Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Taken from the Western Times 
and the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[printed in Exeter.]

1928

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:- Aggett; Amos; Arbery; Ash; Bailey; Ball; Barriball; Barrow; Bealey; Beed; Beer; Belletti; Bissett; Black; Bow; Bradbeer; Braunton; Brooks; Bull; Burgoyne; Buzzacott; Carter; Cater; Caunter; Chichester; Chidgey; Chudley; Clarke; Cloke; Cock; Codd; Collier; Cooper; Copp; Corney; Cornwell; Cory; Cowney; Coysh; Crapp; Crocker(2); Cunningham; Curtis; Dark; Davis(2); Denham; Densham; Dobson; Dolton; Dorman; Drake; Easton; Ellis; Fenton; Foale; Folland; Foster; Frankpitt; Frost; Gallup; Gee; Giles; Godfrey; Goldsworthy; Granger; Grant; Greenslade; Griffiths; Gronwalt; Hall; Hallett; Harker; Harris(3); Hayden; Heal; Henson; Hill(3); Hine; Hocking; Hodge; Holmes; Hooper(2); Hosegood; Houghton; Hutchings; Jackman; Jefferies; Jeffery; Jenkin(2); Jordan; Jury; Kendall; Kerswell; King; Kingdon; Lagden; Leaman; Lee; Lewis; Luxton; Mallett; May; Maynard; Merrifield; Milton(2); Mitchell; Moore; Moulding; Moxon; Murphy; Neild; Newton; Noake; Norman; Oliver; Osborne; Osmond(2); Packham; Parr; Parsons; Perratt; Perryman(2); Phillips; Pocock; Poole; Pope; Pullman; Radford; Raymont; Richards; Roberts(2); Roper; Salter(3); Saunders; Scott(2); Sellek; Sharam; Simpson(2); Skelton; Sloman; Smale; Smerdon; Smith(4); Squance; Stentiford; Stevens; Strong; Stuart; Tancock; Taylor; Thomas; Thompson; Thorne; Thorpe; Timms; Tolley; Trumper; Tucker; Turner(3); Uff; Valentine; Vere; Walker; Walls; Ware; Warren(2); Watson; Weatherdon; Webb; Webber; Wellington; Westacott; Westaway; White; Willatt; Willcocks; Williams; Wills; Wood; Wooldridge; Woolridge; Wyatt

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 January 1928

TOPSHAM - Fatal Fall In Stairs. Topsham Inquest. - An Inquest on MRS ELIZABETH ANN CATHERINE GODFREY, aged 73, was held in the Vestry-room, Topsham, on Saturday, by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner. - Mr A. Newman stated that he lived next door to deceased and last saw her alive on the morning of Thursday, December 29th, when she appeared to be in her usual health, which was not good. She also suffered from bad eye sight. On the Friday morning following, he did not see her as usual. In consequence of this, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon he forced the scullery window of her house, opened the back-door, which was bolted, and let in another neighbour. They found deceased in her night attire, at a bend in the stairs, head foremost. Judging from the position she was in, witness thought she had fallen down the stairs. At the time he did not examine her, but immediately went for the Police. P.C. Wakeley proceeded to the house, examined deceased, and found life to be extinct. - Dr E. F. Morton stated that deceased had lost a great deal of blood through the mouth and that the immediate cause of death was fracture of the base of her skull. Death must have been instantaneous. He thought it extraordinary there were no external fractures of bruises, such as were usually caused by a fall of the character described. - The Deputy Coroner returned the verdict of "Accidental Death."

HENNOCK - Fatal Burns. Chudleigh Knighton Inquest. - An Enquiry has been held by Mr E. Hutchings into a sad affair at Chudleigh Knighton village, where JOAN, the 21-months-old daughter of a bootmaker named FOSTER, died from severe burns on Boxing Day. The infant and another child, three years old, were ill twelve days before, and the mother had lit a fire in a bedroom, before which there was no guard, but she had a good iron guard before the kitchen grate. She left the little ones to get fuel to replenish the fire, and had hardly reached the kitchen when she heard terrible screams. Rushing upstairs she found the baby JOAN in flames. She put them out and went into a neighbour's house, where olive oil was applied to the injuries. The child got over the shock, and Dr Perry thought it might recover, but it gradually sank and died from bronchial pneumonia, the result of the injuries and shock. The Coroner emphasised the need of guards in front of fires where young children were living. He cast no reflection whatever upon the mother, who, it seemed, did all she could for the little ones.

LUSTLEIGH - "Unsound Mind." Lustleigh Inquest. - An Inquest has been held at Lustleigh on MR WILLIAM EASTON, aged 80, a retired builder. The evidence showed that MR EASTON'S daughter heard a shot early on Thursday morning, and, going down into the kitchen, found her father sitting in a chair dead, with a double-barrelled gun near at hand. The son, an auxiliary postman, testified that his father had been under treatment for senile decay for 12 months. When he was going on his rounds, and passing the house, Willow-bank, he heard a noise as of a motor tyre bursting, but went on his way to duty. When he had handed in his post-bag to the Post-office, he returned home, to meet his sister, who informed him of the occurrence. He found his father as described. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

EXMINSTER - Patient's Death. Inquest On Cullompton Man Killed At Exminster. Hospital Record. - The Deputy Coroner for the District, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Devon Mental Hospital, Exminster, on Saturday, on WILLIAM JOHN TANCOCK, aged 43, mason's labourer, a patient at the Hospital, whose body was found on the Great Western Railway, near Limekiln Bridge, on Friday morning. - Dr Bainbridge, Senior Assistant Medical Officer at the Hospital, gave evidence of identification. Deceased was admitted on September 5th, 1927, from Cullompton. He was always mildly depressed, moody and pre-occupied, but not regarded as actively suicidal, though potentially so, and was always kept under observation at night. During the day he would not be allowed out by himself. The attendants were not told to give him special observation by day. - George Frederick Cox, male nurse, said deceased was usually under his care, but witness had no special instructions with regard to him. On Friday morning, at 7 o'clock, witness, deceased and another patient left a ward to take soiled clothes to the laundry, a distance of about 300 yards. On arrival at the laundry all three waited outside for the dirty linen to be checked in. While there the other patient asked witness for a light. Whenever deceased went to the laundry he stood in a particular corner and witness noticed he was there that morning. Having given the second man a light, witness turned round again and saw that deceased had disappeared from his corner. Witness at once set up a hue and cry. - The Deputy Coroner: How long was it between the time you last saw him and the time you missed him? - Witness: Only a minute or so. It was absolutely dark at the time. - Cox added that he looked for deceased by the cemetery, but could not find him. He then returned to the Hospital with the other patient. During the time TANCOCK had been under witness's observation he had never threatened to take his life or said anything that might lead him to believe he would ever try to escape. - Charles Shorland, 85 Okehampton-road, Exeter, platelayer, employed by the Great Western Railway Company, said that on Friday morning he was working about 200 yards below Countess Wear Bridge. About 8 o'clock he walked down the line to below the lime kilns and noticed something in the six-foot way. He investigated and saw it was the mutilated body of a man. The head and legs were severed from the trunk. The ice of a dyke near by had been broken, giving the impression that deceased had walked across it. - District Inspector Vernon (representing the Great Western Railway Company) gave evidence of trains passing the spot about the time of the occurrence. - The Deputy Coroner though the Jury would have no difficulty in coming to a conclusion how deceased met his death. He got on the line and was knocked down by a train. The Jury would have to consider whether deceased met his death accidentally or whether it was a case of suicide. If there was any doubt they should return an open verdict. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." The Foreman (Mr S. Challice) added that the Jury did not attach blame to anyone. He personally knew that Friday was a "tremendously dark" morning and that there was every excuse for not seeing the deceased even if he were only ten yards away. - The Medical Superintendent (Dr R Eager) in expressing sympathy with the relatives, said he had been at the Hospital for 21 years and during that period and for some time previously nothing of this sort had happened, although the Hospital was within a mile of the railway and a mile of the canal. The Hospital had 1,200 patients. He thought that record spoke well for the nursing staff. Cox had been placed in a very unfortunate position. He had been a nurse for five years, was a good fellow and nothing ill had happened to him before.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Wednesday 4 January 1928

CULLOMPTON - Death In Sheepfold. Cullompton Inquest. - A verdict that death was due to Suffocation as a result of falling face downwards in mud while under the influence of an epileptic fit was returned yesterday by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at the Inquest at Cullompton, concerning the death of ROBERT HENRY ARBERY, who was found dead in a turnip field the previous day. - ROBERT ARBERY, of Rull Cottage, Cullompton, identified the body as that of his son, who was a farm labourer, and 33 years old. Deceased lived with witness, and was employed by Mr Lawrence. He was subject to epileptic fits, which usually lasted about a quarter of an hour, but had not had one for a long time. Deceased had been medically attended. - Robert Lawrence, farmer, of Rull Farm, said deceased was engaged in feeding sheep in a turnip field. On going there witness found deceased on the ground face downwards in the sheepfold. He had fallen across the wire netting, which had given way under his weight. He was apparently dead, although the body was still warm. Witness unsuccessfully applied artificial respiration and sent for the Police and Dr Gidley. - Dr G. G. Gidley, of Cullompton, said there were no marks of violence and he considered death was due to deceased falling face downwards on the soft ground while in a fit. Witness knew deceased suffered from epileptic fits and had attended him

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 January 1928

TIVERTON - Fatal Pills. Uplowman Child's Climb To Mantelpiece. Coroner And Risks. - At Tiverton Hospital on Saturday the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest on KATHLEEN MARY HOSEGOOD, aged 2 years, and 8 months, daughter of MR and MRS A. J. HOSEGOOD, Uplowman, who died the previous morning after swallowing a considerable number of laxative vegetable pills on Thursday afternoon. The verdict was "Death from Poison, taken by Misadventure." - MRS DORIS HOSEGOOD, wife of ALFRED JOHN HOSEGOOD, Beerdown Cottage, Uplowman, said that on Thursday she put her child to bed at 3.30 p.m., as usual. A mantelpiece was concealed by a curtain across the head of the bed. At 4 o'clock witness returned to the bedroom and saw a bottle containing laxative vegetable pills on the bed, with loose pills lying about and the cork on the ground. Witness asked deceased whether she had eaten any, but there was no answer. The child then went to sleep, but awoke at 4.45, and, after collecting her toys, came downstairs. Deceased then began to vomit. By the Coroner: The bottle of pills was on the concealed mantelpiece, and in order to get at it the child would have to stand on the pillows and reach over the back of the bed. - Dr T. A. Fisher, Bampton, said that at 6.30 p.m. on Thursday he found the child in a serious condition, suffering from poison. After treatment he took the child to Tiverton Hospital. By the Coroner: Each of the tablets contained a quarter-grain extract of hyoscyamus (henbane). Half a tablet was sufficient dose for a child and the number of tablets taken by deceased would be serious for an adult. There was no danger if not taken in excess. - Mr Percival V. McGarry, House Surgeon at the Tiverton Hospital, said the child was only half conscious when admitted, and died at 5.45 on Friday morning. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the family in their sad bereavement. He also thanked Dr Fisher for his kindness in taking the child to the Hospital. He did not think the parents need reproach themselves, but hoped the case would be a warning to the general public not to leave medicine, or pills of any sort, however harmless, within the reach of children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 January 1928

TEIGNMOUTH - Street Fatality. Driver Of Car Exonerated At Teignmouth. Inquest Evidence. - The District Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, sitting with a Jury at Teignmouth Town Hall last evening, investigated the cause of death of JOHN RICHARD ROPER, 68, market gardener of 23 Brookdale Cottages, Lower Bitton, who succumbed as the result of a motor accident in Bitton-road on Saturday morning. At the outset, the Coroner, speaking as a native of the town, who had known the family for many years, expressed his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - ERNEST WILLIAM ROBERT ROPER, 6 Exeter-road, identified the body as that of his brother. Deceased's sight and hearing were good. He had lived in Teignmouth practically all his life. - Percy Pearce, 2 Parson-place, Teignmouth, said on Saturday morning about 10.45 he was riding a bicycle in Bitton-street away from the town. When he was near Gloucester-road a motor car passed him proceeding in the opposite direction. It was driven by Mr Maclaren, of Bishopsteignton, and was tight into its near and proper side. Its speed he estimated at from 10 to 15 miles an hour. When witness had gone about ten yards he heard a shout, and, glancing round, saw the rear near-side wheel going over deceased. He dismounted, and by the time he got to the scene the car had stopped, and the body was about a yard from the back wheels. The man was put into Mr Maclaren's car and taken to the Hospital. Near the scene of the occurrence there was a stationary vehicle on the opposite side of the road. Witness did not hear a hooter. The road was narrow and a little on the bend. - John Henry Waldron Dyer, Langstone, 4th Avenue, Teignmouth, said he was standing in the doorway of his shop in Bitton-street on Saturday morning when he saw the car, which was being driven in a proper manner. Suddenly he saw a man walk off the pavement into the road in front of the car. There was a collision, and the motor was pulled up immediately. When it stopped deceased was only a couple of feet behind it. The driver of the car could not prevent the accident. Deceased's horse and cart were standing near, and it appeared as if he intended to cross the road to them. - By MR ROPER: He did not think the car could have been pulled up more quickly. - Frederick Ernest Mitchell, 3rd Avenue, Teignmouth, said deceased stepped from the pavement right in front of the car, and both front wheel seemed to go over him. He was looking straight across the road. The car was going very slowly. In his opinion the driver was in no way to blame. Deceased had a clear view of the road. - Frank Harris, 33 Bitton-avenue, who was talking to the last witness at the time of the accident, gave similar evidence. Deceased did not hesitate in crossing the road. He came from a shop and walked directly off the pavement. - Dr F. W. Morton Palmer, who saw deceased at the Hospital about 11 o'clock, said he was then alive, but died in less than five minutes after being put to bed. Fracture of seven ribs and shock following the accident, were the cause of death. - John Rayner Maclaren, Huntly, Bishopsteignton, said he was driving a car in Bitton-street, Teignmouth. He was in third gear as the road was greasy and he saw the traffic ahead. Witness saw a man standing on the pavement, when suddenly, to his horror, he stepped off into the road in front of him. He had no time to sound either his electric horn or hooter, so he gave a great shout of "Look out!" Witness was about five yards away when deceased stepped off. Instinctively he put his foot on the brake, but a second must have elapsed before he did so. Going at 12 miles an hour he would travel at six yards a second. He stopped the car as soon as possible. Dr Piggott being out, witness took the injured man to the Hospital, where he was at once attended to by the last witness. - The Coroner pointed out that while motorists had a duty imposed upon them by the law, pedestrians also had a duty. It was sometimes said that these Courts of Inquiry rather leaned in favour of the motorists. That was as may be. They had also to consider that the law imposed on pedestrians using the highway a duty that they should exercise reasonable care. If a pedestrian in these days in a narrow road started to cross without looking he might be placing other people in a very difficult position, and if a Coroner's Jury was satisfied that an accident was caused by a pedestrian crossing the road without taking the precaution of seeing it was clear, and had come to the conclusion that the vehicle was being driven in a proper manner, it would be a terrible and a monstrous thing for any stigma to attach to the driver. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Mr Maclaren from all blame. - Mr Maclaren and the Jury concurred with the Coroner in his expression of sympathy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 January 1928

WEARE GIFFORD - Brittle Bones. Fatal Fall At Wear Gifford. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, has conducted an Inquest at Weare Gifford on MRS SELINA JEFFREY, aged 75 years. GEORGE HARRY JEFFERY, market gardener, the widower, stated his wife had been crippled for several years. On November 20th, he assisted her out of bed and placed her on a chair. While fetching something from off the bed she fell to the floor and broke her left leg. Drs. J. S. Grose and Gibson were called. Dr Gibson said both legs were fractured. Deceased's bones were very brittle. MRS JEFFERY died of compound fracture of both legs. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 12 January 1928

SOWTON - Sowton Suicide. Son-in-Law Makes Tragic Discovery. "Unsound Mind." - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," was returned yesterday at an Inquest at Sowton, near Exeter, on CHARLES HENRY STENTIFORD, aged 60, retired draper, formerly of Exeter, living with his son-in-law, MR THOMAS WALTER JONES, a commercial traveller, at Moss Cottage, Sowton. - It was stated deceased was having tea at the house the previous day and complained of pains in the stomach. He left the table, presumably to go upstairs, but did not return. On a search being made, deceased was found by his son-in-law in a field close to the house, in a huddled-up position, bleeding from a gash in the throat, three-and-a-half inches in length. He held a blood-stained razor in his right hand, and a similar razor was found by P.C. Searle in the left-hand coat pocket. In November deceased underwent an operation at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, returning to Sowton just before Christmas. He intended to go abroad, but the state of his health did not permit this. - Deceased, who suffered a great deal of pain, was said to be under the delusion that he was suffering from tuberculosis, that he had given it to everyone in the house and that they were all going to die. - Dr A. H. G. Down, who attended deceased while he lived at Exeter, stated that deceased was depressed by the impression that he suffered from consumption. Witness, however could find no trace of such.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 January 1928

PETROCKSTOWE - Infant's Death. Story Told At Petrockstowe Inquest. The Verdict. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Petrockstowe, yesterday, concerning the death of a newly-born child found on December 24th in the hedge of an orchard at Little Marland Farm. The Inquest had been adjourned until yesterday for the attendance of GLADYS HUTCHINGS, aged 20, a servant in the employ of Mr and Mrs Martin, of Little Marland Farm, it having been stated at a previous hearing that she had admitted to the Police that the child was hers. - Electing to give evidence, she said on the night of December 23rd, after having the stimulant from her mistress, she went asleep, but later found herself half dazed and half asleep out of bed. She could not say whether anything had happened then, but she got into bed again and went off to sleep. Waking up later and getting a light she was surprised to see a child on the floor by the side of the bed. She heard no cry. Putting on a coat over her nightdress, and a pair of shoes, she carried the child by the arm to the field where it was found and threw it to the top of the hedge. She returned to bed, it being then about 5 a.m. - Asked why she denied any knowledge of the child, the girl said she was frightened and did not know what she was doing exactly. She later admitted to the Police the child was hers. Up to the early morning of December 24th, she did not know she was pregnant. - Asked if she did anything to the child, she replied: "Nothing at all, sir." - The Coroner said it was the most extraordinary case that had come to his notice. - The Jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of "Infanticide," the Foreman remarking that they hoped it would be a lesson to the younger generation. - The Coroner said on that verdict he had to issue a warrant for the committal of GLADYS HUTCHINGS to take her trial at the Assize. - In answer to the Coroner as to the actual cause of death, the Foreman said they took the doctor's evidence that it was the result of a fall - the fractured skull - which might be caused by accident. - The Foreman said the Jury thought the verdict of Infanticide was midway between accidental death and manslaughter. In considering the girl's age, they thought that would only be, in a sense, fair. - It was suggested the Jury should again consider the matter and after a further retirement the Jury said they now found that the child died of a Fractured Skull and other injuries caused by falling on the floor when the mother was in a semi-conscious state, so that the verdict would be one of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner thereupon withdrew his observations in regard to the issuing of a warrant.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 January 1928

WERRINGTON - Butler's Death. Werrington Inquest. - Mr H. C. Brown, of Okehampton, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Polapit Tamar House, Werrington, near Launceston, on Saturday afternoon, on GEORGE THORNE, butler, in the employ of Mr R. C. Coode, Polapit Tamar, since October 1st. Deceased's body was recovered from the River Tala, which runs through the grounds of the house, on the night of Thursday. That night was very stormy and the deceased had to cross a bridge over the river on his way home. - MRS DOROTHY THORNE, wife of deceased, said her husband and herself lived at the South Lodge, Polapit Tamar. Deceased was 31 years old. The last time she saw him alive was on Thursday morning, when he left home about 6.45 to go to work. She would have ordinarily expected him home at about 10.30 p.m. As he did not return she did not raise any alarm, as deceased had told her he might remain in the house if it was a bad night. She had never seen him the worse for drink. - Sydney Pedrick, pantry boy at Polapit Tamar House, said he opened the door to let out deceased on Thursday night about 10 to 10. Deceased was in good spirits and perfectly alright when he left. - Richard Carylon Coode said deceased was perfectly steady. He understood deceased had a weak ankle. - P.C. Bingham, Lifton, said that on Friday at 11.50 a.m., in company with Sergeant Barnacott, Lifton, he searched for the body, and recovered it from the Tala about a quarter of a mile from the bridge. A further search was made, but nothing could be brought to light to tell how the deceased met his death. The river rose about 2ft., and came up the drive for a distance of 10 yards. - Dr Musgrave, Lifton, said he examined the body and there were no marks of violence on it. In his opinion deceased died very quickly, and it was just possible he collapsed from shock upon immersion. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death by Falling Into the River."

Western Times, Friday 20 January 1928
BERRY POMEROY - "The Gun Went Off." Berry Pomeroy Farmer's Son Shot In A Cart. Inquest Story. - "He was wonderfully brave, for although he must have been in great pain he never complained," said Dr A. L. M. Seeley, at the Inquest on Monday on ALBERT G. W. CAUNTER, aged 19, of Lower Weekaborough Farm, Berry Pomeroy, who died from gunshot wounds. "Accidental Death" was recorded. - The cause of death, said Dr Seeley, was shock and loss of blood. The shot had passed right through the body from the side of the stomach, and was lodged just under the skin of the back. Two other doctors were called, but the case was hopeless from the start. - It was stated that on Friday about 2 p.m. CAUNTER left the farm in a cart for a field, where he intended to cut turnips, taking with him a gun and cartridges. About 2.10 Harry Gooding, farm labourer, of Weekaborough Cottage, who was working in a loft at the farm, saw CAUNTER walk to the gate, and heard him shout, "Harry, I have shot myself, I shall die." Gooding immediately went to the gate on which CAUNTER was supporting himself with one hand, holding his side with the other. Gooding asked how it happened, but CAUNTER could only pass the same remark as before. CAUNTER was taken into the farm, and with the help of Mary Louisa Cannon was put to bed. Gooding fetched Dr Seeley from Ipplepen, but CAUNTER died about 5 p.m. He had remarked to the doctor, "My horse tumbled forward and the gun went off." - EDWARD CAUNTER, father, who gave evidence of identification, said the gun, which belonged to him, was in good order. His son had had a licence for two years. - Gooding told the Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, that deceased brought the cart, which could not have reached the field, back to the farm gate. The gun was lying in the bottom. - George H. Brenton, baker, of Kingskerswell, said he saw CAUNTER standing up in the cart with the gun, barrel downwards, under his arm. - P.S. Marshall said the lane into which the horse and cart had to be turned was muddy. The hoof of the horse might sink eight or nine inches. - MR CAUNTER: It is a miracle the way my son walked back to the farm. - The Coroner said he had inspected the gun and it seemed in good order. Perhaps an attempt had been made to take the gun out of the cart and it had caught in something which released the trigger. He expressed sympathy with the family. - The funeral took place on Wednesday, every available seat in the body of the church being occupied. The Revs. R. D. Cooke and W. Outram (Berry Pomeroy) officiated, while Miss Rossiter played suitable music. - The mourners were: Mr and Mrs E. Caunter (parents), Mr Wilfred Caunter and Mr Cecil Caunter (brothers); Mrs Bray and daughters (aunt and cousins), Mr and Mrs F. Cannon, Miss Cannon, Mr N. Cannon (cousins). [Long list of others mentioned.]. - The bearers were the associates of deceased among farmers' sons.

INWARDLEIGH - Body In Stream. Inwardleigh Discovery. - The dead body of JAMES WOOLRIDGE, farm labourer, has been discovered in a stream at Inwardleigh, close to where deceased had lived with his wife and family. WOOLRIDGE, aged 58 years, had been unwell for some time, and had been off work two or three weeks. He left home on Monday morning at 7.20 for the purpose, as he said, of proceeding to work at Curworthy Farm, where he had been formerly employed by Mr Reddaway. Deceased took his dinner with him, but not returning home in the evening, and as he had not been seen at the farm, a search was made, and the body was recovered about 200 yards from his home at Rosencombe. He was lying face downwards in only 18 in. of water. - Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest and recorded a verdict that death was due to Drowning, by the deceased placing himself face downwards in a stream of water while of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 23 January 1928

DUNSFORD - Dunsford Drama. Farm Labourer Hangs Himself In Linhay. Inquest Story. - How a man saw a body hanging in a linhay, but was too unnerved to cut it down, was related to Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest at Dunsford on Saturday on PERCIVAL HILL, aged 37, a farm labourer, of Pound-lane Cottage, Dunsford. - The widow stated that her husband left home for his work at Poole Farm at 8.45 a.m. on Friday. She heard nothing more of him until later in the day a Policeman told her he was dead. He enjoyed fairly good health, but during the war served in France, had his foot badly injured and was also twice wounded in the knees. They were married in July 1921. He was at times very shaky and suffered in his head. About seven weeks ago he had influenza and that prevented him working for five weeks. During that time he also scalded his foot with boiling water from a kettle. During those five weeks they had only 18s. a week insurance to keep them and three young children. He restarted work last Monday. He had been worrying because the money was not sufficient to keep them. When he left home on Friday he said he did not feel well, but had never mentioned taking his life. - Thomas Jeffery, of Christow, a rabbit trapper, said that while he was passing Poole Farm he saw some potatoes outside a linhay, and, thinking someone was turning them over, went to speak to him. He saw HILL standing up and spoke to him. He then saw HILL was hanging. - Mr Stephens asked witness if he cut the body down, but witness said he did not. He considered the man was dead and he had such a shock that he immediately went to Mr Pike, who at once went to the body, while witness phoned the Police. - John Kerslake Pike, Poolebeare Cottage, said Jeffery seemed unnerved when he told witness what he had seen. Pike said he immediately went to the linhay with his brother and cut down the body. HILL was hanging to a beam by a piece of cord. The body was warm when cut down, but they tried in vain to restore animation. It would take about five minutes to get from his house to the linhay. - Dr Nicholls, of Dunsford, who had attended deceased, said he noticed nothing unusual about him. Death was due to strangulation by hanging. - Mr Stephens returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 25 January 1928

AXMINSTER - Foolish Practice. Infants In Bed With Their Parents. Axminster Inquest. - "This is one of the cases that emphasises the danger of the foolish practice followed by parents in taking their babies to bed with them," declared Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, at an Inquest at Axminster yesterday on the body of KENNETH GORDON HARRIS, the five weeks' old child of HUBERT HARRIS, mason of Castle-hill, Axminster. The child was found dead in bed the previous morning. - EMILY HARRIS, deceased's mother, who had four other children, stated the child had been healthy since its birth on December 18th. On Sunday evening witness and her husband and child retired to bed. The child was in normal health. At 4 o'clock next morning witness came to the conclusion that the child was dead. In reply to the Coroner, witness said she had nursed all her children in her own bed, and all were healthy. She had a cradle for them when they were two or four months old. - The Coroner: Do you always cover their faces with the bedclothes? - Witness: No, not right in; I leave a space where they can breathe. - Corroborative evidence was given by the father. Dr Cockford, of Axminster, attributed death to suffocation, probably caused by the bedclothes. - The Coroner remarked he was satisfied there was no criminal neglect on the part of the parents, and found that the child died through being Suffocated by the Bedclothes. It would be a lesson to the father and mother and a warning to other parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 January 1928

TORRINGTON - Funeral Stopped. Sequel To Petrockstow Man's Death. Alleged Poisoning. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, opened an Inquest yesterday at the Town Hall, Torrington, concerning the death of CECIL JAMES BISSETT, aged 24 years, of Aish Cross, Petrockstow, who died on Saturday. The funeral, fixed for yesterday, was stopped by the Coroner owing to the receipt of a letter suggesting that death was due to poisoning. - ELIZABETH BISSETT, stepmother, said deceased had been engaged at Dulverton Dairy Works as a milkman for the last nine months. On January 15th he returned home suffering from a cut across his left arm, caused by his razor falling from the shelf. The following day he saw a doctor, and after treatment returned home and sat by the fire until 6.30 p.m. when he retired to bed. The next morning he complained of a headache and remained in bed. On the Wednesday morning he complained of severe pains and was very sick, and a doctor was summoned. But he did not come until about 3.20 p.m. on the Saturday, an hour after death had occurred. The doctor examined the body and gave a death certificate. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said she had no knowledge of her stepson being in trouble. - The Coroner: What has become of the burial certificate? - Witness replied this was held by the Vicar of the parish, because she had no knowledge of the Inquest taking place. She had no suspicion of poison. - Dr W. F. Mitchell (Hatherleigh) stated on Monday, January 16th, CECIL BISSETT came to his surgery suffering from a cut. He dressed the wound, but did not give him any medicine. On the Thursday he received a message to visit deceased's home, but did not go. His reason was that he inquired if there was anything the matter other than the cut and was told by the father he was suffering from constipation. Witness sent two grains of camomile and a bottle of medicine and asked to be notified how he got on. On Saturday he received another message to visit the deceased, and asked the messenger if the man was very ill; if not, he would come on the Sunday morning. In the afternoon he received a second message and went at once, deceased having died an hour before his arrival. After examination of the body and asking many details he came to the conclusion that he died of influenza and gave a certificate accordingly. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said he did not attend the post-mortem that day, but admitted he had the opportunity to do so. - The Coroner: Don't you think your interest was sufficient to be present? - No, not necessarily. - The Coroner: Was this man a panel patient of yours? - No, not to be belief. - The Coroner: Please be careful about this, because it's most important. - Witness: To the best of my belief he is not; he was at one time, before removing. - Dr Killard Lear (Torrington) gave evidence of making a post-mortem examination that day. The heart was normal and the lungs deeply congested. The stomach was practically empty. - The Coroner: Does it show signs of irritant? - Yes; some irritant poisonous matter which had been taken some days before. - The Coroner: Were there any signs of influenza? - No, I could find nothing; it is a case which would require analysis. - MRS BISSETT, recalled, declared that her stepson was a panel patient of Dr Mitchell. - The Coroner: Were there any bottles of disinfectant in the house? - No. - Nor poison of any kind? Did he bring any bottles with him when he came from Dulverton? - No. - The father of deceased declared he showed Dr Mitchell the medical card when at his surgery. - The Coroner adjourned the inquiry until February 8th for analysis.

Western Times, Friday 27 January 1928
NORTHAM - Northam Child's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held at the Parish Room, Northam, on Tuesday, concerning the death of a four months' old child, CHRISTINE IRIS JENKIN, daughter of MR AND MRS P. JENKIN, of Market-street, Appledore. - The mother said she went to bed on Monday and on waking up found the baby, which was by her side, dead. - Dr Valentine (Appledore) said the cause of death was syncope, as a result of convulsions.

OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Suicide. Deceased Who Suffered From Painful Nervous Complaint. - Circumstances attending the recovery of the body of MARY JANE DARK, of North-street, Okehampton, from the West Oakridge River, Okehampton, were Enquired into at an Inquest held at Okehampton on Saturday by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, who returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - The husband said deceased left home on Thursday, saying she was going for a walk with her sister, who lived in the town. Deceased appeared in good spirits, though somewhat quiet. As she did not return witness made enquiries and found that she had not been seen. The Police were informed, and P.C. Lee found the body in about two feet of water in the river. Her hat and coat were found near by. - Deceased, said the husband, had never threatened to take her life, although she had been suffering from a nervous complaint which caused her considerable pain. He could give no reason for any action on her part except her general condition. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said his wife had been in the Okehampton Hospital and Exminster Mental Hospital. Her discharge had been obtained from the latter Institution. - Dr Guest, who examined the body, thought death was due to drowning. There were no marks of any sort on the body. He had attended MRS DARK for some time for a very painful nervous complaint.

TORRINGTON - Starvation. Petersmarland Man's Pitiable End. Coroner's Comments. - Exhaustion resulting from starvation, was stated to have been the cause of the death of JOHN HEAL, a sixty-one year old farm labourer, upon whom an Inquest was held at Torrington Hospital on January 21st, and the Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) remarked that it was an absolute disgrace that in these times a quiet workman such as deceased was stated to have been, should have died under such circumstances. Deceased was found on the 18th (a Wednesday) by Mr Robert Daniels, lying in the roadway near Frithelstock, in an unconscious condition. He was given attention and subsequently removed by the Police to the Cottage Hospital at Torrington, where he died later. - ANNIE HEAL, the widow, stated that they had been living in a house at Marshall's Yard, Torrington, for about six weeks at a rental of 10s. per week. Previous to that they had been living in a linhay at Petersmarland for about nine weeks. The family consisted of herself and her husband, a daughter and the latter's three illegitimate children. There was no water supply to this linhay and what cooking they had was done by the farmer's wife. Her husband had occasional work for the last week or two and was doing job work at Frithelstock. He left home on the 18th instant about 7.30 a.m., having previously had some bread and butter for his breakfast and he seemed quite well. Later in the morning she was informed he had been taken to the Hospital, where he died during the day. She applied to the Guardians for relief, but they would not give her any and told her she must go into the Institution. Her husband brought home 5s. last week and this, coupled with 7s. or 8s. her daughter had earned at a glove factory, was all their means. MRS HEAL admitted that about a month ago there was a row about 4.30 a.m., but she denied that she was pulling deceased out of bed, and that her daughter was striking him. - Leslie John Lewis (Relieving Officer for that District), said he remembered the family living in the linhay at Petersmarland when he had visited them and offered them an order for the House, which they refused. On the 12th inst. the daughter of deceased applied to him for the loan of £1, but after enquiry he refused to grant. The family had never applied for out-door relief until the morning of deceased's death, when the daughter came to him again, and he suggested they should go into the House. The Guardians would not grant out-relief to a woman with three illegitimate children. - William Sussex, who lived in the house opposite to that occupied by deceased at Torrington, said about a month ago he heard a great row going on, and screams coming from HEAL'S residence. He got out of bed, looked through the window and saw two women, but did not know who they were. One was pulling the deceased out of bed, and the other pummelling him in the back. Deceased was a quiet man and often left early in the morning to go to work. - BEATRICE HEAL, daughter, said she lived with her parents. She had had four illegitimate children, one of whom had died. She did not get any pay for either of them, although she knew who the respective fathers were. She worked in a glove factory and her average weekly earnings were 10s., which were her sole means of keeping herself and three children. She had not applied for relief from the Guardians. - Dr Kinnard Leavey stated that he saw deceased on his admission to the Hospital, and he was then unconscious and in a weak condition. He subsequently made a post-mortem examination and found that the internal organs were normal and healthy. There was no sign of deceased having had any food, nor was there any fat in any part of the body. In his opinion, the cause of death was exhaustion, the result of starvation. - The Coroner said it was an absolute disgrace in these times that a quiet working man should die of starvation. It appeared that HEAL took home all the money he earned, but it had evidently been used for the maintenance of the daughter and her illegitimate children. The daughter was a disgrace to the town, and the Guardians were quite right in refusing her outdoor relief, for her proper place was in the Union. He warned her that any neglect of the children would place her in a serious position. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, and the Coroner requested the Relieving-Officer, Mr Lewis, to bring the matter to the notice of the Torrington Guardians.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 January 1928

TAVISTOCK - Cyclist's Death. Tavistock Inquest. - An Inquest has been held at Tavistock concerning the death of THOMAS LEAH THORPE, 'bus conductor in the employ of the Devon Motor Transport Company, who lived at Princetown. Deceased left home on his motor cycle on Sunday afternoon to go to Moretonhampstead, his wife riding pillion. His passenger left him at the top of Rocks Hill, about half a mile from Princetown, and he went on. Later Leslie Stagg, an auctioneer, of Tiverton, driving a motor car, came across THORPE about four miles and a half from Moretonhampstead trying to get his motor cycle up. He was bleeding from the nose and said he had had a bit of a tumble. There were several skid marks near by. - Dr Lindsay, of Tavistock, who also saw THORPE and attended to him, said he had several cuts on his forehead, on the nose and right eye. He was semi-conscious and died on Wednesday morning from cerebral haemorrhage and laceration of the brain. THORPE told him he had no recollection of the accident. It was possible he might have been taken with a sudden illness or giddiness. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was given.

PAIGNTON - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Paignton on MRS MARIA UFF, aged 76, of Paignton, who was injured in a motor car accident at Paignton. Mr R. J. McGahey represented Mr Guy Evans, the driver of the car. Medical evidence showed that death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 30 January 1928

CHUDLEIGH - Chudleigh Fatality. Inquest Adjourned. - The Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of HARRY SAUNDERS, builder, of South Petherton, Somerset, who received fatal injuries while riding on the pillion seat of a motor cycle which came into collision with a horse and cart in New Exeter-street, Chudleigh, on Friday, was adjourned by the South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, on Saturday for the attendance of deceased's wife, who was riding in the side-car and is still a patient at the Newton Abbot Hospital as a result of the injuries she received.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 January 1928

EXETER - Chest Crushed. Inquest On Exeter Timber Yard Victim. Mysterious Fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Court House, Exeter, last evening on JOSEPH RICHARD HILL, of Alphington-road, Exeter, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday from injuries sustained through some timber falling on him at Messrs. Claridge's yard. - Mr McGahey represented Mr C. R. Claridge, by whom deceased was employed as Manager. - ERNEST JOSEPH R. HILL identified the body as that of his father, aged 54. He saw deceased after the accident, and was told by him that some boards fell on his leg. - Frederick John Gribble, Parr-street, labourer, employed by Messrs Claridge, stated that on Friday afternoon he was with deceased in the timber yard. MR HILL was measuring boards, which witness was pulling out from others. They were between two stacks that had been in the same position since last June. About a dozen boards from the second stack fell on deceased's leg. They were engaged in measuring the other stack. He could not say why the boards fell. The stack was 5ft. 6in. in height. He had been working at the yard 21 years, and had never before known a stack fall. - Leslie Geo. Pike, who was loading timber on a waggon, said he did not know of any vibration that caused the stack to fall. - Mr McGahey said it was a mystery why the stack fell. The only suggestion that could be made was that, probably, the collapse was due to wet weather. - Mr Claridge said he could not give any explanation. - Dr Manning said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a severe compound fracture of the right leg. After death it was found that practically the whole of the right side of the chest was crushed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr McGahey said deceased was engaged by Messrs. Claridge for 24 years and his loss was very great to them. - Mr C. G. Gater, Factory Inspector, said he had known deceased several years and had always found him an honest and upright man. The Deputy Coroner concurred with the remarks.

PAYHEMBURY - Road Crash. Payhembury Farmer Succumbs To Injuries. Inquest Evidence. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, with the assistance of a Jury, held an Inquest at Glebe Farm, Payhembury, yesterday afternoon, on MR FRANK MAGER GRANGER, aged 54, who died on Friday night. - Mr S. Ernest Crosse (Exeter) represented the Railway Passengers' Assurance Company, in which deceased was insured. - Evidence of identification was given by ALBERT GRANGER of Lower Tale, Payhembury, brother of the deceased, who said the latter had been in pain since the previous Monday, when he was taken ill. Dr Case was sent for. The deceased had been ill since an accident on the road about eight weeks ago. There was a collision between a motor-cyclist and deceased's trap. Deceased said the accident happened in an instant, and nobody could really tell how it happened. Deceased was carried home unconscious and put to bed. - DONALD FREDERICK GRANGER, of Tuck Mill, Payhembury, another brother, said that on December 5th he met deceased at 4.15 p.m. at Ottery Fat Stock Show. Deceased invited him to ride back with him in his trap. They left Ottery at 4.20 p.m. Between Sidmouth Junction and Colestocks a motor-cyclist approached from the opposite direction and collided with the trap. Both the rubber tyres on the wheels of the trap were wrenched off, both shafts were broken and the axle was bent. The pony bolted with the shafts. Both witness and his brother were thrown and deceased pitched on his face. He was rendered unconscious and lost a good deal of blood. The trap was being driven at a normal pace. Witness considered the motor-cyclist was travelling fast. He was a motor-cyclist himself, but could not judge the speed at which the motor-cyclist was travelling. Witness did not report the motor-cyclist. There were no lights on the trap. The motor-cyclist had a light. Deceased was conveyed home in a car. Before they left Ottery they had one glass of beer each. - Mr Cross: How far away was the motor-cyclist when you first saw him? - Witness: I could not say; it was so sudden. - The Coroner: There is a line of vision at the spot for 100 yards. - By P.C. Morcombe: The accident occurred at one minute past five. Lighting-up time for traps on that evening was 5.5 p.m. - Motor Cyclist's Evidence. - Frederick George Coles, of Ottery St Mary, a bricklayer, said he left work at Grange Cross at 5 p.m. on December 5th on his 2 ¾ Triumph motor cycle. He proceeded towards Ottery. When he got between Colestocks and Sidmouth Junction, rounding the bend by the lane leading to Sherwood Farm, he could see a trap approaching about 30 or 40 yards away. He changed down to bottom gear and had practically stopped on his correct side of the road at the time of the impact. The right wheel of the trap struck the right leg shield of the motor-cycle and the splash-board caught him on the shoulder. He was under the care of a doctor for a week. The motor cycle was not greatly damaged. Witness was knocked in the head. He was able to get up, however. It was a cloudy night. - By the Foreman: Witness changed his gear because the road was narrow and slippery. The trap seemed to be zig-zagging on the road and had no lights. - DONALD GRANGER said the pony had a peculiar gait. It ran rather than trotted. - In answer to P.C. Morcombe, Coles said he could not say how the shafts became broken. There was sufficient room for him to have passed between the trap and the hedge. - By the Coroner: The accident occurred between 5.10 and 5.15. Witness did not leave work until five o'clock. - P.C. Squires, of Broadhembury, spoke to measuring the road. The scene of the accident was pointed out by MR DONALD GRANGER. The metal portion of the road was 11ft. wide. There were no grass edges at the side of the road. The average height of the hedges was 6ft. Provided the deceased was on his correct side of the road he would have a line of vision of 100 yards. - Deceased's Injuries. - Dr Henry case said he saw the deceased in bed on the evening of the accident. He was suffering from intense shock, very severe contusions and lacerations of the face, head, shoulders, left leg, thigh and back, with considerable haemorrhage under the skin. Deceased was conscious and quite sober. Witness attended him until his death. On the 23rd inst., witness was called at 3 a.m. and found deceased to be suffering from severe haemorrhage of the stomach. This recurred the following night and deceased never properly rallied. Witness last saw him about 5 p.m. on the 27th inst., and he died the same evening about 7 o'clock. Death was due to haemorrhage of the stomach, caused by the condition of the blood vessels and internal organs, due to the accident. - The Coroner, in summing up, said what occurred to him as being significant, inasmuch as the deceased was very seriously injured, was that his brother did not think it worth while to mention the matter of the motor cyclist's speed to the Police. "It seems to me," added the coroner, "that he could not have been very seriously impressed with the way in which the motor cyclist was riding. Had he thought that the machine was driven in a dangerous way and had caused a serious injury to his brother, he (the Coroner) thought he would probably have communicated with the Police and shown his indignation. The Coroner added that he thought the Jury would probably come to the conclusion that the matter was a pure accident. - The Jury retired and, on their return announced a verdict of "Accidental Death," attaching no blame to anybody. - The Coroner: I entirely concur. - The Coroner, Jury and Mr Crosse expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased.

ASHBURTON - Woolman's Death. Ashburton Inquest. - Mr P. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Ashburton yesterday concerning the death of SAMUEL SMERDON, 61, of Ashburton, a woolman in the employ of Messrs. J. Berry and Sons, Ltd., woollen manufacturers, who died at the local Hospital on Friday night following injuries received in an accident while at work. Mr H. Clarke, of Plymouth, H.M. Inspector of Factories, attended. - William Edmonds, woolcomber, of Kingsbridge House, Ashburton, said he was working with deceased at the factory on Thursday. They were packing wool into a bag suspended from a beam by two ropes, which were tied in the usual way by deceased to prevent the bag slipping. So far as witness saw the bag was tied securely. Deceased was inside the bag, and treading the wool so as to pack it tighter. Witness was just going to hand him some wool when deceased fell out of the bag and witness then saw that a rope had slipped, causing one side of the bag to fall down. Deceased fell about 4 ft. 6 in. to the stone floor and itched on his head. He was conscious when picked up, and stated that he had injured the back of his neck. - Replying to Mr Clarke, witness said the effect of increasing the weight of the wool in the bag would be to tighten the knots at the end. Apparently there was not sufficient wool packing in the corner to prevent the rope from slipping. Deceased tied the rope, and there was a safety rope in the centre of the bag. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr C. H. Baker, asked witness if he considered it safe for men to work in these bags while suspended in such a manner. The reply was that work had always been carried out in that way, and witness never remembered a serious accident previously. - Another employee, William Adams, of West-street, Ashburton, who also described the accident, told the Deputy Coroner that he had known such accidents on previous occasions, but nothing serious had resulted. He could not suggest any safer method. - Dr W. O. Sankey stated that death was due to fracture of the spine. - Alfred George Steer, Foreman, expressed the opinion that there was not sufficient wool in the corner of the bag when the rope was tied. Deceased must have let go the safety rope. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury recording that no blame was attached to anyone

EXETER - Ganger Killed. Emission Of Engine Steam On Southern Railway. Position Of Signals. - The Deputy Exeter Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, and a Jury, sat at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, to investigate the death of DANIEL BARRIBALL, of Brook Cottage, Whipton, a ganger on the Southern Railway, who was knocked down by an engine near Exmouth Junction on Friday morning and died later at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Mr McGahey appeared for the relatives of the deceased; Mr W. P. Owen for the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Fireman; and Mr G. H. Snow for the General Manger's Department, Waterloo. - JOSEPH RICHARD BARRIBALL, of Honiton, identified the body as that of his father, aged 50. He said deceased's sight and hearing were good. Replying to Mr McGahey, witness said his father told his mother that he could not see for steam and that the engine did not half knock him hard. His father's job was to inspect portions of the line. Deceased also told a man that he thought the engine was going another way, and not on to the main line. - Arthur Howard, of Paris-street, ganger on the railway, said he noticed the engine was throwing off a lot of steam. After the engine had passed he saw deceased lying between the rails with his head cut very badly. BARRIBALL said the engine knocked him twice. The engine was emitting steam after the accident. In answer to Mr McGahey, witness said deceased's duty was to work alone each morning to examine a portion of the line. The engine came on to the main line from the lines running from Exmouth Junction. Deceased was knocked or carried 36 ft., and he was injured in every part of the body. There was a signal to indicate that an engine was coming on to the main line. The whole of the time the engine was in witness's vision it was emitting steam, and nobody would be able to see the signal or know what the engine was going to do. It was not for him to say that the signal could have been seen if it had been placed in a different position. Answering further questions by Mr Snow, witness said he did not see the locomotive leave the engine shed, but first saw it going past the signal box. He did not hear any whistle. Engines often came along under the same conditions. He had been at Exmouth Junction 26 years, and had never known a previous accident of a similar character. The signals were altered a short time since owing to alterations in the goods yard. - "Mind My Foot; Mind My Heart." - George Connibear, Regent's-square, Heavitree, said deceased was his ganger and was working at the junction of the Exeter main and Exmouth branch lines. The engine passed him, but he could not see anything for steam. It was travelling four or five miles an hour. Deceased was next seen where the goods depot line joined the main line. He asked BARRIBALL what was up, and deceased said the engine knocked him twice over and that he thought the engine was going into the yard. When being moved, deceased said, "Mind my poor foot; mind my poor heart." Where BARRIBALL was working there was a key out in the line. Replying to Mr McGahey, witness said he could not see the engine, signal or deceased for steam, and BARRIBALL would have had more difficulty to see the engine than he had because the locomotive was nearer to deceased. He would not say whether the signal could be placed in a better position. Witness added, in answer to Mr Snow, that people engaged on the line were not entitled to assume anything, but to make sure. - William Adams, Manston-road, said he had been a driver for many years, and was driving the engine in question from the depot to Queen-street Station. He waited at the shed signal for five minutes before proceeding. The cylinder cocks were open when he moved the locomotive. Before starting he had a clear view of the line for a considerable distance, but did not see deceased. He went to Ilfracombe and back before he knew anything had happened. The cylinder-cocks were opened to clear the cylinder of water caused by concentrated steam. It was customary to do this when taking an engine from a local shed when it had been standing for a length of time. It was necessary to prevent damage to valves and pistons, for which he was held responsible. He was not travelling more than five miles an hour. He did not recollect being instructed as to where steam should be blown off under such conditions. The engine must be on the move to clear her from water. If he had instructions to clear the cylinder of water running down from the goods shed to the main line he would have done so, but he was not prepared to say water would have been cleared in that distance. He touched the whistle and started the engine when the signal fell and he was certain that at the time deceased was working at the spot where he was knocked down. The signal was in the best position for controlling of movement and clearance of engines. There was nothing that could have been done to have avoided the accident, and he could not suggest anything to prevent a similar accident. Before signals were erected the positions had to be approved by the Ministry of Transport. When steam was emitted from the cylinder-cock it made a tremendous noise and deceased would have realised the engine was moving. It was quite possible BARRIBALL thought the locomotive was going into the yard instead of on to the main line. - Dr Manning, House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted in a dying condition. He had a scalp wound four inches long, a compound fracture of one of the legs, and difficulty in breathing. It was subsequently ascertained that ribs were broken. Death was due to multiple fractures and laceration of the liver. - The Deputy Coroner said there was no doubt the accident was caused through deceased thinking the engine was going into the goods yard and not crossing on to the main line. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Foreman added that no blame was attributable to anyone. - Mr Snow, Mr Owen and the Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 February 1928

MOLLAND - Molland Tragedy. Sequel To Alleged Thefts At Exeter. Coroner's Comments. - An extraordinary story of how an accusation of theft from Messrs. Woolworth's Stores at Exeter was stated to have played on the mind of a young man whose body was found in the River Yeo, at Molland, was told at the Inquest yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM JAMES BEED, roadman, aged 24, conducted at Molland, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, the North Devon Coroner. - PHILIP BEED (father) said his son lived at home and worked on the roads. On Sunday he went to the morning service at Molland Church, and in the afternoon to Twitchen Church with witness. Coming home at 4.30 he had his tea, went upstairs and got ready to go out, and left at 5.30 p.m., telling his mother he was going to Knowstone ringing. He was in his usual good spirits during the day. When he came down from his bedroom at 1 o'clock for dinner, on Sunday, he had a pen and ink with him. On Saturday deceased went with a party to Exeter to see the match between Exeter and Blackburn, and they stayed to the pantomime. The party reached home between 11 and 12 p.m. Witness had gone to bed. Deceased brought back with him some things from Woolworth's, including some toys - a toy "policeman" on point duty, a ball and a drum and sticks - for his little nephew, BASIL, a cap for his father and a pair of shoes for his mother. Before going to bed he wished them "Goodnight," and said the result of the football match was a draw. - The Coroner: The next morning did he say anything about what happened in Exeter? Witness: I asked him how he got on, and he said they got on splendidly together; they were five Molland chaps together. That was all he told me. - The Coroner. He didn't mention anything that happened at Woolworth's - Not at all, sir. Continuing, witness said his son did not return again on Sunday, and, thinking something had happened, or that he had had an accident, he started at 3 a.m. to search for him in the village, but without success. Catching the 9 a.m. train to Southmolton, after breakfast, he saw the recruiting sergeant and asked him if he had joined up, and also called on his (witness's) daughter at New Buildings, and had inquiries made at the Police Station, but with no success. The foreman at Bish Mill, where deceased had been working, had not seen him, and, learning later that deceased's bicycle had been found in a field, he traced deceased's tracks towards the river. Here witness's brother found deceased's clothing - an overcoat, scarf and cap - on the edge of a deep pool. About four yards away witness saw the body lying face downwards in the water, which was 2 ft. deep at the time, but was probably 4 ft. deeper the night before. In deceased's coat pocket was a wallet, which contained two letters in the handwriting of his son, one being addressed to MRS P. BEED (his mother) and the other to Miss J. Underhill, of Molland. - Pathetic Letter. - The Coroner read the letter addressed to MRS BEED, as follows: "My darling mother and father, - I am ever so sorry to write these lines to you. But I am got fed up with it. I have been wronged all the way through my life. I feel I cannot endure it any longer." - "What did he mean by that?" asked the Coroner. - Witness: The only thing I can take from that is that he had a law suit with a girl last year. He seemed to think he used to make mistakes. - The letter continued:- "Dear mother: Don't worry anything about me, because I shall be happy with my Father in Heaven. I went in Woolworth's last night and I took up a few things I wanted. When I saw Herb across the shop, I slipped over to see him and was coming back to pay for it when a man took me outside and accused me of pinching it, which I did not mean to do, and, of course, he summoned me. Dear mother, I cannot face it again. Dear mother, don't blame me. It is all through ----. Please pray to God and ask Him to be merciful to my soul. Dear mother, we shall all meet again on that beautiful shore beyond the grave. Dear mother, I have not a photo to leave, except with the bike. Please have it took off and give one to Joan - the only girl I love. I will not say any more now. So goodbye, all of you. I will meet you at the gates of the Great Beyond. - From your loving son, "WILL." - The Coroner added there was a request for Capt. Philipps to have a military funeral and some directions as to bearers. The reference to Herb, witness stated, was to Herbert Baker, of Kentisbeare. There was also a request that they should "look after Basil," who, witness said, was the nephew for whom deceased had bought the toys. The latter further stated: "You will find me down Hall River, just under the woods, in the deep pit," this being the local name for the spot. - Witness went on to say there was an action brought against deceased in respect of the maintenance of a child, which was dismissed. Deceased had never been formerly accused or charged with theft. On January 15th, 1927, the deceased met with a motor accident while coming home from Southmolton and was unconscious 12 hours, which left him very much out of sorts in his head for a long time. - George Underhill, farmer, Molland, said he was riding back home on Sunday night when deceased passed him riding his bicycle in the direction in which the machine was afterwards found. Deceased was coming from witness's farm, and he knew he had seen witness's sister (to whom the other letter was addressed) that night. - The Coroner read the letter addressed to Miss Underhill. - Exeter Incidents. - Colin F. Woolveridge, assistant manager to F. W. Woolworth and Co., Exeter, said he saw the young man in the store about 6.40 on Saturday. He saw him take up a 4 ft. twofold rule from the counter and put it in his overcoat pocket. Deceased stood there about ten minutes, handled some other things and then took up a plumb bob, which witness took from him, wrapped it up and gave him, taking the sixpence from him for it. In the meantime witness called one of the supervisors to watch him, and deceased went to the next hardware counter and took up an emery block, which witness saw him put in his pocket. Then deceased handled some pipes and put two in his pocket, and another he handed across to the assistant and paid her six-pence. Then the deceased went across to some friends and witness stopped him and asked him to come to the receiving-room and to turn out the articles he had taken from the counter. Witness accused him of taking them. He at first denied, but afterwards admitted it. - "What did he say?" asked the Coroner. - Witness: He said, "Oh, sir, I didn't mean to do it. I meant to pay for it. But some friends called me. I meant to pay when I came back from my friends." - The Coroner: He suddenly saw his friends? - Witness: Yes, when he was buying the pipe. - The assistant-manager went on to say he gave the man in charge of a detective and he was taken to Exeter Police Station, where he made a similar statement. - The Coroner read a statement made to the Police in which deceased said he had bought a pipe and paid for it and as he was going away he caught sight of two other pipes and picked them up and then saw his mate, Herbert Baker, whom he wanted to speak to, which he did and was then going back to pay for the pipes. - P.C. Gould said there was 13s. 6d. on the body. - S. J. Case, a retired schoolmaster, and F. Blackmore, for whom deceased had worked for eight years, spoke highly of his character and thought him incapable of theft. "If ever there was an honest man he was one," said the former. "I am certain if he had done what was described today he was absolutely unaccountable at the time. - The assistant-manager at Woolworth's recalled, was asked by the Coroner why, when the man paid for the plumb bob, witness did not mention that he had a ruler in his pocket, replied "We don't do that." - The Coroner: You wait until they get a good catch? - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: A very doubtful proceeding to follow. - "Reprehensible Practice." - Summing up, the Coroner remarked that it was an exceedingly sad case, and, in regard to the incident at Woolworth's, he added: "I think it is a most reprehensible practice if they are out to watch people steal. If they see someone steal a thing they should be at once taken and asked the meaning of it, and asked "Do you mean to pay for it, or why did you put it in your pocket? But to tempt anybody to take other articles until he had got a sufficient number to warrant a charge being made is a most reprehensible practice, and the sooner Messrs. Woolworth's stop that the better." He went on to say that he knew Woolworth's to be a very good firm, but their shops were often over-run with people, and sometimes people could not get anyone to attend to them. "I really believe this young man intended to pay for these things," declared the Coroner, "but he saw a friend from Kentisbeare, which is a long way away, and whom he had not seen for a long time, and went to speak to him, and, as he stated to the Exeter Police, he intended to go back and pay for them. I think the manager was wrong in letting him pass over with the ruler in his pocket and pay for another article and then pounce on him in that way. It appears to have affected the young man's mind very considerably, having a charge of theft made against him." The Coroner added that he heard from Capt. Phillipps, of Southmolton, in whose Company of the 6th Devon Territorial's the deceased was a member, that there was not a better young fellow in it. He (the Coroner) attached much importance to the high character given the young man by his schoolmaster. There was no doubt death was due to drowning. In returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" the Coroner expressed the hope that Mr Woolveridge would lay the matter before the authorities at Woolworth's, so that the practice he had criticised should be stopped at once, for "it was not English."

