Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1930-31

Articles taken from North Devon Journal

Inquests

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

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included: Barnes; Bell; Buckingham; Conibear; Courtney; Cox; Crook; Curtis; Curzon; Fry; Gear; Gill; Gillard; Hocking; Holloway; Hutchings; Incledon; Kivell; Lawrence; Lewis; Lovell; Manning; Moore; Nurton; Owen; Phillips; Pugsley; Radford; Raines; Ralph; Rendle; Richards; Russell; Shute; Skinner; Smart; Spicer; Spiller; Thorne; Tomlinson; Tonkin; Tossell; Watts; Wright; Yeo

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 February 1930
NORTH MOLTON - Northmolton Tragedy. Farm Assistant Takes His Life. - STANLEY WILLIAM RUSSELL, 28, a single farm assistant, was on Monday found hanging at Burkham Farm, Northmolton, where he resided with his mother and step-father. - At the Inquest, before Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner for North Devon, on Monday evening, MR FRANK HILL stated that for a few days his step-son had not been his usual self, having had an attack of influenza. When witness went to bed, about 9.30 p.m. the previous night, he left him sitting by the fireside, and that morning about 7.30 witness was called with the news that deceased could not be found. A search revealed his body hanging in the barn. Deceased had never threatened to take his life. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said that deceased was worried over some losses in which he had become involved. He had lost a promissory note on some money he had lent, and could not recover it. - The Coroner believed deceased had to come up for examination; and elicited that the examination was to have taken place the following morning, February 4. He asked witness if this was worrying him pretty considerably. - MR HILL: I consider it was the influenza coupled with that. - MR HILL further said that his step-son had lost a document, and the fact that he could not find it, he thought, had a good deal to do with what had occurred. - Sydney Charles Hoyle, farm servant, spoke to finding the body in the barn. There was a lantern still burning, and also a ladder in the barn, which deceased appeared to have used. - P.C. Martin said that deceased left nothing to throw any light on the occurrence. - The Coroner thought that it was very sad for a young man to take his life in this way. He appeared to have had some business worries, and seemed to have taken to heart very considerably the loss of the document, and, coupling with it the influenza, he supposed deceased had become very depressed, and committed the rash act. The verdict was "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 February 1930
LYNTON - Death Of MR F. CONIBEAR. - With a sense of severe loss the news was received on Monday of the sudden death of MR FRED CONIBEAR, a much respected employee of Mr S. Watts, West Lyn Cafe, Lynmouth. Deceased, who was 67 years of age, was proceeding from the Cafe to the bakehouse, when at the entrance to Mars Hill, almost at the foot of Lynmouth Hill, MR CONIBEAR collapsed. Mr Claude Willis, who accompanied him, at once proceeded to obtain medical assistance. Fortunately, Dr J. M. Courtney and Dr Jonas (Barnstaple) were in attendance within five minutes, but pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased was accordingly removed to the Lynton Mortuary. MR CONIBEAR was an old and valued employee of Mr Watts, having been in his employ for the last sixteen years. He was a native of Barnstaple, where his wife still resides, being well-known as a maternity nurse. Sincere sympathy is extended to her in her sudden bereavement. The funeral takes place today (Thursday) at the Barnstaple Cemetery at 3.30 p.m. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," heart failure, as revealed by a post-mortem examination made by Dr Courtney, was returned by the Deputy North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford), at the Inquest at Lynton on Tuesday night.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 February 1930 BARNSTAPLE - Grate Explosion Mystery At Newton Tracey. Child Sustains Fatal Burns. Three Deaths In Family In One Week. - A terrific explosion in the kitchen fire of the house of MR F. GILL, farmer, of Lovacott Green, Newton Tracey, on Sunday morning resulted in MRS GILL and her two children being badly injured. - ALBERT JAMES GILL, the little two-years-old son so seriously that he passed away in the North Devon Infirmary early on Monday morning. Thus MR GILL has lost one child, his sister (Mrs Woolley, of Guildford), and his uncle (Mr Yeo, of Barnstaple) by death in one week; and the sympathy of a wide district goes out to the bereaved family in their triple bereavement. - The Father's Evidence. - At the Inquest on the little boy, conducted by Mr S. A. Copp, Deputy Coroner, at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, MR FREDERICK GILL, deceased's father, stated that he lit the kitchen fire about 7.30 on Sunday morning, only wood and coal being used. Later witness heard his wife calling, and going to the kitchen he found that she and both children had been burnt, ALBERT JAMES seriously. Obtaining a closed car, witness got the child removed as soon as possible to the North Devon Infirmary under the care of Dr S. R. Gibbs. He saw the child at the Institution the following morning and he was quite satisfied that everything possible was being done for it. Witness subsequently examined the ashes from the grate, and could find nothing to account for the explosion. He could only imagine that the trouble might have been caused by something in the coal. - Explosion Described. - MRS LORNA L. I. GILL stated she came downstairs with her two children about a quarter to eight on Sunday morning. She was dressing deceased about four feet from the fire, with the other child on her left side, when there was a loud report from the fire-place. A great cloud of red-hot coals and fire seemed to come all up over them, and "everything seemed to go black for a few minutes." Burning coals caught the clothes line on fire, and went all over the room to the far door. The coals also caught the deceased, who, being in her lap, received the worst injury. Witness's arm, face and head were burnt, but not so badly as was at first thought, and the other child's arm, face and hair were burnt. Having done all she could for the children, she rushed to the door for her husband, who fetched a car. Witness had noticed nothing peculiar about the fire - the grate was empty before the fire was lit - and she had never had any previous trouble with the grate. The grandmother, she added, was in bed at the time, and said that the terrific explosion paralysed her for a few minutes. - Extensive Burns. - Dr Ame McCabe, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated that the child was admitted to the Institution suffering from extensive burns. It seemed to improve later, but becoming rapidly worse on Monday night, it passed away at 1.30 a.m. The cause of death was shocks, following on extensive burns on the face, hands, body and legs. - The Coroner's Summing Up. - The Coroner said it was a very unfortunate affair. It was impossible to say what actually caused the explosion. It was possible that some portion of charge might have been left in the coal, or it was possibly caused by some other latent power of the coal. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," he expressed sympathy with the parents in their great bereavement.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 February 1930
BIDEFORD - The story of an accidental blow was told at an Inquest held by the North Devon Acting Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, at Bideford Hospital, yesterday, on LEWIS LEWIS, an old seaman, of Pontnewydd, near Newport, Mon., who died in the Institution on Monday evening. - Alexander Fraser, carpenter on the ship, said last Friday afternoon he was working with LEWIS in battening down a hatch. When driving in the last wedge a hammer which witness was using slipped out of his hand, and the next thing he saw was LEWIS doubled up on the deck with his hands on his stomach. Witness asked LEWIS if he were hurt, and he said, "No, only winded." - Dr W. A. Valentine, of Appledore, said when he saw LEWIS on Monday he was looking very ill, and witness had him removed to Hospital with a view to his undergoing an operation. Witness considered he was dying, which he did later. A post mortem had since been made, and witness found a hole in deceased's stomach due to a perforated ulcer. - Witness was not prepared to swear that the hammer blow had nothing to do with death, but it might have accelerated it. There was no bruise on the abdomen. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," namely, a perforated ulcer, and in their opinion it was aggravated and accelerated by a blow from the hammer accidentally sustained. - On behalf of the crew, Rev. Hugh Muller, Vicar of Appledore, expressed deepest sympathy with the widow.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 February 1930
BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at Bideford yesterday afternoon, on SYDNEY SHUTE, 24, of Geneva Place, Bideford, who on Tuesday was thrown from a horse and cart on Pottery-hill, East-the-Water. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Jury attached no blame to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 February 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Fall At Ilfracombe. Inquest At Barnstaple. - Mr S. A. Copp, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Barnstaple Poor Law Institution on Thursday afternoon, on JOHN RAINES TONKIN, aged 78, journeyman painter, of 8 Belvedere-flats, Ilfracombe, who died at the Institution on Tuesday last as the result of an accidental fall at his home. - Miss Ellen Ley stated that deceased had lived with her for over sixty years. On the evening in question, deceased, with her assistance got to the top of the stairs, but could not go any further. He was holding her hand, when he suddenly let go and fell backwards, downstairs. He had on previous occasions lost the use of his legs, and was often falling about. - Dr A. Osborn said deceased told him he had got nearly to the top of the stairs, when his strength gave out and he fell down all the way. Witness found he had a broken arm. - Dr F. L. Thomas, Medical Officer at the Institution, attributed death to the fracture and shock. - Allen Victor Slocombe, residing in the same flats, and Edith Taylor, a nurse at the Barnstaple Institution, also gave evidence. - Mr W. F. Watts (Ilfracombe), representing the family, stated that deceased was known locally as RAINES, and had for many years dropped his surname, TONKIN. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 March 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Old Man's Death At Barnstaple. The Inquest. - At the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, the Deputy Coroner, Mr S. A. Copp, on Friday afternoon, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of MR JAMES WATTS, 85, who died on Wednesday, following a fall. - MRS LYDIA WATTS, widow, said deceased had lived at 2 Church Almshouses, Barnstaple, and was formerly a farm worker at Landkey. On Friday, February 28th, between 4 and 5 p.m., he was going to shut the front door, when he over-balanced and fell. Dr F. L. Thomas was summoned, and ordered his removal to the Infirmary, where it was found that he was suffering from a fractured femur. - She was satisfied that everything was done for deceased while in the Institution. - Dr Anna M. E. McCabe, House Surgeon, said WATTS was admitted on the 1st instant, suffering from a fractured right femur and shock. He died on the 5th inst., through consequent fracture and shock. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of Accidental Death, caused by injuries and shock received in falling backwards.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 13 March 1930
ILFRACOMBE - Ilfracombe Labourer's Death. The Inquest. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy North Devon Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday evening, at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, into the circumstances attending the death of ERNEST JOHN THORNE, 47, labourer, residing at Willow Cottage, Ilfracombe, which occurred suddenly the previous day. - MRS HENRIETTA THORNE, the widow, said that the deceased had complained occasionally of giddiness. She last saw him a few minutes before he died, when he went upstairs. A few minutes later the little boy came to her and said: "Daddy has fallen down and can't get up." She went for assistance and her husband was brought into the kitchen. - Samuel Coles spoke to carrying deceased into the kitchen. He then appeared to be dead. - Dr A. Osborne, who was called to the house somewhere about 3 p.m., said when he arrived life was extinct. A post-mortem revealed advanced valvular disease of the heart. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 April 1930
ST GLUVIAS - Fatal Accident To Appledore Man. MR SYDNEY COX. - MR SYDNEY COX, foreman carpenter, of the contractors engaged in the reconstruction of the wooden viaduct on the Great Western Railway at Ponsanooth, near Perianwell, Cornwell, on Monday afternoon in last week fell from the viaduct, receiving fatal injuries. - A son of CAPT. and MRS WILLIAM COX, of Market-street, Appledore, he married MISS ADA BENNETT, daughter of Capt. and Mrs Sydney Bennett, Alpha-place, Appledore. He served his apprenticeship in the dockyards at Appledore. He was thirty years of age. - At the Inquest held at Ponsanooth, it transpired that whilst on the staging superintending the work on the viaduct, MR COX stepped on an overhanging plank, which overturned, MR COX falling a distance of nearly fifty feet. He sustained terrible injuries, and died before he could be taken to Hospital. Mr Atkinson, a director of the contracting party and the works agent, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, and said MR COX was one of the best men he had ever come across. He was heart and soul in his work and always did his duty. The firm and the employees were deeply sorry. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Funeral. - The funeral took place at St Mary's Churchyard, Appledore, on Easter Sunday, the Vicar, Rev. Hugh Muller, officiating, assisted by Rev. G. P. Scholey and Rev. M. Johnson (Ealing), whilst at the graveside Rev. J. Sidwick, the Baptist Minister, offered a prayer and pronounced the Blessing. It was one of the largest funerals ever witnessed at Appledore. Deceased was most popular and was a member of the Appledore Church choir, the Young Men's Bible Class, the Working Men's Club and also in earlier days a prominent member of the Lads' Naval Brigade, under the Rev. J. Goundry and he also assisted Rev. J. Shenton in his excellent work amongst the young. - At the Churchyard the surpliced choir, marshalled by Mr Hammond and Mr Uglow, awaited the cortege. The church was full, many having to stand, and it was many years since so many young men had been present. The service opened with the Burial Sentences taken by Rev. Scholey. The hymn "Jesu, lover of my soul," was sung to the Aberystwith tune. After the 23rd Psalm, the Rev. G. Scholey read the lesson, and after "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun" had been sung, the Vicar paid a high tribute to the life of the deceased. He was sorry the Rev. J. Goundry and Rev. Shenton were unable to be present. - "Peace, perfect peace," was sung and after Rev. M. Johnson had read the prayer, Mrs Hugh Muller, who presided at the organ, played the Dead March in "Saul," and the body was removed to the singing of the Nune Dimitis. The Vicar took the Committal and after two verses of "Rock of Ages" had been sung Rev. J. Sidwick (Baptist Minister) offered prayer and pronounced the Blessing. The bellringers rang a muffled peal at their own suggestion and all deceased's workmates were present. - The coffin was born by deceased's old friends and members of the Rechamite Order. - The immediate mourners were Mrs S. Cox (widow), Mr W. Cox (father) and Mrs W. Cox and Mr W. Cox (mother and brother), Messrs. Jim Cox, Joe Cox (brothers), Mrs Down, Miss L. Cox, Mrs Cann, Miss R. Cox (sisters), Denys and Fred (nephews), Capt. and Mrs S. Bennett (father-in-law and mother-in-law), Mr J. Cox (uncle), Miss V. Bennett (sister-in-law), Mrs Gliddon, Mrs Blackmore, Mrs Cooksley (cousins), Mrs Scilly, Mrs Darch (aunts), Mrs P. Hocking, Mrs Bowden, Mrs Lamey, Messrs. J. Cox, R. Cox, S. Cox, Mrs Harris, Mrs Hallett, Mrs Labbett (cousins), Messrs. R. Lee, L. Cann, V. Down, Mrs W. Cox, Mrs G. Cox, Mrs J. Cox (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), Mrs James Screech (cousin), Mrs Woolf, Mrs P. Harris, Mr and Mrs H. Blackmore, Mrs A. White, Mrs M. White, Capt. T. Hutchings, Messrs. A. Hutchings, T. Hutchings, Mrs E. Slade, Mr Tucker (Bristol), Mr Morrish (Hereford), A. C. Saunders, S. Knill, F. Bennett, Mr and Mrs J. Bennett (New-street), V. Lesley, Capt. J. Lamey, Mrs B. Cox, Mrs J. Petley, junr., Miss L. Mitchell, Mr and Mrs J. Ford, Mr T. Hare, Mrs E. Evans, Mrs E. Carter, Mrs Sidwick, Mrs R. Lee (sister) was unavoidably absent. Plus many others. 

