought he had gone up the road for a walk. At half-past nine she went to look for him as he had to go to the doctor, but failed to find him. On returning, she went to the garden to feed the fowls, and upon opening the gate saw her husband lying on the ground. Witness called him by name, and getting no reply she obtained assistance. Her husband had been depressed for the last two or three months. He suffered from pains in his head and seemed to get worse and worse. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. He had not been able to do any work, and this worried him very much. - Mrs Cornish, wife of Mr Sidney Ellis Cornish, of Cottles Farm, said deceased came for the milk on Wednesday morning as usual. Some time later she was called by MRS CARTER and her husband went to assist. - Dr H. S. Darbyshire said deceased had a severe wound in his throat, the windpipe and large vessels having been severed. A razor was lying on his right side. He was informed by the medical man who had attended deceased that he suffered from a severe nervous breakdown and the symptoms appeared to get worse. - The Coroner found that deceased died from a Self-inflicted Wound in his Throat, and that he committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 September 1926
TORQUAY - "Misadventure." Torquay Gas Tragedy. - "Death from Gas Poisoning by Misadventure," was the verdict returned by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the resumed Inquest on MRS MARY GEORGINA KELLY, widow, aged 78, an old-age pensioner, who was found dead in her bed as the result of gas poisoning at 2 Summerland-terrace, Trumlands-road, Torquay. MRS KELLY and her sister had only moved into the house the day before the tragedy, having rented three rooms at £55 a year. - The Inquest had been adjourned to give Mr Hockaday, the owner of the premises, an opportunity of attending if he desired to do so. Mr Hockaday was present and said the premises became vacant in 1924 and were left in a deplorable state. So bad were the conditions that witness did not feel he could afford to have the whole of the necessary repairs done. Two firms, however, had done repairs, and among the last work was the installation of gas pipes. A man who put in new pipes said he had found no old ones in any of the rooms, and also told witness that all the new mains had been tested before completing the job. With regard to the rent, Mr Hockaday said he had reduced it from £65 to £55 a year. He had never seen his tenants, and did not know they were old age pensioners, otherwise he would have immediately broken off negotiations. - Mr McLean, foreman gas fitter of the St Marychurch Gas Company, recalled, said he was still of opinion that the gas leak was an old one and the result of bad soldering at a joint.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 September 1926
BROADCLYST - Hut Horror. Sordid Story At Broadclyst Inquest. Labourer's Death. - A shocking discovery was made at about 6.30 on Monday evening in a hut near Withy Bridge, Broadclyst. It appears that the hut, which is in a compound near the main Exeter-Cullompton-road, was occupied all last week by Mr Albert Baker, of Heavitree, who on Monday evening visited it in order to fetch a lamp. He was surprised to see that a staple fastening the door had been withdrawn and merely pushed back into place again loosely. - He tried to open the door, but was only able to force it open about two or three inches, just enough for him to see the body of a man lying on the floor of the hut. He immediately sent for P.C. White, of Broadclyst, who soon arrived and had the door forced from its hinges. Inside was found the body of WILLIAM MOREY, aged 38, a labourer, of New-buildings, Broadclyst. He was stretched out on the floor, with the barrel of a single-barrelled gun in his right hand, and a bullet wound in his temple. The Constable removed the body to the man's house. - MOREY, who was married, with three children, two of whom, it is understood, are in Institutions, had been out of work for a fortnight, and during this period it is stated he had not often been home. - The Inquest. - A large crowd assembled at the Victory Hall, Broadclyst, when the Inquest was opened by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, yesterday afternoon. - The body was identified by the widow, PHYLLIS MOREY, who said she last saw her husband alive when he visited their home (but he did not enter the house) last Saturday morning, previous to which he had not been home since the 15th of the month. She understood that he had gone away to work, but he did not tell her on Saturday where he had been; neither did he tell her when he left again where he was going. The household consisted of a Mrs Gilsham, her two children, and her husband, who only came home at weekends, and a man named James, who had been living there since last June. - Replying to the Coroner, witness denied that deceased had complained of her intimacy with James, or that that was the cause of him leaving home. It was not true that she and James slept in one room and her husband in another. - Witness handed the Coroner a letter signed by deceased, worded as follows:- "I, WILLIAM MOREY, declare that I have nothing against H. James and my wife in any way. If I hear any more, H. James will take some proceedings." She added that her husband's intention had been to publish the letter because so many people in Broadclyst were talking about James and her. Neither witness nor James had induced him to write the letter and no proceedings had been threatened. - Questioned about deceased's last letter, in which he stated that he had shot himself because his wife had slept with James, witness said she could not account for it, but could only suggest that he was worried because he had taken money from James and her. To a further question by the Coroner, witness replied that she had no money except what was supplied to her by deceased. The latter never complained of James' presence in the house, and when James had, on several occasions, offered to leave, deceased begged him to stay. - Alfred Osborne, of Glebe Farm, Kenn, Clerk to the Works for the Devon County Council, spoke to having seen deceased, whom he knew, asleep in a hut near Withy Bridge, the previous morning. There was no gun there. Witness had seen him there on previous occasions. - Alfred Frank Baker, of 5 Alma-place, Heavitree, general labourer, said deceased told him on Friday night he was going to sell up his home and when witness remonstrated said, "You don't know what trouble I have had." The next morning witness found him lying dead in a shed. - P.C. White, of Broadclyst, described how he found the body when fetched by the previous witness. Deceased was lying on his back, with a single-barrelled shot-gun in his right hand. There were no signs of disturbance in the hut. Witness found the following note: - I, W. MOREY, am going to do away with myself; and leave everything to my two boys. Why I have shot myself is that my wife has been asleep with James." Deceased had never complained to witness of his home life. - Albert Baker, of Dog Village, Broadclyst, gardener, said he missed the gun from a shed at Kerswell House, where he was employed and where MOREY knew it was kept. - Dr A. Orr-Ewing, of Broadclyst, said death was due to the gunshot wound, which was consistent with having been self-inflicted. - The Coroner remarked that it was for him to ascertain the cause of death and not to say anything about the morals of the case. He had no doubt the conduct of MRS MOREY and James made such an impression upon deceased that his mind became unstable and led him to take his life. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. - James was given an opportunity of making a statement, but did not avail himself of it. - MRS MOREY and James met with a hostile reception from a crowd outside the Court and MRS MOREY was escorted home by a Constable.