BRIXHAM - At an Inquest at Brixham on WILLIAM JOHN ASH, of Berry Head-road, Brixham, who was found drowned on Monday, a verdict of "Suicide, the evidence being insufficient to show the state of deceased's mind," was returned. Dr A. P. Thompson said death was due to drowning. Deceased had drunk some liniment, which he was accustomed to use for rubbing on one of his knees for gout. This liniment might have caused death, but drowning took place before it could take effect. The widow said her husband left home about 6.15 on Sunday for a walk. He appeared to be in good health then, and she knew of no trouble. He had no financial difficulties. Samuel Hodder, crabber, of Brixham, gave evidence as to seeing the body on the rocks near the breakwater. P.C. Potter said deceased's hat, coat and walking stick were found just above high water mark. The body was 10 ft. down and was without trousers and braces. Around the neck was a piece of string, to which was attached a large stone. The stone was among the rocks at high water mark and witness thought it had been used to prevent the body from floating out to sea.

BRIXHAM - "Accidental Death" was the verdict at an Inquest at Brixham on JAMES HENRY WEBBER WOOD, aged 66, labourer, of Burton-street, Brixham, who was fatally injured while cutting trees at Brixham on Saturday.

BUCKERELL - Last "Good Night." Buckerell Farmer Who Did Not Reach Home. Tragedy Of Floods. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, sitting without a Jury, conducted an Inquest at Colhayes, Buckerell, yesterday, on MR ALAN RICHARD KING, 46, whose body was recovered from the River Otter, the previous day, after the deceased had been missing since Saturday night. MR KING, who farmed Colhayes, leaves a widow and six children, the eldest of whom is 16. On Monday his overcoat in portions and his handkerchief were recovered from bushes overhanging the Otter. - Mr A. M. Alford (instructed by Messrs. Every and Phillips, Honiton) appeared on behalf of the relatives of deceased. - Evidence of identification was given by ERNEST RICHARD KING, 16, deceased's eldest son, who said he last saw his father alive on Saturday outside the Angel Hotel, Honiton. Deceased then said that if the water was not too high witness was to take the horse and trap to Ottery that night to fetch him from there, but was not to do so if the water was high. There had been heavy floods and witness did not go. In the evening witness expected his father back. About 8.15 p.m. witness took a lantern and attached it to a post in a field so that his father could see to go over the stream. Witness intended for deceased to take the lantern from the post to light his way across a footbridge over the river. Witness had never done this before, but when he found the water was too high for the horse to cross the river he decided to leave the lantern there. It was a foggy night, with floods, but witness had no special fear as to his father's safety on that particular night. His father was sober when witness last saw him. He had never needed any help to get home. Deceased might have had a substantial amount of money on him, but it would, probably, have been mostly in the nature of cheques. On Sunday morning, when his father had not returned, they were not at first alarmed, because they thought deceased might have stayed the night somewhere. They found the lantern still alight on the post. About 3 o'clock on Sunday afternoon witness notified the Police that his father was missing. - By P.S. Coppin: Witness did not take the horse and trap to Ottery because the water was too high. - By Mr Alford: His father did not ask him to place the lantern on the post. It occurred to him to do so after he had been out to see if the water could be negotiated by the horse and trap, and found that it could not be. "Mind The River." - FREDERICK ALAN KING, 15, second son of the deceased, said he was present when his father warned his brother not to take the horse and trap across the stream if the water was too high. They decided to leave the lantern on the post because the weather was foggy and the water was pretty high. -- The Coroner: Was your father given to taking a little too much liquor occasionally? - Witness: I have never seen very much the matter with him. - Reginald Percy Summers, motor proprietor of 16 Mill-street, Ottery St Mary, said that, on Saturday night, he received a message from the deceased to have a car ready outside the London Hotel, Ottery, just before 10 o'clock. With deceased was Mr Trude, of Bird Cage Farm, and witness drove both away, first dropping Mr Trude at Bird Cage Farm. Deceased "had had a drink," but he was not drunk. At Mr Trude's farm deceased had a cup of cider. Witness then drove him to the end of the lane leading to his farm. Deceased wished witness "goodnight," and witness told him to "mind the river." Deceased, who walked away quite normally, said he would "mind the river." - P.C. Milton, of Ottery St Mary, said that on the previous day he took an ambulance towards a spot about 500 yards on the Sidmouth side of Ottery St Mary railway station, where deceased's body had been recovered from the river. P.C. Miller had searched the clothes and told witness he had found nine-pence and a pocket knife in one of the pockets of the breeches. On the body wee a vest, pants, breeches, leggings, boots and socks. Deceased's overcoat had previously been found in parts about half a mile from Fenny Bridges. P.C. Miller, referring to the discovery of the body, had told witness that it was caught by a nail in a stake in mid-stream, and was in about five feet of water. The head was immersed. - Dr D. Steele-Perkins, of Honiton, deposed that, on the instructions of the Coroner, he had, that morning, examined the body of deceased, and found injuries consistent with it having been washed along the river. All the wounds on the body were caused after death, and the latter was due to drowning. - The deceased's eldest son, recalled, said his father was not depressed and had never threatened to take his life. - No Evidence Of Violence. - John William Trude, farmer, of Bird Cage Farm, said that on Saturday night he was in MR KING'S company for about an hour. They met outside the London Hotel, Ottery St Mary, about 9 p.m. They "hung about" a bit, and then went across to "Shepherd's" to have a drink. They then went to the King's Arms, where they had another single Scotch whiskey. From there they went back to the London Hotel, but witness could not say if deceased had any drink there. Witness did not know if deceased had any money on him. Deceased was quite normal and talked business with witness. At the latter's farm he had half a pint of cider and was perfectly normal when he was driven away. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was rather a difficult case. There was no evidence whatsoever of any act of violence. There was also no evidence to show how the deceased fell into the water. All one knew was that the river was in flood. "Having come over the two bridges today," continued the Coroner, "I am satisfied that any person who was not thoroughly well acquainted with them, might easily accidentally fall into the water. It is a marvel to me that MR KING has so often come home safely in the dark across these bridges and without any light. I must come to the conclusion that the deceased fell into the water - exactly where we cannot say - on Saturday night and we may well conclude that he was drowned almost at once." The Coroner thereupon returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - Mr Alford expressed the thanks of the relatives to those who assisted in the recovery of the body and in its conveyance to the farm.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 3 February 1928

BOVEY TRACEY - An Inquest was held at the Town Hall concerning the death of MISS GLADYS VIOLET BLACK, of the Riverside Dairy, who died suddenly on Saturday. MR H. L. BLACK identified the body as that of his niece, who acted as housekeeper for him. On Saturday she seemed in her usual health, but after retiring to bed fell on the floor, apparently in a faint. Dr A. W. Perry said the cause of death was heart failure, contributory causes being congestion of the lungs and feverish state, owing probably to influenza. A verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 February 1928

TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Doctor's Wife And Her Husband's Affection. Jury's Rider. - The South Devon Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, has held an Enquiry at Torquay relative to the death of MRS IDA ANGELINA FENTON, aged 58, wife of DR T. G. FENTON, laryngologist of Rialta, Higher Erith-road, Torquay. - Miss N. M. Barber a nurse, deposed that she found deceased suffering from the effects of poison on the morning of January 8th, and she died on Wednesday. On one occasion MRS FENTON told her that she had taken morphia because she had lost her husband's affection, and thought there was someone else he cared for. - Dr Craig stated he had on two occasions spoke to DR FENTON about his wife's suicidal tendencies. He estimated that deceased had taken between 40 and 50 grains of morphia. A grain and a half was usually a fatal dose. Death was due to bronchial pneumonia, which supervened upon the taking of an overdose of morphia. - MRS FENTON told him that if he looked inside a certain drawer he would find the reason why she had tried to take her life, added the doctor. Nurse Barber was in the room at the time, and deceased's mental condition was perfectly clear. Witness looked in the drawer, and there found in a box what was apparently a letter torn into many pieces. He asked her if that was what she referred to and she said it was, and he took it home and reconstructed it on glass. - The Coroner: Has that letter, as far as you know, ever been shown to DR FENTON? - No. Witness added that subsequently, he made a communication to DR FENTON, but did not in terms tell him of the letter he had found in the drawer, because MRS FENTON had asked him not to do so. The Coroner: Had she ever said anything to you about any way of taking one's life? - Yes; after she had made an attempt on herself she told Miss Barber and myself she understood that taking morphia was the best way to end one's life. Did she say how she got that information? - Yes; she said DR FENTON had constantly told her. - DR FENTON, giving evidence, admitted being told by Dr Craig that MRS FENTON had suicidal tendencies. Witness said no precaution was taken to prevent his wife taking poison. The Coroner: Had you ever told MRS FENTON that the easiest way to end life was by taking morphia? - Yes, when we had a conversation about cancer. The Coroner: Nurse Barber has stated that your wife said she was tired of life and she had lost your affection? - Yes, I do not say she did not say that, but she never said it to me. She had not lost my affection. - On being shown a letter encased in glass and asked if the writing was his, witness said it was, and that it was written last May. - The Coroner: This is a letter which should not be publicly read, because it is addressed to someone who is not here and there is no evidence at all that the person to whom the letter was addressed ever knew of its contents. I shall show it to the Jury. - Replying to Mr Wollen, DR FENTON said he gave his wife an explanation of the matte referred to in the letter and they had both forgotten it. He also thought the letter had been torn up and thrown away. - Mrs Gertrude Moore Cousens, of Kilmours, Torquay, said when she met MRS FENTON in London last October she seemed very agitated and looked an altered woman. She was very highly strung. Deceased became grey early in life and had since worn a transformation. She (deceased) felt it was a disgrace to her husband that she should be false to him in even such a small thing and threatened to take her life before she spoilt his practice. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" and added a rider that DR FENTON would have been wiser had he taken more care respecting access to poisons in his home, having regard to his wife's condition and her threat to take her life.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 February 1928

WEARE GIFFORD - Dangerous Wall. Weare Gifford Youth's Death: Coroner's Comments. Inquest Story. - The mystery surrounding the disappearance of SIDNEY JOSEPH STEVENS, aged 17 ½ years, of Weare Gifford, who had been missing from his home for a fortnight, was, as recorded in yesterday's "Gazette," cleared up by the finding of the youth's body at noon on Saturday, in the river Torridge, at a spot not far from his home. He was last seen alive on Saturday evening, January 21st, when he went to the recently established county library at the Weare Gifford Schoolhouse for a book. It was a dark night and raining hard, and the evidence indicated that he must have accidentally fallen over the low river wall into the river, breaking his neck in the fall. The river was in flood at the time, but the water had receded in the interval, facilitating the finding of the body. - At the Inquest conducted at the Weare Gifford Rectory, yesterday, the Coroner (Mr G. W. F. Brown) recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." - CHARLES STEVENS, brother of the deceased, said he appeared quite all right when he saw him at Bideford on Saturday morning, January 21st. - MRS MARY ANN STEVENS, mother, tearfully told the Coroner that she herself searched for the deceased almost the whole night through when, on returning from a visit to Torrington on business, on January 21st, just before 9 o'clock, she learnt he had disappeared. When she started, about 5.30 p.m., deceased - who was remaining behind to look after his father, who was ill - remarked on the possibility of the water being high and witness replied that she might be back in the return 'bus. This she was unable to do. Mr Clements and others helped in the search. - Deceased's Watch. - Evidence to the effect that about 6.30 on the night in question the deceased called at the library and took away a book entitled, "The Pot-hunters," was given by the Schoolmistress (Mrs Nancy). Deceased seemed quite lively and chatted while he selected his book. Then he remarked that he could not stay, as he had left his invalid father home alone. Mrs Nancy identified the book (produced) found on deceased. It was a rather large volume, stained and discoloured by immersion in the water. - The last witness's daughter, Phoebe Nancy, said when she let the deceased out, she saw it was very dark and pouring with rain. A few minutes later, on returning after fetching some milk, she heard a cry - just one single shout. - It was stated by John Stapleton, who discovered the body, that the river, which had previously been high in flood, had gone down two or three feet since the night of the lad's disappearance. The book was inside his coat and he believed his hands were still in his pockets, which was said to have been a habit of deceased's when walking. - Dr Cecil Wilson, of Bideford, said deceased's neck was broken. This was evidently caused when he fell into the river, and death would have been instantaneous. On deceased's forehead was a slight abrasion which was quite superficial. - P.C. Heale, who searched the body at Annery Bridge, on its recovery from the water, said deceased's watch had stopped at 9.45 p.m. On the Coroner remarking that this was curious, in view of the fact that this was more than two hours after he left the Schoolhouse, P.S. Kingdon (Torrington) said he had taken people from Exeter Canal two hours afterwards and found their watches still going. - The Constable went on to say that the wall which separated the river from the road along which deceased passed was only eighteen inches high from the surface of the road at the spot where deceased was supposed to have fallen in, and there was a drop of about 12 to 14 feet on the river side of it. At the present moment there were about seven or eight feet of water at the spot. There was thus practically no protection for anybody against the river. If anyone was looking into the water and touched the wall - which would reach about to the knees of a person of deceased's height - he might easily overbalance. - Very Dangerous Spot. - The wall extended for a distance of about 20 ft. In some places the road against it was very greasy, while at other places there were loose stones near the wall where the road had recently been made up, and it was possible anyone walking tight to the wall might step on a loose stone which might roll back and "cant" a person over. - The deceased was evidently walking along with his hands in his pockets and the book under his arm, remarked the Coroner, in summing up, and, it being a very dark and wet night, he must have overbalanced and fallen over the wall into the river. He thought the attention of the Torrington Rural Council must be called to this wall, which evidently afforded no protection at all, and it was a very dangerous spot. The cry heard by Miss Nancy was evidently that made by deceased as he was falling, and the fact that no further cries for help were heard was due to deceased sustaining a broken neck by the fall. The heavily flooded state of the river accounted for the body not having been found before. The Coroner, extending sympathy to the parents and other relatives, said it must have been a great shock to them, and it was particularly sad that the father was lying very ill. - Thanks were accorded by P.S. Kingdon, on behalf of the Police, to the Rector (the Rev. R. H. Moyses) and the parishioners and other residents for so kindly assisting in the search for the body, which extended to every nook and corner of the district for miles around. - The Coroner agreed that everything possible was done to find deceased, but the floods were the handicap. - "It has been a nightmare for me for years," remarked Mrs Nancy, referring to the dangerous character of the spot in question, and adding that every day the children had been warned to "mind the river well as they went home." - The Coroner said he would write at once to the Torrington Rural Council. - Mr T. W. Wooldridge, (Vice-Chairman of Weare Gifford Parish Council) said the Parish Council had asked the District Councillor for Weare Gifford to request the Rural Council to have the wall put right, but for some reason or other they had not done it. It had been mentioned on more than one occasion. The whole trouble was they said the wall had not been altered. But he pointed out that they had continually repaired the road and, in so doing, had raised it foot by foot. - The Coroner agreed that for children the wall was highly dangerous.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 February 1928

TORRINGTON - Doctor Censured. Sequel To Petrockstow Man's Death. Inquest Verdict. - The adjourned Inquest concerning the death of CECIL JAMES BISSETT, of Aish Cross, Petrockstowe, was conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr George Brown, at Torrington. - Deceased, who was aged 24, returned home on January 18th from Yelverton, where he had been working for nine months as a milkman, and was treated the following day by Dr W. F. Mitchell, of Hatherleigh, for a cut on the back of his left wrist, which he said he sustained through a safety razor which he had in his pocket when climbing down over a rock to a field. He became ill, complaining of stomach pains, was very sick and died on January 21st, influenza being the supposed cause of death. - Subsequently, Dr Mitchell and the Police received letters bearing the signature either "S," or "T." Kneebones, one of which ran: "Dear Sir - I think it is my duty to tell you that CECIL BISSIT tried to cut his harm last Sunday and he drink some poesin Friday morning. They say he dude it cause he is owing money every place." - The other stated:- "Dear Doctor, - Do you know that CECIL BISITT drink some poesin Friday morning? He told me hissul. I have told the Police." - On learning of the receipt of the letters, the Coroner intervened in the funeral arrangements and ordered a post-mortem examination of the body, which Dr Kellard Leavey , of Torrington, made, finding the appearance of the stomach consistent with the presence of an irritant poison, and a portion of the organs was thereupon removed for pathological examination and analysis. - Mrs Hooper, of Upper Gate, Petrockstow, who was sent for by MRS BISSETT to lay out the body, described its appearance. She said the hands were clenched and the appearance of the body was unusual in the case where death had taken place so suddenly. MRS BISSETT had told her (witness) that a doctor wanted to make a post-mortem, but that she did not want to be bothered about that. - P.S. Phillpotts: Did you suggest it was poisoning? - No. - Did you not say in the village he had poisoned himself? - No, but I said he was a funny colour. - You know someone wrote a letter? - Yes. I have heard of the letter, but I did not say he had poisoned himself. - It was soon all over Petrockstow that he had died from poisoning? - They will say anything in a small village, sir. - The Coroner: How did they get hold of the information, do you think? - I can't tell you. - P.S. Phillpotts: Did it really come from you in the first place? - No. - You have not the least idea who wrote the letters? - No, I cannot say at all. - Analyst's Evidence. - Thomas Tickle, Public Analyst for Devon, who made an analysis of portions of the stomach, said he found in the kidneys the presence of iodine in the form of iodide. It iodine were taken internally it would be transformed into iodide gradually, and at length completely. He could not say with any safety how long the substance had been inside deceased. It would probably be some days. - We have heard that he had calomel given to him. What effect would that have? - The action of the calomel would be greatly intensified by the iodine previously taken. Witness said it was only given medicinally and in very minute doses. - Wold the action of the two tend to paralyse the internal organs? - Yes, but I should prefer to leave opinions on these matters to the doctor. - Witness said there was possibly sufficient found in the stomach to produce symptoms to cause death. He found that the remains of the medicine contained no iodine or iodide, although calomel. - Do you know what a fatal dose of iodine is? - No. It must be very variable in different circumstances. It is possible for a moderately small quantity, such as four or five grains, to prove fatal in particular circumstances. Recovery may take place in exceptional cases from a bigger dose. - The Coroner observed it was laid down a drachm might be a fatal dose, and for the information of the Jury the Coroner exhibited a drachm in a bottle, which he placed beside an ounce poison bottle, which he stated was found in deceased's ground. - Coroner And Doctor. - Dr Killard Leavey, of Torrington, who made a post-mortem, was asked, having heard the analysis of the contents of the stomach, to what he attributed death, and said he should say, from the condition of the heart, it was due to syncope following an irritant poison. - Dr W. Mitchell, of Hatherleigh, in reply to the Coroner as to whether, having received a message on the 19th, he took any steps for finding out the condition of the patient, said he did. He had been called to this boy years ago, frequently for nothing, and so he asked the old man, his father, if it was simply for the scratch on the arm for which he had treated him on the 16th January. The father said, "Oh, us can't get nothing through him." Witness asked if that was all, and the father distinctly said it was. Witness gave him two grams of calomel and the old man knew he (witness) was not going and had no intention of going., He did not know the boy was ill, and did not believe the father knew he was ill. According to the old man there was nothing else the matter with the boy except that he was constipated. Dr Mitchell said he had no idea the lad was ill, and, being asked by the Coroner whether a man would come to him if he were not, witness replied, "Yes, they do. If you had lived in the country, as I have, as a country doctor, you would know what they come for." - The Coroner: Now, having received thee urgent message ... Witness: It was not an urgent message. - The Coroner: It was a message telling that the boy was very ill. - No; it was never mentioned he was ill. - Witness added he did not go the next day because they did not expect him to. He went very nearly past the house on the Thursday, and if he thought the lad was ill in the least he should have gone in to see him. - The Coroner: Surely it was worth while to have stopped for five minutes? - It would not have taken five minutes. I should have done so if I had the slightest idea, from the conversation with the old man, he was ill. - Was it a question of payment? - No. I never thought of payment one way or the other. I never considered whether he was on the panel or no. It happened he was not. - When witness got the letter he went as fast as he could, but on arrival found him dead. - Asked what he attributed the fainting in his surgery to on the 16th, witness replied, "Idiosyncrasy. Some people do faint." He added the lad recovered in a few seconds. - When you got the message they could get nothing through him, didn't that open your mind a bit as to something being wrong with him? - Not the least. It is a very common complaint, constipation. - But did you not think it was something very serious? - By the attitude of the old man at the time there was no suggestion of vomiting. There had been no suggestion of poisoning; there had been no suggestion of anything. - P.S. Phillpotts said extensive inquiries showed deceased was in considerable financial difficulties. - Questions To Jury. - The Coroner thought there was no doubt deceased had iodine inside him, but he did not think there was any evidence of anyone having administered it. He must have taken it himself. Referring to the certificate, he said that if the doctor had the slightest doubt he should have referred the matter to the Coroner. He thought if deceased had been treated properly at the time he might have been living today, as there was plenty of means of counter-acting the poison. The man was given calomel, which was all right in ordinary cases, but was about the worst thing in this case, as it formed a dangerous composition. - The Coroner put to the Jury certain questions, and after half an hour's retirement they answered them as follows: - What was the cause of death? - Poisoning. - Did he commit suicide, and, if so, how? - Yes. By Poisoning, according to medical evidence. - Did Dr Mitchell give proper and skilled attention to the deceased? - Yes, for what he was consulted at the surgery. - Was the doctor guilty of negligence, and if so to what extent in not going to see him? - Yes, seeing that the doctor has admitted he was within a mile of the house the Jury think that it was his duty to have called to see deceased. - If you are of opinion that Dr Mitchell was guilty of negligence, does that amount to criminal negligence? - No. - Was he justified in giving a certificate that deceased died of influenza? - No. - Do you consider the doctor's conduct in this case deserving of censure? - Yes. - Coroner's Censure. - The Coroner, addressing Dr Mitchell, said he agreed with the Jury's verdict. He should have seen this man. No one would walk four miles for a doctor unless a man was ill. He certainly thought Dr Mitchell was negligent in the manner in which he had managed the case and in giving the certificate that the man died from influenza. He hoped such a thing would not occur again. He had had over 25 years' experience as a Coroner, and that was the first time he had had to censure a doctor, and he was sorry to do it. But he cared for no one and whoever it was, he should censure them. The Coroner concluded with an expression of appreciation of the excellent manner in which the Police had worked out the case. His verdict was that the man Committed Suicide by taking Iodine Poison. - Answering the Coroner, the Foreman said there was nothing brought out in the evidence as to the state of deceased's mind, and the Jury would not like to express an opinion on it.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 February 1928

TOTNES - Totnes Man's Death. - The Inquest Verdict. - At Totnes Guildhall yesterday afternoon Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of MR ROBERT BOW, of Castle-street, Totnes, who was found drowned in the Mill Leat on Tuesday afternoon. The widow said deceased, who was 62 years of age, had been suffering for some time from neuritis, and was in low spirits. He had never said anything about committing suicide. - Dr S. C. Jellicoe stated that deceased was a patient of his, and in the early stages of a nervous disease known as paralysis agitans, which was like neuritis. The disease made him depressed, but he did not think it would make him have a suicidal tendency. - Frederick Charles Heath and William Henry Liverton spoke to finding the body, and P.S. Marshall said, in his opinion, the body had been in the water about two hours. There were no visible marks of violence on the body or any signs of a struggle around the bank. - The Coroner returned the verdict of "Suicide by Drowning while of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the widow, as did P.S. Marshall.

Western Times, Friday 17 February 1928
SHIRWELL - Shirwell Carpenter's Death. - JOHN BARROW, aged 82, a retired carpenter, of Shirwell, who was found dead in bed on Monday, was, at the Inquest on Tuesday, stated to have lived alone for the past seven or eight years, and would not allow anyone to go into his room to clean it. - William J. Wilkey, a neighbour, spoke to taking deceased some dinner, Sunday, and to seeing him again in the evening, when he appeared perfectly well. As witness saw nothing of him on Monday, and could get no answer to his calls, he summoned P.C. Hocking, who, on forcing entrance to the house, found deceased lying in bed, in a natural position, quite dead. - Dr Killard Leavey, of Barnstaple, said a post-mortem examination revealed heart failure as the cause of death, and the North Devon Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

BISHOPSTAWTON - Death Follows Dance. Young Farmer Fatally Injured Near Bishopstawton. Motor Cyclist Exonerated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Bishopstawton on Monday evening on CHARLES HENRY THOMAS, aged 16 years, son of MR LEONARD THOMAS, farmer, Woolstone Farm, Bishopstawton. Deceased with two girl companions had left a dance at Bishopstawton, and were walking to their homes, deceased wheeling his push cycle. The party were overtaken by Lester A. Moore, a farm assistant, riding a motor cycle and the motor cyclist collided either with THOMAS or his cycle at a bad bend. The result was that THOMAS was struck and received serious injuries from which he died in a Barnstaple Nursing Home. - The Jury, returning their verdict, added a rider that there was no negligence on the part of the motor cyclist. - During the Inquest it was stated that an endeavour was made to telephone from Bishopstawton for a doctor from Barnstaple, but they were unable to get through. - Supt. E. Shutler and Inspector Leach, of the County Constabulary, were present at the Inquest as was also Mr J. H. L. Brewer, who represented the deceased youth's relations. - The Coroner explained that the scene of the accident was near a bend in the road. Approaching the bend the motor cyclist's lamp would be towards a side road until the machine actually turned the bend. Deceased and his companions did not appear to have heard the motor cyclist approaching. The Jury were to consider whether there was any negligence on the part of the motor cyclist, or any contributory negligence on the part of those walking in the road. - LEONARD THOMAS, the father, said his son's cycle had no red back light and no reflector. - Dr J. C. Dixey said he was called just before 3 a.m. on Saturday. The lad was then in Mr Taylor's house, near where the accident happened. He was unconscious, and later died in a Barnstaple Nursing Home from a fracture of the skull. - Mary G. E. Smallridge, aged 16, of Bridgetown, said THOMAS had a light on the bicycle he was wheeling. - The Coroner: Had the motor cycle a light? - Witness: I did not see one. - Witness added she would not say the motor cycle did not have a light. She was walking with THOMAS and thought the motor cycle went between THOMAS and his bicycle. With her friend and THOMAS they were walking with linked arms. - In answer to Mr Brewer, witness thought had there been a reasonably strong light on the motor cycle she would have seen the reflection before the machine was on them. - Doris Kathleen Mitchell, of Tawstock, who was also with deceased, said she heard the noise of the motor cycle just as it was up to them. She could not say if it had a light. - Asked by Supt. Shutler if there was a noise through the wind and trees, witness said it was between the storms and was quite calm. She saw no reflection of a light on the motor cycle. - Lester A. Moore, who elected to give evidence, said before leaving Bishopstawton he replenished his lamp with enough carbide to carry him 20 miles. He lit the lamp and had quite a good light. He was riding 12 to 14 miles an hour when he swerved to avoid what he thought was a grey cat or rabbit, and was getting to his side again, when the wind caught him and he was on the people before he saw them. He tried to avoid them, but could not. Witness said he was only about four yards away when he saw the people. His light would then have only just gone round the corner. He sounded his hooter about seven or eight yards before the corner. He did not see the bicycle before he struck it and thought he had cleared the people in the road. He came off about six or seven yards in front through the handlebar of the bicycle being in his front wheel. The people in the road had the biggest part of its width, but he thought he should have cleared them if the bicycle had not been there. - The Coroner: Do you think you could have seen the rear light on the bicycle? - Yes, but I do not think I could have got further out than I did. - Mr Brewer suggested if witness was only going at 12 or 14 miles an hour he should have been able to pull up in his own length. - Witness denied that he was going so fast that he had no chance to stop. - Moore's story of obtaining carbide and water before he left Bishopstawton was corroborated by Doris Prideaux and George Edward Youatt, who said the lamp had a perfectly good light when Moore started and that was only three-quarters of a mile from where the accident took place. - Constable Tucker said from the beginning of the bend to where the accident happened there was a clear view of 40 yards. - The Jury's verdict was as above stated. - There was a large attendance of relatives and sympathising friends at the funeral at Bishopstawton on Wednesday, when the Vicar, Rev. P. L. Nicholas, officiated. - The family mourners were Mr and Mrs L. Thomas, (father and mother), Messrs. Reginald, Wilfred and Stanley and Miss Hilda Thomas (brothers and sisters), Messrs. William, Walter, Abel, Harry, Tom and Sidney Symons (uncles), Mrs A. Symons, Misses E. and N. Symons (aunts), Mr and Mrs A. Oatway and Mr and Mrs A. E. Evans (uncles and aunts), Messrs. L. and A. Symons, G. Lock, Mr and Mrs W. Yeo, Mr and Mrs G. H. Thomas, Mr and Mrs J. H. Thomas, Mr and Mrs A. J. Thomas, Mr and Mrs J. A. Thomas, Mr S. Thomas, Mr and Mrs C. Sexon, Mrs E. Nutt, Miss I. Sexon, Miss Symons, Mr F. Thorne, Mr P. Symons (cousins). Misses Winnie and Dorothy Thomas (sisters) were unable to attend through illness. [Plus many members of the general public.]

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 February 1928

EXETER - Street Tragedy. East Devon Car Knocks Little Boy Down. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, before Mr G. H. Stephens, acting as Deputy for the City Coroner (Mr Linford Brown), on ALFRED CHARLES BROOKING-SMITH, aged six, of Fort Villa, South Wonford, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Wednesday shortly after he had been knocked down by a motor car in Crosspark, Heavitree. the car was driven by William Edward Johns, chauffeur, and the other occupants were his employer (Mrs Randall Johnson, of Egland, Honiton) and a domestic. A Jury was empanelled. - MRS BESSIE ELLEN SMITH said she did not see her son alive after he left for school at a quarter to two on Wednesday. He had a weak heart and was warned not to run, but recently she had been told he was much improved and there was no need to worry. His sight and hearing were good. - Thomas Leo Mallon, a tram driver, said deceased, who was in company with another boy, ran off the pavement right in front of a motor car. He did not appear to take any notice of the traffic and as he ran off the kerb into the road the radiator of the car, which was on its proper side, caught him and knocked him down. The driver had no chance of avoiding the boy, who was rolled right over by the car towards the tram lines. A lady jumped out of the motor and picked up the little boy. He should think the car went 30 or 40 yards before it came to a standstill after the accident. The car did not appear to be going fast; indeed, for a car it was going steady. He estimated the speed at about 15 miles an hour. Had it been going slower he did not think the accident could have been avoided. - Kenneth Barnes, aged five, who was coming home from school with deceased, said the latter wanted to go home and so went to cross the road, but went under the motor car. Before Kenneth left the path witness said, "A motor car's coming." - William Edward Johns, the driver of the car, said he would rather not give evidence, as he was quite willing to go by what the other witnesses said. - P.C. Norton said when he arrived at the scene of the accident Mrs Randall Johnson and Miss Luxton were in the car and the little boy was in the arms of the latter. Witness got into the car, which was driven to the Hospital. Later he returned to the scene, and, in company with P.C. Rowland, found the mark of the wheel of a motor 2ft. from the kerb, and a patch of blood 3 ft. 8 in. from the kerb. From what witnesses told him, he measured the distance from the blood to where he was told the car stopped and found it was just over 70 ft. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said a man might drive on some way before he was quite aware of what had happened. - Dr Bentinck, House Physician at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was unconscious when admitted, but only lived a few minutes after being brought into Hospital. He had a fractured skull and ribs. - Driving Steadily. - Miss Edith Luxton, cook, in the employ of Mrs Randall Johnson, said she was in front of the car with the driver. Mrs Randall Johnson was inside the car. Johns was going very steady and Mrs Johnson would never allow him to go more than 15 miles, even on an open road. Several children were apparently playing on the path, and ran into the road. He was going the same way as the car, did not look round and ran right in front of the car. The driver immediately put his brakes on as suddenly as he could and pulled up immediately. - The Deputy Coroner: It is said the car went 70 feet before it pulled up. That is some little distance. - Witness: He appeared to me to have pulled up in near the length of the car. I was able to jump out and pick the little lad up. To me it seemed a very little distance, nothing like the length of this room (to which reference had been made by the Coroner and P.C. Norton in trying to estimate 70 ft.) - Questioned further, witness said Johns had been in Mrs Johnson's employ for 36 years and had been driving a car for 16 years. He had no chance whatever of avoiding the accident. The little boy was into the car before the driver realised what had happened. Coming along that piece of road the driver sounded his horn several times because there were children about. - Charles Arthur Smith, motor mechanic, who was driving a car in the same direction, said the distance from the blood on the road to where Johns' car stopped was about 70 ft. While coming down the road witness was going about 10 miles an hour, and Johns' car would have been going about the same pace. - Summing up, the Deputy Coroner said their sympathies went out to the bereaved parents. Johns was an experienced driver, and evidence had been given that Mrs Johnson would not let him drive fast. It did not seem that the car was being driven at any excessive speed. Whether it was going at 10, 15 or 20 miles it was difficult to say. He did not think either of those speeds would have been excessive unless there were children who were in danger. In this case it appeared the boy suddenly left the path and darted across the road to get home. It did not appear that the driver had any chance to avoid the accident, whether he had been going slowly or not, because there was no time. The driver had preferred not to give evidence. He was perfectly justified in doing so. He said he preferred to rely upon the evidence of others and he was quite right in that if he wished, and they must not draw any conclusion from that. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added a rider that they thought the school authorities should make some provision to see small children across the road at dangerous places. - A Juror said perhaps the authorities could make some arrangement with parents to meet their children. - The Deputy Coroner said he did not think they could possibly expect the school authorities to see children home from school or any distance from school. However, that was the Jury's rider. He added that he had received a note from Mrs Randall Johnson, in which she desired to express her deep sympathy with the parents in their sorrow and her deep regret at the accident. She also desired to show her sympathy with the chauffeur, who was known throughout the district as a most careful driver and particularly considerate to pedestrians both in town and country. - The Jury also extended their sympathy with the parents.

BIDEFORD - At an Inquest on SUSAN HALL PERRYMAN, widow, aged 84, of 12 Lime Grove, Bideford, Dr C. K. Ackland stated that, when he saw deceased recently she had a burn on her thigh, caused by a hot water bottle. She was in a feeble state and died later from shock and arterio sclerosis. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 February 1928

EXETER - Culmstock - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned yesterday at an Inquest conducted with a Jury by Mr G. H. Stephens (Deputy Coroner) at the Devon Mental Hospital, concerning the death of MRS EMMA POOLE on Sunday evening. - The REV. T. POOLE (vicar) identified the body as that of his wife, aged 80 years, whom he last saw alive on Sunday. She had been in the Institution since August 27th. On July 6th she met with an accident. In company with her niece she went to gather strawberries in the garden. About a quarter of an hour later he had occasion to go into the garden and found her lying on her side crying for help. On seeing him she said, "I can't get up." - He got her indoors and sent for a doctor, who treated her for five days, after which she was removed to the Taunton Hospital for X-Ray treatment. It was then found she had sustained a fractured left thigh and arm. Owing to her mental condition she was removed, by private arrangement, to the Devon Mental Hospital. Her explanation of the accident was that she had tripped over a strawberry runner, but he thought she had tripped over a wire running along the border of the bed. The Medical Superintendent of the Hospital said on Tuesday, the 14th, deceased was attacked with acute pneumonia and died on the 19th. He did not think she would have recovered had she not met with the accident because of her age.

Western Times, Friday 24 February 1928
BULKWORTHY - Bulkworthy Child's Death. Coroner On Danger Of Infants Sleeping With Parents. - At an Inquest on Monday at Heytown, Bulkworthy, on the four-months-old child of STANLEY BRAUNTON, farm labourer, the mother said it slept in the outside position of the same bed as herself and her husband, and was all right when they went to sleep on Saturday night. When they awoke about six o'clock the next morning the child was dead. The blanket was over its face. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr George Brown, commented that the bed was a single size one, 3 ft. 6 ins wide and was not large enough for two adults and a child to sleep in. - The mother said they had a cradle and a cot, but their other children slept in these. - The Coroner pointed out that not only was the bed small, but the mattress sagged a good deal in the middle. It was impossible for the child to have slept with the parents with any safety at all, and it must have rolled down under the mother. - Dr L. B. Betts attributed death to asphyxia. He did not think this was accounted for by the blanket being over its face, but rather its proximity to the mother. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death by Overlaying," the Coroner warned the parents of the danger of taking their children into bed with them to sleep and especially in such a narrow bed. They were fortunate such a fatality had not occurred before. - The Coroner also commented on what he described as the filthy state of the bedding, which he said would have to be remedied or there would be trouble.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Quarry Tragedy. "Accidental Death" Verdict Returned At Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, when, with Mr E. Hutchings (Coroner), they Enquired, at Newton Abbot, yesterday, into the death of JOHN WEBBER, aged 40, of Ivy Cottage, Ipplepen, who fell and sustained a fractured skull whilst working at Wolborough Limestone quarry, on Tuesday morning. - Deceased's employer, Wm. Henry Gilley, of 68 Wolborough-street, said on Tuesday morning deceased was working about 27 feet up. Witness heard a fall and looking round saw deceased lying on some rubbish at the bottom of the quarry. He sent for the ambulance, the Police and a doctor. - Medical evidence was given by Dr J. Brown and Alexander S. Crout, a fellow-workman of deceased, said he saw WEBBER as he was falling. He did not know what caused the accident. Deceased was not wearing his rope. - P.C. Wood said the necessary regulations were exhibited at the quarry. - "I suppose in this instance, as in every instance, there are times when familiarity breeds contempt," observed the Coroner. In 99 cases a man might be safe, but not at the hundredth. Deceased had evidently taken the precaution to fix his rope, but had not got it attached to any part of himself. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated, the Foreman, Mr W. White, remarking that it was considered the employer had done his part to comply with the regulations. - Sympathy was expressed with the widow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 February 1928

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Day And Night Widow's Drinking Bouts At Moreton. Coroner And Licensee. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner for South #Devon, has held an Inquiry into the death of MARGARET GRANT, a widow, who had been staying at the Bell Inn, Moretonhampstead, for four or five weeks. - Arthur Hawxwell, giving an address in Cornwall, deposed that the deceased went with him to Moreton on Boxing Day and stayed at a Hotel in the town until January 4th, when he left her at the Hotel. During the time they were living together she was perfectly all right and he left her son. He had known her for some months, and, since he left the town, had corresponded with her. He knew nothing about her or what relatives she had, but she appeared to be a woman of independent means. - Louie Anthony, wife of William Anthony, licensee of the Bell Inn, deposed that MRS GRANT came to her on the 10th of January, about 10 in the morning and booked a room. She had two drinks in the bar and then went to bed, stating she wanted a long rest. Deceased intimated she would, probably, stay a week or two. She stayed six weeks. Cross-examined by the Coroner. Deceased had drinks taken to her at all hours of the day and night, either by witness or witness's husband, son, and maid. Brandy and milk were the drinks. Cross-examined by Police Sergt. West: Witness supplied the drinks in separate vessels. Deceased could have drunk the brandy neat if she had liked. Her bill for drink along ran to something like £3 to £3 10s. a week. She had up to a week before her death consumed 107 3s. 6d. bottles of Martelle's brandy. This was accounted for by the bill which the Coroner inspected. Deceased seemed to have money and paid regularly every week. Witness had cashed two cheques for the deceased - one for £50 and one for £10. - Police Sergt. West: Why did you not get rid of her or come to me for advice? - Witness answered that deceased was a good customer, so she let her stay. She was very generous and gave a subscription to the Football Club. - Dr Hugh E. McColl stated that deceased died as a result of acute alcoholic poisoning. He attended her the day before she died, gave her a sleeping draught and told the landlady she could give her a limited supply of brandy. She was suffering from acute alcoholic poisoning. On Saturday morning, in the early hours, he was called, and on arrival found the woman dead. An examination of the organs revealed that deceased had been drinking very heavily for the past three weeks. - Mr Hutchings, in returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, said the case was a very sad one and the evidence of the wife of the licensee showed that the management of the public house left a lot to be desired. If the licensee and his wife had done their duty the probability was that the woman's life might have been saved. Seeing the condition she was in and the absolute loss of control over herself through the drink supplied by them, there could have been consultation with the Police (who were always ready to give advice and help) or the Relieving Officer. - The funeral took place in the parish churchyard. Father Gowd of Newton Abbot officiated. The only mourner was the principal witness at the Inquest.

EXETER - An Inquest was opened at Exeter yesterday on the newly-born child of VIOLET BEALEY, a domestic servant and adjourned for three weeks for the attendance of the mother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 February 1928

CHUDLEIGH - Motor Fatality. Somerset Man Involved In Chudleigh Smash. Inquest Verdict. - The adjourned Inquest in connection with the motor fatality at Chudleigh on January 27th was held yesterday, Mr E. Hutchings being assisted by a Jury. Deceased was identified at the previous hearing as WILLIAM HENRY SAUNDERS, aged 55, sign-writer and decorator of Palmer-street, South Petherton. - John Tuckett, baker's roundsman, said the combination overtook him just before the accident. The machine was being driven in a very steady manner. Replying to the Coroner, witness said the sun was right in his face and he had to shade his eyes with his hand to see along the road. - Albert John Winser, dairyman's assistant, said he was leading a horse attached to a cart laden with turnips when he suddenly heard a crash, and his horse jumped forward. Looking round he saw the combination in the act of turning over. Witness said he had to pull his cap over his eyes when coming along the street, as the sun was so strong. - Sidney Cobley, gardener, gave evidence, and Dr Arnott said death was due to a deep compressed fracture of the skull. - Albert Edgar Watkins, cycle dealer, of St David's-street, South Petherton, said he was driving the cycle combination, deceased being on the pillion and MRS SAUNDERS in the side-car. They were on their way to Kingsteignton. All went well until entering Chudleigh. On coming to a slight left-hand bend, said witness, he came into the direct rays of the low setting sun, which were very bright. He could not see any traffic about, so he took the centre of the road and went at a very steady pace. The next thing he knew was a bump and he was on the road with the cycle on top of him. Deceased and his wife were lying on the road. He had not the least idea that the cart was in the road until the collision occurred. Replying to the Coroner, witness said he shut off the throttle of the machine directly he got in the rays of the sun. He thought the accident happened through the step on the side-car being caught in the spokes of the cart and the wheels revolving lifted the side car up and tipped it over. - The Coroner: If a little child had been in the road nothing could have saved it? - Witness: I could have seen anything that was between the sun and me. - The Coroner and the Jury went with witness to visit the scene of the accident. Replying to further questions, witness said he thought he turned off the throttle 20 or 30 yards before the accident, but it only seemed a matter of a second - almost immediately. He did not think he applied his brakes. He considered he was going at ten or twelve miles an hour and he could have pulled up in two or three lengths. - MRS SAUNDERS said the sun was very bright. She saw the wheel of the cart in front and they seemed to be going all right; she did not know any more. She thought something might have struck her before the cycle turned over. She could give no estimate of the speed at which they were travelling. She had only been a short distance in a side-car before. They seemed to be going quite steadily. She had always known Mr Watkins as a careful driver and he had driven her husband many times. - P.C. Burrow said the road was 19 ft. wide, and the impact occurred six feet from the left-hand side of the road. Afterwards ruts and marks showed that the machine had gone 25 feet afterwards before turning over completely. - Summing up, the Coroner said whether or not the man should have stopped when blinded by the sun depended entirely on how near he was to the cart when he was blinded. If he was so near as to be practically on the cart he could have done nothing, but if he was some distance away the Jury might consider that he was guilty of an error of judgment. It was not a case of a cyclist dashing through the narrow streets of the town. It must be clearly understood that motor cyclists and car drivers must not take risks, when passing through a town, or they would be answerable for the consequences. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 March 1928

EXETER - Killed In Street. Inquest On Exeter Four-year-old Boy. "Oh, My Brother!" - The death of a four-year-old boy, WALTER JAMES FROST of 1 Gitsham-court, Fore-street, Exeter, which occurred in Bartholomew-street East, last Thursday, was investigated by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, at the Court House on Saturday. - The father, ALBERT HENRY FROST, who gave evidence of identification, said the boy's sight and hearing were quite good. - Frederick John Best, of 13 Bartholomew-street, oil merchant, said he was with his son, who was driving a Ford motor van in Bartholomew-street. When witness and his son came out of a shop children were on the footpath in the direction of Fore-street. Witness remembered feeling one bump just after the car started. The car was immediately stopped, and, when witness got out, he saw his son with a child in his arms. It was picked up a few feet from the path. Witness did not see the child leave the path; he was looking ahead all the time. - By Mr F. P. Cottey (for the driver): His son had not changed into top gear. - Percy Uff, of Sydney-road, St Thomas's, said that, while driving a car in Bartholomew-street from North-street, he saw in front of him a Ford van standing outside a shop and some children playing beside it on the path. When witness was about 30 yards below the car he saw it move forward. It had only gone a few yards when he saw something under it. The van passed over the child and stopped within about a yard of it. - By the Foreman: One of the children called out, "Oh, my brother!" He did not think the car had travelled more than 10 yards. - P.C. Graham said the roadway was 18 feet wide and the footpath four feet nine inches wide. The path was about six inches high. From the starting point to where the child was picked up was 27 feet and the mark in the road from the kerb to where the accident occurred was two feet six inches. - By Mr Cottey: There would not be a Constable there when the children came out of school. Witness was on that beat and he attended outside Dinham-road School. - Arthur Charles Badcoe, Secretary of the Exeter Education Committee, said the children were dismissed from the infants school in Mary Arches-street at 4.15 p.m. The Education Committee was shocked and grieved at the accident, and desired to offer condolences to the parents. - Frederick James Best, 4 Cleveland-street, St Thomas's, van salesman, the driver of the van, said he was taking the car to the garage. The van was fully loaded and when witness started the road was clear. Some children were about eight to ten yards away, on the pavement, but, after witness had started, he did not see them again. The first knowledge he had of anything wrong was a bump at the rear wheel. He stopped immediately and on getting out saw a little girl crying on the footpath and the boy in the road, about a yard from the rear wheel. - Dr Raymond Robinson, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted at 4.50. He was dead when witness saw him a few minutes later. Death was due to shock and great haemorrhage, chiefly from a ruptured liver. - The Deputy Coroner thought the Jury would find that the child either slipped, or ran unknowingly off the path, and that no blame was attached to anybody. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from all blame and expressed sympathy with the relatives - in which the Deputy Coroner and Mr F. P. Cottey (on behalf of Mr Best) concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 March 1928

EXETER - Child's Sudden Death. Exeter Inquest. - Mr H. Linford-Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, held an Inquest at the Court House yesterday on VICTOR JURY, aged about 8 months, who died suddenly last Saturday. - Annie Penhaligon of 28 Union-street, St Thomas's, gave evidence of identification. She said it was her custom to take custody of children. This child was put in her charge last September with payment of 9s. a week. On arrival it was not very healthy and had suffered from whooping cough. On the Saturday morning witness fed the child at 7 o'clock with a meal of milk and plain barley, and afterwards put it in a pram as usual. At 9 o'clock she went to the child for the purpose of bathing, found it had gone blue and that it's breathing was shallow. Efforts were made to revive it, without avail. She then sent her girl for Dr Watkins. The child was dead when he arrived. - Dr Watkins said he made a post-mortem examination at about 4 o'clock on Saturday afternoon. He found it to be a male child, fairly well nourished but with clubbed feet. There were no marks about the body and all the internal organs were quite healthy. There was a quantity of fluid in its mouth and stomach. There was nothing to cause death except the fluid, which, in his opinion, had produced asphyxiation. If the child had whooping cough it would account for fluid getting into the windpipe. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 March 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Torquay Lady's Death. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot concerning the death of MARY ANN NOAKE, widow, aged 78, of Magdalen-road, Upton, Torquay, who died at the Newton Abbot Infirmary, where she was admitted suffering from severe burns. She was drawing up a fire with a sheet of paper, which ignited and set her clothing alight. It was stated that deceased refused to go to the Torbay Hospital, but agreed to go to Newton Infirmary after having been attended by a nurse at Torquay. - Mr J. J. Scrase, Medical Officer at the Institution, said deceased was suffering from intensive and severe burns on the face, neck, hands and arms. Her condition was one of collapse, which lasted for two days. Then bronchitis and pneumonia set in as a result of the shock, and she died on Saturday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 March 1928

TOPSHAM - In The Exe. Two Months Old Mystery Solved. Countess Wear Inquest. - An Exeter mystery of two months standing was solved, yesterday, when, at an Inquest held by Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, at Countess Wear, near Exeter, a decomposed body was identified by MR R. W. BUZZACOTT as that of his wife, who disappeared from her home at 2 Chute-street, Newtown, on December 23rd. On Monday afternoon P.C. Wakeley received a telephone message that a body had been seen at a fender in the mill leat opposite Northbrook House, Countess Wear. He recovered the body, which was decomposed, in fact, the only parts remaining were the lower limbs, back, ribs and skull. The body had, apparently, been in the water for two months. - RICHARD WILLIAM BUZZACOTT, of 2 Chute-street, Newtown, Exeter, general labourer, identified the body as that of his late wife, MATILDA BUZZACOTT, who was aged 53. They lived together up to December 23rd last, when she disappeared from her home. On December 24th her hat and articles of clothing were found on the Quay at Exeter, and taken to the Police Station. As soon as he saw the body he identified it by the toes, which, on both feet, were malformed. He further identified it by the absence of any teeth. Deceased's nerves had broken down for about four years and she used to be depressed. All her teeth were extracted by a dentist between six and seven weeks before her disappearance. She left no note and had never threatened to take her life. - P.C. Wakeley described how he recovered the body. A passer-by told him that a body was in the water at the fender of the mill leat. Countess Wear. The body was under the fender and, with assistance, he recovered it. It was very decomposed and had no clothing on. - Dr R. C. Worsley, Topsham, said he examined the body, but was unable to say what the cause of death was in consequence of the decomposed state. He noticed the toes were overlapping and the absence of teeth. The head was remarkably small and the height of the deceased was about 5 ft. 5 in. - BUZZACOTT agreed with the details about his wife's head and stature. - The Coroner said one had to be very careful in accepting evidence of identity, but he was quite satisfied, from the evidence of the husband, which was confirmed by the doctor, that the body was that of MATILDA BUZZACOTT. As to the cause of death, there was no evidence, and so he returned an Open Verdict that deceased was "Found Dead." He expressed sympathy with the husband.

Western Times, Friday 9 March 1928
MODBURY - Through Smoke And Fumes. Praiseworthy Effort By A Modbury Police Constable. - "Death from Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest at Modbury on Monday on the bodies of WILLIAM HOOPER, a Royal Marine pensioner and his wife ANNE, both octogenarians, who were found in a room in their cottage at Galpin-lane, Modbury, on Saturday morning burned to death. - P.C. Dennis gave evidence as to forcing his way into the cottage. He went to the back windows and noticing small puffs of smoke issuing from the crevices proceeded upstairs and opened the bedroom door, but could not enter the room in consequence of the smoke. Having placed a wet handkerchief over his face, he was able to go into the room, and there he found the bodies lying on the floor very close together. A tin candlestick with the candle burnt out was standing on the charred bedclothes. It was his (the Constable's) opinion that HOOPER heard his wife fall from the bed, went to her assistance, was overcome by the fumes and collapsed. - Jane Fuzland, of Galpin-street, Modbury, said in consequence of not getting any response from the cottage she informed the Police. When the door of the house was forced she followed a Constable and noticed the kitchen was clear of smoke. Upstairs, however, the air was heavily laden with fumes and smoke The bedclothes were still burning and the mattress smouldering. - Mr William Henry Andrews, Medical Practitioner, of Modbury, said he had known the couple for several years. MR HOOPER was in poor health and suffered from a weak heart and for that reason he slept downstairs to avoid the strain of going to the upper rooms. MRS HOOPER also had a weak heart, but of late her health had improved. Both bodies were badly burned; the man's right hand had lost fingers and thumb, whilst MRS HOOPER was burnt about the body. Death was due to asphyxia due to the fumes from the smouldering bedclothes. Most of the burns were inflicted following death.

OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Suicide. Man Who Missed His Best Friend - His Mother. Pathetic Last Letters. - Letters left by deceased, one of which was addressed to the Coroner, were produced at the Inquest, held at the Poor Law Institution at Okehampton on Monday, on HAROLD JEFFERIES, aged 30, single, engine cleaner on the Southern Railway, who was killed on Friday night by the last passenger train to Plymouth. Deceased, whose home is in the Westminster district of London, where his mother resides, had only been at Okehampton Station about six weeks. The Coroner (Mr H. C. Brown) sat with a Jury, the Foreman of which was Mr H. Rowe. - AUGUSTUS LESLIE PERRY of 14 Johnstone-street, Westminster, cousin of deceased, gave evidence of identification. Deceased was not, he said, of an excitable temperament, but he enjoyed life. A letter now produced and addressed to the :Coroner, was in deceased's writing. - Valentine John Baker, shunter, in the employ of the Southern Railway at Okehampton, stated that on Friday night after the arrival of the last down train, he received information which caused him to go back the line towards Fatherford. About 200 yards beyond the cleaning sheds he saw the body of deceased lying on its back by the side of the line about two feet from the rails. Another man fetched a doctor. - Henry Thomas Walters, engine cleaner, said on Friday night deceased was due to come on duty at the engine shed at 10 o'clock. He did not do so and witness, who went on duty earlier, saw nothing of deceased. JEFFERIES had been working at Okehampton about six weeks. He was one of the most jovial and jolly fellows witness had ever met. He never spoke to witness of any troubles or suggested doing away with himself. - Thomas Wakeham, shed engineer, of Plymouth, who examined the engine of the last down train on Friday night after receiving a message about 1 a.m. that someone had been killed, said he found blood on the screw coupling of the engine. The coupling was right in the centre of the front of the engine. - Dr Gaster said there was a long vertical wound on the right of the back of the head penetrating to the brain. This was consistent with deceased having received a heavy blow from behind. Death would be practically instantaneous. - At this stage the Coroner intimated that several letters written by deceased had been found. One of these addressed to him (the Coroner) was as follows:- "I am terrible sorry to have to put you and others to this painful job of holding this Inquest. I find it's my only alternative left, which I am fully aware if the most cowardly way out of it. God knows how I have suffered from sleeplessness nights and depression and bad health, and have tried hard to keeping smiling, but the last resource came when I was transferred to Okehampton from London, leaving my mother and all my chums behind and seeing no prospects of work. I got very despondent and so this was the only way out of it." - There were three others, said the Coroner, neither of which bore any date. They were addressed to his mother, landlady and a chum, and were in the same strain. In that to his mother he referred to certain moneys etc., which he wished her to have. - The letter to a chum started as "Chip, my dear boy," and went on to say: "By the time you read this letter you will probably have heard the news. I know its all so horrible, but really have suffered from depressions and sleeplessness and having transferred me to this place and in lodgings, which is never like home, and also missing the dearest soul in the world to me - mother. The last resource came today. A miserable day and in a strange place which is never like home. This was my only alternative. If you believe in Spiritualism you will be able to communicate with me." - A relative stated that deceased came to London in February and they went to the Alhambra together. Deceased was then in the best of health and spirits. - Deceased's landlady at Okehampton told the Coroner that she had not seen JEFFERIES show any sign of depression. He was, in fact, very cheerful. So far from complaining of sleeplessness he had, in fact, more than once told her that he had slept wonderfully well. He had, however, said he did not like it at Okehampton, and that he saw no prospect of improving his position. - The Coroner said the case was peculiar in that two witnesses told them deceased was very cheerful, and one of them said he denied being sleepless. This was contradictory of what was stated in the letters. It looked to him (the Coroner) that deceased, although 30 years of age, was home sick. It must have been a spasmodic thing, because in his work he was cheerful. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. The Jury asked that their fees should be sent to deceased's mother.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 March 1928

TOTNES - Cycle And Lorry. Fatal Accident To Totnes Youth. Inquest Story. Yesterday afternoon at Totnes Guildhall, Mr T. Edmonds, sitting with a Jury (of which Mr R. Snell was Foreman) conducted an Inquest concerning the death of GEORGE WYATT, aged 16. Mr G. E. Windeatt appeared for Mr J. Palmer, deceased's employer. - EDWARD WYATT, Parklands, said his son had enjoyed good health and was accustomed to cycling. - Arthur L. J. Hannaford said that about 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday he saw the lad cycling to Berry Pomeroy, and stopped and spoke to him. As he proceeded he passed a motor lorry and witness saw the cycle skid and the deceased fall off. It appeared to him that his back touched the lorry. The driver pulled up instantly and with witness attended to the deceased, who was unconscious, but not bleeding. It was not necessary for deceased to have gone into the gutter to pass the lorry. - Dr Jeffries stated that he examined deceased at the Cottage Hospital. He had a cut over the left eyebrow and his right elbow was grazed. There was a tender place over the abdomen, but no signs of internal injuries. The deceased was conscious. He had since found a bruise on the right buttock. Deceased died as a result of internal injuries caused by the fall. - Sidney J. Carpenter, lorry driver, said that deceased was not riding fast. Through the mirror he saw him fall off the cycle. He did not think that he struck the lorry, but fell towards the hedge. He asked deceased if he was hurt and he said he had hurt his arm. He took him to the Constable's cottage, and then to the Hospital. - P.C. Hawkins gave evidence and Laurence Speer said the driver of the lorry had been employed by the B.P. Company for 10 years without a complaint. - A verdict was returned that deceased died from the shock of the accident and that no blame was attached to anyone. Sympathy was expressed with the lad's relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 March 1928

TIVERTON - Road Risks. Fatal Sequel To Crash At Tiverton. A Hopeless Case. - Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest at Tiverton Hospital on Saturday on WALTER WILLIAM DAVIS, 19, Uplowman, whose death occurred in the Institution after an accident. Mr W. Dicks was Foreman of the Jury. - JACK POPHAM, licensed victualler, Uplowman, said that deceased, his stepson, had been a cripple since the age of two years through having a tubercular hip. That, however, did not affect his general health. Deceased had been riding a motor cycle since before Christmas. He told witness he did not remember anything about the accident. - Harold John Richard Box, cabinet maker, Tiverton, stated that he was riding his motor cycle out of Tiverton at about 1.10 p.m. on February 24th. He intended turning to the right into Tidcombe-lane, and, looking round, saw another motor cycle following, so he put out his hand as a signal, and changed down in gear. The next thing he realised was that he was on the ground. Getting up, he saw deceased lying face downwards. DAVIS was taken to the Hospital. Deceased's motor cycle came to rest 3 ft. or 4 ft. from the hedge on the right-hand side of the road. Witness, in reply to questions, said that deceased, in endeavouring to pass along the main road in front of witness as he was turning into the lane, must have knocked witness's machine with just enough force to send witness over. - P.S. Galpin said that deceased's machine was slightly damaged on the right side, the damage, apparently, having been caused by the machine scraping along the ground. - The Coroner (to Box): If deceased had kept to the left of the road, he would have passed along all right? - Box: Yes. - A Juror remarked that deceased, having been able to ride only about two months, might not have been fully acquainted with signals. - The Coroner (to Box): Did you inform the Police? - Box replied that he thought it was a slight accident, as he had been told deceased was getting on all right and he did not think it necessary to report. - The Coroner: I am not censuring you, but I think that all accidents, whether slight or serious, should be immediately reported to the Police. - Percival V. MacGarry, House Surgeon at the Tiverton Hospital, said deceased was dazed, but not unconscious, when admitted. He had several abrasions of the face, hands and right knee. Deceased's physical condition was practically hopeless; he was thin and wasted and the actual cause of death was wasting and heart failure, due to generalised tuberculosis. Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said that the injury was not sufficient to cause the death of a person in ordinary health. - The verdict was "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 March 1928

EXETER - Tree Lopping. Fatal Holsworthy Sequel. - An Inquest relative to the death of WILLIAM JOHN PARR, aged 50, a jobbing gardener, of 10 Victoria-street, Holsworthy, was opened at Exeter yesterday, by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown. Deceased died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital the previous day. Evidence of identification was given by the deceased's wife, who said her husband was brought home on February 18th and said he had fallen from a tree while engaged in lopping trees for the Rev. R. L. Pitt Johnson, Rector of Holsworthy. Deceased was very deaf. The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until tomorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 15 March 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Missing Newtonian. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot last night by Mr E. Hutchings concerning the death of WILLIAM REGINALD WEATHERDON, 38, labourer, of 81 Broadlands-avenue, Newton Abbot, whose body was found in a stream at Jetty Marsh, Newton, the previous afternoon. Evidence of identification was given by Lily Loveday Harwood, Grafton-road (sister-in-law). Dr J. J. Brown said death was due to drowning. He had treated deceased for some years, at intervals, for bronchial asthma, but had not seen him for two or three months. - Mrs M. A. Martin said she usually saw deceased standing at the corner of the street at 6 a.m. waiting for a lorry to take him to his work on the roads towards Ashburton. He was there as usual on Friday morning. - Mrs Emma Maria Hole, deceased's mother-in-law, who lived in the same house, said he had been very poorly recently with asthma, but had continued his work. He brought up a cup of tea to her just before six on Friday morning and seemed as cheerful as usual. He went out, but did not return. - Evidence of the finding of the body was given by Joseph Salter Barter, Wolborough-street. - P.C. Foley said deceased had left no statement to throw any light on the occurrence. His overcoat and bag containing food was found behind a wall about 40 feet from the place where the body was found. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" and said there was no suspicion of foul play. The relatives wished to thank all who assisted in the search for the missing man. - The Inspector and Miss Harwood concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 March 1928

EXETER - Blood Poisoning. Crediton Youth's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday at an Inquest on WILLIAM MERRIFIELD, aged 17, of Uton Village, Crediton. SAMUEL MERRIFIELD, father, said deceased was an apprentice motor engineer employed by Messrs. Pike and Co., of Exeter. He scratched his hand while moving a motor-cycle and his removal to Hospital was ordered on March 8th. Dr R. Manning, House Surgeon of the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital said deceased died on March 13th from pneumonia, following septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by the scratch.

EXETER - An Inquest was resumed at Exeter yesterday on the newly-born female child of VIOLET ALICE BEALEY, an Exeter domestic servant. Dr Lovely ascribed death to want of proper attention at birth and a verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned. Mr F. W. Lias appeared for the mother.

Western Times, Friday 23 March 1928
EXETER - Holsworthy Fatality. Gardener's Serious Fall When Lopping Trees. Inquest At Exeter. - The Inquest adjourned from last Tuesday, relative to the death of WILLIAM JOHN PARR, aged 50, jobbing gardener, of Holsworthy, was resumed at Exeter on Friday afternoon, before the Deputy Coroner for the City, Mr H. Linford Brown. Deceased, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Monday, was stated to have sustained injuries by a fall, while lopping trees for the Rector of Holsworthy, Rev. R. L. Pitt Johnson. The Coroner now sat with a Jury, and Mr H. T. Michelmore appeared on behalf of the Rector of Holsworthy. - Rev. R. L. Pitt Johnson stated that deceased occasionally worked for him. On the day of the accident, Feb. 18th, PARR was cutting down a branch of a tree, about 15 feet from the ground. He was standing on a ladder and sawing off a limb. So far as witness knew the branch of the tree in its fall touched deceased and he fell to the ground. - Dr Robinson, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said PARR was admitted to the Hospital on Feb. 19th. He had a fractured humerus, dislocated shoulder and fractured collar-bone, all on the right side. An operation was performed to reduce the dislocation of the shoulder and deceased went on perfectly well until March 3rd, when he showed signs of erysipelas. He gradually got worse until the 12th, when he died. At the end he showed signs of general blood-poisoning. Death resulted from erysipelas, but this might not be the direct result of the accident. He had erysipelas in very bad form, due perhaps to low resistance, which might follow lying in bed as a consequence of the accident. - By Mr Michelmore: If the erysipelas had been the direct result of the accident witness would have expected it to have developed earlier. - Answering further questions by Mr Michelmore, witness said deceased's wife had visited her husband in the Hospital on several occasions. - The Coroner told the Jury that there were two verdicts open to them, either that death was due to accident from the fall, or that it was caused by blood poisoning following erysipelas. In this latter case the verdict should be one of natural causes. - The Jury found that death was due to Blood Poisoning accelerated by the Accident, and that deceased had not sufficient resistance to over come the blood poisoning. - The Coroner entered a verdict of Accidental Death.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 27 March 1928

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Suicide By Gas. - ROBERT MOORE, a Plymouth sorting clerk, remanded there on Saturday on a charge of stealing a postal packet containing two £1 notes and two 10s. notes, was found dead in bed at his home yesterday morning as a result of gas poisoning. At the Inquest a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. MOORE was married, with two children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 April 1928

KENTON - Kenton Crash. Motor Cyclist's Error Of Judgment. Inquest On Victim. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at the Devon Arms Hotel, Kenton, on Saturday,, on LIONEL STANLEY BALL, aged 21, of 6 Regent-street, Exeter, mechanic at Willey's Engineering Works, who was killed in a motor cycle accident near the village on Wednesday evening. - ALFRED ERNEST BALL, compositor, identified the body as that of his son. On the 4th he left home shortly after 7 p.m. to go to Dawlish with some friends. - Reginald Thomas Hooper, 24 Fore-street, Heavitree, who limped and whose head was plastered, said he left Exeter about 8.15 on Wednesday evening on a motor cycle, accompanied by George Hall (who was riding a motor cycle with a pillion passenger), Victor Boddy (also on a motor cycle with deceased on pillion), and Frank Quick (who had no pillion rider.) Just after passing the Kenton Mills, at about 20 to 25 miles an hour, witness's machine (which was second) suddenly skidded across the road, the back wheel having become locked. It came to a standstill about the centre of the road, with witness till in the saddle. Almost as soon as he became stationary, the third machine, with Boddy and deceased, crashed into him and he knew no more. He had no idea how far Boddy was behind. There had been no racing on the road. - Frank Arthur Quick, 9 Churchill-road, St Thomas, Exeter, said he was riding behind the machine carrying Boddy and deceased. He saw Hooper's cycle skid across the road. At that time he thought there were about ten yards between Hooper and Boddy. All were maintaining the same speed - about 20 to 25 miles per hour. After the collision he acquainted the first rider (Hall) of the fact and then immediately went back. Deceased was lying on the ground, but he did not see Boddy. Hooper was lying with his machine on his leg. Witness went to Kenton for a doctor. He had since examined Hooper's cycle and in his opinion the transmission chain had jumped off. That would cause the rear wheel to lock. - The Coroner: You are an expert cyclist. In your opinion, would ten yards be a safe distance to ride behind another cyclist? - Witness: Yes, sir; it should be. - George Edward Hall, 13 Oxford-street, Exeter, said he knew nothing about the affair until Quick rode up to him and said, "Tommy's had a smash." When he got to the scene deceased and Hooper were lying on the ground and Boddy was struggling to his feet. - Dr J. H. Iles, of Starcross, said BALL was dead when he saw him on the road. He had a fracture of the skull. - The Coroner told the Jury (of which Mr G. Knight was the Foreman), that he had received a medical certificate from the doctor attending Boddy that he was suffering from nervous prostration and would not be able to attend the Inquest that day. - The Jurymen saw no object in adjourning the Inquest for Boddy's attendance. They did not think, however, that 10 yards was a safe distance for one cyclist to ride behind another. - The Coroner concurred in this view. He said the fact that a collision occurred proved conclusively that 10 yards was not a safe distance if anything happened in front. There was an error of judgment. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

NEWTON ABBOT - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday concerning the death of ISAAC COYSH, retired farmer, aged 79 years, who was found on Friday night hanging in a shed at the rear of the house in which he resided at 8 Whitehill Cottages, Highweek. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 April 1928

EXETER - Self-Strangulation. Exeter Workhouse Tragedy. - At the Exeter Poor-law Institution yesterday Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on CHARLES HENRY CHUDLEY, a bricklayer, aged 50, who died in the Institution on Saturday. - Evidence of identification was given by DOROTHY AMY PAYNE, daughter of 32 Newcombe-street, Heavitree, who said her father had been suffering from delusions for some time. She last saw him alive on Wednesday. - Violet Ellen Bright, assistant nurse, said she saw deceased at 3.30 p.m. in the corridor with other inmates. Ten minutes later she found him lying on the bathroom floor with his back against the door and a knotted neckerchief around his neck and passed over the handle of the door. - Dr Pereira Gray said that when he arrived he found deceased on the floor. He tried artificial respiration without success. Death was due to strangulation caused by the neckerchief. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Times, Friday 13 April 1928
HARBERTON - Young Man Found Shot In A Wood At Harbertonford. - A tragic fatality befel WALTER JAMES CROCKER, a farm labourer, employed by Mrs Hoppin, of Woodcourt, Harbertonford. After dinner on Good Friday, Mrs Hoppin went to a friend's home and on her return she discovered that the cows had not been milked and CROCKER, who usually did this, was missing. She discovered that a single barrelled gun was not in its usual place and it was surmised that he had perhaps gone shooting and met with an accident. - Information was given to the Police and a search party that night failed to find the missing man. On Saturday, P.C. Tolley organised a systematic search in various directions and this resulted in CROCKER being discovered by Mr W. Peeke in a coppice on his farm at Hernaford. The unfortunate man had evidently been dead for some time. Beside him lay the gun and there was a shocking wound in his side. CROCKER was 25 years of age and unmarried. His body was removed to Woodcourt. - At the Inquest held on Monday evening by Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - A witness considered deceased was carrying the gun butt downwards and holding the barrel when the trigger caught in a bramble. The gun had no safety catch.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 April 1928

BICKINGTON - Bled To Death. Bickington Man's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by Mr Hacker (District Coroner) at an Inquest at Bickington, on Saturday, on WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, 69, grocer, formerly a farmer, of Church House, Bickington. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's son, MR E. W. WILLCOCKS, farmer, of Lower Levelane Farm, Bickington, who said deceased seemed quite as cheerful as usual when he last saw him on Thursday morning. As far as witness knew, deceased had no worries. - Dr G. M. Tanner said deceased must have bled to death in a few seconds, as the razor wound had severed the windpipe and the two large blood vessels on the left side of the neck. - Richard Mogridge, a lodger at the Church House, said he had supper with deceased on Thursday night. Witness went to the workshop at the back of the premises on Friday morning at 5.30, and found deceased lying on the ground. He called assistance. - MISS EMILY I. WILLCOCKS, who kept house for the deceased, said he seemed quite cheerful on the Thursday night and she knew of no worries. Deceased always rose very early in the morning. - P.C. Pearse, Ilsington, said he was called by Mr Christophers, and found deceased lying dead. A razor was on a plank close by and deceased had evidently sat on a saw-horse to injure himself. There was no doubt the wound was self-inflicted.

TEIGNMOUTH - "Children do not see danger and probably it is just as well they do not," observed Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, on Saturday night at Teignmouth in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" in the case of JOAN WATSON, aged 15, daughter of Mr A. H. WATSON of 33 Fleet-street, Torquay, who died from injuries received through falling through a trap door of a loft in Regent-street.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 April 1928

LONDON - Mystery Woman. Revelations At London Inquest. Colyton Links. - MRS MILLICENT NOWELL, a woman with many aliases, who died in St Mary's Hospital, London, after being found unconscious in a gas-filled room at a Bayswater Hotel, is, apparently, MRS MILLICENT MOXON, of Woodside, Colyton, who was adjudicated bankrupt while at Exeter last year. The receiving order was made on a creditor's petition, filed on May 13th, 1927, "the act of bankruptcy being that debtor had, since February 14th, 1927, absented herself from her residence with intent to defeat or delay her creditors." She was adjudicated bankrupt on June 16th 1927. She failed to submit herself for preliminary examination, did not lodge a statement of affairs, and also failed to attend for public examination. Consequently, a warrant was issued for her arrest and the examination adjourned sine die. So far as could be ascertained the unsecured liabilities due to 51 creditors amounted to £1,004 3s. 10d. and preferential claims (rent £24 13s. 8d and rates £4 16s. 3d.) to £29 9s. 11d., the assets (furniture) totalling £135 17s. The deficiency, consequently, was £897 16s. 9d. It was also intimated at the time that debtor (stated to be a widow) had been a nurse-companion to an invalid at Seaton for several years prior to October 31st 1925, when she became tenant of Woodside, Colyton, under an agreement of that date whereby she covenanted to buy the property at £675. Pending completion the vendor agreed to let her into possession at a rent of £45 per annum, payable half-yearly in advance. Debtor paid nothing in respect of the purchase money, but paid one half year's rent only. She furnished, to an extent, on credit, borrowed moneys and contracted debts for provisions, clothes and medical attendance upon an invalid son. One liability of £42 was due under a guarantee for one Captain Nowell. After leaving Woodside in May 1926, she was traced to various addresses. - At the Inquest it was stated deceased was found unconscious with her son, MR EDWARD NOWELL, who was recovering, but was not in a fit state to give evidence. Passports were found in the room in the names of MRS MILLICENT MOXON and EDWARD ALEXANDER MOXON. - Det.-Sergeant Nunn said he found four letters in the woman's room, one addressed to Capt. Nowell, and one to Mr Nowell, while the other two were unaddressed. One signed "M.M.~" which began, "Harry," said, - "I only wish to tell you that, as you have taken away all that made my life sweet and good, I am going to end it. I will not live to see this awful dishonour come to me - till I met you I loved life and all it gave. Now good-bye and may God judge you." - The Coroner said the second letter was apparently written from Llandudno, and spoke of putting everything into her solicitor's hands. - The letter from Nice, read by the Coroner, was as follows:- "Whatever happens to me that terrible man, NOWELL, has driven me mad. He says he is a bosom friend of Sir ..... and the Duke of ...... . I only know he came to us in the clothes he stands in and with a suit case full of empty bottles and papers. He has led me a terrible life . All he is out for is money. He stuck like a leech. I was an honest and greatly respected woman until "Captain Nowell," as he called himself, molested me in my rooms. He is a lazy coward and a terrible plausible liar. He has made my life a perfect hell." - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - Replying to the Coroner, Sergt. Nunn agreed that Nowell was a plausible woman, apparently, and got around people. "In consequence of that," said the Coroner, "one cannot say how much truth there is in these statements about other people." - Sergt. Nunn said the woman had been living with men for the past ten or twelve years. It was stated that the young man was not in a fit mental state to give any information as to the tragedy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 April 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM FRANK NEWTON, 49, claycutter of 3 Council Cottages, Ogwell, Dr G. M. Tanner expressed the opinion that deceased died from cancer of the liver, and that his death had nothing to do with injuries he received in a cycling accident in December. The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Times, Friday 27 April 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - South Devon Fatality. Newton Motorist And Devon General 'Bus. The Inquest Story. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot on Monday, on JOHN WESTAWAY, aged 46, dairy roundsman, of Victoria-place, Newton Abbot, who was killed while attempting to overtake a Devon General omnibus on the Bovey Tracey - Newton Abbot road, "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, said that no blame attached to the 'bus driver, William Charles Cole, Hele, Torquay. - It was stated by Frederick James Willcocks, Warborough-road, Torquay, who was sitting directly behind the driver of the 'bus, which was going towards Newton Abbot, that the vehicle had drawn out into the road to pass a push cyclist when WESTAWAY attempted to overtake it. He got a yard ahead and then the front wheel of the cycle struck the hedge and he was thrown. An experienced cyclist could have passed between the 'bus and the hedge. - Witness added that the 'bus driver signalled his intention of turning out into the road. - Cole stated he knew nothing of the approach of the motor cyclist until he heard a crash, and felt a bump at the rear of the 'bus. WESTAWAY did not draw level with the driver's seat. There were no marks on the 'bus after the occurrence. Witness had been driving 18 years. - Constable Bradford said after the accident deceased was lying six feet from the right hand hedge. The road was 22 ft. wide. From where the motor cycle first struck the hedge to where the body lay was a distance of 55 ft. A skidmark, probably caused by the handlebars, was 35 ft. 6 in. in length. The 'bus brake mark was 10 ft. 6 in., from the rear side hedge. The motor cycle was in top gear. - Mr P. H. W. Almy (representing the Devon General Omnibus Company): I would suggest the cyclist was proceeding at a considerable pace? - Yes. - Death was stated by Dr G. M. Tanner to be caused by haemorrhage and shock due to laceration of the right lung. Deceased sustained an extensive fracture of the right side of the chest, breaking several ribs, a broken collar bone and a fracture of the base of the skull. Witness could not say definitely whether the wheel of the 'bus had passed over him, or his machine had fallen on him. - Frederick Harris, Station-road, Bovey Tracey, who gave evidence of identification, said WESTAWAY had ridden a motor cycle for only a month. - Mr Edmonds remarked that WESTAWAY as an inexperienced driver, might have lost his head and driven into the hedge.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 April 1928

EXETER - "Asleep." Little Girl's Innocent Conclusion. Exeter Inquest. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on LEWIS FRANK WHITE, a "Gazette" newsman of 60 Paris-street, who was found hanging on Wednesday evening. - MRS EDITH LUCY LEY, 60 Paris-street, identified the body as that of her step-father, who was an old age pensioner. He had been very depressed since Christmas, when he lost a brother and his wife. On Wednesday evening witness went out and left deceased sitting in the kitchen. When she returned in about an hour and a half her little girl told her deceased was asleep in the wash-house. She went to see and saw he was hanging. - John Henry Clarke, licensee of the Axminster Inn, said he was called to 60 Paris-street, where he went to the wash-house and found deceased hanging from a rafter. In witness's opinion he was then dead. Deceased had not enjoyed the best of health, and there had been a great difference in him since his wife died. At times he was bright and jovial and on the last occasion he saw witness, a little earlier on Wednesday evening, he cracked a joke. - Dr P. Gray attributed death to strangulation caused by hanging. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 1 May 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday concerning the death of MRS JANE PHILLIPS, 74, of York-terrace, Kingsteignton, the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane." MRS MARY BOWDEN, daughter of deceased, said that of late her mother had complained of pains in the head, as though something was pressing on her head . She had no cause for worry. On Friday she remained in bed during the morning and at dinner time, when witness took up her dinner, she found her mother hanging to a bed-rail by a stout piece of string. Dr King said death was due to asphyxia, caused by strangulation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 May 1928

EXETER - Nail In Windpipe. Torquay Child's Death. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter Police Court, yesterday, on MAY WINIFRED SMITH, 14 months, of 16 Barton-hill-road, St Marychurch, Torquay, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital from the effects of swallowing a nail. - It appeared that the father, ALBERT EDWARD SMITH, was about to leave the house on Saturday, April 21st, when he picked up his apron and spilt some nails out of the pocket, but, being in a hurry, left his wife to pick them up. She did so with the exception of two. The child was playing on the floor, and, finding a nail, accidentally swallowed it. MRS SMITH tried to dislodge the nail, but failed. Dr Nancy Brace was called and ordered the child to be taken to the Torbay Hospital without delay. MR SMITH was later advised to take it to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital which he did on the Sunday afternoon. The following Sunday, April 29th, the child died. - Dr Manning, House Surgeon, said the nail lodged in the windpipe and caused pneumonia, and in his opinion the child had died from septic bronchial pneumonia.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 4 May 1928

BROADHEMBURY - Fatal Heart Attack. Broadhembury Man's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - heart failure" was returned at an Inquest conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, at Broadhembury on SAMUEL DORMAN, 22, farm labourer, who lived with Robert Blackmore, farmer, of Northill Farm, Broadhembury, and who was found unconscious on the road near West Town, Broadhembury, on the 28th ult. Evidence was given by two motor cyclists, William Frederick Hann, of North-st., Colyton and Donald McNeil, of George-st., Axminster, who found the man lying beside a hedge with one of his feet through the frame of his pedal bicycle. He was taken to a cottage, where he died before the arrival of a doctor. It was stated that the deceased had a weak heart.

Western Times, Friday 11 May 1928
CULMSTOCK - Much sympathy is felt in Culmstock with MRS VALENTINE and her daughter in the loss they have sustained by the death of MR JAMES VALENTINE of Quant's Farm, whose body was discovered in a small brook on the farm on Thursday last. An Inquest was held on Friday, but the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until Monday in order that a post-mortem examination of the body might be made. This revealed the fact that death was due to heart failure, and not to drowning, as was at first assumed. No water was found in the lungs, but deceased's heart was found to be extensively diseased. MR VALENTINE had partaken of a hearty dinner and it is supposed that he died while in the act of stooping down to look for some ducks in the stream, with the result that he fell forward into the stream, with his head under the water and his legs on the bank.

TOTNES - Totnes Fatality. Harbertonford Motor Cyclist Exonerated From All Blame. - "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at Totnes on Friday by Mr T. Edmonds on the infant child of MRS GILES, of Cornworthy, who was knocked down by a motor cycle near the Pannier Market at Totnes the same day week when alighting from a 'bus with the baby in her arms. - The mother, who escaped from the accident with only a few bruises, stated that she did not see anything coming when she started to cross the street. As she fell the baby fell out of her arms. After she got home about 10 p.m. the child started to scream and moaned all night. - Mrs Lamble said she handed the mother the baby and basket from the 'bus and did not notice a motor cycle behind it. - William E. Mortley, retired gardener, said the motor cycle was proceeding at a moderate pace. - Dr Howarth stated that Mrs Lamble brought the baby to him and told him MRS GILES had met with an accident, but he did not understand that the baby had also been in it. He thought it was brought for vaccination. Next morning he was telephoned for, and found the baby had convulsions. A post-mortem examination showed the cause of death to be concussion and laceration of the brain, with subsequent inflammation and convulsions. - John Henry Treeby, motor mechanic, Harbertonford, stated that when riding his motor cycle he saw a car pulling out behind the 'bus. The driver beckoned him on. When he came level with the front of the 'bus, GILES walked right into the front wheel of his motor cycle from between the 'bus and the car. It was a pure accident through MRS GILES crossing the road without looking. - The Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, observed that the accident happened in a flash and he did not see what the cyclist could have done. He could not say that the accident was in any way attributable to his carelessness. - In returning the verdict, the Foreman of the Jury expressed the view that traffic should go a little slower on market days.

TOTNES - Tragic Death Of A Totnes Butcher. - At the Inquest at Totnes on Saturday on PHILIP TRANT FOALE, butcher, whose body was recovered from the river near the Race Marsh on Friday, it was stated that deceased had recently suffered from his heart and nerves. - MRS FOALE said at times her husband was very low-spirited, and she was very anxious about him. His only trouble was the state of his health and the loss of his son. He had lately suffered from severe head pains. - Mr F. Revell, one of the executors of MR FOALE'S will, said on April 23, he received a letter from him, enclosing one marked "Not to be opened until death." He had since opened the letter, the contents of which were more or less private. It ended: "I am committing this act with my last love for all my children, which I have never wavered from - Dad." - The Coroner said a note in MR FOALE'S hat read: "Destroy contents of letter received." He was not going to read the other letter. - The Coroner found that deceased Committed Suicide while in a state of Unsound Mind.

ASHPRINGTON - Widow's Suicide. Pathetic Letters Read At Inquest At Ashprington. - "Suicide while Temporarily Inane," was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Ashprington, on Tuesday, on MRS FANNY CATER, a widow, of Yetson Cottages, Ashprington, who was found drowned in a mill leat, face downwards, in about four inches of water. Deceased was forty-two years of age and it was stated by her father, MR EDWIN SKINNER, that she had been far from well lately and had been unable to secure sleep. - Dr Ian Jefferies, who had attended deceased, said she always complained of worry and sleeplessness and had often spoken of her husband's death. She was afraid she would be unable to maintain her children. There was nothing physically wrong with her. Death was due to suffocation in shallow water. - The Coroner read a note (found on the kitchen table) which stated: "I have had to drink this whiskey to do this deed, because I am not insane. I am all my own self, but what I cannot stand is that woman. She is fair to one's own face, but behind one's back she is cutting one's throat." - The daughter said her mother did not like a certain neighbour, but was not unfriendly with her. Deceased had been very low-spirited for some time. She had a full bottle of whisky on Friday and it was nearly empty by the morning. - Police Constable Shackson, said MRS CATER was fully dressed, except for her hat and coat, which was lying on the bank. He found in the pocket a letter with two rings tied together. This letter was, "My own darling children, - O, my dears, it is so hard for me to think of leaving you all tonight, but it is for the best, because if I stayed with you I shall never do any more work. ... Do not stay here, my dears, someone will take you and love you. With my best love to all, also to my dear father. They have been so good to me. - From your broken-hearted mother." - The Coroner, in returning the verdict, expressed sympathy with the deceased's father and her children.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 12 May 1928

HONITON - Rail Fatality. Inquest On Yeovil Man Killed Near Honiton. Driver Exonerated. - Details of the railway fatality on Honiton incline, between Honiton and Seaton Junction, on Thursday, when ALFRED ERNEST RAYMONT, aged 49, assistant telegraph lineman, of The Firs, Crofton Park, Yeovil, was knocked down and killed by an express train, were disclosed at an Inquest conducted by the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, at the Honiton Poor-law Institution last evening. The Coroner had the assistance of a Jury. Inspector H. Layton, of Exeter, watched the proceedings on behalf of the Southern Railway Company, and Mr T. Phillips (solicitor, of Honiton) represented the family of the deceased and the N.U.R. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM JOHN RAYMONT, of Exeter, brother of the deceased, who said he last saw him alive at Exeter about two or three months ago, when he was in good health. George Sidney 'Tapscott, telegraph labourer, of Elsford Bungalow, Closworth, near Yetminster, said the deceased and he were working together on Thursday. They had completed what they had to do at Honiton incline signal-box, and were walking towards Seaton Junction, using the pathway beside the line - Exeter to London direction. Deceased was a little behind him. They were going to overhaul batteries and fittings at the distant signal, and were walking well clear of the metals. The 11 o'clock train from Waterloo passed them, and practically at the same time the 1.35 p.m. from Exeter passed. The train from London came towards them, and the train from Exeter came from behind them. "The trains met near where the deceased and I were walking," added the witness. "It was all a whirl, but the next thing I noticed was what appeared to be a bundle of rags flying off the side of the engine of the train from Exeter. On coming to myself I wondered where my mate was and it came to me that it was probably him." - Witness went on to say that he then saw an object on the line which he found to be one of deceased's legs, and papers and clothing were scattered about the line. Witness saw deceased's body lying on the embankment, with the head against the hedge. He put his hand over RAYMONT'S heart and concluded he was quite dead. Witness then ran to the incline signal-box and obtained assistance from Mr Frederick Down, a signalman who was off duty and was working in his garden. Witness had known the deceased for about ten years. "When I last saw him he was walking well away from the lines," he added. - By a Juryman: They were walking close together; deceased was probably about two or three feet behind witness. Witness said he personally had no intention of crossing the metals at the time. The distant signal was situated on the right-hand side of the metals and they were walking on the left-hand side, so they had to cross at some point. The fatality occurred just after 2 o'clock. - A Curve. - By Mr Phillips: Witness heard no whistle, but the noise of the other train might have prevented them hearing it, even if it was blown. - By the Coroner: There was a fairly big curve at the spot where the man was killed. - P.C. Morcombe (who represented the Police) asked if there was any conversation between deceased and witness as to where they could cross the line. - Witness: No. - John Thomas Dart of 93 Devizes-road, Salisbury, the driver of the 1.35 p.m. train from Exeter to Salisbury, said that about a quarter of a mile from the Honiton incline signal-box, and on going round a curve, he saw one man only walking along the pathway on the left-hand side of the rails. Witness turned his head and saw the man walking just as the engine passed him. At the same moment he saw "something" roll down the bank from his engine. The latter was travelling between 55 and 60 miles an hour. Regulations caused them to slacken speed when running down the incline now; they used to go down faster. At Seaton Junction witness stopped the train to examine his engine. He found some cable wire and small spots of blood on the left-hand side of the engine. He sent his fireman to the signalman to tell him the train had struck something, and the signalman said they had knocked down a man. Witness did not blow his whistle; there was no time to do so. - By the Foreman of the Jury (Mr W. Cox): When the train was going round the curve witness only saw one man walking. - The Coroner: When you saw this "something" tumble down the bank had you passed the other train? - Witness: We had just passed it, I should think. - By Mr Phillips: Witness did not see the man walking until the front of the engine was practically abreast of him. - The Coroner said this man must have been the witness Tapscott. - Alfred Northcote, of Park View, Wilton-road, Salisbury, fireman on the engine, said he saw nothing and knew nothing about the matter until Driver Dart told him the engine had struck something. The train was two minutes late out of Exeter. They were not trying to make up time. Driver Dart was a man of good character, with a good record. - Good And Careful Driver. - George Salter, of New-street, Honiton, permanent way inspector, produced plans, and, in answer to P.C. Morcombe, said the pathway beside the line as from 3 ft. 6 in. to 4 ft. wide, and was in good condition. - Fred William Coombes, divisional locomotive inspector, said Driver Dart had been in the employ of the Company for 40 years and witness had known him the whole time. "He is a man of first-class character," added witness, "A good and careful driver and, I believe I am correct in saying a lifelong teetotaller." - Driver Dart: That is so. - Inspector Coombes said the train was travelling at a normal speed for the spot - 35 miles an hour, or thereabouts, was not excessive or dangerous. - The Coroner: Even round the curve? - Witness: Even round the curve. Witness said the driver would not be able to see a man on the pathway until the buffer beam of his engine was practically abreast of him. In his opinion, deceased had stepped on the rail to cross the line. - P.C. Hawkins said he examined the spot and saw a mark of a sleeper in the middle of the up rails. He came to the conclusion that this was caused by the deceased's right heel. The body was thrown 24 feet clear of the rails and deceased's right leg was lying in between the metals. - Dr D. Steele-Perkins, of Honiton, described the terrible mutilation of the body and said the deceased was evidently struck from behind. Death was due to laceration of the brain and internal organs, and must have been absolutely instantaneous. - The Coroner, in summing up, said what was rather extraordinary was what induced the deceased to step on to the rail. It was an inevitable accident. - A Juryman suggested that the whistles of engines might be blown when trains rounded curves. - Inspector Coombes said there were miles of "road" on the Southern Railway with a series of curves and it would be an almost impossible situation for a driver to whistle when taking every bend. In some places there were complaints about excessive whistling at present. Regulations were that a driver must whistle if he saw anybody working on or about the permanent way In this case the driver did not see the last witness, Tapscott, until the buffer beam of his engine was practically abreast of him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that no blame attached to the driver. - The Coroner concurred and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 15 May 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Snapped Ladder. Rules Call For Inspection But Not Test. Newton Suggestion. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot, last night, concerning the death of JAMES JOSEPH WALKER, 27, labourer, who died at the Hospital on Friday, following injuries received by falling 47 ft. through the snapping of a ladder, at the electricity works, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - John Roots, Quay-road, Newton Abbot, contractor for the sheeting work, said a new ladder sent by Messrs. Pierson and Co., was rejected by him for this particular work because he found a split in the side at the top. The two ladders used were borrowed and to all appearances were quite sound. Witness spliced the ladders together and they did not break there. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, said the ladder which broken had been painted outside and appeared sound, but at one place inside it was absolutely rotten. It would be most useful to have some information as to testing such ladders before use. None of the witnesses knew of any test; they simply judged by outward appearances. - The Jury found that no one was to blame for the accident, but the suggested that in the regulations something should be included to say how a ladder of that sort should be tested before being used.

FARRINGDON - Fatal Delusions. Farringdon Farm Labourer Takes His Life. Coroner And Scandal. - How a Farringdon farm labourer, found hanging from a tree in the orchard at the back of his cottage on Saturday morning, imagined he was the subject of village gossip was unfolded at an Inquest held at Upham Farm, Farringdon, yesterday afternoon by the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, sitting without a Jury. The deceased - not the first member of the family to take his life - was HENRY RADFORD, 45, widower, of Upham Cottage, employed as a farm labourer on Upham Farm under Mr Sims. - Evidence of identification was given by GEORGE RADFORD, aged 15, son of the deceased, who said he last saw his father alive about 6.40 on Saturday morning. Witness came downstairs about 6 o'clock and lighted the fire. He then made some tea, and his father, who came down about three-quarters of an hour afterwards, had a cup of tea, and, witness believed, a piece of bread and butter. Witness said to his father, "A quarter to seven is not early enough for some of them." His father made no reply. He was thinking deeply, and appeared to be worried. Witness had never heard his father threaten to take his life. - The Coroner: Was he in trouble? - Witness: I understand he was. He told my sister about it, but he did not tell me. The deceased had been depressed for about a week. The previous week "he was as lively as anything." - BESSIE ELLEN RADFORD, daughter of the deceased, said she last saw her father alive on Friday night. When she went to bed he was sitting on a chair smoking his pipe, as was his custom. That was about 9.30 p.m. The deceased had told her something had been worrying him during the previous week. There was, he added, "talk" going on about him and it was not true, adding that the statement had been made that he was "carrying on with a woman," who was married and he did not like it. The deceased also complained that it had been said that he was trying to get a man out of his cottage in order that he (deceased) could go there himself. On Saturday morning witness's little sister said their Uncle Tom had been there and wanted to know where their father was. They thought he had gone to work, but the uncle said the deceased was not at work. Witness looked round the kitchen and saw her father's hat and pipe. "I went into the orchard," added witness, "and found him." Her father was hanging from a bough of a tree. Her father had told her that "the things being said about him" nearly drove him mad. - The Coroner: Did he confront any of the people who, he alleged, had been saying things about him? - Witness: Yes. He saw Mr Smeeth and Tom Heal. - Not Right Somehow. - John Henry Sims, of Upham Farm, said that about 11.15 on Saturday morning, the previous witness came to him and told him what had happened. Witness immediately went to the orchard, where he found the deceased hanging. His feet were about three feet off the ground. The rope was attached to the branch of a tree or stump. - The Coroner recalled deceased's daughter and asked her, "You had no idea that your father was intending to commit suicide?" - Witness: None, whatever. - The Coroner: He never said anything about it. - Witness: No. - Witness added that she was anxious about her father "because he was not right somehow." - Mr Sims, continuing his evidence, said he cut the body down. The deceased had said to him "The latest thing is they say I am trying to get a man out of his house." - The Coroner: Did he say anything to you about people talking about his going with another woman? - Witness: No. - John Sims, father of the last witness, said that last Tuesday the deceased complained to him that somebody was trying to get his daughter "out" of the school (which she cleaned) and to put another woman in. Witness tried to console him, saying the "talk" of which he complained would blow over. The deceased, however, did not appear contented with this assurance and on Friday he said he had been accused of going with another woman. He said he "could take his oath" he had had nothing to do with a woman since his wife died. The deceased mentioned the names of three persons whom he said had been talking about him. - Tom Heal, under-groom at Farringdon House, said he last saw RADFORD alive on Friday night in Farringdon Park. "When I got near him I saw he was looking very upset," said the witness. "I was surprised. As he got near me he took off his hat and put his coat, which he had on his arm, on the ground. He said, "This horse racing is getting to a high pitch isn't it? There is a woman in the case now, isn't there," and with the same he struck me in the face." Witness said he did not strike back, "but just kept the deceased off" for a couple of minutes, when he cooled down. When he was calmer, witness said, "Now, HARRY, what is the trouble?" The deceased said people had been saying he had been backing horses for a woman whom he named. Witness asked who told him this and the deceased said he heard it at Mr Dell's. Witness said, "Very good, we will go up and see him." The deceased then remarked, "No, it was not up there I heard it." Witness asked, "Where was it?" and the deceased replied, "I shan't tell you," adding "Don't come into my house again." - The Coroner: Had you been saying these things about him? - Witness: No, sir. I have known him for 2 ½ years, and we have always been on the best of terms. - The Coroner: You suggest it was entirely delusions? - Witness: Yes, I am certain. - A Voluntary Witness. - The Coroner asked if there was anybody else in the room who would like to give evidence, and William Edwin Smeeth said he would like an opportunity to do so. He was, he said, chauffeur to Mrs Putnam, of Farringdon House. "I have never done any harm to the man," he said. "He was a hard-working, honest man. We have always spoken to each other as we should do." The deceased was on the Farringdon estate on Friday morning and witness said to him, "What have you come up here for, HARRY?" The deceased replied, "I have come to see the governor." Witness said Mr Putnam was away. The deceased continued, "It is about the house; you say they are going to turn Marwood out of his house to let me go in." Witness said he had not said anything of the king, neither had he circulated any stories about the deceased. "He has been saying so much, the poor man did not know what he was saying," added the witness. - Dr H. S. Darbyshire, of Woodbury, spoke to having attended the deceased - latterly for teeth trouble and he had had his teeth out. There was a family history of insanity and other members of it had committed suicide. Death was due to asphyxiation caused by hanging. - The Coroner said the cause of death was abundantly clear. A good deal of the evidence he had taken was scarcely relevant, but he had taken it because he wanted, as far as possible, to ascertain the state of the deceased's mind. It was quite clear that he was under the impression that stories were being told about him, and he was depressed and worried. That, coupled with the family history, caused him (the Coroner) no difficulty in coming to the conclusion that the man was of unsound mind when he took his life The Inquest revealed how dangerous it was to circulate sandal - he (the Coroner) did not say such stories were circulated, but the seriousness of scandalous tales could not be over-emphasised. The witnesses, Tom Heal and William Smeeth, had given evidence very frankly. The Coroner thereupon returned a verdict that the deceased took his life when of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 21 May 1928

WITHERIDGE - Skull Blown Away. Witheridge Tragedy. - An Inquest was held on MR FRANK FOLLAND, 70, of Highfield House, Witheridge, on Saturday by Mr H. G. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner. MISS M. J. H. FOLLAND, sister, identified the body, and said that her brother was quite well on Friday evening. About 7 o'clock the next morning she heard her brother go downstairs and let out a dog, and then go to his bedroom again, when she immediately heard a gun explode. On going into the bedroom she found deceased lying on the floor with a gun beside him. MISS FOLLAND added that there had been insanity in the family, and deceased had been subject to fits of depression. Dr Price, who attended deceased, state that he found him lying in a pool of blood with three parts of his skull blown away. The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." Deceased was a bachelor and had independent means.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 23 May 1928

EXETER - Lifton Man's Death. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter Police Court by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, concerning the death of MR RICHARD SMALE BAILEY, aged 45, an engineer, of Lifton, who died as the result of an accident on Saturday. - JAMES BAILEY, brother, of Lifton, giving evidence of identification, said deceased was going from Okehampton to Lapford, where he was fixing machinery for the Ambrosia Milk Factory, and in crossing Bathe Crossways collided with a car and died on the way to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The motor cycle which his brother was riding was in perfect condition and deceased knew the road well. - P.S. Webber said he found the handlebars of the cycle twisted to the left and the front forks damaged. In his opinion, deceased saw the car crossing in front of him and swerved to the right and then collided with the rear of the car and slid along its side. Had he gone on he would have cleared the rear of the car. - James Coventon, motor mechanic, employed by Mr Hoyle, of Northtawton, said he was conveying a lady and two children to Northtawton Station, and approached the crossways at about 15 miles per hour, but slowed up in crossing. When he got a clear view of the Okehampton road he saw a motor cyclist "right on top of him" and swerved into the hedge. His impression was that the cyclist had passed his rear when he heard a crash and saw the cycle fall away from the car. He stopped the car, and, after attending to deceased, obtained assistance. - Replying to Mr T. J. W. Templeman (representing Mr Hoyle), witness said he was in no hurry to get to the Station, but probably had he been going faster the accident would not have happened. He heard no horn sounded by the deceased. - Mrs Finch, who was in the car, corroborated the statement of the driver, and said he could have done no more. - Dr Ralph Gardener de Koch (House Surgeon at the Hospital) said deceased was dead when he saw him, having died from a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner thought it a pure accident, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the car.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 26 May 1928

TIVERTON - Corner's Query. How Should Motor Cyclists Pass Pedestrians? Cullompton Inquest. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last evening on ALFRED JOHN HARKER, aged 72, retired commercial traveller, of London, by the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, who sat with a Jury. The evidence was to the effect that at about 10.30 a.m. on May 11th deceased, who was staying with his son, a G.W.R. employee at Cullompton, was crossing the road nearly outside the Conservative Club in the Higher Bullring, Cullompton, when he was knocked down by a motor bicycle ridden by Francis Henry Stevens, aged 23, jeweller, of Cullompton. The motor cyclist was coming from the direction of Willand and both he and other witnesses put his speed at from 15 to 20 miles an hour. There was uncertainty on the part of all the witnesses as to whether a horn was sounded but some said Stevens was on his wrong side of the road. Stevens himself said he was in the middle of the road because of the dangerous corner at Station-road. He did not see deceased step off the pavement. He was walking briskly and when he got up to him he appeared to jump forward. Witness swerved to the right to pass him in front. This, he said, was his practice, because he held that people were liable to jump back. Had he been driving slightly faster he would have passed deceased, but as it was his handlebars caught him. - Mr A. N. Lake, of Exeter, who appeared for the family, pointed out that the road was 30 ft. wide, and that as deceased was nearer to the off side of the road than the near side, Stevens ought to have gone behind him. Had Stevens done so, deceased might have been alive today. Deceased probably and naturally thought that the motor cyclist would not proceed on his wrong side of the road and therefore hurried forward. - Mr W. G. G. Seager represented Stevens. - The Coroner said there were three points for the Jury:- (1) Whether Stevens's pace was excessive; (2) Whether he kept a proper look-out, having seen deceased; and (3) Whether he took a wise course under the circumstances in trying to pass in front of him. There was no conflict of evidence as was usual in these running-down cases, as all the witnesses had given their evidence very fairly. There appeared to be a difference of opinion as to whether it was safer to cross behind or in front of pedestrians. Personally, he thought it was better to go behind, especially when, as in this case, the opposite course involved swerving to the wrong side. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but added no rider.

NEWTON ABBOT - Boxer's Death. Sequel To Collision on Newton-Torquay Road. "Civil Negligence." - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM JORDAN, baker, of Madrepore-road, Torquay, who died from injuries received in an accident on the main Newton Abbot-Torquay road, early on Thursday morning. Deceased was a well-known boxer who served in the 8th Devons as sergeant-instructor and was awarded the Military Medal. - The evidence showed that at 3.30 on Thursday morning he left home on a bicycle for Newton Abbot, where he was employed at the Co-operative Stores. P.C. Carpenter stated that after the accident deceased was lying astride his cycle on the footpath on his proper side of the road, and close by, also on the footpath, were his cap and the right pedal of the machine. It was raining at the time. - John Brock Leaman, motor driver, of Braddon-street, Torquay, said he was driving to Torquay a party of musicians who had been to Okehampton. His young lady was sitting in front with him. When he reached Milber Cross he saw a ark shape come towards the right wing of the car and a collision occurred. He found afterwards he had struck a cyclist. He could not explain how it happened, as he did not see the cyclist until he was right on top of him. He pulled up the car in its own length, as he was only driving from 15 to 20 miles an hour, owing to the greasiness of the road. At the time of the accident the car was on the crown of the road. - Replying to the Coroner, witness expressed the opinion that deceased was carried along on his machine after the accident. - Miss Florence Crump said she was riding by the side of the last witness. The cyclist, she said, seemed to come from nowhere. Apparently he had no light on his machine. - Dr Tanner said deceased was suffering from a large wound on the right side of the head, a cut on the right leg and bruises on the right foot and there were signs of fracture at the base of the skull. In his opinion, deceased could not have travelled any distance on the cycle after the accident, as he would have been unconscious from the moment of the blow. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was on his correct side of the road and that the motor car was on its wrong side. - Addressing Leaman, the Coroner said he had to tell him the verdict of the Jury was not quite, but was very nearly, a verdict of manslaughter. If there had been any evidence that he had been driving in a dangerous manner in regard to speed, then that, coupled with the fact that he was on the wrong side of the road, would have amounted to manslaughter. He had come to the conclusion that the verdict of the Jury, with which he thoroughly agreed, was that LEAMAN caused this unfortunate man's death by negligence called civil negligence. The Coroner added that the driving on the Torquay road was becoming far too reckless and he appealed to all motorists to exercise greater care and caution on a road that was fast becoming a racecourse.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 29 May 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Motor Victims. The Abbotskerswell Fatality: Inquest Opened. Car Brake Failure. - An Inquest was opened at Newton Abbot, yesterday, on PETER LOW SCOTT, aged 46, of Oakleigh, Abbotskerswell, Secretary of Messrs. Henley and sons' Cyder Company, Ltd., who died in Newton Abbot Cottage Hospital on Saturday night, following injuries sustained in a motoring accident on the Wolborough-Abbotskerswell road. Mr Frank White was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The Coroner, Mr Hutchings, said MR SCOTT was driving his wife and child in a motor cycle combination at a sharp corner above Woodview, leading from Wolborough Church to the cemetery. A motor car driven by Col. Moore, of Shaldon, was descending the hill and a collision occurred. Deceased's wife and child had a marvellous escape. It was only fair to say that, according to a statement made by the driver of the motor car to the Police, his hydraulic brake suddenly ceased to function and his front axle broke, so that the car was out of control. - Evidence of identification was given by Capt. Samuel Heath, retired Army officer, Linden-terrace, Newton Abbot. - The Coroner said MRS SCOTT would not be in a fit state to give evidence for some days and the Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday of next week.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 30 May 1928

YEOVIL, SOMERSET - Fatal Collision. Sequel To Broadhempston Man's Death. Yeovil Inquest. - The circumstances surrounding the death of a Devon motor cyclist - MR DENNIS GRANVILLE ANTHONY BELLETTI, aged 24, of Down, Broadhempston - were the subject of a Coroner's Inquiry at Yeovil yesterday. MR BELLETTI was riding a solo motor cycle towards Yeovil at about midday on Saturday and a collision occurred with a car going in the opposite direction driven by Mr Mark Levy of 163 Victoria Park-=road, South Hackney, London, of which Mrs Levy was a passenger. The motor cyclist received injuries from which he died in Yeovil Hospital without regaining consciousness. - A Jury was chosen, Mr A. J. Croft being Foreman. - JOSEPH PARKER BELLETTI, of Exmouth, a dairyman, gave evidence of identification. He said his son was used to driving both cars and cycles, and was a skilled mechanic. - The driver of the car, a costume and gown manufacturer, said on noticing the cross roads he sounded his electric horn, and, hearing no reply, took "the coast" to be clear. He had gone about 20 or 30 yards at a speed of 18 to 20 miles an hour when he saw the cyclist on the latter's wrong side of the road. The cyclist came down the bend in the road at a terrific rate. Witness realised that if he proceeded on his correct side of the road or pulled up deceased would crash into him. He therefore took what seemed to be the only alternative, and swerved on to the other side of the road to give the cyclist an opportunity to get through. Deceased was proceeding with his head down. He skidded when he apparently realised what was happened, and he came right into the car. - Osmond Henry Morgan, proprietor of a garage near by, said the driver of the car pulled it over slightly on its wrong side in order, witness though, that he could read a signpost. The motor cyclist approached on his correct side and when he saw the car was continuing on its wrong side he endeavoured to go further towards the middle of the road, but the car also went over to the centre, and the crash occurred. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he thought they would agree there was negligent conduct on the part of Mr Levy, but at the same time - and he put it to them strongly - he did not think it was of such magnitude as to render him liable to be sent for trial on a charge of manslaughter. - The Foreman said the Jury were of opinion there was some negligent driving on the part of Mr Levy, but that it was not sufficient to be criminal. The Jury also expressed the opinion that it was very wrong to have left the road from the right to the wrong side if such occurred in that case. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 1 June 1928

EXETER - Exonian's Death. Inquest Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest conducted yesterday by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, concerning the death of ARCHIBALD THOMAS OLIVER of 10 Leighton-terrace, Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a result of injuries received in a motor accident. Mr M. J. McGahey appeared on behalf of MR OLIVER. - MR W. A. A. OLIVER gave evidence off identification, and said his son was used to the motor cycle combination and had been driving for two years. In his opinion there was too much camber on the Stoke Canon road and that forced his son into the bank. - Cecil N. Hutt, 21 Walnut-road, Chelston, Torquay, said he was driving a Buick 28 h.p. car with seven passengers along the Stoke Canon-road. About a mile from Cowley Bridge he saw a young man driving a motor cycle and sidecar emerge from a side opening and fall in behind his car. There was another car in front of him. Several times he heard the deceased try to pass him and he signalled him to do so, but he did not. At last deceased apparently made up his mind to pass and the next thing witness heard was a scraping sound. He pulled up and ran back to the cycle and found deceased lying on the ground with his feet under the sidecar wheel. Witness freed his feet and placed him in a two-seater motor car which had appeared on the scene. In reply to Mr McGahey, witness denied preventing deceased from passing him, and said he could not understand why he went near the bank. - Mr Lawrence, one of the passengers, corroborated. - Mr A. L. Bowden, who was walking near the scene of the accident, said the cyclist was travelling at a fast rate - 40 or 50 miles per hour - and tried to overtake the car, but got into the side of the road and then the machine tipped up and deceased was thrown off. - In returning the above verdict, the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Times, Friday 1 June 1928
BRIXHAM - Badly Crushed Skull At Brixham. - At an Inquest at Brixham on Friday on HARRY WESTCOTT DOLTON, aged 22 years, mason, of Higher Steps, Brixham, who was killed through his motor cycle crashing into a wall on the Churston Ferrers-Brixham road on Wednesday evening, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The evidence went to show that deceased appeared to lose his head. Death resulted from a badly crushed skull.