North Devon Journal, Thursday 1 May 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man's Tragic Fate. Accidentally Killed On Railway. - WILLIAM THOMAS FRY, aged 60 years, married, of 31 Higher Maudlin-street, Barnstaple, was killed instantly by a train whilst walking near Pottington, on the Southern Railway main Barnstaple - Ilfracombe line on Saturday morning. The driver of the 8.15 a.m. train from Barnstaple having reported that he had struck a man, the Barnstaple Station was communicated with, and the body of FRY was found just over a mile from the Town Station. The body was so terribly mutilated that recognition was impossible at the time, and it was not until Saturday afternoon that the severed remains were identified. - The Inquest. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, conducted the inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday afternoon, Mr Henson being elected as Foreman of the Jury. - The Evidence. - The first witness to be called was JOHN HENRY FRY, deceased's son, of 6 Carrington-terrace, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, bus driver. He saw deceased last Thursday night at 6.30; he was then at home in his chair in the kitchen, and appeared quite happy. His father was a wood-turner by trade, and was recently thrown out of work by the fire at the mills which he worked at Bradiford, in which his tools were burnt. - In answer to a question by the Coroner, witness said his father was always jolly, and made the best of things. He had never spoken of taking his life in any way. He was in the habit of walking down the line, and cutting across the field to Chaddiford-lane, at least witness had been told so. - MRS MABEL CHAPPLE, daughter of deceased, who resided in the same house, said she saw her father last on Thursday evening between five and six o'clock, as she had been away. "He was quite jolly when I left him." - The Coroner: I think he had been suffering from eczema? - Yes. He had been treated since Christmas, but had got better. She did not think the loss of his tools in the recent fire had worried him. Deceased got up at seven in the morning, and was, since the fire, in the habit of going for a walk, and then he would go to sign on at the Labour Exchange, and then came home to breakfast between nine and 10.30 in the morning. - The Coroner: Plenty of time for a long walk? - Yes. She had never heard him say he would take his life - he was not that sort of man. He was singing when she left him on Thursday, added witness, as she broke into tears. - John Henry Butler, the driver of the train, said he left the Town Station at 8.20 a.m. - When you got to Chaddiford Pill what happened, asked the Coroner? - His mate shouted to him and called his attention to the fact that there was a man on the line. They were then about ten yards from the man, and travelling at between 35 and 40 miles an hour. Witness said he immediately shut off steam, and prepared to stop. Witness said he was in a position which he could not see the man on the lines because of the curve in the road, and the steam from the engine. His fireman, however, could tell him. - Did you feel any bump? - Yes. - Witness went on to Wrafton Station and reported the matter. On examining the engine witness found the coupling hanger on the front of the engine was bent back under the buffer. The hanger was about three feet high. - The Coroner: So the man would be standing up? - I could not say. The hanger was quite in order when he left Barnstaple. - If he was lying down it would not hit him? No. He also found a piece of flesh on the brake gear on the tender. - Arthur John Turner, the fireman of 2 Diamon-street, Barnstaple, saw the man in the track. He appeared to be in an upright position as far as he could see. Deceased was in the middle of the track, but he could not say which way he was looking. His vision was only momentarily. Naturally, his hand went to the whistle, and he shouted. The reason why they proceeded to Wrafton was because he had looked back through the train and could see the head was severed from the body, and it was no use stopping. - Percy T. Turner, porter at the Barnstaple Junction Station, said he proceeded to the scene on receipt of a telephone message with an ambulance box. The man's cap was lying on the up-road. The body was terribly mutilated. He immediately summoned a doctor and the Police. - Dr J. R. Harper said FRY died of multiple wounds, and considered death was instantaneous. The head was severed, the trunk being 180 yards away. He was obviously walking in the middle of the track. He saw nothing to suggest that it was deliberate suicide. - P.C. J. Brownscombe also described the scene, and said deceased's face was towards Barnstaple. On searching deceased's clothing he found a bottle marked and containing Epsom salts, a box of Iron-Ox tablets, pocket knife, a national health insurance card, and unemployment card. - Summing Up. - The Coroner said that was all the evidence he would take. Addressing the Jury, he said there were three alternatives in the matter of verdicts. There was suicide, accidental and an open verdict. In the first place, deceased, he through, had no sinister intention. He had no business on the railway line, but a great many of them did, unfortunately, trespass on the railway when they could go for a nice walk. They had heard that deceased used to take long walks, so probably that would account for his being on the line. They had heard he had been quite happy and comfortable at home and that the loss of his tools did not appear to worry him - that he did not take that to heart very much. In the case of suicide the majority of cases that had come before him had been where the suicide put himself on the line. Deceased was walking along. It was very difficult to judge the speed of a train or a motor-car coming direct to them, said the Coroner, referring to the possibility of deceased crossing the track. - The Foreman of the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the bereaved family. - Interment in the Cemetery yesterday, was preceded by a service in the Baptist Church, Rev. C. D. Mayhew officiating. The hymn was "The Lord moves in a mysterious way," Mr R. Watts presiding at the organ. - The principal mourners were Mrs W. Fry (mother), Messrs. J. Fry and T. Fry, Mrs C. Stevens and Mrs M. Chapple (sons and daughters), Mr and Mrs F. Fry (nephew and niece), Messrs. J. Chapple, C. Stevens (sons-in-law), Mr and Miss Tossell (brother-in-law and niece), Mr and Mrs Cann (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr and Mrs Jeffery (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs Lewis (sister-in-law), Mrs F. Bracher (sister-in-law), Mrs G. Bracher (niece). 

North Devon Journal, Thursday 8 May 1930
BIDEFORD - Instow Visitor's Sudden Death. Inquest Adjourned. - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, held an Inquest on Monday at Bideford, on MR WILLIAM PHILLIPS, 66, a silversmith, of Birmingham. - MISS WILHELMINA PHILLIPS, daughter, identified the body. On Saturday, April 19th, her father went to Instow from Perrybarr, Birmingham. He was at that time suffering from jaundice. He had been under the care of Dr Forsyth at Birmingham since October last. The doctor had supplied him a prescription for atophan tablets. This he had stopped taking on his own account, but he always kept some in case he required them. He had great faith in Dr Forsyth. Before the jaundice came on he suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. MISS PHILLIPS could not state definitely if her father took the tablets regularly. On April 28th, Mrs Blake, of Instow, called in Dr E. J. Toye, of Bideford, to attend her father, who appeared to be worse than usual, and Dr Toye had attended him until his death on Saturday. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Friday next.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 15 May 1930
BIDEFORD - Instow Visitor's Death. Inquest At Bideford. - An Inquest was held at Bideford on Friday night on WILLIAM PHILLIPS, of Ashton-lane, Perry Barr, Birmingham, who died at Crow Barn, Instow on May 2nd, while on holiday. Dr Ellis Pearson, the North Devon Coroner, sat with a Jury. - Dr E. J. Toye, of Bideford, spoke to attending deceased at Instow. Deceased was suffering from deep jaundice. He volunteered he had been taking atophan tablets for his rheumatoid arthritis, and gave witness a bottle of the tablets. Deceased said he had been taking two tablets three times a day since the beginning of October until January, and since that one three times a day until the appearance of jaundice, which was four weeks before witness saw him, which would be up to the end of March. In witness's opinion, the cause of death was toxic jaundice, the result of taking atophan tablets. - Dr Martin Littlewood, of Bideford, who made a post-mortem examination, said, in his opinion, death was due to toxic necrosis of the liver. Hearing the evidence he should say death was due to administration of atophan. - The Coroner: Have certain people an idiosyncrasy to taking this? - Witness: Yes; and others have taken it for a long period without ill effects. - Dr Littlewood added it would show by gastric symptoms and rashes on the skin, after taking very little, if the drug was unsuitable. - Replying to a member of the Jury, the witness said a doctor could not tell whether it would be good or not until it was administered. - Dr Robert Adam Forsyth, who said he practised in Birmingham, said that deceased was recommended to see witness for his rheumatism, and saw him first on October 14th, 1929. - The Coroner: Did you prescribe for him then? - I asked him to take one three times a day and come back in three weeks, which he did. - Dr Forsyth said that he started weekly injections of peptone until Christmas, and told deceased to take one atophan tablet at night while he was having injections. At Christmas deceased's rheumatism was remarkably better, and witness told him to stop his atophan. - The Coroner: He had no atophan since Christmas? - Not to my knowledge. - Witness later said he had no idea deceased was taking more atophan than prescribed. - The Jury found that deceased died through toxic jaundice due to taking atophan. - The Coroner: You have also to consider how he came to be taking sufficient atophan to poison himself. - The Foreman said that the Jury would like to know whether it was possible for anyone to go into a chemist's shop and get atophan. - The Coroner replied that there was nothing to prevent anyone from getting it at a chemist's shop. It was rather a dangerous drug to be obtained by anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Misadventure, deceased having taken more atophan than he should have done," and added a rider that in the Jury's opinion steps should be taken to prevent the sale of the drug without a medical prescription.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 5 June 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Killed By Falling Rock At Woody Bay. Little Visitor's Sad Fate. - Danger Notices Alleged To Have Been Pulled Down. - A holiday being spent at Woody Bay by MR and MRS HARRY CURZON, of Derby, resolved itself into tragedy on Sunday afternoon. Their little son, HARRY CURZON, aged nine, and another boy, John Marlow, of Woody Bay, went to the beach to play, when, whilst apparently climbing, both boys were struck by a large piece of falling rock from the cliff. After treatment by Dr Cummings, of Lynton, they were removed to the North Devon Infirmary at Barnstaple, where CURZON passed away from his injuries on Monday. Marlow was too unwell to give evidence at the Inquest on Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, who had the company of his Deputy, Mr S. A. Copp, Inspector Leach (Devon Constabulary), was present. - Evidence. - HARRY CURZON, deceased's father, of West Holme, Derby, spoke to his little son, a fine healthy boy, and Marlow, going to the beach on Sunday afternoon with their little buckets and shovels. A few minutes later witness was following with the baby, when he met two gentlemen carrying his son, who had been injured. He immediately rang up Dr Cummings, of Lynton, who did what he could, and ordered his son's removal by ambulance to the Infirmary. Everything possible was done at the Institution for his son, who was still unconscious when witness left him on Sunday evening. - Aubrey Longstone, another little boy who was also on the beach on Sunday afternoon, stated that CURZON started climbing the rocks. He had got up about ten feet when a big stone he caught hold of gave way and came down on top of him. The falling stone also struck the other boy, Marlow, taking a piece out of his finger. Two gentlemen on the beach, who saw the rock fall, picked up CURZON, who was badly injured, and carried him home. In answer to the Coroner, witness said he had lived at Woody Bay about six weeks, and had not seen any printed notices not to climb the rocks. Had not known any rock fall down before. - P.C. Brown, of Parracombe, did not know of any notices posted with regard to the rock being dangerous or unclimbable, but there were notices prohibiting people going to the spot, which was stated by Mr Holman, of Martinhoe Manor, to be private property. In witness's opinion, it was not private property where the accident occurred. At the spot the rocks were fairly perpendicular and dangerous and the stone dislodged, about 1 ½ cwt., came down 20 feet on the beach. Witness visited the spot about 5.45 on Sunday afternoon, and saw Mr Rayner, a visitor, and two gentlemen named Collins, who had taken the deceased home. - MR CURZON here observed that it was a very dangerous place; but he had not seen any notices warning people about climbing the rocks. - "Warning Notices Pulled Down." - Mr Stanley G. R. Holman, owner of Martinhoe Manor, Woody Bay, attended the Inquest, and stated that there was really no beach or foreshore, what was known as the foreshore being the cliff. The sea at high tide - there was a rise and fall of about forty feet - came right up to the cliffs, and at low water there was a mixture of sand, gravel and rocks. Approach was provided by a concrete slipway from the path above. Leading to the spot, he had had many notices that it was a private road to Martinhoe Manor and Woody Bay Hotel, and houses only. There was no indication that there was a beach, and the notice there at present had been forced down by boulders. No notice said anything about climbing the rocks. Other notices he had put up had been pulled down, and it was only a marvel that five motorists had not been killed in the past fortnight. Under existing conditions, the rocks were liable to fall down, and he had had to remove his boat-house from the spot in question. He had done all he possibly could to avoid what had happened, and had sent his private secretary to shift people who were at most dangerous points. He did not even allow his trappers to go into the woods above, so that nothing should fall; and he had notices warning people not to sit or lie in the woods. He was grieved at what had happened, especially to people who were not trespassing and were bona-fide visitors. Mr Holman went on to refer with regret to a "huge notice" displayed that is it was a public beach. He thought it was really all wrong, and inspired a confidence that should not exist. - The Coroner observed that unfortunately there seemed to be some misapprehension as to whether this beach was a private or public one. - Mr Holman: "Excuse me; there can be none. It has all been settled." He added that he was sick to death of putting notices up. The deceased's parents had his deepest sympathy. - Dr Annie McCabe, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated death to be due to fracture of the skull, and said it was a hopeless case from the start. - The Coroner And Notices. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and joined in the expression of sympathy with MR and MRS CURZON. With regard to the question of notices, he happened to know that there was a good deal of trouble between the owner of the estate and the public at Woody Bay. He had no means of deciding whether this little tidal foreshore was public or private property; but in any case he thought public notices should be erected warning people of the danger of going to the spot, and all precautions possible taken to prevent children climbing. "I suggest to inhabitants (added the Coroner) that it is very undesirable to remove notices, whatever their ideas might be about the ownership of the property."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 June 1930
