Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1916

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

[Numbers in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs.]
Names Included:-  Adams(2); Addenbrooke; Algate; Allen(2); Ash; Austin; Back; Barber; Barnes; Barons; Barr; Beddoes; Beer; Berry; Bingham; Blatchford; Bond; Boyer; Brimblecombe; Broad; Brooks; Bryan; Burston; Buzza; Cameron; Campbell(2); Carder(2); Carnell; Carr; Carter; Cawsey; Chellew; Chudley; Clarke; Clatworthy; Cole(3); Collier; Cooke; Coombs; Cooper; Cornish; Crawford; Crick; Crimp; Crompton; Cullen; Decoster; Deeble; Dennis; Dodd; Dodgson; Doherty; Douglas; Dowdle; Downing; Drew; Dunlop; Eddles; Ellis; Elworthy; Eva; Falvey; Farley; Farrell; Filewood; Finch; Foster; Galsworthy; Gammon; Gardener; Gibbings(2); Gill(3); Goodridge; Green; Gregory; Guard; Hamlin; Handford; Hannaford; Harrison; Harvie; Hawkings; Hayward; Head; Heal; Hearn; Hicks; Hine; Hobling; Hockaday; Holland; Honey; Howard; Hunter; Hurrell; Hyssett; Jeffery; Jefford; Jewells; Johns(2); Johnson(3); Jones; Keates; Kingman; Lake; Lambell; Lamble; Lambourne; Lacey; Langdon; Langford; Lavis; LeSanne; Lidiard; Littlejohns; Locke; Long; Loud; Luke; Mahaffey; Marks; Martin; Masey; Maunder(2); May; McLaren; McNeill; Metherell; Mildon; Miller; Monk; Moore;  Morris; Murley; Nero; Newbery; Northmore; Oram; Page; Paul; Perkins(2); Philp; Pickard; Piper; Prideaux; Purser; Putt; Quantick; Rank; Rawe; Raymond; Roberts; Rosevear; Rosewell; Rowbotham; Rowe; Rust; Sanders(2); Saunders; Scott; Setter; Shapcott; Sier; Skinner; Smale; Smallcorn; Smith(2); Spry; Squire; Stephens; Stone; Stoneman; Strike; Swain; Symons; Taylor; Tolley; Tooley; Town; Tozer; Treasure; Turl; Warne; Warren; Watkins; Watts; Weaver; Webb; Webber; Westlake; White(4); Whitehead; Willcocks; Williams(2); Woodward; Yole

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 January 1916
PLYMOUTH - Drayman's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on FRED LUKE, aged 33, brewers' drayman, of Wotton-cottages, who met with an accident on Sunday. MRS LUKE, deceased's mother, said deceased told her he slipped on the tramway. - Harold Lintern, of the Seven Stars, Stonehouse, said deceased left his house on Sunday evening and in half an hour was brought back again. Dr Leah was called in and ordered his removal to the Hospital. Mr M. F. Merring, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased had received a fracture of the fibula; he also had delirium tremens, and the cause of death was heart failure. But for the accident he might have lived. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 January 1916
EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Fatality. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on CHARLES ALBERT BUZZA, aged 29, labourer in the Dockyard. - William Robert Wilson, chargeman of labourers, said on Thursday morning they were stowing wagons into the hold of a ship. On dinner time being announced the men made for the ladder and witness was informed that deceased had been hit. - Reginald Hill said he was standing by the deceased in a cart. When the dinner hour was announced witness went from the wagon, which unfortunately turned over and in doing so struck deceased. Witness jumped to save himself and thought the end of the pole was more secure. - Milton Melrose, Surgeon attached to the Hospital, said he found a fracture of the vault of the skull on the right side, with laceration of the brain beneath, which caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives and exonerated Hill from blame.

ALPHINGTON - Alphington Man's Sudden Death. - An Inquest was held at Rolls Bridge Cottage, Alphington, yesterday, on WILLIAM BEER, aged 75, who was found dead at the roadside near Pocombe Quarries, St Thomas, Exeter. - MRS BEER said her husband had a hearty dinner on Saturday and then left home to walk to Exeter. He appeared to be in his usual health, which was good, except for a recently-developed shortness of breathing. - Mr Henry Shapland, farmer, Holcombe Burnell, said he was returning from Exeter on Saturday between one and two o'clock when on Pocombe Hill he found the deceased leaning up against the hedge dead. - Dr S. E. Atkins attributed death to heart failure consequent upon the exertion of walking uphill against a strong wind. - Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

EXMOUTH - Exmouth Dock Fatality. Solicitor's Sad End. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday on CUTHBERT CROMPTON, aged 49 whose body was found on the beach on Saturday. - Evidence of identification was given by MR FRANK CROMPTON, of Exeter, brother of the deceased, who said the late MR CROMPTON five or six years ago practised as a solicitor at Exeter. He was a temperate man and not in financial difficulties, though in low water. He had never worried about anything. - Evidence was also given by David Dunlop, chief engineer of the s.s. Albama, who last saw the deceased alive at 11 p.m. on December 2nd, as he (deceased) was going to his home beyond the dock. They left the Beach Hotel together and deceased asked him to speak a word to the captain of the vessel, as he (deceased) had applied to him for the berth of steward aboard the Algama. - Michael MacCormack, the captain, said he had known deceased since August. He had frequently spoken to witness and asked him for the appointment of steward on board the steamer. He last spoke to deceased at 6.45 p.m on December 2nd. Witness demurred because he thought deceased a man of superior position and education. - William Davey, fisherman of Exmouth, gave evidence of finding the body and P.C. Webber stated that he found in deceased's clothing two ten shilling notes, a shilling, a sixpence, and some coppers. The Coroner commented on the evidence which seemed to point to the fact that the deceased walked over the quay into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a rider asking the Dock Company to provide protection on the quay on either side of the drawbridge.

STOKE DAMEREL - Paignton Man's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest at Ker-street Guildhall yesterday on MARTIN THOMAS JOHNS, invalided naval stoker, whose death took place last Friday. - Deceased's father, a naval pensioner, living at Paignton, said his son was 22 years of age, and was invalided from the navy, but deceased had never divulged his ailment. He was a labourer employed by the Paignton Urban District Council. When witness got up last Tuesday morning he found his son had left home. It later transpired that on the previous day he had told a younger brother with whom he slept, that he (the brother) would have the bed to himself the next night, as he was going to Torquay or Plymouth. - George Robert Medland, Sea View-terrace, said deceased was his wife's nephew. Last Tuesday he called at deceased's house and said he had come to Devonport to see about a situation with a shipping firm. Witness saw him each day until Friday, when he said he had secured a situation at a brewery at Peverell the previous day. The last time witness and his wife saw him was about 8 p.m. on Friday. Deceased appeared to be in a delicate state of health. Amelia Rogers, wife of a riveter in the Dockyard, Albany-street, said deceased came to her house for lodgings on Friday evening. She took him in, and at nine o'clock he went to bed, saying he wished to be called early as he had to go to work at 5.30. She called him about 5 o'clock on Saturday morning and receiving no answer, she went into the room and found him dead in bed. - P.C. Sanders said he was called by the last witness and found deceased in bed dead. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to haemorrhage from chronic tubercular disease of the lungs. Both lungs were affected with advanced tuberculosis and the body was emaciated. It must have been apparent that deceased was suffering from a wasting disease, and he must have had a cough. - The father, recalled, said deceased did not have a bad cough and he kept him in a light job at Paignton because he knew there was something the matter with him. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes".

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 January 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Woman Burned To Death Through Pouring Oil On Fire. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on LAVINIA DOROTHY JOHNS, aged 41, wife of a shipwright in H.M. Dockyard, who died from burns on Monday evening. HENRY STEPHEN JOHNS, the husband, of Canterbury-street, said deceased lived apart from him at Ker-street. - Bessie Thompson, Ker-street, said deceased had rented an underground kitchen from her since last September. At 6.30 on Monday evening witness was told that deceased was calling for her from the basement and when she went downstairs she found deceased's room in darkness and full of smoke. Witness saw something burning, and as she went towards it deceased suddenly put her arms around her and said "Oh! Miss Thompson". Another tenant brought a light and they found deceased standing almost nude with a part of her vest still smouldering upon her. She was in an exhausted state. Witness removed the burning garment and rolled her in a blanket and lifted her in bed after extinguishing the fire. Witness did not know whether deceased was wearing any flannelette clothing. There was a fire in the grate, which appeared to have been burning for some time. The smell of burning rags in the room was suffocating. - ALICE FINCH, wife of a naval pensioner, said deceased was her sister. Witness saw a can containing paraffin oil, from which the stopper had been removed, inside the fender. - Dr E. Symes Saunders said deceased was burned most severely on the face and upper part of the chest. Deceased was conscious and said she had poured oil on the fire and that that was the cause of her being burned. Her condition was quite hopeless. Witness sent her to Hospital. - Dr B. P. Varma said death was due to shock through burning. Deceased passed away half an hour after admission. She was conscious after being admitted. The Coroner said there was no doubt that the cause of the fatality was the deceased pouring oil on the fire, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Coma. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Albert Hospital on JOHN HEAL, aged 47, Corporation labourer, who died at the Institution on New Year's Day. - MARY JANE SMITH, of Winswood, Burraton, Chudleigh, North Devon, identified deceased as her brother, who was a widower with one son. Witness had not seen him previously to the last few days since Easter of last year. He was to have visited her at Christmas, but was ill at the time. - Susan Maud Philpott, 22 Princes-street, Devonport, said deceased had lodged with her 2 ½ years. He had not been well for some months. A week before Christmas he returned from work about 4 p.m. and after having his dinner went to bed and did not get up again that evening, as was his custom. As deceased had not left his bedroom by 1 p.m. the next day (Sunday) she sent a lodger upstairs and he found him lying across the floor. Witness saw deceased was unconscious and sent for Dr J. E. C. Wilson, who ordered his removal to the Hospital. Subsequently deceased told her that he fell twice whilst trying to dress on the Sunday morning. - Dr B. P. Varma, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased recovered consciousness the day after admission. After five or six days he became delirious and then grew into a state of coma, to which he succumbed. Death was due to coma, brought about by the state of the kidneys. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 January 1916
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Fall At Tavistock. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, with a Jury of whom Sergt. Maj. D. Bowles was Foreman, held an Inquiry at Tavistock Guildhall yesterday respecting the death of MRS EVA, aged 62, wife of an ostler living in the town. - MATILDA EVA, her daughter-in-law, stated that on December 29th the deceased, who was subject to giddiness, had gone p two or three stairs, when she fell backwards. Dr J. Leslie Watt stated that he found MRS EVA suffering from a jagged and deep wound at the back of the head. She was also suffering from shock. He dressed the wound and she got better for a day or two. Then erysipelas set in and caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 January 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Hamoaze Mystery Solved. Stoker's Body Identified By Tattoo Marks. - The adjourned inquest was held at Devonport North Dockyard yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, on an unknown stoker's body which was found in the Hamoaze on Monday week. At the inquiry last Tuesday it was thought the body was that of EDWARD DREW, aged 22, a first-class stoker, who fell overboard on December 9th whilst passing from one destroyer to another when the vessels were moored in the harbour. There were no marks of any kind on deceased's clothing by which the body could be identified and no evidence was available as to whether DREW was tattooed in the way that the body was. Mr K. Eyton Peck watched the proceedings for the Admiralty. - The Coroner said he had written to DREW'S father, at Bishop Cannings, Devizes, and had received a reply from Rev. H. Herbert Mogg, vicar of Bishop Cannings. The rev. gentleman said MR JOSEPH DREW had communicated with him and they both had no doubt the body was that of the latter's son EDWARD. The tattoo marks, excepting that of a heart, were well remembered by him and the size of the boots was the same as he wore. The vicar said he was glad to think that the body of the poor lad, well known to him, had been found, and would be decently buried. The father was a lonely man as his wife was in an asylum and his other son a prisoner in Germany. He was much respected and was a steady, good-living labourer. The Coroner added that it was for the Jury to say whether there was sufficient evidence for them to say with certainty that the body was that of DREW. After he was missed a search was made, but without success. The tattoo marks were evidently those of DREW'S. There had been no report of any other stoker having been drowned and the body was so decomposed that Fleet-Surgeon South thought it had probably been in the water about the same time as DREW'S. Personally, he had no doubt the body was that of DREW. The circumstances were very sad. Deceased was buried last Saturday with full naval honours. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Drowned, and expressed their sympathy with the father.

TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Man's Sacrifice To Duty. - Mr R. R. Rodd, at Tavistock Guildhall yesterday, held an Inquest on FREDERICK GEORGE CLARKE, aged 52, of Tavistock, a foreman of labourers on the London and South Western Railway, who died suddenly on Sunday evening. - MRS RACHEL JANE CLARKE, the widow, stated that her husband left home on Saturday evening for Plymstock, where he was engaged on works. He was not well when he left, but said that he must go, because his services could not be dispensed with. He returned ill about midday on Sunday, but would not have a doctor, saying that he was only suffering from a cold, which would soon pass off. He had some dinner and at 9.15 p.m. she gave him a basin of beef tea. He suddenly got worse and, jumping out of bed, died almost immediately. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said he attended the deceased some months ago for an injury to the leg, but that had nothing to do with the cause of death. He had made a post mortem examination. The heart was a good deal enlarged and there was a great quantity of fluid in the pericardium, which caused syncope. The deceased was not in a fit state to work. The illness would have been caused by a chill - The Coroner said the deceased had sacrificed his life to duty, and their sympathies went out to MRS CLARKE and her family. The Jury - Mr A Perraton Foreman - returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 January 1916
GRIMSBY - Brixham Fisherman's Terrible Death In North Sea. - An Inquest was held at Grimsby yesterday respecting the death of WILLIAM JOHN ASH, 35, of Brixham, mate of a trawler, of which he was the sole survivor when the vessel was sunk in the North Sea on January 6th. - The evidence showed that an explosion was heard on other vessels which hastened to the rescue, but the trawler sank within forty seconds. Deceased was clinging to a lifebelt in the sea and died on Wednesday night as the result of shocking injuries. None of the remainder of the crew was seen and they had undoubtedly been either killed or drowned. It was further stated that the disaster was due to the trawler having struck a submerged mine. Deceased's legs were amputated, but death resulted from gangrene. - The Coroner said deceased was another victim of German barbarity. The Germans cared nothing about civilised methods, but their day would surely come. - A verdict of "Death through injuries caused by the vessel coming in contact with a mine" was returned.

PAIGNTON - Fatal Accident At Paignton. Knocked Down By A Bread Van. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an inquest at Paignton yesterday on KATHERINE SCOTT, widow, aged 80, who died at her residence, No. 1, Marine-villas, on Wednesday, from injuries sustained through being knocked down by a baker's van in Hyde-road a week previously. - ELLEN MARGARET FLINT, of Sevenoaks, daughter of deceased, said her mother, who was of independent means, had been living alone in Paignton for about six years. She was a very active woman and had the full use of her faculties. - Mrs Gertrude Ann Cooper said deceased had lived in part of her house for about three years. Her sight was very good, but her hearing slightly defective. On Wednesday week she went out to post a letter. She met with an accident and was taken to the Cottage Hospital, being afterwards brought home, where she was attended. - Joseph Henry Brockington, a young man in the employ of Mr Wilcocks, butcher, Victoria-street, said he saw deceased leave the footpath in Hyde-road. She went behind Mr Waycott's delivery motor car, and just then Mr Coplestone's bread van drove up. When deceased was rather more than halfway across the road the horse, which was trotting at an ordinary pace, knocked her down and stepped on her, the driver having no time to pull up. - Horace Pearse, mason, aid when he took deceased up she was unconscious. - Dr W. A. King said deceased had a severe scalp wound at the back of her head, another wound over the left eyebrow and a third wound on the right leg. She was also suffering from concussion. Death was the result of concussion of the brain. - Frederick Fleet, tramcar driver, said the driver of the van entered Hyde-road at a walking pace. - William Evans Mudge, cab proprietor, said just before the accident he saw the van coming out of Gerston-road rather faster than he ought to have. Witness told him to be careful and he then went towards Hyde-road at a walking pace. - Alec Treeby, age 15, the driver of the bread van, said he could not pull up to avoid deceased, as she came out so quickly and he was too much frightened. He had whistled and shouted to her and she seemed to hesitate which side she should go. She passed once in front of the horse, then went back and then came across the road again and his horse hit her with its head. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman of the Jury (Mr T. Winsor) remarking that he did not see that blame was attached to anyone. - The Jury also offered their condolence to the relatives of deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 January 1916
PLYMOUTH - Servant Girl's Death From Burns. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on ANNIE FINCH, domestic servant, employed at the Royal Hotel. The girl had died at the Hospital on Wednesday from the effect of burns received on December 31st. On the morning of the 31st deceased was in the employees dining-room preparing breakfast, and by some means caught her dress on fire. She rushed into the yard, where a painter (W. Clemens, of Richmond-lane) who was employed there, wrapped a greatcoat around her and put out the flames; then finding that her underclothing was still burning, he used water. The injured girl was afterwards got to bed, where the housekeeper )Miss Tillbrook) afterwards saw her. In reply to her question as to how it happened, the girl said she did not know, and had never been able to give any account of the accident since. Two doctors were called and they advised the removal of the girl to the Hospital, where she lingered until Wednesday. The House Surgeon said he regarded the case as hopeless from the first. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They expressed their sympathy with the girl's parents and their appreciation of the endeavours made by the painter and a 'busman to put out the burning clothing. - Mr Lawrence Spear, solicitor, attended the Inquest on the part of the girl's parents.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fishbone Wound. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Ker-street Police Station, by Mr J. A. Pearce, on HARRIET ADELEA CARNELL, 60, wife of WILLIAM CARNELL, retired licensed victualler. - Dr Ingram said he received an urgent message on Monday to attend deceased at the Globe Inn, Market-street, Devonport. He was told that she had had several convulsions. She was in a state of high fever, and complained of swelling and pains in the muscles of the neck. He inquired as to the probable cause and found she had not been well since the previous Saturday, and that she had had a supposed prick from a fish-bone on the forefinger of her left hand during the previous week. That was the apparent source. The wound was quite evident and had been inflamed and poultices had been applied to it. That was the source of tetanus convulsions which had set in on Monday. He saw her frequently, and she seemed to be better on Wednesday morning, but after he left she became worse and died before he could see her again. She was very stout and not a good subject for such a complaint. The actual cause of death was tetanus convulsions following a wound caused by the prick of a fish-bone. - ERNEST W. C. CARNELL, licensed victualler, of the Devon and Cornwall Hotel, Millbrook, said the deceased was his mother, and recently came from 26 Marsh-lane, Southampton, to nurse his sister. - Thomas Shipton Tomlinson, of the Globe Hotel, said deceased was his mother-in-law and had complained of a wound in her finger, which she thought was caused by the prick of a fish-bone while cleaning fish on the 6th inst. On the following Thursday she was taken with convulsions and he called the doctor, who attended her constantly until her death. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 January 1916
BOVEY TRACEY - Death From A Scratch At Bovey. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an inquest at the Temperance Hall, Bovey Tracey, on Saturday on WILLIAM HYSSETT, aged 76, of Mary-street. Deceased had been for the past twelve months living with his married daughter at Waye, Ashburton. on the 5th inst. he was out gardening and in tipping some leaves from a wheelbarrow the latter upset and the wheel grazed his right shin, causing a slight scratch. On the Saturday following the occurrence his leg became worse, inflammation setting in and medical treatment was necessary. On Tuesday last he was removed to his home at Bovey Tracey, where he died the following day. - Dr A. McCabe Dallas said the cause of death was acute blood poisoning in consequence of the wound. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Millbay Docks Mystery. - At Plymouth Mortuary on Saturday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of a man found floating in Millbay Docks on Friday afternoon. The body was identified by REGINALD THOMAS GILBERT, fish packer, as that of his father, WILLIAM GILBERT, a bargeman, aged 66. - Thomas Couch, of Oreston, skipper of the barge Unity, said deceased was the mate and they went ashore together on Thursday evening from the barge, which was lying off Fox, Eliott and co's quay. Later he left him between George-street and Derry's Clock quite all right. - John Andrews, labourer, Clare-buildings, said deceased was his father-in-law, and lived with him. He saw deceased at 5.30 on Friday morning before he proceeded to his barge. He saw deceased at 5.30 on Friday morning before he proceeded to his barge. He had suffered from asthma and one of the symptoms was blueness about the lips. - Dr Keily said death was due to drowning. Deceased might have over-balanced himself and fallen into the water. - A Juryman asked if he was seen going through the dock gates. - Chief inspector James (who was present on behalf of the Great Western Railway Docks) said it was quite possible that he went through with others unnoticed. - Dr Keily said there was no external sign of violence and the body could not have been in the water long. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned and Mr F. W. Murray, on behalf of the deceased's employer (Mr F. J. Moore) of the Radford quarries, said deceased was greatly respected by him.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1916
EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Seaman Drowned. Brave Attempt At Rescue. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, the County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, held an Inquest on DANIEL FALVEY, a naval seaman, aged 20, whose body was found in the Hamoaze. Mr K. Eyton Peck attended on behalf of the Admiralty, and Inspector Maddeford, of the Metropolitan Police, was present. Edward Barnes, boy, 1st class, in a destroyer, said on December 27th last deceased, an ordinary seaman, was standing on the after part of the deck of the vessel, which was moored in the stream, when his hat blew overboard, shortly before noon. He got over the side of the vessel in an attempt to regain it. A gale prevailed at the time and FALVEY called for assistance. Witness ran for a rope to assist him to regain the deck, but deceased lost his hold and fell into the water. A boat was lowered, but failed to effect a rescue. - Sub-Lieut. Donne, R.N., said FALVEY was 20 years of age. Witness heard a boat called away and then saw deceased in the water. He was then swimming well. On getting into the boat, of which witness was in charge, it was impossible to see deceased owing to the rough sea, but those in the destroyer gave directions and every attempt was made to rescue him, but without success. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner expressed the sympathy of the Jury with the relatives of deceased, who belong to Tipperary. Although Sub-Lieut. Donne had not mentioned the fact, he and his boat's crew ran great risk in their efforts to rescue FALVEY, Frequently the boat was in danger of being swamped. They were to be highly commended for the plucky attempt they made. (Hear, hear). On behalf of himself and the Jury, he hoped Mr Peck would convey that expression of opinion to the Admiralty. (Hear, hear). - Inspector Maddeford said it was feared by the crew of the destroyer that the men in the boat would be lost. They, however, did not give up their efforts to rescue FALVEY until it was useless to continue.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 January 1916
PLYMOUTH - Death From Scratch At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Prince Rock Police Station, Plymouth, on GEORGE WESTLAKE, aged 73, journeyman mason. - MARY WESTLAKE said deceased, her father-in-law, scratched his finger a fortnight last Friday with a piece of tin. It got worse and he died on Saturday. - Dr G. Deery said deceased was suffering from inflammation of the hand and arm up to the shoulder, and generally from the effects of blood poisoning. There was only a slight scratch on the finger of the left hand, but the poison extended through the scratch, which caused blood poisoning, and this was the cause of death. - Verdict accordingly.

EXMINSTER - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday at an Inquest on WALTER ROBERT WEBB, an inmate of Exminster Asylum, formerly of Devonport. On December 24th the deceased fell and broke his leg. the leg was put in splints, but the deceased was very restless and on the 11th inst. shifted the splints. A sore place was caused and blood poisoning supervened. He was aged 47, and an ex-soldier. He was admitted to the Asylum in October 1896.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 January 1916
SEATON AND BEER - An Inquest was held at Seaton yesterday on the infant child of MR A. E. LOUD, landlord of the Lion Hotel. The child was born on Saturday and died on Monday. The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from suffocation, due to Accidental Overlaying by the mother.

BIDEFORD - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Bideford yesterday on SUSAN ELIZA KEATES, aged 64. Evidence of identification was given by ALFRED EDWIN KEATES, a brother, of Redruth. Deceased was an invalid, confined to her chair by rheumatism. She rented a bed-sitting room with Mrs Williams at 11 Buttgarden-street. Mrs Williams said she left deceased sitting near the fire and with a candle on the table at 7 o'clock, and soon afterwards heard her scream. Going to the room she found her in a mass of flame. Dr Grose said the greater part of the upper half of the woman's body was burned, and the case was practically hopeless from the first. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Shock and Burns, and that there was no evidence to show how the fire was caused."