EXETER - St Thomas Fatality. Old Man Struck By A Car After Falling. Driver Exonerated. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday afternoon, into the death of CHARLES JOHN DAVIS, who was killed as the result of an accident in Alphington-street, on Whit-Monday. He was assisted by a Jury. - Mrs M. Taylor, wife of the proprietor of the Exe Island Lodging House, said deceased had been residing there since March 2nd and came from Bideford. He was between 75 and 76, and was an old age pensioner. She last saw him on Monday morning. Every day it was his custom to go for walks. He was fairly hale and hearty and though his sight was not good, his hearing seemed satisfactory. - Henry Slack said that on Monday he was at the corner of Okehampton-street at about 5.15 and saw a Policeman wave to a motorist coming over Exe Bridge to proceed into Alphington-street, and saw the old man crossing the road from right to left. When he was about three parts of the way over he saw the car cover him and informed the Constable on point duty on Exe Bridge. The car was only travelling at about 10 miles per hour. - In reply to Mr Simey, of Messrs. Ford, Harris, Ford and Simey, who appeared for the motorist, witness said he could see deceased just before he was struck. The old man did not stumble. - Ernest Snellgrove, a lorry driver, of Haven-road, gave evidence similar to that of the last witness, with whom he was talking to at the time of the accident, and said he did not think the car was doing ten miles an hour. - P.C. Hooper, who was on point duty on Exe Bridge, said after signalling the car to pass him he heard a shout from Slack, and saw deceased under the car. His shoulder was under the front identification plate. He was quite conscious and said "I can't understand how it happened." - William Alford, the Ship Inn, Sidmouth, the owner and driver of the car, did not consider he was travelling at so much as 10 miles per hour. As he came round the corner the street was quite clear. The man made a dash in front of the car and as he stepped on the tram line he tripped up and fell on his back. Witness immediately applied the brakes. Deceased fell before he touched the car. - Dr R. H. Robinson, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased had fractured his left collar bone and was bleeding from his left ear. This was probably due to fracture of the base of the skull. Death was due chiefly to shock. His left eye had a cataract, and he was probably blind in it. He died the same evening at 8 o'clock. The injuries could not have been caused by being struck by the car and considered that no blame could be attached to the driver of the motor.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 2 June 1928

HOLCOMBE ROGUS - Death Mystery. Holcombe Rogus Child's Draught Of Friar's Balsam. Analysis Ordered. - An Inquest opened by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at Holcombe Rogus yesterday on WILFRED HENRY CREECH CHIDGEY, aged 3 ½ years, the child of MR S. CHIDGEY, carpenter and MRS CHIDGEY, was adjourned until Monday, June 18th, for an analysis of the stomach. - MRS BESSIE DOROTHY CHIDGEY, the mother, said the child always had good health. Last Friday evening she handed a bottle of Friar's balsam to a young man named William Vickery, who had toothache, to stop the pain. She went into the back kitchen, and about ten minutes later her little girl ran out and told her that WILFRED had been drinking the Friar's balsam. She had been helping witness and had gone to the kitchen to put some dishes away. The little boy rushed out at the same time and witness made him spit out what he had in his mouth. She saw it was Friar's balsam. She gave him a dose of liquorice powder, and he went out to play with his sister, going to bed about 9 p.m. He did not complain of pains, but the next day he did not seem quite himself. - She did not think the Friar's balsam would hurt and did not send for the doctor. On Sunday he appeared better and she gave him a spoonful and a half of olive oil. He also had some meat, potato pie and some sweets. He seemed bright on Monday evening and on Tuesday she gave him some more liquorice powder. On Wednesday the child had some tea in the morning, but said he did not want any breakfast. He lay in his cot until about 2 p.m., when she brought him downstairs and gave him to his father. She sent for the nurse but the child died the same afternoon. - William Alfred John Vickery, quarryman, said he used a little of the Friar's balsam and left the bottle on the kitchen table. There was no one in the kitchen then. There was about an inch of the balsam in the bottle. - Bessie Jane Dayman, District Nurse, who lives next door to the CHIDGEYS, said she saw fluid coming from the child's mouth, and a strange smell was noticeable. She considered the child was dead, but tried artificial respiration, without result. - Dr W. Browne, Sampford Peverell, said the child was dead when he arrived at 2.30 p.m. He discovered, in a post-mortem examination that the organs were quite healthy, except the kidneys, which showed a marked degree of inflammation. The stomach was full of fluid. He could not say what caused death or whether there was any poison. The state of the kidneys as he found them was consistent with an irritant poison. He could not say what the fluid was. Friar's balsam was not a quick-acting thing and he could not say whether the vomiting on the Wednesday was the result of taking Friar's balsam the previous Friday. Friar's balsam would be likely to cause inflammatory trouble such as he found, and might lead to other troubles, but which were not disclosed in this case by the post-mortem. - The Inquest was adjourned as stated.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 4 June 1928

EXMOUTH - Nerves. Fate Of War-Time Nurse At Exmouth. Mother's Ordeal. - The sad fate of a war-time nurse, the victim of a nervous breakdown, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner, at Exmouth Court House on Saturday evening. Deceased was MISS KATHLEEN OSMOND, and she had been living with her parents at Oakford, Avondale-road, Exmouth. - MRS ELIZA OSMOND, wife of CHARLES COLES OSMOND, retired bank manager, said she was the mother of deceased, and that her daughter had no profession, but acted as a nurse during the War. She slept in the same room with her daughter, and that morning woke up at about 4 o'clock, as she was a little nervous and found deceased was not in bed. Witness went downstairs, calling the nurse on the way down. On opening the scullery door she found deceased lying on the floor. The gas was turned on and she believed deceased was lying on her side. Witness was then joined by the nurse who had been engaged to look after deceased, as the latter was suffering from a nervous breakdown. No letter had been left behind by deceased, who some time ago went to Wonford House for a week, but was not happy there. Deceased was inclined to get up and walk about at night. - MRS OSMOND, in reply to Inspector Bastin, said that on May 22nd she reported to the Police that her daughter was missing and it was feared she would do herself some harm. On that occasion her daughter returned. Her fears that deceased would do herself some harm were aroused in consequence of what she had said previously. - Eleanor Coatley, trained nurse, said that on May 23rd she came to Oakford to look after deceased, who was highly nervous. Sometimes she appeared quite normal and at other times she was depressed and seemed to be afraid of being sent to some place where she would be kept. At about 4 o'clock that morning she was called by MRS OSMOND, and found her in the scullery holding deceased up and pulling her head out of the gas oven. They carried her out into the hall. She had a mark on her forehead and two on her back. Witness helped to undress her and had not previously noticed the marks, which were not likely to have been caused by violence. - Under Observation - CHARLES COLES OSMOND, father of deceased, said that on Friday at 11.30 a.m. he went to London. He thought his daughter during the last few days had been a little better. On the occasion when she last went away for a few hours she returned and said she had been for a walk. She seemed perfectly rational then. She went to Wonford House simply for the observation of a specialist, who had been to see her and said he would like to keep her under observation for a few days. After she had been there a week witness went to see her and found she was most unhappy. As he did not think the surroundings would be conducive to her recovery, he preferred to take her away. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said the doctor had not found it necessary to certify deceased. - Dr Lionel de Glanville of Exmouth, said he first attended deceased on May 24th. He found her mentally depressed, but she answered his questions quite rationally, and he recommended that she should never be left alone. On being called at about 4.30 that morning he found deceased lying on the hall floor. She was dead, and he came to the conclusion she died from coal gas poisoning, and had been dead about an hour. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said the three small abrasions on the skin were probably caused by running against something. He had no reason to believe they were caused by any other person. - The Deputy Coroner said the evidence was clear, and called for little comment. The family had been warned to look after deceased, and had done everything possible. He recorded a verdict that deceased died from Coal-gas Poisoning and Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind. He expressed sympathy with the parents.

EXETER - Business Worries. Inquest On Exeter Master Printer. Skull Split. - An Inquest was conducted on Saturday evening by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Exeter Coroner, into the circumstances surrounding the death of a well-known Exonian, MR WILLIAM JOHN CORNWELL, aged 66, master printer, who was killed on the G.W.R. line at St Thomas's Station on Thursday. After a short deliberation, the Jury found that deceased Committed Suicide whilst his mind was unhinged by business worries. - HENRY GEORGE CORNWELL, son, gave evidence of identification, and said his father had financial worry in connection with the business, but not to a great extent. Witness did not know why his father was at the Station. - Evidence that deceased seemed preoccupied on Thursday morning, was given by his foreman, Ernest James Brooks of 32 Okehampton-road, who, however, described deceased as very level-headed and not of a worrying nature. - Edward Richards, a G.W.R. lampsman, of 28 King Edward-street, said that on Thursday he was walking from the city to St Thomas's Station, and when about 150 yards from the latter noticed a man standing on the edge of the down platform at the extreme end where it sloped. Witness shouted as loudly as he could to draw the man's attention to an oncoming express. The man appeared not to notice the shouts, and, except for one glance at the road, kept his attention fixed on the train. When the latter drew near he stepped on to the line and was struck immediately by the near side of the engine. Witness then informed the signalman and Station-master of the tragedy. In reply to Mr M. J. McGahey (representing an Insurance Company) witness agreed that deceased could have no feasible purpose in going to the end of the platform. - The driver of the engine, James Reed, of 2 Rugby-road, St Thomas's, said he sounded his whistle just before entering the Station, and saw nothing of deceased as the train ran in, and, in fact, did not know a man had been killed until he was told later. - P.C. Gribble, who was summoned to the Station, said the body was almost 60 yards from the platform, in the middle of the down line. He found no railway ticket on deceased. - Dr J. Pereira Gray, who examined deceased, stated that the skull had been split, causing the brains to protrude, and this was the immediate cause of death. - Chief Divisional Inspector Mapledoram represented the G.W.R.

PLYMOUTH - Ugborough Collision. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth on HARRY FOALL ROBERTS, aged 21, of Bickham Farm, Diptford, North Huish, who was killed as the result of a collision with a motor car at Kittaford Cross, near Ugborough. The Jury attached no blame to the driver of the motor car, Mr Nicholas Wakeham, of the Central Stores, South Brent.

MODBURY - Fear Of Blindness. - At an Inquest on EDGAR GEE, rate collector for the parish of Modbury, near Plymouth, and Clerk to the Parish Council, who had lost the sight of one eye after an operation, and fearing that the other was steadily getting worse, cut his throat in a state of depression, a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 5 June 1928

BRIDFORD - Skull Crushed. Fatal Accident At Bridford Quarry. Inquest Verdict. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest at the New Bungalow, Bridford, yesterday, concerning the death of ERNEST HENRY WILLS, quarry driller, employed by the Scatter Rock Macadams Co., who died on Friday as the result of a stone falling on him while engaged at the Summit Quarry, Bridford. Mr R. King (St Austell), District Inspector of Mines, watched the proceedings, and Mr F. P. Cottey (Exeter) represented an insurance company concerned. - WILLIAM HENRY WILLS, Christow, father of the deceased, gave evidence of identification. - John James Tapper, Bridford, quarryman, employed by Scatter Rock Macadams, said he was working with deceased, who had been engaged in drilling stone. Witness saw a stone weighing about 1 ½ cwt. strike deceased, but where it came from he could not say. When he reached the spot WILLS was dead. - George Wills (Christow), charge hand at the quarry, said he had seen deceased drilling stone before he went to breakfast, and his instructions were to continue doing so after breakfast. Following the accident witness went to the quarry, examined the body and saw a large stone near. An examination of the quarry that day showed everything to be in order and there were no indications of loose stones. The last time blasting took place in the quarry was nine days previous to the accident. - By Mr Cottey: The whole of the quarry was inspected by a Government Inspector on May 30th. - Dr Nicholls (Dunsford) said death was due to a fractured skull. - The Coroner said all the rules and regulations governing the working of quarries had been observed and the accident was one of those unfortunate and regrettable occurrences which no one could foresee. - After a short retirement the Jury expressed a wish to hear the general manager of the company. - Mr E. Dalton was called and said George Wills had been in the employ of the company for five years and had been acting as chargeman for a considerable time before October. Witness was satisfied with the way in which he had carried out his duties. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 June 1928

TOPSHAM - BILLE is Drowned. "Mummy , You Won't Cry, Will You?" Countess Wear Pathos. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" as returned an at Inquest held by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, at Countess Wear yesterday on HUGHIE WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, who was drowned on Saturday. - MRS E. M. GRIFFITHS, mother, said her son was six years and five months old. She last saw him alive between five and six o'clock on SAturday when he left with some other children to play in the polo field. She was not aware at the time there was a pond in the polo field or any water around that spot; but had heard her children talk about the "fishpond." She knew the children would have had access to the river Exe if they had gone over the bank. Witness had repeatedly warned her children never to go near water. the children in whose company deceased was on this occasion, were his regular playmates. - The first intimation she had of the accident was when her little daughter, FREDA ran to her in the back kitchen, about seven o'clock and, putting her arms on witness's shoulders, said, "Mummy, you won't cry, will you." - On asking what for, witness was given the answer, "Little BILLIE is drowned." - Witness's husband, being a patient of the Ivybank Institution, Exeter, was away at the time. Witness ran to the field and on the way met two men whom she asked to assist her in getting her little boy out of the water. The men left witness to do so, and she followed them. - "Save Him." - Doris Ivy Gooding, aged 12 years, daughter of Hubert Henry Gooding, gardener, Countess Wear, deposed that she went to play with some other children, among whom was deceased, in the polo field. She knew of the existence of the lake over the hedge of the field, but had never during the 12 months she had resided at Countess Wear, been over the fence into the field in which the pond was situated. She did not know she had no right to go on the lake, and no one said anything about not going on to it. Her mother and father had warned her against going near any water in the polo field. Some railings and the gate of the fence had been broken down, making access to the lake easy. They played hide and seek among the trees for a quarter of an hour before going on a raft on the water. - On getting on the raft Sam Mortimore led the way while the rest, with the exception of Mortimore's little brother, followed. They had crossed the pond once, using paddles they found aboard and it was as they were returning that "BILLIE" fell out. Witness noticed that, before deceased fell out, the gate of the raft, which was surrounded by railings, was open, and she believed the accident occurred when deceased went over to shut it. When over on the side of the gate he lost his paddle and she actually saw him fall into the water. He fell in on the side of the raft nearest the centre of the lake, where the water was fairly deep. Witness saw deceased three times after he had fallen out. All of the children said "Save him," and it would have been easy to do so, as he was not more than arm's length away from the edge of the raft They were too frightened, however, to do this. - Wind-Driven Raft. - Sammy Mortimore, aged 11, son of James Mortimore, gardener, Countess Wear, said he did not know who first suggested going on the lake. The gate and railings barring entrance to the raft had been broken down before Saturday. Witness had been on the raft several times before, but had not told his parents. On this occasion witness was using one paddle and deceased the other. He did not notice whether the gate of the raft was shut. Deceased fell into the lake from the side nearest the edge of the lake where it was not very deep. Witness only heard the splash as deceased fell in. In trying to save him, he put the remaining oar on the floor of the raft and on turning to get the oar to hold out to the deceased, found it had rolled off. Wind had then driven the raft too far away from the boy and they had to give up the attempt to save him. They then got ashore by drifting until they could get hold of the branches of a tree by which they pulled themselves in. On getting ashore he informed a man who was near by of the accident. The man came over to the pond, and, as he could not see the body, telephoned the Police. Witness then went home and told his mother. - Rescue Work. - James Mortimore, father of the previous witness, stated that his son came to him between six and seven o'clock and said his mother had sent for witness to get the grappling irons at the Hotel, and try to get BILLY GRIFFITHS out of the fishpond into which he had fallen. Witness immediately got on his bicycle, got the grappling irons, and went to the lake, on the way to which he met P.C. Winder, of Topsham who had come in response to a telephone message. On reaching the pond they immediately started to search, with the result the body was recovered 10 or 15 feet from the bank of the lake opposite the polo field. Witness himself had help to build the raft for Mrs Eveleigh, for the purpose of allowing her children to play on it. The body was recovered at a spot where there were five or six feet of water. It would not have been easy for the children to save the boy, as it required all witness's strength to bring the body to the shore, the lake being so full of weed. - Dr Mary Foulkes deposed to receiving a message at exactly eight o'clock, in consequence of which she saw the body of deceased in a car near his home. She found the usual signs of death due to drowning. Deceased had been dead about an hour and a half. - P.C.'s Wakley and Winder said they could offer no supplementary evidence. - Mr Stevens, in returning the verdict, said he had had a look at the pond, and it seemed to him that it would have been dangerous for the other children to try to recover deceased, as in trying to do so they would have possibly lost their own lives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 June 1928

EXETER - Drink And Delusions. Sad Story At Inquest on Sampford Courtenay Man. "Unsound Mind." - "I suppose I shall have to go to the Assize for having done this," was the remark attributed to SIDNEY ROBERT LUXTON, 43, of Sampford Courtenay, who was found with his throat cut in a field at Sampford Courtenay on Monday and died a few hours later in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The evidence showed that deceased, who was formerly a farmer, had lately been on tramp and had been drinking heavily and suffering from delusions for some years. The Deputy Coroner, Mr Hamilton Browne, returned a verdict that the wound was Self-inflicted and that deceased was Temporarily of Unsound Mind. - The widow, who identified the body, said up to about two months ago her husband lived at Western Barn, Morchard Bishop. She believed he had been on tramp since. He had been drinking heavily for a long time. They gave up farming about twelve months ago and since then they had been mostly living apart. They used to farm Clystland Farm and while there he was under the doctor on account of drinking. For some time he lived with his brother at Western Farm. She last saw him on Saturday, when he called on her and stayed about 1 ½ hours. She asked him to go to Coleridge, where another brother lived, but he did not say he would go. He appeared normal, but dense. He had often said something about taking his life, and in August 1926, he was queer, and a Constable was sent for. - George Yeo, farm labourer, of Northtawton, stated that on Monday afternoon he heard someone shouting in a field near Cullamerd-road, Sampford Courtenay. He heard the shout again, and as it was an unnatural cry he went back and saw LUXTON lying on his back on some straw in a corner of the field. "I saw he had a gash in his throat, and I asked him what was the matter." He said, "Someone has done me a dirty trick." - The Deputy Coroner: Did you take it from that that someone had cut his throat? - The witness replied that he could get nothing further out of the man. He questioned him for several minutes afterwards, but he did not say anything more, only kept opening and shutting his eyes and shaking his head. Witness, therefore, went to Northtawton to fetch a doctor and the Police. He did not find a knife and others had since searched without success. There was an empty "Johnny Walker" bottle which had contained cider. - P.C. Burgess described how he unsuccessfully searched for a knife, but there was long grass into which it could have been thrown. He saw no signs of a struggle. Later he interviewed Samuel Attwell, who had a conversation with LUXTON before witness arrived. - Attwell said LUXTON said to him: "I suppose I shall have to go to the Assize for having done this." - The Deputy Coroner: Have you made inquiries as to where he was from the Saturday to the Monday? - Witness: He was at Okehampton and Northtawton. - The Deputy Coroner: He was practically on tramp? - Witness: Yes, he was undoubtedly. He added that he had known LUXTON for about two years and he was a man who drank very heavily. - In August 1926 witness received a telegram from LUXTON asking him to visit him. "I did" said Burgess, "and he then informed me there were two men (he gave their names) chasing him with a gun and trying to shoot him." - The Deputy Coroner: He was suffering from delusions? - Witness: Oh, yes. There was not an atom of truth in the complaint. In those days he drank as much as 10s. worth in one day. - MRS LUXTON was recalled and the Deputy Coroner handed her a writing pad on which a long letter had evidently been written, and witness said it was her husband's writing. - Dr Manning, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said LUXTON was admitted on Monday suffering from a cut throat. No vital structures were cut, but the cut was rather extensive. Witness asked him what had happened. The man was not clear in what he said, but witness understood him to say that someone had been following him from Newton Abbot and meant to get him. Witness thought he must have been suffering from delusions at the time. The writing produced was found on him. - The Deputy Coroner: Does it seem to you that the writing was by a man quite in his right mind? - Witness: I should not think so. - The impression one gets from the writing is that it is the writing of a man who intended to do something very desperate? - Witness: Yes. He added that death was due to haemorrhage and shock. The wound could have been self-inflicted. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from a Self-inflicted Wound in the Throat, while he was Temporarily of Unsound Mind.

Western Times, Friday 8 June 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - Error Of Judgment. Jury's Expression In South Devon Inquest. Abbotskerswell Man's Death. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot, Tuesday, on PETER LOW SCOTT, aged 46, an accountant, of Oakleigh, Abbotskerswell, who died from injuries received when his motor cycle combination came into collision with a motor car. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the driver, Colonel Guy Moore, Silverdale, Shaldon, was guilty of an error of judgment, having regard to the fact that he knew the hill near Wolborough Church, Newton Abbot, where the collision occurred and did not take precaution to ascertain that his brakes were in such condition as not to endanger anyone using the road. - Mr E. Hutchings conducted the Inquiry, Mr M. J. McGahey representing the widow, and Mr P. W. H. Almy the driver of the car. - The widow, who was riding in the sidecar with her son, informed the Coroner that they had been into Newton Abbot to do some shopping, and were returning by way of College-road. Just beyond Wolborough Church there was a sharp left-hand bend. Her husband was on the correct side, close in, and she did not hear any hooter sounded as they were going round the bend. She could not remember distinctly if her husband sounded his hooter. "I saw a big, dark-coloured car," continued witness, "on our side of the road. It absolutely dashed into us. I saw my husband get off the bicycle and stagger on the road and my baby started to cry. I then saw my husband lying in the road." Her husband never went into top gear, and always proceeded steadily, as she could not stand the jolting. - James Rowe, solicitor's clerk, Waltham-road, Newton Abbot, said he saw the motor cycle pass him at a slow pace on its correct side. He heard a crash, saw the combination being pushed back by the motor car. When he arrived on the scene both vehicles were tight in on MR SCOTT'S side of the road. - P.C. Wood gave evidence as to measurements. - Albert C. Bulpin, motor engineer, said the motor cycle was badly damaged in the front, and among other injuries to the car was a broken front axle, which although not flawed, was brittle through weakening by crystallisation. The hydraulic four-wheel brake system was defective. There was also a handbrake which was in order. It was possible for the four wheel brakes to go wrong suddenly. - Dr G. M. Turner stated that MR SCOTT sustained a penetrated wound of the left groin and two large veins were torn, resulting in haemorrhage. Death took place the day after the accident from shock caused by the injuries. - Percival Victor Dayman, garage proprietor, said on May 8th the brakes of the car were relined. On May 24th he adjusted the brakes and gave the car a thorough testing, which was repeated the next day. - The driver of the car, Colonel Moore, said he was returning from Ivybridge and previous to arriving at Wolborough hill had magneto trouble, which was rectified, but occurred again at Wolborough. Restarting they got to the top of the hill, which he knew well. A little way down the car began to gather speed. He began to press the foot-brake, but found it out of action. He put on the handbrake but found the camber of the road drew the car towards the stone wall, and to avoid the wall he slewed the car round and went for the bend. There was nothing in sight and he heard no horn sounded. The car struck the bank, went along it some distance and came off again into the roadway. Witness could not say when the axle broke. At that moment the motor cycle combination appeared on the bend and they crashed. - The Jury added a rider that it was desirable that a warning sign should be erected at the top of the hill.

TIVERTON - Boy Killed AT Tiverton. Juryman And The Value Of Children's Evidence. - At an Inquests at Tiverton on Monday, held by the Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutson, on the body of HAROLD OSMOND, aged 7 years, who was knocked down and killed on Saturday by a motor car, driven by Mr Frank Boundy, of the Railway Hotel, Tiverton Junction, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the car driver of all blame. They expressed sympathy with the relatives of the child in their bereavement. - Mr Frank Boundy said he came round in his car the corner from Blundell's-road into Station-road very slowly, well inside the white line, and after sounding his horn several times. Entering Station-road he saw there was no traffic about, and looking straight ahead he suddenly noticed a boy right in front of the car. Witness was not sure which side the boy came from, but judging by his position witness thought he might have come from the right-hand side of the road. The boy was only a few feet from the car when witness saw him first. He immediately applied the brakes and turned slightly to the right. The car was stopped within six feet almost of the boy. - Harold Stuart Smart, of Bickleigh, said there was no chance of the driver seeing the boy. - Gerald Harris, aged 11 years, said deceased ran across the road and when about six feet from the footpath on the other side was struck by the car. - Mr M. J. McGahey, for Mr Boundy, said the position of deceased's basket tended to confirm Mr Smart's statement. - During the hearing, one of the Jurymen doubted the wisdom of calling children to give evidence, asserting that their statements would not be relied on. - The Coroner explained that they had to call the best evidence available and adult witnesses were called in preference to children.

EXETER - Silverton Tragedy. No Negligence Attaching To Cullompton Motorist. - An Inquest was conducted at the Court House, Exeter, on SAturday, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, relative to the death of LUCY ELLIS, a 12-years-old girl, who died on Thursday week, following injuries sustained when cycling near Silverton Railway Station. - GEORGE ELLIS, railway packer, living at King-street, Silverton, identified the body as that of his daughter. - Phyllis Wood, Parsonage-lane, Silverton, stated that deceased and her were cycling at Silverton on Thursday. She was in front of deceased, and they were coming back from the Railway Station towards the direction of the village. A motor cyclist passed on his correct side of the road and a horn was sounded. Witness later heard a crash, and looking round saw deceased lying by the side of a hedge in the road. - P.C. Middlewick said the skid marks showed that the motor cycle was 6 ft. from the near side of the road at the time of the collision and there would, therefore, be a clear 10 ft. for anyone to have passed. - Frederick Pollard of Bradninch, and in the employ of the Devon County Council, said he was in a lorry, which was in by a landing place near the scene of the accident. He heard the motor cyclist sound his horn, and next heard a crash. He looked round and saw the little girl lying in the gutter. The motor cycle was upside down and the rider was on top of it. - Charles Thomas Cousins, insurance agent, of Cullompton, the motor cyclist referred to, said on Thursday he was cycling along the Silverton-road, and when he saw the two little girls he was travelling at 10 to 15 miles per hour. At the time the road was clear, except for the children, one of whom was a little way in front of the other and it was possible to see for some distance. In witness's opinion the children were going in the same direction as himself, and if that were so they were on their correct side. As he came up to them, one of them appeared to dismount and seemed to turn right round. Witness felt the impact but after that he was dazed for some time and was unable to remember anything more. - At this stage P.C. Middlewick told the Jury that deceased's bicycle was not scratched. - Dr de Koch, Casualty Officer at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted on May 31st being dead at the time. A post-mortem showed that there was a deep wound in the chest and a fracture just above the right ankle. Death, in his opinion, was due to shock and haemorrhage, following the injuries. - The Coroner intimated that there did not appear to be the slightest negligence on the part of Mr Cousins. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

ASHBURTON - Buckfastleigh Tragedy. Inquest on Man Who Ran In Front Of Omnibus. - "The Jury consider the driver of the 'bus did everything in his power to avoid the accident," said Mr J. Osborne, Foreman, at the Inquest at Ashburton on Friday, on WILLIAM TURNER, aged 62, cattle drover, of Pilley Cross, Ashburton, who was knocked down by a Devon General Omnibus and severely injured, on Whit Monday at Buckfastleigh. - The verdict returned was "Accidental Death." Mr T. Edmonds conducted the Inquiry, at which Mr P. W. H. Almy, Torquay, represented the Devon General Omnibus Company. - William George Petherbridge, mill foreman, Bossell-terrace, Buckfastleigh, said about 7.30 p.m. he noticed a 'bus starting from the terminus at Buckfastleigh and proceed some 12 or 15 yards toward the Plymouth road. TURNER came round the corner, waving his arms, and standing almost in front of the vehicle, with the intention, witness thought, of either stopping it or springing on. The 'bus then interfered with witness's view. Witness considered the driver had no chance to pull up. - P.S. Hall: Was TURNER acting in a normal way? - No, he was very excited. - The driver, Fredk. Wm. Heath, of 34 Broadlands Avenue, Newton Abbot, said he started the 'bus and was in the act of changing from second to third gear when he saw a man run in front of the 'bus. Witness applied his hand and foot brakes, but could not avoid knocking him down. TURNER'S sudden appearance made it impossible to pull up. - Constable Abrahams, who gave evidence as to the width of the roadway, said he had to speak to TURNER himself the same afternoon respecting the manner in which he was standing in front of motor cars. Witness was on duty at Dean Bridge, and told deceased he was taking risks. Witness saw deceased walking in front of a car and the driver was sounding his horn, but TURNER took no notice. Undoubtedly, added witness, TURNER had been drinking.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 8 June 1928

THROWLEIGH - Throwleigh Inquest. Sequel To Fall. - Mr G. J. Atkinson has held an Inquest at Leigh Cottage, Throwleigh, on ANN MAY, a widow, aged 77, who died there on Tuesday. MRS ELSIE MAY, daughter-in-law, said that on 17th February deceased fell when walking across the kitchen. She said she had only knocked herself a little, but Dr Purvis, of Chagford, was called in, and had attended her ever since. The doctor said death was due to hypostatic pneumonia following a fractured femur. At deceased's age this was the natural consequence to be expected from the injury. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 12 June 1928

BROADHEMPSTON - Death Mystery. Broadhempston Slaughter-House Tragedy. Open Verdict. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Broadhempston, yesterday, concerning the death of NORMAN LEE WOOLDRIDGE, 18, who was found shot in a slaughterhouse at Broadhempston on Friday. - Alfred James Jones, butcher, said deceased entered his employ in January and there had never been an angry word between them. Deceased went on his round as usual on Friday, and returned during the afternoon. Witness found him lying in the slaughterhouse about 7 p.m. There was a gun beside him and a stick across his legs The gun belonged to witness. No cartridges were kept by him in the slaughterhouse and he did not think deceased knew where he kept them. So far as witness knew deceased had no trouble of any sort. He was of a lively disposition and always jovial. - P.C. Olding said no message to throw any light on the matter was left by deceased. He had made inquiries, but could find no reason for deceased committing suicide. He had £33 in the Post Office savings bank. - Dr Sealy (Ipplepen) said he knew deceased well and he was a remarkably cheerful young man. He wondered if a cartridge got jammed in the gun and deceased was trying to remove it with the stick. - Mr Jones, replying to the Coroner, said he never left any cartridges in the slaughterhouse. What he did not use he always took back to the house. Deceased lived with him as one of the family and appeared to be very happy with them. - William Gould, farm labourer, said he spoke to deceased as the latter was entering the slaughterhouse on Friday evening, and he appeared to be as cheerful as usual. - The Deputy Coroner said it was a most mysterious case from certain points of view. There was no absolute proof that deceased committed suicide and the stick might have been used for some other purpose. He thought his safest plan was to return an Open Verdict, there not being sufficient evidence to show how the wound was inflicted.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 13 June 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Constable's Death. Sequel To Collision Near Ideford. Driver Exonerated. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot, yesterday concerning the death of P.C. WILLIAM GEORGE TOLLEY, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the car driver, Mr A. J. Horton, electrical engineer, of the Iron Bridge, North-street, Exeter, from all blame. Deceased died in Newton Abbot Hospital on Monday from injuries received in an accident while motor-cycling on the Exeter-Newton main road near Ideford Arch on Sunday night. - P.S. Elworthy, Chudleigh, said he was on the scene immediately after the accident. The front part of the car was badly smashed and the off front tyre punctured. - Walter George Friend, Sandygate, Kingsteignton, who was riding pillion on deceased's motor-cycle, said the accident happened on a bend near the eleventh mile-stone on the Exeter-road. They were proceeding towards Newton Abbot at an ordinary speed and were on their proper side of the road. As they turned the bend witness saw a motor car coming towards them, and after that he did not remember anything. There was nothing about the speed of the car to attract special attention. He did not remember anything of the accident. Witness added that he had only once previously ridden pillion and that was with deceased. - Mr A. M. Alford (for Mr Horton): The car was only two feet from its proper side of the road? - Yes, sir. - Arthur John Horton, electrical engineer, of 6 Iron Bridge, Exeter, said he had driven since 1904. As he came to the bend he was proceeding at not more than 20 miles an hour and the car was on its correct side. He saw the motor cyclist approaching at what he considered to be a very fast pace and the cyclist seemed to be in the centre of the road. Witness naturally thought he would pull across to his left hand side, but as he approached the motor cycle appeared to wobble and struck the off front wing of the car. That deranged the steering gear of the car and he then applied his brake, the car turning to the off side of the road. Deceased and the pillion rider were afterwards found lying in the road, there being some distance between them. - Answering questions, witness expressed the opinion that the motor cycle might have wobbled because of something to do with the steering, or because the pillion rider moved. The light was good at the time. - Similar evidence was given by Ernest Henry Whittaker, of Elmside, Exeter, who was riding in the front of the car. - Dr Tanner deposed that deceased never recovered consciousness after the accident. He had a large jagged hole smashed into the right side of the skull. There was also a cut on the right cheek and a fracture of the right thigh. - Edward George Randall, motor engineer, Newton Abbot, said when he examined the car he found that the steering apparatus had been damaged. The off front side of the car had evidently received a very heavy blow. The main damage to the motor cycle was in the engine, and it seemed as though the cyclist was turning off to his proper side of the road when the collision occurred. - Without retiring the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the car. - The Coroner, the Deputy Chief Constable of Devon (Major Halford Thompson), Inspector Hannaford, and Mr J. Dolbear (Foreman of the Jury) all paid high tributes to the deceased, the Coroner remarking he was a most efficient and promising Constable.

Western Times, Friday 15 June 1928
EXETER - Death From Tetanus At Exeter. - "Accidental Death, due to Tetanus" was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Inquest held in the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, in the case of WALTER SALTER, aged 61, a market gardener, Monmouth Hill, Topsham. Edward John Woollacott, of the same address, and deceased's adopted son, said that to his knowledge there was nothing the matter with deceased up to Saturday, when witness was told that deceased was unwell and unable to eat much. The latter complained of soreness of the jaws, and, when questioned by witness whether he had hit or scratched himself, replied, "No." Edward Pyne, of High-street gardens, Topsham, said he employed deceased, but had received no complaint from him. Dr Robinson, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted on the 9th. He was unable to open his mouth, had great difficulty in swallowing and all the muscles of the jaw and neck were stiff. There were numbers of old and recent scars on his hands Deceased had spasms on Sunday and Monday, and died on Tuesday. Tetanus might have been set up by a pin prick.

EXETER - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Court House, Exeter, concerning the death of ROBERT MOWBRAY ALFORD POPE, of 49 Regent-square, Heavitree, who died in the Hospital following a fall in Blackboy-road. A verdict was returned of "Death from a Fracture of the Skull caused by a fall which might have been due to a stroke."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 June 1928

EXETER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, in regard to the death of FANNY ALICE NORMAN, aged 78, of Montpellier, St David's-hill, Exeter, who died at the Hospital following injuries received when she was knocked down by a taxi after alighting from a tramcar on St David's-hill.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 19 June 1928

HOLCOMBE ROGUS - Misadventure. Inquest Verdict On Holcombe Rogus Child. Analyst's Report. - "Death by Misadventure" was the verdict returned at the adjourned Inquest at Holcombe Rogus Parish Hall last evening on WILFRID HENRY CREECH CHIDGEY, the three-year-old son of SIDNEY CHIDGEY, carpenter, who died on Wednesday, May 30th, after drinking from a bottle of Friar's Balsam, the previous Friday. The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, sat with a Jury of eight. - The Deputy Coroner reminded the Jury that the Inquest was adjourned in order that an analysis of the stomach might be made. The report of the County Analyst, Mr T. Tickle, showed that no trace of poison had been found in the stomach or in any of the bottles sent for their contents to be analysed. - Dr W. M. Browne, Sampford Peverell, recalled, was asked by the Deputy Coroner if he could give an opinion as to the cause of death, having regard to the analyst's report, and if the drinking of Friar's Balsam had anything to do with death. Dr Browne replied that he had come to the conclusion that the child had got inflammatory trouble of the kidneys beforehand and that this inflammation was aggravated by the Friar's Balsam. It was very likely that if the trouble had been allowed to go on the child would have died of inflammation of the kidneys without the Friar's Balsam. - In reply to further questions, Dr Browne agreed that the Friar's Balsam might have caused the inflammation of the kidneys, but unless the inflammation had been there beforehand he did not think that the condition he found could have been brought about in so quick a time. - The Deputy Coroner asked the mother if she noticed any illness in the child previous to the Friday. MRS CHIDGEY replied that the boy was apparently quite all right. He went to school right up to the very day. He had no cold to speak of. Replying to a further question by the Deputy Coroner, Dr Browne said the child would have no pain unless the inflammation was in the blood. - Addressing the Jury, the Deputy Coroner said he did not think that one could dissociate the taking of the Friar's Balsam from the cause of death. If the Jury agreed with this, the verdict should be one of "Misadventure," otherwise the verdict should be "Natural Causes." A curious part of the evidence was that there was vomiting at the time of death. That would lead one to think that something was taken then, but the analyst's report stated there was nothing in the nature of poison. - After a short deliberation the Jury, through their Foreman, Mr H. Kerswell, returned a verdict of "Misadventure," and expressed sympathy with the parents. The Deputy Coroner assured the mother that she did all she could under the circumstances.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 27 June 1928

ALPHINGTON - "Found Drowned." Exeter Woman Taken From The Canal. The Inquest. - An open verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at an Inquest held by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, at Double Locks Hotel, near Exeter, yesterday, on MARY STRONG, wife of MR LEONARD STRONG, of 22 Church-road, St Thomas's, whose body was found in the Canal on Monday. - LEONARD STRONG, commission agent, said his wife was 27. He last saw her alive on Thursday at 8.15 a.m., when he left home. There was no one else in the house and he left her on good terms. About six weeks ago she had a nervous breakdown and was attended by Dr Watkins. She appeared to be quite well again. When he left home on Thursday she asked him to come home early to dinner, as she wanted to do some shopping after. She had left no communication behind her and he never heard her threaten to take her life. - William Henry Elliott, 15 Cowick-street, Exeter, said MRS STRONG bought some meat about 9 a.m. on June 21st, and was then quite normal. - P.C. Friendship spoke to recovering the body from the Canal midway between Salmon-pool Bridge and Double Locks. The body was in an upright position with arms stretched out. It was fully clothed with the exception of hat, and had evidently been in the water some time. There was nothing on the body to throw light on the case. - Dr Watkins said the body was in a fairly advanced state of decomposition and had the usual appearance of death from drowning. It had been in the water some time. He last attended MRS STRONG about a fortnight ago, when she came to his surgery. He had been attending her for about a month. She was suffering from a nervous breakdown, but appeared to be improving and he had never heard her speak of taking her life. - In returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Coroner said: "The evidence is not by any means conclusive, or such as would lead me to return a positive verdict. It is true that the deceased had been suffering from a nervous breakdown, a thing which we know might lead persons to take their lives. But the evidence shows that deceased went to a butcher's shop and bought meat for that day, and there was evidently no intention of committing suicide at that time. It is quite possible that deceased, feeling unwell and possibly, through a return of her depression, elected to take a walk along the canal banks, thinking that a walk of that kind might relieve her depression. It is also possible that she might have been picking something from the bank and have fallen into the water. One knows the difficulty there would be in getting out of the Canal if one were to fall in. I cannot say whether the deceased took her own life or died accidentally."

Western Times, Friday 29 June 1928
SHUTE - Little Child Drowned. Tragic Story At An East Devon Inquest. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, held an Inquest at the Hare and Hounds Inn, Whitford, a hamlet near Shute, E. Devon, yesterday to Enquire into the death of the 20 months' old son of MR A. H. HOLMES, who was found in the stream at the bottom of the garden on Wednesday afternoon. - ALBERT HARRY HOLMES, a railway porter, father of the deceased, said he had placed boards and wire netting by the wall at the bottom of his garden where he thought it was dangerous. He had never seen the boy trying to climb up the wall. - BEATRICE MAUDE HOLMES, the mother, said deceased went into a shed where a neighbour, Mr Madge, made baskets. The child spent many hours with Mr Madge. Later she went down the garden and looked into the shed to see if he was all right. Not finding the child there she enquired of Mr Madge where he was. Mr Madge replied that the boy went out a while ago. She walked round the garden looking for him and eventually saw his body in the stream. The body was floating face upwards. She called for help and at the same time reached over and pulled the body out. - Mr William Madge stated that the child had played in his shed on and off ever since he could walk. On Wednesday he was there and went out just before 3 o'clock. He thought the child had gone indoors. About 3.15 MRS HOLMES came to enquire for him and witness told her he had gone out. Later he heard MRS HOLMES screaming and she ran in to say that the child was in the stream. - George Chant, a farm labourer, said while at work, he heard a woman screaming. He looked up and saw a woman in distress. He ran to the spot where he saw MRS HOLMES with her boy on the garden wall. Deceased had the appearance of having just been pulled out of the water. Witness picked up the boy and tried to get the water out of him, but he appeared quite dead. - Dr Langram, of Axminster, said when he arrived P.C. Potter was trying artificial respiration. He examined the child who appeared quite dead but he (witness) continued artificial respiration for some time without success. He had no doubt that death was due to drowning. - In summing up, the Coroner, who brought in a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" said that the parents in this case must be exonerated from all blame as the father had taken all the precautions that he could to prevent the child getting to the dangerous part of the wall. He expressed sympathy with the parents in their loss.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 30 June 1928

LAPFORD - Broken Neck. Hayfield Fatality At Lapford. Lad's Fall From Cart. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the District Crooner, Mr H. W. Gould, yesterday at an Inquest at Eastington Farm, Lapford, on HERBERT CHARLES CLOKE, aged 15, who resided at, and was employed, there. - William John Andrews, farmer, said he had employed deceased for 14 months, and had lodged him a little time before that while he was still at school. Deceased's mother was a widow, who lived at Abbotsham, near Bideford, with a younger son. On June 28th the lad was haymaking in a field belonging to witness. At 5 o'clock Hammett, another lad, came to him and sake CLOKE had fallen off a hay-cart. Witness found CLOKE where he had fallen, apparently unconscious and in a critical condition. He summoned Dr Pratt from Morchard Bishop. - Frederick Greenslade, a jobbing gardener, of Lapford, said deceased was treading down the load as he (witness) and Hammett pitched it to him. Suddenly deceased disappeared. At the same time witness heard a dull thump, as of something falling, and, running round to the other side of the cart, found deceased lying on the ground. The load was nearly complete and there was a boisterous wind, but his opinion was that deceased slipped while loading the hay. - Charles Samuel Hammett corroborated. - Dr C. C. Pratt stated that deceased was dead when he arrived on the scene. An examination revealed that death was due to a broken neck. - Deceased's father was killed in the Great War. The lad was of a very happy disposition and liked by everyone. Much sympathy is felt for the mother and brother and Mr and Mrs Andrews.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 July 1928

SEATON AND BEER - Fatal Delusions. Aged Beer Resident Drowns Herself In Sea. Pathetic Features. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, conducted an Inquest at the Church Institute, Seaton, last evening, concerning the death of KATE MAUD SALTER, aged 72, of No. 5 The Almshouses, Beer, widow of MR T. D. SALTER, whose body was recovered from the sea off Whitecliff about 7.30 on the previous night. - Evidence of identification was given by ELSIE PAVEY, wife of WILLIAM GEORGE PAVEY, of No. 21 Axmouth, who said the body was that of her mother. She was a widow, her late husband being a barrister-at-law. She had lived alone at Beer since about last Lady-day. Previous to that she lived with witness and her husband at Conehill, Beer. Witness and her husband had to leave there and could not take deceased with them to Axmouth, as there was not sufficient room in the house. Witness last saw her mother alive the previous morning about 8 o'clock, when, as was her custom, she brought her washing to Axmouth for witness to do. On some occasions her mother was sad, but on that morning she was cheerful. Deceased had been peculiar in her manner for over a year. - Witness, in answer to the Coroner, said her mother tried to commit suicide at Chard about two years ago, just after her son was married, but, so far as witness knew, had never threatened or attempted to do so since. Deceased left witness's house about 1 o'clock and witness expected her to return in the evening, as she said she had a letter from her son. Deceased, witness believed, had an idea that "the family on her late husband's side was going to have her put away," and that preyed on her mind. Witness thought it was safe for her mother to live alone. - The Coroner: As she had attempted to commit suicide, do you think it was altogether prudent to let her live alone? - Witness: My brother was her guardian. - The Coroner said he had possession of a letter addressed to deceased from her son, CLAUDE, living in another part of the country, in which a postal order for 8s. was enclosed. - Witness: He used to allow her 8s. every fortnight. - The Coroner: It is a very affectionate letter. - Witness said her late father was a good husband and a good father to his children. - The Coroner then proceeded to read a letter written by the deceased which was found in a box in her house by the daughter. It commenced: "This is to all concerned in this tragedy," and went on to say that her children, she thought, could remember some part of most of her "fearful life." The letter continued: "He used to frighten us out of our minds. In fact, my brain has been terribly injured through nothing else. I must admit I was, at that time, jealous of him, if that is the right word." Deceased went on to refer to her "fearful life," alleging that her husband used to leave sixpence for their dinners, or, more often, two pence. "My husband," continued the letter, "had softening of the brain for three years before he died, and, to me, it was a terrible thing. I often wonder that I have lived to the age I am. My boy, CLAUDE, and girl, ELSIE, have been to me all the world in this dreadful drama or matter." - Deceased's daughter said she knew nothing about the allegations contained in the letter. - Curious Packet. - The Coroner then read the letter sent by post and addressed to deceased by her son in which the postal order for 8s. was enclosed, and in which the son said: "I expect to come down your way about the end of August or the middle of September," and concluded, "I am longing to come down to see you." - The Coroner said he read this letter to show the affectionate association between deceased and her son. - P.C. Taylor produced a small packet found in deceased's box. Wrapped in white paper and tied with string, this was marked, "Cawl. Put it in the coffin as it is Be careful." - The Coroner: I do not think there is any need to open this packet. - Leslie Miller, fisherman, of 3 Common-lane, Beer, said he was rowing in a boat with his father on Monday evening, when he saw floating in the water near Whitecliff what appeared to be the body of a woman. As the water was choppy and it would have been difficult to get the body on board, he rowed ashore and communicated with the Police. - Cyril William Good, of Beer, said that about 4.15 on Monday afternoon deceased, who he had known for several years, called at his house and said she was not feeling well. She had a pain in the stomach and was going to the chemist to get something for it. She asked for the loan of a shilling, as she could not change a cheque. Witness gave her a shilling and about five minutes later deceased came back and returned the shilling, saying, "I could not get what I wanted; I am going to see the doctor." Deceased had always been peculiar and more so lately. - Alathea Lacey, manageress at Messrs. Hinton Lake and Son's branch at Beer, said an elderly lady, whom she did not know, but whom she had since been told was deceased, called at the shop on Monday afternoon. She said she had a pain around her heart and asked for laudanum. Witness said she could not serve her with that and she then asked for some sweet spirits of nitre. Witness told her that would not be good for pains around the heart, and suggested that she should see a doctor. The woman then left the shop. - P.C. Lemon spoke to the recovery of the body, while Dr A. H. J. Smart deposed that death was due to drowning. All the organs of the body were healthy. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a pathetic case. It was obvious that the deceased was suffering from delusions, which made her very unhappy. It seemed a little strange, in a way, after it was admitted that the woman attempted to commit suicide some two years ago, that the family should have allowed her to live alone. It seemed to him that some attempt should have been made to look after her rather more carefully. He, however, was convinced, from the letter written by the son and the evidence of the daughter, that both of them were very kind to their mother, even if rather ill-advised in allowing her to live alone. The verdict would be one of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 July 1928

SOUTHLEIGH - Pointed Remarks. Coroner And Removal Of Body. Southleigh Inquest. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, with the assistance of a Jury, of which Mr T. Underdown was appointed Foreman, conducted an Inquest at Lees Farm, Southleigh, last evening, on the body of JEFFERY JOHN MILTON, aged 23, plasterer's labourer, son of MR and MRS SAMUEL MILTON of Bridgend Cottage, Southleigh, and latterly lodging at the White Hart Inn, Colyton, who succumbed at the Axminster Cottage Hospital in the early hours of Sunday morning as the result of a collision between his motor cycle and a trap on the Colyton-Southleigh road on Saturday afternoon. - Before taking the evidence, the Coroner, addressing the Jury, said he really ought not to have troubled them to attend there that evening because the Inquest should have been held at Axminster. The man died at the Cottage Hospital there and, without his (the Coroner's) authority, the body had been removed to Southleigh parish. "I have never known such a thing occur before," said the Coroner, who added, "I don't think the Police are in any way to blame, because they were unaware of the fact that the body had been removed. It is a matter of great surprise to me that such a thing occurred." - P.S. Taylor said the Police were greatly surprised when they made inquiries and found that the body had been removed from Axminster to Southleigh. He (P.S. Taylor) saw the undertaker at Colyton, and the latter said he was unaware that an Inquest was going to be held and that was the reason why the body was taken from Axminster to Southleigh. The undertaker had expressed his regrets. - The Coroner: He knew the man died as the result of an accident. - P.S. Taylor: Yes. - The Coroner: He should have known he had no authority to remove the body. - "Don't Worry." - Evidence of identification was given by RALPH MILTON, a labourer in the employ of the Southern Railway Company, who said the body was that of his brother. The latter had been riding a motor cycle "on and off" for twelve months. Witness saw his brother start away from Colyton on Saturday afternoon. He was then in good health and quite sober. Witness saw his brother in the Cottage Hospital at Axminster, just before he died, in the early hours of Sunday morning. - JANE MILTON, wife of SAMUEL MILTON, of Bridgend Cottage, Southleigh, mother of the deceased, said she was at home on Saturday afternoon, when her son was brought home in a motor car. Witness asked him if he was hurt, to which he replied, "Not much, mother; don't worry." The deceased got out of the car and walked indoors. He was about to sit down when he slipped onto the floor, where he remained until he was removed to the Axminster Cottage Hospital by motor ambulance. Asked by the Coroner if deceased passed any remark, witness said he remarked, "Mind, Mam, Mr Page was on the wrong side of the road." Witness subsequently saw her son in the Hospital. He knew her and observed, "What's think, I be going to pack up, then?" - P.S. Taylor: Have you ever cautioned him as to any speed he used to go? - Witness: I knew he could not see any fear. - Caleb John Page, farmer, of Scruel Barton, Southleigh, stated that, at about 4.30 p.m. on Saturday, he left his farm to go to Colyton Railway Station with milk. He went alone and drove "a kind of dog-cart." When he approached Ballshayne Cottage, Colyton, he saw a motor cyclist coming round a bend from the Colyton direction. "He was cutting round a right-hand bend on his wrong side," continued the witness, who added, "The deceased was going fast, but I cannot estimate the speed because he was right into me." Witness added that it was a narrow road. - Wheel In Ditch. - The Coroner: Where were you before you saw him? - Witness: The trap was on the crown of the road, and the pony was trotting at a steady pace. When I saw the motor cycle coming I pulled in on my left side. Witness went on to say that the deceased seemed to be going to pass him on his wrong side. He then seemed to "righten himself" up in order to pass on his correct side. The wheel of the trap was actually in the ditch when the impact occurred, but witness could not say whether there was room for the deceased to pass. "Deceased came right into me, and was knocked back over the motor cycle." The machine hit the off side step and wheel of the trap. Deceased fell back over the motor cycle into the hedge. - The Coroner: If the motor cycle was going fast you would have expected him to fall forward? - Witness: That is what I could not understand at the time. The witness went on to say that he called at Mrs Phillips's cottage and asked her to go to Mr Sweetland's farm for assistance. This she did and witness proceeded to Colyton and reported the occurrence to P.C. Southwood. Witness said he stayed with MILTON a moment or two after the accident and asked him if he was hurt. The deceased said, "I shall be all right in a minute." There was a tin box on the back of the motor cycle and that was knocked off. - P.S. Taylor: The tin box containing deceased's belongings, weighed 44 lbs. - Charles Bird, of 3 Council Cottages, Southleigh, stated that on the morning of the fatality deceased was working for him at the Council houses, North-street, Axminster. Deceased went to the White Hart Hotel, Axminster, roughly speaking, about ten minutes past 12, witness having arranged to meet him there to pay him his wages. They each had two pints of beer, and deceased then conveyed witness on the back of his motor cycle to Whitford, which they reached about 1.30. When they reached Colyton, they called at the Country House Inn. The deceased had a pint of beer there, but he did not quite finish it up, as witness said he wanted to go to the Post Office. When deceased left witness he was quite sober. - "Will See You Again." - Beatrice Annie Rendell, wife of William Rendell, licensee of the White Hart Inn, Colyton, said deceased had been lodging with her, but, on Saturday, he was going to return to his parents' cottage at Southleigh. He came home on Saturday afternoon, about 3.30, for the purpose of packing his box. He was quite sober. The deceased came into the kitchen and had a conversation with witness, her mother and an old gentleman, who was staying there. The old gentleman asked deceased to have a drink with him "in a parting way," and deceased had one half-pint of beer. He then went upstairs, packed his box, came down, shook hands with witness and her mother, and said, "I will see you again in a few days." He then put his box on the back of the motor cycle and rode away. He was quite sober. - Christine Phillips, wife of Albert Phillips, of Ballshayne Farm, said she was informed of the accident by Mr Page, and went to a near-by farm for assistance, and the injured man was conveyed to his parents' home at Southleigh by car. - P.C. Southwood, of Colyton, spoke to making an inspection of the scene of the accident. He found that there was a wheel mark of the trap quite close to the hedge on the trap's correct side of the road. It was evidently impossible for Mr Page to get any nearer to the hedge with his trap. The road was 9 ft. wide, and deceased had a clear view of about 3 ½ yards. The trap was 5ft. 7 ½ in. wide, thus leaving deceased 3 ft. 4 ½ in. in which to pass, had he been on his proper side. The handle-bars of the motor cycle were about 2 ft. 3 in. wide. After the accident Mr Page, who called on witness, said deceased came round the corner at a fast speed and "commenced to wobble." The right step of the trap was bent back two inches. - Trap Driver Exonerated. - Dr W. Langran, of Axminster, described the serious injuries sustained by the deceased, and expressed the view that something had gone right through his body from one wound to another. Although witness considered the case hopeless, he sent for Mr Lock, of Exeter, to ascertain if the latter considered operative measures possible. Mr Lock thought an operation would be useless, and the man passed away at 2.15 on Sunday morning. Death was due to shock consequent upon severe intestinal injuries. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the cause of death was abundantly clear. In regard to the circumstances under which the fatality occurred, Police evidence was to the effect that the wheel of Mr Page's trap was in the ditch on the proper side of the road as far as it could go. The right-hand shaft of the trap was found to be covered with blood, which tended to show that the trap was on its proper side of the road and that the deceased, approaching from the opposite direction, was on his wrong side. There was good evidence to show that the deceased was quite sober. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated Mr Page from any blame and expressed the view that the hedge at the spot should be lowered in order to afford better visibility.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 July 1928

TOTNES - Totnes Fatality. Inquest Story Of Motor Cycle Accident. "Courting Disaster." - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, and a Jury held an Inquiry at Totnes yesterday into the Sunday evening tragedy which resulted in the death of LEONARD JAMES PULLMAN, 23, under-keeper at Trehill, Exeter, and who lived at Mount Pleasant, Kenn, and EDWARD WELLINGTON, aged 26, of Collaton Mills, Chulmleigh. - FREDERICK PULLMAN, builder, of Belle View, Luppitt, near Honiton, and WALTER JOHN WELLINGTON, of Collaton-hill, Chulmleigh, the fathers of the deceased men, gave evidence of identification. The former said his son had ridden a motor cycle for about three months and the latter said his son was employed as a dairyman at Torquay, and had been away from home since he left school five years ago. - Joseph John William Maitland, of Mutley, Plymouth, said when the 'bus in which he was travelling reached the bridge at Hatchford, the driver changed gear to enable another 'bus to pass. Witness estimated the speed of the 'bus at 10 miles per hour and the motor cycle's speed at 40 miles per hour. It was coming so fast that it could not turn without hitting the 'bus. He considered that if the 'bus had been stationary the motor cyclist could not have avoided it. The driver had no chance at all. The 'bus was on its proper side all the way and when the collision occurred they were as far in on the left side of the road as possible. It was a head-one collision. It felt to him as though the 'bus had gone over a large stone. The driver, in doing all he could to avoid the accident, swerved right across the bridge, and hit the wall. Witness said the driver of the motor cycle should have been able to see the motor 'bus some way back. If he had been riding carefully he could have passed easily. The motor cyclists were hurled against the front wheels of the 'bus, and the cycle went right underneath. PULLMAN was dead when pulled out from under the 'bus, but the pillion passenger, although unconscious, was still breathing. - In answer to Mr W. H. Sloman, of Plymouth, who represented the 'bus driver, as to whether he agreed the bodies were carried 33 ft., witness said the sensation was as if the 'bus had gone over a big stone and stopped dead. - The driver of the motor coach, John Lawrence, of 37 Queensborough-street, Pimlico, said just before passing the bridge he changed into third gear, and noticed the motor cycle proceeding in the opposite direction on its wrong side. It was then only about 12 yards from his vehicle. Witness had o time to avoid the cycle. He let out his clutch, put the brakes on and fetched up against the side of the bridge. The cyclist came along at a terrific speed which he could not estimate. If he had not had good brakes the 'bus would have gone over the bridge. - Mrs Alice Nobbs, of Hatherlow, Seaview-road, Paignton, said she and her husband saw a motor cycle, carrying a pillion rider, pass at a terrific speed. Her husband remarked that they were courting disaster. The driver had only one hand n the handle-bars and it almost seemed as though the cyclist was going to crash into them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the 'bus driver.