Western Times, Friday 1 October 1926
SOUTH BRENT - South Brent Tragedy. Deceased Who Always Impressed On Others The Need For Care. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Brent Station on Wednesday on the body of MR GEORGE SOPER, ganger at Brent Station, aged 53, killed on Monday by an express train. MR W. SOPER (brother) identified, and Dr Powne described the injuries. It was considered that the poor fellow's head was struck by the buffer plate of the express and this was afterwards proved by the engine driver, who was not aware of the accident until he was told by an inspector on arriving at Newton Abbot. He examined the engine and found traces on the buffer plate. - George Hannaford, a platelayer, said they were working in a bend of the line and a long goods train running past on the down line prevented vision of the up line. Deceased was examining the position of some fang bolts when the express suddenly emerged from a cloud of smoke round the corner and struck him in the head. Deceased was a particularly careful man and was continually impressing his gang on the need of care. John B. Ryder gave similar evidence. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded, the Coroner expressing his sympathy with the relatives and friends.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 October 1926
EXMOUTH - Child Welfare. Coroner's Comments On The Duty Of Women. Exmouth Inquest. - "It cannot be too strongly impressed upon women that they have a great responsibility in child-birth, and that they should take ordinary precautions to see that both the child and themselves have every opportunity of coming successfully through the ordeal," commented Mr B. R. Dunning at the close of an Exmouth Inquest on Saturday evening. The proceedings, which dealt with the child of WINIFRED ELLEN HARVEY, formerly of Exmouth, but now of 3 Silver-place, Paris-street, Exeter, had been adjourned for six weeks to secure the attendance of the mother, who was seriously ill in Exmouth Cottage Hospital when the Inquest was opened in August. Evidence given at the first hearing showed that the mother had fits while at work on the day before the birth, and that the child was dead when the nurse and doctor arrived on the following morning. - WINIFRED ELLEN HARVEY said she remembered nothing from the afternoon until she woke up and found herself in Hospital on the following Saturday. She had expected the child would have been born in October, and was going to stay with an aunt outside Okehampton. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said she did not consider she had been neglectful, as she considered there would have been plenty of time for the arrangements she would have made. - Dr D. L. H. Moore stated the child had had no separate existence. In reply to Inspector Bastin, he said it was distinctly possible that if a doctor had been present measures might have been taken to enable the child to breathe. - The Deputy Coroner: I rather assumed that had a skilled man been present it would have made no difference. - Dr Moore: That is not so. There is no reason why, with skilled and proper treatment, the child might not have lived. It was normal in other respects. - The Deputy Coroner said they could not get away from the fact that the child might have been saved if a doctor had been present, and it was a most regrettable thing that that was not the case. Had the doctor not o y the child did not have a separate existence, the mother might have found herself in a very unenviable position. In view of the fact that she had been ill and suffered a good deal, he did not propose to say more except too return a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 October 1926
LAMBETH, SURREY - Death In Train. Sidmothian's Sad End. - The circumstances of the death of MR FREDERICK JAMES WILSON, 58, a retired Indian Civil servant, of Meadhurst, Sidmouth, were Inquired into by the Lambeth Coroner, Mr Ingleby Oddie, yesterday. - MRS MARY WILSON, the widow, stated that her husband had suffered from pains in his heart and came to London to consult a specialist, who told him that he had nothing to worry about. On Friday morning they went to Waterloo to return home and found an enormous crowd of people seeing their friends off to South Africa. This rather upset her husband, because they could not at first find a porter. He had already been assisted into the train, when he had a seizure, and witness asked for an ambulance. He asked her not to have him taken out adding, "I want to go home." - Dr Croft, of St Thomas Hospital, said MR WILSON was dead on admission. The cause of death was angina pectoris. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 October 1926
LYMPSTONE - Fishing Tragedy. Lympstone Man Drowned At Dawlish Warren. Body Recovered. - FRANCIS JOSEPH SQUIRE, 44, of 1 Beach Cottages, Lympstone, was drowned in the Gutter, adjoining Dawlish Warren Point, while seine fishing just after 11 o'clock on Tuesday night. Deceased was accompanied by his brother, WILLIAM SQUIRE, and his nephew, REGINALD SQUIRE, and the two latter were in the boat, engaged in shooting the net, while deceased remained on shore paying out the line. Suddenly, when the net was about half out, the men in the boat heard a shout from deceased. As quickly as possible they pulled back to the shore, but deceased had disappeared, and it is surmised that the rope fouled his legs and dragged him into the water. His two companions immediately rushed farther along the beach and summoned two brothers of deceased, who were seine fishing there. The net was hauled in and found to contain a rubber boot belonging to deceased. The men throughout the night searched without success for the body and the following morning practically the whole of the fishermen of Lympstone joined in the search. During the morning the occupants of a Topsham fishing boat reported having seen a body on Bull-hill, the sandbank that lies in the estuary. Members of the search party proceeded there, and found it to be the body of deceased, which was taken to his home at Lympstone. SQUIRE leaves a widow, for whom the deepest sympathy is felt. - Mystery Remains. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned by Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, at an Inquest held in the Lord Roberts Institute, Lympstone, yesterday. - WILLIAM ROBERT SQUIRE, brother, said that on Tuesday night, accompanied by his son and deceased, he was fishing for plaice at Dawlish Warren. Deceased remained on shore, holding the end of the short rope, while witness and his son went out in the boat to let down the net. Deceased then said there was too much tide and he could not hold the rope. He told them they had better put the net back in the boat, and they at once started pulling in towards deceased in order to get the net aboard. Deceased then shouted "Quick! Quick!" and witness, realising that something was wrong, rowed straight in, at the same time shouting "Are you all right, FRANK?" He received no reply and though he was not more than two minutes getting ashore, there was no sign of deceased. Witness then pulled in the rope which deceased had been holding and found one of his boots entangled in it. In reply to the Coroner, witness said he was of opinion deceased put his foot into one of the coils of rope, and as soon as the strain came he was pulled into the water and could not disengage his foot. - The Coroner said that exactly what happened must remain a mystery, but the theory of the brother was a plausible one, and it was evident such a thing could not have been foreseen. He acquitted deceased's two companions of any negligence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 11 October 1926
HENNOCK - Death Of Well-Known Mid-Devon Athlete. Inquest Adjourned. - The Inquest was opened on Saturday on MR F. BAKER, of Chudleigh Knighton, who died as the result of a motor accident while motor cycling near Newton Abbot. The cause of the accident remains a mystery to the Police: and no evidence, except that of identification and medical testimony could be given at the Inquest. BAKER, after the accident, was taken home in a motor car, the number of which and the driver's name were not taken. His condition was hopeless from the first. - At the Inquest, Dr H. B. Walters, of Chudleigh, said that deceased died from concussion and compression of the brain, and he further expressed the opinion that the base of the skull was fractured in the frontal region. - Adjourning the Inquiry until October 21st, the Coroner said: "At the time of the accident there was a car coming from Chudleigh to Kingsteignton which was apparently in no way concerned, but it was of the greatest importance that the driver should have communicated with the nearest Police Station, which would have been Chudleigh. the driver of the car very kindly took the injured man to his home. No one took any particular notice of the car or of the driver, as they were too much concerned with deceased, but it is thought that the car was a Morris-Cowley, and the registration letters C.O., those of Plymouth.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 October 1926
BROADCLYST - "In Love." Man's Passion For Broadclyst Girl. Another Tragedy. - How a Broadclyst's man's misplaced affection for a girl many years his junior led him to take his life was revealed to the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at an Inquest at Westwood, Broadclyst, yesterday on JOHN HENRY COX, 34, general labourer, of School House, Westwood, who was found lying dead in a field at Harepathstead Farm, Westwood, with a gun beside him, on Saturday afternoon. - ANDREW HENRY COX, jobbing carpenter of Westwood, who identified the body as that of his brother, said he last saw him alive at 9.20 a.m. on Saturday, when he left home without telling witness where he was going. He appeared then, as usual, in good health. Witness knew of nothing that worried him and deceased had not seemed depressed. Witness did not know he had been keeping company with a young woman named Hilda Burridge, except in a friendly way. Deceased joined the army in 1916 and was wounded in the head by a shell in France in 1917 and burnt about the body by mustard gas and sent home in 1918 with double pneumonia. After that deceased served in England and was kicked on the head by a mule. Witness could not say that these injuries had permanently affected him. Witness identified the gun, which was lying beside deceased, as the property of the latter and recognised as his brother's handwriting of a message written on an old envelope, which read: "Good-bye Hilda. I hope you will be sorry you have drove me to this. All my love. - J. x x x." - "Good Enough." - William George Burridge, of Harepathstead Farm, spoke to seeing deceased wheeling his bicycle out of witness's house as witness, who had been summoned by his sister, was entering, about 12.45 on Saturday morning and again about an hour later in the house. Witness did not know why deceased was in the house, but he was a frequent visitor there. Witness knew he was walking out with his (witness's) sister, but not in any affectionate terms. When witness saw deceased the second time the latter followed him into the house and said, "Well, George, there has been a big upset." Witness replied that his sister had already told him of it and then deceased walked away after saying "Good-bye, all." Witness left his dinner to follow him out, and asked him what the trouble was. Deceased replied that he was in live and sooner than live to be in misery he would be out of it. When witness was leaving him he said that if witness's sister would meet him the next night he would "forget all about it." Witness gave the message to his sister, and returned to him with a reply from her that she would not give him an answer without consulting her father. Witness thought it was on account of disparity of age that his parents objected to the relationship between his sister (who was about 20) and deceased. On receiving the girl's reply, deceased asked that she should go out to him, but she refused. Upon that deceased said "Good enough," and shut the door and witness saw nothing more of him. He did not seem agitated, but only disappointed. The note from deceased, already read, was found by witness tuck in a plough near where deceased was afterwards found. Witness heard the report of a gun about 15 minutes after deceased left. - Rose Ellen Stevens, of Higher Willyards Farm, Broadclyst, said that while crossing the fields from her farm to Harepathstead Farm, she heard the report of a gun, and saw a man drop in the field adjoining the farmhouse of Harepathstead Farm. She guessed the man was deceased as she had had a message from Hilda Burridge asking her to go down with her as she was afraid of a visit from deceased. Witness had known that deceased was very fond of Hilda Burridge and that the latter did not want him to be on such intimate terms with her. - The Girl's Evidence. - Dr A. Orr-Ewing, of Broadclyst, described how he and P.C. Holman, of Pinhoe, found the body. The legs were crossed, with the gun between them, pointing upwards, away from him. The discharge had gone into the mouth and through the roof, blowing off the top of the skull. There could be no question that the wound was self-inflicted. Two cartridges were in the gun, one spent and one undischarged. Witness had known deceased for about six years and attended him three months ago for a cut on the wrist. He always seemed bright and intelligent, but included to be nervy. He was the sort of person who might brood over a thing and act quickly. - Hilda Burridge said she had known deceased for five years. She had walked out with him and knew he was fond of her, but did not return his affection owing to his age, while her parents were opposed to their association on the same grounds. She had frequently told him this, but he did not take it to heart. Witness was away all the week before last, during which time she did not write to him and she never arranged to meet him throughout the whole of last week. She had been walking out with somebody else lately and understood that deceased knew it. On Saturday morning he took up witness's father's gun while he was at the house. - The Deputy Coroner produced a letter written by witness to deceased, which she admitted having written during the week she was away. In answer to the Deputy Coroner, she said she did not consider it was written in affectionate terms. - The Deputy Coroner: I should consider it was. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane," the Deputy Coroner described the case as a sad one and expressed sympathy with the relatives and others concerned.

LANGTREE - Terrible Death. Langtree Farmer Mangled In Machinery. Last Handshake. - A shocking accident occurred at Langtree Mills, near Torrington, on Saturday, MR WALTER MADGE COPP, a well-known local farmer, being crushed to death through being dragged into the machinery of a water mill. A particularly pathetic incident marked the sad occurrence, for deceased shook hands with his brother, who tried to extricate him, saying, "Good-bye, PERCY, I'm dying." Ten minutes later he succumbed to terrible injuries. - The fact that an accident had occurred was first realised by MR PERCY CARTER COPP when the wheel came to a stop while the water power was still on. Then he heard his brother shout, "PERCY, I'm caught," and immediately shut off the water and called for assistance. - Desperate efforts were made to lever the wheel free with iron bars, but it was not until about 2 ½ hours afterwards that 20 men, using chains and pulleys, were able to move the wheel back a few cogs to release MR COPP. - MR WILLIAM MADGE COPP, who was 32 years of age, managed the farm with his brother since the death of his father. He had gone to the mill with the intention of oiling prior to grinding corn and had oiled the bottom wheel before he was caught. Evidently while standing on a staging in the act of oiling he was caught unawares, and was dragged into the machinery from the middle of his body. - Deceased leaves an aged mother and a younger sister, besides his brother. - At the Inquest, conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, last evening, evidence was given by MR PERCY COPP, brother of the deceased, and Dr Kyle, of Torrington. The latter said the pelvis was crushed and backbone broken, and deceased had succumbed within a few minutes. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 October 1926
PETROCKSTOWE - Petrockstowe Tragedy. - At an Inquest conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on MARK LUXTON, farmer, of Hallwood Farm, Petrockstowe, who, as stated in yesterday's "Gazette," was found lying dead, with severe gunshot injuries to his head, on Monday, by William Johns, a Petrockstowe clayworker, the widow deposed that she could give no explanation of the occurrence and the Coroner described it as one of those extraordinary cases of a man apparently all right one day and shooting himself the next. He returned a verdict of "Suicide," there being no evidence to show what was the state of deceased's mind. - MARK LUXTON, son of deceased, stated that his father went to church on Sunday night, and appeared to be all right, although he had not been well for some weeks. He suffered with his nerves and had no troubles that witness knew of. On Monday morning deceased got up apparently quite well and brought in the cows. - Dr Candler, who said he had attended deceased for some time, stated that death was due to a gunshot wound in the head.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 22 October 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Railway Tragedy. Teignmouth Man's Death. - The Inquest was held yesterday at Teignmouth concerning the death of EDWARD ROBERT HARDING, 10 Bank-street, Teignmouth, a boot shop manager, whose mutilated body was found on the railway at Teignmouth on Tuesday. The Coroner was Mr T. Edmonds, and Chief Divisional Inspector Mapledoram watched the case on behalf of the Railway Company. - Samuel Fletcher Bartlett, Station-road, Teignmouth, gave evidence of identification, and said deceased had lately suffered from severe headaches and was at times very depressed. Witness last saw him on Monday, the day he disappeared, and he then seemed well. - MRS HARDING, the widow, said she last saw her husband alive at 6.30 on Monday evening, when he went out after wishing her "Good-bye." He had not been well lately, but had never threatened to take his life. At this point witness broke down and was excused from giving further evidence. - Frederick Vicary, Malborough-street, Teignmouth, employed on the G.W.R., said on Tuesday about 6.50 a.m. he found the body of deceased in pieces on the down line near the Dawlish end of Spray Point. - Roger Pugh, 20 Blackall-road, Exeter, District Manager for Messrs. Oliver, boot factors, said deceased had been in their employ for 15 years. Witness had taken his stock twice this year and was perfectly satisfied. The books were all in order. - Sidney Perry, Brimley-avenue, Teignmouth, and P.C. Colwill, having given evidence, a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