EXETER - Inquest On Infant At Exeter. - An Inquest was held by Mr W. Linford Brown at Exeter yesterday on the body of the infant child of MABEL NEWBERY, a single woman, domestic servant. - Mrs Nora Lunn, wife of Mr Harold F. Lunn, Lower Summerlands, Exeter, said NEWBERY was employed by her as a general servant. From November 26th to December 6th the girl was attended by Dr Frost, who, after consultation with Dr Pereira, advised her removal to the Hospital. After the girl's departure witness found the body of a male child in a canvas hold-all belonging to the girl. - MABEL NEWBERY, having been cautioned, said her parents formerly lived at Bradninch, and now at Shillingford. She was 22 years of age. The child was born on November 26th in the attic. She fainted and did not hear the baby cry and it never moved. She thought it was dead. - Dr J. Kingdon Frost said the child had breathed, but he was not prepared to say it was born alive. - The Jury were not satisfied that the child was born alive.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 January 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Officer's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on JOHN RICHARD ALLEN, aged 54, carpenter-lieutenant, R.N., of the Captain of the Dockyard's Staff, Devonport, who died suddenly on Wednesday. - MRS ALLEN, the widow, stated that last Tuesday her husband went outside to repair the back-door. At midday he went to bed, as he said he felt unwell and was cold. Witness gave him some brandy and a hot-water bottle and he got better. The next morning he said he felt worse and witness sent for Dr White. Her husband died about 9 p.m. - Dr White said death was due to syncope, caused by dilatation of the heart, which was three times the normal size and was very fatty, and degenerated. The other organs were healthy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes." - LIEUT ALLEN, who has held his appointment at the Dockyard since November 15th, 1912, obtained his commission on June 16th, 1913, after five years' service as a chief carpenter and 19 years as a carpenter (warrant officer). He was very much respected by all who knew him.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 January 1916
PLYMOUTH - Accident On Board Ship In Sound. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday, on JOHN LANGWORTHY BLATCHFORD, 64, seaman on board s.s. Atalanta. - Capt. Wall said the Atalanta was in the Sound on the morning of January 2nd and about 7 a.m. he directed the deceased to call the watch and stand by to get out the starboard boat. Deceased was, he believed, getting the grips off the boat when he slipped and fell to the deck below, a fall of 7 ft. 6in. No one saw BLATCHFORD fall. He was brought ashore and taken to the Homeopathic Hospital, where he remained until the 11th. He was then taken to his home in Union-place; but as he did not get better, he was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Robt. Lintern, of Radford-road, said he was helping deceased to lower the boat when he heard a bump as of a man falling, and jumping over the boat he saw deceased on the deck below. He ran down the ladder and picked him up. Deceased was then unconscious. - Dr Fernand Massbelin, acting House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from general peritonitis and died from a perforated appendix, not from the accident. - The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical testimony. - Chief Inspector James represented the Great Western Railway at the inquest.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 January 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. Description Of A Basement Room. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest at Ker-street Guildhall yesterday on ALICE MURIEL CRIMP, aged 2, the child of WILLIAM JOHN CRIMP, labourer and BRENDA CRIMP, his wife of 10 Stanley-street. The father, who has lost his right arm, said he noticed that the child was breathing rather heavily on Saturday and he rubbed her chest with camphorated oil and applied a poultice. During the night the child was restless and when he picked her up about 4 a.m. to apply some more camphorated oil she died in his arms. Deceased was running about on Saturday morning and neither witness nor his wife noticed anything the matter with her. There were four other children. He admitted there had been complaints against him for neglecting his children. Witness made no reply to the Coroner's suggestion that he spent a lot of money in drink. - BRENDA CRIMP, the mother, said the child had a touch of bronchitis on Saturday, but she was unable to keep her indoors. They had been living in the basement of the house, but on Saturday moved to an upper room. - Dr T. McElwaine attributed death to pneumonia through acute inflammation of the upper lobe of the right lung. The body was well nourished and there were no marks of violence. The room in which the child died was very dirty and the basement room in which they had been living was merely a cellar and was in a filthy condition. It was unfit for pigs to live in. A small bed in which the children lay was not long enough for them to stretch themselves in. - By the Jury: Medical advice might have been obtained sooner, but it was quite possible for such a condition not to be noticed. - The Coroner suggested that the Jury should return a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes". The only question was whether there was any neglect in sending for the doctor. There was no suggestion of any neglect by starving. He wanted to be quite fair, because although CRIMP'S character was not of the highest, they knew of cases where careful parents had not known their children were suffering from pneumonia. However, much they might regret the dirty condition of the room and the cellar, unless it conduced to the death of the child it had nothing to do with the Jury. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," the Foreman remarking that the surroundings of the children were a disgrace to Devonport. - Inspector W. H. Millman watched the proceedings on behalf of the N.S.P.C.C.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 February 1916
TORQUAY - The Sudden Death At Torquay. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on MRS ROSA HENRIETTA RUST, of Bath, who died suddenly whilst leaving the theatre on Saturday afternoon with her husband. - Dr Courtenay Dunn said her heart was nearly four times the usual size and she suffered from valvular disease. - The Coroner remarked that in such cases it was a rather dangerous thing to endeavour to give a person brandy (as was done in this case) or to put anything in the mouth. - Dr Dunn agreed. Under such circumstances one should never give the person suffering anything to drink because it was liable to enter the windpipe and cause suffocation. The proper thing to do was to rub the feet, legs and arms and when consciousness came, then to administer a stimulant. - A verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

ASHWATER - Ashwater Farmer's Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Buckhore Farm, Ashwater, by Mr H. C. Brown, on EMANUEL METHERELL, who died there on Sunday, aged 66 years. - MR JOHN M. METHERELL said his father on November 9th last fell in his bedroom and fractured his hip joint and he had been in bed ever since. - Dr E. O. Kingdon, of Holsworthy, said MR METHERELL, after his accident, went on fairly well until about three weeks ago, when he practically refused to take any food and gradually sank, and died from exhaustion. - The Jury, Mr John Stacey (Foreman) found that death was due to injuries Accidentally received by a fall.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on HENRY CRAWFORD, chief petty officer of a steamship used by the Government now in Millbay Docks. - Jas. Harrison Dawes, first officer of the ship, said CRAWFORD was leaving to go ashore about eight o'clock on Saturday evening, and jumped, as he thought, on a hatch. But no hatch was there and he fell 14 ft. or 15 ft. on his head to the deck below. When Dr Leah arrived he pronounced life extinct. Witness had made inquiries, but could not account for the removal of the hatch. - Martin Olson said CRAWFORD, on coming out of his cabin, said "I have overslept myself. I intended to be ashore before now." - the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on VERA MAY HAMLIN, the three-months-old child of a woman living in Batter-street. Dr Francis said death was due to convulsions following peritonitis.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM J. ADAMS, a former journeyman printer, found hanging in a workshop at the back of 36 Claremont-street. - Ada Bailey said MR ADAMS was her uncle. He was unmarried and lived with his mother, who recently died at the age of 88. Since the loss of his mother he had been depressed. - Verdict, "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 February 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Seaman's Sudden Death At Devonport. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearse, held an Inquest at the R.N. Barracks, Keyham, yesterday, on PATRICK FARRELL, A.B., R.N., 31, who died suddenly on Monday. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, attended. - Frederick P. Sloane, leading deck hand, R.N.R., said he had messed with deceased the four days before his death. Deceased had a bilious attack on Sunday evening and after a bath at 6.30 the next morning, he returned to the mess in a very weak condition and lay on the table groaning. Witness gave him some milk and sent him to the sick bay. - Henry W. Soffi, sick berth steward, said that when brought to the sick bay deceased was urging and said he had pains in his legs. Witness asked why he had not reported himself sick before, and he said he had not wanted to give trouble. Witness asked him his name, and deceased was replying, when he threw up both arms, which dropped to his side and expired. - Staff-Surgeon W. K. Wills, R.N.R., said death was due to syncope through acute pneumonia. There was recent pneumonia of the left lung and extensive old pleurisy of the right. - Ship's Corpl. F. P. Crudge said deceased was a native of Kilmore, co. Mayo. - Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 February 1916
YARCOMBE - Fatal Motor Accident. Exeter Lady Killed At Yarcombe. - An Inquest was held at Yarcombe on Wednesday on MRS NELLIE HUNTER of 49 St David's-hill, Exeter, wife of LIEUT. CHARLES HUNTER, Somerset R.H.A. The deceased was returning from Salisbury to Exeter in a motor car on Monday, and whilst turning a sharp corner at the foot of the hill as she was leaving the village the car swerved, jumped a ditch and coming into contact with the wall by the roadside turned completely over. - LIEUT. CHARLES HUNTER said his wife, aged 31, had driven him to Larkhill Camp and was returning to Exeter. Deceased had driven since July last and was a most careful driver. She had driven over 3,000 miles. - Richard Rich, age 13, said the car was travelling fast. It turned over on one wheel, then jumped the ditch, and was thrown into the wall. Deceased was underneath the car and he went and got assistance. When he first saw the deceased she was looking at a map. - Albert Knight, another lad, gave similar evidence. - Edward Scarisbrook, schoolmaster at Yarcombe, said he found deceased underneath the car in a semi-conscious condition. She walked to the Rectory, where she was treated and while there said she wished to proceed on her journey. - Dr Stevenson of Churchingford, said deceased, whom he saw at the Rectory at 2.20, told him that there was very little the matter with her. He examined a wound on the left side of her head. It was of such a character as though she had fallen on a big stone. He ordered her to bed and called again at 5.45 the same day. He then observed that the arm was making a jerky movement and that there were signs of internal bleeding. He decided that an operation was necessary, and telegraphed to Exeter Hospital for a motor ambulance, which, however, did not arrive, and the deceased died at 11 p.m., the cause of death being cerebral haemorrhage. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 February 1916
PLYMOUTH - Boy Drowned At Plymouth. - JOSEPH ALONZO AUBERY ALLEN, aged 7, son of a labourer, of Stanley-place, Plymouth, met his death by drowning on Friday and on Saturday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest into the circumstances. - Reginald James Smith, age 10, said he was playing with ALLEN on the Embankment. ALLEN went down to a pond, and on trying to get hold of a piece of floating wood he fell in. - P.C. J. J. Down said he was called and just as he arrived Geo. T. Roberts, of Colebrook, Plympton, who was working near the spot, was getting the body out with a hook. He assisted him and tried artificial respiration without avail. Dr Stubbs was sent for, but could only say that death was due to drowning. - The Foreman, Mr G. Wallis, said the Jury had visited the spot. It was a tidal pond on the north side of the Embankment, and the Jury thought it was not properly fenced. - The Coroner said this recommendation of the Jury should be conveyed to the South Western Railway Co., whose property surrounded the pond.

TORQUAY - Torquay Harbour Tragedy. Inquest On The Two Men Drowned: - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest in the old Townhall, Torquay, on Saturday, on JOHN PENGELLEY GILL, fisherman, and ERNEST FREDERICK LAMBOURNE, one of the crew of the Government patrol boat ....., who were drowned in the outer harbour during the gale on Thursday evening last. Mr H. C. Adams, solicitor, Exmouth, attended on behalf of the Admiralty and Mr G. R. Douglas was Foreman of the Jury. - Henry Barnes, Hythe, near Southampton, stated that ERNEST LAMBOURNE was his son-in-law, and 38 years of age. He was chief motor boatman on the .... and belonged to the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve. He had been in the reserve thirteen months, during the war and had left at Hythe a widow and three children. - Dr A. E. Carver said he saw the body of LAMBOURNE on the fish quay on Thursday evening. Artificial respiration was being tried in the most skilful fashion. The efforts at respiration were continued for half an hour, without good result. The cause of death was drowning. - JOHN GILL, fisherman, coxswain of Torquay lifeboat, of 3 Meadfoot-lane, stated that his son, JOHN PENGELLEY GILL, the other man drowned, was 31 years of age. He was married and had left a widow and a little girl. Deceased went out in a boat to assist in mooring a Government motor boat and whilst returning to the inner harbour with three other men the boat filled with water and sank. He searched for his son's body until twelve o'clock the same night, without success, and at midday on Friday the body was recovered by sweeping the harbour with a drag. - Dr Allan Bennett, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said the cause of death was drowning. - Boat Suddenly Sank. - John Westlake, R.N.V.R., motor boatman, belonging to the ...., patrol boat, said on Thursday evening Lieut. Morphew, LAMBOURNE, GILL and himself went out in a boat from the inner harbour to attend to patrol boats which had broken adrift from their moorings and after having moored the boats, they started to come back. It was a dark and stormy night. He and GILL were rowing, and Lieut. Morphew and LAMBOURNE were sitting in the stern. As they rowed along their boat seemed all at once to sink underneath them in the heavy sea and they suddenly found themselves in the water. The boat had been swamped by the high waves. A fused electric wire from the tramway line in Torbay-road momentarily threw a light on the spot and then went out. It was so dark that he could not say what became of LAMBOURNE and GILL. He (witness) swam towards the fish quay and shouted, and a man threw a line to him which he caught. It was hard work to swim in the rough water and he had had plenty of it by the time he got up to the quay. - In reply to Mr Adams, witness said there were several lifebuoys in the boat, but when the accident happened he did not think of them; under such circumstances one struck out for his life as soon as he could. Lieut. Morphew, LAMBOURNE and witness had gone out earlier to see about the moorings, and, after coming back the first time, the lieutenant asked GILL to come out with them and assist, and he did so. - Very Rough Sea. - Sub.-Lieut. Frederick Baxendale, R.N.V.R., said he was in the St James's Hotel, near the quay, just after 6 p.m. when Lieut. Morphew asked him to assist, as two patrol boats had broken away. Lieut. Morphew took a boat and with two men went to the ...., and afterwards returned to the inner harbour. Witness knew that the lieutenant afterwards went out again with the town men and also with GILL to go to the ....., and witness afterwards saw the boat with the four men coming towards the inner harbour until his sight of her was cut off by the end of the fish quay. He thought the men were then all right and he did not anticipate any danger. The sea was rough. There was big wind and sheets of rain. Notwithstanding this, he did not think there was any trouble or danger of swamping to those in the boat. He returned to the Hotel and ten minutes afterwards went on the fish quay, when he was told that an accident had happened and that some men were in the water. He went to the outer harbour and at the steps at the back of the Pavilion he saw the capsized dinghey and three lifebuoys floating about. Several men had just brought in LAMBOURNE. He ascertained that Lieut. Morphew had been taken into the Torbay Hotel and he went in and saw him and then went round and tried to revive LAMBOURNE. - Flashlight In The Boat. - Edwin Langmead, master of the ketch Mizpah, Torquay, said whilst he was on the fish quay mooring his vessel he saw the light produced by the fused electric wire, and just as this light was going out he saw by means of it the boat going down. He saw a flashlight in the boat, which went down all at once and he saw the four men jump clear of her. The boat was about 30 yards from the head of the fish quay. He saw Westlake swimming and heard him shouting and he threw a line to him when he was approaching the steps, which he had difficulty in gaining because of the rebound of the waves. Witness shouted to Edward Gill and he helped him take Westlake out of the water. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said there was one other witness of the occurrence, Lieut. Morphew, but he was told by the doctor that he was ill in bed from the effects of the accident. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Adams said he did not apply for an adjournment. He thought they had had ample evidence as to how the two men lost their lives. - The Coroner expressed his grief at the unfortunate occurrence, and said on the evidence the Jury could have no doubt as to how the accident happened. It was a wonderful coincidence that during the half a minute when the electric light was showing the boat was seen to sink. - The foreman said the Jury were unanimously of opinion that the two men were Accidentally Drowned by the swamping of the boat whilst they were in the performance of their duty, and this was their verdict. They wished to express sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. They also thought that there should be more lights around the harbour. - The Coroner asked whether the Jury would like, in a rider, to make a recommendation to that effect; but (after an intimation that there being no lights around the harbour was in accordance with Government regulations under the Defence of the Realm Act), it was not deemed advisable to make such a recommendation.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 February 1916
DURSTON, SOMERSET - Fatal Seizure In A Train. - An inquest was held at Durston yesterday on PTE JOHN MAHAFFEY, a native of Devonport, who was found dead in a Great Western train at Durston Station on Saturday. Deceased, aged 49, had served 12 years in the army in his younger days. He re-enlisted at the outbreak of war, and was in a provisional battalion of the Devon Regt. He had been visiting his children at Devonport and was returning to the North of England. George William Grimmett, guard of the train, stated that at Taunton, where deceased spoke to him about the train service, he appeared to be in good health, and there was not the slightest sign that he had been drinking. At Durston witness noticed the man lying on the floor of the compartment. He was face downwards and quite dead. Several other soldiers were on the train, but they had not travelled with the deceased. - Dr Conway Ghent stated that death was due to heart failure. - The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical statement, and handed their fees to the deceased's daughter, who was present from Devonport.

KINGSBRIDGE - Fatal Accident At Kingsbridge. - An Inquest was held at Kingsbridge Townhall yesterday on EDWARD JAMES LAVIS, aged 64, sawyer, who died the result of an accident at Mr Alfred Burgoyne's sawmills on Friday. - William Hy. Palk, haulier, Frogmore, Sherford, said he was in the habit of hauling timber to Mr Burgoyne's yard. He took in two loads of timber on Friday. They unloaded one wagon with the crane and everything appeared to be all right. When unloading the second wagon, witness was about to put the chain round a tree, and deceased turned to the crane to let out more chain. There was no weight on the crane and witness was just pulling it round, when the whole thing fell. Witness had to go under the tree to save his life. One of the stays must have struck the deceased. The pin was found out of the stay bolt after the accident, and the fact of it getting out probable caused the crane to fall. - Dr L. de C. Harston, Wm. Stone, Albert Lee, and P.S. Bubear also gave evidence, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury expressed sympathy with the family and gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 February 1916
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on JOHN COLE, naval pensioner, aged 72, Cotfield-road. ANNA COLE said deceased, her husband, was ill and was ordered to bed by the doctor. But he was very restless. On Wednesday she took him a cup of cocoa in bed and nothing more was heard of him until a rumble was heard at the top of the stairs. She tried to persuade him to go back. Within a second or two a crash was heard and she found him at the foot of the stairs, lying on his back. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Officer's Tragic Death. Drowned In Stonehouse Pool After Escape From Hospital. - The tragic death of Engineer-Lieut. -Commander JOHN HENRY CREEMER HEARN, R.N., after escaping from the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, was Inquired into by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, at the Hospital yesterday. Deceased was 39 years of age and lived at 8 Seymour-terrace, Plymouth. He had been engaged on arduous duty since the war began and his nerves had given way. On Saturday, after having been in the Royal Naval Hospital for a month, he attempted to escape. He dashed from his quarters, an attendant and a Policeman being unable to prevent him from jumping into Stonehouse Pool, which runs by the Hospital and in which he was drowned. - The widow and father of the deceased were present at the Inquest. Mr K. E. Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr E. Elliot Square appeared for the relatives. - The Story Of The Escape. - George T. N. Hughes, reserve sick berth attendant, said he was watching outside the deceased's room about 9 o'clock on Saturday night. Deceased came out of his cabin with his cap on, and witness stopped him and asked him where he was going. He replied: "Just for a walk round." Witness told him to return to his cabin, but the deceased was walking towards the swing doors and tried to go out. Reserve Attendant Wellington told him he must not do so. Deceased burst through the door and dashed out, witness following him. Deceased made his way towards the laundry, running all the time. Witness, who was in his slippers and gown, overtook him and got hold of his coat, shouting for help all the time. Deceased, who was a big, powerful man, was going so fast that he pulled witness along. Near the dispensary the deceased began to walk, but as witness was "dead beat" he had to let him go. Deceased saw a Policeman by the arch, leading to the jetty and dashed right past him. The Policeman gave chase and caught him at the edge of Stonehouse Pool. The Policeman and the deceased seemed to fall, the Policeman having hold of the deceased with one hand and the chain by the waterside with the other. Witness was about to catch hold of the deceased's legs when the Policeman was forced to let the deceased go and the deceased went into the water. - By Mr Square: Deceased fell in. - Swimming In The Pool. - P.C. Carter, Metropolitan Police, stationed at the Hospital, corroborated the latter part of Hughes' story. He said he caught the deceased by the coast tail just as he was about to jump over the chain into the water. They both fell over the chain and witness managed to catch the deceased with his left hand. He held on as long as he could, the deceased kicking all the time. Deceased was apparently determined to get into the water. The jetty where the incident occurred was where invalids were brought by water to the Hospital. The alarm was given and a boat put off in search of the deceased, whose body was recovered two hours later. Deceased swam strongly for two or three minutes. - By Mr Square: Deceased was not kicking at witness, but was struggling while being held. When witness released his hold the deceased fell into the water. Deceased had his pea jacket on and after he was in the water he unbuttoned it to enable him to swim more freely. He appeared to be trying to get across to the other side of the pool. - P.S. Jones, Metropolitan Water Police, gave evidence as to recovering the body 20 yards from the edge of the water, at the side opposite the jetty. He had swum a considerable distance. - The Coroner: As if trying to escape? - Witness: Yes. - Deputy Surgeon General P.B. Handyside, R.N., stated that the deceased had been in Hospital since January 5th, suffering from nervous breakdown, attributable to active service in connection with the war. He became so greatly depressed that recently he had been intermittently watched night and day. Witness wanted if possible to avoid sending the patient to an asylum. It was a "border line" case and witness thought that at the time the deceased jumped into the water he was temporarily insane. - In answer to Mr Square, witness said the deceased had been very anxious for some days to leave the Hospital and on the day of his death he had been prevented from leaving without permission. - The Coroner, in view of the question as to whether the deceased committed suicide or whether he only attempted to escape from custody and was accidentally drowned, asked the deputy-surgeon-general whether the deceased had made any attempt on his life before last Saturday. - The witness replied that one night he took some medicine which he ought not to have taken. He was afterwards very sorry for it. Earlier in the day on Saturday he had gone down to the Pool, making to go home, but had come back quietly. - The Coroner: On the evidence the getting into the water may have been only an attempt to escape from custody? - Witness: I think that was so. - Verdict: Accidentally Drowned. - The Coroner said this was one of the most painful cases he had had to Inquire into at the Hospital for a considerable time. Their sympathies were with the widow, father and other members of the family. The evidence seemed to be that the deceased did not attempt to destroy himself, but tried to escape across the water. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased was Accidentally Drowned while attempting to escape from the Hospital. - They joined in the Coroner's expression of sympathy. - Mr Square acknowledged the condolences. The deceased, he said, had been engaged on very dangerous service in the navy ever since the war began and an event which happened on Boxing-day had a very considerable effect on his nerves, which were already shattered to a great extent by the strain of his work.

NORTH HUISH - Killed By A Train. Fatal End To Afternoon Walk On Kingsbridge Line. - An Inquest was held at Bickham Farm, near Avonwick, yesterday by Mr S. J. Hacker, Coroner, on SIDNEY HENRY PIPER, aged 17, farm labourer of Clunkamore Farm, North Huish, who was knocked down by a train between Avonwick and Gara Bridge on Sunday afternoon. - inspector E. E. Henwood, Plymouth, and Locomotive inspector W. J. Cook, Newton Abbot, were present on behalf of the Great Western Railway. - Richard Herd, farm labourer, stated that deceased and himself were at the time of the accident, returning from a short walk along the railway line, talking all the way, and heard nothing of a motor train approaching from Brent until the driver shouted. Witness ran to the right bank and deceased to the left. Under the impression that PIPER had, like himself, avoided the danger, and being too frightened to look back, witness made his way home and did not hear of PIPER'S accident until some time later. - Henry Salter (Plymouth), the driver of the motor train, stated that just after leaving Avonwick Station, at a point where the line took a sharp curve, he saw two persons, 300 or 400 yards ahead, walking along the line and blew the whistle of his engine. They got off the track and he did not consider it necessary to again whistle. Neither he nor anybody else shouted so far as he knew. As the train approached Bickham Bridge deceased, who had been walking on the left-hand side of the track, attempted to cross the line in front of the on-coming train in order, he supposed, to join his companion, and the train knocked him down. He was as nearly as possible in the middle of the track when the car struck him, and the whole train passed over him as he lay between the rails without inflicting further injury. When picked up life was quite extinct. - The Coroner: If your whistle does not produce any effect you whistle again? - Witness: Just so, but when I saw them get off the track I did not consider it necessary to do so. - They got out of your way? - Yes; one to one side, and the other to the other. - In reply to the Foreman, witness explained that when deceased and his companion left the track they disappeared from his view, and only came in sight again as the train was about to cross the bridge. - Charles Kent, fireman on the train, said he heard the whistle blow. - Dr F. W. Style, Brent, deposed that the injuries included a fracture of the skull on the right side, which was sufficient to cause death. - By the Coroner: That is consistent with deceased's attempt to cross from the left side to the right. - Witness: Quite. - The Foreman remarked that it was a common practice, although a dangerous one, to walk on this piece of line. - Driver Salter: That same afternoon I met no fewer than five people walking on the line. - The Coroner: You put up notices against trespassing. - Inspector Henwood: Yes. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Coroner commented on the danger and illegality of walking on the line. Beyond condemning the practice and pointing to the present case as an instance of the danger, he said he was afraid the Jury could do nothing.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 February 1916
PLYMOUTH - Poisonous Mussels. Death Of A Plymouth Boy. - GEORGE WATTS, aged five, was taken by his father, a painter, of South Milton-street, employed in the Dockyard, into Plymouth Market on Saturday and treated to mussels. His father also ate some. On Sunday the boy was seized with violent sickness and diarrhoea and died on Monday evening. Mr Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday and Dr Deery deposed that he had made a post mortem examination, and found death due to acute gastro-enteritis, most probably caused by poisonous mussels. The father, who also had some of the mussels, felt no ill-effects. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 February 1916
LONDON - Plymouth Pensioner's Death. Inquest In London. - An Inquest was held yesterday on JOSEPH JAMES DODGSON, 68 a naval pensioner, who was found dead in his cubicle at Bruce House, Drury-lane, London. - EMILY DODGSON, of Clarence-street, Plymouth, stated that the deceased, her husband, left her in 1912, and she subsequently obtained a magistrate's order against him for the payment of £3 11s. 6d. a quarter. She had now lost her source of income, her two sons being in America. She borrowed money to come to London to attend the Inquest. - The Coroner: I can refund that, and give you a little more. I am very sorry for you. - Dr James Bremner said death was due to heart disease. - Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 14 February 1916
CREDITON - An Inquest was held on Saturday afternoon at Hookway, near Crediton, on MRS SARAH JANE LOCKE, aged 47. The husband said he and his wife were on their way to a prayer meeting at Crediton when the deceased, having complained twice of feeling unwell, collapsed. She died before Dr Campbell arrived. The doctor said death was due to syncope, caused by the exertion of walking against a high wind after a meal. Verdict accordingly.

EXETER - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Exeter on the eight months old baby of PTE. GIBBINGS. R.A.M.C., Porch-place, St Sidwells. On Thursday evening MRS GIBBINGS left the baby while she went to a neighbour's house two doors away for a few minutes. In her absence the child pulled the tablecloth and upset an oil lamp. The room and the child were in flames when she returned, and the child died within a few hours. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 February 1916
NORTH PETHERWIN - Suicide At North Petherwin. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr H. C. Brown, at Brazacott, North Petherwin, on MARY HOLLAND, aged about 56, who died on Saturday. - Rev. Chas. F. Kite, vicar of North Petherwin, said he had known deceased about three years, during which time she had been a servant with Mr and Mrs Shepherd, of Trehawger. Mrs Shepherd died in October and Mr Shepherd died last month and the deceased had been acting as caretaker of the house since the death of Mr Shepherd, and he (witness) had been representing relatives of Mr Shepherd in connection with the settling up of affairs, and had arranged for a sale of the furniture to take place that day. He last saw decease don Wednesday of last week, when he told her of a situation he had found for her, and spoke to her about arranging for a holiday. She then looked well, but broke into crying, and said she did not feel there was any future for her. She had worked for Mrs Shepherd for 40 years, and she had told him Mrs Shepherd would never pay up her back wages and she had no chance to save and mentioned the Workhouse. He told her, her new employer would well look after her, but she would not agree to take the new situation. The deceased had few effects and nor elatives could be traced. There was a sum of £5 10s. 7 ½d. found upon her at death, and a silver watch. The latter, he understood, was the late Mrs Shepherd's property. - Richard Pickard, labourer, said on Saturday, about midday, he found deceased's body floating in the water in the quarry at Brazacott. - Dr Thompson, Launceston, said death resulted from drowning. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. - An Inquest was held yesterday on WALTER REGINALD ELWORTHY, aged 3, of Edgcumbe-place, Plymouth, who was knocked down and killed at West Hoe on Friday by a steam lorry owned by Plymouth Co-operative Society. - ARTHUR CHARLES ELWORTHY, father of the boy, said it was not the custom to allow the child in the road by itself. He had just returned from school. - The Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns): And only three years of age? - Yes, sir. - Did anyone take the child to school? - Yes, sir; his sister. - The Coroner said it seemed rather remarkable that a child of three should be sent to school. - Dr T. Vawdrey: It is optional. Children can be sent to school under five years of age if their parents desire it. - Henry Hirons, driver of the lorry, St Levan's-road, Devonport, said about 5.30 p.m. he was driving his lorry through Bishop's-place, and on proceeding along the road, near Tuckett's factory, he noticed three boys about 15 yards ahead in the centre of the road. The deceased was on the opposite side of the road, about three feet from the right-hand side of the pavement. When abreast of another vehicle the horn was sounded. The boys were more or less in danger all the time and witness did not expect deceased to move. When the three boys were clear he heard someone shout "Harry!" Deceased was then running towards the engine, which witness then reversed. The lorry skidded and the inside front wheel caught the boy and knocked him down. Witness stopped the lorry and found the front off wheel had passed over the little boy's head. - P.C. Aldgate said his attention was attracted by the blowing of a horn and someone shouting. Deceased and the other boy appeared to be clasping each other in play, when suddenly they parted. The deceased ran in front of the trolley, which was travelling at about seven or eight miles an hour. - The Coroner: From what you saw do you think there was any blame attached to the driver? - I should say none at all. - Dr T. Vawdrey said on his arrival the child was dead. There was a compound fracture of the skull, this being the cause of death, which was instantaneous. - The Coroner said it was one of those unfortunate cases where children were allowed to go out alone. Why they were allowed to do so he did not understand, and it was a perfect marvel to him that many more children were not knocked down. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and Mr Percy T. Pearce, who represented the society, expressed their sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 February 1916
AXMOUTH - Fatal Cycle Accident At Axmouth. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Ship Hotel, Axmouth, yesterday, on WILLIAM ROBERT JEFFORD, aged 68. Deceased had for many years been a gardener on the Rousdon estate. He was proceeding to church on Sunday morning when he was accidentally knocked down by Derek Samman, a member of the Tiverton Boy Scouts, at present engaged on coast patrol duty at Whitlands, and who was cycling from Axmouth to Seaton. Just before Samman reached the deceased the chain came off his bicycle, and whilst riding slowly he looked down to examine the bicycle and thus failed to see the deceased. - Dr A. T. Rimell said he attributed the cause of death to shock and heart failure. The heart trouble was accentuated by the accident. Verdict accordingly.