BROMLEY, KENT - Former Ilfracombe Man's Death. The Inquest. - Well-known in Ilfracombe, the tragic death occurred at Bromley, Kent, last week, of MR ERIC WILLIAM TOMLINSON, at the age of 45. Deceased, who formerly resided at St Brannock's-road, Ilfracombe, was very highly esteemed and respected in Ilfracombe, and left the neighbourhood barely twelve months ago. One of deceased's sons attended the Ilfracombe Secondary School, and was regarded as one of the best athletes that had ever attended there. - The Inquest was held on Thursday at Bromley, and the suggested was made that deceased was killed with the electric current to relieve pain. - MRS TOMLINSON said that her husband complained of a pain in his chest on the Wednesday and while she was in bed she heard him shout for help from the bathroom, and found him lying in the bath, which was full of hot water. He was very fond of experimenting with the electric current, and it was possible he was trying to relieve the pain. - Dr W. Pitt Payne said that TOMLINSON must have touched his heart with the electric wire while sitting in the bath, causing a contact with the earth. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 June 1930
ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Inquest. Sad Holiday Death. - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, held an Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, on Whit-Monday morning, into the death of MR DAVID LAWRENCE, of "Rose Neath," Pas Row, Aberdare, who died suddenly at Ilfracombe on Saturday evening, after arriving from a boat trip. - MR WILLIAM EVANS identified the body as that of his brother-in-law, who was, he said 62 years of age. Deceased was a clerk of works under the Aberdare Education Authority, and had been in indifferent health for the past six months, being under the doctor's care up to the time of his death. - Mr Thomas Edwards said that deceased arrived at his mother's boarding house about 5 p.m. on Saturday evening. He (witness) took his bag from him and proceeded up the stairs to show him his room. He asked him if he would like anything to eat, and he replied, "Not now, Mr Edwards; I will have something later." He did not take much notice whether deceased was all right or not. He came downstairs and then heard a noise, and he ran back again. He saw the deceased lying on the landing floor. He put him on the bed, and gave him some brandy, and sent for the doctor. - Dr Crabtree stated that he was called to the house about 5 p.m., and found deceased dead. Death was due to thrombosis. The heart was enlarged and badly diseased. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and expressed his sympathy with the friends of the deceased.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 12 June 1930
ALVERDISCOTT - Alverdiscott Tragedy. Housekeeper Hangs Herself. - Entering the cottage by a window on Monday because nothing had latterly been seen of the woman, a neighbour made the sad discovery that MISS MARY ELIZABETH CURTIS, 46, housekeeper to Mr Hatch, of Stoney Cross, Alverdiscott, had hanged herself. - At the Inquest on Tuesday, Mr Hatch informed the Coroner (Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford) that deceased was not up when he left home early on Friday morning. He knocked at her bedroom door and left a cup of tea outside. She made no reply, but that was not unusual. Later that morning he met with an accident through his horse falling, and was taken to Bideford Hospital, where while he was a patient he heard of CURTIS'S death. In answer to a question, witness said deceased might have worried because he did not return(owing to the accident) and wondered where she could get another home if anything happened to him. He had heard that on Thursday night she had been taken to task by other people for thinking that he was going to marry her. He knew she thought so, but had given her no reason to consider so. It was not his intention. She had been his housekeeper for four years. He had never heard her threaten to take her life. - Dr Wilson, of Bideford, said he had been in attendance on deceased on and off for seven years. He considered her to be rather unstable mentally, and likely to be upset by small things. She had never said anything to him about being upset or worried, and when she came to him for some medicine for gastritis a week ago she seemed fairly cheerful. She had never made any reference to him about doing away with herself. - The Coroner: You would think she was mentally one of those people who if something upset her might do that? - Witness: Yes, it is quite possible. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 19 June 1930
ILFRACOMBE - Lady Visitor's Sad Fate At Ilfracombe. Fatally Crushed By Omnibus. - There was a most distressing occurrence at Ilfracombe on Monday afternoon. MISS EMILY BARNES, 63, clerk, of King Henry's-road, London, N.W.3, was waiting with friends near the Southern National Omnibus Co.'s garage in Marlboro-road to board a 'bus for Bideford, when the 'bus was backed out from the garage, and in turning pinned her against the wall. Seriously injured the unfortunate lady was promptly removed to the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, where she expired some three hours later. - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held on Monday evening by Dr Ellis Pearson, the North Devon Coroner, and a Jury of which Mr T. Parker was chosen Foreman. Mr F. Annear represented the 'Bus Co. - Sister's Evidence. - MRS MINNIE BARNES, sister-in-law, stated that MISS BARNES and her were standing on the pavement by the side of the garage. She believed there was a kerb. She saw the 'bus backed out up the hill. It stopped, then seemed to change gear, and then came forward on the pavement. Those who ran got out of the way, but MISS BARNES was pinned between the near wing of the 'bus and the wall. She was just behind witness and her daughter. - MARJORY MARY BARNES, niece, gave similar evidence. - The Driver's Statement. - William John Parry, driver of the 'bus, who appeared greatly distressed, said he had been driving two years. He was notified the road was clear and backed out of the garage. He was going forward to swing the head of the 'bus round, when the crowd of people ran forward and he jammed the brakes on hard and pulled the 'bus up, stopping the engine. He saw a woman was pinned against the wall, and immediately jumped to her assistance. He assumed he had plenty of room, and if the crowd had not run forward he thought he should have cleared. There was no actual kerb where the 'bus went. - He thought he would have cleared the wall and the kerb lower down. The 'bus was quite in order, and the brakes had only been tested half an hour previously. - The Coroner asked if he thought it rather a nuisance people standing by the garage doors waiting for the 'bus. - Parry agreed that it was. - In answer to Mr Annear, witness said he did not back the 'bus after MISS BARNES was pinned against the wall as, if he had reversed up the hill the 'bus would have had to go slightly forward. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr T. B. Crabtree informed the Court that the only statement MISS BARNES made was that she saw the 'bus coming towards her, and the next thing she realised she was pinned against the wall. She died from shock following the injuries, but witness's opinion was that if she had been able to overcome the shock she would have got over the injuries. - The Coroner said it appeared Parry was a competent driver, and the Company employed a man who signalled the 'bus out and attended to the traffic. It was really unfortunate that the afternoon being very hot the people were all crowding on the shady side next to the garage, whilst in the usual way he understood they were kept on the other side of the road. Parry thought he had backed far enough and that he would have got around but for the people all running in front of him and, not knowing if he would run over them, did the best he could in stopping the 'bus at once. It was a sad case, but he did not think the Jury would find there was any actual blame attached to anyone. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Jury adding that they thought the 'bus company ought to have one of their representatives continually at the garage to tell people exactly what they had to do and regulate traffic. - Mr Annear replied that the Company already had a man continually there the whole time the 'buses were running. - The Jury and witnesses handed their fees to the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 10 July 1930
BIDEFORD - North Devon Man Found Shot. - "It is uncertain exactly what happened, but I think it conclusive this was a case of Accidental Death," announced the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, at an Inquest at Bideford on WILLIAM JOHN LOVELL, 25, son of MR WILLIAM LOVELL, gardener, of Cleave Lodge, near Bideford, who on Saturday was found shot and later died at the Bideford Hospital. - Evidence was given by the father and PHILLIP LOVELL, a younger brother of deceased, stated that deceased went out into the garden , where previously he had been shooting birds. The gun was one he was in the habit of using. No-one witnessed the accident, but PHILLIP saw his brother lying on the ground with blood coming from his head. He could form no impression as to how the accident occurred. - Dr Gibson said there was no blacking of the skin. The wound in the centre of the forehead was quite clean. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 July 1930
BULKWORTHY -North Devon Tragedy. Killed By Horse In A Field. - At an Inquest at Bulkworthy on Monday on JOHN HOCKING, aged 69, Mr Moore, jun., stated that on Tuesday of last week he and HOCKING were in a field belonging to the latter's father, being part of Eastacott Farm, attending to two horses. Witness had his back to the horses, and HOCKING. Hearing a scuffle, he turned and saw the latter on his back, one of the animals having apparently knocked him down and walked over him. - Dr Betts said two ribs were broken. The injuries were consistent with the theory that HOCKING had been stepped on by a horse. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, of Bideford.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 July 1930
NORTHAM - Appledore Octogenarian's Fatal Fall. - MR PHILIP HUTCHINGS, aged 87, of Irsha-street, Appledore, died on Monday, as the result of a fall. - At the Inquest, HANNAH GORRELL (sister) with whom HUTCHINGS lived, said her brother had been a sailor. About three weeks ago he slipped while dressing, and his leg was fractured. The old man was helped into his bed, and never left it again. - Dr J. C. G. Edwards, of Appledore, said deceased had a fracture of the right femur, and had suffered from shock. In his opinion death was the result of the accident, which was quite usual in the case of old people. - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 July 1930
EXETER - Crediton Builder's Death. Bideford Man Exonerated From Blame. - After alighting from a 'bus at Cowley, near Exeter, on Saturday, MR CHARLES HEDLEY RALPH, 56, mason and builder of Crediton, sustained fatal injuries as the result of being knocked down by a car driven by Mr Chas. Henry Bright, commercial traveller, of Bideford. - Mr Bright gave evidence at the Inquest and the Jury, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerated the driver from all blame. - Mr Bright, associating himself with the expression of sympathy with the widow, said that anything he could do all his life to help the widow he would be only too pleased to do.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 17 July 1930