HENNOCK - Athlete's Death. Resumed Inquest At Chudleigh Knighton. Coroner's Verdict. - Exhaustive attempts to trace the driver of a motor car that was at the scene of the accident having failed, no additional evidence was available when the South Devon Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, resumed the Inquest at Chudleigh yesterday on WALTER BAKER, a young local athlete, who died on October 7th from injuries received while motor cycling on the same date. The Inquest was opened on October 9th, but adjourned after identification and medical evidence had been taken. - Deceased's fiancée, Miss Doris Gove, of 6 Cleveland-terrace, Kingsteignton, said that on hearing of the accident, she went to the cross-roads and found BAKER lying unconscious in the hedge by the corner. The motor cycle was in the hedge some distance from him. He was taken to his home at Chudleigh Knighton by the driver of a private car that was on the spot. The following evening when witness visited deceased he said to her, "As soon as I got to the waggon it stopped, and the waggon caught me." This was the only reference he made to the accident, as the doctor said he was to be kept quiet. - William John Ferris, of Oval Cottage, Highweek, the driver of the waggon concerned, said he was going from Teign Bridge to Sandygate Mills with a load of about 18 cwt. of barley when the accident occurred. Witness was riding on the waggon, which was proceeding at walking pace. On approaching the four cross-roads, with which he was familiar, he heard the sound of a motor hooter coming from the Chudleigh direction and then saw a four-seater car, containing two men, about 15 yards away. Witness pulled up to let it go by, but as it was about to pass the horse's head witness glanced round and saw a motor cycle passing the back of the waggon. At that time witness did not think that the whole of his waggon had got in the Kingsteignton-Chudleigh road, the tail of it not having passed the corner. There was then a crash, and on looking back witness saw deceased lying in the hedge with one leg over the cycle. Several men who came up got him off the cycle and made him comfortable. He did not touch the back of the waggon. - The Coroner said it seemed clear that deceased in swerving to avoid the waggon had crashed into the hedge and in the absence of any witness who actually saw the occurrence he could only return a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, which was that he died of a fracture at the base of the skull, caused by coming into violent contact with the hedge while riding a motor cycle. Regarding the missing motorist, he said the Police in their efforts to trace him had been greatly helped by the Press and also by the B.B.C., but without success. The Coroner pointed out that the man was in no way to blame and he also exonerated the driver of the waggon. He would like the local authorities to have their attention drawn to the spot, which was a very dangerous one, there being a great deal of traffic on both roads. Warning signs, he considered, should be placed there. He also made the suggestion to the A.A., who he understood had under consideration the question of placing a sign there.

Western Times, Friday 22 October 1926
PAIGNTON - Torbay Mystery. Body Found In The Sea At Meadfoot Identified. - The mystery surrounding the death of a man whose body was found in the sea at Meadfoot Beach, Torbay, was cleared up at the adjourned inquest at Paignton Wednesday, when the body was identified as that of HARRY HARDING MILLER, 52, of Compayne Gardens, West Hampstead, an official in the finance department of the Great Western Railway at Paddington. - Mr Norfolk A. Woodiwiss, of Conduit-street, MR MILLER'S solicitor, said MR MILLER had been with the company thirty years, received a good salary and had substantial private means. He had no knowledge that MR MILLER was at Torquay until he received a letter from him last Friday, commencing: "I am sorry to write telling you I have taken my life." On the same date a registered package was sent by MR MILLER to his home containing Treasury notes and personal jewellery and a small English dictionary for his son. - Medical evidence was that MR MILLER met his death by drowning and the Coroner recorded a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 28 October 1926
HONITON - At Honiton, yesterday, JOAN LINDA OAKLEY, aged two years and five months, was knocked down and run over by a cart laden with coal. She was playing in King-street with another child. The horse was led by Mr W. H. Proll, of the Cider House, Weston. After passing the children, Mr Proll heard a scream and, looking round, saw one of them lying in the road behind his off wheel. He took the child at once to Dr Steele-Perkins, but death ensued in a few minutes. - An Inquest was held last evening by the Deputy Coroner, Mr B. R. Dunning, and a Jury, of which Mr W. H. Foale was the Foreman. - MRS EDITH HILDA OAKLEY, the mother, identified the body, and said she did not know the children were in King-street, but thought they were playing in the yard outside the house, as they usually did. - William Henry Proll said at about 11.45 he was driving a cart down King-street. He noticed two children playing on the off side of the road and after passing them heard a scream. On looking round he saw one of the children lying on her face in the road about 2ft. behind his off wheel. He picked her up and ran with her to the doctor, as he thought he must have run over her. The horse was only going at a walking pace. - Dr D. S. Steele-Perkins said the child was alive when brought in, but died within a few minutes. An examination of the body showed that a wheel of a cart had passed over the chest, and, in his opinion, death was due to haemorrhage, following rupture of internal organs. - The Jury found that death was Accidental, and exonerated the driver from all blame. The Jury expressed sympathy with the parents and grandparents, in which the Deputy Coroner and Superintendent of Police joined.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 October 1926
EXETER - Kingsbridge Associations. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr R. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at 116 Magdalen-road, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of FREDERICK WILLIAM HARRIS PEPPERELL. The widow, AMELIA GERTRUDE PEPPERELL, said her husband was nearly 56 years old. Until some years ago he was a master butcher at Kingsbridge, but had to give up business on account of his heart. He last received medical advice from Dr Bradford about three weeks ago. On Monday afternoon witness saw deceased in West Homefield-place, and he was conveyed home, where he expired. - William Arthur Bird, of 1 Stewart-road, (son-in-law), said deceased visited him on Monday, when he seemed all right. It was not a longer walk than he was accustomed to take. The previous Saturday deceased complained of numbness in his left arm. - James Kelly, Coroner's Officer, deposed that Dr Bradford had told him he attended deceased from 1921 to 1923 for valvular disease of the heart. Witness had interviewed two employees of the Heavitree Brewery Co., who said they saw deceased lying on the ground in West Homefield-place and assisted him to a shop near by. - Dr W. A. Date attributed death to syncope, due to valvular disease of the heart and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 November 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Mother's Shock. Inquest At Teignmouth. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, concluded an Inquest at the Town Hall, Teignmouth, on Tuesday evening on the body of MARGARET KATHLEEN JACKSON, aged seven weeks, daughter of MR and MRS FRED HENRY JACKSON, of Ashwell, Bishopsteignton, who was found dead in her perambulator on Monday. MRS JACKSON put the child in the perambulator, after feeding it, at 9.15 a.m., and when she went to look at it at 11.45 she found it had turned over and was lying on its face and hands. MRS JACKSON picked the baby up and found she was dead. She screamed and a neighbour, Mrs Beer, ran into the house and tried to restore animation, but it was too late. Nurse Smith, the District Nurse, was summoned, as was also Dr Ross Kilpatrick, who examined the body but could do nothing. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Misadventure through Suffocation," and attributed no blame to the mother, as a similar thing might occur in any case.

Western Times, Friday 5 November 1926
SHEBBEAR - Sudden Death At Shebbear. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, held an Inquest at West Wooton Farm, Shebbear, on Saturday, touching the death of WILLIAM HENRY HEARN, 57, farm labourer. - Mrs Metherell, a niece of deceased, said HEARN came to the farm about 3 p.m. on the 28th October. He came in, sat down by the fire, appeared quite well and was talking to her as usual, when suddenly she saw his head drop forward and he took a sharp breath or two. She ran to him and tried to give him some brandy, but he was unable to take it and died immediately. - Dr Blatchford, Shebbear, who had made a post-mortem examination at the request of the Coroner, said the heart was much enlarged and the valves diseased, death in his opinion ensuing as a consequence. - Mr Brown returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in accordance with the medical evidence.

SIDMOUTH - Sidmouth Child's Death. Jury's Rider As To Speed Of Motor Cars. Much Too Fast. - An Inquest was held before the Deputy East Devon Coroner, Mr S. J. Dunning, at Sidmouth Police Station on Wednesday into the death of SYBIL KATHLEEN HARPER, the five-year-old daughter of MR and MRS CHARLES ROBERT HARPER, who died at the Cottage Hospital on Wednesday morning following injuries received as a result of being knocked down by a motor car. - Mr Clyde S. Mossop watched the case on behalf of Mr G. A. F. Layton, the owner of the car concerned and Inspector Bastin was present for the Police. Mr Arthur Irish was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Douglas Hugo Bond, of Southernhay West, Exeter, deposed that he drove a Ford van to a spot in Temple-street, where he pulled up on the right-hand side of the road to deliver stores to some engineers employed in mending the telephone cables. After a few minutes in this position he noticed a car approaching from the direction of the seafront at a speed of about 18 to 20 m.p.h. As he passed to the back of his van he saw a child run out right in front of the car. She was taken to the Hospital. The accident was inevitable; no driver could have avoided the child. - Cecil Edward Westlake, of the G.P.O. Engineering Department, of Roseberry-road, Exmouth, corroborated. - Inspector Bastin: Why was your van pulled in on the wrong side of the road? - I have nothing to do with the driving of the car. - Inspector Bastin: If your van had not been stopped on the wrong side of the road, would this accident have happened? - That is impossible to say. - George Arthur Frederick Layton, chartered accountant, of Cross Winds, Widford, deposed that he was driving a light Talbot car up Temple-street on the day in question, and he saw a covered van on the near side of the road. Immediately he passed this van he saw something coming right at him. He could not swerve owing to the proximity of the kerb and actually he had no time to do so. He should say the child met the car on the lamp. Directly contact was made, he pulled up his car, jumped out and ran back to the child. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, with no blame attached to anyone. The Jury added a rider "That generally motor traffic in the main streets of the town was much too fast, especially passing schools and considered speed limit for cars should be much less than at present obtained.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 November 1926
BURLESCOMBE - Scratch On Finger Causes Death. Burlescombe Inquest. - A scratch on the finger, caused by a peg while she was hanging out clothes, led to the death from septic poisoning of MRS MARY ANN GIGG, 54, of Ashford Court Dairy, Burlescombe. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held there by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens. - The husband, SAMUEL GIGG, said that on Monday, October 11th, his wife said her finger was hurting, and that she had cut it while taking the clothes off the line. The wire had run against her second finger of the right hand. He advised her to put up a bread poultice, which she did. She complained that it throbbed. The next day it seemed better, but later on she again complained and the finger began to swell. He took her to the doctor, but she died on Friday last. - Dr W. M. Browne, of Sampford Peverell, said that on October 30th deceased came to see him, complaining of her finger. There was no mark to be seen, but the finger was much inflamed and swollen. He did not consider it was necessary to open it, but he dressed it and gave her some medicine. On November 1st he saw MRS GIGG again, when she was no better, so witness opened the finger. It bled, but no discharge issued from it. Witness concluded that the poison was not local, but more general and affected the system. On Wednesday he saw her again and on Thursday was sent for, when MRS GIGG was much worse and very drowsy. Witness told MR GIGG he did not think she would recover, but suggested second advice. - Dr Johnson, of Wellington, examined MRS GIGG and agreed that there was poison in the system and that the primary cause was the cut on the finger. - Beatrice May Tooze, servant at Mrs Merry's, who was washing clothes with deceased at the time of the accident, said that the pegs they were using had tin rims. She gathered that MRS GIGG had scratched her finger with the point of one of these.