EXETER - Fatal Accident At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at No. 1 V.A. Hospital, Exeter, yesterday, on PTE. CHARLES CAWSEY, Devon Regt., a native of Great Torrington. - Provost-Sergt. Mair, Depot, Devon Regt., said CAWSEY was an old Devon Regt. man, who served for 19 years, came out at the end of the South African War and re-enlisted at the outbreak of the present war, being engaged on special duty at the Higher Barracks. On August 13th last, witness was attracted by a commotion at the junction of Blackall-road, Howell-road and Barrack-road and found CAWSEY under a motor car. About half an hour previously he had seen the deceased in the city and warned him that he had had enough to drink. - Henry Crook, motor driver, Dawlish, said he was driving towards Pennsylvania end of the Blackall-road when he saw a man on the road. He slowed up and as he did so the man staggered back against the wing of the near wheel and went under the wheel. He estimated his speed at about eight miles an hour and tried to avoid the man by swerving to the right. - P.S. Stacey said the wheel tracks corroborated the driver's evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the motor car from blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 February 1916
BRIXHAM - Fatal Lamp Explosion At Brixham. - An Inquest was held at the Market Hall, Brixham, yesterday on W. E. WEAVER, aged 49, donkeyman on the coal hulk Persia, who was killed by the explosion of an acetylene lamp on Monday. Messrs. Robertson, Owen and Eastley, solicitors, represented the owners of the Persia. - William Norris, who worked with the deceased, said on Monday they were preparing an acetylene lamp in the saloon for use in the ship's bunker. Deceased fixed up the lamp, poured water into the cylinder and tried it at the standard to see if the gas had generated. Finding that it had not done so, he went for more water, telling Norris to go on to another job. Norris left him and returned ten minutes later, when he found deceased lying on the floor with his head near the generator unconscious. There were indications of an explosion. A plank of the roof of the saloon having been forced up. - Alexander Love, chief engineer, said the work that Norris and deceased were engaged on was by his orders. He found a great number of matches on the floor. He suggested that a naked light came in contact with gas at the distributing cock. Dr R. B. Thompson said the case was hopeless and the man died the following morning, death being caused by laceration of the brain and fracture of the skull. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 18 February 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Boy Killed By Motor Van: The Driver Exonerated. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce last evening at Johnston-terrace Schools, Devonport, on the body of HUMPHREY HONEY BROAD, aged 11, of Goschen-street, who was run over and killed on Tuesday by a motor van belonging to Messrs. C. W. and A. Goodbody. Mr Percy T. Pearce appeared for the driver (Geoffrey Alfred Walter White, of Ermington-terrace, Plymouth) and Mr E. Elliot Square for Messrs. Goodbody. - According to the father of the deceased - a shipwright in the Dockyard - the boy's sight and hearing were good. - Describing the accident, Richard W. G. Nicholas, errand boy, of Goschen-street, said the motor van was being driven on the left-hand side of Goschen-street, and the horn was sounded three or four times. He was talking to deceased, who, saying he would go with witness to the "Co-op," rushed across the road and went right into the motor van. In witness's opinion, deceased thought the van was further up the street than it was. When he found it was so close upon him he made a dash to get out of the way, but the van caught him. The driver had shouted to deceased before the latter was struck. Deceased held up his hands, fell on his face and both wheels of the van went over him. The driver applied the brakes, but the van skidded just after it had gone over the boy. The van was not being driven fast - "just an ordinary pace." The driver did his best to pull up and swerve the car to avoid the deceased. Witness did not think any blame attached to the driver. - The driver, on oath, said when he was 50 yards away from deceased and Nicholas he blew his horn continuously. When he was abreast of the boys the deceased dashed across the road. Witness applied both brakes and put out the clutch, but owing to the mud the van skidded and caught the deceased. When he pulled up the van was nine paces from the deceased, the force of the impact having caused him to lose his balance. As soon as he pulled up he went to deceased, who was taken by two sailors into a house. Witness drove immediately for a doctor, and Dr Pearson came. After three weeks' learning witness had been driving a motor, off and on, for a month, and took it up permanently last Saturday. Just before the accident his speed was between eight and ten miles an hour. Before he went "on the road" he passed the test examination. - Dr Pearson stated that when he arrived the boy was dead. He found a sign of fracture at the base of the skull, to which death was due. - The Coroner said the evidence showed that the occurrence was accidental. The Jury, in finding a verdict accordingly, exonerated the driver from blame. - Sympathy with the parents was expressed by the Coroner, Jury, Mr Pearce and Mr Square.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 February 1916
PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Bucket On Board Ship. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest on FREDERICK CARR, trimmer on board a steamship in the Sound. The Coroner said apparently the man was working his passage from London to New Zealand. On Thursday morning he was engaged in the stokehold, when a bucket containing cinders fell on his head. The ship had since sailed, but the ship's surgeon certified that death was due to concussion of the brain and that he was of opinion it was caused accidentally. - Mr J. R. Stibbs, Deputy Superintendent, Board of Trade, said the man had been warned against working while the buckets were being raised or lowered. Verdict: "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - Workhouse Inmate's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held at the Workhouse on MARY JANE MARKS, aged 59, widow, who had been an inmate for some time. Miss Benyon, assistant matron, said soon after midnight she was aroused and told a woman was crying in the yard. She found deceased, who complained of her knee and head. Witness could not say how she got into the yard. - The Coroner: Does anybody know? - No one seems to know. - The Master (Mr Hopkins) said deceased was sleeping on the top floor in the body of the house. No one was on duty, but there were attendants in the imbecile and infirmary wards. - The Coroner: I don't know what the Jury think about it, but I think it is quite wrong. - The Foreman (Mr Hannam): Were they all old people? - The Master: Yes. - The Coroner: That makes it worse still. - A daughter of deceased said some years ago her mother walked in her sleep. - Dr Cooke was of opinion that deceased fell out of an upper window. He understood a window was afterwards found to be open. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to fracture of the skull and knee and laceration of the brain. She must have fallen a considerable height. She was one of the last persons whom he should think would commit suicide. - The Coroner thought the Jury should recommend the Guardians to have an attendant on duty during the night in the body of the house and to this they agreed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner mentioning that there was no reflection on the Master. It was, however, obvious that something serious might happen to an inmate who would have no means of communicating with an official.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 February 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatality At Devonport. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at Ford Council School last evening on WILLIAM PERKINS, aged 66, plasterer, of Ford-hill, who fell from a ladder on Saturday and was killed. - William T. Martin, 9 Seaton-place, said he watched deceased mount a ladder at No. 11. When he reached the top he was about to place the bucket he was carrying on the roof when the ladder canted to the right and deceased and the bucket fell to the ground. Witness went to his assistance. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said deceased had sustained a fracture of the base of the skull, which caused death through failure of the heart's action. - P.S. May said he examined the ladder and found it in very poor condition. - The Coroner said deceased was an excellent workman and a good citizen in every way. He was associated with Ford Baptist Church, where he had done good work. - Mr George Smith (deceased's employer) said the relations between him and deceased had been most happy and he felt he had lost a trusted, personal friend. He was of a type of workman one did not, he was sorry to say, often meet with nowadays. He was always thoroughly trustworthy. - Rev. A. T. Head spoke of the general public esteem in which MR PERKINS was held at Ford. He could not speak too highly of his reliability and trustworthiness and the respect in which he was regarded. In his whole Christian ministry he did not know of a case in which the all-round circumstances were so sad. The relatives acknowledged the remarks. - Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 February 1916
PLYMOUTH - JOHN SKELTON BARBER, labourer, in the employ of the Great Western Railway at Plymouth, brought a note to Inspector Brittan on Monday morning, and, having just delivered it, fell down and died. At an Inquest yesterday Dr Leah said death was due to heart failure and chronic bronchitis; probably his heart was affected by getting upstairs to deliver the note.

TAVISTOCK - Sudden Death At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an inquest yesterday at Tavistock on EDWARD YOLE, aged 69, nurseryman. MRS MARGARET YOLE, the widow, an invalid, stated that she and her husband were sitting by the fire on Sunday evening, when he suddenly fell forward and did not move or speak. She cried for help and Mr Lee and a soldier raised her husband, who had two burns on the face through falling against the grate. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said death was due to heart disease and had nothing to do with the fall. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Coroner said he did not know MR YOLE himself, but he understood that he was a long resident and a very well-respected citizen of Tavistock. He was sure the Jury would like to join him in extending deep sympathy with MRS YOLE and family in their very sudden and great bereavement.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 February 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall Upon A Gas Ring. Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an inquest at Somerset-place Council School, Devonport, last evening, on KATE LAMBELL, 59, wife of WILLIAM E. LAMBELL, naval pensioner, of Glenmore-avenue, who died on Sunday. The husband said his wife had been in ill health for a considerable time. She fainted last Thursday and again on Friday. He had never known her to faint previously. Witness awoke at 6 a.m. on Sunday and found his wife just going out of the room. He went to sleep and again awoke at seven o'clock and finding deceased had not returned, he went downstairs and saw her lying across the copper in the wash-house, with her face resting on a gas-ring. The tube to the ring was disconnected and the gas was escaping from the tube quite near her face. Her right eye was black and she was bleeding slightly from the nose. A rope which had been used to lift a skylight in the wash-house was found under deceased when she was lifted. Witness was of opinion that deceased was intending to put the kettle on. Her right hand was paralysed and he thought she might have been standing on the chair to pull the skylight window open, when the rope broke and she fell back on the copper. - P.C. J. Hill said he was called to the house and with Sergt. Lovell tried artificial respiration for some time. The rope which was found underneath her she appeared to have been holding in her right hand. - Dr J. Nixon Morris, who had known deceased for several years and had been attending her quite recently, said death was due to syncope through gas poisoning. - All the circumstances pointed to an accident having happened. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the widower.

OTTERY ST MARY - Death From Burns At Ottery. - An Inquest was held at the Townhall, Ottery St. Mary, yesterday, on ALICE KATE ROSEWELL, of Feniton, aged 3, who died at the Cottage Hospital. - Dr J. A. Ponton said the child was admitted to the Hospital on February 11th suffering from extensive and severe burns. As a result of these injuries blood poisoning supervened and she died on Saturday as a result of these complications. - JAMES ROSEWELL, dairyman, said on the 31st January the child was playing with her brother, a little older than herself, when it was scalded through the overturning of a kettle of boiling water. A doctor arrived within an hour and attended to the child. The doctor came four times during the next twelve days and as the child's leg was getting contracted, he ordered her removal to the Hospital. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 March 1916
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on WILLIAM STRIKE, aged 70, marine pensioner of 42 High-street, Stonehouse. Bombardier W. H. STRIKE, R.G.A., said deceased the previous day was expecting the arrival home of a younger son, who was in the army and during the morning went to Devonport to inquire about the time of his arrival. He returned home and had a meal after which he died suddenly. Dr W. H. Waterfield attributed death to syncope. The excitement due to the expected arrival home of his son no doubt brought on the attack. Verdict accordingly and the Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and sons.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 March 1916
LAMBETH, SURREY - Suicide Of Motor Driver. Widow From Ilfracombe. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at Lambeth yesterday in the case of JOHN SIER, 37, motor driver. According to the widow, who lives at Ilfracombe, and from whom he was separated, he fancied that people were after him, and were persecuting him. - Further evidence showed that he took a room at an Italian's house in Pratt-street, London and last Saturday the landlord, noticing an escape of gas, turned the supply off at the meter. On Tuesday the Police forced a way into deceased's room, the door of which had been barricaded and screwed up. It appeared that deceased, after taking veronal, had turned the gas on, and the Coroner remarked that it seemed that by barricading the room SIER had been trying to defend himself against an imaginary person.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Stonehouse. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM PUTT, aged 65, of Octagon-street, who was knocked down by a tramcar near Stonehouse Bridge on Sunday afternoon. - The driver of the car, H. Geo. Tolcher, said deceased, who was deaf, was looking into the water on one side of the bridge and turned round and ran across the road right in front of the car, which struck him and knocked him down. The car was going slowly. - Dr Margaret Wright, House Physician at the Hospital, said PUTT was suffering from broken ribs and other injuries. It was a hopeless case. - Verdict "Accidental Death," the driver being exonerated from all blame. - Mr Percy Pearce was present on behalf of the tramway company.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Man Jammed Between Two Tramcars. - At South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on Saturday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on GEORGE ALFRED ELLIS, aged 59, of Rendle-street, who was jammed between two tramcars on February 21st. - MARY ANN ELLIS, said deceased, her husband, a painter, employed at munitions works, told her that he was pushed off the car, but that he boarded it the right way. - John Thomas Scoble, Florence-place, tram driver, in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation, said he was driving No. 8 car to the terminus near the Royal Hotel at a slow rate. The inspector was standing on the platform and shouted to witness to stop. He did so at once and on looking round saw the deceased between his car and No. 44 car, which was stationary. Witness did not see deceased go between the two cars, but he was a stout man and got squeezed at about midway between the cars. Witness stopped at Derry's Clock and all the passengers got out. There being between 30 and 40 men waiting to board the tram the inspector told them to go to the terminus. He did not notice anyone get on the car. The inspector was standing on the right-hand side. - Frank Blythe, Cobourg-street, driver of No. 44 car, said at about 6.40 a.m., when it was quite dark, he saw the Prince Rock car proceeding very slowly. Deceased ran to get on the car and witness called out to the driver to stop, but it was too late. He heard the inspector shout out "Go to the terminus." - John Robert Stone, carman, in the employ of Messrs. Pickfords, said he was a passenger on the car going to Millbay-road from Prince Rock. He heard the inspector say "Stop," but saw no one attempting to board the car. The car was stopped at once, and witness helped to release deceased. - Dr Margaret J. K. Wright said when admitted to the Hospital deceased had a bruised head at the back, fractured ribs and concussion. He was not operated upon and died on Thursday from shock, caused by the injuries. There was no hope of recovery from the first. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury who expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives. - Mr J. Fittall, assistant town clerk, was present on behalf of the Corporation.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 March 1916
EXETER - Death Of An Exeter Recluse. Never Out For Twenty Years. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on MISS LETITIA BEDDOES, aged 62, of Wellington-place, Old Tiverton-road. Deceased was of eccentric habits and lived in the house over 20 years without going out. She had daily visits from Miss Bowden, who ran errands for her, and who recalled that on one occasion MISS BEDDOES told her that if at any time she found she was unable to open the door she was to get in through the window. Since the war broke out the deceased had not slept upstairs, on account of her fear of Zeppelin attacks. On March 5th Miss Bowden found the door fastened, and entered the house through the window. The place was full of smoke, and she at once went to Mr Seymour, who communicated with the Police. - P.S. Wreford said he found the woman lying on the floor in the kitchen near a cupboard, burnt about the legs. The fire was smouldering in the bottom of the cupboard, where he found the remains of a candle. On account of the condition of the house, it was thought advisable to take deceased to the Workhouse Infirmary, where she died last Saturday. - Dr Pereira said the woman was in a very weak condition, and death was due to heart failure, accelerated by the burns. It was surmised that the deceased went to the cupboard with a lighted candle and ignited her skirts. There was evidence in the house that the deceased had over £300 in the bank. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death In Plymouth. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday on JOHN LANGDON, labourer, aged 36 of Octagon-street. - William Brown, conductor in the employ of the P.S. and Devonport Tramway Co., said deceased was taken ill while travelling in a car in Union-street on Friday. He was removed and the Police took charge of him. P.C. Colwill also gave evidence. - Dr T. Noy Leah, who made a post mortem examination, found deceased had been suffering from consumption of both lungs and this with pneumonia in the left lung was the cause of death. There were no marks on the body. - Verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 March 1916
BURLESCOMBE - Killed On Line At Burlescombe. - At the Ayshford Arms, Burlescombe, yesterday, an Inquest was held on MRS AGNES BURSTON, who was found dead on the G.W.R. main line early on Sunday. - Deceased's husband, FREDERICK BURSTON, carpenter, said he last saw his wife alive at about quarter past eight on Saturday night, in a house adjoining his residence, where he was doing some painting. Deceased came there for the eldest boy, who was with witness in the adjoining house, to bath him. the other two children had been bathed and put to bed. At half-past nine witness returned, finding a note on the table stating: "I shall be in, in a few minutes." Witness was not alarmed at her absence until after half-past ten. Deceased worried about little things. She was in an asylum about 11 years ago. - Mr O. Isaac, ganger, said on Sunday, about 6.45 a.m., he was walking down the line and found the body lying with the feet in the six-foot way, and the head in the four-foot way. - P.C. Searle said a note was found in deceased's pocket saying that she was not blaming her husband for what she had done, but she could not think of the future, at the bare thought of running into debt, which was bound to come. - Dr Gilbert McDonald said the head of deceased was considerably crushed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the husband and other relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on LOUISA MARTIN, 69, widow, living alone in a room in New-street, it was stated that on the door of the room being broken open deceased was found lying under the bed. There was evidence that after death rats had commenced to attack the body. Death was due to drinking habits. Verdict: "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Dr Blades, at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on PATRICCIO NERO, the 17-months-old child of Italians living in Gilwell-street, said death was due to convulsions, caused by an over-distended stomach, resulting from having eaten too much food. The Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, said it was a pity that mothers did not seem to understand that children could die from over-feeding as well as from under-feeding. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Woman's Suicide. Was A Post-Mortem Necessary? - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Stonehouse Townhall on CHARLOTTE WILLIAMS, aged 40, who was found hanging at her home in Union-street on Tuesday morning. - The husband of deceased, a painter, said there were nine children left, all under 14 years of age. Deceased had been suffering acutely from neuritis. She had talked of suicide on several occasions, but he laughed it off. She had been under the treatment of Dr Palmer, who had hopes of her recovering. The handwriting of the following letter was deceased's - "My darling husband, - God forgive me the trouble I am bringing, but I cannot stand the strain any longer. I am getting worse, and not better. May God look down on you and the dear children, also my dear brother. He has done his best, but the children and home have been neglected." - James Smith, deceased's brother, said he found her suspended by the neck from the banisters. She was dead. Witness saw her about 15 minutes before in the kitchen at breakfast. She had been very low-spirited. - The Coroner: She had charge of all these children? - Yes. - How long has your mother been dead? - About 12 months:- She had been a great help to your sister? - Yes, and she had grieved a lot about her. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, who had made a post mortem examination, said death was due to suffocation. - A Juryman: Was there any necessity for a post-mortem examination? - Dr Waterfield: Yes, it was necessary to see whether it was a case of suicide. There have been many cases where persons have died of syncope and afterwards been hung up and all hanging cases the Coroner is right in having a post-mortem examination. - The Coroner said the doctor told him a post-mortem examination was absolutely necessary and when a doctor told him that he had no option but to order it. Commenting on the case, he said the letter left no doubt as to deceased's intentions. The great responsibility of taking care of the children no doubt added to her despair. - Verdict: "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 March 1916
EXETER - Death Under Chloroform. Exeter Jury Disagree With Doctor. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday on SIDNEY ARTHUR GREEN, aged 12, of Cedars-road, who died in the Hospital under an anaesthetic on Tuesday. - Dr Dellbruck said the operation was for the removal of tuberculous glands in the neck and was performed by Mr Dyball. He administered the anaesthetic. - Replying to the Coroner he said he did not previously examine the heart and lungs of the patient, because his experience was that a routine examination did not reveal anything which would affect his decision to anaesthetise. He used chloroform. He did not believe it was a common practice among all anaesthetists to go through a routine examination of the heart and lungs. - The Coroner: You went by his general appearance? - Yes. - If examination had revealed heart weakness would it not have influence you in the choice of the anaesthetic? - Dr Dellbruck said the patient took the chloroform quite well until the operation was just finishing, and he partially came round. Then there were signs of difficulty of breathing, followed by almost complete absence of pulse. He gave artificial respiration and restoratives, and the patient appeared to get better. Witness left the room to attend another patient, and he had hardly left the room when the lad died. Artificial respiration was again tried. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found that the deceased had an enlarged thymus, which predisposed him to sudden death from inadequate causes. The cause of death was the slight shock of the operation combined with the effect of the chloroform in a person predisposed to death from small causes. This was a condition which could not be diagnosed during life. - The Coroner: It seems to me that no attempt was made to find it. - Foreman of the Jury: We can't make out why the patient was not examined before the chloroform was given. - Dr Dellbruck said there were objections to examining patients immediately before operations, because it disturbed their nerves. - The Coroner: Couldn't you examine them the day before? - Yes; that might be done. - A Juryman: It would have been more satisfactory. - Deceased's brother: Do you say it is unusual to examine patients before administering chloroform? - Dr Dellbruck: I say it is not universal. I am speaking of skilled anaesthetists. It is by no means a universal practice. I have been giving anaesthetics for ten years and I have never seen a case in which the routine examine of the chest has made me change my procedure in any way. The examination would not have revealed anything in this case. - The Jury was not satisfied with the evidence as it stood and Mr B. Dyball, who operated, was called. He said it was the routine to examine the heart and lungs of patients before administering anaesthetics. He was attending another case when this boy was given chloroform. He corroborated Dr Dellbruck's evidence with regard to the thymus gland and the predisposition of patients like this boy to sudden death from slight shocks, or from any kind of anaesthetics. It was impossible to discover the presence of the thymus gland by an external examination, nor by symptoms. In this case a previous examination of the heart and lungs would not have affected the administration of the chloroform. - The Coroner thought the Jury was now satisfied that death was due to the natural causes stated by the doctors combined with the effect of the chloroform; but were of opinion that the usual practice of examination of patients before the administration of chloroform should be followed in every case. The Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary on JANE ANN BOND, aged 73, wife of a naval pensioner living at 13 Cobourg-lane. Mrs Ellen Pollard, living at the same address, said the previous day the deceased was apparently in good health, but yesterday morning her husband, who was 90 years of age, asked witness to rouse his wife whilst he made her a cup of tea. Witness, however, on going to the bedside saw she was dead. Dr Parsloe said death was due to double pneumonia. Verdict accordingly.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Cadet's Death. Supposed injury Whilst Boxing At The R.N. College. - The death occurred at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday morning, of DONALD ADDENBROOKE, aged 18, a special entry naval cadet, serving at the R.N. College, Keyham. Deceased was a son of Lieut.-Col. ADDENBROOKE, who has been on active service and who arrived at Plymouth last evening. - The County Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, yesterday afternoon opened an Inquest on the body, which was viewed by the Jury, but no evidence taken. - Mr Rodd said the cadet only died at 8.30 that morning, and he had ordered a post-mortem examination. It appeared that he and another cadet were having a boxing contest in the gymnasium at the R.N. College, when deceased was knocked out with a knock-out blow, and in falling was supposed to have struck his head and sustained a fracture of the base of the skull. That was the supposed cause of the death. The Inquiry would be rather important and he had decided to adjourn it until Tuesday morning. - Arrangements are being made to take the body of deceased to Edinburgh for interment.

EAST STONEHOUSE - A Fishbone In The Finger. Supposed Cause Of Stoker's Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Devon County Coroner, yesterday opened an Inquest at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, on WILLIAM JAMES GILL, aged 36, a stoker in the Royal Fleet Reserve, who, it is believed, died from the consequences of pricking the little finger of his right hand with a fishbone. - Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, attended. - Surg. Frank R. Gillespy, R.N., said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 9th inst., suffering from a wound in the right little finger. Blood poisoning had supervened, followed by pneumonia, which was the cause of death. He had made a post mortem examination. - The coroner said the doctor's was the only evidence available and adjourned the Inquiry until next Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - N.C.O's Death Under Operation. - The death of Company-Sergt.-Maj. JOSHUA SHAPCOTT, Royal Engineers, under an operation at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, was investigated by Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. Deceased, who was 56 years of age, had been stationed at Crownhill. He entered the Hospital on Friday for the purpose of undergoing an operation for the removal of a growth on the tongue. Before the operation the usual examination was made by Dr Hardwicke, who found that the man was apparently quite healthy. SHAPCOTT was placed under chloroform, though not to the full degree, and the operation was completed. The patient showed signs of coming round, but suddenly developed symptoms of heart collapse. Methods of resuscitation were adopted for three-quarters of an hour, but the patient died. Death was not due to the anaesthetic, as he was never fully under the influence of the chloroform. - Verdict: "Death from Shock resulting from the operation."