BIDEFORD - Overturned Car. Inquest On Southampton Girl At Bideford. - The North Devon Coroner, Mr F. R. Ellis Pearson, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at Bideford on MARGARET SPILLER, aged nine, who died as the result of injuries received in a motor accident on the Bideford-Holsworthy road. - The driver of the car, Leonard Thomas Penwill, of Southampton, who was accompanied by his wife and daughter, and the deceased, in the car, said he was travelling at about thirty miles an hour. At a corner he applied his brakes, but the car skidded on some loose gravel, struck a bank, overturned and threw out the occupants. - Dr Gibson said the cause of death was fracture of the skull. - The Jury, while attaching no blame to anyone, suggested that a warning notice should be placed at the spot owing to the bad corner, and that the County Council be requested not to use gravel on the roads, but stone chippings.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 July 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Man's Strange Death. Unusual Features Disclosed At Inquest. - A question having arisen as to the cause of death of NORMAN REID SMART, labourer, of Yeo Vale, the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary on Saturday. As reported in our last issue, SMART passed away on Wednesday at the Institution, of which he had been an inmate for several weeks. - The widow, ANNIE LOUISE SMART, stated that her husband was forty-four years of age. He worked for Messrs. Cater up to March 19th, but on that day he was taken ill whilst at work, being taken home in a motor-car by Mr Cater. She was told that her husband had dropped down whilst at work. - Coroner: Whatever was the matter with him on March 19th it had nothing to do with the breaking of his leg? - Witness agreed, and said her husband remained on the panel for a fortnight and was then signed-off as fit for a light job. The doctor stated that her husband was a chronic neurasthenic. Deceased could get no light work, and signed on at the Labour Exchange. On Saturday, June 7th, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., deceased was sitting in the kitchen in an arm-chair, resting his legs on another chair, when he said he felt a pain in his left hand. Half an hour later, however, he told her he felt easier and ate his dinner. All the family sat down to the same dinner, and none of them felt any ill-effects from it. They retired to bed about 11 p.m., and her husband walked to his bedroom. He complained, however, of a pain in the leg. Early in the morning, her husband woke her up and told her he felt his left hand going dead again, remarking that he thought he had had a stroke. Witness replied, "Don't be silly." Her husband then asked her to lift his right leg from off the left leg. - Coroner: Why could he not move the right leg himself? - Witness: He said he could not. Continuing, witness said she lifted the leg off as requested and was going to place it on the bed, when her husband cried out, and asked her to call his son, which she did. With the aid of her son, she tried to put deceased in a sitting position, but he said it was worse. Deceased asked her to place his right leg over his left again, which she did. He then said he was a bit easier. Subsequently, deceased asked to be lifted out of bed on to the chair, and this was done. She sent for the doctor early in the morning. - Coroner: Had deceased been subject to epileptic fits? - Witness: Not until the Saturday, when he was at work on Pilton Bridge. He started on that work, which was laying a pipe track, towards the end of February, but after a day or two he complained of a pain in the stomach. He went to the doctor and he told him that he had moved a muscle that had not been worked before, and that he would be all right in a day or two. Personally, she thought the work was too hard and heavy for him. When the doctor arrived, after she had sent for him, on June 8th, he stated that deceased had fractured his femur and that he had better be removed to the Infirmary. He was subsequently taken by the St John Ambulance men. He had been in the Institution five weeks the previous Monday. - Coroner: Did they look after him all right in the Infirmary? - Witness: I think so. - Coroner: You have seen him there. Did he appear to be properly looked after? - Witness: Yes. - Did he complain to you of his treatment in that Institution? - Not at all. - You think then that he had every care and attention? - Yes; I noticed he was going thinner, but I had no idea that anything was going to happen to him. I thought perhaps he was worrying about his leg. - Coroner: There is a rumour that he was invalided out of the Army with a weakness of the heart. Is that so? - Witness: He had neurasthenia and cardiac trouble, but Dr Carter, of Exeter, told him there was nothing the matter with his heart. - Inspector Leach: When your husband was brought home on March 19th, what was his condition? - Witness: Very white when he walked in through the passage. - Was he fully conscious? - Yes. - Did he make any complaint to you of loss of power in his left hand? - All he said was "I don't know how it happened." - Was his condition such that you immediately phoned for a doctor? - Mr Cater phoned for him. - On June 1st did your husband complain to you of loss of power whilst sitting in the chair? - He had had several attacks. - WILLIAM NORMAN LESLIE SMART, son of the deceased, gave corroborative evidence. - Inspector Leach: When you were called to your father's bedroom on the night of June 1st, where did he state the pain was? - In his right hip., - Anywhere else? - No. - Did he say anything of a fall which might have broken his leg? - No. - Harold Wm. Curtice, engineer, stated that he remembered seeing MR SMART walking over Pilton Bridge with his wife after he had commenced work for Mr Cater. He was walking slowly, and had hold of his wife's arm and was using a walking stick. - Inspector Leach: Did you see anything happen to deceased whilst he was working on the pipe track? - I saw him taken home in the car by Mr Cater. I didn't see him have stroke. - Dr Ame McCabe, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, said deceased was admitted on June 9th. She found he had a fracture of the right femur. She had him X-rayed, but the photograph only disclosed an ordinary fracture. SMART died on the 16th inst. He seemed to be getting along all right for the first fortnight, after which he did not look well, and got much thinner. - Coroner: There are two unusual features in this case. One is that a man of his age should die from a fractured femur, and another that he should have broken the femur apparently in bed. - Witness agreed. - What, in your opinion, was the cause of death? - I think the fractured femur accelerated his death. There was shock and finally heart failure. The man had not a good heart. - You have no evidence of any toxic symptoms? - None. - The Coroner: You have heard the evidence - when do you think that the fracture occurred? - Witness: At the time he turned over in bed. Why it should have happened I don't know. - The Coroner suggested deceased might have had a fit and kicked out. - Witness: He may have. It could have caused it. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a very unusual case, but it seemed to him, having regard to the evidence it was perfectly clear, although remarkable, that SMART might have broken his right femur in bed in the early morning of Saturday, June 8th. He thought that that must have been the case, because the man walked to bed two hours before. The fracture must have taken place before he woke up his wife and complained of a pain in his leg. There was no doubt that the cause of death was a broken femur sustained in bed at his house, 11 St George's-road, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, on June 8th, and that SMART died from the effects of that fracture, with the subsequent shock and heart trouble. He would return a verdict accordingly. Everything had been done that could be done for him. He sympathised with the family in their loss. - The Funeral: Attended by a large number of sympathising friends, the funeral of the late MR NORMAN REID SMART of ST George's-terrace, Yeo Vale, Barnstaple, whose death, at the age of 44, took place on Monday. Prior to the interment at the Cemetery, a service was held in the Rackfield Mission Hall, conducted by Mr Jackson, who feelingly referred to MR SMART'S death and expressed sympathy with the bereaved. At the Cemetery Mr J. Ovey conducted, whilst the "Buff" burial service was conducted by Brother W. Gammon. At the Mission the hymn, "On the happy golden shore," was sung, Miss C. Luxton presiding at the organ. - The family mourners were the widow, Leslie and Basil Smart (sons), Mrs J. Smalldon, Misses F., Maud and Margaret Smart (daughters), Mrs W. Jones (mother-in-law), Mr J. Smalldon (son-in-law), Messrs. A., T., and J. Smart (brothers), Mesdames L. Tucker, F. Offield and C. Symons (sisters), Mr C. Symons, Mr J. Tucker, Mr A. Smart, Mrs J. Smart, Mrs W. Kelly, Mr S. Gregory, Mr S. Jones and Mr L. Jones (brothers-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs Gunn, Mrs S. Jones, Misses E. Tucker, and E. Offield (nieces). The coffin which was draped with the Union Jack was borne to the grave by members of the "Buffs," of which deceased was a member.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 24 July 1930
ANDOVER, HAMPSHIRE - Former Brauntonian's Death. - The "Andover Advertiser" of July 18th records an Inquest on ARTHUR STONEHAM RICHARDS, who lived alone in a caravan at the Acre Iron Works, Andover. One of the witnesses was Mr John Elliott, of Easthill, Braunton, who had known deceased for 50 years, MR RICHARDS having been born at Incledon House, Braunton, and for some time had lived with Mr Elliott. He had given £50 to the bell fund of St Brannock's Church, and his name is inscribed on the treble bell. The funeral was held on Saturday last, Mr Elliott attending. MR RICHARDS was 73 years of age, and should be remembered by many in Braunton.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 7 August 1930
WORTHING, SUSSEX - Newton Tracey Man's Fatal Bathe. Drowned Whilst On Holiday. - The deepest sympathy will be extended to MR and MRS C. J. GEAR, of Litchardon Farm, Newton Tracey, in the great loss they have sustained by the tragic drowning of MR GEAR'S eldest son, WALLACE, whilst on holiday with his parents at Worthing. they had been staying at Maidstone, and had gone to Worthing on Monday for the day. MR WALLACE GEAR was separated from his parents and was missing all through the night. Police and others searching for him, and on Tuesday morning his body, together with that of another person, Mr Robert Percival of Lancing, was washed ashore on the beach. It is not yet known how he met his death, but we believe that he attempted to save another person in difficulties in the water. He was not able to swim. - An Inquest was held yesterday, and the body will be conveyed to North Devon, to be interred at Newton Tracey. It is a sad coincidence that MR GEAR met his death on his 24th birthday.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 14 August 1930
BIDEFORD - Sudden Death. - Whilst chatting with bandsmen at Bideford on Saturday, MR EDWIN JOHN RENDLE, 73, collapsed and expired suddenly. Death was due to syncope and at Monday's Inquest, the Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, recorded "Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 21 August 1930
BISHOPS TAWTON - At Oarestone, Bishopstawton, on Thursday, Dr Ellis Pearson, North Devon Coroner, Inquired into the death of MRS FRANCES ELLEN TOSSELL, aged 41, wife of MR R. TOSSELL, poultry farmer, whose body, as reported in our last issue, was recovered from the river Taw after she had been missing from her home near by from Monday until Tuesday night. - RICHARD TOSSELL, the husband, stated that his wife had been medically attended for heart attacks. - GERALD TOSSELL, the youngest son, spoke to his mother going out to walk to the river bank about a quarter of a mile away, which she often did. She was carrying a bucket, with which to bring in some water. Deceased failed to return, and a search was made until late at night. - An older son, LESLIE TOSSELL, informed the Court that with assistance the next day he found the body of his mother in the river in several feet of water. - Dr S. R. Gibbs, (deceased's medical attendant) said there was a bruise on the left arm, compatible with MRS TOSSELL having fallen into the water. A post-mortem examination revealed that there was no water inside the body, and that showed that death was not due to drowning. Death in his opinion was due to syncope, brought about by exertion following a heavy meal. In his opinion death had taken place before she fell into the water. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 September 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Bishopstawton Smallholder's Tragic Death. Knocked Down By Motor Cyclist. Jury's Rider At Inquest. - Deepest regret was expressed in the district on Sunday evening, when it became known that MR MERVYN HENRY COURTNEY, of Martin's Hill, Bishopstawton, had been the victim of a serious accident, which ended fatally at the North Devon Infirmary on Monday evening. Aged 54, MR COURTNEY had carried on a smallholding at Martyn's Hill for some years, and he was a man who was held in the highest esteem in the district in which he had been a life-long resident. Sympathy for the bereaved widow is widespread. - Opening the Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, on Tuesday evening, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, explained that MR COURTNEY was walking along the new road at Bishopstawton when he was knocked over by a motor-cyclist named Beer, of Atherington. He stressed the point that a pedestrian had as much lawful right on the road as a motor-cyclist or any other driver; and the Jury would have to consider this as an element in the case. - Mr A. J. Evans was Foreman of the Jury. - JAMES G. COURTNEY, of Victoria-street, Barnstaple, spoke to seeing his brother (the deceased) not long before the accident, when he was quite well. In answer to a question, MR COURTNEY said his brother was a life-long teetotaller. - Dr J. C. Dixey, of Barnstaple, spoke to being called to the spot between 10.30 and 11 p.m., and finding MR COURTNEY lying with his head on a pillow. One sleeve of his coat was slightly torn. He was quite conscious, but had a small bruise at the back of the head and another small abrasion behind the left ear. There were no fractures of limbs, but MR COURTNEY was showing signs of concussion and witness telephoned for the ambulance, which arrived quickly. MR COURTNEY was conscious the whole way to the Hospital, but on arrival was very sick and vomited blood. After being undressed, witness noticed another small abrasion on deceased's right thigh. During the night MR COURTNEY became unconscious and with nasal bleeding the unconsciousness deepened until his death, which was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. Deceased told him he had been knocked down. It was a very clear night, although dark. - On being called, Walter Frederick Beer, 31, labourer, of Ford Down, Atherington, was informed by the Coroner that he need not give evidence unless he elected to do so. He replied that he could put in the statement which he had made to P.C. Hill and did not want to give evidence. - The Coroner thereupon asked Beer to retire and consider the matter, and he was again called subsequently. - Meanwhile, Arthur Wm. Facey stated that about 10.30 p.m. on Sunday he was talking to two other young men near the School, when MR COURTNEY