TIVERTON - Hockworthy Tragedy. Unfenced Gravel Pit. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Tiverton last evening on JAMES HENRY KEDGE, hawker, 71, who fell into a gravel pit on Chimney Down, Hockworthy, on Monday after losing his way. The Coroner thought the pit should be fenced and the Surveyor to the Tiverton Council promised to make representation to the proper quarter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 November 1926
EXETER - Accidental. Inquest On Man Found On Road Near Kennford. Not Knocked Down. - Evidence given at an Inquest at the Exeter Court House yesterday on SAMUEL ALFORD, who was found semi-conscious on the road near Kennford on November 5th, with a wound at the back of his head, pointed to the fact that the injuries were caused by his falling against some rock at the side of the road, or a water trough, and not through being knocked down by a vehicle. The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, who was assisted by a Jury, conducted the Inquest. - PETER ALFORD, of Lower Shillingford, said the deceased, his brother, who was 68, had been an inmate of the St Thomas Poor-law Institution for ten years. He was a general labourer and for years prior to going into the Institution drove a coal waggon at Exminster. - George Knight of No. 1 Summerland-crescent, Exeter, said that about 9 p.m. on November 5th he was near Peamore Arch, on the Kennford road. He had a bicycle, but he was not riding, as he was going up the hill. When he was about 200 yards past the arch he heard a groan. He turned his bicycle light towards the hedge and saw a man lying there with his head in the hedge and his feet in the road. Witness spoke to the man, who muttered something, but it was impossible to understand what he said. The man smelt as if he had been drinking. Witness tried to get the man up, but could not move him. - The Deputy Coroner: Did he seem conscious? - Witness: No. He added that he pulled the man's feet off the road and put them in towards the hedge. A little later someone else came along and witness waited until a Policeman arrived from Kennford. - The Deputy Coroner: From the position in which you found him on the ground he might have hit his head on the rock at the side of the road. I understand that the side of the road is rock? - Witness: Yes, he might have struck his head there. - Do you remember if any car passed you immediately before you got to where the man was? - No, sir. - James Hatherley, a former member of the Exeter Police Force, of Splatford Cottage, said he was driving his wife home in a motor-cycle and side-car combination from Exeter, when he saw lights and noticed a man in the road, with the previous witness near him. Witness thought, from the smell of his breath, that deceased had had a drop of drink. He examined the man and found there was no fracture of leg or arm. Asked his name, the man replied, "ALFORD," and said his address was Axminster. He added that he had been "many places" that day, and witness came to the conclusion, especially as he had a stick, that he was a drover. When P.C. Ellis arrived on his motor cycle they examined the man by the cycle lamp and found he had a large scalp wound at the back of his head. Witness rendered first aid and ALFORD was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in the St John Ambulance. Witness noticed no marks on the road, but there was blood on the hedge a little way up from the road. Witness gained the impression that ALFORD went backwards and knocked his head against the water trough at the side of the road. There were no marks on his clothes as if he had been run over. - P.C. Ellis said he considered the man had been driving cattle. He agreed with the Foreman that he was either walking up the road and stumbled or fell, or else, being a cripple, he tripped over his stick coming down hill and went back against the rock. There were no wheel marks on his clothes. ALFORD smelt of alcohol. - Dr Bleasdale, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said the man was unconscious when admitted and had a large scalp wound at the back of the head. He regained consciousness, but later relapsed and died on November 12th. As the result of a post-mortem, witness ascertained that the blow had not injured the bone or brain. The cause of death was bronchitis and pneumonia, attributable to the accident. - The Deputy Coroner said it was evident the deceased had had a day off from the Institution. At first he (the Deputy Coroner) thought ALFORD might have been run over by a car, or that some accident of that description had occurred. When he went through the statements, however, he came to the conclusion that he probably slipped and hit his head against a stone, or that something of that description happened. He did not think for a moment that he was knocked down by some passing vehicle. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, brought about by a Fall."

EXETER - Labourer's Death. Exeter Inquest. - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at Exeter yesterday on HENRY JAMES WARD, 67, a labourer employed by the Exeter City Council, who died suddenly on Friday at his home in Smythen-street. - The wife, RUTH ELLEN WARD, told how, on returning from a short visit to a neighbour's house in the evening, she had difficulty in opening the door owing to her husband having fallen in front of it. On entering she found him lying on his face, dead. When he returned from work earlier in the evening deceased seemed quite well, and remarked that he enjoyed his supper. During the last week or so he had frequently got wet and had had to change his clothes two or three times in a day. Previously to then he had never complained of feeling unwell. - Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to syncope following upon fatty degeneration of the heart and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 November 1926
EXETER - "Accidental." Exonian's Tragic End In A Leat. Locomotor Ataxy. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, at an Inquest on FREDERICK JOSEPH PERRY, 51, of 8a Bartholomew-terrace, Exeter, whose body was found in a leat near Bonhay-road Pleasure Ground on Tuesday. - MISS PERRY of 19 St David's-hill, identified the body, and said deceased was a printers' proof-reader. He had been living in South Africa, and returned last June, suffering from locomotor ataxy in consequence of which he experienced difficulty in walking and had to use a stick. Deceased was of cheerful disposition and had no financial difficulties. - William Burrows, park-keeper at the Bonhay-road Pleasure Ground, said he was cleaning out the fender of the leat and discovered deceased's body. The water was about three feet deep. Witness retrieved deceased's stick and also saw his hat. - P.C. Carpenter deposed that in company with P.C. Dooling, he recovered the body. There was a path by the side of the leat, and it was not the sort of place where a man would commit suicide. Deceased could not have fallen in more than 20 feet away from where the body was found. - James Kelly (Coroner's Officer) expressed the opinion that it was quite possible for anyone to stumble and fall into the water. - Dr Pereira Gray attributed death to drowning and the Coroner commented that there was no reason to believe deceased would have attempted to commit suicide in three feet of water in broad daylight.

EXETER - Tedburn Fatality. Opening Of Inquest. - At the Court House, Exeter, last evening, the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, opened an Inquiry into the circumstances associated with the death of WILLIAM ARTHUR TRENEMAN, aged 25, of Fore-street, Northtawton, but lately lodging at Tedburn St Mary, where he worked as a blacksmith for Mr Fry, an engineer. TRENEMAN died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday, the 14th inst., as the result of severe injuries received on the previous afternoon on Five Mile Hill, Tedburn St Mary, when the motor cycle he was riding collided head-on with another machine ridden by Charles Simeons, of Parsonage-street, Bradninch, who was also badly hurt. Evidence of identification was given by EMMA LOUISA CANN, of Fore-street, Northtawton, deceased's mother, who said that prior to the accident she had not seen deceased since November 7th. The Deputy Coroner, after this evidence, adjourned the inquest until the 26th inst., at 5 p.m., for the attendance of the man Simeons, who is still in Hospital.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 19 November 1926
CREDITON - Killed At Play. Inquest Story Of Crediton Tragedy. Jury's Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by a Jury at the Inquest yesterday at Crediton concerning the death of EDWARD BURDEN, the nine-year-old son of MR and MRS BURDEN of 44 High-street, Crediton, who was knocked down by a motor car belonging to Messrs. Yeo and Davey, Exeter, in the narrow part of the street and died shortly afterwards. Mr G. H. Stephens was the Coroner. - JOHN BURDEN, father, retired schoolmaster, identified the body and stated that his son's eyesight was good, except that he wore glasses. His hearing was excellent. Witness was not aware he was playing in the street. He had warned him many times. - Percy Morris, of Matford-terrace, Exeter, said he was the only passenger in the car, which came down the High-street at about 5.15 p.m. He had frequently ridden in the car, which was a hired one. He thought he had been dozing and it was the checking of the speed of the car that aroused him. He then saw the boy about five or six feet in front of the car. The deceased was running and leaning forward and witness thought the boy saw the car and was crouching down to gain the pavement. Before he felt the concussion the driver had turned the car to the right and after it had hit the boy and stopped, it was pulled into the kerb. Witness got out and ran back to pick the lad up, but someone had already done so. The driver had frequently driven him and he always found him, not only the skilful and capable driver, but also one that would not take risks. Asked if he saw a lorry nearby, Morris said curiously enough he did not, either before or after. - Albert Chivers of 44 East-street, Crediton, coal merchant, deposed to delivering coal in the High-street. He had a four-ton lorry which was close to the kerb on the left-hand side facing up the street. The width of the lorry was about five feet two inches. As he came out of a house he saw a car going down the street. Coming down the steps from the house he heard a thud, and saw the head of the car turning out into the road. It was pulled up in about two lengths. He did not see the boy until he heard the thud. BURDEN was lying flat on his back with his legs bent and straight with the road, close to the kerb. Witness took him to Dr Hugo's surgery. Judging from the way the car pulled up he should imagine it was going at a very reasonable rate. It was crossing the road when it actually struck the boy. - Bertie Ernest Hooper, of 13 Holloway-street, Exeter, motor driver and mechanic, said at the time it was dark, and he had his full lights on. He was travelling about 12 to 15 miles per hour. He did not remember sounding his horn and thought there was no reason to do so, as there was plenty of room and no obstruction. Hooper observed the stationary lorry facing him, and just as he came to the tail of it a boy ran out from behind it straight across the road. Witness immediately applied his brakes and turned the car to the centre of the road. He would say that the boy was four or five feet in front of him when he darted from behind the lorry. The boy seemed to stumble somehow and his head caught the near side wing. He stopped, ran back and saw a man picking the boy up. There was no way of avoiding the accident. - Norah E. E. Madge of Crediton, also gave evidence. - Dr H. F. L. Hugo stated that the boy was alive when brought to his surgery. He examined him and found that he had sustained a fractured skull about three inches above the left ear, a bruise on the right side of the head, and fractured base of the skull. He died about two minutes after he was brought in. He was undoubtedly hit on the left side of the head, that being shown by the fracture. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from all blame. They thought warning notices should be placed at both ends of the town. - The Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, expressed sympathy with the relatives, both on behalf of himself and the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 November 1926
EXETER - Convulsion. Exeter Child's Death. - At Exeter Court House, yesterday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest on MARIAN, the four-months-old daughter of MR and MRS ALEC CLARKE of 2 Omega Villas, Alphington-road, Exeter. The father said the child was put to bed at her usual time on Wednesday and was all right at 9 o'clock. He was awakened by his wife at 5.30 Thursday morning and found the child dead. - Dr Pereira Gray expressed the opinion that the child died following a convulsion, probably due to being artificially fed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 November 1926
EXETER - Octogenarian's Collapse In The Cathedral. A Heart Attack. - The death, while he was attending the morning service at Exeter Cathedral, on Sunday, of a retired Civil Servant, CHARLES WILLIAM HAROLD, of 10 Regent's-park, Exeter, was Inquired into yesterday by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, who returned a verdict that death was due to Natural Causes. - Giving evidence of identification, deceased's son, JOHN ROWE PICKFORD HAROLD, said his father, who lived with him, was 82 years old, and had suffered recently from heart attacks. On Sunday witness saw him as he left to attend the Cathedral, when he seemed quite all right. - Harry Ewings, verger at the Cathedral, said he was called to attend to deceased, who was presumed to be in a faint. Finding him unconscious, he carried him outside, and then, as he did not recover, fetched Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon. - Deceased's medical attendant, Dr Lovely, said he last saw deceased in May, when he treated him for a heart attack and indigestion. Following upon breakfast, the walk to the Cathedral might probably, witness thought, have entailed too great a strain upon the heart. - Mr C. E. Bell said when he examined deceased the latter was very feeble and he died within about ten minutes of the seizure. The cause was evidently a bad fainting attack, due to heart weakness.