STOKE DAMEREL - Belgian Refugee's Death. Inquest At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District coroner, held an inquest at Ker-street Guildhall yesterday on JEAN BAPTISTE DECOSTER, Belgian refugee, who died suddenly at Devonport G.W.R. Station. Mr Frank Phillips, Belgian Consul, watched the case. - Pte. Albert Morton, Devon Regt., said on Friday he was a passenger in the 6.15 p.m. train from Saltash to Plymouth. When the train was at Ford Station witness saw running towards the Station a man who afterwards entered the compartment occupied by witness just as the train was starting. He appeared to be exhausted and breathed very heavily. When the train reached Devonport Station the man appeared to have a fit. Witness and a blue-jacket rendered first-aid and informed the guard, who directed deceased's removal from the train. - JEANNE MARGUERITE VALENTINE DECOSTER, of Monterey House, Horrabridge, said deceased was her father, aged 57. He had been teaching mathematics in a school at Keyham. Formerly he suffered from heart affection. - Arthur H. Gregory, ticket collector, G.W.R., said Dr Rae was sent for and came quickly, but in the meanwhile the man succumbed. - Dr G. A. Rae said death was due to heart failure through over-exertion, accelerated by congestion of the lungs. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMPTON - Infant Fatally Burnt At Plympton. - A singular burning fatality at Ridgeway, Plympton, was investigated yesterday by the County Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd. The deceased was the infant daughter, WINNIFRED M. DEEBLE, of MR ALFRED DEEBLE, tailor and outfitter. - MRS DEEBLE, the mother, said last Friday morning she bathed the child in front of a fire and afterwards put it in a cradle in a corner of the room. She had been downstairs about five minutes when she heard the servant girl scream. She ran up and found the maid with the baby in her arms and the cradle in flames. There was no other fire in the room but that in the grate; and she was unable to account for the fire in the cradle. No cinder had been found in the cradle or the clothes. - Eva Blackmore, domestic servant, said she was attracted to the room by smoke and found flames coming from the cradle. She snatched up the child and screamed for MRS DEEBLE. - Dr Stamp, who was called about 11.15, said he found the child terribly burnt, especially about the face and hands. His theory was that the fire began inside the bed and found an outlet near the child's face. The child died at three o'clock from shock due to the burns. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury, Mr Stephens Foreman, expressed sympathy with MR and MRS DEEBLE.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1916
EAST STONEHOUSE - Cadets Fatal Fight. An Affair Of Honour At Keyham College. "Improper" Practice. Jury And An "Astounding Set Of Facts." - The adjourned Inquest on DONALD ADDENBROOKE, aged 18, a special-entry naval cadet at Keyham Naval College, son of Lieut.-Col. ADDENBROOKE of Edinburgh, was held at the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday by the Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr Mayburne Pearce watched the proceedings for the father and mother of the deceased. - Dr Henry Erskine South, Fleet-surgeon, senior Medical Officer, H. M. Dockyard, said he was called on Monday week soon after 5 o'clock to the Royal Naval College. He saw deceased, who was lying down, and was roused with difficulty. His lips were swollen and there was slight bleeding in the mouth. He had him removed to the Royal Naval Hospital. - On The Top Of A Tram. - Cadet Richard Lawrence Bere Shannon said on Sunday, March 12th, he, Cadet McGregor and deceased were coming home from Plymouth on the top of a tram. Cadet Mitchell and a lady joined the tram at the Palace Theatre. Mitchell went down the stairs to get a ticket and deceased took Mitchell's place by the lady. When Mitchell came back he said, "Excuse me, ADDENBROOKE, " and because ADDENBROOKE did not leave at once Mitchell was annoyed. When they got off the tram in Fore-street, Mitchell, as he passed, said "That was a dirty trick, ADDENBROOKE." About 9.30 o'clock ADDENBROOKE asked witness if he would act as his second in a fight between Mitchell and himself. He consented and ADDENBROOKE sent witness to Mitchell to ask if he would fight. Mitchell hesitated at first and agreed to return his answer in five minutes. Witness did not go back to him, and he had nothing further to do with it. - The Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, asked Mitchell if he desired to ask any questions. - Mitchell: May I ask if ADDENBROOKE was a heavy smoker? - Witness: He smoked a good bit. - Is it the case that deceased had been ill the other day? - Yes, about a month ago. - Fight In The Billiard Room. - Cadet Maurice Appleton said on Monday afternoon he was in the billiard-room of the College. Deceased and Mitchell were there, and they started arguing about the tramcar incident. Witness heard deceased give Mitchell the choice of either "getting six" with a billiard cue or fighting. After a little more arguing they both stripped for a fight. Deceased stripped bare to his waist, Mitchell removed his coat and, witness thought, his waistcoat and they then started to fight with their fists in a rough and tumble way. Deceased began to show signs of punishment; his lip and nose were bleeding. Mitchell's nose was also bleeding slightly. Cadet Capt. Taylor then interfered and stopped the fight and suggested that if there must be more fighting it should be carried on with gloves. Mitchell offered to shake hands and make it up, but ADDENBROOKE refused, saying he had had no satisfaction. Accordingly it was arranged to continue the fight with boxing gloves in the machine-shop. When they went out witness stayed in the billiard-room. - The Coroner: Was there any order given for the fight to be fought in this way? - The cadet-captain suggested that it should be fought, if at all, with gloves. - Did any senior officer know of this affair? - Not that I know of. - Are you supposed to obey the cadet-captain? - Yes. - A Juror: Was the injury to the mouth caused by fighting with fists without the gloves? - Yes. - Mr Pearce: Would it be correct to say Cadet-Capt. Taylor stopped the fight? - Yes; he practically stopped the fight in the billiard-room. - I have been instructed that he ordered the fight to continue with gloves? - No; he did not order it. - What did he say? - I cannot quite remember the words. He said it should be carried on with gloves if carried on at all. - He did not say it must be carried on? - No. - Did you hear any arrangement made for the continuance of the fight? - No; except that it was to take place in the machine-shop. - The Cadet-Captain's Orders. - Cadet-Capt. Lionel Arthur Taylor was called, but before he gave evidence, the Coroner said: The evidence we have rather shows that you counselled this fight being conducted in the machine shop. If that is proved to the satisfaction of the Jury you may become an accessory before the fact. So I want you to understand the position, and having pointed that out, I may tell you, you are not obliged to give evidence, but you can elect to do so. - Witness: Yes I will. Witness added that he was the senior officer present on the occasion. - The Coroner: Did you order them not to fight? - Not at the beginning. - Had you ordered them not to fight it would have been a breach of discipline had they disobeyed you? - Yes. - What did you say? - Seeing they were both bleeding, I said to them they must stop the fight, or if they wished to continue it they must go down to the machine shop and fight it out with gloves. - Witness confirmed the statement that Mitchell wanted to shake hands, but ADDENBROOKE refused. - The Coroner asked if the proceedings were according to regulation. - Witness: There is no regulation against boxing if people want to. - The Coroner: This was not boxing; it was fighting. What are your regulations - to maintain discipline? - Witness: Yes. - Did you think you were maintaining order and discipline by allowing this? - Yes. I thought that if they did not fight it out they would keep on quarrelling and there would be unpleasantness all round. - Is this sort of thing recognized by your superior officers? - In don't know. - The Coroner: Have you known any similar instance? - Yes, one. - And are quarrels generally settled in this way? - I believe it is a practice. - Is this kind of thing done in public schools? - Not where I was. - If this had come to the knowledge of the officers would you have been punished for permitting it? - I don't think so. - A Juror: Did you think it your duty to report this? - No. - Mr Peck: What was their mood at the beginning? - ADDENBROOKE was laughing, and seemed to regard it as a joke. - Why did you suggest gloves? - Because I thought it would be a fairer fight. - You thought it a manly and safe way of settling the dispute? - Yes. - Why did you suggest the machine shop; was there anyone there? - Yes; the physical training instructor. - He was there to see the fight properly carried out? - Yes. - Mr Pearse: Did you ascertain whether the instructor was in the machine shop? - No; he was supposed to be there at that time. - The Fight Described. - Nathaniel George Williams, C.P.O., physical training instructor at the College, said: I was on duty in the machine shop on Monday, March 13th, about 4.20. When I arrived I saw preparations had been made for a ring on the concrete. I ordered this to be removed on to the floor. I wanted to know who was going to box. ADDENBROOKE came forward, stripped to the waist and I was told Mitchell was the other. Mitchell had a light vest on. I sent up for the gloves, and they put them on. I found out that previous to this referee, timekeepers and seconds had all been arranged. I decided to take referee myself. There was no specified number of rounds. They fought nine, and had commenced the tenth and after a little sparring they seemed to attack at the same time. ADDENBROOKE missed over Mitchell's shoulder. Mitchell came in with his right and caught him on the jaw. ADDENBROOKE reeled, seemed stupefied, sank down on his knees and afterwards sat down with a great sigh. He made an effort as if he wanted to resume the fight. I counted two and he attempted to rise, and had got his hands off the ground. I rushed into the ring and caught him just as he was falling again. I put him on the chair and endeavoured to restore him and had him wrapped in his big coat and taken to his cabin. - The Coroner: Was it a clean fight? - Yes. - Were they well matched? - Yes. - Who, if either, had the best of it? - ADDENBROOKE. - Did they seem as if their hearts were in the fight? - They did not seem to box as if either had any heart in the fight. - Did Mitchell seem to want to fight? - No; he is a very inoffensive young man - quite the opposite of a fighter. Up to the last blow ADDENBROOKE showed no sign of distress. - The Coroner; Was there anything unusual in this last blow? - Except that they both tried to get in at once and met half way. - A Juror: That is often done in boxing? - Yes; and Mr Mitchell, although he got the blow in, did not know where he was hitting. Mr Mitchell generally hit with his eyes shut. (Laughter.) - Mr Pearce: Had you any idea that this boxing contest was to settle a dispute? - No; not until it was all over. - We have been told their hearts were not in it; did you think they were fighting because they had to fight? - I thought they had come down just to have a box. - But did they appear to be fighting to please anyone else? - There was no real boxing in it; they were simply "pawing" one another. - Have you known any other disputes to be settled in this way? - Only one. - The "Ragging" Of Mitchell. - The Coroner remarked that as far as the actual contest was concerned he thought they had sufficient evidence. The seconds were not likely to tell them any more. - The Captain of the College said there was a witness who heard Mitchell say he wished to make it up. - Cadet Norman Hepton Adcock was then called and said he was there when the quarrel started in the billiard room, and afterwards went with Mitchell to his cabin. Mitchell said he did not want to fight. Witness said ADDENBROOKE then demanded an apology. Mitchell said he had nothing to apologize for. - The Coroner: Was Mitchell popular among the cadets? - I could not say that; he gets a good deal of "ragging." - Was he bullied? - I would not say that. - Capt. Mansell's Views. - Capt. George Robert Mansell, M.V.O., in command of the College, said there were no direct orders with regard to such proceedings. - The Coroner: Have you authorized such proceedings? - No; but I consider that Cadet-Capt. Taylor in ordering the fight to stop and that if they wished to continue they should do so with gloves, in the machine shop, took action such as, if I had heard of it would have had my approval. My reason for saying this is that there was evidently bad blood between the two boys and if they had not fought it out with gloves they would probably have fought it out with bare fists somewhere else; and the only thing to do when boys quarrel like that is to get it over. - Have you found any regulation about fighting in any other college? - No. - The Coroner: And there is a reason for that. The law is clear. If people fight, and one is killed, that is manslaughter. If there is malice in it, that is murder. That is why you don't find any regulations on the subject. - My answer is, I do not know what the rules are in other establishments. - Don't you think it would be better to tell these boys they must keep their tempers and that if there is any more of this they would be punished - is not that the better line to take? - What do you mean? - If Taylor had given an order to stop the quarrelling and not to have suggested they should go to the machine shop, would not that have been the right thing; and would it not have been right for an officer to tell these boys, "I will have none of this, and I will punish you severely if it occurs again?" - I don't think anything would stop fighting if they wished to fight. - That may be; but it is a serious thing for an establishment of this class to countenance an illegal act? - I don't think it has ever occurred to one that the act of putting on the gloves was an illegal act. - Agreed; it is a sporting recreation to put on the gloves in a friendly way. But these boys had had a misunderstanding; they had come to blows in the billiard-room before they were ordered to the machine shop to fight it out, and one of them got a fatal blow and is dead. In a public training establishment it is a serious thing to countenance fights, and if it is the practice, the sooner the Admiralty issued an order prohibiting it the better. Don't you think so? - I have no idea of that. - Coroner's Sympathy For Mitchell. - But I want you to see it is not the sort of thing to countenance. It is a very serious matter for Mitchell. It is true he has been ragged and bullied, in addition to being bullied into this fight, in which he has proved the better man. He has my sympathy at any rate. Did you know anything of this ragging going on? - No. - What sort of a lad was Mitchell? - He is rather backward and does not go in for games much, but he is a well-behaved boy and I should say inoffensive. - Mr Pearce: Did you suggest to MRS ADDENBROOKE that her son had no alternative but to fight? - No. - Did you say anything to give her the impression that both Mitchell and her son had to fight it out? - No; but I believe they wanted to. - Did MRS ADDENBROOKE say she had no objection to her son doing as other boys; but did she say that if they were to fight she considered that a medical man should have been there? - She did, I think. - At this point a question arose as to the advisability of Mitchell giving evidence. Capt. Mansell and Mr Peck had a consultation, and the Coroner offered to adjourn the Inquest with a view to further consideration. Ultimately Mitchell told the Jury he could tell them no more than they already knew, except that the incident on the tram he took to be another attempt to "rag" him. - The Cause Of Death. - Surgeon-General Thorpe, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 13th. He was in a very drowsy condition, but he could be roused to answer questions. His condition improved considerably at first, then he became more and more drowsy, and could no longer be roused. Paralysis of the left arm and leg were also noticed. He called Surgeon-General Turner into consultation, and an operation was performed; but the patient never recovered and died about 22 hours later, on the 17th March. A post-mortem examination showed that the veins of the brain were dilated, enlarged and congested and one of the veins on the upper surface of the brain had burst. The skull was exceptionally thin, but there was no fracture of the skull or laceration of the brain. There was no sign of any injury or violence to the brain. Haemorrhage of the vein was the sole cause of death. There was nothing to show what caused the rupture. - The Coroner: Have you known any similar instance? - Yes. - And are quarrels settled in this way? - I believe it is the practice. There has only been one other case to my knowledge. - The Coroner: Was the blow sufficient to rupture the vein? - It might be in this case; it would not be so in the case of a normal boy. - But was it sufficient? - I cannot say; it is most unusual for a knock-out blow to do such a thing. In this case it might have been an apoplectic fit. - Were the conditions you found quite consistent with apoplexy? - Yes; apoplexy might be due to emotional causes. - Can you say that the rupture of the brain was directly due to this fight? - No, I cannot. - Would the head coming into contact with the floor account for it? - It might; but it seems from the evidence he only sank back. - Would he have been alive now but for that fight? - Yes, probably. - Mr Peck: Do you think the fall might have caused the rupture equally with the blow? - Yes. - Then I take it the rupture may have occurred afterwards? - Yes. - Surgeon-General George Robertson Turner, who was called into consultation, gave corroborative evidence. - The Coroner On "A Sad Case." - At the conclusion of the evidence the Coroner said this was a sad case - all the sadder because the father of the deceased had only recently returned from the front. The evidence, he thought, revealed a very serious state of affairs. If the Jury were satisfied the blow caused the lad's death they could return a verdict of "Manslaughter" against Mitchell. As regarded Taylor, he told them he authorized and counselled the fight to be continued in the machine shop, and if that was so, Taylor was accessory before the fact. - The Verdict. - After the Coroner and the Jury had consulted for about 20 minutes, the Court was again opened. - The Coroner said the Jury had given this matter very serious consideration, and, having regard to the evidence of Dr Turner, they had come to the conclusion that deceased died from haemorrhage of the brain, and they were satisfied there was no evidence to show what caused the vein to rupture. The Coroner added that they felt a serious and astounding set of facts had been revealed, and if this practice of settling disputes prevailed in naval and military establishments he could only express the very strongest hopes that regulations would be issued to prevent it, because it was absolutely illegal and improper. - Mr Pearce said he would like to say on behalf of COL. and MRS ADDENBROOKE, that they were absolutely convinced that no blame at all was attached to Mitchell. - Capt. Mansell said on behalf of himself and the officers of the college and the cadets he would like to express their great grief at this occurrence. He should like especially to say this on behalf of Mr Mitchell, who unfortunately was one of the principals in this fight. - The Coroner: Have we your assurance that nothing of the kind shall occur again? - Capt. Mansell: I will give orders with that end in view.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 March 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Chief Stoker's Sudden Death. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an inquest at the R.N. Barracks, yesterday on THOMAS ROSEVEAR, chief stoker, R.N. of 20 Ross-street, Morice Town. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, attended. Deceased was discharged from the R.N. Hospital on the 11th inst., after a fortnight's treatment and, according to the evidence, developed a sore throat two days afterwards. The following day he was given seven days' sick leave. Dr E. J. C. Wilson was called in and attended him during the week. At first he was believed to be suffering from tonsillitis and bronchitis, but on the Saturday it was found diphtheria had supervened. Deceased's wife reported the matter to the authorities at the Naval Barracks and Surg. G. W. King saw deceased the same evening. Deceased was then much better, but on Sunday evening he got worse and died early on Monday morning. Death was due to diphtheria. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Friday 24 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - Army Pensioner Found Drowned. - Early yesterday morning P.C. Willcocks, of the Plymouth Borough Police, when on duty near the Promenade Pier, found a body floating near the pier. The body was afterwards identified as that of MONTAGUE CAMERON, aged 67, an army pensioner of Pier-street. At an Inquest, conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, later in the day, ELSIE CHALMERS,, daughter of the deceased, stated that she last saw her father alive at 7.15 on Wednesday night. He was then in his room and in great agony owing to a severe bronchial attack. She had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. - Dr Vawdrey said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner remarked that the complaint would make deceased very depressed. Verdict, "Found Drowned."

PLYMOUTH - Sergeant Shoots Himself. Plymouth Camp Tragedy. - The tragic death of SERGT. RICHARD PATRICK DOHERTY, aged 30, of the East Lancashire Regt., was investigated at Salisbury-road Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. Deceased shot himself with a revolver at the camp where his battalion is stationed, and left the following letter, which was addressed to Sergt. Spencer, a fellow N.C.O: - "Dear Jack, - Say good-bye to all the boys for me. I hope you enjoy the smoker. - Your to the end, Ted." - Evidence of identification was given by Company Q.M.S. Page, who stated that he last saw the deceased alive at 10.15 on Tuesday morning. DOHERTY said, "I'm just going on my last parade," by which witness understood him to mean the last parade of the morning. Deceased did not seem in any way peculiar. About ten minutes late Pte. Robottom shouted out that DOHERTY had shot himself and witness found him lying unconscious on the ground, with a revolver across his chest. Witness helped to bandage the deceased, who was afterwards removed to Salisbury-road Military Hospital. - Capt. H. G. Pinker stated that deceased was admitted to Hospital suffering from a revolver shot wound in the head. Witness operated upon him, but he died in less than three hours. Judging from the direction the bullet had taken the wound could have been self-inflicted. Verdict: "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From A Fish Bone. - At the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, an adjourned Inquest was held on WILLIAM JAMES GILL, stoker, Royal Fleet Reserve, aged 36, who died on the 16th instant. - Arthur Bertram Rowe, stoker petty officer, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on the 11th inst., suffering from a wound in his right little finger, caused by the penetration of a fish bone. He got the bone into the finger while cleaning a fish kettle. He extracted it and the wound bled. Later he scrubbed out the casemate, which was in a dirty state and witness thought he got a germ into the wound. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 March 1916
SOUTH BRENT - South Brent Railway Tragedy. Man Throws Himself in Front Of Train. - An Inquest was held at South Brent yesterday on JOHN WHITE, aged 32, shoemaker, killed on the railway on Wednesday morning. - PTE. JAMES WHITE, stationed at Newbridge, said he could give no reason for the death of the deceased, his brother. Deceased was subjected to fits. - Mrs Bertha Hard, widow, said she had not heard deceased complain, although she knew he was disturbed about his father's death. - Answering Police-Sergt. Beer, witness said she knew deceased had received a military notice calling him to the colours on the 30th inst. - James Addiscott, engine-driver, said he left Exeter with the 8.37 a.m. train for Plymouth. About half a mile from Brent Station he saw a man, whom he thought to be a packer, walking between the rails. Witness blew his whistle. Deceased stopped about 200 yards away, watched the train, and dashed from the up road across the way right in front of the engine. Witness applied his brake and pulled up the train in about half its length and saw the body underneath the end of the third coach. - Inspector Poultney, G.W.R., replying to the Coroner, said deceased must have been trespassing. - John Taylor, chauffeur, said he had known deceased to have fits. Deceased had been much worried over his father's illness and death. On Tuesday morning witness helped to put deceased to bed. He had been out in the night and his mind seemed a blank; all he could remember was about going to Newton. Dr Style said deceased's symptoms pointed to epilepsy. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and expressed sympathy with the deceased's family.

STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Sudden Death. Expired on Torpoint Ferry. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday at the Military Station Hospital, Stoke, on JAMES A. JOHNSON, a private in the West Indies Regt. - Sergt. N. R. M. Murphy said deceased was a native of Jamaica. Deceased had been in camp from Hospital about twelve days, and on Wednesday was meal orderly in the hut occupied by witness. He appeared to be well in the forenoon, but in the afternoon complained of pains in his stomach. He went to the medical inspection room, and, having received some quinine, remained in the hut all the evening. Deceased was no better at 5.30 and subsequently he was put to bed in blankets. In the morning witness found him sitting up in bed uncovered and he said he felt no better. A corporal who gave the medicine did not being to the R.A.M.C. but was a qualified dispenser, formerly of the R.A.M.C., serving in the West Indies Regt. Deceased was 29 years of age. - Surg.-Capt. A. J. Clarke, British West Indies Regt., in medical charge of the troops, said the corporal reported deceased's sickness to witness on Wednesday evening, and witness approved of the treatment. Witness saw deceased on Thursday morning at the camp hospital and found his condition was extremely grave. At the time he was delirious and appeared to be suffering from pneumonia on the left side or bronchial pneumonia of both lungs. Because of the man's condition witness was unable to make a complete examination. He was sent as soon as possible to the Devonport Hospital. From February 10th to March 11th deceased was in Hospital suffering from pneumonia, but witness was not aware of that when his sickness was reported, or he would have at once seen him. The black soldiers were peculiarly susceptible to pneumonia, and as it was deceased's second attack there was little hope of his recovery. The greatest difficulty was that the men were not accustomed to warm and winter clothing and could not understand the need for additional garments in cold weather. - Pte. W. E. Elcock, R.A.M.C., said he accompanied deceased to Devonport in a motor ambulance. When crossing the ferry witness noticed the man was foaming at the mouth and he died just before the ferry reached the Devonport side. - Dr E. L. Preston attributed death to bronchial pneumonia, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes." - The Coroner remarked that it was necessary that the utmost care should be taken of the soldiers from the colonies and dependencies who were fighting for the mother country. He did not think more could have been done in that case under the circumstances.

PLYMOUTH - Death From Lockjaw At Plymouth. - A fall from a hayrick led to the death of JOSEPH CLATWORTHY, aged 53, farm labourer, of Crownhill, on whom an Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday. - SAMUEL JOHN CLATWORTHY, farm labourer, St. Budeaux, said the accident to the deceased, his father, occurred on March 8th. As a result of the fall the deceased cut one of his hands and severely bruised his chest. He was attended by a doctor and on Monday was removed to Hospital. Dr Masschelein, House Surgeon, said the case was hopeless from the first. Death was due to lockjaw, caused by infection in the wound. - Verdict: "Accidental Death." - Mr Percy T. Pearce represented the deceased's employer, Mr Wm. Congdon.

EXETER - Exeter Railway Fatality. Jury's Representation To L. and S.W.R. - An Inquest was held last evening at Exeter on SAMUEL HENRY WARREN, 8, engine-driver, of St Anne's-road, who was killed on the L. and S.W. Railway at Exmouth Junction on Wednesday night. Inspector Walter G. Trump watched the proceedings on behalf of the L. and S.W.R. Co.; Inspector W. Moore (Locomotive Department) and Inspector H. Gillard (Permanent Way Department) also attended. - William P. Cumming, fireman, said deceased and himself, having worked a train down from Salisbury, left the locomotive shed at about 8.15 p.m. and went across the main line to get home. - The Coroner: Are you allowed to cross the line? - No, sir. - there is a notice up, isn't there? - Yes, sir. - And the railway company tells me there is something you have all had to sign? - Yes. - Proceeding, witness said as they were about to cross he noticed that the signal was off for the down train and called the attention of the deceased to it, saying they would have to get across quick. After he had stepped off the up-line he noticed a light engine coming from Queen-street on the up-road. He got across, and not seeing his mate he called and got no reply. The body was then found in the "four-foot." - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said the notices had been up since last November. He did not know whether any steps had been taken to prevent men crossing the line and to his knowledge nobody had been made an example of. - Inspector Trump: If they cross, it is at their own risk? - The Coroner: You can only ask questions with my permission. If the railway company want to be represented they had better employ a solicitor. - William Jeffrey, driver of the light engine, said he noticed nothing amiss until he heard fireman Cumming call. The deceased was lying under the engine. He said the notice spoken of was signed last November and Inspector Trump produced the book containing the deceased's signature. - Dr Brash described the injuries, which indicated that the deceased had been run over by more than one wheel. - The Coroner remarked that the Jury was not concerned with the right of the deceased to be crossing the line; that must be a question for a civil court. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider to the effect that they considered a bridge should be erected over the line for the use of the men getting to and from their homes. It appeared that notwithstanding the notice the men were in the habit of crossing the line at their own risk to get to their homes quickly. They expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Inspector Trump concurred in the expression of sympathy and promised to convey the Jury's representation to the company.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 March 1916
PLYMOUTH - Two Plymouth Boys' Death. Poisoning Due To "Tinned" Milk. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of two brothers, CLAUDE FRANCIS ALGATE, and CHARLES GRAHAM ALGATE, aged 4 years and 7 years respectively, of Prince Rock. - The Coroner remarked that the case was a very sad one and the mother was now dangerously ill. - Louisa Damerell said she last saw deceased, CHARLES, her nephew, alive on Sunday morning. He had been very ill and died before the arrival of Dr Stubbs, who had previously attended him. She also identified the body of CLAUDE, who died on Saturday morning. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said she knew nothing about tinned milk having been given the children. - Dr Travers Stubbs said he was called on Saturday morning, when the boy CLAUDE was dead. He also saw CHARLES, who was dangerously ill. A post-mortem examination on the former showed that death was due to intestinal trouble caused by a poisonous germ. - The Coroner: Do you know how that was brought about? - The only way I can account for it is that "tinned" milk was given the children. - The Coroner said he did not know whether the Jury would require an analysis of the stomach of the children. Personally he did not think it would be of much use. - Dr Stubbs: The mother is now lying ill with the same complaint. Continuing Dr Stubbs said CHARLES was vomiting and had diarrhoea and died on Sunday morning. In his opinion death in each case was due to ptomaine poisoning, brought about by the milk. The father, a sergeant, was with his regiment in Egypt. - The Coroner said it was one of the saddest cases he had ever dealt with. - The Jury returned a verdict "That death was due to Ptomaine Poisoning," and expressed their sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 March 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Ptomaine Poisoning. Little Girl's Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on LEONORA FILEWOOD, aged five, daughter of WILLIAM FILEWOOD, canteen manager, Johnston-terrace, Keyham. - The father said on Saturday morning deceased was in the back yard with him. At 1.30, when they went indoors to dinner, deceased complained of a slight pain in the right side of her neck. Some camphorated oil was rubbed in, and then she sat down to dinner. As deceased commenced to shiver, they thought a cold was coming on, and put her feet in mustard and water, put her to bed and gave her some castor oil. Deceased vomited several times and as her temperature was going up he (the father) fetched Dr Davis. Dr Davis called again at six o'clock and as a result of a consultation, it was decided to call in Dr Wilson Deceased passed away just before five a.m. on Sunday. Deceased had not partaken of any tinned food. Witness added that on the 3rd inst., another daughter, 3 years and 11 months old, died after twenty hours' illness. - The Coroner: Supposing this is a case of ptomaine poisoning, can you account for it in any way? - No. Witness added that the sanitary cart only came around once in eight days. There was a sanitary bin, which was kept not far from the door of the house. It sometimes got full, but witness could not say whether the child ever took anything from it. She had a habit of putting things in her mouth that she picked up. - Dr Davis deposed that with Dr Petherbridge, pathologist, S.D. and E.C. Hospital, he had made a post mortem examination. They came to the conclusion that death was due to ptomaine poisoning. - The Coroner: Is it possible to say to what the ptomaine poisoning was due? - No, I can't say what is the cause. There was no food in the stomach, so that an analysis of the stomach would not help them. - The Coroner remarked that it was one of the saddest cases he had had to deal with, for MR and MRS FILEWOOD had only lost on the 3rd inst. another little girl after a brief illness and it was a great blow to them. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Ptomaine Poisoning," and expressed sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 March 1916
SIDBURY - Fatality At Sidbury. - A sad fatality occurred at Smoke and Fire Inn, Sidbury, on Tuesday morning. ANNIE WHITE, age 48, wife of EDWARD JOHN WHITE, farmer, left the house just before 8 a.m., and was shortly afterwards found by her husband drowned in a pond, from which she had apparently gone to get a pail of waster. It is supposed that she was blown into the pond and was unable to get out. At the inquest yesterday the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Warehouseman Killed Through A Lift Taking Charge. - At Plymouth Homeopathic Hospital yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS WILLIAM PRIDEAUX, aged 54, of Waterloo-street, in the employ of Spooner and Co. Mr Percy T. Pearce represented Spooner and co., and Mr W. E. Harding, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also present. - The Coroner said he gathered that deceased, a warehouseman, was in the lift, when apparently it was carrying a load in excess of its capacity, with the result that the rope jumped the roller, with fatal results. - John Toner Wyatt, warehouseman, said on Monday, at 4.30 p.m., he was working with the goods lift with deceased. The accident happened on the last journey for the day. A load consisting of 4 slate slabs of a billiard table, the weight of which would be about 7 cwt., was placed in the lift. - The Coroner: What was the capacity of the lift? - I do not know. - Have you taken more than 7 cwt. on previous occasions? - I could not say. - Do you think you have taken a heavier weight? - I should say not. In September 1914 the same weight was carried in the lift. - I suppose the lift was periodically inspected? - I have never seen anybody inspecting it. - So you never test it? - No. Continuing, witness said just as the lift was being lowered, it took charge and dropped a distance of about 30 feet. Deceased was the only person inside with the slabs, and the further the lift descended the greater became the velocity. Witness went downstairs and found deceased lying with his legs in the lift and his body on the ground. Being in an unconscious condition , he was removed to the Hospital, after having been seen by a doctor. - The Coroner: There is no regular lift attendant? - No, sir. - Is it worked by hydraulic pressure? - No, by a rope on a pulley. - Have you ever had an accident before? - No, and some hundreds of tons have gone up and down during the last seven years. - The Coroner: What seems curious to me is that there is nobody there to test the thing. - Replying to Mr Harding, witness said it was hard for him to say whether the lift was overloaded or not. - They had taken a grand piano in it. - By Mr Harding: Was the lift provided with a brake? - Yes. - So it was in good order? - I suppose so. - Was there any indication that the hoist was fit to carry? - Not that I know by. - The Coroner: How long has this lift been in existence? - About seven years. - By Mr Pearce: Was the lift in perfect working order that day? - Yes. - Is it a fact you yourself were in it a few minutes before? - Yes. - You were also going down yourself until deceased asked you to get out? - Yes. - Did the rope apparently get off the wheel, or what? - I am sure I cannot say. I could not see any danger. - Did the deceased apply the brake before starting? - Yes, sir, and it is in the same position now. - Did you know the weight of the slabs at that time? - No. - You assumed it was perfectly safe? - Yes, sir. - The Coroner: He would not have wanted to go in it himself if he thought it was not. - Thomas Warren, another warehouseman, said he was carrying the goods to the lift and put the slabs in it. He did not know the carrying capacity of the lift, but he had put in heavy loads before. - The Coroner: You thought the lift was working quite well even with deceased in it as well? - Oh, yes. - Did you see the lift go away? - I was on the top and it dropped all of a sudden. - Recalled, Mr Wyatt, in answer to Mr Harding, said the lift was provided with a safety clutch, but he did not know when it was supposed to act. It did not come into action until the lift reached the bottom. - The Coroner (to Mr Harding): Do you say there is nothing wrong with the lift? - Mr Harding: I cannot give any opinion. Whether the clutch is supposed to come into action when the rope breaks or when the lift exceeds a certain speed I cannot say. - The Coroner said apparently nobody was deputed to look after the lift, which might be in any condition. He thought someone should be told off to see that everything is in working order. - Dr T. Y. Simpson said he attended to the deceased at Messrs. Spooners. He was unconscious, suffering from a fractured skull. His panel doctor, Dr Spencer, arrived shortly afterwards and together they took deceased to the Hospital. A very heavy bar had struck the head, causing laceration of the brain and it was a hopeless case from the first. - A Juror remarked that the clutch must have been out of order, or the lift would have stopped before reaching the bottom. - Answering a member of the Jury, Mr Harding said there was a recommendation that the lifts should be examined, although these places did not come under the regulation. - After retiring for about five minutes, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that some indication should be placed on the lift as to the carrying capacity. - Mr Pearce, on behalf of deceased's employers, expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives and said he would convey the Jury's suggestion to Messrs. Spooner.