passed along. He had got about one hundred yards further on the road when the accident occurred. Witness saw Beer pass up the slope on his motor-cycle, going at fifteen to sixteen miles an hour and he had lights front and rear. They next heard a faint scrape as if the motor-cycle had skidded and proceeding to the spot found MR COURTNEY lying tight to the kerb on the left hand side of the road. Beer, who had stopped, said he had hit him. Witness noticed a slight fog about five minutes before Beer came along; the motor cycle was on its correct side when he reached the spot. - By the Foreman: Could not remember hearing Beer sound his horn; he might have done so. It was a straight road. - Walter Fredk. Beer, again called, said he wished to put in the statement he had made to the Police. He proceeded that he motor-cycled to Wrafton on Sunday, and leaving just after ten p.m., reached Bishopstawton about 10.30. There was a fog on, and he saw nothing until he reached the spot where MR COURTNEY was walking along. Just as witness approached him, MR COURTNEY made about a half-turn to him, and trying to avoid him, he caught deceased's right shoulder with his left one. His machine did not strike him at all, and witness was about six feet in the road on his correct side. Losing control, witness came off on his right side, about two or three feet away. At the time witness was travelling at about fifteen miles an hour at the most. He had good carbide lamps. Witness had had no intoxicating liquor at all. - By Inspector Leach: Witness had been motor-cycling about two years. He was five or six feet away when he first saw MR COURTNEY, and had no time to avoid him. He was frightened at the accident, and ran back for assistance. - Mr G. F. Lefroy (who appeared for deceased's family): Was it not because you were going recklessly that you were frightened? - No, sir. - Dr Dixey said there was no fog? - There was, at the bottom of the new road, and in spots. I met two or three more lengths of fog on approaching Chapelton. - What excuse have you for knocking MR COURTNEY down? - I was keeping on my right side. - The Coroner (to witness): You need not answer if you do not choose to do so. - Mr Lefroy: Were you keeping a look-pout at all? - Yes, I had nothing else to think about. I have always kept steady, and no-one can contradict this. - You say the only reason you knocked this man down was the fog? - Yes, because I did not see him. - P.C. Hill, of Bishopstawton, who was called to the scene, next gave evidence. The road, he said, was thirty feet wide. An impression on the road, evidently made by the right foot rest of the machine, was 6 ft. 6 ins. from the near kerb; and there was a tyre impression 6 ft. 9 ins. from where MR COURTNEY was apparently hit. The machine was lying about 37 feet away. There was a 4 ft. 6 in. tar macadam footpath on the near side and there was no reason why anyone should not be walking on it at the time. When witness reached the spot there was no fog on the road, but there was on the river below. - Coroner: It is possible there may have been a pocket of fog up there when the accident occurred. - Replying to Inspector Leach, P.C. Hill said the lamps, horn and brakes of the motor-bicycle were in order. The machine was slightly damaged. - Mr Lefroy, addressing the Jury, emphasised what the Coroner had said with regard to pedestrians rights to be on the road. He also analysed the evidence at some little length. - The Coroner elaborated the legal aspect and said the point for the Jury to consider was whether Mr Beer, under all the circumstances, was criminally negligent. - P.C. Hill, in answer to the Foreman, said there was no public lighting in the village of Bishopstawton. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Foreman added that they did not think there was criminal negligence on the part of Beer, but they thought that he was not keeping a proper look-out at the time. - The Coroner said he was sorry to have to inform Beer of the Jury's conclusions. - On hearing the verdict, Beer almost collapsed and cried bitterly. - Both the Jury and Coroner expressed sincere sympathy with the bereaved family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 September 1930
BIDEFORD - In the case of the sudden death of MRS MAUD SPICER of 14 Providence Row, Bideford, on Tuesday, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, at the Inquest at the Town Hall, Bideford, on Tuesday evening. - Dr C. Wilson spoke to being called to Messrs. Perkins' establishment and finding MRS SPICER in the sitting room in a chair. She was already unconscious and breathing irregularly. He injected strychnine, but she expired without regaining consciousness. On inquiry he learnt that she had complained of very severe headache. In his opinion death was caused by cerebral haemorrhage and stroke. - A verdict was returned as stated.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 4 September 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Hesitancy At Barnstaple. Dublin Solicitor The Victim. - Visiting Barnstaple with his sister on Saturday, MR SIDNEY MAFFETT BELL, aged 65, a Dublin solicitor, essayed to cross the roadway on the Strand, when he came into collision with a motor-cyclist, sustaining injuries which resulted in his death. - The circumstances were related at the Inquest held at the North Devon Infirmary on Tuesday, before the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, and a Jury of which Mr Sydney Harper was Foreman. - Inspector Leach and P.S. Rendle were present and the motor-cyclist (Mr Alfred S. Rowlands, of Ilfracombe) was represented by Mr G. F. Lefroy. - MISS ALICE CAROLINE BELL stated that on Saturday her brother (the deceased) came from Exeter to Barnstaple by motor 'bus, stopping at Bromley's Cafe for tea just before five o'clock. Her brother left before her in order to see the statue of Queen Anne on the Strand, and when she came out she noticed a crowd, and found people attending to her brother on the pathway close by. Unconscious, with a severe blow on the right temple, her brother was removed to the North Devon Infirmary, and she remained with him almost to the last, death occurring on Sunday evening. Her brother's sight was bad, but his hearing was good. He was nervous some weeks ago, but had got over that. - Frank Janes, retired wine merchant, spoke to seeing MR BELL crossing the road almost opposite the Angel Inn and Mr Rowlands approaching from the direction of Taw Vale, at a very moderate place of about ten miles an hour. When MR BELL reached a point in the road near the manhole cover he seemed to hesitate and stop. If MR BELL had gone on the motor-cyclist would have cleared him. Mr Rowlands sounded his horn and pulled up as soon as he could, but caught MR BELL on his left side, and he fell on the manhole cover, which was covered with studs. - By Mr Lefroy: Witness did not notice a small green car pull up outside the Water Co.'s offices just previously. There was not a stream of traffic going past Bromley's just before. - Dr Hy. Jacobson, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, stated death to be due to brain injury. It was a hopeless case from the beginning. - Edward Chapple, street musician, informed the Jury that the motor-cyclist came along at a steady pace and blew his horn. The deceased, on getting into the roadway, hesitated, and then went backwards. The motor-cyclist caught the gentleman's left arm, and twisting around MR BELL fell on the manhole. Witness was the first to his assistance and P.C. Mitchell and the ambulance afterwards came along. - By Mr Lefroy: The motor-cyclist did not know what to do, under the circumstances. - By Inspector Leach: The motor-cyclist was outside the near end of the Bridge Chambers when the deceased stepped off the footpath, and after striking him he pulled up within a yard. - P.C. Mitchell, who was on traffic duty at the town end of the Long Bridge at the time, stated that looking towards the Strand he saw MR BELL being assisted onto the footpath. Running to the spot, witness found him unconscious and he fetched Dr Sanders, whilst the ambulance arrived within a few minutes. The roadway was 39 ft. 7 ins. wide, and there was a practically straight skid-mark 8 ft. 6 ins. long. He did not remember any car stationed outside Mr Lefroy's office. It appeared pretty quiet at the time, and he was surprised at the accident. - By Inspector Leach: Had there been anything unusual in the manner in which Rowlands was driving witness would have noticed it, especially if he had been racing. - Alfred Stanley Rowlands of Ilfracombe, elected to give evidence. He said he had been playing football for Barnstaple and was riding down from Newport. He was in second gear and had stopped at the end of Bridge-buildings behind the green car. Proceeding at about five to seven miles per hour, he saw deceased in the middle of the road 15 to 20 yards away. He blew his horn, but MR BELL attempted to go forward, and then suddenly turned back. Witness had intended to go behind deceased, and had MR BELL gone on there would have been no collision. As it was his right handlebar caught deceased's clothing. Witness pulled up within two or three yards, and could not possibly have avoided MR BELL. He did not pull up before because there was ample room to pass, and he was quite under the impression that deceased was going on. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the motor-cyclist from any blame. They expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives. - The Coroner, concussing, thought it very sad that MR BELL, one of his own profession, should have met his death in this terrible way whilst on holiday. - Mr Lefroy, also concurring, added that it was also a dreadful thing for Mr Rowlands, on whose behalf he also expressed sympathy with the bereaved.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 September 1930
MORTHOE - Outburst At Woolacombe Inquest. Brother's Declaration. - At the Inquest conducted by Dr Ellis Pearson, County Coroner, on Tuesday at Morte Hoe, upon SYDNEY OWEN, 30, of Longford-street, Warrington, Lancashire, whose body was recovered on Monday, and who was drowned while bathing at Woolacombe on 1st September. Mr W. Ellis, Chairman of the Parish Council, said that in twenty-five years there had only been three fatalities at Woolacombe Beach, all of which had occurred at the north end, which was not where the deceased was bathing. The beach was about three miles in length and it would be difficult to have appliances right along that stretch. There was one lifebuoy and life-line provided by the Parish Council. Mr Ellis added that the matter had been brought to the notice of the Council. - Miss Jane Webster, fiancée of the deceased, said she was bathing with him at Woolacombe Beach on September 1st. She could not swim, but her fiancée could, and he went out further than she did. He turned to come back, then he shouted for help. A gentleman who was bathing a little way off, went to his rescue, and caught hold of him. He brought him part of the way in, and then lost him. It was a rough day, and there were big breakers and deceased couldn't pass the last breaker. - MR RICHARD OWEN, a step-brother of the deceased, identified the body and said he considered the local authorities should be compelled to have more life-saving apparatus on the beach. He thought there would have been a good chance of rescue had there been appliances. - The Coroner: I don't think we can make local authorities do the impossible. There are bathing machines with appliances there and a notice saying bathing is dangerous other than from the machines. Deceased did not bathe from them, but half a mile further along the beach. MR OWEN said there was no notice displayed other than in the machines. - Mr W. Ellis (Chairman of Morte Hoe Parish Council) said the accident happened nearly half a mile down the beach. - An Outburst. - Following a question as to the ownership of the foreshore, MR OWEN was told it was Miss H. Chichester, of Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, and he then asked whether any payment was received by her in respect of people renting huts on the beach. He was told she did. Immediately upon this OWEN declared that he thought the lady should be compelled to put more life-saving apparatus on the beach. "She takes money," he continued, "and doesn't care a --- whether people sink or swim." - The Coroner: Excuse me, you must not use such language in this Court. - MR OWEN: I am very sorry. - P.C. Hocking, of Woolacombe, said the man was drowned off Mile Rock, one mile to the south of Woolacombe. The wind was blowing off the land and there was a slight ground swell. The tide was ebbing. - The Coroner: What life-saving apparatus is there? - One lifebuoy and lifeline, provided by the Parish Council, is kept on the northern end of the beach, one mile from where the accident happened. There is also one lifebuoy and line kept on the bathing machines - a private matter. - The deceased was not bathing from the machines; he was half a mile away, and the attendants knew nothing of the matter until afterwards. There was a notice in each of the bathing machines warning people of the undercurrent while bathing at Woolacombe on 1st September. Miss Chichester, and what the Council had done regarding notice boards, had been on their own initiative. P.C. Hocking added that the body was found at Grunta Beach, Morte Hoe. It was brought ashore by Mr John Morgan on Monday afternoon. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said there was no blame attaching to anyone.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 September 1930
SOUTH MOLTON - Found Unconscious. Inquest Sequel To Filleigh Man's Cycle Accident. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Coroner for North Devon, on Monday conducted an Inquest at South Molton Cottage Hospital on THOMAS SKINNER, aged 57, of Meadow Park, Filleigh, who died in the Institution on Saturday. - SKINNER had been found at Aller Cross on the main Barnstaple-South Molton road, on August 27th, in an unconscious condition. - James Coles said on August 27th, just after 5 p.m., when he was riding in a cart towards Filleigh, SKINNER overtook him on a bicycle. He seemed quite all right, and was smoking a pipe. - Albert Edward Wills said he was driving a char-a-banc to South Molton, when he saw the man lying astride the bicycle on the side of the road. Witness stopped and found him unconscious. In witness's opinion a stick on deceased's machine got caught in the front wheel. - Constable Gale said the front wheel of the bicycle was buckled and two spokes were broken. There were no marks on the bicycle and no skid marks on the road. - Dr F. Hall said deceased, who never recovered consciousness, died from a fracture of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