Western Times, Friday 13 July 1928
DAWLISH - Killed On The Line. Remarkable Inquest Story At Dawlish. Open Verdict Returned. - "I am going into the Unknown". This remarkable extract from a letter from deceased to his brother was read at the Inquest, held Wednesday, on ERNEST HUBERT THOMPSON, aged twenty-three, of 22 Portman-road, Kingston, Surrey, whose decapitated and terribly mutilated body was found on the railway line near Langstone Rock, Dawlish Warren, on Tuesday morning. - The Enquiry was conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, and a Jury, who returned an Open Verdict. - The Police were represented by Inspector Campion, and the Great Western Railway by the Chief Divisional Inspector, Mr J. Mapledoram. - WILLIAM JAMES THOMPSON, of the same address as deceased, identified the body as that of his brother, who was formerly employed by an engineering firm at Bookham, Surrey, whom he recently left of his own accord. He was also interested in road cycle racing. Witness last saw him on July 2nd, on which day he left home, not informing his family of his intentions. He then appeared to be normal, and in good health, and, as far as witness knew, he had no money troubles, nor had he ever made any mention of suicide. - On the night of July 2nd his mother received a telegram from deceased, which had been handed in at Taunton, and which read: "Shall be away till Saturday - ERN." The next day they received a card from Lynton, in which he said: "I am having a quiet time. Weather O.K. I shall be home Saturday or Sunday night. - ERNIE." On the following Saturday they received a telegram from him from Exeter to the effect that he was sailing from Plymouth on Sunday. Witness could not understand the meaning of this, but thought that perhaps his brother was coming home to London by boat. A letter from deceased was received by his brother, LEONARD, on Monday, asking him to settle up his cycling accounts and give away certain articles, including bicycles, medals, and cycling outfits. Everything else he left to his brother's discretion. "I am going," the letter concluded, "into the Unknown." Witness thought that by this his brother meant that he was going abroad, since he had often spoken of his intention of getting a job abroad. - The Coroner suggested that it seemed very much as if deceased's letter was a kind of will, and that he was contemplating suicide. - Witness said that his brother had met with several accidents while cycling and once in May 1925, he sustained concussion through falling on concrete. On another occasion he was knocked senseless and remained unconscious for two hours and on yet another he was kept away from work for seventeen days through injuries received in an accident. He had, however, shown no after-effects. - In reply to Inspector Campion, witness said that his brother had a cycling accident a week before he left home, but did not speak of any ill-effects. As far as witness knew, deceased had no love affair, though he read a portion of a recent letter from a girl to deceased, concluding with the words, "When I see you again I shall turn in the other direction." - Dr L. Thurler, of Dawlish, said he had examined the body and found that the head and left arm had been severed, and that both legs and right arm had been broken, while the chest was torn open. Otherwise the organs were healthy and there seemed no reason to suppose that deceased had accidentally fallen on the line. - In reply to a member of the Jury, witness said that the position of the body and the nature of the injuries suggested that deceased's head was lying on the rail when the train struck him. - John Buckingham, restaurant proprietor, Teignmouth, said deceased had been lodging with him since Saturday. He noticed nothing remarkable in his appearance or manner. At about 7.15 on Monday morning he said he was going for a swim, and the next time witness saw him he was lying semi-conscious on the beach. He was taken home and put to bed. He recovered from his exhaustion and went out at about 5.30. That was the last witness saw of him. He waited up for him until about 11.20, and then reported his absence to the Police. - Evidence was given by Arthur Brinton, bathing machine proprietor, of 7 Parson-street, Teignmouth, that deceased, who appeared to be a powerful swimmer, swam out for a distance of about two miles - a feat he had never before seen equalled. He regained the shore with assistance, but only after what seemed to be a terrible struggle. He subsequently lost consciousness and was taken to his lodgings. - P.C. Mitchell, in reply to Inspector Mapledoram, said there was no public path over the line, and deceased was therefore trespassing. - The Jury, after adjourning for some time, decided that deceased had met his death through being run over by a train, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of his mind. They therefore returned an Open Verdict.

YARCOMBE - East Devon Tragedy. Yarcombe Resident Found Shot. Blood-Stained Letter. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, yesterday afternoon, on the body of MR HENRY ARCHER NEILD, a gentleman of independent means, residing at Little Crawley, near Yarcombe, who had been living in a bungalow alone for nearly eight years, and who was found dead with a revolver by his side on Tuesday morning. - Evidence of identification having been given, Mr A. Watley (manager of the Chard branch of Lloyds Bank) admitted having written a letter to deceased stating that he would be glad to discuss the position with regard to the renewal of an advance. On the following day, which was the last time that witness saw deceased alive, he called at the bank with reference to that letter. - Joe Gigg, rural postman, spoke to finding deceased dead in the sitting-room of the bungalow on Tuesday morning. - The Coroner, questioning Mr Watley, who was recalled: I gather that he has been dealing in rubber shares? - Witness: I am sure he did. - The Coroner: Heavily? - Witness: Yes. - Mr H. Smith, solicitor of Lincoln's Inn Field, London, who appeared for the relative of the deceased, said deceased had lost thousands. - Police Constable Downing said that amongst the things found on deceased were a cheque book, £5 in £1 notes, and a watch, which had stopped at 2.45, and a blood- stained letter. - The Coroner endeavoured to read this letter, but could only decipher a few sentences. - One ran: "... that an Englishman had at least registered a reasonable protest, but only a few hours late. This news, I read, is nearer and nearer." - Mr Smith, solicitor, said he could offer an explanation regarding this letter, inasmuch as deceased had written to the Prime Minister and certain London dailies and was proud of the fact that a portion of one of his letters had been given publication. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he found little difficulty in arriving at the cause of death, and that the wounds were self-inflicted, and he recorded a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 14 July 1928

EXETER - Fall From Tree. Starcross Youth Fractures His Spine. Adventurous Spirit. - At the Court House, Exeter, last evening, Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy City Coroner, conducted an Inquest on ERNEST JOHN LEAMAN, aged 19, gardener, of Cofton Cottage, Starcross, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital following a fall from a tree near Cockwood on the 10th inst. - Evidence of identification was given by JAMES LEAMAN, deceased's father, who said his son was in the habit of going to Cockwood every night. Witness passed him on the road about 8.30 in the evening of the accident. About 9 o'clock a young man, George Gilpin, came to witness's house and said, "JACK has fallen from a tree." Witness went to the scene and found his son lying beneath a tree beside a brook on marsh land where young fellows went for recreation. It was not a public place. Deceased was conscious and said he had fallen from a tree. "He was given to sky-larking," added witness. His son did not complain that he was in pain, but he could not get up. Dr Iles (Starcross) arrived, and advised removal of deceased to the Hospital. He died there the next afternoon. - By the Deputy Coroner: Deceased was in the habit of climbing trees "for sport." - "Heard A Rattle." - George Gilpin, labourer, of Westwood Cottage, Cofton, said he was in company with the deceased. They went to the brook at Westwood, where they used to take a walk. Deceased commenced to climb a tree, and this was a habit of his. Witness had seen him climb different trees, but not this particular one. "I should not have cared to climb it," said witness. Deceased climbed about 20 ft. There were no branches to cling to. The tree bent outwards and as deceased reached this portion he found himself unable to grip the trunk with his legs. "I heard a rattle up over my head," said witness; "I saw him trying to grasp a small branch and then he fell to the ground." Witness ran forward to try and catch his chum, but he could not get there in time. Deceased pitched on his shoulder. He said "I shall be all right in a minute." Witness sent for a doctor and deceased's father. - Dr Robinson, Senior House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted at 11.20 p.m. on the 10th inst. He was conscious, complained of pain between the shoulders and said he could not move his legs or arms, and that all sensation was gone from his body up to the level of the second rib. There were no external signs of injury. Witness came to the conclusion that he had fractured his spine at a spot level with the top of the shoulder. It was a hopeless case. Death, which occurred the next day, was due to injury to the spinal cord, resulting from the fracture. - The Deputy Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Death by Misadventure, " said doubtless the spirit of adventure induced the young fellow to climb a tree that seemed to have been a rather difficult one. Sympathy would be extended to the youth's parents in their sorrow.

EXETER - Nonagenarian's Fall. Exeter Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Exeter Poor-law Institution, yesterday, on MARY ANN HEATH CARTER , a widow, aged 90. - GEORGE CARTER, of 96 Portland-street, identified deceased as his sister-in-law. Deceased lived at 65 Clifton-street and let most her house to Mr and Mrs Carlton, who looked after her when she needed any help. On Sunday, July 1st, witness went to the house to see her, and she told him she had fallen down while crossing a room. He then thought it advisable to send for a doctor, who ordered her to the R.D. and E. Hospital, and from there she was taken to the Poor-law Institution. - Ellen Carlton of 65 Clifton-street, said deceased had a slight fall nearly a year ago. When she fell on July 1st, witness found her lying on the floor, and she could not stand very well. Deceased was always weak on her legs. - Dr Pereira Gray, M.O. at the Infirmary, stated that deceased was admitted on the 5th July, and died on the 11th from cardiac failure, accelerated by a fracture of the right femur.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 July 1928

BRENTWOOD, MIDDLESEX - Skidded On Tar. Plymouth Man Killed. - At an Inquest at Brentwood on Saturday on PERCY CHARLES HENRY GREENSLADE, of Grenville-street, Plymouth, who was killed when a motor cycle on which he was a pillion passenger collided with a motor car on the main road from Brentwood to Tilbury, it was stated that the road was newly tarred and covered with shingle, and that the motor cycle suddenly swerved across the road and dashed into the car. David Johnstone, of Upminster, the driver of the car, said the only explanation he could give was that the road was newly tarred and that the motor cycle got into a wheel-wobble, and shot across the road into his car. It was a very hot day. P.C. Dobson corroborated as to the state of the road, and said that when he was taking notes after the accident, he found himself fixed where he stood and was so tightly embedded that he only got clear when the rubbers on his boots were pulled off and left behind. There was clear evidence that the motor cycle shot across the road. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - It was stated that the driver of the motor cycle, Richard Leakey, of Gillingham, Kent, was in Hospital with very serious injuries.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 July 1928

EXETER - Four Foot Fall. Exeter Octogenarian's Fatal Slip. Dawlish Accident. - How an old lady fell four feet over the sea wall at Dawlish and fractured her leg, was related at an Inquest conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy City Coroner, yesterday on SARAH ANN PERRATT, aged 82, of "Roslyn," 31 Sylvan-road, Exeter, where she died last Saturday after an illness of about three weeks, caused by a fall over the sea wall at Dawlish. - MISS LIZZIE WHITE, 3 South Grove, Erdington, Birmingham, said her aunt, who was of independent means, was the widow of ROBERT PERRATT. She had been suffering from heart trouble for several years, and had been regularly attended by Dr Andrew. On June 25th deceased went to Dawlish with her brother, JOSHUA BIRCH, of Claremont, Hollyhead-road, Wellington, Shropshire. She did not return that evening and the following day she was brought home in the St John Ambulance. Witness then learned that she was on the sea front at about five o'clock and was going to get some tea, and remembered no more until picked up by some men and taken to the Dawlish Cottage Hospital with a fractured leg. Witness had been looking after her aunt since then. On July 8th pleurisy set in and deceased gradually grew worse and on Saturday she was found dead at eight o'clock by Nurse Hodges, of the R.D. and E. Hospital. - Eliza Stokes, of 15 Eagle Cottages, Bonhay-road, said she saw deceased slip and fall over the sea wall, a distance of three to four feet. When picked up she could not remember the fall and, in witness's opinion, fainted before falling. - Dr C. R. Lovely, acting for Dr Andrew, stated that he last saw deceased alive on Friday. The next morning he received a 'phone message that deceased had passed away. He attributed death to congestion of the lungs and heart disease, accelerated by the accident. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said it was sad that the old lady should die as a result of an accident and he expressed his condolence with the relatives.

TIVERTON - Bathing Fatality. Tiverton Youth's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last evening concerning the death of WILLIE VAILES CUNNINGHAM, aged 16, who lived with Mr and Mrs Pook of 41 Chapel-street, Tiverton and was drowned while bathing in the Exe on Saturday. - RHODA POOK said deceased was her adopted son, and had lived with her since he was a fortnight old. On Saturday he left home about 3 o'clock to camp out with the Sunday School and she did not expect him back until Sunday. He was a strong, healthy boy, and was a threader at the factory. - Henry John Thorne said he took a class of boys in connection with the Congregational Sunday School to camp at Lower Ashley on Saturday. With him was deceased and William John Skinner. They left camp about 7.15 for a bathe in the Exe. The water was rather low, and they looked for a suitable place. Skinner tested the water and found one place where he could not stand. Witness was standing waist deep when he saw deceased go below the surface and did not know but what he was ducking. When deceased re-appeared, however, he was helpless and witness realised there was something wrong. He got hold of the boy as well as he could and held him for some time. Deceased did not struggle, but slipped from witness's grasp and both went under. Witness was exhausted and reached the bank with difficulty, although Skinner helped him. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, witness said CUNNINGHAM did not shout, or Skinner and he would have heard him. Deceased must have gone under the water three times before witness reached him. Dr Lowe said deceased died from drowning. - P.C. Squires spoke to the recovery of the body. - Returning a verdict of Accidental Drowning, the Coroner said it was an extraordinary thing that there was no shout for help. He expressed sympathy with the relatives and added that he was sorry for Mr Thorne, for it must have been a painful experience after taking the two boys to camp.

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Sensation. Coroner And The Death Of An Infant. "Act Of Violence." - At Newton Abbot Town Hall last evening the District Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, opened an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of a newly-born female child. There was a Jury, Mr H. G. Wareham being elected Foreman. - MRS JESSIE AGGETT of 37 Halcyon-road, Newton Abbot, said she first saw the child in her bedroom on Sunday morning. She could not say if it was alive or dead, because she was so upset. it was the child of her daughter, ALICE MAUD AGGETT, who was 17 years of age. - Asked whether, in the interests of her daughter, she would like another doctor to examine the child, witness replied that she would be quite satisfied with the report of Dr King, who had already made an examination of the body. - The Coroner said, assuming the child had a separate existence, it appeared to have died from some act of violence and it might be that proceedings would be taken elsewhere against the mother of the child. He, therefore, proposed to adjourn the Inquiry for a fortnight. He held the opinion strongly that there was too much duplication in these matters, and if, in the meantime, proceedings were taken elsewhere he would not ask the Jury to go through the whole of the evidence. - The Inquest was then adjourned until Monday, July 30th.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 July 1928

EXETER - Mystery Of A Fall. Topsham Lad And Fatal Accident. Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy City Coroner, at the Court House yesterday, at an Inquest on HENRY EDWARD KERSWELL, of 5 Denver-road, Topsham, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday following a fall the previous day. - EMILY MARIA KERSWELL, a widow, said her son would have been 14 years old on July 31st. Deceased had been attending school, but was accustomed to work for Mr Cann on his farm at 3d. an hour. On Friday deceased went away from home at 5.30 p.m. and at 8 o'clock was brought home in a car by Mr Cann's son, who said HENRY had fallen off the loft steps. Witness asked deceased how it happened, and he said Mr Cann had sent him to the loft to get some cake for the calf, which must have shifted the steps, so that when he went to get down he fell over sideways on to an old wheel beneath. Witness put him to bed while Mr Cann, junr., fetched Dr Morton, who, after examining deceased, said he was suffering from injuries to his ribs and he feared internal injuries. Dr Morton called again the next morning (Saturday) and ordered the boy to be removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital at once. This was done, but the boy died in the evening of the same day. - George Lethbridge Cann, farmer of Newcourt Barton, Topsham, gave evidence that he was in the yard pumping water at 7 p.m. on Friday when deceased came and asked him where "boy" (his son) was, and when witness asked him what he wanted his son for, he said he wondered if there were anything for him to do and suggested that he should fetch some oil cake for the calf. Witness agreed and went indoors. Ten minutes later there was a knock at the door and he found deceased outside holding his left side as if in pain. Witness asked him what he had done and deceased replied that he had fallen from the steps on to the wheel. Witness made him sit down, and after giving him a glass of milk, sent him home with his son in the car. Deceased was not in much pain at the time, and, indeed, wanted to walk home. Witness could not say how the accident happened, and he knew deceased had been up in the loft "scores of times." The steps were three feet wide, and securely fastened all the way up. They were about six feet high, and sloped so that they were six feet from the wall at the base. There was also a handrail attached to them. The steps were in their place after the accident and it was impossible for them to move even if they had been unsecured, as it took two strong men to erect them. The only suggestion witness could make was that deceased scooped out the oil cake while standing on the steps and in turning to descend missed his footing and fell. - Dr Manning, House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said that deceased was very ill when admitted on Saturday and showed obvious signs of internal haemorrhage. An operation was performed as the only chance of recovery, but deceased died at 7.30. The cause of death was laceration of the left kidney and internal haemorrhage. - The Coroner and Mr J. L. Cann expressed sympathy with MRS KERSWELL.

Western Times, Friday 20 July 1928
EXETER - An Exeter Child Who Ran To Her Death. Motorist Declines Evidence. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, on Tuesday, relative to the death of EVELYN WINIFRED MAY CURTIS, the six-year-old daughter of HENRY CURTIS, 44 Newman-road, Buddle-lane, Exeter, who died following injuries received on Sunday evening, when she was knocked down by a motor cycle in Okehampton-street. - The driver of the motor cycle was Charles Henry Hore, and when he was warned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, that he need not give evidence unless he desired, he replied that he had made a statement already and did not see that he could vary it. - The Deputy Coroner: Then you do not wish to give evidence? - No. - Later the Deputy Coroner, in the course of his summing up to the Jury, said the motor cyclist was not bound to give evidence, and because he had not done so the Jury must not draw any conclusions from it. What they had to consider was whether the motor cyclist was liable and in this connection he would point out that there was no evidence of excessive speed. - HENRY CURTIS, a fitter and turner, said the deceased was his daughter. Her sight and hearing were very good and he had repeatedly warned her about being careful of the traffic on the road. He did so when she left home on Sunday evening. - Thomas John Perriam, of 5 Landscore-road, Exeter, who was in the neighbourhood of the railway arch, Okehampton-street, on Sunday, said he saw four little children looking at a poster on the opposite side of the road. Three of them ran across the road, and the other one witness held back. At the same time a motor cycle was coming towards the city and one of the girls attempted to re-cross the road, despite the fact that witness warned her to stay where she was. As a result she ran right in front of the motor cyclist, who swerved to the right in an attempt to miss her. The child was struck by the left handle bar and was knocked down. When witness saw the motor cyclist he was on his correct side of the road, travelling from 8 to 10 miles per hour and he sounded his horn as he approached the bend. - The medical evidence, given by Dr Black, showed that deceased died from a fractured skull. - P.C. Wood stated that both brakes on the machine were in good order The motor cyclist told witness that he was proceeding steadily along Okehampton-road, at about 15 miles per hour, when the little girl ran across in front of the machine. From the position of the skid marks, witness would say that the machine was nine feet from the kerb on its left side. - Replying to Mr Cottey, who appeared for the father of the deceased, witness said according to the statements made by the motor cyclist the machine went 39 feet with the child. - P.C. Kemble read from a statement made by the motor cyclist in explanation of the occurrence. In the course of this, Mr Hore said he at once applied his brakes on seeing the deceased crossing the road. He had previously sounded his horn and shut off his engine, while both wheels were locked. The accident was caused by the deceased running across the road and when he first saw the little girl she was 10 yards away.

TROWBRIDGE, WILTSHIRE - Fatal Accident To An Exeter Traveller. - The Enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of NORMAN SCOTT, of 21 Clifton Hill, Exeter, who was killed as the result of a motor-car accident near Bradford-on-Avon, was held at the Trowbridge Town Hall, on Saturday, by Mr A. L. Forrester, the Coroner for West Wiltshire, who sat with a Jury of seven. - Mr T. J. W. Templeman, of Messrs. Dunn & Baker, Exeter, represented the widow and Mr E. J. White, solicitor, of Bath and Trowbridge, the driver of the car. - MRS CORA MILLICENT SCOTT, said her husband was aged 35, and was a confectioner's traveller. - Ernest Charles Barton, of East Dulwich, London, a representative of the Firestone Motor Tyre Company, said on Thursday he came from Bridgwater, Somerset to Trowbridge and stayed at the George Hotel. During the evening he met MR SCOTT, who was also staying at the Hotel, and he suggested to SCOTT that he might like to accompany witness that evening to Bath, where he had an appointment with a friend. SCOTT agreed and they left Trowbridge at 9 p.m., in a four-seater Vulcan car belonging to witness. They arrived at Bath, 12 miles distant, about 9.30 and went to the Palace Buffet and from there all three went for a drive into the country and he had a drink at a public-house. They left at 10 o'clock and remained talking until midnight, when witness and MR SCOTT re-entered the car to return to Trowbridge. They were passing through Bradford-on-Avon and descending the hill, when he saw what appeared to be a road straight ahead. He released his brakes and accelerated the car, which, however, crashed into a wall and overturned into a road. Witness and MR SCOTT were both underneath the car and were extricated by some people who came up on hearing the crash. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Barton said there was a lamp in the centre of the wall, but it was only the by-pass which was burning, and witness thought it was in the middle of a road. He deliberately turned his car to the left of the lamp and crashed into the wall. His brakes, steering gear and electric lamps were all in order and the only cause of the accident was the fact that he mistook a wall for road. - Dr H. C. Tayler, of Bradford-on-Avon, who attended MR SCOTT at the time of the accident, and ordered his removal to the Trowbridge Cottage Hospital, said deceased had sustained a lacerated liver and right lung, which was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that a lamp should be kept burning at night on the wall at the foot of the hill. - The Coroner said that would be a matter for the Bradford-on-Avon Urban District Council.

Western Times, Friday 27 July 1928
CHERITON FITZPAINE - Fall From A Rick. Inquest On A Cheriton Fitzpaine Septuagenarian. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held by the District Coroner, Mr W. H. Gould, at Cheriton Fitzpaine on Tuesday on WILLIAM AGGETT DRAKE, a 72-years-old thatcher of Cheriton Fitzpaine, who died on Tuesday from injuries received through falling from a hay-rick on July 11th. - MARY ANN DRAKE, the widow, gave evidence of identification. Deceased left home, she said, early in the morning to thatch a rick. When he returned between 9.30 and 10 a.m. he was bleeding from the forehead and he said the ladder had slipped away from him. - Dr D. M. Collins said she had attended deceased up to the time of his death. The morning following the accident he developed signs of cerebral trouble and gradually got worse. Death, in her opinion, was the result of a fracture of the base of the skull.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 28 July 1928

EXETER - Execution. MAYNARD Pays The Penalty At Exeter Prison. The Inquest. - WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD, rabbit trapper, of Poundstock, Cornwall, sentenced to death at Bodmin Assize for the murder of Richard Francis Roadley, the 84-years-old wealthy Titson recluse, on February 18th, was executed at Exeter Prison yesterday, Pierrepont being the executioner. - Roadley a native of Lincolnshire, had resided for many years in a tumbledown cottage at Titson, a hamlet near Marhamchurch, Bude. He was found dead with a wound on his head in the kitchen of his cottage on February 18th. MAYNARD was apprehended ten days later and charged with the crime. During the course of subsequent Police Court proceedings, it was revealed that MAYNARD had made three statements, in the course of one of which he detailed his movements on the night of the crime and the disposition of certain articles belonging to the deceased. Throughout the proceedings MAYNARD protested his innocence, but at the Cornish Assize trial last month he was found guilty and sentenced to death by Mr Justice Swift. The execution was to have taken place on June 27th, but MAYNARD lodged an appeal, which was unsuccessful. - Only about 30 or 40 people, including three or four women, railway employees and errand boys, gathered outside the Prison yesterday morning, but there were others on Northernhay and on the bridge outside the Devon Constabulary Offices. County and City Police were on the scene and a St John Ambulance man in uniform was prominent. The Prison Chaplain, the Rev. C. E. Burkitt, arrived early and later the Medical Officer, Mr R. Wayland Smith. Just outside the gate was a notice that: "Sentence of death passed upon WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD, found guilty of murder, will be carried into execution at 8 a.m. tomorrow." It was dated July 26th and signed by "Edward Treffry, Sheriff of Cornwall," and "Lyndon H. Morris, Governor." - There was no sign that the execution had taken place. The Prison clock did not strike the hour as it usually does, but at 8.10 eight warders left the building. It was not, however, until 8.30 that the following official notices were published, to the eagerly read by the waiting crowd: "I, Richard Wayland Smith, the Surgeon of His Majesty's Prison, at Exeter, hereby certify that I this day examined the body of WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD on whom judgment of death was this day executed in the said Prison, and that on that examination I found that the said WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD was dead. Dated this 27th day of July 1928, F. R. Wayland Smith." - "We the Undersigned, hereby declare that judgment of death was this day executed on WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD in His Majesty's Prison at Exeter in our presence. Dated this 27th day of July 1928. Edward Treffry, Sheriff of Cornwall, Lynden H. Morris, Governor of the said Prison. C. Esdaile Burkitt, Chaplain of the said Prison." - The Inquest was subsequently conducted by the County District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, sitting with a Jury of eight called from outside the City. Mr GT. Coles was elected Foreman. - Lyndon Henry Morris, Governor of the Prison, identified the body as that of WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD, rabbit trapper, formerly of Hillside, Poundstock, who was aged 36 at the time of admission, but 37 when executed. - The Coroner: Were you present at his conviction at the Bodmin Assize? - Witness: I was, on June 5th last. - For the murder of Richard Francis Roadley, he was then sentenced to death? - He was. - He was subsequently removed to this jail? - He was removed the same night. - And did you subsequently receive a warrant for his execution? - Yes, sir, it was signed by the Clerk of Assize on the same day and handed to me. - Was he executed this morning? - At 8 o'clock this morning. - Were you present? - I was. - And were you satisfied with the arrangements? - I was satisfied with the arrangements and with the expedition with which it was carried out. - Then the execution was carried out expeditiously and satisfactorily? - It was. - The Jury had no questions to ask. - Richard Wayland Smith, Medical Officer, said he was present at the execution. He afterwards examined the body and found life extinct. - The Coroner said this was all the evidence he proposed to call and addressed the three following questions to the Jury, all of which they answered in the affirmative:- (1) Do you say that the body you have viewed is that of WILLIAM JOHN MAYNARD, a male person of the age of 37, a rabbit trapper? (2) Do you say he was the same person convicted for the murder of Richard Francis Roadley, and sentenced to death for the said offence? (3) Do you say that judgment of death was duly executed and carried into effect on the said deceased within the walls of the Prison on this day? - This concluded the Inquest.

AXMINSTER - Road Fatality. Hawkchurch Man's Sad Death. Inquest Story. - At Axminster, yesterday, Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, with the assistance of a Jury, conducted an Inquiry relating to the death of ALFRED FRANK BULL (24) a motor mechanic, of Hawkchurch, who was fatally injured while motor cycling from Axminster to his home at Hawkchurch, about 11 p.m. on the previous Wednesday. - HENRY ARTHUR BULL, of the Old Inn, Hawkchurch, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification. - Stanley Leigh Friend, poultry farmer, of Dalwood, stated that he was motor cycling between Axminster and Hunter's Lodge about 11 p.m. on Wednesday, when he saw the light of a motor vehicle approaching him from the rear. Suddenly the light went out. Thinking that something had happened, witness stopped his machine, returned along the road and found deceased lying in the ditch and his motor cycle in the middle of the road. Blood was flowing freely from deceased's ears and nose. Witness hailed a passing motorist who remained with deceased while witness proceeded to Axminster to summon the Police and a doctor. - Ronald Burningham, garage manager to Mr N. P. Brown, of Axminster, by whom deceased was employed, stated that he last saw deceased alive about 10.50 on Wednesday. They had then been o a trip to Honiton fair. Deceased drove a motor cycle and witness rode pillion. Deceased was sober, was a careful driver and in fact, could not drive fast in the evening in question because of the mist that shrouded the countryside. - P.C. Pollard stated that on being informed of the accident he proceeded to the scene thereof, where he found deceased lying in the ditch and his motor cycle in the middle of the road. Witness examined the body and found life extinct. The body was removed to the Mortuary at Axminster Cottage Hospital. The front part of the motor cycle was badly damaged, the head lamp was smashed, and the foot rests bent. - Replying to P.S. Rendell, witness said the spindle of the front wheel of the cycle had left its socket on the left-hand side. - Dr W. Langran, who examined the body, at the Mortuary, said there was an extensive wound in the back of the head and blood had flowed profusely from both ears and the nose. Witness attributed death to a fracture of the base of the skull and cerebral haemorrhage. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased and with this the Coroner and the Police concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 August 1928

EXETER - Old Lady's Fall. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquiry yesterday into the death of ANN AMOS, of 14 Jubilee-road, Exeter, aged 91, resulted in a verdict of "Accidental Death" being recorded by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner. Evidence was given to the effect that deceased fell down stairs at her house some days ago and was taken to the home of her son at 44 St John's-road. She later complained of pains in her left arm and leg and pneumonia developed. Dr Watson attributed death to hypostatic pneumonia brought about by the fall.

Western Times, Friday 3 August 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Child's Death. Another Adjournment Ordered By The Coroner. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, on Monday again adjourned the Inquest on the body of the newly-born female child of ALICE MAUD AGGETT, aged 17, of No. 37 Halcyon-road, Newton Abbot, which was found dead with its throat cut on the 15th of July at the house. - "I cannot proceed with the Inquest" said the Coroner, "Because I am told that the person who may be the principal witness will be unable to attend, because of her condition, for at least a fortnight. I was hoping that neither you nor I would have been troubled by this matter, but from information conveyed to me, I think we shall have to investigate it. - The Enquiry would be resumed at 2.30 on August 20th." - Mr J. Mason appeared on behalf of the mother of the child.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 August 1928

EXMOUTH - Sad Evening Trip. Exonian's Fatal Bathe At Dawlish Warren. Inquest Story. - An evening trip to Dawlish Warren had a pathetic sequel at Exmouth Court House yesterday, when the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, held an Inquest relative to the death of CLIFFORD GEORGE JACKMAN, an Exeter Post-office employee, of Barrack-road, Exeter, whose body was recovered from the water at Dawlish Warren on Saturday. - MRS DAISY MAY JACKMAN said deceased was her husband, a clerical officer in the Surveyor's branch at the Post Office. He entered the water at Dawlish Warren with witness about 7 o'clock. He had had a light meal of tomato sandwiches at Exeter about 5 o'clock. Deceased was accustomed to bathing, and, although not a strong swimmer, was quite good. Witness missed him after about a quarter of an hour and thought he had gone in to dress, but was told by a woman that she could see deceased beyond the breakers. He was apparently swimming then. Witness appealed to a man to go to his assistance, but he said he could not swim through the breakers. Witness then appealed to another man and efforts were made to secure a boat or life-belt. The body was eventually retrieved and taken across to Exmouth. - Leonard Thomas Taylor, stonemason, of 18 Buller-road, St Thomas, said he saw deceased a long way out and did not think he was swimming. Witness could not swim, but drew the attention of two bathers. Attempts were made to get a boat, but there were no oars. Answering Inspector Bastin, witness said the water was very rough. There were several bathers near. He could have done something had a boat been available. There was a good deal of seaweed. - Mrs Taylor, wife of the previous witness, gave similar evidence and said the water was rough enough to knock about a strong man. - William Henry Hayman, painter, of Mermaid-yard, Exeter, said deceased was floating along on his face. Another man attempted to swim out, but the sea was too rough. There were no bathing tents there, but many people bathed at the spot. - Lionel Thomas Bradford, fisherman, of 89 Rosebery-road, Exmouth, said he saw the man floating over what they called the ridge, and, with his mate, rowed out to him. Deceased was floating face downwards. Witness had picked up many drowned men, but he had never seen one floating along like that. Witness told his mate to "pump" deceased, but no water came from him. He picked up the body about a mile from the spot where deceased entered the water. The tide there was very strong. A man drowned generally sank like a stone, but the current would not account for the position of the body. - Reginald Searle, fisherman, of 55 Union-street, Exmouth, said he was waiting at the Warren to take people to Exmouth, and was told that a man was in difficulties. He and Bradford went out to the body. Witness had never seen a drowned man in the deceased's position. - Dr Moore, of Exmouth, attributed death to drowning. When he saw deceased artificial respiration was being unsuccessfully applied. On making a post mortem he discovered water in the lungs, but all the organs were healthy. There were signs of suffocation. It was common, he explained, for drowned persons to sink, but that was caused through the lungs being filled with water. Deceased still had air in his lungs, which kept him afloat. He thought deceased might have been a little more likely to die from shock than a perfectly normal person. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Death from Drowning, " said it seemed strange that a place which appeared to be a popular bathing resort had no appliances - such as a boat or a rope - for those in difficulties. He thought everything that could have been done at the time was done.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 9 August 1928

WINKLEIGH - Suicide. Inquest On Retired Winkleigh Farmer. Allegations Refuted. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound mind" was recorded at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. J. Atkinson, at Winkleigh, on NATHANIEL TUCKER, aged 78, retired farmer and old-age pensioner, residing previous to July 26th at Westcotts, Winkleigh, who was found dead from a shot wound in a shed, known as Western Barn, Winkleigh. - FRANK LAMBLE HAYWOOD, living at Westcotts, Winkleigh, said that for the last three years the deceased (his father-in-law) had lived with him. He left the house the previous Saturday week, giving no reason. He was quite normal, and there was no truth in a rumour that he left because of a dispute. - GILES TUCKER, farmer, of Little Wood, Kingsnympton, son, stated that on the 4th instant he received a letter (produced) from his father, saying that as he could not obtain lodgings he was going to shoot himself. He at once came to Winkleigh and put inquiries on foot. - William Brooks, motor driver, of Winkleigh, said that with Ernest Heart and William Ware he went to look for MR TUCKER. At Western Barn in a linhay they saw someone lying on the ground. They did not touch the body, but waited for the Police to arrive. - Edward Saunders said he went to Western Barn at the request of Ernest Head. They drove sheep out of the linhay and recognised the body as that of TUCKER. He last saw TUCKER on Friday, August 3rd, when he left certain boxes and a gun at the garage. Later he took away the gun and seemed quite normal. - Dr John Hall Clements described the wound which was the cause of death. The body was well nourished. The size of the wound proved that the muzzle of the gun must have been touching the skin when discharged. - Ernest William Harris, carpenter, of Broadwoodkelly, said TUCKER came to him last Saturday week and asked to live with them, but they had no room. "He stayed Tuesday and Wednesday at Broadwoodkelly and on Thursday night with us." He seemed normal, but distressed because he had nowhere to go. - William Boundy of Winkleigh, said TUCKER on Friday last asked him for two cartridges. Witness gave them to him, knowing he was interested in shooting. - RICHARD TUCKER, of Winkleigh, brother, said he begged his brother to go back to MR HAYWOOD'S, but he refused to do so. - Herbert J. Hawkins deposed to going to Western Barn and described the finding of the body and the gun. - ELSIE PARR, daughter, said she saw her father a week ago at Broadwoodkelly. He said he had been kicked out at Westcotts. His son-in-law had not been home at the time and witness told him he ought to have waited. - FRANK LAMBLE HAYWOOD again said that MRS HAYWOOD had not told MR TUCKER to clear out. He sent his little girl to call her granddad to dinner and he heard him reply, "Eat it yourself."

Western Times, Friday 10 August 1928
HALWILL - Halwill Fatality. Somerset Motorist Dies After Injuries. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. J. Atkinson, opened an Inquest , at Halwill, on Tuesday, on FREDERICK HARRIS, of Somerton, Somerset, who died in Winsford Cottage Hospital as the result of injuries received in a motoring accident near Cookworthy Buddle, Halwill, on Sunday. The inquiry was adjourned until Monday next, the principal witness, deceased's wife, who also sustained injuries, being still in Hospital. - Deceased was driving from Somerton to Stratton, on a visit to his relatives, and was accompanied by his wife. When passing Buddle Farm, Cookworthy, it is thought the car somersaulted. The occupants were thrown out and deceased was found by Mr Thomas Wooldridge of Buddle Farm, lying unconscious, with his wife leaning over him. Deceased was removed to Winsford Cottage Hospital, where he died on Sunday. - At the Inquest Mr Wooldridge said he was going towards Holsworthy and the deceased's small car was travelling slowly in the same direction. Shortly after witness heard a loud crash. He retraced his steps to his farmhouse and from there saw the car facing in the opposite direction. It was badly damaged. - Nurse Carter, who was staying at Halwill, and was called to the scene, gave evidence, and Dr C. E. Evans, of Holsworthy, said deceased's injuries comprised a fractured skull, an incised wound on the left temple and other injuries. - Mr N. A. Chatterton, motor engineer, of Halwill, expressed the view that the car turned somersault and landed on its wheels. In his opinion the accident was caused by the driver suddenly applying the brakes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 11 August 1928

TOPSHAM - Exe Tragedy. Coroner And Superstitions Of Sailors. Topsham Inquest. - The body of WILLIAM MURPHY, the Topsham fisherman, who had been missing since Tuesday, was recovered from the Exe early yesterday morning and the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, returned a verdict of "Death from Drowning, as the result of an accident" at the Inquest held at Topsham, yesterday afternoon. "I think I am justified in coming to the conclusion that his boat capsized, as a result of the sail being secured to the seat, in a sudden squall," remarked the Coroner. It was a very regrettable accident, and everyone would sympathise with the relatives. - ALBERT MURPHY, of Morecombe, Lancashire, identified the body as that of his father, who was 57 and a fisherman. - William Charles Trout, master mariner, of Topsham, said he had known deceased all his life. He last saw him on the Exe between Topsham and Exmouth on Tuesday. Deceased was fishing when witness passed in another boat, and had his sails set. The boat was tacking down the river. At the time the weather was moderate, but was more squally farther down the river. In Exmouth Bight, later, witness was informed that a Topsham boat had capsized and went to the place where the boat had sunk, but could find no trace of it. Another boat stood by. Witness subsequently saw the top of the mast of the sunken boat farther away. That was about three miles from where witness saw deceased. The tide was going out. Witness telephoned to Topsham and afterwards went out to the boat, which was in the dead channel, about one and a half hours after the boat was first discovered. Both sails were up, the main sail being fastened to the seat. There was no sign of the deceased, who was "one of the best" at sailing. It was dangerous to fasten the sheet, but, in moderate weather, it was done while fishing. - Daniel Horn, of Exmouth, a ferry worker, said he was on the Starcross ferry boat with a pleasure party going to Turf from Exmouth. About 2.50 p.m. witness's boat met MURPHY sailing down the river. He was then close to the Lympstone mackerel boats. Witness did not see the boat capsize, but on returning from Turf about 3.50 p.m. witness noticed the boat submerged, with just the mast and sails showing, about a quarter of a mile from where it was previously seen. Witness, with the help of several passengers, attempted to raise the boat to see if anyone was in it. They could see nothing of deceased. The boat was, apparently, heavily laden with ballast and seemed to have its anchor out. Witness hailed a Lympstone man in a row-boat to stand by, and reported the matter at Exmouth. - Dr R. C. Worsley, of Topsham, said he had examined the body, which presented the usual appearance of death from drowning. There were wounds received after death, but no marks of violence sufficient to have caused death. - Evidence concerning the recovery of the body was given by Frederick John Edworthy, fisherman, of Topsham. Witness said he discovered the body about 7 o'clock yesterday morning on Bull-hill, which was a sandbank in the Exe about half-a-mile above Exmouth. Deceased was fully dressed. Witness brought the body to Topsham. - At the conclusion of the evidence, Dr Worsley asked if deceased could swim. None of the witnesses could say definitely, but it was pointed out that, even if he could, it would have been difficult with the flow of the river and tide. - The Coroner commented: "I know from my experience that it is most unusual for anyone connected with the sea to be able to swim. There was at one time a superstition amongst seafaring men that if they learnt to swim they would soon be drowned, but I hope that does not exist now." - A Sad Home-Coming. - DICK PYM, son-in-law of the deceased, and the noted goalkeeper, was in the boat when MR MURPHY'S body was recovered, and it was at his suggestion that the river mud-bank was searched at 7.30 a.m. When the body was brought back to the Churchyard causeway at Topsham about 8.30 difficulty was experienced as to where the body could be taken. There is no mortuary provision at Topsham and it was not until 10.15 that the body could be brought ashore. P.C's Wakeley and Winder communicated with the Coroner at Exeter, who gave permission for the body to be landed at Topsham, for having been recovered in Exmouth waters, it should legally have been taken to Exmouth. While this was being arranged, a crowd of people, including a good many small children, congregated around the boat, in which lay the body, which had been badly mauled by fish and crabs. It had a covering, but this is deemed to have been inadequate. Indignation was expressed by many people at the scene. Formerly provision for taking a body was made in an outhouse at the Salutation Hotel, but it had been pointed out that the place was unsuitable and the Topsham Parish Council was requested to improve it or find more suitable accommodation. It is understood that a new mortuary is to be erected by the Council. - DICK PYM, who with his wife and two brothers-in-law, is naturally much affected by the tragedy, did not know, until informed by the police, who 'phoned to Bolton, the seriousness of the matter. His wife had received a wire stating that her father had met with an accident and left for home the day before MR PYM, unaware of the real nature of the tragedy. When he knew the seriousness of the matter, MR PYM immediately obtained release from his practice duties, with the Wanderers and came to Devon.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 14 August 1928

TOPSHAM - "I Must End It." Exeter Canal Tragedy: Inquest Verdict. "Dreadful Pain." - "I cannot bear this dreadful pain any longer. My brain throbs as if it would burst. I must end it." These words were contained in a note found among the clothes of ALFRED WILLIAM TURNER, 62, of 12 Mowbray-avenue, Exeter, whose body was recovered from the Exeter Canal on Saturday afternoon. - An Inquest was held at Countess Wear yesterday by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, who recorded a verdict to the effect that deceased ended his life by drowning while of Unsound Mind. - The body was identified by MISS CLARA FRANCES TURNER, of 12 Mowbray-avenue, Exeter, sister, who said he was a retired grocer, and had lived with witness and her sisters for about eight years. He left home about 10.30 on Saturday morning to go for a walk. He often complained of pain, which he thought was due to indigestion, and suffered from sleeplessness. When last seen he appeared quite cheerful. - P.C. Latham, of Exminster, gave evidence relating to the recovery of the body near Lime Kilns Cottages. On the bank he found a coat, waistcoat, hat, a pair of boots, and walking stick. - Medical evidence was given by Dr L. P. Black of St Thomas, who ascribed death to drowning.