EXETER - Mr H. L. Brown, City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on FRANK REDWOOD, 49, of Ottery St Mary, who died in Belmont-road, on Saturday, while visiting Exeter to see a football match. - JAMES REDWOOD, retired Police Constable, of 21 Leighton-terrace, Exeter, identified the body as that of his brother, a painter and Royal Marines pensioner. - Richard Martin, insurance agent, of Ottery St Mary, who was with deceased when he died, said he and deceased journeyed together by 'bus from Ottery. On alighting from the 'bus, witness said to deceased, "You look rather pale, FRANK. Do you feel ill?" Deceased replied, "No, I am in my usual health," but as they walked to the football field deceased said, "I can't walk very fast." In Belmont-road he reeled, and fell into witness's arms. He was assisted into a nearly house and did not speak again. - P.C. Jarman said he was called to deceased, who he found on arrival to be dead. - Dr Dodd diagnosed death as being due to syncope following aortic disease.

EXETER - Fall From Bed. - How a fall from bed led to an elderly woman's death was told to the Deputy Coroner at an Inquest. This was on ANNA DAVEY, a widow, aged 85, of Sidney Lodge, Alphington-road, who died on November 9th. In accordance with the medical evidence, a verdict that "Death was due to Natural Causes" was returned. - HERMAN WILLIAM JEFFERY LOCKYEAR, printer, of Sidney Lodge, identified deceased as his mother-in-law, who had lived with him for about 20 years. Considering her age, she was a person of wonderful health and vitality. At about 11.30 p.m. on November 9th she fell out of bed and, though on being helped back she appeared none the worse, she complained of pain in her right leg next morning and Dr Carroll was sent for. She died on the 19th. - Corroborative evidence was given by JESSIE JANE LOCKYEAR, wife of the last witness. - Dr Carroll stated that, on examining the deceased, he found signs of a fracture of the neck of the right femur. The cause of death was shock and senility following a fracture of the femur.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 November 1926
DARTMOUTH - An Inquest was held yesterday concerning the death of EDWARD JAMES CLARKE PITTS, labourer, of Lower-street, Dittisham, aged 52 years, who died in the Dartmouth Cottage Hospital from injuries sustained at the Noss shipbuilding yard. John Flaherty (labourer) and John Henry Bickle, of 27 Hayes-gardens, Paignton (crane driver), said deceased was walking by the side of the lorry, which was being drawn by the crane. He was wearing rubber boots; it was a wet day, and he slipped under the lorry, which mounted on his thighs. Dr Burton said both legs were broken, and death was due to shock. The Coroner, Mr A. M. Davson, said it was a lamentable accident, and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. Mr J. A. Philip expressed the regret of Messrs. Philip and Son at the accident and tendered sympathy to the widow and son.

Western Times, Friday 26 November 1926
ASHBURTON - Terrific Impact. Ashburton Motorist Who Had Speed Wobble. Crashed Into Car. - At the Inquest Monday, on WILLIAM HAROLD GEORGE STEER, aged 23, the Ashburton motor cyclist who was killed in a collision with a motor car on Saturday, it was stated that he lost control of his machine which had a speed wobble, and crashed into the other vehicle when it was stationary. - Mr T. Edmunds, the Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the car, Mr R. P. Collings, Braidwood Terrace, Plymouth, from all blame. - Evidence was given by ALFRED GEORGE STEER, father, to the effect that deceased was an experienced driver. His destination at the time of the occurrence was unknown to witness. - Reginald Percival Collings stated that about 3.10 p.m. he was proceeding at 15 miles an hour from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton. Near the Rosery he saw a motor cyclist approaching very rapidly. The machine swerved to its wrong side of the road, and then out again and struck the radiator of the motor car. The motor cycle had a speed wobble, which gave witness the impression that the machine was out of control. At the time of the impact the car was stationary and there was ample room on either side for the cyclist to pass. Witness stopped his car there because he thought if he left room the cyclist might have cut between the near hedge and the car if unable to pull right out on to the proper side. - Witness's mother, who was in the car, supported this statement. - Dr W. O. Sankey, of Ashburton, said death was caused by a broken neck. The left thigh was also fractured. - Gardiner Hogg, car proprietor of Rattery, said that when driving a lorry along the road he came upon the scene of the accident. Deceased's head just lay under the front axle of the car. A wheel was resting on one sleeve, but not actually on the arm. His opinion was that the car was stationary. - Constable Hardy said the damage to the cycle indicated a terrific impact. The wheel marks of the car could be traced faintly on their proper side of the road until they swerved out suddenly. They ceased almost parallel with the position of the damaged motor cycle. The near wheel mark was seven feet from its correct side and the off wheel nine feet from the other side. Further down the road where the edge was unmetalled, there was an almost semi-circular tyre mark similar to that which would be made by the motor cycle's tyres. The road was wet, so that no other marks could be found. The verdict mentioned was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 November 1926
EXETER - Accidental. The Fatal Collision Near Tedburn. Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at the adjourned Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, concerning the death of WILLIAM ARTHUR TRENEMAN, aged 25, of Fore-street, Northtawton, but lately lodging at Tedburn St Mary, where he was working as a blacksmith for Mr Fry, an engineer. TRENEMAN sustained severe injuries in a motor-cycle collision on November 13th on Five Mile-hill, near Tedburn St Mary, from which he died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the following day. The other motor cyclist, Charles Simeons, aged 42, of Bradninch, and a carpenter in the employ of Messrs. Nicks Bros., was also conveyed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital in an unconscious condition, and so continued until last Friday. The Jury added to their verdict a rider that motorists should be warned not to pass or overtake vehicles at bends. The Inquiry was held by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown. Mr McGahey represented Simeons, who had only come out of Hospital two days previously and was obviously still in a weak condition. At the outset Mr McGahey said he was afraid that, on account of his indifferent health, Simeons would be an indifferent witness. - David James Chalker, 55, Clinton-street, Exeter, said he was driving a Devon General 'bus from Okehampton to Exeter on November 13th. At the bottom of Five Mile-hill he remembered deceased passing him on his right side, riding a motor cycle. He was going about 10 or 12 miles an hour. Witness gave him plenty of room, there being about 12ft. between the 'bus and the hedge on the side deceased passed. It was damp, but not raining. Witness could follow deceased's movements through the mirror on the 'bus for about 30 yards. Witness saw nothing more until he saw another motor cyclist "appear from nowhere on a bend" and go into deceased. Both riders fell and were entangled in the machines. He would not have heard hooters owing to the distance, but he heard the explosion of a motor tyre. Witness pulled up and went back to assist, and a Mr Passmore took deceased to the Hospital, while the ambulance was telephoned for, for Simeons, a lady motorist driving the 'bus conductor to the nearest telephone. - Answering Mr McGahey, witness said he knew both men as courteous users of the road and careful drivers. Witness thought something of a mechanical nature went wrong with Simeon's bicycle, because the other man's bicycle could have been ridden away after the accident. It might also have been that Simeons applied his foot-brake, which, owing to the grit on the road, would naturally make him shoot to the right. Since the accident two men had been employed brushing away loose tarred chippings or gravel. Neither of the motor-cyclists were speed merchants. A sudden application of the foot-brake would shoot Simeons to the right. Witness did not think the accident was due to the burst tyre. If, however, it had burst owing to the grit on the road, it might cause the accident. He did not think the burst tyre was the cause, as the burst occurred where the rim was bent as a result of the collision. - Sidney Arthur Moore, of Topsham, who was conductor on the 'bus driven by the previous witness, said TRENEMAN was between the handle-bars of the two motor cycles after the accident and Simeons was lying full length on TRENEMAN'S left-hand side going up the hill. Simeons said something like "What happened?" and that was all he said. He had seen both men motor cycling on many occasions, and both were careful drivers. - P.C. Brown gave evidence as to measurements he made of the road at the spot where the accident occurred. The road from hedge to hedge was 29 ¼ feet, of which 19 ¼ was tarred macadam. The remainder of the road was grass. He found blood-stains on the road five feet and eight feet from the greensward on TRENEMAN'S left-hand side of the road. It was not a rainy afternoon, but "murky and wet," and visibility was poor. If Simeons were on his proper side he could only see round the bend 25 yards away. If in the middle of the road he could see round a little bit further. It was the sort of afternoon when a motor cyclist might ride with his head down. Replying to Mr McGahey, witness said he should imagine from the damage to Simeons' machine that the collision was a glancing one, not a head-one collision. - Arthur Kenward, of Topsham, a passenger on the 'bus, said he had often seen Simeons riding a motor-cycle. He was a very careful rider. In reply to Mr McGahey, witness said he had been working with Simeons on the same job for Messrs. Nicks Bros., Bradninch. - "An Absolute Blank." - Richard Ward Passmore, market gardener, Okehampton-street, Exeter, who was driving his lorry from Okehampton to Exeter on the day of the accident, said he had no recollection of anyone passing him while going down Five Mile-hill, but a motor cyclist might have done so. When he got near the bottom of the hill he saw there had been an accident. Witness took TRENEMAN to the Hospital. - Simeons, who was obviously very upset and weak, was allowed to sit while giving evidence. He said he had a faint recollection of coming through Tedburn St Mary. He left Belstone about 12.30 p.m. His usual speed would permit him to go from Exeter to Bradninch (about ten miles) in three-quarters of an hour. On the day of the accident he was not riding faster than usual. He did not remember seeing a Devon General 'bus after leaving Tedburn. Indeed, he remembered nothing after leaving Tedburn St Mary. He was jogging along steadily. He had been unconscious at the Hospital until last Friday. He had been riding a motor cycle since 1913, but never had an accident, had a clear license, and had never been cautioned. He had been going to Belstone every Monday for about four months, returning to Bradninch on the Saturday. His mind was an absolute blank as to the accident; he remembered nothing at all about it. - Dr Layley, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said when admitted TRENEMAN was suffering from concussion, compound fracture of the tibia, implicating the knee-joint and compound fracture of the lower jaw. He died the day after admission. Death was due to shock caused by the injuries received, and contributed to by the condition of his heart. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, said they had very little direct information as to how it occurred. Everything possible was done by all who were present at the scene for deceased and Mr Simeons. Mr Brown pointed out that Mr Simeons was not in a position to tell them what actually happened. Possibly he would never be able to tell them. There was the question whether anyone was liable for TRENEMAN'S death. He must tell them that before they could find anyone criminally liable they had to have evidence to prove there was negligence. As a matter of fact there was not a tittle of evidence that either Simeons or TRENEMAN was in any way to blame. He suggested that the only verdict was "Accidental Death." - The Jury, after a private consultation, returned the verdict mentioned above, the Foreman, on behalf of his colleagues and himself, expressing sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. The Coroner associated himself with the expression of sympathy, while Mr McGahey said his client would have liked to have been able to express his sympathy himself, but he was unable, and had asked him to do so.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 November 1926
TIVERTON -Tiverton Man's Death. Cycle Brakes Fail. - At Tiverton Hospital last evening an Inquest was held on the body of WILLIAM SYDENHAM LEE, 60, in the employ of the Tiverton Saw Mills Company, who died in the Institution on Friday. - The evidence showed that on the morning of Saturday, the 20th, deceased, in company with two other men in the same employ, was cycling from Holcombe Rogus to Tiverton, and when at Whitnage (Uplowman) at a sharp corner known as Bury, they met a horse and cart driven by a man named Burridge, in the employ of Mr J. Vicary, of Lock's Farm, Uplowman. Two of the men passed safely, but deceased ran into the right shaft of the cart, which penetrated his abdomen. Dr Nicholson considered, in the absence of a post-mortem, that death was due to a clot of blood getting into the circulation. - All the witnesses agreed that Burridge was close in on his proper side. After the accident deceased remarked that his brakes were faulty and P.S. Galpin found the rear brake ineffective and the front one nearly so. - The Coroner, Mr Clutsom, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 December 1926
EXETER - Depressed. Restaurant Proprietor's Death At Exeter. Inquest Verdict. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday concerning the death of MR WILLIAM MALLETT, an Exeter restaurant proprietor. - FREDERICK GEORGE MALLETT of 4 Paris-street, identified the deceased as his father, aged 51. He lived at the same address and also had a business at 15a Bridge-street. Witness last saw his father alive at dinner-time on Monday, when he appeared all right. He had been worried over having to sell the shop and leave Paris-street. Business worries always depressed him. Deceased was an ex-Marine and since the war had suffered from neurasthenia. He did not return home at his usual time on Monday. It was his custom to close the shop at 8 o'clock, and return home with the takings and keys. He usually went to the Buffalo Lodge on Monday evenings. Witness went to the Police at 3 o'clock the following morning when he found the shop closed. On entering the premises later his father was found dead. So far as witness knew, deceased had never threatened to take his life. - P.S. Bradford said he accompanied the last witness to the shop in Bridge-street, and obtained access by a duplicate key. Deceased was hanging by the neck from a piece of cord tied to the transom of a door at the foot of the stairs at the end of the shop. His feet were about two inches off the bottom stair. In witness's opinion, deceased, who was dead, must have stood on a higher stair and swung off. It was a lock-up shop and had no living accommodation. Witness cut the body down. - Dr Pereira Gray said the cord had cut deeply into deceased's neck. Witness had attended deceased and his family for 10 or 12 years. Deceased was very often depressed and suffered from neuritis. Death was due to suffocation and the shock of hanging. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 3 December 1926
PAIGNTON - Drinking some boiling tea from a teapot whilst his mother's back was turned caused the death on Sunday of DOUGLAS COLE, aged 3 ½ years, of Paignton. At the Inquest the mother stated that after making the tea she placed the teapot on the table. Hearing a scream, she turned and discovered that her son had swallowed some of the tea. A dose of castor oil was given him and he appeared to be without pain. Dr King was called, and order the child's removal to Hospital, where he died the following evening from a blistered throat and shock. Verdict returned in accordance with medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 December 1926
EXETER - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was the verdict of the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at an Inquest held yesterday at No 22 Rosebery-road, Exeter, concerning the death of WILLIAM GEORGE HITCHCOCK; who was discovered by his wife hanging in his bathroom. He had been unable to work for two years owing to nerve trouble.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 December 1926
EXETER - Exeter Infant's Death. Deputy Coroner's Advice. - "I should like to ask you to see that when any of your children are sick you take them to the parish doctor right away in future. Do not experiment with brandy." So remarked the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, when returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" yesterday at an Inquest at Exeter relative to the death of the two-year-old son of BERT TAYLOR, labourer, of the Pioneer Coffee Tavern, Edmund-street. - MRS ELLEN MAUDE TAYLOR said she took her child to Dr Hill about two months ago and gave him medicine for a fortnight. On Sunday she gave him some milk and a teaspoonful of brandy because she heard that two other children had been ordered brandy by the doctor. The child afterwards had a convulsion. - The Coroner: Have you any other children? - Yes. - Well, don't give them brandy, but see a doctor. - BERT TAYLOR, the father, said he also gave the child milk and brandy. He did not take him to a doctor because he did not think he was so bad. - Mrs Wright of the Pioneer Coffee Tavern, said the boy always seemed "tight" on the chest. Her child had been ordered brandy. She was called to MRS TAYLOR'S room, and placed the child in a bath of hot water thinking it had a convulsion. - Dr W. J. Watkins said the child was very emaciated, probably through being weak at birth. As to result of a post mortem witness found signs of commencing tuberculosis and part of the lungs had collapsed. He considered the dose of brandy rather large. Death was due to syncope owing to the condition of the lungs.