North Devon Journal, Thursday 25 September 1930
WESTWARD HO - Westward Ho Colonel's Sudden Death. Wife's Tragic Discovery. - After lunch on Thursday, LIEUT.-COL. REGINALD HENRY RADFORD, of Stanwell House, Westward Ho, went into the garden, and an hour later his wife found him lying dead in the workshop. Aged fifty-tree, COL. RADFORD had resided at Westward Ho since 1921, where he took a keen interest in golf, being a member of the Royal North Devon Club, while he was also a past president of Bideford Chess Club. He won the Devon County Golf Club Championship in 1902 and several Royal North Devon Club trophies. His daughter, MISS RADFORD, is also a keen golfer, and this year won the Devon Women's Championship. Serving with the 3rd Leicester Regt. in the South African War, COL. R. RADFORD was awarded the Queen's Medal with two clasps. In the Great War he commanded the 11th Pioneer Battalion of the Leicester Regt., and was mentioned in despatches. - At the Inquest the widow stated that her husband seemed perfectly fit after lunch. Dr M. Littlewood attributed death to cardiac syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart; and the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - Largely-attended was the funeral on Monday, the interment being made in Northam Churchyard. Revs. Canon Hutchings, G. G. Payne Cook, and J. G. Munday officiated at the service, at which the hymns sung were "Lead, kindly light" and "Abide with me." Mr H. Haggett presided at the organ. - The immediate mourners were the widow; Misses U. and M. Radford (daughters); Col J. Radford (brother); Canon and Mrs Hutchings, and Mr and Mrs O. W. Ward.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 16 October 1930
BRAUNTON - Turkey Lures Woman To Death. Sad Braunton Railway Fatality. Disclosures At Inquest. - A tragic story was related at a Braunton Inquest on Tuesday, of the death of an elderly woman, the wife of a railway crossing keeper, who, whilst driving a turkey from the railway line on Monday, was knocked down by a passing train. The story was even more touching by the fact that she had volunteered to release her husband from his duty so as to enable him to be treated at the Barnstaple Hospital for injuries received in a recent motor accident. The deceased was MRS HARRIET MOORE, wife of MR JOHN MOORE, gatekeeper, of Georgeham level crossing, Braunton. At 9.55 a.m. on Monday she had closed the gates to traffic on the approach of the Ilfracombe-Barnstaple train, and was endeavouring to drive one of her turkeys off the line when she met her death. - Dr Ellis Pearson, the North Devon Coroner, conducted the Inquest at the Church Hall, Braunton, and Mr George Frankpitt was elected Foreman of the Jury. - The Husband's Story: Long Hours At Work. - With his head wrapped in bandages, JOHN MOORE, the husband of deceased, said that his wife was sixty-seven years of age. He last saw her alive when he left home, which was about twenty minutes past eight in the morning. He had then gone up to the Station to see the Stationmaster. "I met with an accident on the Sunday - got caught in a motor-cycle that brushed me off my feet." He related that on Sunday he had been to the Infirmary to be treated, and had asked the doctor if he could come again on Monday to see how his injury was progressing, to which the doctor replied in the affirmative. "On Sunday night my wife went to the Stationmaster to get permission for me to go up by train. She could not see him then, and later I went up and the Stationmaster had said 'You can go up and back.'" His wife had been relieving him, especially in the summer, when they had to work sometimes between sixteen and seventeen hours a day. It was on Monday morning that he had gone to the Infirmary the second time. He had left home at 8.15 a.m., and had seen his wife just previous to that time. - Had you got permission to go? - I got permission from the Stationmaster. I told him that if he would let me go to see the doctor my wife would look out until I came back. He said I could go; of course, I gave him to understand that my wife would relieve me. - You do not know whether the Stationmaster said that your wife could relieve you? - Witness replied that he had simply told him that she was going to do so. - Sometimes Only Four Hours In Bed. - She had done it before? - Yes, sir. Of course, there were so many hours to work; one could not do it. He sometimes only had four hours in bed in the summer. - Is your wife employed by the railway company? - No, sir. Nothing of that now since the War. They were what was termed resident gate-men, and they had gardens both sides of the line and his wife went to and fro just as he did. - Answering a further question by the Coroner, witness said he arrived home from Barnstaple at 10.45 after the accident had happened. - The Foreman of the Jury asked witness if it was a fact that the Railway Company expected a man to stay on for 16 hours. - Witness: They expect you to be there at night if there are any trains running. - Can you apply for any sort of relief at all? - Witness replied in the affirmative. Before the War, he continued, the wife of the gate-man used to get two shillings and sixpence a week. After the War, however, the man's wages were risen, and the wife's were taken away. Witness repeated that so long as trains were running, they had to stay there. - The Coroner thought those were points which the Stationmaster would explain. - A Juryman wondered what would happen if a man had an accident, and there was only himself to attend to the gates? - The Coroner repeated his previous comment. - Trying To Frighten Turkey. - Frank Ashton, a farmer, stated that on Monday morning he was driving a horse and cart from Braunton to Lobb. When he reached the level crossing gates they were closed on him. He saw deceased on the footpath trying to frighten a turkey off the line. He was then on the Braunton side of the crossing. MRS MOORE was also on the Braunton side, close to the rails. The turkey was between the rails. He saw her run across and just after that down came the train from the direction of Ilfracombe. - The Coroner asked if deceased appeared to hear the train approaching, witness replying that he could not say that. He did not actually see the train hit deceased, but afterwards found her lying on the Braunton side of the line. He saw she was dead, and then ran for Mrs Huxtable. - Mr R. E. C. Balsdon, representing the Railway Company, asked if witness heard the driver blow the whistle? - Yes, and added that the driver would not see anyone on the line until they came around the corner. - The Driver's Story. - William H. Roulstone, the driver of the train, asked by the Coroner if he saw deceased on the line when they came around the corner, said that he saw the distant signal was against him for Braunton. He then applied the continuous brake, and shouted to his fireman to blow the whistle. - Was there anything unusual in the signal being against you? - No. As he was slowing the train down approaching the home signal he saw deceased on the pathway between the wicket gate and the cabin, waving her hands as if she was "shoo-ing" something away. He blew the whistle. She was then in the act of stooping, evidently trying to pick something up. He again blew his whistle. He saw feathers of a bird come flying up around the right side of the engine. When they were approaching Braunton Station he looked back to see if anyone came out to pick up the bird, and said to his mate, "Did that old lady get clear?" His mate answered that he did not see anything of her. - Herbert Johns, the fireman on the engine, gave supporting evidence. - A Juryman asked the driver why the train did not stop if the distant signal was against them? - The driver replied that the distant signal was only a warning. - Dr Dickinson (Braunton) spoke to having been called after the accident. He found the body lying outside the signal control wires. The head was partially severed, and there were severe lacerations. Death was instantaneous through the extensive injury to the neck. - A member of the Jury said he would like the Stationmaster of Braunton to be called, for he would like to be satisfied as to the number of hours the man had to work. - James Labdon, Stationmaster at Braunton, said that JOHN MOORE came under his supervision. - What were his duties as crossing-keeper? - He lived at the crossing, where a house was provided for him. His duties were to operate the gates and to work the signal governing the gates, and to open and close the gates at the passing of all trains. Between the passing of trains he was free to do what he liked, but he must be within hearing of his bell, for there were times when he would not be able to get notice of a special train, so he had to be within hearing of the bells at the crossing cabin. - Would he have any hours? - He was supplied with a service time-table. As long as there are trains he would be held responsible. - It seems he would not be able to get away. Would there be night work attached to that? - Witness replied that MOORE'S hours were from 6.40 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. in the winter and from 6.40 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. in the summer, with one night a week at 11.30 p.m. - No Arrangement. - The Coroner: Was there any arrangement that when MOORE was not there his wife should do the work? - There was not. - What would happen if he could not do the work? - Relief could be applied for, but it would be difficult to obtain at a moment's notice. Had MOORE asked for leave on Sunday, it could have been obtained by the Monday morning. - Work Not Unusual. - Witness stated that the work MOORE did was not unusual. It was not an out of the way job. There were four similar crossing gates under his charge and they were all controlled in the same way. - A member of the Jury: There seems to be something wrong somewhere. Lives might be endangered besides this. What are the qualifications of a woman to operate the gates? - A woman can go through the same examination as a man. - The Coroner: She was not officially appointed; she was nothing to do with it; but simply the wife of the man appointed to do the work. - Relief That Was Unofficial. - Police-Sergeant West asked the Stationmaster whom did he recognise as being in charge of the level crossing at the time the woman met her death. - Witness answered that he was bound to accept MOORE'S statement to him, when asking permission to go to Barnstaple on the morning of the accident, that his wife was in charge. Unofficially she was in charge of the gate. - Sergt. West put it to witness that if she was unofficially in charge, then officially there was no one in charge? - That is so. - Sergt. West: Thank you. - The Coroner, summing up, said he thought there was no blame attaching to the driver or fireman. The woman was very probably very accustomed to hearing trains and seeing trains, and probably thought she could cross the line with impunity. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Foreman of the Jury expressing his sympathy with MR MOORE. - Mr R. E. C. Balsdon (on behalf of the South Western Railway) and Sergt. West (for the Police) joined in the messages of condolence.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 October 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Young Bratton Fleming Man's Death. - The Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, yesterday, on MR ROWLAND FRANK YEO, a young farm worker at Bratton Fleming, aged 18 years, who met his death as the result of an accident. The Jury comprised Mr F. J. Ridge (Foreman), Messrs. Barrow, C. T. Thorne, W. Balment, E. W. Dyer, Richards, C. Dennis, H. J. Hatherell, A. J. Thorne, and Tresise. - The Police were represented by Inspector A. Leach, and the deceased's employer by Mr R. J. McGahey. - Opening the Inquest the Coroner said the case was a sad one. The boy, who was aged between 17 and 18, was driving a cart from the Blackmoor Gate auction, where he had taken some things for his employer, Mr Skinner, to his employer's farm at Bratton Fleming. On the road near Westland Farm, he was standing up in the cart lighting his pipe. Whether he let the reins slip or no they did not know, but he attempted to recover them and fell over on to the horse's back. The horse fell down on the road with deceased underneath, YEO sustaining injuries from which he died. Before they could get him to the North Devon Infirmary he passed away somewhere near Bratton Down. - MR THOMAS YEO (grandfather of the deceased) of Upcott, Shirwell, gave evidence of identification. The last occasion he had seen him was on the 12th, when he appeared to be in good health. He was strong and trustworthy to drive a horse. - Mr Frederick John Tims, of Knightacott, Bratton Fleming, said he was riding with deceased. Witness was in the back of the cart, and deceased was standing up in the front of the cart lighting his pipe. He noticed the reins were slack, and YEO leaned out over to get a better hold of the reins. This startled the horse, and deceased fell out on the horse's back. Before that the horse was walking, but then it quickened its pace. The horse slipped and fell, and deceased fell with the horse. He could not see YEO fall under the horse because he had also fallen out of the back of the cart before the horse slipped. He got the horse up, and found YEO was in the side of the hedge unconscious. Mr Skinner then came along riding a horse, and Mr J. Webber, of Georgeham, who was passing in his car, took YEO to the Infirmary. - The Coroner: How far away were you from YEO when he fell over? - Witness: I was not far away, but I could not do anything to help YEO, everything happened so suddenly. - Inspector Leach: What kind of cart was it? - Witness: It was an ordinary cart, with hurdles on the sides. - Mr Skinner (deceased's employer) said he was riding on horseback in front of the cart and three bullocks. The bullocks were between him and the cart. He could not see whether YEO was standing up in the cart or not. He heard a noise, and looking around he saw YEO lying full length on the mare's back. He seemed to be trying to get the reins with his hands. He remained on the mare's back for about eight feet, and then seemed to roll off on the off side. The horse appeared to drop right on him, slipping on the tarred road. He took him to the North Devon Infirmary with Mr John Webber. The mare was quiet and he never had any trouble with her. - Mr John McCurdy, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, said he examined YEO when he was brought to the Institution. He found a few superficial bruises. He had been dead between 10 and 15 minutes. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage, following rupture of the liver. The injuries could be due to a heavy blow, or by falling under the horse. - The Coroner said the witnesses had given their evidence very clearly, and he was certain the boy died from injuries received from the horse falling on him on the slippery road. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the relatives. The Coroner and Mr Skinner also expressed sympathy.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 23 October 1930