MULLION, CORNWALL - Oreston Man's Death At Mullion. - At Mullion on Tuesday Mr E. Boase, Coroner, held an Inquest on WILLIAM CARTER, aged 37, of Main-terrace, Oreston, Plymouth, engineer's skilled labourer, who died as the result of an accident. - William John Dare, skilled labourer, of Oreston, said on Saturday afternoon he was engaged with deceased and others in raising three baulks of timber. Underneath they had a jack of three-ton lifting power, with wood blocks. The blocks were on the ground which was wet and slippery, and the blocks slipped and the baulks fell. At the time CARTER and another man were lowering the jack for another hoist and one of the baulks struck deceased and knocked him down. - William Henry Trevithick, engineer foreman, said he told the men what to do and he considered the job safe. He had noticed the wet condition of the ground and the possibility of the blocks slipping had not occurred to him. Deceased and the others were competent workmen. - Evidence was also given by Mr A. Gilpin, of Bonython House, Cury, engineer-in-charge. - Dr Bunbury said death resulted from shock and internal injuries. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 31 March 1916
YELVERTON - Plymouth Lady's Death. The Tragedy Of A Level-Crossing Near Yelverton. - At Yelverton Railway Station yesterday, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of GERTRUDE MARY CHELLEW, aged 40, daughter of MR CHELLEW, of Instow, Queen's-road, Plymouth, which was found on the railway line near Yelverton Station on Wednesday morning. - Fredk. Jno. Kernick, warehouseman, of Carmarthen-road, Plymouth, said deceased was his sister-in-law, aged 40 and a spinster. She was employed as telegraphist in Plymouth Post Office and had been in the service 23 years. She had not been well for some weeks and was under Dr Clay's treatment. A long rest was advised but deceased, though she could have had a month's holiday, stuck to her work. On Tuesday she had luncheon as usual at home and left with the intention of spending the afternoon at Yelverton in search of rooms for a holiday. She knew the district well, having been frequently there. - The Coroner: Have you been able to find any writing or anything else to throw light upon this matter? - None whatever. - The Coroner: No love affairs? - I never heard of any. She had been low-spirited at times. There was nothing in her life, save ill-health, to upset her. She had followed her work regularly, and lived with her parents. - Miss Annie Williams, of Clearbrook, said on Tuesday deceased called at her house at 4.45 p.m. about rooms. She had known deceased for two years and asked her to stay to tea, which she did. She did not take the rooms, but said she would write. She left about 5.45 for Yelverton Station to catch the 8.37 p.m. for Plymouth. There had been a snowstorm, and being afraid it was coming on again, she left early, before dark, so that she might get back safely to the Station. She seemed bright and cheerful. She was familiar with the way through the wood; but did not like to go through in the dark. She (witness) had walked through with her sometimes. She understood, however, that this evening she was going round by the Meavy road, and had plenty of time to do it by daylight. Her sight was good and she told witness she had come by the 4 o'clock motor, and walked down. - The Coroner: Did she complain of her health? - She said she was suffering from insomnia. - Body On The Metals. - James Barons, postman, Yelverton, said he was on his round on Wednesday morning about 6.25. When passing over the level crossing below Yelverton Station he saw the body about 50 ft. down in the direction of Plymouth, just opposite the stile leading into the wood. It was between the metals on the permanent way. An umbrella was outside the rail, partly open, and a gold bracelet and a bag. - Thos. Matthews, engine driver, in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, and the driver of the 8.20 p.m. train from Tavistock, said he observed nothing unusual between Yelverton and Plymouth. On examining the engine, however, at Plymouth, he noticed a little flesh and some spots of blood at the back of the left buffer, and reported the incident. He should think deceased was walking towards the Station between the metals when struck. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said he always sounded the whilst at the crossing. The weather was fine and the wind had dropped. - Chief Inspector Poultney, of Plymouth, in reply to the inquiry of the Coroner, said they could see 170 yards down the line at this point. - P.S. Jno. Edward Screech, Yelverton, said he received the body at about 9 a.m. He searched and found a letter addressed to MISS G. CHELLEW, P.O. Telegraphist, Plymouth; a purse containing 8s. 11 ½d., two bracelets, a bunch of keys, a handbag and a return half-ticket between Yelverton and Plymouth, dated March 28th. Two rings were on the middle finger of the left hand, and in the pocket of a mackintosh some sandwiches and biscuits. The right leg was about 70 yards in the direction of Plymouth and the head about 33 ft. in the same direction on the right bank of the line. - The Coroner: That disposes of the theory that she was struck by the outward train. - No Need To Walk On The Line. - Witness, in reply to the Coroner, said the path from the wood stile to the level was perfectly good, and safe if kept to and the crossing was also good. - The Coroner: There is no inducement to leave the pathway to go into the middle of the metals? - None at all. - And in the holiday season it is used considerably? - Yes, sir. I would rather walk in there than on the metals any day. Witness added that he had received no complaints in regard to the crossing. - Mr Kernick: Do visitors frequently walk on the way between the metals? - Yes. - Mr Kernick: In preference to the sidewalk? - Oh, yes, I quite agree. - Miss Williams: After rain the roadway is very slippery. - The Coroner: There is absolutely no one who saw her there? - Witness: No, sir. - The Coroner: No evidence to satisfy the Jury whether it was accidental or not? - No, sir. - In reply to the Coroner, Inspector Poultney said he never heard of an accident having previously happened at the crossing. - Plymouth Postmaster's Testimony. - The Coroner asked Mr Leonard Jones, head postmaster at Plymouth, if he knew of anything connected with deceased's work to be complained of. - Mr Jones said there was not. He could very strongly bear testimony to her work and disposition. She had been in the service 23 years, 14 of which were spent at Plymouth head office. She had had an exceptionally good record as regarded health. For the past four years, until this year, she had had only four days' sickness. In January she was away 13 days through neurasthenia, debility and insomnia, as certified by the P.O. Medical Officer. She had then six days' holiday. He considered her one of the most level-head, strong-willed women he had in the service. She could not be disturbed or flurried in her work, in which she took an exceptional interest, and appeared to be very happy in it. Her record for the long period of her service was perfectly clear. - The Coroner: And there was nothing in her work likely to have upset her? - Not even of the most minor character - nothing to cause her either worry or anxiety. She was well liked by all her colleagues, was one of the most friendly girls in the office and her death is a bad loss to the service. - Coroner And Level Crossing. - The coroner said they had listened with deep regret to the sad evidence and sympathised with MR and MRS CHELLEW and family in their bereavement. The evidence, in his opinion, pointed to accident. The conduct of the deceased, when with Miss Williams, was quite of her usual kind - bright and cheerful - and she had a return ticket to Plymouth. The whole of the circumstances seemed to point, in his opinion, to an accident. There was, however, no direct evidence. She was well acquainted with the district and the level crossing, which, to his mind, was quite safe, as level crossings went, though, personally, he disliked them. This ne, if properly used, was, however, perfectly safe, from his own experience, but he felt, in the absence of any direct evidence to the effect that it was an accident, they ought not to assume it was so, but return an Open Verdict of "Found Dead." Mr Lewis (the Foreman of the Jury) informed him that negotiations had been going on between the Great Western Railway Company and the Parish Council with a view to doing away with the crossing; that the negotiations were practically complete and only required the authority of the Devon Quarter Sessions. Whilst he did not suggest in any way it was an unsound crossing, as a public official he welcomed, nevertheless, the idea of its being done away with, and he hoped the negotiations would be submitted to the Quarter Sessions at the earliest possible moment. - The Jury agreed with the coroner, and brought in a verdict of "Found Dead." - Both the Foreman of the Jury, Chief Inspector Poultney and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the family and the father of deceased. MR CHELLEW, who was very much affected, thanked all for their kind expressions.

ISLINGTON, LONDON - Dawlish Nurse's Suicide. - An Inquiry was held at Islington, London, yesterday, concerning the death of SUSAN ANN BOYER, 55, spinster, a nurse, whose home was at Dawlish. - The evidence showed that she had had a nervous breakdown and went to London in August last on a visit to a brother at Holloway. Her health improved under treatment, but she had a relapse about Christmas, and since then had been very depressed and miserable. MISS BOYER worried a good deal because she was under the impression she would not be able to resume her profession and dreaded returning to Dawlish as she feared people would say she was lazy. On Saturday she heard that the application for exemption of a nephew, of whom she was very fond, had been refused. This greatly upset her, and she exclaimed, "How can I live without him?" Before retiring to rest on Saturday she complained of pains in her head, but next morning she appeared to be in her normal state. An hour later she was found dead on the floor with her mouth over the gas ring. - Verdict: "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Captain's Suicide. Tragedy At Devonport: The Worries Of The War. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, opened an inquest at the North Yard last evening on ROBERT HENRY MCNEILL, aged 53, captain of an Admiralty transport, who is believed to have shot himself in the vessel at noon yesterday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Chief Inspector Albert Keys, Metropolitan Police, said deceased was married and his home was at Carrickfergus, near Belfast. - Deceased was absent from lunch yesterday and his steward boy went to his room for orders. He was not in his room, and the boy found the door of the chart-room on deck locked. The steward looked through the port-hole and saw blood splashed about the room. He gave information, and the door of the chart-room was forced. Deceased was found lying on his face on the floor with a ship's rifle beside him. Life was extinct. The captain had had an anxious, worrying time at sea. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South said the injuries were evidently inflicted by a gunshot and death must have been instantaneous. - Harry G. Symonds, clerk to Weekes, Phillips and Co., shipping agents, said he saw deceased at 11.30 that morning, and found him apparently well, but looking rather worried. Witness had heard of no friction. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," the Coroner expressing the opinion that deceased was one of the victims of the war and he had not the slightest doubt that he had had a worrying time at sea, which had preyed upon his mind. The fact that he was about to leave again for another port caused him in his highly-strung condition to commit the act, feeling probably that he could not stand the worries of another voyage. He (the Coroner) wished to express his great appreciation of the services of Chief Inspector Keys, who had acted with great promptitude, and by going on board had helped them very considerably in arriving at a proper result.

STOKE DAMEREL - Oreston Man Drowned. Sinking Of A Lighter: Tragedy Of Gale On February 14th. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest at the North Dockyard yesterday on JOHN HENRY CARDER, a lighterman, who was missed after a lighter was sunk alongside the Dockyard on February 14th. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - ISAAC P. CARDER, mariner, Oreston, said deceased was 25 years of age and was employed at the company's timber yard, Oreston, and as a lighterman. He was not married, and lived with witness at Oreston. - William O'Brien, Duke-street, Devonport, said he was master of a coaling craft and on Wednesday, at No. 6 wharf, saw the body floating by. It was recovered. - George J. West, lighterman, Oreston, said deceased and he worked on the same lighter. On the night of February 14th the lighter was lying outside of No. 5 berth alongside a transport berthed at the jetty. Witness left the lighter that evening at 6.30 and deceased was then on board. There were only the two of them in the craft, and one was always on board of her. At 7 the next morning witness returned and found the lighter had disappeared. He went to the chief officer of the transport and asked whether the lighter had been taken away. The chief officer said he did not know, but it was there all secure at 10.30 the previous night. Witness then called the watchman of the transport, and he knew nothing about the lighter after 10.30 p.m. He pointed out to the chief officer that the lighter's ropes were hanging loosely outside the transport. Witness then reported to the Police. He had seen the lighter since it had been recovered and taken back to Oreston. Witness acted as skipper of the lighter. Those on board the transport heard no cry for help, but a terrific gale blew that night. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South said death was due to drowning. - Lieut. R. Lyons, master rigger, said the lighter was raised on February 29th. - P.S. Saunders, Metropolitan Police, said the body when recovered was fully dressed and wearing oilskins. - The Coroner said they could safely assume that deceased was on deck when the lighter went down, and that if he called for help his cries could not be heard. - The Jury found that "Deceased was Accidentally Drowned, and that nobody was to blame." - Sympathy with the relatives was expressed.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 April 1916
TOTNES - Diptford Man's Suicide. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Totnes Workhouse on Saturday on WILLIAM H. CHUDLEY, aged 53, single, of Diptford, who was found on March 21st with his throat cut. - Deceased's brother, a Harberton farmer, said deceased had nothing to worry him. Witness asked him why he committed the act, and he replied that he had pains in his head and he felt he had to do it. - William Lister, of Higher Coombe, Diptford, said on March 21st he called to see deceased. He found him sitting on the floor of the kitchen, with his back against the wall. Witness knew deceased had not been well. - P.C. Mitchell stated that deceased told him, "This is a bad job; I did it myself. I have suffered pains in the back of my head for the past fortnight." Dr W. R. Edmond said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on March 23rd. Septic poisoning subsequently set in and the man died on April 6th. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1916
PLYMOUTH - Recruit's Death At Crownhill. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an inquest yesterday at Crownhill Fort, on PTE. L. WATKINS, aged 39, whose death took place on Monday. - Pte. C. Arberry said deceased was a single man, of Fishpond, near Bristol. He had been in the service a week and on Monday, at about 9 a.m., fell-in with the company at the barracks and marched to the fort to get tools. As the company lined up on the parade-ground deceased suddenly collapsed and fell to the ground dead. - Dr S. E. McClatchey said when he was called life was extinct. Death was due to a rupture of the right ventricle of the heart, and as there was fatty degeneration, death might have been caused by the marching. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 April 1916
PLYMOUTH - Two Plymouth Boys Drowned. The Lure Of Sutton Pool. - An Inquest was held last evening at Plymouth Mortuary by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on JOHN NICHOLAS JOHNSON, aged 5, son of Petty Officer JOHNSON, of 8 Milton-street, Plymouth; and JAMES SANDERS, aged 6, son of WILLIAM RICHARD SANDERS, stoker, R.N., 18 Milton-street. - W. Blackett, coal porter, said he saw the bodies in the water at North Quay, near the horse-wash, at about 5.30 p.m., with their heads down and apparently dead. He took the bodies out and sent for the Police and a doctor. - John Henry Williams, sawyer, 14 Vauxhall-street, said he saw the children at 5.25 on the quay steps playing. Two boys about the same age were looking on. The deceased were throwing something into the water, and he heard one say, "Let us throw it up the horse-wash." They were arm-in-arm leaning over the steps. - Dr Clarke said artificial respiration was tried for an hour, with no result, by himself, Dr Palmer and the Police. Death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 April 1916
BRATTON FLEMING - At Bratton Fleming yesterday Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on CHARLES DOWDLE, labourer, whose body was found in a linhay on Bratton Down by Henry Sanders, who had gone there to shelter from a storm. Deceased, a native of Barnstaple, aged 60, had slept mostly in linhays, having no home. He was not married, and latterly had complained of feeling ill. P.C. Olding, of Bratton Fleming, said deceased was lying face downwards in the linhay on the bare ground. He was naked, except for an overcoat, which was only covering the lower part of his legs. His clothes were found in the linhay behind him. Dr Manning, of Barnstaple, said the cause of death was pleurisy and pneumonia. He thought the man had been dead two or three days. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXETER - Exeter Husband Censured. Wife's Suicide Brought About By Worry. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on MRS MARY ANN PAUL, aged 42, wife of ARCHIBALD PAUL, house decorator, 14 Paris-street, Exeter, who died from the effects of poisoning on Saturday night. - The husband said he was not aware that the deceased had had any worry of late, or that she was short of money, or had previously threatened to take her life. He could not account for her taking poison. - The evidence of the children was that at about seven o'clock on Saturday morning MRS PAUL called her daughter, MAUD, to whom she said she had taken spirits of salts. When asked why she did it, she said, "It's all for the best." - MAUD PAUL said deceased had been very depressed of late. Her mother would not have complained to anybody, even if she had thought her husband was neglecting the business. Pressed by a Juryman, she said that for a considerable time her mother had had trouble with her father. - Detective Sergeant Hill said he went to the house on Saturday morning at nine o'clock and found the husband muddled with drink. He did not teat the matter at all seriously. On Saturday evening he was told that MR PAUL had threatened to do away with the children and himself, and he went to the house, where he found MR PAUL sitting on the sofa smoking a cigar. He had been drinking heavily. Dr Pereira said the deceased had told him she took the poison because she was worried. The business was gone and she was penniless. As he left the house he met MR PAUL, who had apparently been drinking. - After this evidence MR PAUL was asked whether he had anything to say, and whether he was still of opinion that his wife had nothing to worry about. His reply was, "She had no worry. She might have imagined worry." - The Coroner: You don't think your being drunk at seven o'clock in the morning would worry her? - I was not drunk. - Well you were stale drunk, the effects of overnight drinking had not passed off. - The Jury returned a verdict that the deceased Committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane, brought on by the worry she had had. They also asked the Coroner to censure the husband and expressed sympathy with the children. - The Coroner said he agreed with the verdict and the Jury's opinion of the husband. - MR PAUL: What evidence is there against me? - The Coroner: There is plenty of evidence. Why were you threatening your children? Why did the Police have to come at half-past ten at night, while your wife was lying dead? You were unmanly enough and cowardly enough to threaten your children. If you are not ashamed, you ought to be. If you have any proper feeling left, you will regret this to the end of your days. - The Foreman of the Jury said the majority of them had known MRS PAUL for years and had the greatest respect for her.

STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier Drowned. Comrade's Plucky Attempted Rescue. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on PTE. HENRY E. BRYAN, aged 22, a native of St Catherine's, Jamaica, who volunteered for service during the war, and who was drowned on the 7th int., off Pottery Quay, Devonport. - Pte. A. Hack said he accompanied deceased to Pottery Quay shortly before ten o'clock on the night in question. As the steamer was leaving witness ran forward and jumped from the pontoon, just reaching the deck. Deceased followed, but missed his footing. Witness got hold of one of deceased's sleeves, and whilst he held him they both shouted for help Witness was unable to retain his hold and let deceased go. The steamer's engines were stopped, but the vessel got some distance away from where deceased fell before it could be brought up. Lifebuoys were thrown and a man jumped overboard after deceased, whilst the steamer patrolled for fifteen minutes in search before crossing to Torpoint. Deceased was sober. Witness and deceased ran down the road to the pontoon. There were about twenty people on board the steamer, but they were at the opposite end of the vessel. Witness was supporting deceased's whole weight, but he was rather weak at the time and could not stand the strain. After deceased first went down he appeared again on the surface and shouted for help. Deceased was fully 14 stone in weight. - Pte. H. A. Patterson, of the same regiment as deceased, said that when he heard the cry of "Man overboard," and a cry from the water, he took off his tunic, boots and cap and dived into the water in the direction whence the cries came. Just as witness rose to the surface after his dive he saw deceased go down for the last time. He dived again to try to get hold of him without taking in more air, and felt the man, but as he had no wind to continue the dive he had to return to the surface. Witness again dived, but could not find any trace of the body. He got very cold and returned towards the steamer, aboard of which he had to be assisted by a pole, as cramp had developed in both legs. Witness did not know at the time that deceased belonged to his own regiment. Mr Burns, a Torpoint resident, accommodated witness for the night and dried his clothing. Witness suffered from chronic bronchitis and was also a native of Jamaica. He did not know deceased. - William Seeley, of Torpoint, skipper of the steamboat Volta, said that whilst the vessel was being stopped five life-buoys were thrown into the water, but witness did not see deceased. There was a six-mile current running at the time, and an ebb tide. Witness thought it was more by luck than anything else that Patterson was rescued. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to drowning and a verdict was returned accordingly. - Major Ogilvie said deceased was unmarried. He was a very respectable man and had a clean conduct sheet. Deceased would have been late in camp if he missed the steamer. A Jamaica newspaper had been received in camp since the fatality containing a letter written by deceased to his mother. Deceased described Plymouth as a fine place, and concluded by saying he expected before long to meet his mother in heaven. The attempt to rescue deceased was a very gallant act by Pte. Patterson and had been reported - Inspector Maddeford, Metropolitan Police, said he had reported Pte. Patterson's performance to the colonel of the regiment and the Commissioner of Police, by whom it had been conveyed to the Royal Humane Society. - The Coroner expressed appreciation of Pte. Patterson's act and offered to back up any recommendation of his conduct to the society. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," concurred in the Coroner's views.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 April 1916
ILFRACOMBE - An Inquest was held yesterday at Tyrrell Cottage Hospital, Ilfracombe, on RICHARD CRICK, aged 68, pensioner, who had been acting as caretaker of Bicclescombe Park and the Cairn. Oscar Pollet, a Belgian, at present residing at Ilfracombe, said he found the body near an outhouse in the park on Monday. The man was quite dead. Dr Alfred Gardner said the cause of death was cardiac syncope, due to degeneration of the heart muscle. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 April 1916
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday on WILLIAM COOPER, aged 58, army pensioner, 3 Efford-cottages, Laira, Plymouth, who died suddenly at Millbay Station on Thursday. Dr Parsloe said death was due to heart failure. Verdict accordingly. Chief Inspector Poulteney represented the G.W. Railway Company.

PLYMOUTH - Killed By A Motor Car. Lady's Death At Plymouth. - An Inquest on MISS MARY ANN COLLIER, aged 71, of 13 Leigham-terrace, Plymouth, who was knocked down by a motor car on Thursday and died in the S.D. and E.C. Hospital later, was held before Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, at the Hospital on Saturday. - Arthur Collings, carrier, of Barton-crescent, who gave evidence of identification said MISS COLLIER was not in the least defective as regarded sight and hearing. William Henry Searle, 6 Union-place, horse driver for Underwood and Co., said between 3.30 and 4 p.m. he saw a motor car being driven by a young lady towards the Citadel, along the wide road in front of Leigham-terrace. There was a young man sitting by the driver. An elderly lady left the pavement on the Leigham-terrace side, and took a left-inclined walk across the road. She did not appear to see the car and walked right into it. The car was proceeding at about five miles per hour and the horn was sounded several times and there was no other vehicular traffic on it at the time. The car was on its proper side of the road and about three yards from the kerb. The driver of the car seemed flurried. Witness expected deceased to walk behind the car. - Albert Edward Martin, motor mechanic, 19 Widey-view, Compton, said he was instructing Daisy Matthews in motor driving. The car was a 12-16 h.p. Darracq with a foot throttle. - The Coroner: That is a difficult car to teach anyone with. - Witness did not see deceased until she was just on the car, but the horn was sounded four or five times. The driver took her foot off the throttle, pushed the clutch out of gear, and applied the foot brake. The car stopped in about its own length. - Daisy Matthews, dressmaker of Fore-street, Torpoint, said she was receiving instruction with the object of becoming a motor driver. She had had about eight lessons on the road. She did not see deceased until she was near the car, when she blew the horn, put the clutch down and applied the foot brake. Deceased did not stop and the car knocked her down and went over her. - Dr Margaret K. J. Wright, House Physician at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital in the evening, suffering from bruises to the arms and legs, and injuries to the head, including cuts. She was unconscious and died from shock an hour later. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 April 1916
PLYMOUTH - At Mutley, Plymouth, yesterday, a Coroner's Jury found that MARY JANE GARDENER, widow, of West Hill-road, died by misadventure. Mrs E. H. Goodman said deceased, her sister, was found on Friday morning lying on the couch unconscious with the room full of gas. There was a gas ring in the room and witness was of opinion that deceased turned on the gas and was taken ill before she could light it. Dr Wilkinson found that death was due to gas poisoning. He had been attending deceased for nervous breakdown and heart trouble.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 May 1916
EXETER - After hearing further evidence, on Exeter Coroner's Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in the case of the seven weeks old baby of the wife of PTE A. M. PAGE, R.G.A., Swansea. The Inquest had been adjourned because it was alleged the child died from improper feeding.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 May 1916
EXETER - Motor Fatality At Exeter. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday concerning the death of WILLIAM HENRY GIBBINGS, 6, of Market-street, who was knocked down and killed by a motor car on Exe Bridge on Saturday. - The evidence was that the boy was playing in the streets, and about half-past three was seen by Ernest Petheridge suddenly to run off the path into the roadway. The car, which was only travelling at about five miles an hour, struck him, knocked him down and passed over him. The boy was going across the road diagonally almost with his back to the car. - This evidence was corroborated by William Giles, another bystander (who also agreed that the hooter of the car was sounded) and P.C. Bishop. - George Walpole, the driver of the car, which is owned by Mr C. W. Evans, a London visitor to Paignton, said he stopped and swerved to avoid the child. - Major W. A. Spencer, Wandsworth Common, one of the occupants of the car, also gave evidence, and expressed sympathy with the parents of the boy. - Dr Domville said the child was practically dead when he reached the Hospital. Verdict: "Accidental Death," the chauffeur being exonerated from blame.