DAWLISH - Crossing Death. Starcross Tragedy: Inquest Story. Jury's Suggestion. - The distressing accident which occurred at the level crossing near Starcross Station on Saturday afternoon, and resulted in the death of BEATRICE FLORENCE MILTON, the 8 years-old child of MR and MRS F. J. MILTON, of The Strand, Starcross, was the subject of an Inquest conducted at Starcross yesterday by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens. - The Coroner said he did not know what suggestion could be made for safety purposes. Trains were almost incessant, and it was impossible to prevent people getting on the line. He did not know whether there had been any accident there in the past. - Mr H. Dawe (a Juryman) said that even adults took little notice of warnings. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone. He suggested that the Great Western Railway Company might be asked to consider steps to prevent such accidents in the future. - The Police were represented by Inspector Champion; Chief Divisional Inspector Mapledoram, traffic department, Exeter, represented the Great Western Railway Company. Mr W. H. Pike was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The father, an attendant at the Western Counties Institution, said he was informed by his wife that his daughter asked permission to go to the pier (across the level crossing), but the girl was told to wait until MRS MILTON could see her across. While MRS MILTON was upstairs she was told the child had been killed. She had only been upstairs a few minutes. The child had been playing on the pier in the morning and had come safely across. The level crossing was opposite witness's house, and his wife or himself habitually watched the child safely across and had warned her of the danger. - "Too Late!" - Mrs Ella Beatrice Aspinall, of Exmouth, said she was standing on the down platform of Starcross Station and saw a train approaching from the direction of Dawlish. She later saw a child enter the level crossing leading from the Starcross side to the pier. Deceased appeared to hear the train, and hesitated when in the middle of the up line. She turned to go back, but was too late, and witness saw her body go underneath the train. - Herbert Bailey, of London, said he was an express train fireman and was travelling on the 11.52 train from Plymouth. The train had stopped at Newton Abbot and its next stop was Exeter. They were a little late starting from Newton Abbot. On approaching Starcross they were travelling at about 40 miles an hour. - "Little Figure In White." - Near the crossing he saw a small figure in white run out into the middle of the line - "She stopped, looked at us and then went to go back and we caught her," continued the witness. - He informed the driver, who stopped the train. Nothing he or the driver could do would have avoided the accident. The whistle of the train was blown on approaching the crossing. - A Juryman said he had seen many fast trains pass the crossing without sounding a whistle unless someone was on the line. - The driver of the train, Archibald Aylott of London, said as the train reached the platform the fireman told him he thought a child had been knocked down. Witness always sounded his whistle on approaching the crossing and it was customary. - Public Footpath. - Richard Henry Lake, market gardener, Starcross, said he was on the up platform of the Station, and heard Mrs Aspinall say that a child had been knocked down. He went down the line and saw the body of the child in two parts, one lying between the rails, and the other on the side. He assisted the Stationmaster in removing the remains. - Henry James Shattock, Stationmaster, said the crossing was a public footpath, and was regularly used. There were warning notices. Up and down trains always sounded their whistles on approaching Starcross. - Dr J. H. Iles, Starcross, said the body was completely severed and the skull crushed in. - The funeral takes place on Thursday. - A railway official yesterday told a "Gazette" representative that railway records for the past 25 years showed no accident had occurred at the crossing and it could not be stated whether an accident ever had occurred there.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 August 1928

EXETER - "Tragedy Is Ours." Pathetic Last Letter Of Gassed Husband And Wife. Exeter Inquest. - An Inquest on HORACE JOSEPH LAGDEN and his wife, ELIZABETH, was opened by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. The two were found on Wednesday, in their night attire, lying on a mattress, in the kitchen at 73 Okehampton-street, (the Seven Stars Hotel). In the woman's mouth was the end of a pipe attached to a gas-stove, while another, similarly connected, was near the man's mouth. Both were dead. MR LAGDEN was, until about six weeks ago, manager of the Radio Vaccuum Cleaners Ltd., Queen-street, but left at his own request, stating he was going to better himself, but he did not take up any new appointment. On the mantelpiece was a letter addressed to Mr T. Howard, of the Seven Stars Hotel, in which the deceased man expressed regret if inconvenience was being caused by anything about to happen at the house. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS SARAH NICHOLLS, of York-road, Babbacombe, sister of the deceased woman, who said she last saw the couple alive about four years ago. During the interval they had been living in Edinburgh, as far as she knew. She thought her sister was about 52, and her husband about two years younger. The husband was a salesman for vacuum appliances. Before that he had held the position of a mechanic at Woolwich, and still earlier at Bedford in motor works. He was apprenticed to a general engineering company in Bedford. The couple had been married about 21 or 22 years. - The Deputy Coroner: How about their financial circumstances? - Witness: Four years ago, when we saw them, they were in a very flourishing condition as far as we could tell, but of late we have had rumours that they were not so well to do; not getting on so well. But we did not know it was anything serious. - Mr A. Martin Alford, partner in the firm of Messrs. Dunn and Baker, Exeter, said that on July 26th he received instructions from the male deceased to prepare wills for himself and his wife. Witness was not in when the man first called, but the man's will was prepared by witness and signed in the presence of two of his clerks. Later in the day, the man called with his wife and her will was signed in the presence of witness and his partner, Mr Templeman. Witness was appointed sole executor of both wills. The man said he had been recommended to witness by Mr Howard, of the Seven Stars Hotel, who had said witness prepared his (Mr Howard's) father's will. - The Deputy Coroner: Did he tell you where he was living? - Witness: Yes, he gave the address, "Seven Stars Hotel, Exeter." - Pathetic Letter. - "That was the last time I saw him," continued Mr Alford. "Yesterday (Wednesday) I received a letter from the male deceased - a long letter." - The Deputy Coroner: A lot of the letter was merely directions as to business, but the first portion related to the present matter. - At the Deputy Coroner's request, witness read portions of the letter as follows:- "Seven Stars Hotel, 14th August 1928. - Dear Mr Alford, - As you are the executor of the will of my wife and myself, this letter is to inform you that by the time it reaches your hands we shall be lying in death at the above address. For years I have been battling against financial difficulties and recently received a further blow, from which I cannot recover. I cannot stand the strain any longer. I do not think it is necessary for me to go into any further details. The tragedy is ours." - Mr Alford added that, directly he read the first part, he did not read further, but asked his partner to telephone to the Seven Stars, while witness immediately proceeded there in a taxi. When he got there the couple had already been found in the kitchen. He recognised them as the people who had signed the wills. "The reason the man gave for making their wills was that some days previously he was involved in a motor accident on Porlock-hill, and, as he was down here for some months, he wanted to make his will in case of accident." - The Deputy Coroner at this stage adjourned the Inquest until 4 o'clock next Thursday.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 August 1928

EXMOUTH - Boy Killed. Exmouth Charabanc Driver Exonerated. "Take Me Home Daddy." - Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, last evening held an Inquest at Exmouth Court House, touching the death of EDGAR KENNETH SELLEK, aged five, one of two boys knocked down by a charabanc in Exeter-road the previous evening. Mr J. J. Summers was chosen Foreman of the Jury. The driver of the charabanc, Mr R. W. Weller, was represented by Mr M. J. McGahey, while Mr A. Martin Alford watched the proceedings on behalf of the Devon General Omnibus Co., outside whose office the accident occurred. - PERCY SELLEK, labourer, of 1 New-street, Exmouth, father of the dead boy, said the accident occurred at 6.20 p.m. and he heard of it a few minutes later, and went to a shop in Exeter-road, where he saw deceased, who was conscious, and said "Take me home, daddy; I don't want to go to the Hospital." A few minutes previously the boy was on the doorstep of his home, which was only just around the corner from where the accident occurred. He had to cross Exeter-road each day to go to school, and knew it was a dangerous crossing. - Driver's Story. - Raymond William Weller, aged 20, of Carradale, Avondale-road, Exmouth, said he was driving a 14-seater charabanc along the Exeter-road, and when near All Saints' Church changed down to second gear on account of the congestion of traffic. He was just outside the office of the Devon General Co., and was travelling at about eight miles an hour, when he suddenly saw two little boys right in front of the radiator. He assumed they must have run from the pavement on the left-hand side. On the opposite side of the road there was a stationary Devon General charabanc, and he was under the impression there was a car or some other obstruction farther along the road on his near side. Witness pulled up in the length of the charabanc, and then saw two boys lying in the road. He went to the corner of the Parade and informed the traffic warden, but, as the latter could not leave his post, witness subsequently drove to the Police Station with two witnesses. The boys were about 2 ft. to the rear of the charabanc when he stopped. In reply to Mr McGahey, witness said he had been driving for three years and had never before touched anything. The charabanc and brakes were in good order, and he was just returning from a trip over Dartmoor. In reply to Mr Alford, witness said the accident could not have been avoided in any way and the presence of the Devon General 'bus made no difference. - "Accidental Death." - William Smerdon, blacksmith, of Sheppard's-row, Exmouth, said the charabanc was travelling from six to eight miles an hour, when the boys ran from the pavement on its near side right in front of it. One of the boys was struck by the front centre of the charabanc, and the other, who almost got out of the way, was caught by the off wing. Both wheels passed over deceased. The charabanc pulled up very quickly and it would have been impossible for the driver to have done more. - Thomas Edwin Rowe, gardener, of Woodville-road, Exmouth, said the charabanc had just passed him when he saw the two boys under the wheels. The horn of the vehicle was being sounded repeatedly as it came along and he had never seen a smarter bit of work in his life than the way the charabanc pulled up. He believed the back wheel went over the boy Copp, who was knocked down with deceased. - Lilian Pope, wife of William Pope, of the Forester's Arms, Exmouth, said she was a passenger in the charabanc. The driver was sober and attending to his duties. The two boys were playing on the near side pavement, and one of them ran into the road and the other followed him. - Dr R. S. Thomas said that at 6.40 on Thursday evening he was called to Exmouth Cottage Hospital and found the boy SELLEK suffering from a fractured thigh, a skin wound in the left groin, and bruising across the lower abdomen. He was suffering greatly from shock and in a critical condition. Witness attended him and visited him again between 9 and 10 p.m., when he was much worse. He died at about 1.45 a.m., death being due to shock following the injuries. - Inspector Bastin, in reply to the Deputy Coroner, said it had been impossible to warn the other two occupants of the front seat, as they were visitors who had gone out of the town for the day, but the Police were satisfied. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver of the charabanc and expressed sympathy with the relatives, Mr McGahey and the Deputy Coroner concurring.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 21 August 1928

EXETER - Inquest Adjourned. Exeter Street Fatality. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Exeter Coroner, after taking formal evidence at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, adjourned for a week the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of GEORGE NICHOLSON COWNEY, aged 56, a commercial traveller, of Bournemouth, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, on Saturday, following injuries sustained through being knocked down in one of Exeter's streets the previous day. - Evidence of identification was given by CLAUDE NICHOLSON COWNEY, of London, son, who said his father enjoyed very good health. His sight and hearing were fairly good, although he was slightly deaf in the right ear. By Mr M. J. McGahey (representing the relatives): Deceased had driven a car for years. He was always exceptionally careful in crossing streets.

LYDFORD - "River Of Dart." Wiltshire Clergyman's Son Drowned. Camping Tragedy. - Mr H. C. Brown, (Okehampton) conducted an Inquest yesterday at Dunnabridge, Princetown, on the body of CHRISTOPHER HOLMAN RICHARDS, aged 9, who was drowned on Sunday in the West Dart River. - The REV. SIDNEY W. L. RICHARDS, of St Sampson, Cricklade, Wilts, father, said he and his family had been camping near Dunnabridge Farm. On Sunday, witness, deceased and a smaller child spent the morning by the river, and about 12.55 they prepared to go back to the camp for lunch. - Witness carried the younger child and deceased saw them go away, telling them to take a higher path. As deceased did not return to camp, a search was made and deceased was found in Hurdle Pool standing upright, but under water. Witness thought deceased must have climbed on to a wall nearby, and, if he had, and overbalanced, he would have fallen into the water. Witness got deceased out and tried artificial respiration, but without avail. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was recorded and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the bereaved parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 August 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at an Inquest at Newton, yesterday, on HARRY ALEXANDER COOPER, 77, retired baker, of 51 Higher Tudor-road, Newton Abbot. the evidence showed that deceased fell over some steps in Powderham Park. Death ensued from a fracture of the base of the skull.

EXMOUTH - A Short Cut. Exmouth Man's Fatal Fall From A Girder. The Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, at an Inquest on EDWIN FREDERICK WILLATT, a young bricklayer's labourer, who died in Exmouth Cottage Hospital, on Tuesday morning, as the result of a fall from a girder. Mr C. G. Gates, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present at the Inquest which was held in Exmouth Court House yesterday morning and Mr H. Linford Brown represented deceased's employers, Messrs. W. Greenaway and Son. The Deputy Coroner opened the inquest and then adjourned it for a few minutes while he inspected the premises where the accident occurred, some 200 yards from the Court House. - Charles Henry Nicols, 21, bricklayer's labourer, of 21 Kingston-rd., Exmouth, said he was in the employ of Messrs. Greenaway and Son, and on Monday afternoon was working on the third floor of a building in course of erection on The Strand. That floor was immediately above a concrete floor. At about 2.45 p.m. they were making scaffolding and deceased moved away to fetch a banker opposite where witness was standing. He walked across a girder to get the banker, and the next thing witness saw was deceased turning a somersault in mid-air, and striking the concrete floor with his head, shoulders and neck. He fell about 12 ft. Witness rushed down the ladder and held deceased's head, which was bleeding. Deceased said "the 'toothing' gave way." The 'toothing' witness explained, consisted of bricks jutting out to take another joining wall. Witness thought deceased must have been holding on to the 'toothing,' but did not actually see him do so. - The Deputy Coroner: Have you since inspected the brickwork? Witness: I have been across there three or four times. - Have you seen evidence since the accident that a brick has given way about the height he might have held on to? - Yes. - What other way was there for him to go and get this banker? - He was on the same floor as the banker, but there was a ladder to get to the other floor. - So that to get the banker he would have had to get down one ladder to the floor below, walk along the floor, and go up another ladder? - Yes. - Witness in reply to Mr H. Linford Brown, agreed that the floor on which deceased and himself were working was the second floor, but, he added, it was three floors up, and "we call it the third floor." Witness described the ground floor as the first floor. He said the girder was about six inches wide and deceased went along it very carefully. He had fetched the banker before, and there was nothing to prevent him going down to the concrete floor and up the other side, as there were five ladders on the floor. Witness added that if he had been going to get the banker he would have gone across the girder, as it was quite the usual thing for the workmen to do. - TOM WILLATT, deceased's father, gave evidence of identification, and said his son was 19 years of age last February. - P.C. Grimmett said that on Monday, at about 2.50 p.m., he was called to the building to render first-aid, and found deceased lying on the first floor. Witness ascertained deceased had fallen from a steel girder a distance of 11 ft. 6 in. WILLATT was conscious, and told witness he had no feeling in his legs and arms, but complained of pains between the shoulder blades. There was a rather bad cut on the top of his head, but he was joking all the time and gave no explanation. Witness made arrangements for him to be conveyed to the Cottage Hospital. Replying to Mr Linford Brown, witness said he was inclined to think there were nails in deceased's boots, but, if so, they were very much worn. - Dr G. R. Gray said he was called to the Cottage Hospital at about 3 p.m. on Monday and found deceased in bed. He had complete paralysis of the legs and almost complete paralysis of the arms, and there was a large scalp wound, but he was conscious and complained of pain between his shoulders. It was obvious there were extensive injuries to the spinal cord. Witness just asked him how far he fell and he said about 10 ft. During the night he became unconscious, there was a rapid rise of temperature, and he died next morning. Witness thought there was a fracture of the spinal vertebrae, but injury to the spinal cord was the cause of death. - Mr Brown, in reply to the Deputy Coroner, said deceased's employer, Mr W. Greenaway, was present, but there was little in which he could help, as he was not present when the accident occurred. - The Deputy Coroner said deceased was taking a short cut, and the nails in his boots would render it a somewhat dangerous proceeding except he was able to hang on to the wall. - Mr Brown, on behalf of deceased's employers, expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved relatives and the Deputy Coroner concurred.

EXETER - Mental Agonies. Pathetic Letter In Exeter Gas Tragedy. Inquest Verdict. - At the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, resumed the Inquest on HORACE JOSEPH LAGDEN and his wife, who were found dead on a mattress in the kitchen of the Seven Stars Hotel, Okehampton-street, on August 15th. The couple were in their night attire. In the woman's mouth was one end of a pipe attached to a gas stove, and a pipe similarly connected was near the husband's mouth. At a previous Court, a sister of the deceased woman said the couple had lived in Edinburgh, and the man had held appointments in engineering at Woolwich and Bedford. Four years ago they were flourishing, but lately she had heard they were not so well to do. Mr A. M. Alford, who drew up the wills of the deceased couple about a month previously, and was appointed sole executor, spoke to receiving a letter from LAGDEN on August 15th, in which he said they would be lying in death by the time he got the letter. The writer added:- For years I have been battling against financial difficulties, and recently received a further blow, from which I cannot recover. I cannot stand the strain any longer. I do not think it is necessary for me to go into any further details. The tragedy is ours." - Mr Alford said that immediately he read that part of the letter he asked his partner to 'phone to the Seven Stars, while he himself taxied to the Hotel, only to find that the dead bodies had been discovered. - At yesterday's hearing Mr A. M. Alford represented relatives. - William Henry Richards, 71 Okehampton-street, assistant manager at the Seven Stars, said that, in consequence of a telephone message, he went to a bedroom in the Hotel. He did not find the couple there, and went to the kitchen. When he opened the door he met a rush of gas, and saw the two lying on a feather mattress on the floor. He ran to the gas stove and turned off the gas, and found two pieces of rubber tubing reaching from the stove to the mouths of the deceased. They were lying close together near the stove. The man had an eiderdown over him; the woman had no covering, but was wearing a nightgown. The door was sealed and the windows were shut. On a table was the following letter:- "Dear Mr Howard, - For all the trouble we are causing you and Mrs Howard, we crave your forgiveness. How happy we could have been staying here if only our affairs had been different. We have suffered untold mental agonies. I have instructed my solicitor to pay you six months rent to recoup you for any loss you may incur. Please try to think not too unkindly of one who held you in great respect. Yours fraternally, HORACE LAGDEN." - P.C. Rowland gave corroborative evidence. He added that the woman was wearing a white nightdress, white stockings and a coloured dressing gown. - Dr Black said death was due to gas poisoning, and both had been dead for some hours. A curious thing was that the bodies did not show signs of the usual dark colouring. Replying to Mr Alford, witness said that had the telephone message been sent an hour earlier it could not have saved them. - The Deputy Coroner said the letters written by the man to Mr Alford and to Mr Howard, in which he spoke of his troubles, and the fact that the woman had pawned some rings, showed them to have been in a bad financial position. There was also the man saying he could not stand the strain any longer, and that both were suffering untold mental agonies. - There was no doubt as to the cause of death and he found they Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Western Times, Friday 24 August 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Child's Death. Jury Return A Verdict Of "Murder." Coroner's Comments. - A verdict of "Murder against some person or persons unknown" was returned at Newton Abbot, Monday, at the Inquest held concerning the death of the newly-born female child of ALICE MAUD AGGETT, a 17 ½ year old single woman, who resides with her widowed mother at Halcyon-road, Newton Abbot. - The infant was found with its throat cut shortly after its birth on Sunday, July 15th last. The Inquiry had been twice adjourned to permit of the attendance of the mother of the child. - In the early stages of the Inquest MISS AGGETT had to be carried from the Court in a state of collapse and she was unable to give evidence until she had been screened from the public gaze by two Policeman. - Dr Colin King, of Newton Abbot, said he went to the house of MRS AGGETT and found the child, which was dead, wrapped up in a shawl and placed in a pail in a bedroom. There was a cut from under the right ear to an inch and a half below and behind the left ear. The cut appeared to be the result of three separate incisions and the child's head was about half-way severed from the body. the injuries must have been caused by some sharp instrument. In his opinion the child had had a separate existence. - The Coroner: When you saw the girl had she recovered from the effects of having given birth to the child or was her mind disturbed? - Her mind was still disturbed. - Dr King also stated that he found a razor in a drawer in the bedroom which could have caused the injuries, but it bore no sign of having been recently used. - In reply to Inspector Hannaford, Dr King said the girl was not really responsible for her actions at the time he saw her. - Mrs E. E. Potter (a neighbour) stated that MRS AGGETT called her into the house and told her that ALICE was ill. Witness saw ALICE sitting on the side of the bed and suggested that either the nurse or a doctor should be sent for. MRS AGGETT told witness to look in a pail and there she saw a baby. ALICE was very unwilling for a doctor to be sent for, saying that he would keep her in bed, and she wanted to get up. Witness told her that if she died her mother would get into trouble, and she replied, "It doesn't matter if I die." Witness asked MRS AGGETT what she should say if she were asked where she first saw the child and she (MRS AGGETT) suggested witness should say it was in a towel on the floor. Witness had no knowledge of any injury to the baby until she read a report of the opening of the Inquest. - The District Nurse said she was called to the house and was asked by the Police to search for an instrument, but she did not find one. The girl told her Dr King had taken something from a drawer and MRS AGGETT said that it was her razor. Witness added that no preparation of any sort had been made for the birth of the child. - MRS AGGETT, a widow, said she slept in the same bed as her daughter and did not know she was expecting to become a mother. On Saturday night, July 14th, her daughter was all right until 3 a.m. She did not quite know when she realised that a baby had been born, and she did not notice any injury about it when she took it from the pail. - The Coroner: Can you tell the Jury how the child got the injury? - Witness: No. - Did you inflict the injuries on the child? - No. - Inspector Hannaford: Have you said that at no time during the morning were you absent from the room? - I don't hardly know what I was saying. - Is it a fact that on the Sunday morning you were working at the Bradley Hotel for an hour or an hour and a half? - Not so long as that. - Didn't neighbours tell you the rumours that were about concerning your daughter's condition? - Yes, but I thought I could accept my daughter's word that there was nothing wrong. - ALICE MAUD AGGETT, mother of the dead baby, said the child was born at breakfast time whilst her mother was in another room. She said nothing to her mother about it. - "Did you do anything to that child?" asked the Coroner. - "I don't remember," replied witness. - She also stated that she did not remember the doctor or Mrs Potter coming, neither did she know that she was going to become a mother. - Summing up, Mr Hutchings said on the evidence there was only one of two persons or both who could possibly have cut the child's throat - the girl or her mother. If the Jury were going to connect anyone with it they would either have to return a verdict of wilful murder against MRS AGGETT, or if the mother of the child did it and if they came to the conclusion that at the time the balance of her mind was disturbed it would be a verdict of infanticide. If the Jury came to the conclusion that the girl cut the child's throat he was bound to tell them that there was no evidence to support it. There might be suspicion, but no weapon had been found, nor was there any other evidence. If they said it was the mother, again there was no evidence of it. No doubt it was unfortunate that the ends of justice may be defeated, but that was not their business. - "The whole thing," he said, "is most unsatisfactory. It is one of those cases where apparently it will take a long time for the truth to come out, but the truth has a peculiar knack of coming out even after a long time, and if the verdict I am going to advise you to return leaves a most unpleasant stigma on either of these women or both of them that is not your business or mine." - The Police had done everything they possibly could, continued the Coroner, to get to the truth of the case, but it was most mysterious and his advice was for the Jury to return a verdict of "Murder against some person or persons unknown." In his opinion there was no evidence to support any other verdict. He considered MRS AGGETT'S evidence was most unsatisfactory. - The Jury (of which Mr H. G. Wareham was Foreman) was absent for a quarter of an hour and then returned with a unanimous verdict as advised by the Coroner.

WELLINGTON, SOMERSET - Wellington Suicide. Sleepy Sickness Victim Takes Poison From Surgery. - At an Inquest held at Wellington, Tuesday on the body of HENRY CLIVE GALLUP, aged 24 years, son of MR W. GALLUP of Brentor, near Tavistock, a remarkable story was unfolded. - Of independent means, deceased had been suffering from sleepy sickness for about four years and for 18 months he had been a paying guest at the residence of Dr C. B. Hillyar of Wellington. He had been the scorer at the majority of the Wellington Cricket Club matches this season. - William Claude Maynard, a male nurse, who had had charge of the young man for the past year, gave evidence that on Sunday morning the patient was walking in the garden and witness was engaged upstairs. He came down intending to take him for a drive, but on speaking to him noticed something unusual in his appearance. - On being asked what was the matter, GALLUP replied: "I am afraid I have done a very foolish thing I have been into doctor's surgery and taken liquid strychnine." - An emetic was given without effect and Dr Hillyar, on arriving, used the stomach pump, but death took place ten minutes afterwards. - Dr Hillyar said the young man was paralysed down his left side, but he was mentally very bright and an uncommonly clever young man. - At breakfast on Sunday he appeared brighter than usual. The poison taken was in witness's dispensary. Witness found him there about a month ago and told him if he found him there again he would have to leave the house. Witness had taken rooms for him elsewhere for a month. there was no doubt that the young man had suicidal tendencies. Witness had heard that once he attempted to throw himself under a train. - Witness's brother, who was a medical practitioner at Tavistock, sent the young man to him. There was no chance of him getting better. - Asked by the Foreman if poisons were not kept locked up, Dr Hillyar said it was impossible to keep every poisonous drug under lock and key. The young man told him he had taken about a tablespoonful of strychnine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide by taking Strychnine while of Unsound Mind." - At the doctor's request the coroner, Mr Geoffrey Clarke, made an order for cremation and burial. Before doing so he remarked that it was an extremely sad case. He (Mr Clarke) was only talking to the young man on the day before his death, when he seemed very bright and cheerful. He wished to express sincere sympathy with the relatives and all concerned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 August 1928

TEIGNMOUTH - "Found Drowned." Shaldon Man's Sad End. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Teignmouth on Saturday evening on HENRY CHARLES BEER, baker, of Shaldon, whose body was found floating in the River Teign the previous day. The evidence of FREDERICK THOMAS BEER, brother, was to the effect that his brother did not enjoy very good health, being "shaky" on his legs. The last time he saw the deceased was just after ten o'clock on Friday morning, when he said he was going into the garden which adjoins the river. If his brother fell he would have been unable to get up, as he could not rise from a chair without assistance. Dr W. C. Mayo (Shaldon) said he had attended deceased for cerebral trouble, and last April deceased was unable to continue his work as he was suffering from a certain amount of softening of the brain. If he had fallen into the water witness did not think he would be able to rise again by himself. Death was due to drowning. - Frank Hook, fisherman, of Shaldon, spoke to finding the body near the first arch of Shaldon Bridge on the Shaldon side. It was under the surface of the water. Witness touched it and found it was cold. He fetched the Police as he thought the man was dead. - The Coroner told the witness that if he had pulled the body out of the water the man's life might have been saved. - Witness replied that he thought the man was dead. - P.C. Connett said when he got to the scene, the man was lying face downwards in the water. With the assistance of Hook and two men named Sharland, he laid the body on the beach and tried artificial respiration without success. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 28 August 1928

KINGSKERSWELL - Bovey Man's Death. Sequel To A Collision Near Kingskerswell. Inquest Adjourned. - A collision between a motor-cycle combination and a solo machine near Kingskerswell, resulted in the death of CHARLES KENDALL, aged about 40, of Bovey Tracey, at the Torquay Hospital shortly after admission. The rider of the motor-cycle, Herbert Cook, of Brixham, employed at a Newton Abbot cinema, was detained with a fractured arm, broken ankle, and head injuries. - The Inquest was opened at Kingskerswell last evening by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, and a Jury, of whom Mr Mabin was Foreman. - Evidence of identification was given by WALTER STEER, of Rosement, who said that deceased was his brother-in-law, was 42 years of age and a chauffeur. - The Coroner said he could not proceed further with the Inquiry as a material witness was lying injured in the Hospital at Torquay. - The Inquest was adjourned until September 20th.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 29 August 1928

EXETER - Accidental. Inquest on Bournemouth Man At Exeter. Motor Speed Estimates. - The Inquest was resumed at the Court House, Exeter, by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy City Coroner, on GEORGE NICHOLSON COWNEY, aged 56, a commercial traveller, of Bournemouth, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital after being knocked down by a car in one of Exeter's streets. At the first hearing evidence of identification was given by a son, who said his father enjoyed good health. His sight and hearing were fairly good, but he was slightly deaf in the right ear. Replying to Mr M. J. McGahey (representing the relatives), witness said his father had driven a car for years and was exceptionally careful in crossing streets. Mr Brown was assisted by a Jury. Mr A. Martin Alford represented the widow yesterday and Mr S. Ernest Crosse the driver of the car, Mrs Cecilia Mary Chappell, Westacott House, Hookway. - Joseph Frederick Bishop, 78 Summerland-street, said on Thursday evening, August 16th, he was in the roadway by the Devon and Somerset Stores. As the car was turning into Bedford-street a motor cyclist had just passed, but he was not aware that the car had to slow down for that purpose. It turned into Bedford-street, in his estimation, at nothing less than 25 miles an hour. He saw deceased crossing from the lamp-stand to Messrs. Young's shop. He had nearly reached the kerb on the shop side when the wing of the car hit him. Witness went to his assistance. - Replying to Mr Alford, witness said the car swung around and he thought the driver must have accelerated owing to the speed attained. No horn was sounded, but he could not say whether the driver gave a signal that she was turning. The car stopped after the accident between the public convenience and Deller's steps - the wrong side. Deceased did not hesitate, but walked straight across. - Mr Crosse: Did not the driver take the utmost care to keep to the left before taking the swerve to enter Bedford-street? - Yes. - That is the action of a careful driver? - Yes, at that point. He did not see the car slow down before crossing. If it proved to be a fact that the car did slow down, he could not have been watching it closely. He estimated the speed at 26 to 27 miles when turning. It was going at 14 to 20 miles an hour up the street and just prior to turning. - Mr Crosse: Then it accelerated within a few feet from 14 - 20 miles an hour to 25 - 27? -0 Yes. It jumped. - The car was in lowest gear and changing from second gear to low gear just where you stood? - I heard nothing. That would be about equal to walking pace. - Bert Taylor, who was standing near Bedford-street, also gave evidence. Replying to Mr Alford, he estimated the car came into Bedford-street at 25 miles an hour. He heard no horn blown nor did he see the driver put her hand out. - Replying to Mr Crosse: He had not had much experience judging speeds. He could not say it was going at 25 miles, but it was a fast speed. He was talking to his little girl on the pavement, with his back to High-street. - Mr Crosse: I suggest you did not see the accident as your back was towards High-street. - Witness: I did see it. I turned round quickly and saw it. - The Deputy Coroner: You could not see it if your back were towards High-street. - I did. My little girl told me a car was coming in fast and I looked. - The Deputy Coroner: You could not have seen the car very far. - Judging Speed. - Ernest Badcock, 3 Bartholomew-street, said he considered the car turned into Bedford-street at a moderate speed. It did not strike him as an excessive speed. The deceased was looking straight in front of him when crossing the road. - A Juryman: What would you judge a moderate speed in our High-street? - I am no judge. I put it as a moderate speed. - The Deputy Coroner: That is the best way if you are not a judge of speed in miles. - Robert James Harry Kingdom, 40 Portland-street, who was with the first witness, said the car came up the street and passed them at a moderate speed, but it went faster when it was turning in - most dangerously. - The Coroner: It was going at a most dangerous speed in a very short time, and just after passing a motor cyclist? - The motor cyclist had just passed. - By a Juror: He did not know if the motor cyclist sounded his horn. Nor did he hear the "exhaust" of either. - By Mr Alford: He was certain there was no horn sounded. He expected to see the car go into Depree and Young's shop. "It was absolutely mad." - Mr Crosse: Then why did the car not capsize? - I expected it would. - Mr Crosse: You say that within eleven yards the car went from a moderate speed to a dangerous one? - I am telling the truth. - William Charles Atkins, 7 Artisan's-dwellings, Rack-street, said after he passed deceased he heard a car accelerate and so looked round. He thought the car took the bend at 14 miles an hour. The car had head lights. - By Mr Alford: You had to jump out of the way or she would have hit you? - Yes. She accelerated when coming round. - By the Coroner: When you made your statement to the Coroner's officer, you said it was an accident, and that no one was to blame. - Yes. - Mr Alford: And you still say that? - Yes. - Thomas Murphy, Mary Arches-street, estimated the speed at 12 to 15 miles an hour when going into Bedford-street. He heard no sound of acceleration nor change of gears. It seemed to keep the same speed all the way round. - By a Juror: He heard no indication that brakes were applied. - By Mr Alford: The accident, he considered, was the fault of the driver, who gave no warning. - Stanley Ernest Victor Ching, 2 Bedford-circus, who was near the Devon and Somerset Stores, said when the car passed him in the main street just opposite the lamp standard at the entrance to Bedford-street the speed was not excessive. - Policeman's Evidence. - P.C. Kemble said the car was about to turn into Bedford-street when a motor cycle went in front of it. He considered the car was travelling at a reasonable speed. He saw deceased step out behind the dustbin near the lamp standard in the centre of the road, and go towards Messrs. Young's shop. When he was about three paces from the pavement by the shop he appeared to see the car, hesitated, and was struck in the thigh. The car went on for about 12 yards after striking him and stopped near the cabstand. The driver said to witness, "I saw the man in the road. He was crossing. I sounded my horn, but he moved forward." Witness spoke to two gentlemen in the car (Messrs. Carr and Hammett), but they both said they did not see what happened. - The Deputy Coroner: You were on duty. Did it occur to you that the driver was going at the speed you have heard here this afternoon? - Witness: I estimated it to be between 12 and 15 miles an hour. Quite a moderate speed. - The Deputy Coroner; The first witness estimated 25 miles an hour. That, in your opinion, was quite wrong? - Witness: One witness in a statement to me was prepared to say the speed was 50 miles an hour. - The Deputy Coroner: Has he been here today? - Yes. - He moderated his opinion? - Witness: I did not take it down because it was ridiculous. - By Mr Crosse: He considered the turning was taken in a correct way. - By Mr Alford: He did not agree that the car accelerated. - Mrs Cecilia Mary Chappell, who said she desired to give evidence, after being warned, said she was driving up High-street about 10.20 p.m. She slowed up by the Devon and Somerset Stores and was on her proper side. She was in second gear. There was a motor cycle coming down High-street. It passed in front of her just as she got round to enter Bedford-street. She first saw the deceased just as she was "getting in." He seemed to be nearly on the kerb. To evade him she turned quickly from the left-hand kerb, but must have hit him in the back. She should think she was going between eight and ten miles an hour when turning. The car would not make more than that in low gear. - By the Foreman: The car was a little fierce on the clutch. - By a Juror: She had been driving since August 1st. - By another Juror: The seal of the governors was not yet broken. - Mr Alford: You are an inexperienced driver? - The man who taught me said I am not. - Mr Alford: You had only been driving a fortnight? - Yes. She drew up in six yards after the accident, according to the measurements made by a man at the time, whom she did not know. S he blew both horns. - Dr Robinson, Senior House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was semi-conscious when admitted. He had a wound on the left side of the head. He became unconscious the next day. An operation was performed and it was found he had a fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain, which were the causes of death. - Edward Hammond, 110 Cannon-street, London, said he was sitting in the car by the side of Mrs Chappell, who was driving very carefully. She slowed up for the motor cycle, and the next he saw was the man on the left-hand side of the car. He was looking straight to his front and Mrs Chappell did her best to avoid him. She took the bend at "a very smart, quick walking pace." - The Deputy Coroner said he did not think the Jury would be justified in finding a verdict of manslaughter against the driver of the car, because the evidence of the witnesses varied to such an awful extent. None of them - although trying to help them - seemed to have an idea of the speed, because none of them agreed. He pointed out that the Constable, who was a trained observer, said the speed was moderate. - The Jury, after a private consultation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, in which Mr Crosse, on behalf of Mrs Chappell, associated himself.

Western Times, Friday 31 August 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Inquest Adjourned. - The Inquest on GEORGE WILLIAM HAYDEN, aged 41, a labourer, of Lemon-road, Truro, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital on Wednesday, was adjourned until September 17th by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, yesterday. - HAYDEN was admitted to the Hospital on July 30th suffering from injuries which he received in a collision with a motor lorry when cycling between Lustleigh and Bovey Tracey. - The only evidence given was that of identification.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 September 1928

PAIGNTON - Visitor Drowned. Inquest At Paignton. - The drowning of MR DAVID JENKIN WILLIAMS, a young schoolmaster, of Bridgend, at Goodrington Sands, Paignton, was the subject of an Inquiry by the District Coroner on Saturday. - Thomas Rhys John, of Penyfai, Bridgend, stated he was camping with deceased at Goodrington. They went for a bathe at nine o'clock on Friday, before breakfast. Deceased went in first, and witness followed, swimming out to the diving raft. When he got up to dive off he saw WILLIAMS in difficulties and shouted for help. Two bathers who were in the water found him. He was a healthy, athletic young man and a fairly good swimmer. A beach inspector named Matthews said he heard someone shouting for help. He ran for the lifebelt and swam out to render assistance. This was John, who was also in difficulties. Meanwhile, Frederick Wm. Martin had pulled WILLIAMS out of the water. Dr Adams said artificial respiration was tried for about 40 minutes without success. He had made a post-mortem examination and found deceased was an exceptionally healthy young man. It was quite possible he had cramp. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death by Drowning" said it was a mysterious affair. He publicly thanked Mr Martin of Surrey, for the prompt way he went to WILLIAMS'S assistance and said it would be his duty to make representations to another quarter. He also thanked Matthews for his help and the unknown persons who tried to save the young man's life.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 September 1928

LAPFORD - Depression. Well-Known Lapford Lady's Tragic End. A Pathetic Note. - The County Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquest yesterday concerning the death of MRS FLORENCE ELIZABETH DENSHAM, wife of MR ROGER HUGH DENSHAM, of Bury Barton, Lapford, who was found dead in the gutter of a field. The Coroner read the following extract from a letter left by deceased to her husband:- "I do hope no one will think that we have not been happy together and blame you at all, as we have always been everything to each other, and so happy." Mr Gould added that the remainder of the letter was personal and showed that the association of MR DENSHAM with his wife was very happy. - MR DENSHAM said he last saw his wife alive on Friday morning about 9.30 as he left home for Exeter. She assisted him to pack things in the car and suggested what provisions he should bring back. She was cheerful. For nearly twelve months she had been very depressed, suffering from sleeplessness. Since November last Dr Hugo had attended her. When depressed she expressed a wish to "get out of it," but five minutes later would be her normal self again. On the two previous days she appeared to be happier than she had been for a long time. Before witness left home on Friday his wife said she would be busy all the morning cooking and was going to see some friends in the village in the afternoon. When he came back from Exeter about 6 p.m. his wife had not returned, but he did not worry because she had stated that she was going to the village. As time went on and she had not come home he became alarmed and went to the village, but she was not there. With five or six others he searched every part of the house, buildings, orchards, fields and river banks all night. Later he was informed that his wife had been seen on Friday walking in a field, with a dog, in a direction opposite to that of the village and at about 8.50 on Saturday morning she was found dead in a gutter in a field. - William Henry Galling, farm labourer, Bury Cottages, deposed to finding deceased lying with her face in a gutter flowing with water in Kennapark Field. There was very little water in the gutter. Deceased was fully dressed. He saw MRS DENSHAM on Friday morning, and she spoke quite brightly. - P.C. White deposed to finding a bottle 18 inches from the head of the deceased. - Dr H. F. L. Hugo, of Crediton, attributed death to suffocation from drowning, and said the bottle contained paraldehyde, a narcotic. Witness detected a small of the narcotic on the lips of the deceased. He had attended MRS DENSHAM for depression and insomnia. Sometimes she was better, other times worse. Lately she had apparently been better. - The Coroner: Does depression produce imaginary grievances - patients wanting to do certain things from time to time and then altering their wishes and opinions every now and then? - Yes. - Witness, replying to further questions, said people suffering from depression develop at times certain mental weakness and suicidal tendencies. - The Coroner recorded a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide in a Temporary State of Insanity. Everyone, he said, would sympathise with MR DENSHAM and family. There was no reflection upon him, for, as the letter showed, he had done all he possibly could to nurse his wife back to a normal state of health. - The funeral took place at Crediton Cemetery, Rev. H. C. Onslow (Vicar of Crediton) officiated. The chief mourners were the husband, Mrs R. Mortimore (mother), Mr and Mrs G. A. Mortimore (brother and sister-in-law), Mr W. Mortimore (uncle), Mr and Mrs R. L. Mortimore (uncle and aunt), Mr and Mrs E. E. Clarke, Lapford (sister-in-law and brother-in-law), Mr R. Mortimore, Mrs J. Mortimore (aunt), Mrs Aysh, Throwleigh (aunt), Mr J. D. Aysh, Sussex; Mrs Leslie Pearce, Messrs. G., F. and J. Mortimore (cousins) and Miss G. Densham, Mr and Mrs Thomas, Minehead.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 September 1928

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Found Drowned" at the Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on WILLIAM ARTHUR WARREN, 20, cashier, Beach Villas, Epsom. Dr F. W. Morton Palmer, who made a post-mortem, said deceased had only previously eaten a big meal and the food was undigested.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 September 1928

AXMINSTER - Road Fatality. Inquest Opened On Young London Motor-Cyclist. East Devon Smash. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, with the assistance of a Jury, opened an Inquest at the Poor-law Institution, Axminster, last evening, on the body of EDWIN WALLS, aged 23, of 49 Gosport-road, Walthamstow, who was killed on Saturday afternoon, when his motor cycle collided with a motor car driven by Mr Thomas Stoneham Hall, of Southsea, near Shute Pillars, on the Axminster-Honiton road. The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until next Monday for the attendance of Miss Margaret Smith, who was riding pillion with the deceased, and who was injured. - Mr R. McGahey appeared on behalf of Mr Hall. - WILLIAM HENRY WALLS, licensed victualler, identified the body as that of his son, who assisted him in his business. He had been riding a motor cycle for nearly two years, and was a careful rider, a teetotaller, and a non-smoker. - Thomas Stoneham Hall, traveller, of Southsea, who was warned by the Coroner that he need say nothing calculated to incriminate himself, said he was driving his car towards Honiton. His wife was with him. As he approached the "cross-roads" where the fatality occurred he sounded his horn and applied his brakes. He then saw the deceased coming from the side road, and applied his brakes more powerfully and swerved to his near side. The motor cyclist, however, struck his car on the front off door. Witness's speed before approaching the corner was from 20 to 25 miles an hour. - "Head Slightly Turned." - The Coroner: Did the motor cyclist appear to you to be travelling fast? - Witness: It appeared to me from the first that a collision could not be avoided unless the motor cyclist did what I rather expected him to do; that was, turn towards Axminster. I don't think he knew he was approaching the main road. His head was slightly turned and he appeared to be talking to the lady riding pillion. He was not looking at me. - MR WALLS: Was there a very high hedge to obscure his vision? - Witness: There is a bank and a hedge. - Which would make it rather difficult for the deceased to see you? - He could have seen me the same time as I saw him if he was looking, but I don't really think he was. He came straight into me without any diversion at all. - Winifred Hall, wife of the last witness, said when she first caught sight of the deceased he was talking to the young lady on the pillion. Witness was sure the young lady saw the car and shouted. She thought that when the deceased saw the car he lost his head. - William Edward Ashley, of Millwater, Dalwood, a mason, said he was standing about 100 yards from the scene of the fatality. He saw the motor cyclist emerge from the side road, drive straight across the main road, and into the car. The motor cycle "went up into the air, and the chap and the girl." The motor cyclist was flung back into the road, and did not move afterwards. Witness thought the car passed him at about 30 miles an hour. - Instantaneous Death. - Mr McGahey: He did not think anything could have prevented the accident, unless the motor car had accelerated "pretty smart." - Dr A. L. Crockford, of Axminster, said death was due to a fractured skull and was instantaneous. - P.C. Stanning gave measurements of the road and marks of the vehicles and said the deceased's body was thrown 13 ft. from the point of impact. Witness was of opinion that the motor-cyclist did not apply his brakes. - Mrs Smith said she thought her daughter would be able to give evidence in a week's time and the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until next Monday at 4.30 p.m. - The Coroner said he had received a letter from the Rev. Stanhope Nourse, of Shute, in which he said the cross-roads were among the most dangerous in Devon, but had no warning sign. - Mr McGahey, on behalf of Mr Hall, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 September 1928

CULLOMPTON - Found Drowned. Retired Farmer's Tragic Death At Cullompton. Inquest Story. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest in Cullompton Court Room, yesterday, concerning the death of FRANK HINE, 56, retired farmer, who after being missing since August 30th was found dead in the river at Cullompton on Tuesday. - MRS LUXTON, of Stoneyford, sister of deceased, said he had lived with her for nine years. Previous to that he was farming in Australia. He had told her he had partial paralysis of his right side resulting from a kick by a horse in Australia, but otherwise enjoyed good health. About two weeks before he was missed he went with another sister, MRS WESTCOTT, of Uffculme, as witness was going for a holiday. He had never spoken of trouble except occasional giddiness. He was always quiet and reserved. She last saw him on August 22nd, when he came to her house. - "Reported As Missing." - MRS WESTCOTT, of Craddock, Uffculme, said her brother was always very quiet, and would not speak, but just sit and look at his hands. He came to her house on August 9th and stayed until the 29th. His manner of life made her feel uncomfortable, as he seemed to be so strange. On August 29th he left by the 5.30 p.m. 'bus and he took a note in which witness asked her sister to take him back. She heard next morning that he was missing. He ate well, but she thought he seemed depressed and worried. - JOHN HINE, licensee of the Commercial Hotel, Cullompton, cousin, said deceased was a visitor at witness's house when living at Cullompton. On August 30th witness heard he was missing, but later he walked in and witness told him he was reported as missing. Deceased replied: "Am I as important as all that?" Witness sent him to the Police, and deceased had dinner with him. He said he slept at the Market House the previous night and gave witness the impression that he could not go to his sister's house as she had someone with her. He stayed to tea and left to go to Uffculme by 'bus at 7.15 p.m. He took off his raincoat and asked witness to hang it up, as he would be down again at the beginning of the week. His manner was as usual. - Finding The Body. - Harold Denner, Station-road, Cullompton, poultry assistant, said he saw deceased at 9.45 p.m. on Thursday, August 30th, passing over Palmer's Bridge, near the Station. He was walking steadily, away from Cullompton. He looked as usual, but did not reply to witness's "Good night." - William Henry Clarke, Cullompton, said on Wednesday, at 10.30 p.m., he saw deceased go through a gate in the footpath-field, through which the river ran. He did not consider it strange, since deceased was always strolling about and witness had frequently seen him go into that field. - P.C. Kelly, Cullompton, deposed to finding the body, face downwards, in about three feet of water. Deceased was fully dressed, but his cap was folded in his jacket pocket. No letter was found, and the only money he had on him was 2 ½d. and two Australian florins. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 September 1928

BURLESCOMBE - Killed On Line. Tavistock Man's Fall From G.W.R. Express. Inquest Story. - A fatal fall from the window of a G.W.R. express travelling at 70 miles per hour between Burlescombe and Tiverton Junction was described to the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, sitting with a Jury of ten, at the Inquest yesterday at the Ayshford Arms Hotel, Burlescombe, concerning the death of VICTOR HAROLD ROGER SMITH, engineer, aged 31, of 16 Crelake Park, Tavistock. Superintendent A. E. Martin and P.S. Kellaway represented the Police, and Mr J. Mapledoram (chief divisional inspector) the G.W.R. Mr Harvey was Foreman of the Jury. - FREDERICK ARTHUR SMITH of 8 G Quarters, Princetown, clerk in H.M. Prisons Civil Service, gave evidence of identification. He last saw his brother alive in the train at Taunton when witness left the carriage. They had travelled from Ebbw Vale, and were going to Tavistock. Deceased had been to Wales for a holiday with his fiancé, Miss Wilcox, and witness had stayed there for a couple of days. His brother seemed quite natural during the journey. Witness got out at Taunton with the intention of rejoining deceased in the compartment, but the train started a little earlier than he anticipated. He therefore entered the train as it was leaving, intending to make his way through the corridors. On account of the slip coaches, however, he was unable to get through and was hindered about ten minutes. The ticket collector then came along and witness explained the circumstances, pointing out that his brother had not been too well. He realised that the deceased would be very anxious about him, and the ticket collector let him through. "I eventually got to the carriage," said witness, "but too late. Miss Wilcox was in the carriage, but my brother was not there. She was very agitated, and said, "Oh, where have you been? VICTOR has been looking for you." The girl then collapsed. She told me that VICTOR fell through the window. I said 'What can I do?' and one of the people in the corridor, either an engine driver or ticket collector, said 'You can only put out messages. It's no use stopping the train, for we have come on about twenty miles.'" Witness said the train was travelling about 70 miles per hour and he left them to put out messages. At Exeter he and Miss Wilcox left the train. He realised that the officials could do nothing more to help him. His brother had been depressed for about a month. He came home from abroad in May and possibly his blood was thin. The depression came on gradually and he was rather anxious for work. He was natural on the journey, but the depression had not passed off. The holiday was combined with looking for work. Witness was rather anxious about him on that day. Deceased had never, to his knowledge, threatened to take his life. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said his brother was well physically, although he had headaches. - Mr Mapledoram explained that the corridor door was locked because it separated the first-class compartments from the third. This was customary. - Fiancée's Evidence. - Alice Eileen Wilcox, of 69 Mount Pleasant-road, Ebbw Vale, said she had known the deceased for six years and a half, and they had been engaged for two years, and a half. He came to Ebbw Vale on his return to England in May. All she had noticed about him was that he had often complained of headaches. He was slightly depressed, and said he would like to be settled again and at work. On Friday they were going to deceased's mother at Tavistock. "While his brother was absent from the compartment," said Miss Wilcox, "deceased was worried about him and asked where he was. I said 'He will join us later. He is quite all right.' He had been sitting down next to me reading the paper, and he got up and walked to the corridor side of the train. He looked up and down the corridor. Then he walked past me to the other side, swayed with the train and fell out the window. I caught hold of his legs, but the train was going too fast. I could feel him going away from me." Miss Wilcox said she shouted and then deceased's brother arrived - the first to come to her. - In reply to the Foreman, witness said deceased did not lean out of the window on the corridor side. - By the Coroner: The door was secured, but the window was down. - Frederick William Strange of 5 Viney-street, Taunton, engine-driver, said he was working a goods train from Tiverton Junction to Taunton. At 2.20 p.m. he was informed at Sampford Peverell that someone had fallen from the down express. About 1,000 yards from Sampford halt he discovered the deceased on the left-hand side of the down line. He was dead and lying clear of the lines. - George Leslie Way, of 70 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, travelling ticket collector, said deceased's brother met him at the rear of the train just as he had finished collecting tickets, and they went back through to the front of the train together. When they reached the compartment he heard the young lady say to the brother "He's gone." She was in a prostrate condition. They were travelling through Tiverton Junction at the time and witness threw out a message to the signalman at Cullompton. - Lewis H. W. Tapp. of 32 Hillmans-road, Newton Abbot, G.W.R. engine-driver, said he was in a compartment of the express train as a passenger. The first intimation he had of the occurrence was by a young lady, who came up the corridor in an excited condition. She said, "A man jumped out of the window," and pointed out the compartment - the fourth back from witness's. He saw the door was all right and looked out of the window, but could see nothing. - Dr W. M. Browne, of Sampford Peverell, said deceased had a tremendous fracture at the back of the skull and both thigh bones were broken. - The Verdict. - Addressing the Jury, the Deputy Coroner commented upon a conflict of evidence as to how the deceased went out of the window. He realised that the young lady was distraught when she spoke to Mr Tapp. - Thee Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and concurred with the Coroner's expression of sympathy with the relatives and especially Miss Wilcox in her terrible ordeal. - Mr Mapledoram said the tragedy occurred about 2.10 p.m., the message was put out at Cullompton at 2.14 p.m. and the body discovered at 2.25. In the meantime a search of the line from Taunton to Tiverton Junction was commenced. - MR SMITH thanked the Coroner and Jury for their kindness and the G.W.R. for the great assistance given. - The Foreman remarked that the Jury were satisfied that every possible step was taken by the Railway Company to render assistance.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 September 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Faulty Brakes. Push Cyclist's Death Near Bovey Tracey. The Inquest. - The South Devon Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, at Newton Abbot, yesterday, conducted an Inquest on GEORGE WILLIAM HAYDEN, aged 41, a labourer, of 16 Lemon-row, Truro, who died in the local Hospital as a result of injuries received near Hawkmoor Sanatorium, on July 30th. - Dr H. F. Higgin said deceased was admitted to the Newton Abbot Hospital on July 30th suffering from a compound fracture of the right leg, bruised and torn thighs and shock. He died on August 29th from blood poisoning. - Frank Maidment, 21 Kinsman's Dale, Moretonhampstead, steam roller driver, employed by the Newton Abbot Rural Council, said that on July 30th he had stopped his vehicle near Hawkmoor Sanatorium, Bovey Tracey, to take in water. While he was doing this a Foden steam waggon passed him going in the direction of Moreton. Witness also saw a pedal cyclist coming down the hill in the opposite direction. The rider seemed to have lost control of his machine, as he was going at a very fast speed. He was on his proper side of the road. Witness made a remark to his mate that the cyclist had lost control, and would go right into the lorry. He watched to see if the rider would take the hedge or the lorry and saw him go beneath the rear wheel of the latter. The lorry stopped and witness went to the scene, which was about 50 yards away. Deceased was lying in the road clear of the lorry and behind it. A doctor happened to be passing and the man was taken to Hospital. The lorry was on its correct side of the road, and there was sufficient space left for the cyclist to have passed had he got control of his machine. Witness had since examined the bicycle and found that the back brakes had no blocks, and that the shoes were inserted upside-down. The front brake was in working order. There was about half a mile descent before getting to the scene of the accident. The cycle did not wobble until it got near the lorry, when the rider seemed to apply his front brake and went over the handle-bars under a wheel. There was nothing the driver of the lorry could have done to have avoided the occurrence. - P.C. Burrows said there was a mark in the road showing that the lorry was one foot from its near side. The width of the road was 13 ft. and that of the lorry 7 ft. Therefore, the lorry was occupying 8 ft. of the road, leaving 5 ft. for the cycle. - Arthur Chapman, 10 Cumberland-terrace, Paris-street, Exeter, steam waggon driver, said he was rounding a bend in the hill, and did not see the cyclist until he was a few yards in front of the lorry. The cyclist was travelling at a great rate, passed the front of the lorry, but crashed into the back. The lorry was stopped, and deceased was found behind the rear wheel. The speed of the waggon was between four and five miles an hour. - The Coroner read extracts from a statement made by deceased, in which he said: "When I came to the bend, before I could pull up, a lorry struck me. The lorry was on my left-hand side of the road. I was travelling on my left-hand side. I had control of my bicycle and I was travelling down the hill at a normal speed. I have no idea as to what speed the lorry was travelling. The lorry was not right on my side of the road, but it was more on my left-hand than on my right." Mr Hutchings said he presumed deceased meant that the lorry was in the centre of the road. - Alfred Farley, of Upton Pyne, who was riding on the lorry, gave evidence similar to Chapman's. After the accident deceased said it was the lorry driver's fault. - P.C. Foley deposed to taking a statement from deceased. - The Coroner said he did not think the Jury would have any difficulty whatever in coming to a decision. The facts were perfectly clear. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr T. J. W. Templeman watched the case on behalf of the owner of the steam waggon.

NEWTON ABBOT - Charabanc And Car. Exmouth Visitor's Death Near Heathfield. Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened at Newton Abbot yesterday on ALBERT POCOCK, aged 56, butcher of 117 The Brent, Dartford, Kent, who died on Sunday evening from injuries received in a collision between a car and a charabanc, near Heathfield, earlier in the day. The Coroner was Mr Ernest Hutchings, and he sat with a Jury. - The Coroner said he could go no further that day than take evidence of identification. He was told one of the vehicles involved was in a garage at Newton Abbot, and it might be that the Jury would like to view it and the scene of the occurrence. - Mr T. J. W. Templeman (Messrs. Dunn and Baker, Exeter) appeared for the owner of the charabanc. This vehicle, he said, was now at Exmouth, and he suggested it might be brought to Newton Abbot so as to be viewed at the same time as the car. He also wished to mention that several important witnesses, who were now staying at Exmouth on holiday, wanted to go to their homes at the end of the week. If the facts could be gone into before then it would save a great deal of expense. - After consultation the Coroner decided to adjourn the Inquest until 9 a.m. on Saturday. - The only evidence given was that of CHARLES ALEXANDER POCOCK, 57 Colley-road, Dartford, who identified the body as that of his father, who had been staying for a holiday at Halston, Exmouth. - The funeral of MR POCOCK will take place at Dartford on Friday.

Exmouth and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 September 1928 TOPSHAM - Doctor's Tip. Mothers' Welfare Centres And Baths. Topsham Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday on MARY HENSON, of 4 Southview Cottages, The Strand, Topsham, who died as the result of a fall into a bath containing hot water. - The father, ERNEST EDWARD HENSON, said the child was 2 years 11 months old. On Sunday, about 11 o'clock, his wife poured some hot water into a bath in the middle of the kitchen for the purpose of washing some clothes and then went out of the room to re-fill the kettle. During her absence he heard a scream, and, on turning, saw the child had fallen backwards into the bath. There was not enough water to cause a splash. Witness pulled deceased out, took off all her clothes and swamped her in some olive oil which was in the house at the time. It did not occur to him at the time to send for a doctor. The scalds were situated on the back and right arm, blisters appearing almost immediately. The child seemed to be progressing favourably until Tuesday, when it had convulsions. She had not complained or cried much and slept both Sunday and Monday nights. - ELSIE HENSON, wife of the previous witness, and Mary Newman, 9 The Strand, who was called by the mother, also gave evidence. - Dr R. C. Worsley, of Topsham, who was sent for on Tuesday afternoon, said he found that the child had had convulsions and was suffering from severe shock. There were extensive scalds between the buttocks, on the chest and on the right arm. Injuries of this type in a young child were very dangerous. Witness would not say that he might have saved the life of the child had he been called in earlier, but he might have alleviated the pain somewhat and so lessened the shock. The child died from shock as a result of the scalds. A tip that Mothers' Welfare Centres might take was that, when mothers were preparing a bath, it was much wiser to first pour in the cold water. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he thought the doctor should have been sent for earlier.