EXETER - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Exeter Court House yesterday concerning the death of ELIZABETH PENTECOST, wife of SIDNEY PENTECOST, railway pensioner, of 29 Okehampton-street, St Thomas, Exeter, who died suddenly on Monday. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 December 1926
EXMINSTER - Cut To Pieces. Brixham Woman Killed At Exminster. Crossing The Line. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry, yesterday, at the Railway Hotel, Exminster, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MRS ANNIE JANE TAYLOR, 54, of Brixham, who was killed by a fast train at the Station level-crossing the previous evening. Chief Divisional Inspector Mapledoram watched the proceedings on behalf of the Great Western Railway. - RICHARD HENRY TAYLOR, Brixham, gave evidence of identification, which he established by the clothing. - P.C. Willis, Exminster, said he had received a doctor's certificate regarding Miss Williams (who was unable to attend), but a statement had been taken from her by the Police at Brixham. In this she said she lived with deceased, and on Tuesday they paid a visit to the Mental Hospital to see her sister,. They went on to Exeter first and came back by the 2 p.m. train from St Thomas. About 4 p.m. they left the Hospital and on reaching the Station found they had to wait three-quarters of an hour for a train. They crossed to the down line by the foot-bridge, but when there MRS TAYLOR suggested having a cup of tea, which they did at the Railway Hotel. They stayed in the Hotel about 15 minutes and on their way back made to cross the line by the level crossing. MRS TAYLOR was in front. Witness slipped and fell and called out "MRS TAYLOR I have fallen down." Deceased answered "Stay where you are." The express was then just in sight. When it had passed she called, "MRS TAYLOR, where are you?" but got no reply. She called again on the platform with the same result. Then someone asked her who her friend was and showed her her hat, but she did not know until the morning after that anything serious had happened. - Witness added that the body was terribly mutilated, the head and legs being severed. - Fredk. Winter, porter at Exminster Station, said two women asked him where they could get tea the previous afternoon and he directed them to the Railway Hotel, requesting them to cross the line by the footbridge. The women intended catching the 5.15 from Exeter, and it was then 4.50. The train was due to leave Exminster at 5.28. After the 1.30 express from Paddington had gone through someone told him a woman had been knocked down by it. Witness searched for the body and found it in pieces on the down side between the metals and the platform. From the evidence it was reasonable to suppose the deceased was knocked down on the level crossing, although witness did not see her on it. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner remarked it was a great mercy that Miss Williams was not killed as well. He expressed sympathy with the husband. - Inspector Mapledoram concurred on behalf of the Railway Company.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 December 1926
SIDMOUTH - Fatal Skid. Mackintosh Causes Death Of Sidmouth Waiter. Hospital Criticised. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, conducted an Inquest at Sidmouth Police Station yesterday on EDWIN STEWART HINE, waiter at the Knowle Hotel, who died at Sidmouth Cottage Hospital on Saturday morning following a motor cycle accident at Greenway, near Bowd Cross, the previous evening. Mr A. W. Irish was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Ernest Rowe, taxi-cab driver, of Exmouth, brother-in-law of deceased, gave evidence of identity and said deceased was 26 years of age. - MRS LOUISA HINE, of 34 Bicton-street, Exmouth, mother of deceased, said her son left her house between 5.15 and 5.30 on Friday evening to return to Sidmouth. He was then quite well. He had been riding the motor cycle for about 14 months and was a careful rider. Later the same night, at about 11 o'clock, she saw deceased at Sidmouth Cottage Hospital, after he had undergone an operation. He was then unconscious. Witness had never heard any complaint about deceased's fast riding. He was returning to Sidmouth to his work as a waiter at the Knowle Hotel. - Albert Edward Colbourne, labourer, of 6 Western-row, Western Town, Sidmouth, said that about 6.30 on Friday evening, he was walking along the Exeter-Sidmouth road from Greenway in the direction of Sidmouth, in company with Miss A. Attwood. They were close to the hedge on the left hand side of the road. Witness heard a motor cycle coming and, on looking round, noticed a light about 200 yards behind. - Deceased's Speed. - The next thing he knew was that the motor cycle was alongside him and had taken his mackintosh off his right arm. The handlebar of the cycle must have struck the mackintosh. Witness would not say the cycle was travelling fast, but it was going at a decent speed, and he heard no sound of a horn. After the cycle had taken the mackintosh, it swerved across to the other side of the road. It appeared to skid on the right-hand side of the road and fell about 30 ft. from where witness was walking. Witness ran to the machine, and at first thought the body of deceased was beneath the cycle, but subsequently found it was the mackintosh. He then heard deceased moaning, and found him lying in the ditch, or gutter, about six or eight yards beyond the cycle. Witness went to deceased, who was lying on his back, with his head in the direction of Sidmouth. He then shouted to Miss Attwood to run to a cottage and get help. The cycle was on its side with the front wheel pointing to the direction in which it had come, the machine having swerved completely round. The road was wide at the spot, and there was plenty of room for deceased to pass without coming in contact with witness. A gentleman came along in a car and took deceased to Sidmouth Cottage Hospital. Replying to the Foreman, witness said the night was not foggy, but dark. He was unable to say if it was misty. The headlight of the motor cycle was lit. - MR W. HINE, brother of deceased: Were the sleeves of your mackintosh hanging down or tucked away? - Witness: They were tucked away. He agreed with MR HINE that the controls of the machine probably caught the collar of the mackintosh. - Amy Faith Attwood, domestic servant, of Sea View, Peak-hill, corroborated and said she judged by the sound of the engine that deceased was going at a terrific speed. She had ridden on the back of a motor cycle and deceased was going much faster than she had been accustomed to go when riding pillion. Replying to a Juryman, witness said by the sound of the engine when first heard deceased seemed to be some distance away, but before they could say anything he was upon them. He was travelling down hill at the time, and on his proper side. The light of the cycle was not extinguished after the accident. Mr Colbourne and herself were walking close to the left-hand hedge and she could practically touch it. There was no ditch on the left-hand side, but it was a bit spongy and greasy. On hearing the cycle they moved in a trifle, but there would have been plenty of room for deceased to pass if they had not done so. - Hospital Accommodation. - Reuben John Hook, of Ulverston House, Sidmouth, said he was driving a car from Exeter to Sidmouth, and, about 500 yards below Greenway Cottage, was pulled up by Mr Colbourne waving a light. He found deceased lying on the right side of the road, badly knocked out and with a wound on the back of his head. Shortly afterwards two men, who had been summoned by Miss Attwood, came from the cottage and lifted deceased into the car, and witness took him to the Cottage Hospital. The motor cycle, which had been moved before witness came, was about four yards from deceased. Witness added that when he got to the Hospital he had to carry deceased in practically by himself, though he was assisted by a sick-looking patient. There was no bed ready and he assisted in moving a patient from a bed to make room for deceased. He asked the Matron if any assistance was available and she said there was only a nurse. His sister assisted in carrying deceased. - Inspector Bastin said the St John Ambulance Association was trying to form a Brigade at Sidmouth, and he hoped after a time that difficulty would be got over. - Witness: I suggest a vacant bed should be kept at the Cottage Hospital for urgent cases. It is unfortunate that a man should have to lie on the floor for half an hour. - Inspector Bastin: With your headlights, did you have any difficulty in seeing any distance in front? - Witness: Not at the point where the accident took place and I had only a moderate light. It was foggy near Exeter, but not at the point where the accident took place. - Dr W. S. Campbell, of Sidmouth, said he was called to the Cottage Hospital between 7 and 8 o'clock on Friday night, and found deceased in an unconscious condition, due to the head injury. With the assistance of Dr Mitchelmore, witness trephined the skull, but deceased did not fully recover consciousness after the operation, and died at about 4 o'clock on Saturday morning. Witness subsequently discovered an extensive fracture of the base of the skull, which was the cause of death. With regard to Mr Hook's comments on the Cottage Hospital, it was impossible for a small Hospital to maintain porters and he was glad to hear a St John Ambulance Brigade was being formed. He did not consider it a hardship to carry patients, and he had to do so every time he operated. - The Foreman: The Hospital generally employs two Red Cross men. - Dr Campbell: Sometimes; when we can get them. As for keeping a vacant bed, we have only 14 beds, and they are in constant demand, so that it is not practicable to keep one bed empty. It would mean keeping two beds - one for males and one for females, which would be a large percentage of our beds. - The Coroner: Do you say the Hospital accommodation is not adequate for the needs of Sidmouth? - Dr Campbell: That is a thing I have said many times. - Coroner And Pedestrians. - P.C. Knowles, of Sidmouth, said that at 8 p.m. on Friday P.S. Champion and himself visited the scene of the accident and measured the road, which was 15 ft. 9 in. wide. There was some greensward 4 ft. wide on the right-hand side of the road, facing Sidmouth, but on the other side the road metal was tight against the hedge. On the following morning he again visited the spot, and found a skid-mark commencing 7 ft. from the near side of the hedge, facing Sidmouth, and ending, after a distance of 45 ft., at the commencement of the greensward. There was an impression in the greensward 5 ft. long where something had been lying and 12 ft. from that, in the direction of Exeter, was a patch of oil that appeared to have leaked from some machinery. The lamp was an ordinary acetylene lamp and contained carbide. It was slightly damaged. The cycle was also slightly damaged, the left foot-rest being bent about ¾ in. backwards, and the saddle scraped on the left-hand side. The ground was quite soft and watery where deceased was lying; it was not a ditch, but only a grassy sward. Replying to MR W. HINE, witness said that from the commencement of the skid there were skids right down to the greensward. It was a broadside skid, and not a tyre skid. The tread of the back tyre was good, but the front tyre was worn a bit. He could not given an impression as to whether the cycle skidded with the brakes dead on. The skid was about one-eighth of an inch deep for about nine inches, as if the foot-rest had gone into the road. - The Coroner said the facts appeared simple, and there was no question of anyone living being at fault or having contributed to the accident by their negligence. Miss Attwood had emphatically stated deceased was travelling at terrific speed, but the Jury would have to arrive at their own conclusion as to whether or not she was capable of forming a correct estimate. He wished it could always be said, as in this case, there was no negligence on the part of pedestrians. Sometimes pedestrians showed frightful carelessness and were very nearly the cause of accidents, even if they did not quite cause them. Many times one found pedestrians abreast near a corner and then, instead of placing themselves in single file, they caused a car to go on the wrong side of a road in passing a corner, so that if it met anything there was certain to be an accident. He thought pedestrians wanted warning as much as anybody, and quite as much as motorists, in the matter of carelessness. With regard to the Cottage Hospital, he could not quite believe it could not afford to keep porters, and it was obvious that Hospital accommodation generally was insufficient in Sidmouth. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to Accident. The Foreman expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased, and the Coroner concurred. - Mr McCormick, a fellow waiter with deceased, replying to a suggestion from the Foreman that deceased might have been riding fast, said deceased was a most careful rider and would not open out, even on the main road. As for furious driving, he was a man of more sense, and he always allowed himself plenty of time on the road, and was never late for duty. - The Coroner expressed thanks, but commented that he wished Mr McCormick had volunteered his evidence at an earlier stage.