TAWSTOCK - North Devon Tragedy. Killed By Overturned Cart. - Dr Ellis Pearson, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Tawstock, near Barnstaple, yesterday, on ARTHUR SMALLCORN, farm workman, found dead in Burring-lane, Fremington, late on Friday night, with an overturned cart near by, deceased being pinned against the hedge by a farm implement which had been in the cart. Deceased had been working at Fremington during the day, and left to return to Nottistone Farm about 9.15 p.m., being perfectly sober. He had no lights and the theory advanced by the Deputy Coroner was that in the dark he took a corner in the lane - which was a very nasty, twisting one - a little short, and ran his cart on to the bank and it overturned. Very likely if he had had lights he might have seen his way a little better and the accident might not have happened. Apparently the reason he had no lights was that he ought to have obtained lights before starting home. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr J. Dullam, said it was not often that a man stayed as late as deceased did. - Geo. A. Smith, landlord of the New Inn, Fremington, for whom deceased had been working during the day, said SMALLCORN stayed on a little later than his usual time out of kindness to him. Lamps were offered to him when he left, but he said he should be all right. - Dr Lemarchand, of Barnstaple, said death resulted from injuries caused by being crushed by the farm implement and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 May 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Baker's Death. Caused By A Blow In The Eye. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES GALSWORTHY, 49, journeyman baker, living in Prospect-street, and employed by Matthews and Sons, Limited. Mr Percy T. Pearce, instructed by the Amalgamated Union of Bakers and Confectioners, watched the case on behalf of the widow. MRS GALSWORTHY stated that her husband told her that on Friday, while sweeping out the bake-house, the handle of the broom broke and the splintered end struck him in the eye when he turned round to resume the sweeping after having spoken to the foreman. - James Torr, foreman of the bakehouse, said the handle of the broom did not break. As deceased was sweeping he hit his back against the handle of a small machine which was behind him, and in the act of turning to see the cause of this blow brought the handle of the broom against his eye. He continued to work until recommended by witness to go home as his eye was getting worse. He resumed the next day. - Dr Blades deposed that when he saw deceased on Saturday night he was in a semi-comatose condition, his face was swollen and inflamed and both eyes were badly discoloured. He died on Wednesday from pneumonia following septic cellulitis, caused by the blow in the eye. - Mr C. H. Page, manager, expressed sympathy on behalf of the firm and a member of the trades union, on behalf of the workmen.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 May 1916
ILFRACOMBE - Fatal Burns At Ilfracombe. - On Saturday Dr Ellis Pearson held an Inquest on MRS MATILDA HARRISON, aged 71, the widow of MR A. HARRISON, a Metropolitan Police pensioner. - ADA HARRISON said her mother had been confined to her bed for some months. On Thursday afternoon, feeling unwell, she left her mother about five minutes to get brandy. Upon returning she found her out of bed kneeling by the fire and her flannelette nightdress in flames. - Emily Wybron, a neighbour, said on Thursday on being called to MRS HARRISON'S house, she found her sitting on the bed; the nightdress was still smouldering. She pulled it off. Her daughter was lying on the bed in a state of collapse. She was not then under the influence of drink. William Shore, landlord of the Wellington Arms, said MISS HARRISON came to his house about 5.30 p.m. on Thursday for brandy. He at first refused as she had no money, but when she said her mother was ill he let her have it. She was quite sober. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PAIGNTON - Death By Poison At Paignton. - Mr T. Edmunds held an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday on OLIVE GERTRUDE HANNAFORD, aged 25. - MRS HANNAFORD said her daughter was employed at Paxman's Dye Works, Torbay-road. She had shown no signs of depression. She had formerly corresponded with a young man at the front, but had not worried because his letters had ceased. - Charles Beer, who resides next door to Paxman's said soon after she returned from dinner, MISS HANNAFORD asked for a glass of warm water, as she often did and took it away in a glass she had brought. Soon afterwards she was sick. While her sister went to her he fetched a doctor. - Miss Constance Beer said the girl's manner was cheerful when she took away the water. Afterwards she complained of burning pains in her stomach, but did not say she had taken anything. - P.C. Slee said on visiting the house with Sergt. Martin the girl was dead. In the wastepaper box the sergeant found a piece of paper which contained a white powder and in the lumber-room was the glass, which had contained a white powder. The money found in the cash box balanced with the cash book. - Dr Dunstan, who had made a post mortem examination, said death was due to an irritant poison. - The Police stated that a boy bought salts of lemon from a chemist's shop for MISS HANNAFORD, but the slats were used by her for cleaning purposes. - Wilfred Turner, chemist at Dellers (Limited), said he served a boy with two three-penny packets of salts of lemon on Friday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," and added a rider that restriction should be placed on the sale of such poison.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 May 1916
EXETER - Exeter Boy Drowned. - Exeter Boy Drowned. - At the Inquest yesterday on MORRIS WHITE, aged 10, of Polsloe-road, Exeter, who was found in the pond in Sampson's brickyard, a verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned. The boy left home to go to school, and, although the occurrence was not seen by anyone, presumably fell into the pond while playing. The pond is on private property and Mr Bradbeer, secretary of the company, said that although they had had it fenced boys had broken the fence down.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 May 1916
TORQUAY - Death Of A Torquay Visitor. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on THOMAS CULLEN, aged 46, manager of Fulton, Dunlop and Co's. wine and spirit stores, Cardiff. Deceased came to Torquay on a short visit on Thursday, staying at a boarding house in Belgrave-road. He had been unwell for two months, having had two fits which his wife believed to be due to epilepsy. He got better, but, after arriving at Torquay he was seized with sickness and pains in the head. Dr Spong was called in on Friday afternoon. Deceased never rallied and died the same evening. The body was removed to the Mortuary. - The Coroner pointed out that this was done without any medical certificate being given. - The widow explained that she acted in ignorance and was leaving all the arrangements to her husband's brother, to whom she had wired. - The Coroner said it was illegal to remove a body without either a doctor's certificate or his (the Coroner's) order, adding that if this were permitted no end of crimes might be undiscovered. - Dr Spong said death was due to a large abscess in the brain bursting and which had probably been in existence for two months. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 May 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Dockyard Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District coroner, held an inquest at the South Dockyard yesterday on EDWARD SAMUEL JEWELLS, 43, labourer, of 33 Duke-street, who was killed at the yard on Monday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty, Mr W. H. Sloman, the widow, and Mr J. W. L. Oliver, naval store officer, watched the proceedings. - William E. Cowley, chargeman of labourers, said that on the previous afternoon he was employed unloading a steamer lying at a buoy. Deceased's duty was to attend the hatchway and shout when a hoist was ready to be lowered into a lighter alongside. He had to move along the deck a few yards and tell the winchman, whom he could see, to "Slack Away." When deceased went to see if those on the lighter were ready, and after he had shouted "All right," he was caught on the side of the head by the hoist and crushed against the stanchion. Deceased had had many years' experience. He had been previously standing out of danger on the fore side of the stanchion when watching a load being lowered, but for some reason witness could not explain he on that occasion put his head road on the after-side of the stanchion. The winches were immediately stopped, and the ship's doctor was on the spot very quickly, but found that life was extinct. - By Mr Sloman: Witness was not in the hold at the time of the accident, but standing on the hatchway passing on signals to deceased for the loads to be taken along and over the side. Witness's duty was to see that everything was in perfect order and he saw that everything was done properly. It was not true that they were all in a great hurry and he had not heard of men earning from £10 to £14 per week. They did not work too fast and they could not work more slowly. The work was systematically carried out and the accident had nothing to do with the method of working. - Fleet-Surg. William Hackett, R.N., said he found deceased had sustained a very deep wound five inches long on the right side of the neck. He must have bled to death in a very short time. Death was due to haemorrhage through an artery being ruptured. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner remarking that there was no evidence of carelessness or of working at a high pressure that might produce carelessness.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1916
PLYMOUTH - MRS SARAH E. COLE, housekeeper to Dr Stubbs, Embankment-road, Plymouth, fell on April 2nd when going to bed and fractured her thigh. S he died yesterday morning from heart failure, accelerated by the mishap. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 May 1916
PLYMOUTH - Royal Marine's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on PTE. JOHN THOMAS HOCKADAY, aged 44, R.M.L.I., of H.M.S. Impregnable. Mr K. E. Peck appeared for the Admiralty. - Mrs Down, Colwell Farm, Egg Buckland, said HOCKADAY came to the farm on Wednesday, and after tea he took a pony into the field and saddled it. Soon afterwards she saw the pony running about wildly without a rider. Going out, she found HOCKADAY lying on his back in the yard, unconscious. The pony was partially broken in. - Medical evidence showed that the man had a fracture at the base of the skull and died on Wednesday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 May 1916
TOPSHAM - Topsham Lad Drowned. - At Topsham an Inquest was held yesterday on SAMUEL J. TOZER, aged nine. He had been living with his grandmother at Topsham and was the son of the late SAMUEL TOZER of Great Missenden, near Chesham, a farmer. - Mrs Cann, the boy's aunt, said he was playing with her boy until 7.30. Just after that he was missed. Neither of her boys saw him after that. - P.C. Rowland searched the River Clyst without avail until Tuesday, when in a boat he saw the body floating about 300 yards from the farm. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

LAPFORD - Suicide At Lapford. - An Inquest was held at Lapford yesterday on WILLIAM STONEMAN, aged 72, a miller, who resided with his daughter, the postmistress of Lapford. - MISS STONEMAN said her father was greatly depressed lately, especially since her brother had received notice to join the army. A year ago he attempted suicide and was in the county asylum for a few months. At four o'clock that morning he was found on his bedroom floor with his throat cut, the wound having evidently been inflicted with a razor. - Verdict, "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 May 1916
TOPSHAM - Topsham Motor Fatality. Driver Who Lost His Nerve When Car Knocked Down A Lad. - An Inquest was held at Topsham yesterday on REGINALD WILLIAM HAWKINGS, aged 14, son of a farm labourer of Woodbury, who was killed by a motor car, driven by Mr Leonard Hamlin, of Exeter, on Thursday. Mr S. Andrew (Exeter) appeared for Mr Hamlin, Mr A. M. Alford for the parents of the deceased and Supt. Buchanan watched the proceedings for the chief constable of Devon. - Mr Leonard Hamlin, who volunteered to give evidence, said at 11.25 on Thursday morning he was motoring from Lympstone to Exeter and as he passed Mr Ryne's gardens at Seabrook he saw a wagon in the middle of the road ahead of him. He sounded his whistle and then sounded his horn. to indicate that he was about to pass the wagon. Just as he reached the wagon the deceased jumped off it right in front of the car and he could not avoid knocking him down. - Replying to the Coroner, he said the car was travelling at about ten miles an hour and the car struck the deceased before he actually alighted on the ground. - After the boy was knocked down what did you do? - I admit, sir, I lost my nerve and drove on to Exeter. I reported it to the City Police. - The witness said he also made a report to the County Police, in which he stated that he knew he struck the boy, but had not nerve enough to stop. He was alone in the car and did not stop until he reached the City Police Station. He was extremely sorry this happened and that he did not stop. He had only just come out after suffering rheumatic gout for two months, and was still under the doctor. - The Coroner: Do you realise now that you ought to have stopped? - Yes, sir, certainly; but I could not help myself, I really could not. - Mr Alford: You will be surprised to hear that the driver says he did not hear your horn? - I should, unless he is deaf. - You would not expect the boy to jump off the wagon without looking behind if he had heard the horn? - No, sir. - Replying to Mr Andrew, the witness said the boy took a flying leap right in front of the radiator. - Did you know he was killed? - I did. - Had you the thought in your mind that if you stopped o good could be done? - I had. - I believe it is your wish to pay any expense the family are put to in connection with the matter? - Certainly; I will do anything I can. - Joseph Bamsey, hawker, and driver of the wagon upon which the deceased was riding, said they were both riding on the front. He did not notice the boy jump or fall off. He first realised that the boy had gone when, hearing a strange sound, he looked round and saw a motor pass the wagon "as hard as it could go." He saw the boy lying in the road. He did not hear any warning from the motor. - The Coroner: What made you pull from the middle of the road to the side? - I did not. I was on the left side and came round the sweep. The witness said the horse was not startled, and, replying to Mr Andrew, denied that he was dozing. - Charles Frederick Tonkin, aged 13, who witnessed the occurrence, said the deceased jumped from the wagon. The motor whistle and horn were sounded, but he did not think either the deceased or the driver of the wagon heard the warning. - Dr W. H. Macpherson said death must have been almost instantaneous. - The Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, summing up, said it was regrettable that Mr Hamlin did not stop to see whether he could render any assistance. There was a legal obligation on motorists who met with an accident to stop and, if necessary, give their names and addresses He was sure that nobody regretted the occurrence more than Mr Hamlin did. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Andrew said Mr Hamlin wished him to say how much he sympathised with the family of the deceased. He wished them to apply to him for the reimbursement of all expenses they were put to. - The Jury and the Coroner also expressed their sympathy and Mr Gould added that Mr Hamlin assured him that the reason he did not stop was not callousness or want of feeling.

STOKE DAMEREL - Accident Or Illness? Peculiar Dockyard Case. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on CHARLES GOODMAN MURLEY, aged 23, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, of St Levan-road. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the Admiralty and Mr H. Morris the Home Office. - MRS ELEANOR MURLEY said her husband on the 10th inst. was brought home in a taxi-cab. He said he had been struck on the chest by a lever whilst at work in the Dockyard and had brought up blood. He was learning to drive a crane. During the night he vomited more blood. On the following Monday he was put on light work, complained of being very tired when he returned in the evening and said although he had a very light job, it involved standing all day. There was further haemorrhage that night and Dr Rae was called in the next morning. He remained in bed until his death on Tuesday. They had been married eleven months, during which time her husband had been in good health. On the day he was struck he said he felt too ill to go to the Dockyard surgeon, and wanted to get home, as he believed he was dying. - Evidence Of Mates. - R. Lyle, skilled labourer, said he was instructing MURLEY in driving an overhead travelling crane on the 10th inst. He was not aware of anything in the nature of an accident occurring whilst they were working together. MURLEY made no complaint when they parted just before five o'clock. He could not understand what MURLEY meant by being struck by a lever. As he had his hand on the only lever, he was bound to know if it had struck MURLEY. Just before leaving work they shared an apple between them. - A. H. Allen, skilled labourer, said he saw MURLEY vomiting when leaving on 10th inst. Asked what was the matter, he replied that he ate an apple before descending the ladder of the crane and it might have disagreed with him. A little later he said he was very bad. He suggested he should go to the surgery, but MURLEY said he wanted to go home. On the following Monday MURLEY told him that he had a bit of a blow from the lever of the crane the previous Wednesday, but did not say how it happened. It was possible that he was hit in turning, although there was plenty of room. If MURLEY had been struck by the lever the man with him would have known. - A. W. Kerswill, skilled labourer, said MURLEY came to him about 5 o'clock on the 10th inst. and asked him to take him home, as he had been knocked with the lever whilst on the travelling crane. He also said he had eaten half an apple, which might have also affected him. MURLEY would not go to the surgery, but wanted to see his wife first. - Cause Of Death. - Dr G. A. Rae said he saw MURLEY on the 12th inst. Then he said he had been spitting blood in consequence of a strain during work. He showed no signs of chest disease and styptic medicine was prescribed. Five days later he was again called and found MURLEY developing pneumonia of the left lung, the other lung becoming affected a few days later. A post mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure through pericarditis and pneumonia, the pericarditis accounting for the blood-spitting. There was no evidence of injury, although the state of the pericardium might have been brought about by strain or pressure, but not a blow as MURLEY was not a robust man. Witness could not say definitely that the condition was due to either pressure or strain. MURLEY did not go to the Dockyard surgery because he did not wish to be sent to Hospital. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned, and the Coroner said it would not jeopardise any chances the relatives might have of securing compensation. The evidence did not justify the Jury saying there had been an accident.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 May 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker Drowned At Devonport. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the North Dockyard yesterday on JOHN THOMAS COOKE, stoker, R.N.R., a native of Stockton-on-Tees, serving in H.M.S. Indus, whose body was found at Northcorner last Friday. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - Matthew Horn, stoker petty officer, R.N., said he had known deceased since April 24th, when they travelled together from Chatham to Devonport. Deceased was a very intelligent man and quite temperate. - Matthew James tombs, stoker, R.N.R., said he landed with deceased at 5 p.m. last Thursday. they had three glasses of beer together, and parted company in Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, at 8.30 p.m. Deceased said he should return to the ship at 7 a.m. on Friday, when his leave expired. - Replying to Mr Peck, witness said deceased was quite happy on board and keen at his work. - P.C. Hughes, Metropolitan Police, said that whilst he was on duty at Northcorner at 5.30 a.m. last Friday he was called by Alfred Bennett, waterman, to a body which the tide was leaving on the beach and which was quite stiff. Deceased was wearing an identification disc. Witness had been on duty at Northcorner since 10 p.m. on Thursday, but had heard no splash and saw no liberty men leave the pontoon. There was a strong ebb tide and the body had probably drifted from further up the harbour. - Inspector R. Maddeford though deceased, being a stranger and having decided to return to his ship that night, and taking the wrong road, fell into the Tamar Canal. Other men had made the same mistake and the body would have been carried where it was by the tide then running. - Fleet-Surgeon H. E. South said death was due to drowning. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 1 June 1916
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on HARRY STONE, aged 74, tinman, Ewings-lane. Henry Bastin, a neighbour, said STONE lived alone and on Saturday afternoon the postman found him groaning at the bottom of the stairs. They got him to bed and called Dr Clapp, and later he was removed to the infirmary in a dying condition. Dr Pereira said death was due to uraemia, which probably accounted for the fall, and a verdict to that effect was returned.

DAWLISH - Dawlish Railway Fatality. - An Inquest was held at Dawlish yesterday on PTE. ERNEST WALTER KINGMAN, Worcester Labour Battalion, who fell out of an express train near Dawlish on Monday. - CHARLES KINGMAN, Tolpuddle, Dorchester, said his brother, single, aged 33, had been working with his father as a dairyman and joined upon Saturday last. A year ago he had a severe illness, but he left home on Saturday quite cheerful. - Pte. William Lang, Devon Labour Battalion, said KINGMAN and himself occupied two corner seats. Between Dawlish Warren and Dawlish, KINGMAN got up and looked out. The door flew open and he fell out. Witness caught hold of his coat, but could not pull him back. The door was fastened when they left Exeter. - Pte. F. E. Jacobs said his opinion was that KINGMAN was leaning out with his hand on the handle and being a heavy man forced it open accidentally. - Edward Frank Simons (acting guard), John Milford (platform inspector), and William Cross, coast watcher, also gave evidence. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said there was nothing to suggest that the man deliberately opened the door with the intent of committing suicide. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 June 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Inquest. Uncertificated Midwife Question. - Mr J. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on the newly-born child of JOHN BENNEE and EMMA LAKE of Queen-street. - The evidence showed that birth took place in the absence of a doctor or a certificated nurse or midwife. - Matilda Halliday, of Gloucester-street, said she attended the birth at the request of the mother, and the child was born dead. - The Coroner: What right had you to attend? - Witness produced a card and said "I was registered again. I have nothing more coming in; this is my work." - The Coroner: This card is nothing; you describe yourself upon it as a midwife? - I was a midwife. - You are not a midwife; your name has been removed from the midwives' roll and you had no right to attend this woman. - I was told I was too old and the nurses are against me. I was a midwife for 30 years and never lost a case. - The Coroner: That may be; but you have been before me on several occasions; complaints have been made and you have been removed from the roll. - I don't know what it is for. The nurses persecute me. They used to say, "Why don't you give up your practice and go with the doctor. See what a lot of work you have." - The Coroner: That's gossip. You have no right whatever to attend; you are doing an illegal act and I shall have to report it. I have impressed the fact on you before. - In reply to the Coroner, the father said he had no knowledge that Mrs Halliday was not entitled to attend his wife. - Mrs Halliday: Supposing you were sent for urgently and they could get no one else? - The Coroner: You were not sent for urgently. You were definitely employed beforehand to attend and you have no right to engage yourself in that way. - Dr G. Sandford, who had made a post mortem attributed death to asphyxia during birth. The child never breathed. - The Coroner: Do you think that if a certificated midwife had been in attendance it was possible for the child to have been born alive? - I cannot say. It is quite possible if there had been a skilled midwife or a doctor present the child might not have lived. - The Coroner said they would find a verdict of "Still born." He did not say death was due to any lack of skill on the part of Mrs Halliday; but she had no right to attend such cases and should refuse to do so. The facts would have to be duly reported to the authorities. - Verdict as suggested. - It was stated in evidence that the mother, who had had eleven children and had nine living, had been previously attended by Mrs Halliday, and told her: "I will have no one else; I have always had you."

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday on MRS PHOEBE DENNIS, Owen's-cottages, William-lane, Plymouth, aged 84, Dr Brenton said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 June 1916
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy Of The War. - At an Inquest held yesterday at Plymouth on JANE HICKS (52) of Flora-cottages, the wife of CHARLES HICKS carman, it was stated that she purchased a paper on Friday evening and, having read of the naval battle, was seized in King-street with illness. Before a doctor could arrive she died. She had a son in one of the destroyers and a nephew on board the Warrior. - Dr Parsloe, who had made a post mortem, said death was due to disease of the heart of long standing, probably accelerated by shock. - In reply to Mr R. B. Johns, the Coroner, MR HICKS said the nephew was saved, but they had been unable to get any information about the son. - The Coroner, for himself and Jury, expressed sympathy with the bereaved.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 June 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday held an Inquest on JULIA ANN LIDIARD, aged 52. - MR ROBERT W. LIDIARD, naval pensioner, Montpelier-terrace, Pennycross, said his wife occasionally complained of headache. Last Monday evening, whilst performing in the orchestra at the Hippodrome, he was informed that his wife was seriously ill. On reaching home he found she had passed away. She had two sons and a son-in-law serving in the fleet and she had been very anxious because she had not heard from them. - Dr F. Vosper attributed death to syncope, through fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Friday 9 June 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Citadel Tragedy. - The suicide of a recruit at Plymouth Citadel was investigated by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Mortuary yesterday. The deceased, ARCHIBALD MCLAREN, aged 33, was a native of Littleport, St Fillans, Scotland, and reached the Citadel as a recruit on Tuesday afternoon. The same night, after he and the other men had gone to bed, Gunner Charles Newport heard him groaning. On going to him Newport discovered that his throat and wrists had been cut with a razor which was found lying close by. Capt. A. G. Mossop, R.A.M.C., was summoned, but before he could reach MCLAREN death had taken place. Capt. Mossop told the Coroner that the man's throat had been cut twice and the tendons of each wrist had been severed. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 June 1916
EXETER - Plymouth Recruit's Death. Ill Of Delirium Tremens The Day After Joining Up. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on THOMAS W. PERKINS, married, licensee of the Stokers' Arms, Granby-street, Devonport, who came up to Exeter under the Derby group system on Monday, was admitted to the Military Hospital the same evening, and died on Thursday. - MRS PERKINS said her husband, who was not medically examined before leaving Devonport, had of late suffered from fits. He was nearly blind in one eye. During the last twelve months he had been drinking heavily. - Capt. Ash, R.A.M.C., said that PERKINS was suffering from delirium tremens when he saw him in Hospital on Tuesday. Owing to the number dealt with, men were not always examined on attestation. They would come before the medical board later. - Capt. W. M. Brown, R.A.M.C., said death was due to cardiac syncope, aggravated by alcoholism. Recruits were submitted to a thorough medical test when called up. Until recently men from the Plymouth district were examined at Exeter, but he believed arrangements had been made for their examination at Plymouth. - The Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, remarked that a man in such a state of health as PERKINS seemed to be, ought not to have been sent to the Depot at all. - Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes," the Jury supporting the view of the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1916
NEWTON ABBOT - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot on Saturday on WILLIAM MILLER, 83, general labourer, of French-street, Teignmouth. Herbert Mitchell, cab driver, said deceased was standing on the steps at the Bank corner, Station-road, and in turning he slipped and fell. P.C. Harris said deceased broke his thigh. Dr Scrase said death was from shock following fracture of the thigh. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1916
KINGSBRIDGE - MR J. A LAMBLE, Devonport. Fatal Fall From A Coach. - MR JOHN ALFRED LAMBLE, chemist, Devonport, a native of Kingsbridge, was last week staying with his sister, MRS HANNAFORD, who resides at New Quay, Kingsbridge. On Saturday morning he told his nephew that he thought of walking to Torcross, and, if he did not feel equal to walking back, he should return by the coach. He walked to Strete village, some three miles further than Torcross. At Strete he asked Guest, the driver of the coach, for a seat, but was told the coach was full, both inside and out. He told Guest he was tired and could not walk any further and took a place on the step beside the conductor, until the coach reached Slapton. Later, when passengers left, he was given a seat on the coach. At Chillington, when the vehicle was stationary, MR LAMBLE was heard to sneeze loudly three times and then two of the villagers saw him fall from the coach on to the door-step of Mr R. Luscombe, tailor. The driver of the coach, who was lifting a box at the time and did not witness the fall, assisted to get MR LAMBLE into Mr Luscombe's house and sent for Dr Todd. Dr Todd rendered professional help. MR LAMBLE was afterwards conveyed to Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital, where he died in the early hours of Sunday morning. - Yesterday Mr Hacker, Coroner, held an inquest at Kingsbridge Townhall. - MR WALTER LAMBLE, of Great Auckland-road, Stoke, said he was associated with deceased, his father, in the business at Devonport. Deceased, aged 65, appeared in good health when he left for Kingsbridge on the previous Wednesday. His father suffered occasionally from giddiness. - Lewis A. Guest, the driver, said MR LAMBLE appeared all right as he climbed to the top of the coach at Torcross. - Dr D. V. Todd, of Chillington, said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull, caused by the fall. - Verdict accordingly. - Mr W. Beer, Solicitor, who represented the Dartmouth Coaching Co., Limited, expressed the sympathy of the directors with the widow and family of the deceased. - Mr J. V. Fairweather, a member of the Jury, said MR LAMBLE was a native of Kingsbridge and an old Kingsbridge Grammar School boy, and he proposed a vote of condolence with the widow and family. - The Coroner and Jury associated themselves with the expression of sympathy. - MR LAMBLE had for over forty years carried on business as chemist in Pembroke-street, Devonport and resided at Portland-road, Stoke. He was elected on three occasions a representative of Clowance Ward on Devonport Town Council. He did useful service during his nine years' membership of the Council, taking an especial interest in the sanitary department. He was a member and for some time local secretary, of the Pharmaceutical Society. He leaves a widow, two sons, and two daughters. The interment will take place at Kingsbridge Cemetery on Wednesday at noon.

Western Morning News, Thursday 15 June 1916
BIDEFORD - Bideford Tragedy. Poison Taken In Mistake. - At Bideford Townhall last evening an Inquest was held on FLORENCE EMILY RANK, a draper, carrying on business at Mill-street, who was found dead on Monday evening. - Mrs E. M. Higgins, a cousin, said deceased had recently been staying with her at Bristol. She stayed seven weeks and seemed much better, but the doctor said she was not fit to return to business. The bottle containing liniment found in the room deceased was occupying was probably given deceased by her mother for one of the complaints she was suffering from, but it was a very small quantity. - Mrs Daniel, a neighbour, said she had been looked after deceased since she returned from Bristol. Deceased had said that sooner than have a long illness she would take her life, but witness did not take any notice of that and never thought she meant anything. - P.C. Wilde deposed to finding the bottle labelled poison on the chest of drawers beside the bed, with other medicine bottles. - Dr Toye said, knowing the deceased well, he thought it was quite possible for her to have woke up from her sleep and mistaken one bottle for another and only discovered her error when it was too late. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Accidental Poisoning."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 June 1916
PLYMSTOCK - Death From Burns At Billacombe. - Mr R. R. Rodd, jun., Deputy Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Billacombe on VICTOR DAVIS MILDON, age 6, of Spencer-terrace. - ERNEST MILDON, the father, shipwright, said shortly after 11 a.m. on Friday the child went out to play. A little later his elder brother came into the house screaming that deceased was on fire. Witness ran out and found two men rolling the child on the ground in a mat to smother the fire. The ground where the children were playing adjoined the terrace, and was near the railway lines. A train passed about the time, but he could not say whether a spark from the engine could have set fire to the boy's clothes. - Violet Periton said on hearing screaming she ran out of her house and found deceased in flames. She called her mother and taking a mat rolled the child in it. Two men came to witness' assistance. She did not see any fire about with which the boys could have been playing, though afterwards she saw some ashes on the ground. - Dr Noy Scott said the child suffered from extensive burns and there was never any chance of recovery. He died about 9 p.m. the same day. - Supt. Chammings said there was evidence the fire had been made in a tin can and the probability was that the boys had been playing with it. - The Deputy Coroner said it was a very sad case, and he was sure they all sympathised with the parents in losing a child in that manner. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 June 1916
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Accident At Petertavy. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock Hospital yesterday on JOHN COLE HARVIE, aged 62, farmer, Hilltown, Petertavy. - George HARVIE, a lad, deceased's son, said on Thursday evening his father came into the house bleeding from a wound in the head. It was believed that deceased, at the time of the accident, was taking a large wooden trough off some beams in a shippen. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. The heavy trough probably knocked deceased off the ladder, and he fell backwards on something hard. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the deceased's family.