BRAUNTON - Tragic Death At Braunton. Man's Imaginary Fear Of Arrest. - The inhabitants of Braunton were greatly shocked to learn on Monday morning, that MR FREDERICK JOSEPH INCLEDON, of 61 South-street, Braunton, a well-known Braunton business man, had been found dead, with his throat cut, in a field behind his residence. The gruesome discovery was made by an employee of the deceased's son-in-law, who went to the field to get his horse. Medical aid was immediately forthcoming, but Dr Wright could only say that life had been extinct some two hours. - The Inquest Story. - There were several dramatic incidents at the Inquest in the Parish Hall on Monday afternoon, one being the uncovering of the knife by a Constable, this nearly resulting in the collapse of the dead man's brother. Only a hasty recovering of the knife saved him. - The proceedings were conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, who had the assistance of a Jury, of whom Mr A. W. Drake was chosen Foreman. Other members were - Messrs. T. H. Perryman, B. F. W. Spencer, R. C. Paul, T. H. Warner, J. Bowler, and C. H. Williams. - The Police were represented by P.S. A. West (who was still on crutches following his recuperation) and P.C. J. Upward. - SYDNEY JOHN INCLEDON, brother, identified the body, and said deceased was 67 years of age. He was a retired coal merchant and he had last seen him alive at 8.40 p.m. the previous evening. He was then pretty cheerful, although suffering a lot in his head. The previous morning his brother had had delusions, and he (witness) had tried to shake them off him. He had been suffering from those delusions, witness understood, since he had been away, and one could not shake them off him. - The Coroner: He had never said or suggested that he might take his life? - Oh! no, sir. I never expected anything like that. I had arranged to take him to Lynton and Lynmouth today for his health. The doctor ordered it. - By the Coroner: He had had no business worries of his own, at any rate, and his death was nothing to do with that whatsoever. - William Baglow said he was a carter, employed by deceased's son-in-law, and also said that he kept his horses in the field at the back of the dead man's house. He always went for his horses about 6.30 a.m., and he had done so that morning. - The Coroner: What did you find there? - I saw the horse halfway down the field, and I was delighted it was so close; I went on, and got into the field, and saw a coat and then I discovered the body of this gentleman. It was just on the right hand side of the fence, by the gardens. I went to him and found he was dead. I saw a knife by the side of the body. Then I rushed to get the assistance of MR SYDNEY INCLEDON, who told me to go for the Police. - The Medical Evidence. - Dr F. R. Wright said he saw the body in the field at 7 a.m., and the man was then quite dead. There was an extensive cut across the throat. He had been attending him lately as he had been in very bad health. Deceased had been given medicine to make him sleep. - The Coroner: What was the matter with him? - He had certain delusions of persecution. For one thing, he thought there was a warrant issued for his arrest, and such a thing was quite groundless, because he was a most substantial and honest citizen. At times deceased was quite normal, and could get about all right. - By the Coroner: There was no real reason why he should cut his throat? - It is quite possible he has never been quite right since the death of his wife, who died some months ago. I think it was a shock to him. The cause of death was haemorrhage. - The Coroner: What, in your opinion, was the deceased's mental condition when he did it? - I should say he was certainly insane - temporarily insane, at any rate, at that time. - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a very sad business for everybody. Here was a man just getting on in life - retired - and then he lost his wife, and gets depressed, and gets delusions, and in one of the latter he committed suicide. - The Jury found that deceased had committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 30 October 1930
BIDEFORD - Terrible Clovelly Tragedy. Death Of MR LIONEL HOLLOWAY. - The terribly sad mishap and resultant death of LIONEL HOLLOWAY has plunged the whole village of Clovelly into a state of sorrow and mourning", writes our correspondent. Only son of MR and MRS ARTHUR HOLLOWAY, of Hagglepit Farm, deceased, who was 22 years of age, was an extremely cheerful, kind and obliging young man, and had a host of friends. On Friday he was assisting Mr Harry Braund, of Eastacott Farm, in threshing operations. About 5 p.m. he was helping to feed the machine, when he slipped on the wet ground, and stretching out his arm to avoid falling, he was drawn into the thresher and fatally injured. - His parents were quickly summoned and Dr Kay, of Hartland, and the local A.A. man and friends and neighbours were soon on the scene. Terribly injured, MR HOLLOWAY was removed in the Red Cross Ambulance van to the Bideford Hospital, where, despite all medical skill and attention, he passed away about 2 a.m. on Saturday morning. - The utmost sympathy is felt for the sorrowing parents, who, needless to say, are heart-broken at the loss of their only son in such tragic circumstances, and for Miss Dora Braund (deceased's fiancé). - The Inquest. - The Inquest was held on Monday, at the Bideford Hospital, before Dr Ellis Pearson, the North Devon Coroner. During the hearing the father of the deceased became so distressed that he had to be assisted out of the room. - William Glover, of Woolsery, said the machine, of which he was the owner, was working at Eastacott Farm, Clovelly, in the occupation of Mr Braund. Witness was feeding the thresher and deceased was cutting the bands. The accident happened when the day's work was practically finished. He (witness) had stepped out of the feeding pit, and was preparing to brush up the remaining corn; his back was turned, and hearing a noise, he turned round to see HOLLOWAY caught in the drum. The machine stopped instantly, but the drum had to be released before deceased could be extricated and this took seven or eight minutes. - Witness suggested that a possible explanation of the accident was that HOLLOWAY slipped, put out his hand to save himself, and got caught in the feeding mouth. It was wet at the time, and he was wearing rubber-soled boots. - By the Coroner: The machine was protected, and it was the same as it left the works. - Further evidence of the accident was given by John Johns, a farm labourer, of Clovelly, who was working near by. - Dr W. A. Valentine said when he saw deceased at the Bideford Hospital, he was in a dying condition. His left arm was torn away and there were other extensive injuries. Deceased was suffering from loss of blood and shock. He died the next morning. - P.C. Evans, of Clovelly, said he examined the thresher, and found it was protected according to law. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 6 November 1930
MERTON - Merton Child's Death. Verdict Of Infanticide. - A verdict of Infanticide was returned by the Jury at an Inquest held at Maltscoop Inn, Merton, on Monday, by the North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, on the female child of LILIAN MAY CROOK, of Potheridge Gate Cottage, Merton, which was born on Monday, October 27th, and its body later recovered from the garden where it had been buried. - LILIAN MAY CROOK, the mother, described the birth of the child when she was alone in the house with only her two children, aged 2 ½ years and 17 months respectively. She had made no arrangements for a doctor or a nurse to attend her as the birth had not been anticipated until the end of December. Later a young man from the Red Line Shoe Co. came to the door and she asked him to go to the farm where her husband worked and tell him to return home. Her husband came home about 1.30 p.m., and wanted to send for the District Nurse, but she would not let him. - The Coroner: Why? - I thought it was not worth while. I told him to go back to the farm and to say he would not be coming back to work, and he went before he went upstairs to see the baby. When he returned she told him to bury the baby, which she thought was still-born, and he did so in the garden. Nothing more was done or said about the matter until the Police came. - In reply to the Foreman of the Jury (Rev. J. Gervais Wilson), witness said she and her husband, when the baby was buried did think at the time that because it had not been christened they would not be able to bury it in the Churchyard. - THOMAS HENRY CROOK, the husband, said he was the father of deceased, and corroborated the evidence that the baby was not expected until the end of December or the beginning of January and that he had intended then having his sister to come to stay with them. He was quite sure that his wife told him when he first came home that she had given birth to a dead child. He went to the farm and told his employer there had been a mishap. He found the baby on the floor upstairs, and got frightened, and buried it in the garden without telling anyone else anything else about it. - Supt. Gordon (Okehampton): Was it your suggestion that you should bury the body in the garden? - It was my wife's suggestion. - Alfred Ernest Barrow, Great Potheridge Farm, Merton, whose father employed the previous witness, spoke of the husband coming to him after dinner and informing him of a miscarriage. But when he called at the cottage in the evening he told him it was dead. - William Henry Stapleton, manager of the Torrington branch of the Red Line Shoe Co., said he called at the cottage about 11.30 and received no answer. He called about 12.15 and spoke to MRS CROOK, whose head and shoulders he saw leaning through the doorway. She did not tell him to call at the farm for her husband. He had never called at the farm, although he had called at the cottage twice before. - Dr A. B. Pugh (Torrington) said the child was fully developed, weighed 10 lbs., and had lived for at least half an hour after birth. It would have continued to live had it received proper attention after birth. There were bruises on the child's frontal bone, which had been caused while the child was alive, and were probably caused from blows caused by a fall. There were no marks of violence. The cause of death was shock following lack of attention, and accelerated by the blow which, as stated, was probably due to a fall. - Sergt. Lang gave evidence of finding the body, and interviewing the husband and wife, whose statements he read. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, thought it was clearly a case of infanticide by wilful omission to do those things for the child that the mother should have done. - After a retirement, the Jury presented a verdict of Infanticide due to neglect after birth against the mother, and associated the husband as an accessory after the fact. - The Coroner issued warrants for their arrest, and then bound each over in the sum of £10 to appear when summoned. - The Inquest proceedings lasted from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. without a break.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 20 November 1930
ILFRACOMBE - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, conducted an Inquiry last evening into the death of EWART CHARLES WRIGHT, aged 63, commercial traveller, of Sidham, London, who had been staying with his wife at 15 Gilbert-grove, Ilfracombe, for the benefit of his health. Deceased came to Ilfracombe on November 7th and passed away on Sunday. It was understood that he met with a motor accident at Northampton on September 3rd. - Evidence was given by Dr A. E. Osborne, Mr E. R. Wood (for deceased's employers, Insurance Co.) and P.S. Melhuish. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, that death was due to Traumatic Pneumonia, caused by some external violence. The Jury gave their fees to the Chairman of the Ilfracombe Council's X-ray Fund.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 27 November 1930
HEREFORD - Former R.A.C. Barnstaple Official. Tragic Death At Hereford. - MR WILLIAM EDWARD GILLARD, R.A.C. Inspector, formerly of Barnstaple, met his death under tragic circumstances near Hereford on Friday. Deceased was motor-cycling with side-car on the main Ledbury road towards Hereford when, at Stoke Edith cross-roads, he swerved to avoid a post office van coming from a by-road on the left-hand side. His machine got out of control and overturned, and MR GILLARD was hurled against a low stone wall on the right. He sustained grave head injuries, death being instantaneous. At the Inquest on Monday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The sad news of MR GILLARD'S death was received with the greatest regret at Barnstaple, of which he was a native, as is his wife. MR GILLARD, 34 years of age, was the eldest son of MR W. GILLARD, of Yeo Vale; MRS GILLARD is the eldest daughter of MR and MRS R. HARVEY, of Landkey-road. - The deceased acted as a R.A.C. official at Barnstaple for some years, doing duty for the most part on the Square. He was a most zealous, efficient and genial official, and when in February last he left on promotion for Hereford, he received general congratulations from a host of friends. Sympathy for the bereaved families is widespread. - The Funeral. - The mortal remains were removed to Barnstaple, the interment being made in Pilton Churchyard yesterday afternoon. - The Rev. J. Phillips officiated, in the absence of the Vicar, Rev. J. Harrison. The principal mourners were:- The widow (Mrs W .E. Gillard), Mr and Mrs W. E. Gillard (father and mother),Miss I. Gillard, Mesdames J. J. and F. Davies, and Mr R. Gillard (sisters and brother), Miss May Harvey and Mr R. Harvey (sister-in-law and brother-in-law), Messrs. F. and J. Davies (brothers-in-law). The bearers were six members of the R.A.C., Guides Hayman, Smale, Squires, Horne, Petherick and Smith. 