Western Times, Friday 21 September 1928
EXETER - Knocked Down By Train. Terrible Death Of An Exeter Man. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, on Monday relative to the death of WILLIAM HENRY MALLETT, of 13 The Ward, Cowick-street, who was killed on Friday last by being knocked down by a G.W.R. train between St David's and St Thomas Railway Stations. - P.C. Kemble produced a watch and walking stick which he found close to the remains and also a note which was in deceased's clothing. The latter read as follows:- "My dearest children, - I have left my few things to share among you. God bless you all. Good-bye. - From father." - ALBERT CHARLES MALLETT, son, of Commercial-road, identified the walking stick and watch as belonging to the deceased and added that the note was in his father's writing. Deceased was a retired Council employee, and was formerly a sweeper. He had not been in very good health of late. He lost his wife about four years ago. He took it to heart having to give up work. - ALICE MAUD POPE, 26 Shaftesbury-road, Exeter, daughter of deceased, stated that her father was depressed of late, but his health had been no worse recently. About two months ago he fell down some steps. He lived by himself, but visited witness a good deal. - Alfred Westacott, 18 Ebrington-road, gave evidence to the effect that he saw deceased walking on the railway line near the Flower-Pot Fields. - The next witness, Fred Webber, a shunter, living at 5 Oakfield-road, said he saw the deceased on the down railway line walking towards St Thomas Station and the express was approaching in the same direction. "The next thing I saw was a cap flying out from underneath the engine," added witness. Webber further stated that he viewed the body and then reported the matter at St David's Station. - Percy Browning, 49 Old Vicarage-road, fireman on the railway, said he was walking along the path, used by the Company's servants, beside the main down line, at 1.30 p.m. on Friday. He heard an express train approaching and then saw a man on the little path alongside the down line. As the train was upon him deceased stepped in front of the engine and was knocked down and killed. - Replying to the Jury, witness intimated that deceased did not look round as the train approached. - Dr J. Pereira Gray, who examined the body of deceased, said the whole of the head was smashed and the face torn away. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned. KINGSKERSWELL - South Devon Tragedy. Bovey Tracey Motorist In A Collision. Coroner And Scorching. - The adjourned Enquiry into the death of WILLIAM CHARLES KENDALL, of Rosemont, Bovey Tracey, employed at a Bovey Tracey garage, who received fatal injuries in a collision on the Newton Abbot - Torquay road, on August 25th, was resumed by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at Kingskerswell, yesterday afternoon. - Whilst riding a motor-cycle combination at night deceased came into collision with a motor-cycle ridden by Herbert Cook, of Cavern-road, Brixham, who sustained a fractured arm and ankle, and injuries to the head. - Dr Gardener, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said death was due to a fractured skull. - Sidney Dart, of Kingskerswell, said he saw a motor-cycle and sidecar on the left side of the road and a man lying on the road. This man was put in a 'bus which came along. Witness then saw another man lying on the road some ten yards away, a motor-cycle being near him. Both men were taken to the Hospital. - Sidney B. Bellamy, of St Edmund's-road, Torquay, motor -bus conductor, stated that on the night of the accident he arrived at Kingskerswell from Newton Abbot at ten minutes past eleven, and saw an overturned motor-cycle and sidecar. It was well over on the near side going from Kingskerswell to Torquay. About forty or fifty yards away there was another man in the road and a motor-cycle near him. This man was in the centre of the road. It was a dark and dry night. - Sydney Charles Stead, the driver of the 'bus on which the last witness was conductor, said his headlights shone on a motor-cycle combination and a lady asked for assistance. There was a light on the sidecar. Some yards on witness saw a solo machine with the engine still running. A man lying by it tried to sit up. He was a foot from the pavement on his correct side of the road. Both men were taken in his 'bus to the Torbay Hospital. The man on the solo machine had passed the 'bus near Jury Corner. He was not travelling more than twenty miles an hour. - Winifred Daisy Gray, of Bowden-hill, Newton Abbot, who was in MR KENDALL'S sidecar when the accident occurred, declared him to be a very careful driver. Describing the accident, she said MR KENDALL was on the left side of the road and on approaching the bend at Kingskerswell he sounded his horn twice. "The next thing I felt was a bump in front of us," said witness. "The whole thing upset. I crawled out of the sidecar and I saw MR KENDALL lying on the ground. I spoke to him. He never answered and I called for assistance." - A Juryman: Do you think he went against the wall, or was struck by someone? - Witness: Struck by someone. - Albert Edward Bibbings, licensee of the Half Way House Inn, Kingskerswell, and Herbert Cook, of Cavern-road, Brixham, organist at the Imperial Theatre, Newton Abbot, also gave evidence. - Cook said that he went to Newton Abbot daily. On the night of the accident he left Newton Abbot at ten minutes to eleven on his motor-cycle. He remembered nothing after being near Jury's Corner. He had ridden a motor-cycle since March 1926. - The Coroner expressed deep sympathy with the family. This, he said once more emphasised the dangerous condition of the roads. The widening of roads, no doubt, facilitated traffic, but it was doubtful whether it conduced to public safety. Some thought that the only object of wide road was to enable them to scorch as much as possible and when they reached villages they did not slow down as they should do. He thought the time was approaching when there would have to be a speed limit through all villages and towns. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that the corner could be improved by the removal, or partial removal, of buildings near the Manor House.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 September 1928

TIVERTON - Killed On Line. Inquest On Victim Of Exe Valley Accident. Coroner & Press. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict registered by the Tiverton Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, last night in the case of FRANCIS ARTHUR HILL, 41, mason's labourer, Silverton, who was knocked down by the 6 p.m. Exe Valley train on Wednesday near a level crossing two miles below Tiverton, on the Bickleigh side. - Frank Mitchell, driver of the train, said he blew the whistle, according to regulations, on approaching the crossing and, seeing deceased walking on the line, continued blowing it. Deceased was walking on the ballast, and the train would have cleared him had he kept there, but when the train was about ten yards away he fell towards the line and witness felt the train had struck him. He stopped the train and went back and found deceased dead. - The medical evidence was that death was due to a fractured skull. - The widow said deceased was always well and cheerful. He had been out of work five weeks owing to a broken wrist, but had just been signed off by the doctor and on Wednesday left home on his cycle to find work. - Mrs Ash (the widow's mother) said deceased had tea with her at East Barton, and was cheerful when he left. - The Coroner said he had no doubt whatever that it was a pure accident. He deprecated daily newspaper reports mentioning that deceased was out of work. That might imply to some people something different than an accident, and such matters should be left for Inquiry.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 September 1928

PAIGNTON - Found Drowned. Paignton Fatality. - WILLIAM PERRYMAN, a pavement artist, who was frequently in Paignton, was found dead, floating in an ornamental pond in Victoria Park, Paignton. His drawings, coat and hat were beside the pond, and when the body was found the shirt sleeves were turned up as if PERRYMAN had washed his hands in the pond. At the Inquest, conducted on Saturday by Mr T. Edmonds, it was stated that PERRYMAN called at a Paignton Hotel the same evening and was served with a pint of beer, and refused a second, saying he had had enough. Robert Thackway gave evidence that he found deceased in the pond, and with the help of Council gardeners, pulled him out. Witnesses said the body smelt strongly of drink. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Coroner.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 September 1928

AXMINSTER - Danger Spot. "Inevitable Accident" Near Shute Pillars. Inquest Rider. - The Inquest on EDWIN WALLS, aged 23, of 49 Gosport-road, Walthamstow, a visitor to Colyton, who was killed on September 8th when his motor cycle collided with a motor car driven by Mr Thomas Stoneham Hall, of Southsea, near Shute Pillars, on the Axminster-Honiton road, was concluded at the Police Station, Axminster, last evening. The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, who had the assistance of a Jury, opened the Inquiry a fortnight ago, and adjourned it for the attendance of Miss Margaret Smith, who was riding pillion with the deceased, and who was removed to Hospital injured. Evidence previously given was to the effect that the deceased, who appeared to be talking to the pillion rider, emerged from the old Taunton-road and rode straight into the off-side of the car, being killed instantaneously. - Mr R. J. McGahey, Exeter, appeared on behalf of Mr Hall, and Mr Cecil Forward (Axminster) for the relatives of the deceased. - Margaret May Smith, of 11 Hove-avenue, Walthamstow, was the only witness remaining to be called. She said that on the date concerned she was riding pillion on the deceased's motor cycle. They were returning from Cheddar to Seaton (for tea) by way of the old Taunton-road. She could not remember ever having been on that road before, but probably the deceased had. At five minutes past four they stopped by the roadside for about ten minutes, as they had plenty of time in which to reach Seaton for tea. They had not recommenced their journey more than a couple of minutes when the fatality occurred. - "The hedges were very high," continued the witness, "and it seemed as if the motor car came out of the hedge." - The Coroner: Do you think the deceased saw the car approaching? - Witness: We had no warning. It was the sudden appearance of the car that gave me such a shock. - Nature Of Crash. - The Coroner: I gathered from the deceased's father that his son had been on the road frequently during his stay. You didn't realise you were coming to cross-roads? - Witness: No, I didn't. Miss Smith added that the front of the car crashed into the front wheel of the motor cycle. - The Coroner: Did not the cycle strike the car broadside on - did not it go right into the off front door of the car? - Witness: I must have been unconscious after the crash. - The Coroner: Can you remember the impact? - Yes, to a certain extent. - Is not it possible that the question of the car smashing into the motor cycle is a matter of your imagination? - I should say that the front right-hand side of the car touched the left of the bicycle. I think the car struck us because it was going faster than we were. - The Coroner: Have you any idea how fast you were going? - No. - The Coroner: Do you remember catching sight of the car? - Yes, I screamed and then there was the crash. - Did it seem to you to happen immediately after your continued your journey after the rest by the roadside? - I should say about two minutes afterwards. - Mr McGahey: When you were pillion-riding with the deceased did you talk to him? - Witness: You don't go along in absolute silence on long journeys. - Mr McGahey: Is it possible that the deceased was talking to you immediately before the crash? - No, he was not talking to me then. - By Mr Forward: The car was about six yards away when she first saw it. She heard no hooter from the car. The deceased applied his brakes. - The Coroner, in summing up the evidence, said an independent witness had corroborated the evidence of Mr and Mrs Hall that the hooter of the car was sounded. - Road Customs. - He thought the Jury would probably agree that from her position Miss Smith could not tell much of what actually took place. It seemed a little difficult to understand why the deceased, having used the old Taunton road on several occasions, should not have realised that he was approaching the cross-roads. It seemed not unlikely that he was talking to the pillion-rider, and, in that case, he might, absent-mindedly, have not realised that he was coming to the cross-roads. The Coroner asked the Jury to decide whether blame attached to anyone, or whether the accident was inevitable in the circumstances. There was a popular impression that there was a right-of-way along a main road over traffic from a side road. There was no such legal right-of-way. It was customary, however, for a person emerging from a side road into a main road to give way to main-road traffic. Nevertheless, a man using a main road had no right to assume that nothing would come out of a side road, and in consequence, to drive without care. - The Jury retired, and on their return the Foreman, Mr S. O. Gill, said they found it was an inevitable accident and exonerated the driver of the motor-car from any blame. - The Coroner: I entirely agree. - The Foreman said the Jury also desired to add a rider to the verdict that the cross-roads concerned required attention by the authorities. At present anybody using the old Taunton-road did not realise they were approaching the main road in such a short distance, and there should be cross-road warning posts. - The Coroner remarked that the Rev. Stanhope Nourse, of Shute, had written to similar effect. - Mr Cecil Forward (who is Clerk to the Axminster Rural Council) said the Devon County Council had authorised an improvement at the corner, and the Rural Council was contributing towards the cost. - The Coroner: I am glad to hear that. - Mr McGahey said Mr Hall desired to express his thanks to the Police and others who had helped in connection with the sad affair and his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 September 1928

TAVISTOCK - Motor Cyclist's Death. Tavistock Mystery. - "The only thing that present any difficulty is why this accident occurred at all. There appears no reason for it." So said the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, sitting with a Jury last evening to Inquire into the circumstances of the death of ROBERT COLENSO SQUANCE, railway signalman, of Stokeclimsland, who died in Tavistock Hospital three hours after falling from his motor cycle at Luckett. - Police-Inspector Jago (Camelford) suggested the possibility of a fly having struck deceased in the face. He was a good rider and there was nothing the matter with the machine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 28 September 1928
NEWTON ABBOT - Heathfield Fatality. Charabanc Overturns On Buckfast Abbey Trip. Inquest Resumed. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, on Saturday, resumed the Inquest on ALBERT POCOCK, 56, butcher, of 117 Brent, Dartford, Kent, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital on Sunday night following injuries sustained early in the day, when an eight-seater charabanc belonging to Messrs. Sellers & Co., Exmouth, in which he was a passenger, was overturned near Heathfield Cross, on the Bovey Tracey-Teigngrace road, in collision with a private car driven by Harry Thomas, of the Globe Hotel, Newton Abbot. - Mr Wooland, Plymouth, represented Mr Thomas and Mr T. J. W. Templeman, Exeter, was for the owners of the charabanc. - The Inquiry was adjourned till today as three material witnesses who were at Exmouth, were not able to attend. - The first witness was Dr J. Brown, Newton Abbot, who said he saw deceased at the Hospital at 4.45 p.m. He was conscious and suffering from shock, fractured ribs and internal injuries. Death took place at 9.50 from shock, following severe internal injuries. - Sidney Honeywill, Stationmaster, of Heathfield, said he was in his garden a quarter of a mile away from the scene of the accident, and saw the charabanc pass in the direction of Ashburton, going at a reasonable pace. - A son of the last witness, Sidney Thomas Honeywill, said that after hearing the crash he went to the cross-roads, and saw the charabanc lying across the main road on the off side with the front part facing Newton Abbot. A Rover car was in the centre of the road. There were some skid marks made by the car pointing towards Ashburton from Newton Abbot. - Wm. Hart, Heathfield Cottages, Heathfield, said he saw the charabanc and motor car both being driven moderately. Witness put up his hand to stop the car, which was coming from Newton Abbot, but it came on and struck the charabanc in the rear wheel. The charabanc seemed to swerve a little and then turned over on its side, the passengers being thrown out. The deceased was pinned underneath the rear off wheel and he was freed by lifting the back of the vehicle. - In reply to the Coroner, witness gave as his opinion that both vehicles were being driven at the same speed and not at an improper rate. - Mr Templeman: Was there any reason why the driver of the car should not have stopped before reaching the cross-roads? - Witness: Not that I could see. He added that when he gave the statement to the A.A. man, Mrs Thomas said they rarely took notice of civilians putting their hands up. Witness did not shout, but kept his hand up until the car passed. - Inspector Hannaford: Did you hear the hooter sounded by the other vehicle? - No. - Was there time for both to pull up when they saw your signal? - Yes. - Did the private car stop at the point of impact? - I think so. - The Coroner: Both drivers said they did not see the signal? - Yes. - Miss Ethel Bowden, of Heathfield, the fiancé of the last witness, who was with him at the time, also gave evidence. She was of opinion that Mr Thomas could have avoided the collision if he had turned towards Chudleigh. - The driver of the charabanc, Thomas Bartlett, 70 Fore-street, Exmouth, said he had held a licence since January 1926, and frequently driven over this particular road. He left Exmouth last Sunday at 2.25 p.m. with a Buick eight-seater, with eight passengers, intending to go to Buckfast Abbey. The distance from Exmouth to the scene of the accident was about 22 miles. Witness saw a lady and gentleman looking towards Newton, and saw the gentleman put his hand up as if to signal the car coming from Newton Abbot. Witness sounded his electric horn to attract attention and proceeded on his way more to the left-hand side of the road than towards the centre. He did not see the motor car until it struck him. - The Coroner: At what speed were you travelling? - Eighteen to twenty miles per hour. - Had you any idea of the speed of the other car? - No. - Witness said he had no conversation with the driver of the car. He was about thirty yards from Mr Hart when he put up his hand. When the charabanc was struck it was over the centre of the cross-road, and after it had turned over it was in the mouth of the Ashburton-road. - Can you suggest what turned the charabanc over? - The force of the impact in the rear of the car whilst going uphill. - Mr Woolland: You made no effort to decrease your speed before the impact? - No. - Witness added that he assumed he had the right of way when he saw the man in the road put up his hand to something coming on the other road. - Questioned by Mr Templeman, witness said the rear part of the charabanc showed the impression of the radiator of the car, and the inside of the car was cut right through. - Miss J. W. Blackler, of Bicton Villa, Exmouth, said she was a passenger in the centre of the second seat from the driver. She first saw the car when it was a few feet away coming towards them at a good rate. It dashed into the rear of the charabanc. She did not remember falling out or getting up. - In reply to Mr Templeman, witness thought the car should have stopped. It had time to do so, and she thought it was its duty. - Another passenger in the charabanc, Dr Douglas Blunt, West-street, Dunstable, who was riding next the driver, said he saw a signal made by a pedestrian, who was standing off the pavement with his hand upraised, and with the palm facing the road from which the car came. - Witness thought there could be no mistaking the signal. The next thing he remembered was finding himself in the road. As a car driver of eight years' experience, he did not think the driver of the charabanc could have done anything. Had witness been driving he should have proceeded on as the charabanc driver did. - At this stage the Coroner said there were other witnesses, but he thought they had heard sufficient to inspect the vehicles, with some knowledge of what had happened. - The Jury agreed to this suggestion.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 2 October 1928

EXETER - Gunner's Death. Topsham Barracks Charge. - The Inquest on GUNNER WILLIAM HOUGHTON, 20, of the Royal Artillery, who was found hanging in a detention cell at Topsham Barracks, Exeter, on Saturday, was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown. - Sergt.-Major T. Bunker, of the 62nd Field Battery, said deceased was placed under arrest on the 24th September, charged with stealing a £1 note and had been remanded for a District Court-martial, which would have taken place within seven or ten days. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 4 October 1928

DAWLISH - An Accident. Inquest Verdict On Man Killed Near Teignmouth. Victim Of Epilepsy. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, conducted the Inquest at the Vestry Hall, Dawlish, last evening, on the body of ARTHUR BENJAMIN SIMPSON, aged 39, of 153 Cambridge-street, London, draughtsman, whose body was found on the railway near Spray Point, Teignmouth. He had been missed from a down train. Chief Divisional Inspector Mapledoram (Exeter) represented the Great Western Railway. - Glen Houghton, also of 153 Cambridge-street, London, brother-in-law, said that on Monday deceased and he were travelling from Paddington to Torquay by the midnight train. When between Dawlish and Teignmouth witness left the compartment for a few minutes, leaving deceased alone. His brother-in-law was excitable and subject to epilepsy, but in the train he was as normal as he could be, and witness had no trouble with him. When witness returned to the compartment deceased had gone. All the doors were closed. Information was given to railway officials at Teignmouth. Deceased was going to his parents (who were at Torquay) because he needed looking after, but witness had no reason to suspect suicide. Deceased had been studying for civil engineering and was contemplating an examination. - Dr Thurlow, Dawlish, said a train had cut the body in two. In his opinion deceased was killed instantly by his fall from the carriage. It was quite possible that he might have had a fit while his companion was absent. - BENJAMIN SIMPSON of Barton, Torquay, deceased's father, said for the past twelve years his son had suffered from occasional attacks of epilepsy. He joined up during the war and attained the rank of lieutenant in the Staffordshire Regiment. Apparently service in the Far East aggravated the attacks. There were times when deceased felt the fits coming on, and then he always made for a door or window, apparently to get fresh air. Witness fancied that on this occasion deceased must have felt an attack coming on, and rushing to the door of a compartment, overbalanced. He did not think deceased would have deliberately thrown himself from the train. - Inspector Mapledoram said the up train passed the spot where the body was found at 5.37 a.m., and an up goods at 6.20 a.m. There were marks on the engine of the goods, which showed it had passed over the body. - In recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Coroner said there was no evidence of suicide, nor of how deceased got out of the train. He thought the doctor's suggestion was a very probable one - that deceased had a sudden attack of epilepsy and that he went to the window for fresh air and in a state of semi-consciousness, overbalanced and fell on the line.

Western Times, Friday 5 October 1928
BICKLEIGH (NEAR BIDEFORD) - Aged Officer's Death. Colonel SIMPSON'S Tragic Fall Down Stairs At Bickleigh. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, on Tuesday held an Inquest on COL. CHARLES HAMILTON SIMPSON, aged 80, of Straiton, Bickleigh, near Bideford, whose death occurred following a fall down the stairs of his house on September 17th. - Miss Florence Cole, employed at the house, said she discovered deceased lying at the foot of the stairs face downwards as if he had fallen, and he was trying to raise himself up. He gave no explanation of how the accident occurred, merely saying that he "had fallen." He had a cut on his forehead and scratches. Deceased had never fallen like that before. - Dr A. T. Marshall spoke to being called to the house shortly after the accident and had attended on deceased up to the time of his death. He noticed something was wrong last Friday when the wound became septic, and it became worse, death taking place on Monday. The cause of death was blood poisoning, the result of the wound. COL. SIMPSON was infirm on his legs on account of his age. - The Coroner gave a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - The Colonel leaves a widow by a second marriage. The funeral will take place near Paignton.

TAUNTON, SOMERSET - Clayhidon Motor Cyclist's Fatal Skid. - Carelessly left open, a roadside gate with an outward swing was the cause of a fatal accident near West Buckland, Somerset. A young motor cyclist, WILLIAM GOLDSWORTHY, aged 20, of Clayhidon, was thrown from his machine in attempting to swerve away from the gate, which he came upon unexpectedly when night riding with a pillion passenger. His machine skidded and both he and his companion thrown on to the road. - Dr J. E. Griffin, of Hemyock, who attended the case, stated at the Inquest at Taunton Hospital, that deceased had a jagged wound in the inside of the left ankle. The day after the accident he appeared to be making satisfactory progress, but the next day witness found need to get him removed to Hospital, as the wound required constant dressing. An operation was performed, but GOLDSWORTHY died the following day. - Replying to comments by the Jury, P.S. Bull said that under present county by-laws new gates erected near the roadside must open inwards. The authorities had no power to compel owners of old gates to alter them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and said they left any action as regards the open gate to the Police.

NORTHAM - Youth's Suicide. Remarkable Story From North Devon. Boy And Girl "Tiff." Coroner And The "Express Speed" Of Living. - A remarkable story of a few cross words between a boy and girl, the former of whom kissed his sweetheart and was afterwards found hanging from a door in the house in which the girl was employed, was told at an Inquest held at Northam last evening by the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown. - Deceased was GEORGE HERBERT TAYLOR, aged 17 years, of No 37 Honestone-street, Bideford. - Daisy Mounce, an employee at the Borough House, Northam, who had been keeping company with deceased, said she had known TAYLOR since last January. She saw him on the night of the tragedy, but there was no row. She met deceased at 6.30 at Bideford and they went for a walk. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said they had a few words on the night in question, but "nothing to cause a fuss like this," added the witness. When they got home TAYLOR said, "What about Sunday?" and, after witness said it was to do with him, he said unless he had full particulars he should not write. Witness did not know what he meant by that, and never asked him as she could not stop. They said "Good-night" as usual, deceased kissing her. Witness said they could speak and be friends, but TAYLOR did not answer and she left him there. - The Coroner: What were you having all the words about? - He listened to other boys' tales and she (witness) had no doubt boys told him tales, but she could deny that. She did not tease him and she had not done so. He had not threatened to do anything, but some time ago he did, but it was nothing to do with that. The girl said she had a letter about it and she produced several and the Coroner read one, commenting that it was a morbid sort of letter. - Mounce, continuing, said she did not often take any notice of these things for when she said anything in a joke TAYLOR took it seriously. - The Coroner read the following extract from the letter: "You think I am a proper drinker," and the Coroner asked if he was such, witness replying not that she knew of, but that a boy told her once that he (deceased) did. But she never believed it and did not accuse him. - Major E. C. Wren, of the Borough House, Northam, said in consequence of what his sister told him he went with a lantern at 10.20 p.m. to find deceased hanging in his premises on a small door, which formed part of a big doorway. He was dead. - Evidence was also given by P.C. Peardon. - HERBERT TAYLOR, father of deceased, said his son was apprenticed to the cabinet making and he last saw him at 6.15 on Wednesday when he went. He remarked to his son about it being unusual his going out with the young girl on Wednesday night and the boy replied that he had put it off for that night. Recalled later the father said his son at times seemed depressed and seemed to be thinking for long spells, but had never threatened to take his life. - The Coroner pointed out that the letters were of a morbid kind. The boy seemed to be taking everything seriously to be of the worst advantage. - The Coroner said it seemed an extraordinary thing that a young lad of 17 and a girl of about the same age should have such differences that had driven one of them to take his life. In these days they were living rather fast; in this case it was "express speed." It was strange that a lad should become tired of life, but at the same time it was extraordinary what people did. Apparently in these days they did not have the slightest regard as to the value of their lives. The boy, in this case, thought the girl was going out with another lad, but what fixed it in his (the lad's) mind he (the Coroner) could not say. TAYLOR seemed to take life too seriously. His (the Coroner's) verdict must be one of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 October 1928

MARYSTOWE - Knocked Down By Cart At Marystowe. An Accident. - Mr H. C. Brown with a Jury held an Inquest at Tiberage Cottage, Marystowe, yesterday, on VICTOR WILLIAM TRUMPER, aged 6 ½ years, son of JOHN HENRY WILLIAM TRUMPER, farm labourer, who died on Friday last. - William Cole, of Coryton Mill, Lewdown, farmer, said on Friday morning he was driving a cart to Coryton Station when the off side shaft snapped close to the step and made the horse jump. He knew the shaft was faulty and had put in two nails to strengthen it. Two cock pheasants had crossed the road in front a minute or so before and that caused the horse to be a bit restive, but he had no trouble with the horse before. When the horse stampeded he dropped out at the back of the cart and was dragged along. He did not see the deceased struck, but saw him in the road before the shaft broke. When he had pulled the horse up he came back and found deceased, put him in a car and sent for the doctor and nurse. He found deceased coming up the road bleeding from the back of his head. - Samuel Cann, aged 13, said he was going to school with deceased and his sister. They were on the left-hand side of the road, the deceased being tight to the hedge. Near Rye Mount he saw Mr Coles coming with his milk cart. He was coming slowly. A few yards, perhaps 10, before the cart reached him the right-hand shaft snapped. He did not notice the horse restive. The horse came down the road and he got to the other side. The deceased was left on the left-hand side, and he did not see any part of the cart strike him, but found him lying in the road directly after with his head bleeding. Mr Cole picked him up and put him by the hedge until a car came. Deceased said nothing. - Dr Frank Postlewaite, Brentor, said he saw deceased first at the school and afterwards at home. Shock and heart failure following the injuries caused death. There was no fracture. Deceased was anaemic, and he believed would have died in any case. - The Jury found that death was due to an injury Accidentally Received.

TIVERTON - Toxic Absorption. Stoodleigh Girl's Death. - The death of FREDA MAY KINGDON, aged 17, of Stoodleigh, at the Tiverton Hospital on Sunday, was the subject of an Inquest conducted by the Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, at Tiverton last night. Deceased was admitted to the Hospital on September 20th as a result of burns sustained while handling a jar of beeswax and paraffin over a gas stove at Tidcombe House, where she was in the employ of Brig.-General Dodington. Another servant, a relative, stated that it was her duty to mix the ingredients and she had done so and left the jar downstairs, and deceased might have been bringing the jar upstairs and gone to the stove, where she had an iron heating. Medical evidence showed that practically all the clothing had been burnt off from the knees upwards. The girl recovered from the first shock, but died from toxic absorption. - The Coroner, returning a verdict that "Death was Accidental," said what actually happened would never be known, but deceased might have tripped on reaching the stove and spilt some of the contents of the jar.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 October 1928

EXETER - Accidental Death. Exeter Fatality Verdict. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Court House, Exeter, concerning the death of ROY TIMMS, aged four, who was knocked down by a motor car in Blackboy-road, and died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital from injuries sustained. - EDWARD TIMMS of 3 Salem-place, deceased's father, said his son's sight and hearing were excellent. - Miss Kitson of 27 Blackboy-road, said a car was proceeding up Blackboy-road at a moderate speed. Deceased emerged from Kendall-buildings, went behind a trap and ran in front of the car. The boy was taken by the driver to the Hospital. - Dr Cotterel, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from a fracture at the base of the skull, which was the cause of death. - Jack Penwarden of 2 Spinning-path, Blackboy-road, said the car was going fairly fast, and it swerved just before knocking the boy down. - Jack Crews, of 2 Ferndale-road, transport contractor, driver of the car, said he saw deceased run across the road. As soon as he saw him leave the pavement he swerved to the right, but the front of the car struck him and passed over him. He was going at about 15 miles per hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attached no blame to the driver of the car. A vote of sympathy was passed with the bereaved parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 18 October 1928

TEIGNMOUTH - "Found Drowned." Coroner's Tribute To Worth Of Teignmothian. Loss To The Town. - High tributes to the character and work of the deceased wee paid at the Inquest at Teignmouth, yesterday, on the body of THOMAS WILLIAM SHARAM, 56, of 13 Salisbury-terrace, Teignmouth, school teacher, who was found drowned in the sea off Spray Point on Tuesday. Mr Ernest Hutchings was the Coroner. - Walter Fred Smith of 4 Gladstone-terrace, Teignmouth, assistant-master at West Lawn Boys' School, identified the body. Witness last saw deceased alive on October 1st, at the school, where he was also employed. On Tuesday, about 3.30 p.m., he was walking along the sea wall near Spray Point, when he saw deceased in the water. He was outside the stone breakwater which protected the Point and in deep water. Witness went for the Police, while his wife called the attention of railway workmen. A motor boat was procured, but by the time this arrived the body had been taken out of the water. Witness had worked in the same school with deceased for 18 years. At the time of the occurrence the latter was on long sick leave. - John Wood, of 9 Teign-street, Dawlish, railway ganger, said a lady came to him on Tuesday afternoon and told him there was a man in the water. He went to Spray Point and saw a body in about two feet of water some six feet from the shore. A rope was thrown over it and it was brought to the shore. - The Coroner: Was there anybody there who knew anything about artificial respiration? - Witness: Not that I am aware of. I think the man was too far gone for that. - MISS KATHLEEN EMMA SHARAM, daughter of the deceased, said her father had been on the sick list since June. On Tuesday he got up at the usual time - about 6.45 a.m. - and about a quarter of an hour later her mother called witness, because she could not find her father. Witness went to look for him, calling at the Railway and Police Stations, and many other places, but nobody had seen him. Her father had had a lot of trouble, and was upset about having to give up his work. Two days ago at breakfast he said: "I cannot stand any more of it." She thought he was referring to a pain in the head, of which he had been complaining. Except for that, she had never heard him say anything which would make her think he contemplated taking his life. - P.C. Strang said when he arrived at Spray Point the body was out of the water, and he formed the opinion the man had been dead some time. - Dr Piggott said he saw the body in the Mortuary about 8.30 p.m. He attributed death to drowning. Witness had been treating deceased for some years. He was very depressed, but had never threatened suicide. Witness was inclined to think bruises on deceased's face were caused before death, by falling on some hard surface. Deceased was in a highly nervous condition. Quite probably an acute pain in the head would cause temporary giddiness. - Returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Coroner said, in the absence of any evidence that deceased took his own life, nobody had any right to jump to that conclusion. Because he had been ill, it did not necessarily follow that he cast himself into the water. It may have been that he went for a walk and fell as the result of an attack of giddiness. - "I should like to add," said Mr Hutchings, "not merely my sympathy to his family, but also to pay a tribute of respect to his memory. I learnt to read with him in the same class. I knew him as a boy, and we were in those days great friends. As the years passed, to some extent I lost sight of him, but I have reason to know of the excellent work he did in his profession. I have good reason to know that, as I have a clerk now with me who was trained and taught by him, and who is himself evidence of the magnificent work MR SHARAM did. Having known him almost all his life, I can only express my deep regret at having to hold this Inquiry. MR SHARAM was a fine specimen of an Englishman. - Mr R. E. Cooke, the oldest member of the School Board, expressed his sincere regret at the occurrence. MR SHARAM had been an ideal master. The boys loved him, and everybody in the school respected him. He was also highly respected throughout the town. Only quite recently the Board sent a recommendation forward that he should be given the highest pension possible. The whole of the town had suffered a loss.

Western Times, Friday 19 October 1928
SIDBURY - The funeral has taken place at Sidbury Cemetery of MRS HOCKING, wife of MR THOMAS HOCKING of Kelso, Sidbury. Rev. J. A. Prendergast (Vicar) conducted the service. Those present included Mr Hocking (husband), Mr and Mrs Hocking (son and daughter-in-law), Miss Ivy Sanders (niece), Mrs Prendergast, Mrs Radley, Mr W. White, Mr E. Dommett and Mr D. Finlayson. At the Inquest on MRS HOCKING, held prior to the funeral , the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed his sympathy with MR HOCKING in his distressing loss.

EXETER - Pains In Head. Tragic Death Of Exeter Resident. Inquest Verdict. - "Dear Mark and Reg, - These accounts, as far as I know, are wrong. May the Lord forgive me the wrong I have done you and all my sins. ERN." - Such was the note left on a bill-head by ERNEST DENHAM, of 44 Union-street, Exeter, who was found hanging in a stable in Pancras-lane, Exeter, on Wednesday. The Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening. - ERNEST ALBERT DENHAM, son, gave evidence of identification. His father was a whole-sale fruit merchant, in partnership, he understood, with witness's uncle and cousin. A stable was rented in Pancras-lane in connection with the business. Deceased had complained of pains in the head. He drove a horse and trap and traffic worried him. As far as witness knew deceased had no financial worries. - MARK DENHAM, of 12 Churchill-road, brother, said deceased had worked for him at a weekly wage, although his name appeared on the bill-heads as a partner. Part of his duties was to collect accounts. Witness had found that one account appeared to be wrong, but had had no time to investigate the others. His brother had complained of head pains and was frequently depressed. - P.C. Sangster said he was called to the stable by Mr Bullen. Witness found deceased hanging from two strands of rope which were tied round a plank resting across an open trap-door. There was a ladder by the side of the wall about four feet away from the body. Deceased had evidently stepped off this. With the aid of P.C. Hooper witness tried artificial respiration for twenty minutes without avail. He found the bill-head on which the note was written beside a corn-bin. - Dr Pereira Gray said death appeared to be due to strangulation by hanging. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, adding that deceased was of Unsound Mind at the time.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 20 October 1928

MILTON DAMEREL - Farmer's Suicide. Milton Damarel Inquest. - Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, sitting without a Jury, held an Inquest at Gratton Farm, Milton Damarel, yesterday, on CHARLES WREFORD CORY, 64, farmer, of that place, who died on Thursday as a result on gunshot wounds. HERBERT CHARLES CORY, son, said he left his father in the morning lighting the fire, and witness went out to set some rabbit traps. Deceased appeared then to be in his normal state of health. Shortly afterwards witness heard the report of a gun, and, on returning to the farmhouse, found his father lying shot in the coach-house. There was a gun by his side. The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Injuries received from Self-inflicted Gunshot Wounds," adding that deceased was of Unsound Mind at the time.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 October 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Fatality. Inquest Opened On Exeter Bank Clerk. An Adjournment. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, District Coroner, opened an Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening, concerning the death of MR ERIC WILLIAM BOWMAN PACKHAM, aged 23, who died at the Hospital on Sunday from injuries received in a motoring accident on the Newton Abbot- Torquay main road on the previous Wednesday. Deceased, whose home address is 11 Regent-street, Lydney, Gloucestershire, was employed as a clerk at the National Provincial Bank, Exeter, and lived at Clevelands, New North-road, Exeter. About 10.45 on Wednesday night deceased and Mr H. A. Ford (who lived with him) were motoring towards Exeter, and when near Addison-road, Newton Abbot, the care came into collision with a car driven by Mr F. W. Watts, of Lime Tree Walk, and overturned. MR PACKHAM was taken to Hospital suffering from a fractured leg, internal injuries and shock, and Mr Ford had a bad shaking and sustained bruises and injuries to the head. The occupants of the other car - Mr and Mrs F. W. Watts and Mrs S. Watts - were uninjured. - At yesterday's Inquiry the Coroner said a material witness was unable to attend, and it would be necessary to adjourn the proceedings. - Evidence of identification was given by MRS ALICE PACKHAM, of Lydney, Gloucestershire, mother of deceased. - The Coroner then adjourned the Inquiry until Monday next, at 2.30. - Mr F. P. Cottey attended to represent Mr F. Watts, the driver of the other car.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 25 October 1928

PAIGNTON - Torquay Tragedy. Pedestrian Knocked Down Near Tram Terminus. Manslaughter Verdict. - After an hour's retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter" at the Inquest held by Mr E. Hutchings at Paignton yesterday concerning the death of MRS SUSAN COLLIER, 57, wife of MR NICHOLAS J. COLLIER of 10 Laburnum-street, Torquay, who died in Torbay Hospital after being knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Archibald Thomas Palmer, near Torre Station. - Mr P. H. W. Almy represented the driver of the car and Mr W. L. Parsons the widower. Mr F. Blacksall was Foreman of the Jury. - Gilbert Mortimer Redmore of 59 Summerland-street, Exeter, journeyman baker, said he was driving a motor from Torquay and had as passengers four ladies. Approaching Torre Station he saw a stationary tramcar at the end of the tram track. Witness pulled up because a car was coming from Newton Abbot on the wrong side of the road at a speed which he estimated at 45 miles per hour. A lady emerged from behind the tram and was knocked down. The car then passed between the tram and witness's car and did not stop. Witness did not think the driver slackened his speed as he approached the tram, and he heard no horn sounded. - Corroborative evidence was given by passengers in the car - Violet Louise Vincent (3 St John's-road, Exeter), Mrs Olive Winifred Hill and Mrs Emma Hill (23 Heavitree-road). - P.C. Hardy spoke to interviewing Mr Palmer, who admitted he was the driver of the car which knocked MRS COLLIER down. He added that when he was passing Torre Station he was travelling at a speed of about 15 miles per hour. He intended pulling into the Station Yard. There was a car standing below the post-box on the right-hand side and a stationary tram on the opposite side of the road. He applied his brakes and suddenly a lady ran across the road and into the bonnet of his car. He pulled up his car, dismounted and assisted in getting the deceased into a taxi. He afterwards drove away and reported to the Police. Witness asked him if there were any passengers in the car at the time and Palmer replied, "No; I was driving on my own." - After the Jury had retired the verdict given above, the Chairman informed Mr Palmer that he would be committed for trial at the forthcoming Assizes and would be bound over in his own recognisances of £20. The Jury added a rider that the situation of the present tram terminus should be altered.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 29 October 1928

TIVERTON - Slippery Road. Tiverton Farmer's Death. - Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, conducted an Inquest at the Hospital on Saturday on RICHARD FRANKPITT, aged 71, of The Larches, Tiverton, who died from injuries sustained through being thrown out of a trap on Thursday. - WILLIAM RICHARD FRANKPITT of Rix, Tiverton, said his father had driven a horse and trap all his life. - Alexander M. Kinnison, Borough Surveyor, said that at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday he was driving his motor car towards Bolham. Deceased pulled his horse and trap in to allow a car to pass and then returned to the centre of the road. When witness sounded his horn, about 50 yards behind, deceased pulled his horse rather sharply to the near side. The animal stumbled and fell and the shafts of the trap, a governess-car, broke. Deceased seemed to roll out on his right shoulder and land in the road in a sitting position near the hind legs of the horse. Witness did not see him fall on his head. When he arrived at the spot deceased collapsed. Replying to the Coroner, witness said the road was less slippery in the centre and better for the horse. - Arnold Hindbaugh, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to cerebral compression. - Dr A. K. Hamilton said there was a small circular abrasion on the scalp. He did not think the injury was caused by the horse's hoof. There was no evidence of fracture of the skull. Death was, in his opinion, due to concussion of the brain. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and found that no blame attached to anyone. Sympathy was expressed with relatives of deceased.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 October 1928

NEWTON ABBOT - Inquiry Into Newton Road Tragedy. A Side Turning. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on MR ERIC WILLIAM BOWMAN PACKHAM, bank clerk, of Clevelands, New North-road, Exeter, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated both drivers of the cars concerned. The accident occurred on the night of October 17th, two cars - driven respectively by Mr F. W. Watts, of Newton Abbot, and Mr H. A. Ford, of Clevelands, Exeter - coming into collision near the junction of Addison-road with the Newton Abbot - Torquay main road. Deceased was a passenger in the car driven by Mr Ford. - Dr Colin King stated that deceased was admitted to Newton Hospital at 11 p.m. on October 17th suffering from a considerable amount of shock and a fracture of the left thigh. The next day it was obvious that he had serious internal injuries. Death took place on the following Sunday morning. - Clarence George Stentiford, plumber, of 3 Addison-road, Newton Abbot, said that on October 17th, about 10.20 p.m., he was motor-cycling on the Torquay-road, and was proceeding towards Newton Abbot. Near the Aller signal-box he had occasion to stop. While there a four-seater car came from the direction of Torquay and passed him. It was being driven in a very careful manner, and was on its correct side of the road. Witness started his machine and rode in the direction of Newton. He had gone about 50 yards when another car passed him. It was on its off side of the road, and proceeding at a very fast pace. There was no other traffic on the road at the time. Witness turned the bend about 200 yards from the scene of the accident, and then saw the reflection of car-lights wobbling about. He saw that something had happened and hastened to the spot. When he arrived near the junction of Addison-road he found a Singer car with the front of the vehicle practically on the crown of the road. The occupants were just getting out and, as they were uninjured, witness went on to the other car, which was from 15 to 20 yards away. The car was in the centre of the road and deceased was lying at the back of the vehicle. There was a little fog, but not enough to interfere with visibility. Witness estimated that Mr Watts's car was travelling about 20 miles an hour and Mr Ford's about 40. - William James Hunt, motor mechanic, 60 East-street, Newton Abbot, said he was riding a cycle on the Torquay road about 10.25. A four-seater car passed him just before he got to Addison-road, and witness was able to keep level with it on his cycle for about 100 yards. Then the car went to turn into Addison-road. - Witness heard another car coming up behind and it crashed into the first car. After hitting the edge of the footpath on its off side it shot across the road and hit the kerb on the other side, afterwards turning a somersault. The car landed on its side facing Torquay. Witness gave what assistance he could. Deceased was doubled up like a ball underneath the car, and witness was able to drag him out in front of the headlights of the car. It sounded to witness as if the second car was travelling at a terrific speed. - "But For The Kerb." - Mr Templeman: I suggest to you that the second car accelerated to cut through in front of the other car? - The driver might have done so. - And but for the kerb he would have got through? - That may have been. - Mr Cottey: Did Mr Watts do anything he ought not to have done in turning towards Addison-road? - No. - Frank Walter Watts of 3 Lime Tree Walk, Newton Abbot, said he was driving his car from Torquay. He was accompanied by his mother and his wife. It was his intention to turn into Addison-road, and looking out to the rear he saw the headlights of a car at least 200 yards away. He knew he had ample time to cross road, but when about half-way across the headlights of the oncoming car were shining across his bonnet. Witness was approximately five feet from the entrance to Addison-road when the collision occurred. - After the accident the driver of the other car said to witness, "You didn't give us sufficient warning." Witness replied, "Nonsense; you were travelling at an excessive speed." - Inspector Hannaford: Could the other driver have avoided the accident had he been driving at a reasonable speed? - Yes. - Arthur James Cleaseby, of 70 Queen-street, Newton Abbot, said he saw deceased at Newton Hospital two days after the accident. - Deceased said: "We turned round and over, and that is all I can remember." - Deceased added that it wasn't Mr Ford's fault. - Henry Alfred Ford, of Clevelands, New North-road, Exeter, said he was driving a two-seater towards Newton and deceased was riding with him. About 200 yards from the scene of the accident witness noticed a car in front, going very slowly. When he was a few yards behind it the driver gave a signal that he was turning right and did so. Witness made up his mind in a second and accelerated in an endeavour to pass the car before it turned. Unfortunately he did not quite manage it. Witness had no chance of passing the other car on the left-hand side because when Mr Watts gave the warning witness's car was only a few yards behind. Witness did not know there was a turning off the main road. - Mr Cottey: You agree with the other witnesses that Mr Watts was proceeding very cautiously? - Yes. - Inspector Hannaford: Why didn't you sound your hooter? - I didn't think it was necessary. My headlights gave warning, and I had to grab my steering wheel hard with both hands in order to turn off. - Answering further questions, witness said he had the choice of doing that or of braking hard and he contended that he did the right thing. - In summing up, the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, remarked that he had been impressed with the absolute honesty and sincerity of both drivers. He did not see how either driver could be blamed on the evidence given. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated above, and added a river suggesting that a notice should be erected on the main road warning motorists of the turning to Addison-road.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 November 1928

EXMOUTH - Death At Exmouth. Important Inquest Opened And Adjourned. Medical Opinion. - At Exmouth yesterday Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of MR EDWARD ARTHUR CHICHESTER, aged 75 years, of 86 Exeter-road, Exmouth, who was for 35 years employed at the Estate and Surveyor's Office at Paddington Station. -- MISS ELSIE HILDA CHICHESTER stated that she had acted as her father's housekeeper for some years. In September he complained of feeling ill and described it as indigestion with a slight pain in the right ribs. Her father went to Dr Walker and as he did not get much better, on the advice of Dr Walker, he saw Dr Roper, the specialist, of Exeter, who examined him. Her father became worse and on the advice of a cousin, Miss Marcella Knight, he went to see a gentleman named Roche of 6 Harley Gardens, Kensington. Before doing so she communicated with Dr Roper, who X-rayed her father on October 20th at his house. He told her the result of this examination. Witness said she then had a wire from her cousin asking her to take her father immediately to Mr Roche, which she did and her brother paid Mr Roche £15 15s. for the consultation and medicine given. When her father saw Mr Roche he was told not to see any other doctor while under him, and take no drugs, but that if he became seriously ill from heart attack or anything like that, he could see a doctor. Mr Roche told her father he could eat anything he liked and fancied. On the following afternoon there arrived by post from Mr Roche two powders, one in a plain packet and the other in a packet marked with a blue cross. She gave deceased the dry powder in the plain packet about seven o'clock the same night and a first dose of the other powder - which was diluted with water - at ten o'clock, when her father had retired to bed. Her father had previously been sick during his illness, and on the morning of October 24th, about four hours after taking the medicine, her father became very sick. He was to take a portion of the powder four times a day. Witness administered the medicine again on the Wednesday morning, when her father awoke, and again after lunch, and he became sick in the afternoon. On the following day she gave him the medicine, and he became sick two or three times. Her father did not see a doctor, as Mr Roche had advised him not to. On the night of Wednesday last, her father suffered acute pain, and Dr Beasley came to see him and gave him some medicine. Dr Walker said Dr Beasley was called in, in his absence. Dr Beasley said he did not know why he had been sent for as the patient was so cheerful. Dr Beasley gave deceased some medicine containing bromide and morphia. Witness said the medicine did not have the slightest effect, but it did not make her father sleep. He was not sick that night. On the following morning Dr Dray came and gave her father an injection of morphia. She had already ceased to give him the powders sent by Mr Roche. - Powder To Be Analysed. - Answering the Coroner, witness said her cousin told her that Mr Roche had effected several remarkable cures. - The Coroner: Did she tell you that he had cured any cases of cancer? - No. - The Coroner: How much did you pay him? - Witness: The charge was 15 guineas for his first consultation and the medicine. - The Coroner: Did he alter deceased's diet? - Witness: He had been ordered by previous doctors not to take starchy food. Mr Roche told him he could take anything. He also said he had been 16 years studying medicine. - Dr Walker said there was one thing Dr Roper and himself were up against - they wanted to stop the covering practices from men who were not qualified medical practitioners. - The powder and medicine given by Mr Roche was produced in a sealed bottle and the Coroner said he had ordered that to be analysed. - Letters were read from Mr Roche, in one of which he regretted having made a slip in his directions of administering the powders. The dose was to be two tablespoonfuls instead of one. - The Coroner (to MISS CHICHESTER): You had already given him one tablespoonful? - Witness: Yes. - Another letter written to MR CHICHESTER stated that the sickness was the best way of eliminating the poison inside him. - Medical Opinion. - Dr G. F. Walker, Medical Practitioner, of Exmouth, said he first saw deceased on October 13th and thought then he had a growth, but did not tell him so. He wanted him to get further advice and Dr Roper was called to see him. Dr Roper agreed it was cancer of the stomach and was inoperable. He (Dr Walker) was not called again to the case until he found him dead. In the opinion of Dr Roper and himself, MR CHICHESTER would have died within two or three months from cancer, but what they wanted to find out was the constitution of the powders sent by Mr Roche, who was not a qualified medical practitioner. A person who charged 15 guineas was either a fraud to the public if the powders were innocuous, or if they were dangerous drugs it endangered the life of the patient. If Mr Roche knew anything about medicines and had taken the trouble to write to the doctors who had knowledge of the case he would have known that no treatment in the way of drugs could possibly save the patient. But he took the case from the qualified man and left the qualified man to sign the death certificate. - The Coroner said it was right to bring the case to his notice, and the only course was to have the powders analysed. - MISS CHICHESTER said that Mr Roche asked her to sign a book to the effect that she knew he was not a qualified doctor. - The Coroner thought that, to be consistent, the contents of the stomach should be examined for analysis as well as the medicine. - Dr Walker said the opinion of Dr Roper was that it would not be of any use because other doctors had given medicine since that administered from the London man. If the contents of the stomach were examined it should be by a pathologist. He came to the conclusion that the death of MR CHICHESTER was due to haemorrhage from an ulcer eating through the stomach. - The Coroner said that without a post-mortem examination how was he to say that the deceased died from the medicine, supposing it contained arsenic. - Dr Walker said he would be pleased to assist in a post-mortem, but could not take the responsibility himself. The medicine may have been as harmless as Epsom salts, and if the Police did not go further with the case the Medical Defence Union would take it up with a view to stopping it, because they thought it was a fraud on the public. - The Coroner thereupon adjourned the Inquest for a week in order that the necessary analysis of the medicine and a post-mortem could be made.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 5 November 1928

EXMOUTH - The Exmouth Inquest. Post Mortem Unnecessary. - Exmouth Police have been informed by Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, that a post-mortem on the body of MR E. A. CHICHESTER will not be necessary. The powders sent from London and taken by deceased have been found by the County Analyst to have been non-poisonous.

PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth on JOHN LEE, age 59, an Army pensioner, living at 2- West-street, Exeter. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 November 1928

EXMINSTER - Asylum Patient. Inquest At Exminster. - An Inquest was held at the Devon Mental Hospital, Exminster, yesterday, on PHILIP MANNING BROOKS, who died at the Hospital on November 1st. Deceased, a slaughter-man, recently resided at Willand, and was 64. - WILLIAM EDWARD BROOKS, of Exeter-hill, Cullompton, teacher of music and son of deceased, said his father had enjoyed good health, but had occasionally been run down and forced to give up work. He had been attended from time to time by Dr Laidlaw, Uffculme, and had lately been on the sick list. - JANE BROOKS, wife of deceased, said he had been home for a fortnight and suffered from pains in head and heart. She saw him go into a woodshed one day, and, following him in, saw he was bleeding at the throat and that he threw a razor away. After putting him to bed she sent for the doctor, and deceased was taken to the Devon Mental Hospital on October 27th. - Dr Bainbridge, of the Mental Hospital, said that when deceased was admitted he was in a very debilitated condition and suffering from valvular disease of the heart. The wound in his throat was healing, but there was still a slight discharge. While at the Hospital, BROOKS' cardiac condition got worse and he was removed to the Infirmary Ward. - The Medical Attendant in the Infirmary ward, Dr Patterson, said deceased suffered from an enlarged heart and died at about 6.30 p.m. on November 1st. There were two old haemorrhages in the brain and the right lung was slightly congested at the base. The membrane surrounding the heart was inflamed and the valves of the heart, which was enormously enlarged, were excessively diseased. Witness thought death must have been sudden and in no way caused by the wound in the neck. - The Jury returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 November 1928

EXETER - Fall From Pony. Whitestone Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, on KENNETH EDGAR CLARKE, aged 22, farmer's son, of Ball Oaks Farm, Whitestone, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Monday as a result of having fallen from a pony on November 1st. - WALTER CLARKE, father of deceased, gave evidence of identification and said his son often rode a pony belonging to him. It was a quiet animal. On November 1st deceased went for a ride on the pony in witness's absence. When witness returned home he found him sitting in the kitchen. Witness asked him what was the matter, and he said the pony had thrown him. He must have brought the pony back himself and subsequently the saddle was found in its usual place. Deceased was put to bed and a doctor was sent for. Drs. Jackson and Hugo, of Crediton, made an examination and ordered his removal to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as they could not ascertain the exact nature of the injuries. This was done at once. - LESLIE CLARKE, brother of deceased, said he saw KENNETH return after the accident. Witness asked him what he had done as he complained of pains, and deceased said he had fallen off the pony. He was evidently in pain, and was holding his stomach. The pony was seen in a field, and must have been put there by deceased. No explanation as to how the accident happened was given. - Mr H. C. Woodyatt, acting House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Friday. He complained of pain in the abdomen, but there was no evidence at that time of any serious injury. He had a special nurse and was watched. Witness had a conversation with deceased, who said he was riding his pony when he was thrown. He could not remember how it was done - whether he had a kick or fell on something. Apparently he had not lost consciousness, as he remembered catching the pony and bringing it back. As his condition got worse he was operated upon, and a tear, about an inch long, was found in the small intestine, which was stitched. On the 5th the shock became violent and he died. Death was due to shock following an operation for injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EXETER - Exeter Fatality. Inquest Adjourned. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, opened an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on WALLACE WARE, aged 21, of Shute, Shobrooke, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a result of injuries received in Barrack-lane, Exeter, on November 1st, when, riding a motor cycle, he is stated to have collided with Walter Greenslade, a pedestrian, who was talking to a young lady. Greenslade's condition is still serious and an adjournment was accordingly necessary. - Mr G. A. S. Earle represented Mr F. P. Cottey, who will appear on behalf of Greenslade. - HAROLD HENRY WARE, of Shute, Shobrooke, said his brother was living with Mr Newberry, baker, of Dawlish, and it was his custom to go from Dawlish to Shobrooke every weekend. He had had a 2 ¼ h.p. motor cycle for about 18 months. It had carbide gas lamps and the headlamp gave a good light. Deceased knew the road well. - Dr Woodyatt, acting House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted on November 1st at 10.30 p.m. Witness found he was suffering from severe concussion and severe lacerated wounds above and below the left eye. He remained unconscious until he died on Saturday. Witness attributed death to gross injury to the brain and consequent shock. His condition was consistent with his having been involved in a motor accident. Witness was attending Greenslade, and did not think he would be able to give evidence for another fortnight, although he was much better. He had regained consciousness, but was still very weak. - The Deputy Coroner said Mr Cottey, for Greenslade, had asked for an adjournment in order that his client could attend and explain what had occurred. He, therefore, adjourned the Inquiry until November 20th at 3.45 p.m.