PLYMOUTH - Soldier's Crime. Prisoner At Police Court: The Result Of Inquest. Doctor's Evidence. - Frederick Brooks, alias Jones, a private of the Worcestershire Regt., was brought before the magistrates at Plymouth yesterday on a charge of wilful murder. Later in the day an Inquest was held as to the death of ALICE CLARA GREGORY, the girl he confesses to have strangled. On both occasions a considerable crowd assembled The proceedings at the Police Court were brief. The prisoner, a short, sturdy looking soldier, was placed in the dock, but said nothing. Evidence of his confession and arrest having been given he was, at the request of the Police, remanded for a week. The Inquest was held at the Mortuary in Vauxhall-street, where the little girl's body had been brought, having first been examined on the spot in which it was found by Dr Wolferstan, Police Surgeon. - In The Police Court. - Frederick Brooks, alias Jones, 28 years of age, was charged with the Wilful Murder of CLARA GREGORY, aged 12 ½ years, by strangling her in a field at Lower Compton. The magistrates on the bench were Messrs. W. S. Spear (in the chair), H. Jarvis, T. G. G. Wills, and R. R. Monk. - The Chief Constable (Mr Sowerby) said this was a very pitiful case - the saddest he had had in all his 25 years at Plymouth. He proposed now simply to give evidence of arrest and to ask for a remand. About 10 minutes to five on the previous evening prisoner went up to P.C. Wyatt in Bedford-street, and made a confession as to killing a girl and the officer brought him to the Police Station. It turned out that the deed was committed in a field on the far side of Compton, within a few yards of the boundary of the borough, in an unfrequented part of the field where the footpath was rarely used. - P.C. Fredk. Wyatt said: I was on duty in Bedford-street last evening when at 4.50 the prisoner came up and spoke to me. He said, "Constable, I have committed a crime." I said, "What have you done?" - He replied, "I have killed a girl." - The Chief Constable: That was said in a calm, cool way, without any agitation? - Yes. I cautioned him that what he said would be taken down in writing and might be given in evidence against him and he replied, "That is all right." He took a watch off his wrist, and said, "It is quite true. Here is her watch; I took this away from her." I took the watch and brought prisoner to the Police Station. There he said, "If you put a pair of cuffs on me I will take you where she is in the field." - Did he say anything further? - He said: "I don't know what made me do it. I must have been off my head, or in a fit of temper. She was dead when I left her. I strangled her." - On this evidence the Chief Constable applied for a remand for a week, which was granted. The Inquest. - The Inquest was held at the Mortuary by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner. A large crowd assembled in the street in the expectation that the prisoner would be brought from the Police Station to attend the inquiry, but the prisoner told the Police he did not wish to be present. - The Coroner said they had met to consider a sad and horrible case, such as they rarely had in Plymouth, and, as usual, the crime had been committed by "a stranger within our gates." The father of the child was a ticket-collector at Devonport and the prisoner, a soldier, who, it appeared, had ingratiated himself with the GREGORYS, and had lodged there once or twice. This child and a younger sister had gone to school in the morning, and prisoner went to the school and inquired for her. It was not unusual in these times for schoolmistresses to give consent to soldiers to take girls out of school, and as prisoner came with a message purporting to come from the mother the girl was allowed to go. As she did not come home after morning school the father went in search of her and communicated with the Police. In the meantime prisoner had confessed to the murder and given himself up to the Police. He understood that Brooks was a native of Birmingham and was a married man with one child. - ARTHUR HELSON GREGORY, father of the child, said: I am a ticket collector, residing in Alexandra-road. CLARA left for school at 9.20 yesterday morning in company with her sister. They were at a private school in the same road. At half-past eleven my younger daughter returned without her sister, and shortly after I went in search. My younger daughter had told her mother CLARA had left the school with a soldier. My search was fruitless. I went to the Police Station and then searched the parks, the Hoe and the Pier, and afterwards went over to Batten. At 5.30 I returned to the Police Station, and found Brooks in custody. The first I saw of Brooks was last Wednesday. Last March he came to my wife, said he could not get back to Tregantle, and asked to be put up for the night. Last Wednesday he came again. I had a conversation with him and told my wife I was doubtful about him, and she had better not take him in again. - Miss A. S. Pearke said: I am a schoolmistress carrying on a school in Alexandra-road. About half-past ten on Tuesday morning prisoner came and asked to see the teacher. He said he was Pte. John Jones, and had come from MRS GREGORY with permission for her daughter, CLARA, to go to Mutley-plain with him to show him a shop. I satisfied myself that he knew MRS GREGORY and asked CLARA whether she knew him and she said "Yes." I said, "Do you think it is all right?" and she said "Yes." She went with him, and that was the last I saw of her. The other girl did not seem to think it strange. - P.C. Wyatt repeated the evidence he gave before the magistrates and added: At 5.30, accompanied by Detective Westlake and P.C. Pearce I took prisoner in a taxi to Efford-land. He took us across the field between Efford-lane and Lower Compton; and at the top of the field he pointed over the hedge and said, "You will find her down in the lower corner." I remained with prisoner while Westlake and Pearce made search for the body. It was a long way off the road and it would be difficult to hear a child scream. I then took the prisoner to where the body was found. P.C. Pearce said to prisoner: "Did you place the hat over her face?" Prisoner replied "No." When we took prisoner back to the Police Station and charged him he said, "I'll say I did it." - P.C. Pearce said he went to the field mentioned and found the body lying about 18 ft. from the hedge on its back, arms by the side, and hat over the face. Her clothes were not disarranged. The neck and face were discoloured and she had the appearance of having been dead some time. The grass was long and was trodden down for a space of 12ft. by 6ft., indicating a struggle. - Dr Sedley Wolferstan said he was called on Tuesday evening just after 6 o'clock to see the deceased in the field. She had probably been dead five or six hours. A post-mortem examination revealed a small abrasion on the windpipe and also bruises; there was also a small abrasion on the chin. There were no other external marks of violence except a few small bruises on both legs, which were of an older date, and could not have been done by prisoner. She had not been outraged. Death was caused by asphyxia, the result of strangulation. - The Coroner said the parents might have the melancholy satisfaction of knowing that their daughter was not otherwise outraged. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against Brooks, and the Foreman (Mr G. Cook) said they wished to express their deepest sympathy with MR and MRS GREGORY. - The Coroner: I am sure we shall all join in that.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 June 1916
BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Suicide At Horrabridge. Well Known Ex-Licensee's Death. - WILLIAM HENRY TREASURE, well-known as a former licensee of the Lopes Arms, Roborough, was on Saturday found hanging from a water tank at his home at Horrabridge, and at the Inquest subsequently held a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned. Deceased, who was about 60 years of age, was a naval pensioner, and before taking the licence of the Lopes Arms was for some time steward of Plymouth Conservative Club. Apart from the many acquaintances he made at the Conservative Club and as hotel keeper, he was well-known Freemason, being a P.M. of Lodge 70. He retired from business a few years ago. [Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 June 1916 - The Horrabridge Suicide. - At the Inquest on Saturday at Horrabridge on WILLIAM HENRY TREASURE, aged 64, formerly licensee of the Lopes Arms, Roborough, who, as reported in yesterday's "Western Morning News" was found hanging dead at his home at Horrabridge on Saturday, the widow stated that deceased had not been in good health for the past five or six years and of late had been depressed. He had been anxious to be employed and recently accepted an appointment as steward at the Yelverton Golf Club. But on Friday, after being on duty all day, he returned home and expressed a fear that he would not be able to continue in the appointment. The next morning she went to the club and deceased arranged to get up later. The fear that he would be unable to continue at the golf club and his son's departure for the front had tended to upset him. There were no monetary troubles. - P.C. Churchill spoke to discovering the following note at the house:- "Don't be surprised to find me dead outside the back door. Give my love to my boy and cheer up my dear." - The body was found hanging to a water tank by a labourer on his way home from work. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.]

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Constable's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on P.C. ELIAS WARNE, of the Devonport Division of the Plymouth Police Force, who died while on duty. - William Budd, labourer, Edith-street, St Budeaux, said deceased, his son-in-law, was in his usual health when he went on night duty on Thursday. - Robert Sloman, postman, said at 4.25 a.m. on Friday he saw deceased, apparently dead, lying on the footpath near the United Service Club. - Robert Walters, night watchman, said he was speaking to deceased for about ten minutes at 3 a.m. on Friday, deceased remarking that he was all right except that he had a nasty cough. - Sergt. Wallis also said deceased seemed to be in his usual health when he paraded at St Budeaux Police Station at 10 p.m. on Thursday. Witness also saw him at 10.45 and 12.45. - Dr T. McElwaine, who made a post-mortem examination, said deceased's heart was very large, weighing about 29 ozs., the normal weight being 10oz. to 12oz., and the walls of the heart were very much thickened. The cause of death was syncope, due to heart disease. The Coroner alluded to the respect in which deceased was held, and said the Jury would no doubt wish to express their sympathy with the with the widow. - The Jury concurred. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 July 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Ketch's Fate. Skipper's Death Off The Eddystone. - The body of a French sailor, found in a boat off the Eddystone on Thursday, and brought to Plymouth by the trawler Benton Castle, was identified on SAturday as that of CHARLES LE SANNE, master of the Plymouth ketch Water Lily. The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest in the afternoon. Mr R. H. Hutchings, Brunswick-terrace, Plymouth, said LE SANNE was the skipper of his sailing vessel, Water Lily. He was 52 years of age, formerly a French pilot, and belonged to Perros-Guirec, Brittany. The Water Lily traded between Perros and Plymouth. She left the French port last Tuesday with potatoes for Plymouth, with only LE SANNE and another hand on board, the third member of the crew, an able seaman, not having joined. He heard nothing of the craft after she left France, and his opinion was that she was run down by a big ship whilst crossing the Channel. She had crossed the Channel hundreds of times, and had weathered some of the worst storms. - Lieut. Frederick V. Varley, R.N.R., commanding a naval trawler, said two bodies, apparently in the water, were sighted from his vessel about noon last Thursday twelve miles south of the Eddystone. On nearing the men they found they were in a boat swash, one lying over the gunwhale with his head in the water and LE SANNE sitting upright. As a boat from the trawler approached the water-logged boat it sank. One of the men disappeared. Petty Officer Shepherd jumped into the water with a line and secured LE SANNE, who was taken on board. He was still breathing, but unconscious and artificial respiration was attempted. Everything was done that was possible for him and when the trawler was entering the Hamoaze a doctor was signalled for. Surgeon J. G. Watkins came off from H.M.S. Impregnable and pronounced life extinct. Deceased never sufficiently recovered to speak. - Fleet-Surgeon Henry E. South attributed death to exposure. - The Coroner thanked Lieut. Varley and the crew of the trawler for their recovery of the skipper and the efforts made by them to restore animation. - In returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence the Jury concurred. - Mr Hutchings promised to convey to the widow the Court's expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 July 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Dog Bite. Devonport Pensioner's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JAMES LITTLEJOHNS, 63, a pensioned caulker, Devonport Dockyard, residing at Anson-place. - JAMES LITTLEJOHNS, chief sick berth steward, R.N., said until the beginning of June his father was in the best of health, but since he was bitten by a dog he was very worried and had changed greatly. - Mrs Alberta Hammond, Pasley-street, said early in June she met her father in Alcester-street, and he said he had been bitten by a dog. On Wednesday he went out. Returning, he partook of a slight dinner and collapsed, dying shortly afterwards. - Dr Rae said MR LITTLEJOHNS came to him on June 2nd, and was much upset. He had a contused wound and an abrasion of the skin on the skin. The wound was not serious, but it had worried him. Death was due to a dilated heart, accelerated by mental strain consequent upon the dog-bite. - Mrs Crimp, Alcester-street, the owner of the dog, said she had never had any complaint about the dog, and it had not previously bitten anyone. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Sea. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on JOHN SMITH, 16, seaman on a Government transport. - Charles Asquith, chief officer, said he believed SMITH'S home was in London. He died as the ship was entering Plymouth Sound on Wednesday. About 5 p.m. on Tuesday he was sent by the boatswain to reef a rope through a block from a small derrick. After passing the rope through the block he tried to catch the other end, and , missing it, fell about ten feet, striking his head on the deck. - J. C. Corlett, boatswain, said SMITH joined the ship at Liverpool last Monday. There was no danger in the work. - Dr D. M. Brown, the ship's surgeon, said the cause of death was haemorrhage of the brain through fracture at the base of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

TEIGNMOUTH - MR JAMES W. GILL, aged 63, mariner, Mulberry-street, Teignmouth, was seized with an illness on Tuesday. It proved to be a case of strangulated hernia, calling for an immediate operation. On Dr Lloyd Patterson being called, he ordered the man's removal to the Hospital. While being removed in an ambulance GILL died. At the Inquest yesterday the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 10 July 1916
KINGSTEIGNTON - Kingsteignton Woman's Death. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Teignmouth on Saturday on MRS MARY ANN TOLLEY, aged 73, a widow, of Kingsteignton, who died suddenly on the sea front on Thursday whilst with a Sunday-school outing. - Mrs Bearne, Pottery-cottages, Kingsteignton, said she and MRS TOLLEY after tea went on the Den and sat on a seat. She (deceased) was taken ill and a doctor was sent for. On the way to Teignmouth in the morning, when asked how she was she replied "Fine." - Ellen Tozer, Kingsteignton, said MRS TOLLEY expired almost instantly. - Dr R. Lloyd Patterson said deceased's heart showed signs of fatty degeneration and death was probably due to excitement. - Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 July 1916
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held yesterday on WILLIAM FOSTER, aged 77, of Maybank-road, Plymouth, Dr Ward said death was due to heart failure, following bronchitis, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 July 1916
TORQUAY - At the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on JESSE EDDLES, 68, mason, who died on Friday in Torbay Hospital, whence he was removed after falling against the end of the shaft of a stationary waggon in Fleet-street a few days previously, it was stated that death was due to disease of the liver, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 July 1916
DARTMOUTH - The Dart Tragedy. The Inquest On MRS GOODRIDGE. - Mr Hayne Smith held an inquest yesterday at Dartmouth on MRS IDA GOODRIDGE. - MAJOR ALAN GOODRIDGE said his wife had had several severe operations within the last few years. Just as she was beginning to "pick up" there came the natural anxiety about his going on active service. - Nellie Bowhay, domestic servant, said MRS GOODRIDGE came to her bedroom at one o'clock on Monday morning and said she could not sleep, but would not disturb her, as she looked very tired. As she left the room she kissed her. That was not unusual, as they were very friendly. - Upon getting up at 7.15 a.m. she found all the doors open. - Clark Pitts stated that as he was rowing from Dittisham to his work at Dartmouth at 6 a.m. on Monday the boat struck something and looking over the side he saw the body of MRS GOODRIDGE floating. - P.S. Leach stated that the outer clothing on the body consisted of a skirt, a woollen dressing jacket and a thick blue jacket over it. A piece of gauze was round the hair and a bedroom slipper was on one of the feet. The other slipper was found the day after in the slip near the Britannia steps. - Dr Soper said MRS GOODRIDGE had an operation three years ago. It left her in a very nervous condition and she suffered from neurasthenia. She had also had attacks of pleurisy. There were no marks on the body and death was due to drowning. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, and the Coroner and Jury expressed their condolence with MAJOR GOODRIDGE and the family.

STOKE DAMEREL - Jamaican Soldier's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday opened an Inquest at Devonport on PTE. ZAKIAH ADAMS, 20, a man of colour, whose relatives reside in Jamaica. - Pte. David Powell said ADAMS told him in camp last Friday that his feet were hurting him. At 7.30 the next morning he was lying on a blanket without his boots on. He reported to Corpl. Cornwall that ADAMS was sick and the company officer on being told said ADAMS must carry his pack. ADAMS was one of a party going away on foreign service. Shortly afterwards the corporal took ADAMS to Hospital. - Pte. James Blake said after the captain said ADAMS must go with the other men and carry his pack, he told the men to put him on the baggage truck to be taken to the wharf. - Capt. A. Griffiths, R.A.M.C., said ADAMS was admitted to the Military Station Hospital at 1.30 p.m. on Saturday, and died about five o'clock. - The Coroner said the Inquiry would be adjourned for a week, that the contents of deceased's stomach might be analysed. - Lieut. Alec E. W. Baker stated that when ADAMS complained he was medically examined and nothing wrong with him could be found. The captain was exceedingly busy at the time, as they were in the middle of embarkation arrangements, but he soon gave ADAMS his attention. The officer was much liked in the camp by all ranks.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Girl Drowned. - Mr Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday on ALBERTA EDNA WOODWARD, the little girl drowned in Stonehouse Creek on Saturday. - S. H. Hingston, of Plymouth, said he and W. Harrad were working in the R.N. Hospital grounds when they were told that a body was floating in the creek and they recovered it. - Dr Cohen, House Surgeon at the Hospital, tried artificial respiration without avail. - MRS WOODWARD , living in George-street, Stonehouse, said her daughter was 4 ½ years old. She missed her from home about 3 o'clock, and was told she was seen at Admiral's Hard. She went to look for her and met the Police Constable with the ambulance and identified the body. She knew nothing of how the child got in the water. - The Coroner: The child ought to have been better looked after. - A Juryman: Little children will wander away. - A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 July 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Sudden Death. - Mr J. A. Pearse held an Inquest yesterday on EMILY ORAM, aged 54, wife of ERNEST E. ORAM, formerly a draughtsman in Devonport Dockyard. - MISS HILDA ORAM said her mother had lived apart from her father for nine years and had been residing in James-street, Devonport. Her father went to America and she did not know if he was alive, as the last time they heard from him was two years after he went away. Since last winter her mother had complained of pains and suffered from fits. She always refused to have a doctor. On Thursday afternoon she heard her mother groaning at tea time and she died before the doctor arrived. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to syncope through valvular disease of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 July 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Jamaican Soldier's Death. - The Inquest on PTE. ZAKIAH ADAMS, 20, a man of colour, whose relatives reside in Jamaica, was resumed at Devonport Military Hospital by Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - Thomas Tickle, an Exeter analyst, stated that he had analysed the contents of the stomach and found not less than five grains of quinine. If deceased had taken no quinine for four hours before death, that dose, he found, must have been a very large one, and a large dose of quinine had been known to cause death. The symptoms mentioned by the medical staff corresponded with those of poisoning by quinine. - Lieut. B. McSwiney, R.A.M.C., Devonport Military Hospital, said at the Hospital no quinine was given the man. In the case of West Indians, if they got high temperatures, it was possible they would be given quinine to bring the temperature down on account of the prevalence of malaria, and possibly an orderly would do that. A post mortem examination showed that the brain and spinal cord were somewhat congested; the stomach somewhat dilated, but not congested. In his opinion, the cause of death was acute oedema of the lungs, probably due to cerebro-spinal meningitis. In the case of foreign races, patients suffering from that sometimes died before the ordinary symptoms showed themselves He saw no evidence of quinine poisoning. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 July 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Dangerous Corner. Devonport Boy Killed. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on FREDERICK J. B. SPRY, 8, son of MRS LAURA SPRY, of Hamoaze-avenue, St Budeaux. - MRS SPRY, widow of a naval stoker, said about seven o'clock on Monday evening she heard a commotion outside her house, just after she had seen a motor car flash by. She went out and saw her son in a motor-car. - Stephen Dyer, Yeomans-terrace, chauffeur, said on Monday evening he was driving two officers from Bull Point to Plymouth in a touring car, and sounded the horn as he was approaching the bend in Wolesley-road. A tramcar was approaching him, and as he got level with the car the boy ran off the pavement, apparently to follow the tramcar. He applied the brakes, but could not pull up in time to prevent the car knocking the lad down. the speed of the car was about 12 miles an hour. He could have avoided the accident had his car not been abreast of the tram. - Edward Hocking, driver of the tramcar, said he saw the lad standing in the road, and waved his hand to him to keep back, as he believed his intention was to follow witness's car, a very common occurrence on the route. Dyer was free from blame. - Lieut. F. W. J. Galton, one of the officers in the car, the other being Lieut. Burke, said the car was being driven carefully. No instructions were given to the chauffeur to drive quickly. - Lilian Mott, Hamoaze-terrace, said it seemed to her the car was travelling rather quickly around so dangerous a corner; and Rose Edwards, Third-avenue, said she thought before the accident occurred that the car was going too fast at such a spot. - Dr Sures Chandra Chose said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver from blame.

STOKE DAMEREL - Sleepwalker Killed. Devonport Munition Worker's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JOSEPH MONK, 50, a munition worker, residing at John-street, Morice Town. - MRS MONK, said her husband had been a sleepwalker for years. About 1 a.m. on Sunday she heard a smash and finding her husband not in bed looked out of the window and saw him lying on the pavement. He had insisted upon the windows being opened at the top and bottom. He was very fond of his home and family, and could not have gone out of the window except by accident. William Swabey, drayman, John-street, said he helped MRS MONK to take her husband indoors, and afterwards to remove him to the Hospital. At the Hospital he spoke in a wandering manner. The fall was from the first floor window. - P.C. Selley said MR MONK, who was industrious and temperate, bled freely from a wound at the back of the head. The window was 15 feet from the pavement. - Sures C. Chose, House Surgeon said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury found that deceased was Accidentally Killed whilst walking in his sleep.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 July 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Dangers Of Stone Throwing. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital on WILLIAM H. AUSTIN, aged 9, of 1 Cross-street. - MRS ALICE A. AUSTIN said on June 30th her son complained of pains in his head and she saw a small wound which she bathed. Later the same day he was taken to the Hospital and treated, and was to have gone there again the next day, but he was too ill. She sent for Dr Sandford on July 4th and upon his advice the lad was removed to the Hospital on the 6th. Her son told her he received his injury through falling off the rails in the park, but a boy named Parrington said he was hit by a stone. Later her son said he was hit by a stone on the head, which bled, and he bathed it in water. Since then he had fallen off the park rails and also off a swing at her sister's house. He told her that when the stone-throwing occurred the boys were not aiming at one another. - James Ferris, age 12, of Morice-street, said that on the last Tuesday in June, he, AUSTIN and other boys went to Mount Wise to bathe. After dressing they commenced throwing stones at one another on the grass, he and AUSTIN taking sides against the other boys. As AUSTIN was rising after picking up a stone, a stone which he threw hit him on the back of the head. Borrowing a towel from one of the other boys he soon stopped the bleeding. - Dr S. C. Ghose, House Surgeon, said he found a half-inch wound, which was bleeding slightly, at the back of AUSTIN'S head when admitted to the Hospital on June 30th. When re-admitted the wound was septic and the boy was in a very serious condition. He died on Monday. The cause of death was septic cerebral meningitis, which might have been due to an abscess that had developed from the wound. It was quite possible for the meningitis to have been set up by one or other of the falls he had, quite apart from the injury to the head. It was also possible that death was due to meningitis, set up by natural causes. Replying to a witness, who declared that the bath at Mount Wise had recently received a much-needed cleaning, witness said the septic condition of the wound might have been brought about by filth in the water of the bath when AUSTIN bathed after the accident. - The Coroner said that although Ferris had no intention of hitting AUSTIN, he was committing an unlawful act in throwing stones. Whether he intended to hit AUSTIN or not, Ferris would be responsible if it was shown that the death was due to that cause. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and the Coroner obtained from Ferris a promise not to throw stones again.

STOKE DAMEREL - Boy's Suspicious Death. - The second Inquest was on THOMAS A. LACEY, aged 15, of Tavistock-road, Stoke. His mother said on Sunday, May 14th, she saw him in a shop, holding his head with both hands and crying. He said, "Bill Herd has killed me. He has hit me on the head with a stick." Herd, when spoken to, was very abusive. Later, when she said she would shake him and caught him by the arms, he knocked her down. During the succeeding weeks her boy complained of pains in his head and of giddiness. She obtained medicine from Dr Sandford, who afterwards told her he could do nothing for the boy as his brain was affected. He was the eldest of eight children and just beginning to earn a little money. - William Taylor Herd, naval shipwright apprentice, warned, said he was 18 years of age. It was untrue that he knocked MRS LACEY down. He struck her boy accidentally when trying to catch hold of his arm with the crook of his walking-stick. He tried to prevent the boy catching a tramcar and then LACEY threatened to throw rubbish at him, and in preventing him LACEY was struck. He admitted he was convicted for assaulting the boy. Dr S. C. Ghose attributed death to tubercular cerebral meningitis and said he could find no trace of injury. Dr Elgar Down, who assisted Dr Ghose in the post-mortem examination, said there was distinct evidence of tuberculous bacilli, and the accident could have had nothing to do with the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes". The Coroner cautioned Herd. His was not the sort of behaviour to indulge in on a Sunday evening.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 July 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dock Fatality. Engineer Draughtsman Killed. - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on STANLEY RALPH BARONS, the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, said he was an engineer draughtsman, 25 years of age, employed by Willoughby Bros. On Thursday he was measuring a dock at Millbay, standing on a ledge 19 inches wide, and falling over sustained fatal injuries. - DANIEL BARONS, carpenter, of Cleveland-road, identified the body as that of his son. - Dr Wilmot, consulting physician of the Homeopathic Hospital, said BARON was unconscious when admitted to the Hospital and remained in that state until he died. He had a fracture at the base of his skull. - Harry Roberts, shipwright apprentice, residing at Densham-terrace, North-road, said he was assisting BARON to measure the dock. BARONS held a tape on one side and he on the other. They were standing on one of the ledges called an "altar," about 18 inches wide. It was usual for them to do the work in that way. Deceased asked him how much he had on the tape and he said 66 feet. Shortly afterwards his end of the tape became slack and looking up he saw BARONS had fallen nearly to the bottom of the dock, a distance of 27 feet. - Fredk. Morell, foreman of the paddle-makers, of Ganna Park-road, said about 10.30 he was walking along the bottom of the dock when he saw BARONS fall. He struck almost every altar in coming down. He appeared to strike his head and fall over on his side on the last wide altar. When reached he was unconscious and never spoke again. Dr Waterfield was quickly on the spot. - The Coroner said the Factory Inspector, Mr Morris, was present and was satisfied it was usual for men to stand on these ledges. It seemed to be a pure accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner was sure they were all very sorry for the young man's parents. - Mr J. P. Dobell, for Willoughby Bros., said the firm wished to be associated with that expression of sympathy. It might be some consolation to the parents to know that the foreman had reported that this young man was steady, hard-working and of exceptional ability. - Chief-Inspector James represented the Great Western Railway Co.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Tragic End. Paignton Carter's Distressing Ailment. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Military Hospital, Devonport, by Mr J. A. Pearce on PTE. ERNEST JAMES TRIGGS CARDER, aged 36, who on Saturday was found dead in a lavatory at Granby Barracks, Devonport, with a razor near him. - ELIZABETH CARDER, his widow, said her husband was a coal carter, of Paignton, at the time of joining the Army on June 14th. In his letters, which were not despondent, he complained that he suffered from eczema in his legs and they did not get better. This seemed to worry him a little. He had never threatened his life. He did not complain about joining up, but was quite willing, and it was his ambition to get on in the Army. - Corpl. T. Stonelake said deceased was a private in his company. He was not so quick, but was a man of good character and tried to do his best. He complained at times of pains in his head. On Friday night at 10 deceased was in bed, but at roll-call on Saturday morning at 5.30 he did not answer. Witness heard that he had been found with his throat cut in a lavatory, and had him removed. - In answer to a Juryman, witness said each time he complained of his head he declined to see the doctor. Bandsman Alfred Stevens proved finding the body. - P.S. Pryor said he was called and found near the body a blood-stained razor quite closed. There was nothing on the body or in his kit to indicate any reason for the act. - Geo. Lionel Preston, Surgeon, attached to the Hospital, said life was extinct when the body was brought in at 6.30, death being due to haemorrhage through the wound in the throat. The surgeon added in reply to the Foreman, that the disease would probably make duty irksome and might affect deceased's mind. - Capt. R. M. Kirkpatrick Cameron gave evidence to the effect that deceased had a clean sheet. He had unofficially heard that deceased had complained that he suffered from sleeplessness in consequence of eczema. - The Coroner said the Jury would no doubt express their deep and sincere sympathy with the widow and two children. Deceased joined up to do his bit willingly and without appeal, and was no doubt suffering from unsound mind consequent on the change in his life, the nature of his complaint and its consequent cause of sleeplessness. - The Jury returned a verdict that deceased took his life while of Unsound Mind, expressed sympathy with, and gave their fees to the widow.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dentist's Death. - At the Inquest yesterday at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, on EDWARD MASEY, dentist, Mr W. H. Morrish, his partner, said he was 33 years of age, enjoyed good health, and there was no reason for him to commit suicide. He had recently walked in his sleep. - Jacob Mortimore, a street sweeper, said he heard a fall about 4.30 a.m. on Saturday, and later found MR MASEY unconscious on the pavement in Union-street. P.C. King said MR MASEY was fully dressed except for a coat and waistcoat. His bedroom window was open. The bottom of the window on the inside was only two feet from the floor and 30 feet above the pavement. Dr F. J. Woo, House Surgeon, stated that the skull was fractured. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, remarking that the accident was no doubt due to somnambulism.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce held an inquest last evening on JAMES SANDERS, aged 90, a pensioned skilled labourer of Devonport Dockyard, who lived in Dundas-street, Stoke. The son, SAMUEL SANDERS, said his father, who died on Wednesday, enjoyed the best of health until a week or so ago, when he began to fail, and gradually became weaker. Dr Gard attributed death to syncope due to senile decay and a weak heart, and a verdict to this effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 August 1916
TOTNES - Drowned In The Dart. - At the Inquest at Bridgetown on Saturday on ERNEST JOHN SETTER, aged 12, son of SERGT. G. SETTER, Royal Defence Force, Ernest Lowe, 15, stated that he and SETTER went to bathe in the river about 7.15 p.m. on Thursday. They went to the quarry near to get two tins, which SETTER tied together and took into the water with him. When he got to the middle of the stream he dipped and the tins floated away from him owing to the tide that was running. Witness saw him sink twice and then shouted for help. A boat came along and an oar was thrown to SETTER, but he failed to reach it, and sank. Deceased could not swim. - Jack Hawkins, another lad, corroborated. - John D. Dingle, clerk at Lloyd's Bank, Totnes, said he was boating on the river with his wife, who was rowing. Hearing a shout, he looked up and saw one boy waving and another in the water swimming or struggling. He told his wife to pull hard, but as they were inexperienced at boating they did not make sufficient allowance for the tide that was running and he could not reach the lad either with his hands or an oar; and as they were passing him he pushed out an oar to him, but the boy made no attempt to get it, as he was too far gone. - W. H. Hill, a fisherman, who recovered the body on Friday morning at low water, said it would be difficult to get to the boy in the boat which Mr Dingle had owning to the current running. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

REDHILL, SURREY - Torquay Girl's Death. Home Secretary Orders Exhumation Of The Body. - The death of a young woman at Redhill in May has been followed by the Director of Public Prosecutions obtaining an order from the Home Office for the body to be exhumed. - The story of the death of MISS ELIZABETH LYDIA CAMPBELL, 27, pianist at the Kinema Royal, who had rooms with Mr and Mrs Rowe, Ladbroke-road, Redhill, which was told at the Inquest on May 20th is an extraordinary one, in view of subsequent events, says a Redhill correspondent. - On May 2nd dinner was laid for five persons. It consisted of cold roast lamb and roast potatoes. To follow came a custard, stewed rhubarb and pineapple chunks. MISS CAMPBELL and Mr Rowe had as a second course, stewed rhubarb and pineapple, the others custard. Shortly after dinner MISS CAMPBELL and Mr Rowe were taken ill. They had acute pains in the stomach and violent retching. MISS CAMPBELL also complained of a burning sensation in the stomach. Three days later her father, a retired army warrant officer of Torquay, was telegraphed for. On May 8th she and also Mr Rowe were taken to the Reigate and Redhill Hospital and MISS CAMPBELL died nine days later. - Dr Alex Walters stated that when he saw MISS CAMPBELL in the Hospital there were dark patches under the tongue and left cheek. The condition of the mouth gradually spread, so that the tongue filled up the whole of the mouth, and it was almost impossible for her to swallow. Mr Rowe's conditions were the same; but he improved, and MISS CAMPBELL got worse. The post-mortem revealed the fact that the tongue was gangrenous. There were signs of pyaemia (blood poisoning) and it looked as if the tongue had been irritated. Dr Walters demonstrated in the court that the mixing of the stewed rhubarb and pineapple chunks created a very strong acid. He was of the opinion that death was due to blood-poisoning set up by the acid reacting on a gangrenous tongue. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly. - Mr Rowe left the Hospital shortly after the Inquest, but had to return again, and was discharged a few weeks ago. - The Police visited the chemists' shops in the town and examined the entries in the poison-books. Certain analyses were made and the matter was reported to the Director of Public Prosecutions. - MISS CAMPBELL went to Redhill some time in November last and last April she moved to Ladbrooke-road. A stylish girl, she was well liked by all those who had known her. She lived a quiet, almost a retired, life after her hours of duty were over and was reported to be of a saving disposition.