North Devon Journal, Thursday 11 December 1930
ILFRACOMBE - Insect Bite And Death At Ilfracombe. Prominent Young Man Dead. - Widespread sympathy is felt for the parents of MR JOHN HARRIS MANNING, aged 23 of 2 "Woodlands," Station-road, Woolacombe, who died at the Ilfracombe Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, on Sunday, as the result of an insect bite on the face. Deceased was very well-known in Ilfracombe and throughout the area. Up to last Monday he was at work in the Ilfracombe office of Mr W. J. Bradford, the accountant, where he was employed as a clerk, and he complained then of the insect bite upon his nose, saying it was very irritating. On Tuesday he remained away from the Ilfracombe office, and on Thursday he was admitted to the Ilfracombe Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, at which place he passed away. Deceased was a member of the Woolacombe Association Football Club and was an all-round sportsman. - The Inquest. - Dr Ellis Pearson (North Devon Coroner) conducted the Inquest at the Tyrrell Cottage Hospital on Tuesday morning. - The first witness called was MRS BESSIE MANNING, who identified the body as that of her son, JOHN HARRIS MANNING, aged 23 years last August. - The Coroner: On Tuesday, December 2nd, your son got up in the usual way, and said he did not feel well. - Witness: Yes. He sat by the fireside, and went to bed between six o'clock and seven o'clock. - On Wednesday did you notice that his nose and face was swelling? - Yes, and I thought it was inflammation. - What did he do? - He wrote a letter to his firm, and she said that he had better have the doctor. - Did the doctor arrive? - Yes, Dr Sanders, of Woolacombe, who saw him on the Wednesday and Thursday. - Coroner: On Friday Dr Crabtree called? - Witness: Yes, about 10 p.m. - And did he go to the Hospital that night? - Yes, about 10.30 p.m. - And he died in the Hospital on Sunday? - Yes. - Did he ever tell you he had hurt himself, either his nose or face, or had scratched himself? - No, never said anything about it. She thought it was inflammation. - Coroner: Had he been in fairly good health? - Witness said he was a very healthy boy, and had not missed a day's work for four years. - Dr Crabtree said he was called to the deceased on Friday evening about 9.30 p.m., at Woolacombe by Dr Sanders. He ordered his removal to the Hospital that same night. - Coroner: What was his condition? - Dr Crabtree: I did not take his temperature, but was informed that it was 105. He was obviously very feverish. At the time deceased was admitted he was sensible and answered his questions, but later on became delirious. This was attributed to the extensive swelling spreading from the nose on the left side of the face upwards into the forehead. The lids above the eyes were most marked. His left eye was quite closed by the swelling. He had a deep pit on the left side of the nose. The wound was one that could easily be caused by a sting from an insect. Death, in his opinion, was due to cellulitis. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of Accidental Death, due to cellulitis, said that was a name of blood poisoning produced or caused by germs getting into wounds made by an insect.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 December 1930
TWITCHEN - Little Exmoor Boy's Sad Fate. Drowned On Way To School. - Falling off his brother's back in attempting to cross a flooded stream at Wheat Close Bottom, Twitchen, JAMES NEWTON BUCKINGHAM, the six-year-old son of MR JAMES BUCKINGHAM, of Lower Sherdon Farm, Sandy Way, Exmoor, was drowned on Thursday morning. The two children stayed weekly with Mrs Lucy Bale, of Middle Ball Cottage, Twitchen, in order to attend school, with her own son; and they were actually on their way to school when the tragedy occurred. - At the Inquest before Dr Ellis Pearson, the North Devon Coroner, on Friday, Mrs Bale stated that the children had to walk a mile and three-quarters to school, and there had never previously been any difficulty in their getting to school because of the stream. She had always told them that if the water was over the road they were to return home and not try to cross it; and had never known them go over the hedge and try to cross the stream as they had done the previous morning. The only time any difficulty had previously been experienced in passing this spot was about seven years ago; her daughter then found it impossible to get home from school on one occasion when the water was in flood. On Thursday morning the children had been gone about 20 minutes when her little boy, Hubert, returned screaming and saying that JIM BUCKINGHAM had fallen into the water and had been carried down the stream. Witness at once ran down to the spot and made a search, but without success. - WILLIAM JOHN BUCKINGHAM, deceased's brother, aged nine, said when they reached the Bottom the water from the stream was over the roadway. Thinking it was too deep for them to walk through, they got over the hedge into the field and went a short distance to where the stream was narrower and made an effort to get over. Bale jumped across easily. Witness, thinking his little brother would not be able to do it, took him on his back, and thought he could have jumped across with him had not the soil given way under him at the water's edge, causing both of them to fall into the stream. Witness scrambled out, but his brother was carried down the stream. They tried to get him out, but failed. They followed him until they reached the hedge; when they lost sight of him and then ran for help. - William Bale, of Middle Ball, spoke to recovering the body from the stream in the next field away from the spot where the child fell in. Efforts made to revive deceased proved unsuccessful, although the work of artificial respiration was carried on for some time. - The Coroner thought it a very sad case, but did not think it could be said that blame attached to anyone in connection with it. These children seemed to have been quite accustomed to travelling this distance to school, and to the sort of weather experienced in that district, and had never been in danger before. This time it was probable that there was a little error of judgment on the part of the youngsters in trying to jump across the stream. From what he had heard the culvert in the stream was sufficient for the needs of the place. He did not think the children had too far to go to school. MR BUCKINGHAM had certainly acted wisely in sending his children to live with the Bales so that they would be nearer to the school.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 December 1930
BIDEFORD - The North Devon Coroner, Dr Ellis Pearson, conducted an Inquest at the Town Hall, Bideford, yesterday, on MRS HETTIE KIVELL, an old age pensioner, of 4 Honestone-street, Bideford, who was found dead in her room on Monday morning. Dr R. E. S. Gibson said death was due to natural causes, and the Jury returned a verdict to that effect.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 December 1930
BARNSTAPLE - At the Inquest conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, yesterday, on MR C. W. NURTON, aged 69, a verdict of death from Natural Causes, due to heart failure and internal haemorrhage, was returned, after the Coroner had expressed his sympathy with the family.

North Devon Journal, Thursday 18 December 1930
BARNSTAPLE - Fatal Muddiford Accident. - Following severe injuries received in a motor accident on Wednesday last, REGINALD ERNEST PUGSLEY of 102 Slade-road, Ilfracombe, died on Sunday at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, after contracting a disease which was stated to be uncommon in this country - gas gangrene. - Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, the Barnstaple Borough Coroner, conducted the Inquest at the Infirmary yesterday. - Mr W. Woolacott was elected Foreman of the Jury, and the Coroner, outlining the facts, said a week ago today the young fellow, aged 23, left 102 Slade-road, Ilfracombe, riding his motor cycle on the old Barnstaple-road. It was near Broomhill House, Muddiford, that he met a Foden steam lorry belonging to the Devon County Council. Behind this was coming a motor lorry belonging to Mr L. Hopgood, haulier, of Barnstaple. When the young fellow had passed the Foden he somehow or other hit his handle-bar against some part of the motor lorry, which threw him into a stone depot some 100 feet ahead. Either in the impact or afterwards, he broke the two lower bones of his right leg and received other wounds. The driver of the motor lorry heard he impact and pulled up and conveyed deceased to the North Devon Infirmary. Unfortunately, gas-gangrene set in. - Deceased's mother, ELLEN PUGSLEY, who stated she was a War widow, said deceased was a plumber by trade in the employ of Mr Sanders, of Combe Martin. - Henry Bament (Landkey), the driver of the Foden, said he was driving on the Muddiford road from Barnstaple to Plaistow quarry. He saw two motor cyclists coming towards him near Broomhill House. They were about 20 yards behind each other. He was on the left-hand side of the road and did not consider he was taking up half the road. Through his glass he noticed a motor lorry was coming along behind him. The speed of the Foden was 8 to 10 miles per hour. He saw nothing of the accident and was only told it some time afterwards. - In answer to the :Coroner, witness said there was some vapour or steam passing back from the chimney of his vehicle on to the road, which was due to the atmosphere of the frosty morning. That atmosphere would incline to make the vapour lie low. - Leslie Trameer, of 74 Chambercombe-road, Ilfracombe, the motor cyclist who was following deceased, mentioned by the last witness, said he was a lorry driver by trade. He saw deceased riding in front of him about half-a-mile before coming to the scene of the accident. Both were on the correct side of the road. The oncoming lorries were following close on one another on their correct side and he passed both. He had plenty of room to pass. As he was passing the Foden some steam or vapour blocked his vision for about two seconds, and the next thing he saw was the deceased riding towards the stone depot. He put it down to the fact that deceased skidded and was thrown into the depot. When he approached deceased, he said: "Take me home to Ilfracombe; my leg's broken." The motor lorry driver conveyed deceased to the Infirmary. - In answer to a question, witness said both lorries were proceeding very slowly. He himself was travelling at about 20 to 25 miles an hour. He saw skid marks on the road. - P.C. Wheeler also gave evidence. - Arthur Wm. Phillips, 41 Hardaway Head, Barnstaple, the motor lorry driver, said he was driving to Plaistow quarry behind the Foden, from which was coming a cloud of steam, and which he had no intention of passing. He felt something knock the offside of his lorry and pulled up. R. Fish, who accompanied Phillips, corroborated. - The House Surgeon of the North Devon Infirmary, Dr Mary Edwards, said deceased did not show any signs of gas-gangrene until Sunday, when he was given anti-gas gangrene serum. Nothing more could have been done. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," contributing factors being the smoke or vapour from the Foden, and the frosty condition of the road. - Mr G. F. Lefroy (on behalf of Mr L. Hopgood), Mr Vellacott (for deceased's employer), and Mr E. J. Rowe (Devon County Council), expressed sympathy with the relatives.