AXMINSTER - Fatal Worry. Axminster Labourer Commits Suicide. Pathetic Case. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, conducted an Inquest at Axminster, yesterday, relative to the death of DOUGLAS ROCKETT, 29, labourer, of Stoney Bridge, Axminster, who was found with his throat cut on Friday, the 10th inst. - P.C. Scott stated that on the 10th inst., at 10.50 p.m., he was informed that DOUGLAS ROCKETT had cut his throat. He proceeded to a cottage at Stoney Bridge, where he found deceased lying on the floor of the back kitchen. He was covered with blood. Witness searched deceased's clothing and found an empty razor case. On examining the path outside, he found a blood-stained razor. Dr Padbury arrived a few minutes later, but death had taken place. - EVA ROCKETT, 24, wife of deceased, stated that her husband went to bed about 6 p.m. He usually retired about that time and got up at one p.m., since he had been ill. The morning he got up at 7 o'clock as he could not sleep. He had not slept properly for three weeks. He came downstairs on the night in question about 10.30 and said he was going to the lavatory. She saw him pass the lavatory and told him he had done so. He said, "I want Bill." She thought he was going to be sick, and held him. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said she took her husband up a glass of milk at about 10.15. Deceased had never suggested taking his life. He had been very ill and could not sleep. They were on the best of terms. - LUCY WILLEY (sister-in-law) said she heard the shouting and went to where her brother-in-law was. She exclaimed at once "He has cut his throat." She took hold of him and helped him into the house. - Dr Padbury spoke to having attended deceased on several occasions. The first time he was suffering from a sprained back, the result of an accident, and witness remonstrated with him for not having called in a doctor before, as it was two weeks after the accident. Continuing, Dr Padbury said on one occasion deceased expressed his fears for his wife and family as he was unable to work. On Saturday morning a letter was found in the pocket of deceased's coat, written three days previously, in which he stated that he would take his life as he was not able to bear the strain. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case and there was no doubt that deceased died from wounds, Self-inflicted, while of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Friday 17 December 1926
LYMPSTONE. - Lympstone Tragedy. Builder's Fatal Fall Into Soft Water Tank. Fit Of Giddiness. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Lympstone yesterday relative to the death of MR NICHOLAS PRATT, age 84 years, of Kiln Top, Lympstone, who was found drowned in a soft water tank at the rear of his house, on Tuesday afternoon. Deceased was a retired builder of Clyst St Mary, and was well known and highly respected. - ARTHUR WILLIAM PRATT, son, said he last saw his father on Sunday, when he called on him from Clyst St Mary and found him quite well. He seemed cheerful and alluded to matters of business the firm had in hand. - MRS LOUISA PRATT, wife of deceased, stated that on the Tuesday morning her husband complained of a pain in the chest which she attributed to indigestion and advised him to see a doctor. About three o'clock in the afternoon he went to the garden. She did not see him walking around, and on going to find him saw that the cover was off the tank. Her husband had been in the habit of measuring the quantity of water there as they had to depend on the storage for their supply. He always had a fear that they would get run out of water and that they would have to fetch it, so that they had to conserve it as much as possible. Her husband was in the habit, ever ten days or so of taking measurements of the water. On one or two occasions they had to go and stay with their son because of the shortage of water. When she found the cover off the well she put down a stick and thought she felt something like a coat, and she then called assistance. In reply to the Coroner, witness said her husband used to get bad headaches due to blood pressure, but she did not think he suffered from depression. - The Coroner: Had he any trouble? - Witness: No, like all others little pin-pricks. Had he any financial worries? - No. - Mr Lewis Dowel, proprietor of the Railway Hotel, Lympstone, said he was called by MRS PRATT, who said she feared her husband had met with an accident. She conducted him to a soft water tank underground with the cover off, and said "I am afraid he has fallen into the tank." Witness put in a pole but could find nothing, and he got the assistance of Mr George Cornish, a fisherman, who brought a drag by which the body was recovered, with the help of P.C. Harding. - Mr G. Cornish and P.C. Harding gave corroborative evidence. The latter stated that artificial respiration was resorted to without success and the doctor pronounced life extinct. A watch on deceased had stopped at 3.55. The depth of the water in the well was three feet and deceased was lying face downward. The tank was 5 ft. 9 in. deep and 5 ft. wide, with a 20 in. inspection hole. - Dr Bellamy said he attended deceased some time ago for blood pressure and angina. His blood pressure was high, rendering him liable to giddy attacks and vertigo. He considered death was due to drowning as there were all the signs of suffocation. The Coroner said he was satisfied that deceased did not take his own life. Personally he believed MR PRATT had a sudden attack of giddiness and fell into the tank. He, therefore, returned a verdict of Accidental Drowning.