KINGSKERSWELL - Claypit Tragedy. Kingskerswell Man In The Wrong Drive. Instant Death. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening concerning the death of FREDERICK GEORGE ROBERTS, sen., 53, clay miner, of Kingskerswell, who was killed by a fall of clay at the Decoy pits at Newton Abbot, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Coroner sat with Mr R. King, of St Austell, H.M. Inspector of Mines. - Ernest Neck, of East Ogwell, employed by the Devon and Courtenay Clay Company at Decoy, said on Monday morning he was working with deceased and they had occasion to go to the bottom of Dobbs' shaft. Witness was foreman of the shaft, and he first carried out an inspection to see that everything was in order. So far as he could see everything was satisfactory. The shaft was about 115ft. deep. After inspecting ROBERTS'S drive, witness inspected another drive, and then proceeded with his own work. About an hour later, not hearing any sound from deceased's drive, he called out, but got no reply. He found there had been a fall of clay and that deceased was buried. He was dead when dug out. Deceased had been working with him on and off for the last 28 years, and was a good and careful miner. His opinion was that at the time of the accident deceased was trying to take out some old timber. He was found in a stooping position and facing the shaft. He was in the old drive, but there was no reason why he should have been there. When the drive was finished men went into them at their own risk, because they knew they were liable to fall in. The men were warned not to go into the old drives, and if deceased had carried out instructions he would not have been buried. - Dr J. J. Scrase said death was caused by a dislocated neck and would have been instantaneous.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 8 November 1928

TIVERTON - Accidental Death. Tiverton Road Crash. - Tiverton Borough Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of MISS JOAN WEBB, seamstress, aged 65, of Tiverton, who died from a fractured skull, sustained through being knocked down by a cyclist on Monday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives. They were also of the opinion that a lamp should be placed at a convenient spot outside the entrance to Blundell's School Hospital. The Coroner said he would call the attention of the School Governors to the matter.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 November 1928

EXMOUTH - Crushed To Death. Inquiry Into Exmouth Tragedy. Question Of Rules. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday on WALTER RICHARD BRADBEER, 7 Charles-street, Exmouth, aged 49, a Southern Railway shunter, who was killed on Wednesday while uncoupling two coaches. Mr B. R. Dunning, Deputy Coroner for the East Devon District, conducted the Inquiry; Mr R. J. McGahey represented relatives of deceased; and Miss Crosse appeared on behalf of the National Union of Railwaymen. - MRS ELIZABETH ELLEN MITCHELL, of Exton, sister, identified the body. - John Coombes, 28 Park-road, Exmouth, engine driver, Southern Railway, said he brought a train into No. 3 road at Exmouth Station on Wednesday evening, and, as far as he knew, deceased was then standing on the platform. The train was being put into the road for the next day's work, and he received a signal to stop. It was deceased's duty to get between the first two coaches and disconnect them, as the first coach was needed for other duty. This he did, but took rather longer than usual. After he had disconnected the vacuum pipe deceased called to witness's mate to ease up, so that he could disconnect the coupling. Witness became alarmed at delay in carrying this out and walked along the platform to see what had happened. He saw by deceased's light, which was on the edge of the platform, that deceased's cap was lying between the ends of the two corridor gangways. He picked up the lamp and then saw deceased lying on the rails with his head towards the platform. Witness sent for Foreman-Porter Matthews, and on taking a look at BRADBEER saw he was past assistance. Deceased had been doing shunting work for many years, and there was no doubt it was his voice that gave the ease-up order. - P.S. Tuplin, County Police, asked if there was room between the corridor gangways, before easing up, for a man's head to be forced in. - Witness replied that there was. - William Oxford, 129 Salisbury-road, Exmouth, fireman, Southern Railway, and John Henry Matthews, Rosebery-road, Exmouth, foreman porter, Southern Railway, gave corroborative evidence. The latter, cross-examined by Mr McGahey, said the Station Master, Mr Gosling, stated that deceased should have come from between the coaches before giving the ease-up signal and then gone between them again to do the uncoupling. This was one of the Company's rules. - Mr McGahey asked the Station-master if he had not seen the rule broken many times. Mr Gosling replied that he had. - Dr David Moore said deceased had fractures of the jaw and of the bone running from the ear to the eye on the left side. The injuries appeared to be due to crushing. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver and fireman from blame.

EXETER - At an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr H. L. Brown, Deputy Coroner, relative to the death of MRS ANNIE PARSONS of 7 Rack-street, Exeter, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital during an operation, a verdict was returned of "Death from Heart Failure due to the administration of an anaesthetic for the purpose of an operation."

AYLESBEARE - Aylesbeare Tragedy. Inquest Verdict. - At little Houndbeare Farm, Aylesbeare, yesterday afternoon, the Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Capt. B. R. Dunning, held an Inquest on the body of RICHARD SALTER, aged 36, Army pensioner, of The Common, Aylesbeare, who had been missing since the 31st ult. Evidence was given that the deceased, who was consumptive, but who had never threatened to take his life, was found by Frederick Williams, of Clyst St Mary, on the 8th inst., lying dead in a field near Huntisbeare House. The body was lying in a corner of the field near a gap in a hedge. Deceased was on his back, with his feet at the foot of the hedge. A single-barrelled gun was lying parallel to his left side. There was a gunshot wound about the size of a shilling in the centre of deceased's forehead. The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict that "Death was due to a Gunshot Wound in the head, but there was not sufficient evidence to show under what circumstances the gun was discharged."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 November 1928

WHITESTONE - Exonian's Suicide. Nadderwater Inquest. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Atwill Farm, Nadderwater, Whitestone, on THOMAS PERCY SKELTON, who was found dead there on Friday. His throat was cut and there was a razor beside him. MR SKELTON was until last year manager of the art department at Messrs. Eland Bros., High-street, Exeter. - Mr M. J. McGahey said he had known deceased for many years. Deceased had lived at 41 Marlborough-road, Exeter, and was 72 years of age. He had no financial worries, was in receipt of a pension and had private means. Last year deceased was ill, suffering from delusions and was taken to the Mental Hospital at Wonford. When last seen alive he had complained of pains in the stomach. - Evelyn Grace Wernthal, 412 Marlborough-road, spinster, said deceased lodged with her. She last saw him alive on Tuesday morning, when he left home to go for a walk. He had not been well lately, having pains in his heart, and had been depressed. - Louis Ferris, of Atwill Farm, Whitestone, labourer, stated that he found deceased on Friday in a linhay at Atwill Farm. On examination he found the man was dead. The Police were at once sent for, and the body was left as he found it until they arrived. - P.C. J. Redwood said deceased was in a sitting position on his raincoat, with his back to a wall and his hand resting on a feeding tub. His hat was on his head. He had a deep wound stretching from his right ear to the front of his throat, and another wound, a superficial one, from behind the left ear to the centre of the throat. There was an open razor on the ground near deceased's right hand with blood on it. There was no message on the body, but deceased had £4 19s. 1d. in cash and a watch. - Dr Lewis Black, of St Thomas's, expressed the opinion that the wounds were self-inflicted and that the wound on the right was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 November 1928

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Inquest Sensation. Suspected Powders Found To Be Harmless. An Old Man's Death. - The adjourned Inquest concerning the death of MR EDWARD A. CHICHESTER, age 75 years, of 86 Exeter-road, Exmouth, for 35 years employed in the estate and surveyors' office at Paddington, took place on Monday afternoon at Exmouth. - At the opening Inquiry, Mr C. N. Tweed, Coroner, elicited the fact that deceased had been living in retirement at Exmouth. In September he complained of illness and was seen by both Dr Walker, of Exmouth, and Dr Roper, an Exeter specialist, who diagnosed the case as cancer of the stomach. Acting on the advice of a friend, the daughter of deceased took him to London to see Mr Raphael Roche, a practitioner, of Harley Gardens, Kensington, who was paid a fee of 15 guineas for a consultation and medicine in powder form which he sent by post. After taking the medicine the patient became very sick, and a fortnight later another local doctor was called in during the absence of Dr Walker, who arrived half an hour after an injection of morphia had been administered to find MR CHICHESTER dead. - Dr Walker had stated at the opening Inquiry that it was the opinion of Dr Roper and himself that MR CHICHESTER would have died within two or three months from the cancer, which was inoperable, but he asked for the Inquest to be adjourned so that the constitution of the powders could be ascertained. "A person," he said, "who charged 15 guineas was either a fraud to the public if the powders were innocuous, or if they were dangerous drugs it endangered the life of the patient." If Mr Roche, who was not a qualified medical practitioner, knew anything about medicines and had taken the trouble to write to the doctors who had knowledge of the case he would have known that no treatment in the way of drugs could possibly save the patient. But he took the case from the qualified man and left the qualified man to sign the death certificate. - The medicine, added Dr Walker may have been as harmless as Epsom salts, and if the Police did not go further with the case the Medical Defence Union would take it up with a view of stopping it, because they considered it a fraud on the public. - The Coroner agreed that the medicine should be analysed and adjourned the inquest for this purpose. - Mr H. C. Leon, of London, now appeared for Mr Roche. - Dr Walker, in reply to the Coroner, said he was informed that the medicine, on being analysed, contained nothing of a poisonous nature, and in his opinion the cause of death was due to a growth which caused haemorrhage by heating through the stomach. - The Coroner: Was the growth cancer? - Witness: I think it was. - Dr Walker Cross-Examined. - Dr Walker was subjected to a long cross-examination by Mr Leon, who asked if he adhered to the statement he made at the previous Inquest. - Witness said he did. - Mr Leon: What do you mean by saying if the case went further - did you mean it would go to a Police Court? - Dr Walker: It may have been a civil action. He continued he was thinking of the Medical Defence Union. In regard to the suggestion that the powders should be analysed, it was left to the Coroner entirely. - Mr Leon pointed out that Dr Walker had suggested two alternatives - but not a third. He said either that medicine was innocuous and a fraud on the public, or, if poisonous, it amounted to manslaughter. He was not suggesting that the powders may have been beneficial. - Dr Walker: I did not know what the powders consisted of. - Mr Leon: Do you say now it is a fraud? - Dr Walker: I refuse to answer. - The Coroner: What does it matter what he thinks? - Mr Leon said that on the last occasion, a very serious statement was made by Dr Walker. He did not know what the powders consisted of and he had no right to make such a statement in a Court of Law. - Dr Walker: I said it may have been poisonous or not. - Mr Leon: Are you sorry you did not suggest the third alternative, that these powders may have been of benefit to the patient? - Dr Walker: I did not suggest it, as I did not know what was in them. - Mr Leon: Without knowing any of the facts. Do you now think it proper to have said it was either fraud of manslaughter? - Dr Walker: I did not say it was either fraud of manslaughter. I said it may have been. - Raphael Alexander Roche of 3 Harley Gardens, South Kensington, told the Coroner that his son, a highly qualified man, and a member of the medical profession, lived at his house, though he (the son) did not practice there, but in Harley-street. His son did not know anything about witness's practice. - Mr Roche described himself as a consulting specialist in drug action, treating only cases which were uncurable by ordinary doctors. All the patients he had treated had been diagnosed by a specialist and given up before he took them over. - In the case of MR CHICHESTER witness agreed to see him at a reduced fee of 15 guineas, his ordinary fee being 20 guineas. In witness's opinion it would have been better if deceased had been really made aware of the nature of his complaint, for then he would have been more cautious as to his food. - The Analysis. - The Coroner said he had had the powders analytically examined, being at first informed that they did not contain any poisonous substance, and later that they contained, as the basis, cane sugar, to which the analyst had been unable to find anything added. - Mr Roche: Quite right. - The Coroner: Anything else? - Mr Roche said that nothing could be found by chemistry or spectral analysis. He used drugs in different ways to the usual practice, and administered them in intangible quantities with the object of giving action to the blood so as to enable the drug to act contrary to the vital force. - The Coroner: I am afraid that is beyond me. - Mr Roche explained that his theory was comparable with that of a man being hit on the head in which, instead of getting his head indented, he sustained a bump. - In further reply to the Coroner, witness affirmed that there was phosphorous in minute quantities in the powders. Phosphorous administered in large quantities would have the effect of producing symptoms akin to the complaint administered for. - Mr Roche claimed that he treated many distinguished people with complete satisfaction and handed to the Coroner a number of letters, the signatures of which he asked should not be made public, as he had had no permission from his patients. - He pointed out that their publication might act as a deterrent to people of good families with marriageable daughters if the world knew there was cancer in the family. - Evidence of Mr Roche's respect in London was given by cuttings from "Truth," and the "Cornhill Magazine" in which he expounded his theory in articles which, he said, he had been paid to write. - Dr Walker: You took it for granted MR CHICHESTER was suffering from cancer? - Mr Roche: Yes. - Dr Walker: You never examined him? - I never examine; it is quite useless. - No Diet Could Cure. - You told him he could have anything he liked? - I told him no diet any doctor prescribed for him could cure him. - Don't you think it may have prolonged life? - No, I certainly don't. - Coroner Sums Up. - The Coroner, in summing up, said after hearing the evidence on the side of Mr Roche, the question as to the propriety of Mr Roche giving a drug, and charging a fee of 15 guineas, seemed to him not within the scope of his inquiry. Seeing that the powders contained nothing injurious, he was satisfied there was nothing in what Mr Roche did or advised to cause death. He was aware that many cases given up by doctors had been cured by others outside the profession. - The Verdict - The Coroner returned a verdict that the deceased died from a growth of the stomach, which affected the liver and caused internal haemorrhage. - Subsequent to the verdict Dr Walker expressed willingness to withdraw any allegations if such had been made. He, however, considered he might have been misreported to some extent in the Press. With all due respect to the Press, they sometimes were responsible for inaccuracies, but in this case he thought it was possibly due to his poor articulation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 November 1928

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. St Thomas Resident Found Gassed. Coroner's Inquiry. - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, concerning the death of HARRY MITCHELL, aged 50, shop cleaner, who, as exclusively reported in Thursday's "Gazette" was found at midnight on Wednesday with his head in the gas oven at his house, 67 Buller-road, Exeter. - MRS E. S. MITCHELL said her husband served in the Army during the war and was wounded several times. He was discharged in 1916 suffering from neurasthenia and shell shock. He had had an operation for a stomach wound a few years ago and for seven years after his discharge from the Army was under medical treatment. Lately his work seemed to worry him, the neurasthenia becoming much worse. He suffered from insomnia, and complained that his head was very bad. Deceased had often said he did not think he could bear the pains any longer. She left her husband at home on Wednesday evening, when he seemed much brighter. When she returned the front and back doors were bolted. She saw a ladder standing against a house opposite, and, obtaining it, climbed through a window. "I looked around the bedrooms and smelt gas," added witness. She did not remember anything very clearly after that. - William Wynne, of 69 Buller-road, said he was called and admitted to the house by MRS MITCHELL. Later he accompanied a Police Constable into the scullery and saw deceased with his head in the oven. - P.C. Reeve said he saw deceased lying on the floor, with his head, which was supported by cushions, inside the oven. The gas taps were full on. He dragged the body out and tried artificial respiration until the doctor arrived. - Dr Watkins, of St Thomas, said he found on arrival that deceased was dead, the cause of death in his opinion being coal gas poisoning. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 November 1928

EXMOUTH - Coma. The Road Fatality Near Lympstone. Cyclist Exonerated. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict at an Inquest conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed, with a Jury, at the Court House, Exmouth, on JOHN STUART, of Gulliford, Woodbury, who died at Exmouth Cottage Hospital as the result of an accident that occurred on the main Exeter-Exmouth road, near Lympstone on Tuesday. - Edward Bowker, lorry driver, of Topsham, said that at about 6.45 p.m. he was riding his pedal cycle towards Topsham. An acetylene lamp was attached to the cycle and was giving good light. He was proceeding down Gulliford-hill when he saw a man walking in the same direction about ten yards in front. Witness immediately rang his bell and applied both brakes, causing the cycle to skid. The man, apparently, heard the bell and walked towards the left, whereupon witness released his brakes. When witness was level, the man fell right across the front wheel of the bicycle, apparently having tripped over a stone. Witness was thrown. On getting up he saw the man in the roadway opposite the entrance to Mr Pidsley's yard. Blood was running from the right side of his head, and he was unconscious. Witness shouted for help and someone came from Mr Pidsley's. He helped to put the deceased by the side of the road and stopped a passing car, in which he was conveyed to the Police Station at Lympstone. He returned with P.C. Harding. By the Coroner: He could not say for certain that deceased tripped over a stone; it might have been a faint. - WILLIAM HARDING STUART, son of the deceased, gave evidence of identification, and said his father was 69. He last saw him alive in the night of the previous Sunday, when he appeared to be quite well. He did not suffer from any complaints or giddiness. Witness had never known his father to fall, and he was sober man. - Walter William Bryant, labourer, Lympstone, testified to having heard a crash, followed by a shout. He ran to the spot and found deceased in the centre of the road being supported by Bowker. He heard Bowker say something like, "Fancy knocking down a man like this." As soon as witness recognised deceased he ran and asked Mr Pidsley to come out. - P.C. Harding, of Lympstone, stated he rendered first-aid and had deceased removed to the Cottage Hospital. He examined the road, which was 20 ft. wide, and noticed a skid mark about 2 ft. long. The Foreman (Mr R. B. Ponsford): One part of the road has been newly made, I believe. Witness: The right side of the road has been newly made and the other side has a smooth, tarred surface. The skid mark was on the edge of the new and the old surfaces in the centre of the road. Owing to rains a large amount of grit had been washed away and some of the stones were showing in the middle. He had examined the front wheel of the cycle, and found it buckled. The rear brake was efficient, and, in his opinion, the front brake was in working order at the time the accident occurred. He considered the lamp, which was still alight when he arrived, would throw a beam of about 20 yards. - Dr J. D. Murray said that when deceased arrived at the Hospital he was delirious and uncontrollable. Witness found two wounds on the right side of the head, both of which were dirty and irregular. No fracture of the skull could be found beneath the wounds. In his opinion death was due to coma consequent on inter-cranial haemorrhage. - The cyclist was exonerated from blame, and sympathy was expressed with the family of deceased.

TORQUAY - Torquay Gardener. - At an Inquest on JOHN THOMAS SMITH, aged 50, of 18 Trinity-place, Park-street, Torquay, under-gardener at the Palace Hotel, Babbacombe, who was killed by the falling of a branch of a tree in the Hotel garden, Dr Blockley said both of deceased's legs were broken and the majority of the ribs on the right side were fractured. The cause of death was shock. A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 November 1928

SIDMOUTH - Accidental. Sidbury Woman's Death. - At the Inquest conducted by the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, relative to the death of MRS MABEL A. M. HALLETT, of Sidbury, who was killed by a branch from a tree at Sidmouth during the recent gale, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. MR REGINALD JOHN HALLETT, the husband, said he was driving a governess car from the Station with his wife and child towards Sidmouth. They were going along comfortably, though the wind was very rough. Suddenly they heard a crash and a cracking sound. He next realised that a tree, or a branch of it, had fallen. He found his wife dead under the tree. - P.C. Knowles stated that the branch was 25 feet long, weighing 30 cwt. It fell 30 feet on to the trap. - Asked by the Foreman of the Jury, Mr E. W. Irish, who was responsible for the trees in Station-road, witness said he understood they belonged to the Council. - Mr P. H. Michelmore, Clerk to the Sidmouth Urban Council, who represented that authority, said from memory that the position was that the piece of ground next to the footpath in Station-road was given to the town by Major Balfour. It was the general wish that many of the trees should be preserved. - Dr R. G. Michelmore said MRS HALLETT died instantaneously from skull injuries. - In announcing the verdict, the Foreman said:- "I should like to suggest to the Jury that our Council be requested that in future those trees which are a danger to the public should be put in order. I think the Council will now see there are limbs overhanging there. That road is used continually from eight in the morning until 10 o'clock at night." He considered further that Sidmouth should be provided with an ambulance. - The Coroner: Where is the nearest ambulance? - Mr Irish: Honiton. - Mr Michelmore intimated that he would bring these matters to the attention of the Council which, he was sure, would give them sympathetic consideration.

TAVISTOCK - A Fatal Crash. Quarryman Caught Between Lorry And Truck. Tavistock Inquest. - At the adjourned inquest on HAROLD OSBORNE LEWIS, a married man and a concrete slab maker, of Taylor-square, Tavistock, held at Tavistock, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. LEWIS died at Tavistock Hospital from injuries received through being crushed between a steam lorry and a railway waggon at Pitts Cleave Quarry on Tuesday last. Mr A. K. G. Johnstone was the Coroner, and there were also present Mr H. Clarke, Inspector of Factories; Messrs. A. S. Hoare and H. T. Langsford, owners of Pitts Cleave Quarry; Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, representing Messrs. Hoare and Langsford and Mr E. Williams, driver of the lorry; Mr G. G. Pearse, representing the deceased's family; and Mr H. J. Goodman, owner of the steam lorry. - William Stroud Moore, foreman of Pitts Cleave Quarry, stated he was with LEWIS, who was loading stone from a 20-ton railway truck into a cart, to which a horse was attached. Shortly afterwards a lorry, owned by Mr Goodman, arrived to load stone from a feeding truck used for loading lorries. LEWIS got out of the truck, went to the "run," and stood by the side of the railway truck. The lorry, after being partially filled, was reversed, and LEWIS was standing beside the railway truck when the lorry came back, not at a very fast rate, and crushed him against the truck. Witness shouted, "Mind yourself, HAROLD." LEWIS seemed to hesitate and did not move quickly enough. There was nothing to prevent him from getting out of the way. - Mr Clarke: Was there any necessity to stand by the railway truck? - I don't know why he got out. - Replying to Mr H. Mathews, a Juryman, witness said there was someone to guide the lorry; the steersman was on the truck. - Mr Mathews contented that the pilot should have been on the ground, and not in the lorry. - Richard Davey, Market-street, Tavistock, said he was in the railway truck with LEWIS loading his cart. Afterwards, when the lorry was partly filled, the driver of the lorry told him to move his horse and cart and he did so. Witness led the horse by the head, but did not see LEWIS get out of the truck. After he moved the horse witness looked back and saw LEWIS standing on the ground by the side of the truck. He saw the lorry reversing towards the truck, and then saw LEWIS crushed between the lorry and the truck. - Ernest Williams, driver of the lorry, employed by Messrs. Goodman, said he went to Pitts Cleave Quarry to load the steam lorry with stone. The lorry was loaded from the feeding truck. Witness saw LEWIS in the truck, and did not know he was on the ground until after the accident had happened. No one shouted to him to stop until LEWIS was pinned against the railway truck. - Frederick John Luscombe said he was at the back of the lorry standing up. When the lorry started to reverse he saw Mr Davey's horse starting to back, and witness shouted to Williams to stop the lorry, which he did. He reversed slowly. He did not see LEWIS on the ground. At the time of reversing witness was looking up the quarry and when he turned he saw the lorry crushing LEWIS. - Dr C. S. Anderson said death was presumably due to internal injuries sustained by being crushed. - Mr Langsford complained of the late arrival of the Hospital ambulance, which, he said, did not arrive until half an hour after they had been called and said the employees at the quarry contributed to the Hospital every week. Dr Anderson stated that the driver of the ambulance was at dinner at the time. - Mr Langsford contended that someone ought always to be in charge of the ambulance when the driver was at dinner. - Mr B. Lewis asked Dr Anderson to convey to the Hospital staff their best thanks for what they had done for the deceased. - In returning their verdict the Jury said that no blame was attributed to anyone. They added a rider to the effect that in future all lorry attendants should direct operations from the ground and not from the lorry.

AXMINSTER - Farm Accident. Axminster Inquest. - At Axminster yesterday the East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, and a Jury held an Inquiry into the circumstances touching the death of FRANK MOULDING, aged 10, son of MR T. MOULDING, labourer, who sustained fatal injuries through his clothing becoming entangled in some revolving machinery at Sector Farm, near Axminster, on the previous Saturday evening. - Evidence of identification having been given by the mother, Walter John Salway, farmer, of Sector Farm, said when he saw MOULDING and his companion, a boy named Enticott, in the farm yard about 5 p.m. on Saturday, he told them to go home. When the engine was started to drive the chaff cutter witness did not think the boys were on the premises. Later, when the machinery was in motion, witness heard screams. On going out into the yard he saw Enticott, who was shouting "He is dead." The machinery was stopped and MOULDING was found with his clothing entangled round the shafting, which ran between two buildings and underneath which there was a manure heap. - Jack Enticott, aged 12, who was with deceased at the farm, said he saw MOULDING get in to the top of the manure heap and place his hand on the revolving shafting. Next he saw deceased revolving in the shafting. Questioned by P.S. Rendell, witness admitted that deceased and himself had played in the manure heap before and had placed their hands on the revolving shafting to get them warm. - Evidence having been given by Clement Hurford (labourer, in the employ of Mr Salway) and Herbert Pavey (another employee), Dr A. L. Crockford, of Axminster, said deceased sustained a compound fracture of the right arm, several ribs on the right side of the chest were broken and there were severe bruises about other parts of the body. Death was due to shock caused by multiple injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury expressed the opinion that the manure heap beneath the shafting should be removed and tendered their sympathy to deceased's parents, to whom they gave their fees.

Western Times, Friday 23 November 1928
HONITON - Killed By A Tree. Inquest On MR HADDON HALL, of Exeter. - An Inquest was held on Saturday evening by Mr C. N. Tweed, the East Devon Coroner, sitting with a Jury, on the body of MR HADDON A. HALL, commercial traveller, or Gordon-road, Exeter, who was killed on Friday by a tree falling on his car on the Honiton-Axminster road. Mr Richard Tucker was the Foreman of the Jury. - Mr W. G. Challice, of Exeter, brother-in-law of deceased, identified the body. - Russell Bell, driver of a National 'Bus, stated that when driving his 'bus on Friday at the top of Wilmington Hill, near Honiton, a car passed him, proceeding down the hill. He looked up and saw the top of a tree coming out from the others and fall right across the road. It caught the car which had just passed. Witness stopped his 'bus and went to the car, but found he could do nothing, being unable to move the tree. After obtaining assistance he reported the matter to the Police. - William James Richards said he was working on the road near Wilmington on Friday when he heard a crash and saw that a tree had blown across the road. He went up and found a motor car underneath. With others he helped to move the tree. The driver of the car was in the driver's seat with his head back over. He was dead. - Dr D. S. Steele Perkins said deceased had a fractured trachea and dislocated neck. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - P.S. Smith said the owner of the land on which the tree had stood had rendered great assistance and had another tree which had been damaged by the fallen one immediately cut down. - Mr Challice thanked everyone for what they had done.

SOUTH BRENT - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. Edmonds, held an Enquiry on Saturday at South Brent, relative to the death of MR ROBERT CUMING CODD, a painter and decorator, age 61, who was found hanging in his workshop on Friday afternoon. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 November 1928

EXETER - "It's Coming!" Dramatic Evidence At Exeter Inquest. The Pocombe Tragedy. - At the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday, the Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on PERCY RONALD ROSIER CRAPP, aged 36, married, with one child, living at 20 Cotton's Buildings, Mermaid Yard, Exeter, who was severely injured by a fall of rock at Pocombe Quarries, near Exeter, on Wednesday, and died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday. - The widow, MRS CARLOTTA CRAPP, gave evidence of identification and said she did not know her husband was working in the quarries. - Dr Ralph Gardner de Kok, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted at 2.45 p.m. on Wednesday. He was semi-conscious and died on Thursday at 11.30 a.m. Fracture of the skull and haemorrhage of the brain were the causes of death. Deceased also had a dislocated knee. - John Heywood, market gardener of 3 Buddle-lane, said deceased was employed by his son, Fred Heywood, haulier, of Woodah-road. He occasionally did odd jobs for him. On Wednesday he found that CRAPP had been sent up to his (witness's) garden at Pocombe Quarries. Witness began to pick up stones to fill holes in the garden path. - At the end of the garden was a bank about 20 ft. high, and deceased said to him: "Boss, there are some stones in this bank which will come out easy." Witness went up to within 3 ft. of the bank, and CRAPP was the same distance away, 10 ft. to the right of him. He had commenced to dig some stones out of the bank when CRAPP shouted: "Look out, it's coming!" Witness jumped for his life. On looking round he saw deceased stretched out on the ground with a large, heavy stone across his legs. - He called help, and the stone was removed. A large number of stones had fallen. - The Deputy Coroner: Was there any mark to indicate that deceased had been struck on the head? - Heywood: I did not see any mark on the face at all. Deceased had not struck a stone on the ground in falling, as the soil was cultivated. - Fred Heywood, of Woodah-road, said that about 15 months ago he gave deceased a job digging soil from the back of a house in Buddle-lane and putting it into carts. He paid deceased and stamped his insurance cards, if times were slack he lent him to his father, for whom he worked as gardener. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. J. W. Templeman, on behalf of the employer, expressed sympathy with the widow and child.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 November 1928

TIVERTON - Tiverton Inquest. Coroner And Solicitor. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton last night on WILLIAM BURGOYNE, 62, of Salter's Buildings, Barrington-street, employed for 44 years at the local gas works. It was stated that on November 20th he slipped while loading coal and fractured the small bone of one leg. He was taken to Hospital and appeared to be progressing favourably, but on Sunday morning collapsed and died from heart failure. Medical evidence was to the effect that the accident aggravated the fatty state of the heart and induced syncope. - The Coroner, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death in accordance with the medical evidence." - Mr W. G. Seager, who represented the Town Council as owning the gas works, suggested that the verdict should be "Accidental Death" without any qualification. - The Coroner replied that Mr Seager should mind his own business and that if he sent up such a record to the Home Office he would lose his post.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 1 December 1928

EXETER - Exeter Tragedy. Well-known Lady Found With Throat Cut. Inquest Verdict. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter, relative to the death of MRS EDITH MAY WARREN, who was found dead in the garden of her residence, 26 Magdalen-road, on Wednesday. - Evidence of identification was given by ALBERT JOSEPH WARREN (brother-in-law), who said deceased had suffered for many years from nerve trouble and brain storms. He thought she had worried lately over her step-daughter, who had been obliged to go away on account of her health. - Albert James Neale, shop manager at Warren Bros., said about 5.30 p.m. on Wednesday, MR CHARLES WARREN ran into the shop and said, "For God's sake come over." Witness did so and on going into the garden saw deceased lying face downwards in a pool of blood. He summoned Dr Lovely. - CHARLES WARREN said when he arrived home on Wednesday the outer door was closed. This gave him the impression his wife was out, as she had remarked to him it was a fine afternoon and she thought she would go out. He had tea, and then opened the French windows. By the light from the room he saw his wife lying in the garden. Witness added that his wife appeared to be quite normal in the morning. She had been under the care of Dr Lovely. - Dr C. N. Lovely spoke to finding deceased lying on the path in the garden with her face in a pool of blood. A table knife was under her chest. She had a big gash across the throat and the windpipe was severed. In his opinion she had been dead about one or two hours. - The Coroner: Had the wound the appearance of being self-inflicted? - It was that sort of wound. Witness added that he had attended deceased at intervals for several years. She had had periods of mental instability and depression, but had never shown any suicidal tendency. He thought deceased had worried a little over her step-daughter. - The Coroner returned a verdict to the effect that deceased committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind.

COTFORD ST LUKE, SOMERSET - Widow's Demand. Inquiry Into Exeter Motor Driver's Death. Allegations Refuted. - At the request of the widow, the Coroner for South-West Somerset has held an Inquiry at the Somerset Mental Hospital, Cotford, near Taunton, into the death of WILLIAM HENRY GRONWALT, aged 56, motor driver, of 79 Sandford-street, Exeter, who was admitted to the Institution on November 12th while on a visit to Taunton. In view of the allegations made by the widow, a Jury was empanelled. - ELLEN GRONWALT, widow, said that for a week prior to her husband's admission to the Institution he was so weak that she did everything for him, even feeding him, and it was astonishing that he should be allowed to walk and talk exercise. The doctor assured her that her husband would be in Hospital and treated as a person who was very ill. Her husband had only been in Taunton three weeks. His panel doctor at Exeter said there was nothing the matter with him, while the doctor at Taunton said there was nothing radically wrong with him. The doctor at the Institution told her there was nothing the matter with her husband apparently. - Witness, replying to the Foreman of the Jury, said her husband had been attending the Devon and Exeter Hospital for violet ray treatment. He was taken worse while at Exeter and was removed to Taunton, as it was thought the change would do him good. The doctor who attended him at Taunton advised his removal to the Hospital. He had been ailing for two months. - Cecil Ewart Saint said deceased was taken into the airing court for exercise on November 20th, and while there stumbled. He picked himself up and continued to exercise. It was a regular thing for a patient to go out for exercise after being in the Institution for a week. - MRS GRONWALT: When I came on the Thursday the doctor told me he had been taking exercise for four days? Witness: This was the first day he had been in the airing court. - MRS GRONWALT: He had been here four days when I considered they dragged him out of bed. In his condition he must have been forced out of bed. - The Coroner (to witness): Was there any force of any sort used at all? - Witness: No, sir. - Dr Graham said he had made a post-mortem examination and found the cause of death to be apoplexy, which was the same as cerebral haemorrhage. There was positive evidence of two distinct haemorrhages; one might possibly have been years ago, and the other probably of some months' standing. The fall had nothing whatever to do with the cause of death. - MRS GRONWALT: We have been married for over 30 years and he has never had anything happen to him. He was in France for four years; whether anything occurred there during the war I cannot say. - The Coroner: Was he wounded at all during the war? - Witness: No. He had a bad accident and was in Birmingham Hospital for many weeks. - Dr Eyre stated that when deceased was admitted he was "quite lost to everything." He was kept in bed until the 18th, when he was got up because he was so restless. He took exercise in the ward and in the airing court. - The Coroner informed witness that an attendant had said deceased was only in the airing court on one day. - Witness then said he had not seen deceased in the airing court, but had an impression he was there. On the day deceased died he vomited and witness gave instructions that he was to be kept quiet and not bothered with food. He was in a fit state to go out, but his condition was such that he could not have made a complaint. - The Jurymen, after an absence of ten minutes, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and added a rider that they considered everything possible had been done for the patient. They expressed sympathy with the relatives and the Coroner concurred.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 December 1928

WHIMPLE - Rail Fatality. Southern Sub-Ganger Killed Near Whimple. Buckerell Victim. - A distressing fatality occurred on the Southern Railway between Whimple and Broadclyst early on Sunday morning. The victim was THOMAS OSBORNE, aged 52, of Hill View, Buckerell, near Honiton, a sub-ganger in the Company's employ. Deceased, a married man, with a grown-up family, was a member of a gang that during the past couple of Sundays had been working on the permanent way between Barnshayes and Craniford. He left his home at 5.40 on Sunday morning, and was conveyed to Southbrook-lane, Broadclyst, by one of his sons in a motor-cycle combination. He was due to commence duty about 6.30. Deceased climbed on to the railway track and walked in the direction of Whimple Station, where relaying was about to be undertaken. There was no eye-witness of the actual tragedy. - A ballast train that passed up the railway in the direction of Whimple and the guard, who was riding on the verandah of the van, thought he saw the loose coupling chain at the back of the van strike something. There was moonlight, and the guard saw what appeared to be a human form lying in the 4 ft. way. When the train arrived at Whimple, it was decided to run it back on the down line to enable an investigation to be made. In the meantime, Henry Grant, a labourer in the Company's employ, who was proceeding to his work, discovered a badly mutilated body in the 4 ft. way. A message was sent to Inspector Salter of the Railway Company, and P.C. Barnicott of Whimple, was informed. The body was taken to Whimple Railway Station, and there was some difficulty in identifying the victim. There was a roll-call of the 100 employees engaged on the work, and, in this way, identification was established. - At the Inquest yesterday, conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 December 1928

TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Inquest. Death During Operation. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Teignmouth Hospital last evening concerning the death of MR JOHN STEPHENS HARRIS, rates and tax collector for Bishopsteignton, who died while undergoing an operation. - Dr F. W. Morton Palmer said deceased was suffering from cancer of the bowels, which had caused obstruction. Since May 1928, MR HARRIS had had six anaesthetics for various operations. On Monday, at five p.m. Me Dyball, an Exeter Surgeon, was operating to remove the cancer and Dr Piggott was administering the anaesthetic, witness assisting. Three-quarters of the way through the operation deceased suddenly died from syncope in witness's presence. He was satisfied that everything was done in an efficient manner. Deceased was very ill and the strain of so many operations had weakened his constitution more than they could discover. His heart was tested before the anaesthetic was administered. The operation had lasted an hour and would have continued for another half an hour. The only probability of saving his life was the operation. The cancer was a large one, and the longer it remained the further it would get embedded. - Miss M. Hatton, Matron, confirmed the doctor's evidence and the Coroner returned a verdict that deceased died from syncope resulting from an operation for cancer, and that his death was hastened by the operation.

Western Times, Friday 7 December 1928
BRISTOL - Old friends of MR FRANCIS CORNEY, who is a native of Wrafton, will learn with regret of his untimely end. MR CORNEY had for some years been residing with his sister and brother-in-law, Mr and Mrs E. Ware, of Green-street, Totterdown, Bristol. On November 20th he went for a walk, but did not return. His body was found some days later in the floating harbour. At the Inquest a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. Deceased was a brother of MRS A. CHICHESTER, lately of Wrafton, with whom sympathy is expressed by a wide circle of friends in the districts of Wrafton and Braunton.

SWANSEA, WALES - Fatal Accident To An Appledore Man. - Rev. H. C. S. Muller, Vicar of Appledore, last week received a telegram from Mr Bates, serving aboard the steamship "fox Rose," from Swansea, stating the MR FRANK COPP, a native of Appledore, who had resided at Irsha-street, had been landed seriously injured and died shortly after admission to the general Hospital. The Vicar, in company with the brother of deceased, left in the afternoon for Wales, travelling in Councillor Hamlyn's motor car, reaching Swansea at 2 a.m. After the Inquest the body was conveyed by road to Appledore. - Deceased, who was a widower, leaves two sons, aged about 10 and 8 years, who are at present in charge of their grandmother. - The late MR F. COCK was regarded as an excellent sailor and was very much esteemed by the owners of the Rose Line as a faithful servant for many years.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 15 December 1928

CHIPSTABLE, SOMERSET - Bampton Man Killed. - The West Somerset Coroner held an Inquest at Chipstable relative to the death of JOHN TURNER, aged 64, a mason, who sustained fatal injuries on the previous Tuesday. Evidence of identification was given by the son, FROUDE TURNER, a builder, of Shillingford, Bampton, and it was stated that the deceased was engaged with an apprentice in repairing the roof of a stable at Marshes Farm, Chipstable. As he reached for a slate the ladder slipped on the wet roof and he fell to the ground, a distance of 15 ft., on his head, on the cobbled yard, sustaining a depressed fracture f the vertex of the skull, death being instantaneous. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 December 1928

EXETER - Heart Failure. North Devon Lady's Death. - An Inquest on MRS CATHERINE LOUISA WESTACOTT, aged 61, of Raymoor House, St Giles, High Bickington, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Exeter, on Thursday, while undergoing an operation for throat trouble, took place at the Guildhall, Exeter, yesterday. The Deputy Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, resided. - The REV. THOMAS WESTACOTT, of Sheffield, deceased's son, gave evidence of identification. His mother had not been in good health for nearly 15 years. For the past few months she had been attended by Dr Good, at High Bickington, for cancer of the throat. On the 5th inst. she entered the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and he saw her on the 11th. She consented to an operation, as she knew it was her only hope. - Dr Charles Victor Salisbury, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that when deceased entered the Hospital she was suffering from malignant cancer of the throat, and on the 13th inst. it was decided to operate. She died in the early stages of the administration of the anaesthetic, which was administered by him. Death, in his opinion, was due to heart failure, as deceased had a dilated heart. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure," in accordance with the medical evidence, remarking that heart failure was accelerated by the anaesthetic.

TIVERTON - WILLIAM HODGE, aged 85, of Tiverton New-road Cottages, Bampton, died in Tiverton Hospital yesterday morning from congestion of the lungs, the sequel to head injuries sustained on November 26th by being thrown from a tricycle on Southmolton-road hill. At the Inquest last night a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 December 1928

EXETER - Cyclist's Death. Exeter Jury And Rider's Negligence. Conflict Of Evidence. - The Inquest on WALLACE WARE, aged 21, of Shute, Shobrooke, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a result of injuries received in Barrack-lane, Exeter, on November 1st, was resumed at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. He was riding a motor cycle and collided at the junction of Wonford-road and Barrack-lane with Walter Greenslade, a pedestrian, who was with a young lady. At the opening of the inquest on November 6th, HAROLD HENRY WARE, said his brother was living with a baker at Dawlish, and it was his custom to go from Dawlish to Shobrooke every weekend. He had had a motor cycle for about 18 months, the headlamp gave a good light and deceased knew the road well. Dr Woodyatt, acting House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said that when admitted at 10.30 p.m. the deceased was suffering from severe concussion and severe lacerated wounds above and below the left eye. He remained unconscious and died two days later owing to gross injury to the brain and consequent shock. The proceedings yesterday were conducted by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr H. Linford Brown, who had a Jury. Mr F. P. Cottey was present on behalf of Greenslade and Mr R. McGahey appeared for relatives of the deceased. - Both Unconscious. - Miss Hannaford, 6 Sagona-terrace, Parr-street, said she was with Greenslade in Barrack-lane at the time of the accident. They were three parts of the way across the road and the motor cycle was on them before she knew it was there. Greenslade pushed her out of the way and she fell to the ground uninjured. Greenslade was carried some distance down the road by the motor cycle. She went down and found both men were unconscious. She saw afterwards that there was a lighted lamp on the motor cycle. By Mr Cottey: They crossed the road to get on a footpath. By Mr McGahey: She heard no horn sounded. It was not true she ran instead of being pushed, or that Greenslade stepped back and was knocked down. The accident did not happen when they were half-way across the road. - Harry Alexander, 8 Buddle Park, Exeter, said he was in Wonford-road, about to go across Barrack-lane when he heard a motor cycle coming at a very fast speed. He saw the "motor cyclist dash across the road, and Greenslade was carried some distance." He was not sure if the horn was sounded. The night was dark. The cyclist had a lamp, but he saw no reflection on the road; he had to pass under a street lamp before reaching the last witness and Greenslade. Witness was cycling and he saw the two pedestrians by the reflection of his cycle lamp and that of deceased's motor cycle. The motor cyclist was on his wrong side. - By Mr Cottey: The two pedestrians were well over against the left-hand side of the road when the accident happened. - By Mr McGahey: If anyone said the motor cycle had practically stopped when it reached Wonford-road it would be incorrect. - Another Version. - Miss Nellie Bolt, Fairfield House, Topsham-road, who was walking behind Greenslade and Miss Hanford, said she did not think the motor cycle was going very fast. The horn was sounded when the cross-way at Wonford-road was reached, and the rider slowed up a little. There was a fairly good lamp on the motor cycle. When near the man knocked down, the motor cyclist swayed towards the left as if he did not know which way to go. He was more in the middle of the road than anywhere else. By Mr McGahey: She saw the light of the motor cycle before it came to the cross-ways. The motor cycle almost stopped when it reached the cross-roads. She thought the woman ran when the motor cycle reached her and that the man stepped backwards, but she could not see very well as it was dark. had the young man ran, she thought he would have avoided the motor bicycle. The motor cyclist swerved towards a stone wall. - The Deputy Coroner, in reply to one of the Jury, said he believed the witness meant the motor cyclist swerved towards her left. - Frederick Honslow, 7 Church-terrace, Heavitree, said the motor cyclist, when he saw him, was riding at a very reasonable speed and close in on his proper side of the road. He had an average lamp and the machine made a noise. A little later he heard the rider sound his horn and jam his brakes on. - Replying to a Juryman, witness agreed the motor cyclist must have been slightly on the wrong side of the road when the impact occurred. - Greenslade Called. - P.S. Norman said that after the accident deceased was 50 ft down the road and 15 ft. from the off side hedge, and Greenslade 11 ft. The road was 36 ft. wide. the men might have been moved before witness got there. He examined the motor cycle and found the brakes in order. - Miss Hannaford (recalled) said neither of the men had been moved before the Police-Sergeant arrived. - Walter Greenslade, 125 Merrivale-road, St Thomas's, said he could just remember crossing the road. He did not remember the impact, however, nor could he recall anything further until the following Tuesday. - The Jury returned a verdict that death resulted from the injuries mentioned by the doctor and that they were "caused by his own negligence." - The Deputy Coroner: That means that the deceased was killed through the negligent driving by himself of a motor cycle. - The Foreman: Yes. - A member of the Jury asked that his colleagues and himself should be shown special consideration, having been summoned to attend on three occasions. - The Deputy Coroner said he had no doubt the Coroner's officer would bear that in mind. - Mr Cottey, on behalf of the clients he represented, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

EXETER - Hotel Death. Exeter Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, by Mr Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, on MABEL DAVIS CROCKER, aged 36, who had been living at the Great Western Railway Hotel, wife of MR A. W. E. CROCKER of 8 Thornton Hill, motor engineer. Deceased was found dead at the Hotel on Monday. The husband identified the body as that of his wife, who, he said, he last saw alive on Saturday outside the Hotel. He intended to see her on Monday. The Inquest was adjourned until January 8th. Mr A. M. Alford appeared for MR CROCKER.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 December 1928

EXETER - Artificial Leg. Fatal Injury Caused to Down St Mary Man. Slip On Greasy Road. - The Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest on Christmas Eve on ELI SMALE, aged 71, of Brickyards, Down St Mary, a labourer employed by the Devon County Council, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital from general peritonitis while an anaesthetic was being administered. - John Henry Moyes, labourer, said that when he returned home from work on December 20th, about 5.30, he found deceased, who was lodging with him, sitting before the fire. Witness's wife said SMALE was ill. SMALE explained that he had a fall, owing to his wooden leg slipping away from under him on the greasy road near Wolfin Farm, that he went into a field close by and sat down under a rick, and that then he walked to his lodgings. Witness gave him brandy, and, after tea, assisted him to bed. Dr Pratt (Morchard Bishop) was sent for and advised deceased's removal to Hospital. - Dr Robinson said the man told him the upper part of his artificial leg hit him in the abdomen and complained of severe pain in the lower part thereof. He was sent to the Victory Ward for observation, and as he did not improve it was decided to operate on the 22nd, as his condition was getting serious. He died on the operating table while an anaesthetic was being administered. Dr Ffoulkes gave the anaesthetic, and witness was present. It consisted of ether and chloroform. An operation was the only chance of saving the man's life. Witness examined him before the administration and came to the conclusion that, although he was seriously ill, the anaesthetic was not counter-indicated. - A statement by Dr Solly as to a post-mortem he conducted showed that death was due to rupture of the small intestine, with resultant general peritonitis. There was no reason why an anaesthetic should not have been administered. - A verdict of death was due to General Peritonitis, following injury caused by the artificial leg, was returned.

EXETER - Fatal Fall. How Exeter Woman Met Her Death. The Inquest. - How a fall downstairs resulted in death was related to the Deputy Coroner for Exeter, Mr H. Linford Brown, at an Inquest, on Christmas Eve, on MARY HOOPER, aged 57, of Cowley Cottages, Cowley-road, Exeter. - The husband, WILLIAM HOOPER, a retired gamekeeper, said that on December 21st he went into Exeter about 11 a.m., and left his wife getting ready to also go to the city. When he returned about 10 p.m. he could not open the front door as usual. He pushed it and found his wife lying in the passage against the door at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs. She was bleeding from her head and there was blood on the floor. She was cold and did not answer when he spoke to her, but was not dead. He sent for Dr Gray, and his wife was subsequently removed in the St John Ambulance to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, where he remained with her until she died about 8.30 the following evening, without recovering consciousness. He considered she must have fallen downstairs because there was blood on the stairs. The windows were fastened and the only entrance to the house was by the front door. The fire was burning and everything in the house was in order. - LINDON ELI HOOPER, motor driver, of Hampton-place, Exeter, said he went to the house about 4.30 p.m. on December 21st, and lit the fire and lamp for his mother. His mother told him she had just returned from shopping in the city. He had tea with her and left about 5.45, saying he would call to see her next day. Deceased was then in her usual health and sitting before the fire. His mother said she was going upstairs to fetch a woollen hat, as she was cold. The next he heard was that she was in a serious condition, having fallen down the stairs, and was going to be taken to the Hospital. He went to the house and accompanied her in the ambulance to the Hospital. - Dr Robinson, Senior House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said MRS HOOPER was admitted at 12.30 a.m. on December 22nd suffering from a fracture of the vault and base of the skull. She did not regain consciousness and died in the evening. - Dr Gray said he found nothing to suggest that MRS HOOPER'S injuries were due to anything but an accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 December 1928

PLYMOUTH - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth concerning the death of MISS EMMA HARRIET SLOMAN, aged 44, a domestic servant, who committed suicide by cutting her throat with a knife. The tragic discovery was made by deceased's brother.

PLYMOUTH - HARRY VERE, aged 46 years, chargeman of fitters in Devonport Dockyard, was found dead with his head in a gas oven at Plymouth. At the inquest it was stated that deceased had suffered from pains in the head. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 December 1928

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Tragedy. Inquest On Victim Of Motor Car Accident. Driver Exonerated. - The East Devon Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, sat with a Jury at Exmouth Court House yesterday afternoon to investigate the circumstances attending the death of MISS FLORENCE DOBSON, aged 27, manageress of the Exmouth branch of Messrs. Johnson, dyers and cleaners, and the only child of MR and MRS DOBSON, of Craigmore, Grange-terrace, Exmouth. Deceased had been on a visit to Littleham churchyard, and on returning was overtaken and knocked down by a motor-car driven by Harold Soper, in the employ of Mr John Flay, dairyman, of Madeira-road, Exmouth. - Mr H. Linford Brown represented the relations and Mr F. P. Cottey appeared on behalf of the driver of the car. Mr R. B. Ponsford was Foreman of the Jury. Mr J. J. Summers and other members of the Jury expressed a wish to view the scene of the accident, but the Coroner said it was some distance away and suggested the Jury should first hear the evidence and visit the spot if it was desired. - GERTRUDE ALICE DOBSON, mother, said she last saw deceased alive about 11.30 on Christmas morning, when she left with her two friends, the Misses Lacey, to visit Littleham Churchyard. Miss F. Lacey returned between 12 and 12.30 and told witness deceased had been knocked down by a car. Witness and her husband were taken in a motor-car to a house near Littleham, into which deceased had been taken. They found her lying unconscious on a couch. Witness was unable to say whether or not death had then taken place. - Florence Jessie Lacey, 5 Park-road, Exmouth, said that after visiting the churchyard they were walking three abreast on the near side of the road. A car approached, and as it was passing they separated - MISS DOBSON and witness's sister being together, and witness stepping behind. Deceased was walking on the outside. They remained in this position and a second car came along. Witness did not hear this car, or any hooter. The next thing she saw was that the car had knocked deceased down and gone over her. Deceased was walking close by the left side of the hedge before the accident, but witness thought she must have heard a car or something, as she left her sister as if to go to the other side of the road. In reply to the Coroner witness said her hearing was good, and she was sure there was no hooter sounded. She thought the reason for her not hearing the car was that it was going so fast. - Replying to Mr Linford Brown, witness said she did not see deceased walk into the road. the care went on "a good way" after it had knocked her down. - Irene Lenora Lacey, sister of the last witness, said she heard and saw a car coming, but heard no hooter. - The Coroner: Would you go so far as to say a hooter was not sounded? - No. Witness added that deceased appeared to have heard the car, for she left witness's arm and made a dart for the other side of the road. The car was just in sight when witness first saw it, and judging from the time it took to reach them it must have been going fast. The driver could probably not have avoided hitting deceased if he had been going at a reasonable speed, but he would probably have avoided going over her. Replying to a question from the Jury, witness said they were not playing around before the accident happened; there was nothing to make deceased run across the road. - Driver Blameless. - Harold Soper, driver of the car, said he was driving a Trojan car from Littleham to Exmouth when he saw three ladies walking abreast in the same direction. He sounded his hooter two or three times, and when on the point of passing the girls, the one nearest the car jumped in front of it. He was quite sure the girls were walking three abreast and that he sounded the hooter. As the girl jumped in front of the car witness applied the brakes, but was unable to pull up in time and the radiator struck and knocked her down. Witness estimated his speed at 15 miles an hour. The brakes were in good order and the car skidded about a length and a half after he applied the brakes. Replying to Inspector Dart, witness said the horn on the car was an ordinary bulb. He did not think he sounded the hooter so close to the girl that it startled her and made her jump to one side. - Witness, in answer to Mr Brown, said he was travelling at only 15 miles an hour, because he had just turned the corner. - Mr Brown pointed out that the corner was 50 yards away and that the car not only knocked deceased down, but went over her. - Witness said the wheels of the car did not go over deceased. She went under the car. - Mr Brown pointed out that deceased's body was lying across the road and that the wheels could hardly have missed her. - Witness said he did not feel the wheels go over deceased. - The Coroner said the road at the spot where the accident occurred was 14 ft. wide, and the marks showed the car skidded 20 ft. - Witness said he was aware that the car skidded; the road was in a greasy condition. - Mr Cottey called attention to the fact that the car was 11 ft. in length and Soper pulled up in twice its length. - P.C. Kiff (Withycombe) said the road was 14 ft. wide, and the car started to skid 2 ft. from the right hand side of the road. The off hind wheel took a piece out of the hedge. After the car turned the corner of the village there was a clear view of 100 yards. There was a dent in the centre of the radiator of the car, and the number plate was bent. The off hind wing was also buckled at the end. - Mr John Murray, F.R.C.S., said death was due to shock, cerebral haemorrhage and laceration of the brain consequent upon fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner said the cause of death was perfectly clear, but it would be for the Jury to say whether they considered any blame attached to the driver of the car, and, if so, whether the blame was of such a nature as to be described as criminal negligence. The Jury must think the driver had given his evidence in a creditable manner. - Mr S. Burrow (a Juryman) said the driver made a very smart pull-up. - The Jury, after a short retirement, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame. The Foreman said the Jury desired the Coroner to call the attention of the Exmouth Urban Council to the waste land along the sides of the road, and suggesting it be utilised for widening the road or forming a footpath, in view of the great amount of traffic to and from the churchyard. - Mr Cottey, on behalf of the driver, expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased and the Coroner and Jury concurred. - The Jury gave their fees to the Lord Mayor's Fund for the relief of distress in the mining areas.