Western Times, Thursday 23 December 1926
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, on Wednesday held an inquest on MISS ELLEN SHAPLAND, aged seventy-one, who died at a local Nursing Home on Monday night. The deceased was a daughter of the late MR JOHN SHAPLAND, who formerly for many years farmed Hele Manor, Tawstock. - Mr Benjamin Bayley, brother-in-law, stated that deceased had resided with him and his wife at 14 Newport-terrace, for about 15 years past and had been attended for a long time by Dr Gibbs as she suffered from heart trouble. On November 20th she accidentally fell downstairs and fractured her left femur which Dr Gibbs told the Coroner accelerated her heart disease, from the effects of which she died. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 December 1926
PLYMOUTH - Tragic Death. Well-Known Cattle Dealer's Accident. MR S. BALKWILL. - The news of the tragic death of MR SIDNEY BALKWILL, of Plymouth, was received with the deepest regret over a very wide area. He was a well-known and highly popular business man in the wholesale meat trade at Plymouth and regularly attended cattle markets and auction rings over a large area, as well as visiting the farmyards of fat stock breeders and purchasing large quantities of stock for the wholesale markets. During the past year in the Hatherleigh district alone MR BALKWILL had bought upwards of 5,000 bullocks and sheep. His presence was a valuable asset to the cattle markets which he visited, and he will no doubt be greatly missed. MR BALKWILL was a native of Hatherleigh, but had for many years been residing at Plymouth. At the outbreak of the war his services were requisitioned by the Ministry in connection with food control. After a short time he was appointed buyer and manager of the wholesale meat market for the Government at Plymouth until the end of the war. MR BALKWILL treasured a letter he received from the Food Controller in appreciation of his services and intimating that his was one of the very few Government concerns of the kind in the country that had shown a profit on its working. At the close of the rationing period MR BALKWILL'S services were secured by the Plymouth and District Farmers' Union, who had formed a Limited Company for the supply of meat in the wholesale market, MR BALKWILL being appointed manager and head salesman. His engagement with the Farmers' Union terminated a few weeks ago. He had since co-operated with a well-known Plymouth firm, and had commenced to build up a wholesale business. He had attended Hatherleigh Christmas Market and purchased a quantity of stock and was returning to Plymouth by car in the evening when a gun that was in the car exploded and he received such injuries that he died shortly after being admitted to Hospital. It was known that MR BALKWILL frequently went rabbit shooting with his farmer friends on Wednesday afternoons, when the market was closed, and he had remarked that he had left his gun at the house of one of his friends. - Herbert Pyke, motor engineer, in the employ of Mr Robins, was the principal witness at the Inquest and he stated that he often drove MR BALKWILL to Hatherleigh. On the occasion in question MR BALKWILL asked him to stop his car when outside a shop in Mutley Plain as they were leaving Plymouth in the morning. He entered the shop, and returned carrying a sporting gun, and remarked he was going shooting the following day. He had made sure of getting the gun then as the shop might be closed when they returned in the evening. The gun was in the car all the day. When MR BALKWILL entered the car in the evening he picked up the gun and stood it by his side and he sat in the car with the muzzle leaning against his shoulder. When they were nearing Roborough, witness heard a loud report and, looking round, saw BALKWILL had received terrible injuries to the side of his face. He later saw a Policeman, who came with them to the Plymouth Hospital. In answer to questions, witness said deceased had been chatting to him on the journey and had spoken only a few seconds before the accident. He was in good spirits, quite sober, and had remarked that he had done a good day's business. - Mr Deacon, of Mutley Plain, said he lent deceased his gun on the morning in question. It was at full-cock when he handed it to him. The gun having been examined by the Jurymen, it was found it had no half-cock lock. Mr Deacon expressed surprise, and stated it would deceive deceased as easily it had deceived him. - The Coroner and Jury further demonstrated with the gun to prove that it was discharged while by the side of deceased instead of between his feet, as had been suggested. Deceased had no troubles, financial or otherwise, that could be advanced as a reason that he should wish to end his life, and the Jury, after an absence of three minutes brought in an unanimous verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr Major, who watched the case on behalf of the Plymouth and District Farmers', Ltd., expressed sympathy with the relatives. Mr J. Wolland represented the relations in the case. - The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Chanter (Vicar of St Emmanuel Church), and the interment took place in Mutley Old Cemetery. The principal mourners were Messrs. S. Balkwill (Hatherleigh) and G. Balkwill (Kingsbridge), brothers; Messrs. J. and F. Trott (Crediton) and H.W.Manaton, brothers-in-law; Messrs. J. Balkwill, S. H. Balkwill and J. Manaton (Hatherleigh), nephews; and Mr and Mrs Harry Balkwill, cousins.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 December 1926
CHUDLEIGH - Poison Drama. Chudleigh Man Found On Wife's Doorstep. Separation Sequel. - A dramatic story was told at the Inquest conducted yesterday by Mr E. Hutchings, at Chudleigh, concerning the death of WILLIAM VAUGHAN, aged 47, formerly the holder of an off-license at Chudleigh and recently living at the Jolly Sailor, Newton Abbot. - JOHN WARE , retired grocer, of Priory-road, Exeter, deceased's father-in-law, said deceased came to MRS VAUGHAN'S shop door on Christmas evening, about 8.30, but witness considered he was drunk and refused him admittance. VAUGHAN and his wife separated in September because of his habits. The wife allowed him 30s. a week and kept on the license. He had been to Chudleigh on four occasions since, each time being in an intoxicated condition. - George Frome, Woodway-street, Chudleigh, said he saw deceased lying on the pavement outside MRS VAUGHAN'S shop. Witness thought he was drunk and moved him into a gangway and sent for the Police. Before they came he found a medicine bottle by the man's side. - Mr H. G. Michelmore, solicitor, who attended on behalf of MRS VAUGHAN, said that under the separation deed, deceased was under covenant not to go to Chudleigh. - Dr H. B. Walters said death was due to irritant poison, such as the commercial copper sulphate found in the bottle. It was not a scheduled poison, but largely used by farmers for various purposes. Deceased probably took the poison an hour before he died. - Herbery A. G. Hough, Gordon Lodge, Chudleigh, said at midday on Christmas Day deceased stopped him and asked him not to believe the rumours that he had been drinking; he had been under doctor's orders and was taking drugs as he could not sleep at night. As he went on deceased said "Good-bye, you will never see me again." Deceased walked towards the Rocks, and witness thought it his duty to communicate with the Police, knowing the domestic troubles. - SAMUEL VAUGHAN, Clifton-street, Exeter, deceased's brother, said deceased, whom he had not seen for 12 months, came by taxi from Newton Abbot to his home on Christmas Eve, arriving about 10.30 p.m. He told witness he had been three times to his wife's house to see his daughter, but was not allowed to see her. He was not drunk, but talked in a rambling way and was twitching. Deceased explained that he had been taking drugs to get sleep. Witness offered to try to get deceased a job, and he replied, "Tomorrow I shall be far away; I shall be well and happy." He formed the conclusion that deceased was not in his right mind. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and thanked Mr Frome for the prompt attention he gave to deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 31 December 1926
TEIGNMOUTH - Bedroom Tragedy. Coachman Takes His Life At Teignmouth. "A Done Man." - At the Town Hall, Teignmouth, last evening, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner conducted an Inquest concerning the death of MR FREDERICK SHADDICK, aged 58, who was found hanging to a bedstead at the residence of his brother-in-law and sister (MR and MRS L. DAYMAN) at Maddocks, Fourth-avenue, Teignmouth. - From the evidence it appeared that the deceased arrived in this country from Canada on December 15th. He was low-spirited and would sit in a chair and think. When he went to his sister's house he remarked, "This is not what I expected. I am a done man." - MR DAYMAN said he found deceased hanging to the rail at the foot of the bed by a scarf in a sitting posture. Deceased told him he had enough money to carry on quietly. He was a bachelor. Before deceased went to Canada he was a coachman, but when he went to Exeter and saw so many motor cars he remarked that the world was upside down. - EDWIN SHADDICK, a brother who came home with the deceased, said he had been depressed in Canada and witness had noticed it since he had been in England. - Dr H. E. Goulden said death was due to asphyxia caused by strangulation. - The Coroner entered a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by Strangulation while of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Friday 31 December 1926
EXETER - An Exeter Accident. Jury Find That Driver Of Lorry Was Not To Blame. Deceased Stepped Off Pavement. - Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MR GEORGE AMERY of 35 Herschell-road, was made at an Inquest by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Exeter Court House. - Deceased, it had been reported, died in the Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday afternoon as the result of being knocked down by a motor lorry while crossing the road at Elmside on the previous Monday. - Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for Mr Caple, the driver of the lorry and Mr F. P. Cottey for the widow. - MRS ELIZA CORNISH AMERY, the widow, said her husband, who was 57 years of age, was a clerk. He left home on the evening in question for the purpose of going to a picture show. His eyesight was good. He had an artificial leg, but he had been using this for some years and it gave him no trouble. His hearing might not be quite normal, but he could hear ordinary conversation. - Ernest William Baker, of 5 Parsonage Court, Sidwell-street, a baker's roundsman, stated that he was driving a horse and van a few yards from Mount Pleasant-road on the occasion in question when a motor lorry passed him. It was going at a reasonable rate towards Elmside. In Elmside he a few minutes later saw the lorry stopped and the driver shouted him to stop. He saw the body of deceased on the road lying near the back wheel of the lorry. The position was about halfway between Rosebery and Salisbury Roads. Witness, who was travelling behind, heard no sound of motor signals. - In answer to Mr McGahey, witness said that the spot at which the accident happened was the darkest point of the road and between two street lamps. Every possible assistance was given by the driver and witness to the deceased. - P.C. Chapple gave evidence of measurements. He found skid marks 18 feet long commencing seven feet from the edge of the pavement and ending about 11 ft., apparently going outward. The road was about 25 ft. wide. The near head light had been bent back somewhat. - By Mr McGahey: The car according to the marks kept to its proper side and did not skid beyond the centre of the road. The driver must have made a quick stop. - Mr McGahey: He pulled up in less than his length. - George William Caple, driver of the lorry (30 cwt) said it had a part load of 12 cwt. Approaching Elmside he sounded his hooter and proceeded to a point opposite the entrance to Rosebery-road. Deceased was near the edge of the kerb and just stepping off. Witness was practically on him. His speed was eight to ten miles per hour. He was on his proper side and he was going to his home only a stone's throw distant. Witness sounded his horn, served, put on the brakes and disengaged his clutch. The lorry did not skid. Deceased was half-turned to him and his direction was towards his father's house near by. In witness's opinion the dumb iron hit deceased; it would hit his leg. Witness had on his headlights, side lights and rear lights. "He stepped right off in front of me, and if he had stopped still I would have missed him." - In reply to Mr McGahey witness said he stopped practically in his own length. It was impossible for him to do more than he did to avoid the accident. He did not think any part of the vehicle went over deceased. - Mr Cottey asked witness how the skid could have started 7 ft. from the pavement if witness was travelling only a foot or so from the pavement. - Mr McGahey suggested that the lorry could have travelled a short distance before the prompt application of the brake operated. - Dr P. H. W. Bleasedale, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, described the condition of deceased on his admission to the Institution. there were severe head injuries and there was an extensive laceration of the brain. Death was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - By Mr McGahey: The whole of the head injuries may have been caused by the fall on the road. - The Coroner remarked that the case was singularly devoid of evidence, and the whole thing rested on the driver's version, which he thought was straightforwardly told. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and that no blame attached to anyone. - Mr McGahey ( on behalf of the driver) and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives. - The funeral of MR GEORGE WILLIAM AMERY took place on Sunday at the Exeter Higher Cemetery. A large number of his fellow members of the Manchester Unity wee present as a token of respect. The body was encased in an oak coffin with brass fittings, upholstered in silk with swansdown and lace trimmings. Rev. E. Reid, Rector of St James's, conducted the service both in the church and at the graveside. The mourners were the widow, Will and Harry (sons), Violet (daughter), L. Amery (brother), Mrs Kennard, Mr F. Bragg (Messrs. P. Slader and Son), Mr Rambird (Oddfellows). Floral tributes were sent by the widow and family; Dad and Mater; Len and Bess; Aunt Bess and Fred; Mr and Mrs Kennard; P. Slader and Sons; Exeter City Council Finance Office; members of the Oddfellows' Society.