STOKE DAMEREL - TRYPHENA TAYLOR (77) of Fore-street, Devonport, on July 26th fell in the street and fractured her thigh. She died last week and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - MRS ANNE CORNISH, aged 83, of Hotham-place, Devonport, widow of J. S. CORNISH, retired carpenter, R.N., had been in indifferent health for the past few weeks. On Sunday, after partaking of a hearty dinner, she went into the garden with her nephew and there fell down. She was taken into the house, but died before Dr R. Bird Wagner could arrive. At the Inquest yesterday the cause of death was stated to be syncope, accelerated by the extreme heat.

PLYMOUTH - Death Of Plymouth Pensioner. - GEORGE WHITE, aged 76, a pensioner from the Royal Engineers, living in a court in High-street, died on Sunday in Plymouth Infirmary. - Dr Cooke, at an Inquest yesterday, stated that he was called to the old man's room in High-street late on Saturday and finding him unconscious and no one to attend to him, had ordered his removal to the Workhouse, where he died next morning without having recovered consciousness. A post-mortem examination revealed extensive haemorrhage of the brain, and also a bruise on the ear and a wound above the ear on the opposite side of the head to the haemorrhage. He had come to the conclusion that WHITE died from the haemorrhage on the brain and that the bruise and the wound were caused by his falling out of bed, as deposed to by another witness, Mrs Lamacraft, a neighbour. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker Drowned. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an inquest at Devonport yesterday on JOSEPH DOUGLAS, stoker, R.N.R. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - John C. Stoneman, ship's corporal, said he detailed DOUGLAS for a night's leave at 6 p.m. on July 30th, and he did not return. - John Foster, of Beaumont-road, a mason, employed in the Gunwharf by a Government contractor, said at 6.30 a.m. on Monday he noticed the body in the water near the wall. He informed the Police, then got on a floating raft, and secured the body with a rope. - Michael Keegan, stoker, R.N.R., said he spoke to DOUGLAS in Fore-street, Devonport, between 8 and 9 p.m. last Sunday. He told him he was an absentee and witness advised him to go back to barracks and he said he would that evening. DOUGLAS was a widower and his home was at Kingstown, Dublin. - Lieut. David Gower produced DOUGLAS'S certificate, showing that he served on H.M.S. Warrior in the battle of Jutland. On the certificate his birth was given as 1876, but witness thought he was 50 years of age. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 August 1916
KENN - An Inquest was held at Rose Cottage, Kenn, yesterday, on MRS EMILY BERRY, widow, aged 68, of St Leonard's-place, Exeter. In company with her daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs H. Commin, she went out in a cab on Tuesday to visit Mrs Josland, an old friend, at Kenn, and within five minutes of her arrival died. Dr Stokes said death was probably due to heart failure and a verdict to that effect was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 August 1916
EXETER - WILLIAM SMALE, Hampden-place, Bartholomew-street, Exeter, an employee at Willey's, went to bed on Wednesday night between nine and ten o'clock apparently in his usual good health and was found there dead next morning by his wife. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Boscombe said death was due to cardiac syncope.

AXMINSTER - Axminster Boys' Deaths. - Yesterday Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Axminster on WILLIAM THOMAS LONG, 9, and WILLIAM GEORGE COOMBS, 10, who were drowned while bathing in the River Yarty on Wednesday. - The evidence showed that the lads fell in at the Weir, and attempts at rescue were unavailing. - P.S. Dart stated that he and P.C. Dymond tried to recover the bodies with long poles and forks, but were unsuccessful. He sent to Chard for grappling irons, as there were none in Axminster. These arrived about 8.30, and at 9 p.m. the body of LONG was recovered. At 4 a.m. they resumed operations and at 8.15 recovered the body of the other lad, which was at the foot of the weir. - The Coroner said it was a question whether small boys should have been allowed to go bathing without someone to look after them. The fact that there were no drags or grappling irons nearer than Chard, meant that a good deal of time was wasted. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and considered that grappling irons should be provided by the Local Authority.

EXETER - Death of REV. D. W. TURL. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on REV. DAVID WILLIAM TURL, aged 73, of Weston-super-Mare, who died on Wednesday night at Silver-terrace, Exeter, where he was staying during a visit to the city. - MRS ELLEN TURL, the widow, said on Wednesday evening the deceased was better than he had been for some time, and they went for a walk. They retired about 10 o'clock and shortly afterwards her husband complained of pains to which he was subject and she gave him medicine. She spoke to him a few moments later, and found he was dead. - Dr Raglan Thomas said death was due to angina pectoris, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 August 1916
EAST STONEHOUSE - At Stonehouse yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on JOSEPH PHILP, 41, of Regent-cottages, St Mary-street. The widow said her husband on Sunday afternoon had a hearty dinner, went to bed at about 8.15 p.m. and at 10 p.m. got up, ate a hearty supper, and went to bed again. At 6.30 on Monday morning she found he was dead. Dr Noy Leah said a post-mortem examination revealed an over-distended stomach, which had caused heart failure. He had attended deceased for chronic acute indigestion, the last time in April last. Deceased had no doubt eaten heartily of unsuitable food before going to bed, and that had caused heart failure. Verdict according to medical evidence.

SEATON AND BEER - Beer cliff Tragedy. Inquest: "Shocking Danger To The Public." - Mr C. H. Tweed held an Inquest at Beer on the body of MRS ESTELLE CATHERINE DUNLOP, wife of MR T. W. DUNLOP, chemist, Beulah-hill, Upper Norwood. - MR ROY RENTON DUNLOP said his mother and cousin and himself were on a visit to Beer, and on Sunday evening were watching the rough sea close to a rock known as King's Aisle, at the Seaton end of Beer Beach, when he heard a crash. Looking round, he could not see his mother and thought she had got around the corner of the rock. Finding that was not so, he and a gentleman returned to the spot and found his mother under a piece of rock weighing about a ton. She was dead. Several boatmen and visitors helped to remove the body. - Audrey Henson, daughter of Dr W. J. Henson, of Mayfair, and niece of MRS DUNLOP, also gave evidence. - Mr W. Yeo, of Leytonstone , said he was near the spot, but heard no fall of cliff or any scream. He was approached by young DUNLOP, who said, "I have lost my mother. Have you seen her?" He went with the lad and found MRS DUNLOP dead and covered by a rock about the length of her body. The sea was rough and some of the waves were dashing against the cliff. It took several men to shift the stone. - Dr E. Tonge said MRS DUNLOP'S skull was completely smashed. Death must have been instantaneous. He had attended 14 cases from fall of cliff, and the part was very dangerous. He had been a member of the Council of Beer for nine years, and had tried to get danger boards put up, but without effect and had since written twice to the Parish Council without any reply. He had also written to the Rural Council, but nothing had been done. - A sharp passage-at-arms took place between the Foreman of the Jury (Mr Jas. Perkins), who is also chairman of Beer Parish Council, who challenged Dr Tonge's statement and said Dr Tonge had stated the previous night that he had attended 14 similar cases, and it was no fault of the Council. - Dr Tonge indignantly repudiated the expression and said he had not said similar cases, but 14 cases of injury from fall of cliff and offered to produce his book for inspection. - Mr Perkins adhered to his statement and the Coroner closed the incident. - Dr Tonge said he regretted that the interruption should have occurred, but the cliff was a shocking danger to visitors and he hoped the Council would now do their duty. The public ought to be warned. There was a danger board at Seaton, but none at Beer. - The Coroner said it was quite clear the place was very dangerous to the public. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to a Fall of Cliff and added a rider that notice boards should be put up and that Lord Clinton, the owner of the property, be asked to remove the dangerous protruding part of the cliff. - The Jury gave their fees to the Mayoress of Exeter's Fund.

REDHILL, SURREY - Kinema Pianists Death. Body Exhumed At Midnight. - The body of MISS ELIZABETH LYDIA CAMPBELL, 26, late kinema pianist at the Kinema Royal, Redhill, who died in May last, was exhumed at Reigate Cemetery shortly after midnight on Monday. Her father lives at Torquay and she was formerly a pianist at a Paignton kinema show. The secret as to the hour of exhumation was so well kept that the grave-diggers were not informed of their task until everything was ready for the grave to be reopened. Dr Alexander Walters, whose evidence at the Inquest was that death was due to septicaemia, caused by the gangrenous condition of deceased's tongue, and set up by the acid in the mixture of pineapple and rhubarb eaten at dinner; Dr Thornton, Inspector Howlett, a constable, and the superintendent of the Cemetery were present. Work was started shortly before midnight and by one a.m. the coffin had been removed to the Mortuary, where it remained until five o'clock, when it was opened in the presence of the two doctors, who took away the stomach and other portions. These were placed in jars, which were sealed and sent to Dr Spilsbury, the Home-office pathologist, for analysis. The coffin was resealed and taken back to the grave, which was filled in long before anyone was about. It will probably be ten days or a fortnight before the result of the analysis is disclosed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 August 1916
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Cycle Fatality. Inquest On REV. S. H. BINGHAM. - Mr S. Hacker opened an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on the REV. SAMUEL HENRY BINGHAM, who died on Friday, the result of injuries received when knocked down by a cyclist. - Mrs Euphemia Ann Crampton, widow, of Eyam, Derbyshire, said her brother was 75 years of age. On the day following the accident, he was to have paid her a visit. He had good sight and was very active. - Dr G. H. Johnson, of Teignmouth, said on motoring up the Dawlish hill on Tuesday of last week, he found BINGHAM lying across the road, and a sailor, aged about 17, doing his best to raise him up. With the assistance of his chauffeur, MR BINGHAM was in an unconscious state, removed to the Hospital. - The Coroner: Was any statement made by the sailor? - So far as I can remember, he said that deceased was walking down the hill in front of him, and went on one side of the road and then on the other. I think he said he rang his bell. MR BINGHAM'S left ear was almost severed from the head, and there were several slight bruises on the face. When he regained consciousness the only thing he said was that he had lost his purse. He told me it contained a cheque and five pounds. He also said he had arranged to go to Sheffield the following day, and asked if I thought he would be able to go. He seemed much concerned about the loss of the purse. - The Coroner: Has it been found? - Dr Palmer: It was found in his pocket five minutes later. - MR BINGHAM'S Statements: - Dr Frederick W. M. Palmer said the blow to MR BINGHAM'S head on being thrown must have been very severe. The injury to the left ear was probably caused by his being dragged along, or by the ear being caught in some part of the bicycle. He rallied very quickly, however, and later in the day was removed to a nursing home. He improved considerably during the next two days and recovered the use of his left arm. He collapsed suddenly on Friday afternoon and died at about 10 o'clock. The cause of death was shock, following the concussion and other injuries. - Did he make any statement to you? - Generally he said he did not remember anything about it, but on one occasion he said he was walking down the hill and on looking round saw a cyclist following him, but thought he would have time to get out of the way. When he (witness) saw the sailor lad at the Hospital after the accident, he gave his name as "E. J. Branch, of the cruiser Roxburgh," and said he was riding slowly down the hill with both brakes on. He saw the clergyman in front of him and tried to avoid him, but failed to do so as the clergyman "dodged about in the road". The rector was in the habit of walking down from his residence in the middle of the road instead of on the footpath. He had warned him to beware of the traffic. He was a very active man for his age, but was erratic in the road. He had himself seen him "dodging about the road." - Mr H. C. Full (for the family): If the sailor lad was riding slowly do you think such injuries would have been caused? - He must have been going at a fair rate. - It is a dangerous hill and there is a warning notice at the top? - Yes, but the warning notice is not in the right place. The danger is further down where the road narrows. - Ethel St. John Benn, of Shaldon, a friend of the deceased, said he made the following statement to her when she saw him at the nursing home: "It was a blue-jacket from the Roxburgh who knocked me down. I turned round and thought I had time to get out of the way. Then I knew no more until I was in Hospital." He also said: "I did not hear any bell." - The Inquest was adjourned to hear the evidence of the sailor lad, who is at Devonport.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 August 1916
TEIGNMOUTH - Teignmouth Cycle Fatality. R.N. Stoker's Story Of The Accident. - Mr Hacker yesterday concluded the Inquest at Teignmouth on the REV. SAMUEL HENRY BINGHAM, who died on Friday, the result of injuries received when knocked down by a cyclist, adjourned from the previous day for the purpose of having the evidence of the cyclist. - Ernest James Branch, stoker, H.M.S. Roxburgh, said his home was at Kenton, and whilst on leave on Tuesday of last week he was cycling the hill leading into Teignmouth, when he saw the deceased crossing the road about 200 yards ahead. He rang his bell and continued to do so all the way down. - The Coroner: What pace were you riding? - Dead slow; about 2 ½ miles an hour. - Why should you be going dead slow downhill? - I had no reason to hurry. I had two brakes. It was a free-wheel. - Why couldn't you avoid the deceased? - I turned to get clear of him, but as soon as I got close he turned back to cross the road again. No one else was about. - Then why did you run into him? - I naturally expected him to remain on the side where he was and did not anticipate he would cross the road again. I was thrown off. He fell in the middle of the road. - Did he say anything? - No; he was too unconscious for that. - Did you stop anywhere on the road from Kenton to Teignmouth? - Only to speak to my brother, who was at work in a garden as I passed along. - Mr H. C. Full (for the family): How long have you been accustomed to riding a bicycle? - Since I was eight years old. - Did you see a warning notice at the top of the hill? - No, but I know there is one there. I know the hill is a dangerous one. - Couldn't you have avoided this accident with a little more care and caution? - I couldn't have used more care and caution than I did. - The Coroner, summing up, said Branch was legally responsible for causing the death of deceased, unless the Jury felt there was sufficient evidence to satisfy them that the occurrence was not brought about by wrongful conduct on the part of Branch, or reckless riding, neglect, or want of proper precaution. So far as the accident was concerned they had no evidence but the lad's own statement. - Without retiring, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and passed a vote of condolence with deceased's sister. - The Coroner joined in the vote, and it was acknowledged on Mrs Crompton's behalf by Mr Full.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 August 1916
WEST ALVINGTON - Trap Fatality Near Kingsbridge. - Mr and Mrs P. H. Tallman, of West Alvington, near Kingsbridge, engaged a pony and trap on Monday afternoon to take MR and MRS G. SAUNDERS (London) to the village. On descending the steep hill approaching East Allington the pony reared and bolted. Mr Tallman jumped out with the reins in his hand, hoping to be able to get to the animal's head and stop it. The reins were jerked out of his hands and he fell. MR SAUNDERS was thrown out. The two women jumped out and MRS SAUNDERS, who fell on her back, received injuries, from which she died in about an hour and a half. - Mr Sidney Hacker held an Inquest yesterday. - MR SAUNDERS said his wife was 39 years of age and they were on a visit from London. - Mr P. H. Tallman, MRS SAUNDERS'S brother-in-law, said what caused the horse to bolt he was unable to say, except it was through the flies that were teasing it very much during the whole journey. His wife was badly bruised and knocked about, but not seriously. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1916
EXETER - JAMES BRIMBLECOMBE, aged 54, rag dealer, Victoria-place, Church-street, Exeter, was missed by the neighbours, and on a search being made he was found dead, kneeling by his bedside. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Pereira said death was due to heart failure.

TORQUAY - Fatal Fire At Torquay. - At Torquay yesterday an Inquest was held on MRS CHRISTINA PATERSON JOHNSON, aged 70, living alone in a single room in Parkfield-road. It was stated that her husband, MR J. JOHNSON, retired seaman, now living in Bristol, obtained over 20 years ago a separation order at Brixham, of which place she was a native. Mrs Harris, the landlady of the house, went away for a holiday, leaving her alone in the house. It was customary for her to get up every morning at five o'clock to make tea, and she used candles for lighting purposes. On Tuesday morning smoke was seen issuing from the windows and it was afterwards found that there had been an outbreak of fire in her room, and she was found on the bed, practically nude, her body badly burned. - Chief Officer Rowland, of the Fire Brigade, gave it as his opinion that the floor had been smouldering for some hours and it was possible it might have originated either by a burning stick falling from the grate or by a lighted candle being left on the floor or table. The greater part of the floor collapsed. - Dr Alan Bennett said death was due to suffocation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Australian Soldier's Death. Conditions In A Transport. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an inquest yesterday on GUNNER WILLIAM TOWN, of an Australian Field Artillery Brigade, who died while being removed in an ambulance from a transport to the Stoke Military Hospital, Devonport, on Tuesday evening. - Pte. D. Miller, R.A.M.C., of the embarkation-office staff at Keyham Yard, said deceased was very bad and in a delirious condition when he was taken from the transport on to a stretcher and placed in the Hospital, and later Lance-Corpl. Pine, of the Hospital staff, reported that he had died. Witness could not say exactly when he died. - Capt. E. J. MacSweeney, R.A.M.C., who had made a post mortem and bacteriological examinations, said death was due to cerebro-spinal meningitis. There was one other case on the ship, but that man was now doing well. - Gunner Henry Liddell, who was in the same cabin with deceased in the transport, said deceased was about 22 years of age, and was taken ill a week or ten days before they landed. There were about 1,500 men on board and nearly 100 cases in the hospital. There were altogether six in deceased's cabin. The ship was not over-crowded, it being reckoned that there was room for 400 more troops on board. They ran out of drugs, and had nothing to treat the patients with. Witness thought deceased had influenza, but he became much worse the night before they reached England. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner remarking that they lamented the death of one of their Australians who had come over to fight for the motherland.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest yesterday on EDWARD LIONEL ROWBOTHAM, aged 11 months, of 35 Ker-street, Devonport, who died on Saturday, Dr McElwaine said death was due to concussion of the brain due to falling out of bed last Tuesday, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

PLYMPTON ST MARY - Old Man's Death At Plympton. - Mr Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Colebrook, Plympton, yesterday, concerning the death of EDWIN JEFFERY, labourer, living at Stevens' Cottages. - MRS JEFFERY said her husband was 78 last birthday, and an old-age pensioner. He had to walk with two sticks. On August 4th he went out on an errand and about a quarter of an hour afterwards came back and said a horse had knocked him over. He complained of much pain and she sent for Dr Stamp. - Joseph May said he was driving Mr Edward Hicks' water-cart on the day in question. He was taking in water at Colebrook when he looked up and saw JEFFERY in the gutter. When he picked him up JEFFERY said he did not see the horse and he gathered that deceased had walked on to it. The old man generally walked with his head down. The horse was a very quiet one, although apt to "snap" in the stable. He did not think the horse attacked the old man, or he would have felt it, as he was on the cart. - Dr W. D. Stamp said he found the deceased suffering from shock and bruises. He told him that the horse knocked him over, but Dr Stamp thought it quite probable he walked into the horse. Death resulted from the shock. - Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 August 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on ANNETTE CAMPBELL, Princes-street, Devonport, wife of a stoker in the Royal Navy, who died on Tuesday. - Annie Eliza Grendon, of the same address, said between 5 and 6 a.m. on Tuesday she was called to deceased and found her in great pain. She said she had a cold and had taken some pills. She also said she had had some brawn before going to bed. - Dr Rae said deceased told him she had eaten some brawn and had been sick during the night. He found the abdomen very distended and tense and he intended to perform an operation a little later, but deceased died in the meantime. The cause of death was syncope, from perforation of the bowel. Deceased had a neglected obstruction and an operation three or four days previously might have saved her. The brawn had nothing to do with the cause of death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Killed By Taxi When Leaving Tramcar On Dark Night. - At S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on EMILY TOOLEY, Skardon-place, Plymouth, who was knocked down on Tuesday night by a taxi-cab while alighting from a tramcar at Deptford-place halt, Tavistock-road. - DOLLY TOOLEY said the deceased, her mother, was aged 49. She was the wife of A. R. J. TOOLEY. - Arthur Garnett Loveland, chauffeur, in the employ of Messrs. Humm, Old Town-street, said about 9.30 p.m. on Tuesday he was driving a taxi-cab up Tavistock-road, a little to the right of a tramcar that was ahead of him. Two motor cars were coming down on the right side of the road, so that he was unable to pass on that side. The tramcar stopped at Deptford-place halt, and witness slowed up to a walking place and sounded his horn two or three times. As he got alongside the platform of the tramcar, he saw no one on the step, but there were four or five people on the conductor's platform. Witness had his light shining and there was a very dim light on the tramcar. The night was dark, and it was raining. He heard someone shout "Look out," and immediately applied the brakes and pulled up in about three yards, just as his mudguard struck a woman and knocked her down. - The Coroner: Under the peculiar conditions to which you refer, did you feel safe in passing a tramcar in that way on the side on which people get off the car? - Witness said yes, considering he took every precaution. When his car stopped the radiator was opposite the middle of the tramcar, and the deceased was lying by the front wheel. - In reply to a relative of the deceased, witness said the fact that he pulled up within three yards on a greasy night showed how slowly he was going. - In reply to Superintendent Hitchcock )who watched the case on behalf of the Police) witness said in passing a car they always considered people would not alight before the tramcar stopped. - The Coroner said all knew it was customary for taxi-cab drivers to pass cars on the near side and there was no law to prevent them. It was only a question as to whether witness exercised sufficient caution. - Superintendent Hitchcock: What speed were you going? - Eight or ten miles an hour behind the car, and I slowed down to about three or four - a walking pace. - Mr Elliot Square (who watched the case on behalf of the owners of the taxi-cab): You heard someone shout when going at about three miles an hour and you pulled up by the time it had reached the middle of the car? - Yes, in a few feet. - Dorothy Curnow, tram conductress, of Grenville-road, said she saw the taxi-cab following the tramcar up the hill very slowly. The deceased desired to alight at Deptford-place and some passengers got on to the platform to let her pass from the inside of the car to the platform. The car was full. She heard a gentleman shout to deceased: "Look out, missus!" but she took no notice and stepping off the car she was caught by the taxi-cab and knocked down. The taxi-cab was at the time being driven very slowly. She did not hear the horn, but it might have been blown, as they got so used to them. - A Juryman: He might have blown it? - Yes; it was blowing very hard and raining heavily. - Frank Ernest Taylor, Beechwood-avenue, said the tramcar had not quite stopped when deceased left the steps. The taxi-cab at the time of passing the tramcar was going very slowly, and must have drawn up within six feet. - The Coroner: Do you consider there was any negligence on the part of the driver of the taxi-cab? - None whatever. I know nothing of Mr Humm or of the driver. - In reply to a Juryman, the taxi-cab driver said he was a staunch teetotaler. - Mr Taylor said it was so dark that no one could see anybody on the road. - Mr Fredk. J. Woo, Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said deceased was admitted about 9.40 in an unconscious condition with a bruise on the right side of the head, and an abrasion on the back of the right hand. She did not recover consciousness, dying about twenty minutes after admission from fracture of the base of the skull and compression. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family. - Mr Elliot Square also expressed sympathy on behalf of the taxi-cab driver. - Supt. Hitchcock said he hoped drivers would be very careful during dark nights. - The chauffeur of the taxi-cab also expressed a hope that people, especially soldiers, would make it easier for drivers by keeping to the footpaths at night. It was no infrequent occurrence between Plymouth and Crownhill to meet with soldiers, five and six abreast on either side of the road. With their dimmed lights on their motors they were unable to see these men until they were upon them and in endeavouring to avoid one party they ran the risk of running into another party.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 September 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatality At Devonport. The death of RICHARD WILLIAM WILLCOCKS, of 9 Duke-street, Devonport, labourer, in the employ of Ash and Son, was investigated by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday. Deceased, aged 59, went up to a loft over stables on Saturday to get a bundle of hay. His intention was to throw the bundle down through double trap-doors to the stable below. While carrying the hay he tripped over one of the doors, which was lying in a horizontal position and fell into the stable. The hay came down with him and he fell on top of it. His head was badly cut, having apparently come in contact during the fall with a perpendicular ladder fixed to the wall. He died at the Royal Albert Hospital on Wednesday. - ELIZA ANN WHITE of 9 Duke-street, said when deceased, her brother, went to work on Saturday afternoon he was apparently all right. - John Thomas Morby, foreman in the employ of Messrs. Ash, said about 5.30 on Saturday afternoon, he entered the bottle-washing department, from which he had a good view of the stables. He saw something fall in front of him and heard groans. Rushing to see what was the matter he found WILLCOCKS lying on the ground. He picked him up and saw that he was badly injured, though not unconscious. A taxi-cab was telephoned for and WILLCOCKS was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. Before his removal WILLCOCKS said he had tripped his foot against the trap-door. He fell a distance of about nine feet. - Christopher Daniel, stableman, stated that when carrying the bundle in front of him the deceased would not be able to see the trap-door. - Dr S. C. Ghose, House Surgeon, said that when admitted to Hospital WILLCOCKS was suffering from a lacerated wound on the top of the head, extending practically from one ear to the other. On the second day his condition improved, but afterwards he grew gradually worse and died on Wednesday morning. Death was due to shock. There was no fracture of the skull. - Verdict: "Accidental Death." Sympathy with the relatives was expressed by Coroner, Jury and Mr Clarke (on behalf of Ash and Son.)

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 September 1916
THEALE, BERKSHIRE - The Motor Tragedy. Inquest On Plymouth Lady Killed Near Reading. The State Of The Road. - Before Mr R. S. Payne, Coroner, at Theale, near Reading, yesterday, an Inquest was held on MRS FLORENCE WILLIAMS (known in business as MADAME HUXFORD), of 10 Westwell-street, Plymouth, who, as already reported, was killed as the result of a motor accident on Saturday. Mr Sydney Brain, solicitor, of Reading, represented MR WILLIAMS and the family, and Mr Martin Hurne, of London, appeared for Usher's Wiltshire Brewery, the owners of the engine. - The Coroner said that MR WILLIAMS, the driver of the car, was unable to attend and the Jury would have to decide whether it was necessary to adjourn the Inquest. - Mr Brain stated that MR WILLIAMS was, he believed, getting on all right, but it would be a long time before he would be about again. - How Accident Happened. - MRS VIOLET MAY JOHNSTON, of 13 Union-terrace, Plymouth, identified the body as that of MRS FLORENCE WILLIAMS, whose husband, MR FREDERICK THOMAS WILLIAMS, was a ladies outfitter. Deceased was 34 years of age and was her sister. On Saturday MR and MRS WILLIAMS and witness were motoring from Bath to London. - The Coroner: When did you first become aware that something was wrong? - I saw the car skid by the side of the road just before we entered Theale. - Where were you travelling? - Towards the side of the road. - On the proper side? - Yes. - Which way did the car turn when it skidded? - I hardly know. The car skidded twice. - Do you know what pace you were travelling? - About 20 to 25 miles an hour. - Was MR WILLIAMS an experienced driver? - Yes; he is the only one who has driven the car. - When the car skidded, do you know if the brakes were put on? - No. - The roads were wet and damp? - Yes. - Were the wind screens up in front? - Yes. - Could MR WILLIAMS see all right? - Yes. - It was not raining at the time? - No. - Did the car at the end of the skid swerve right across the road into the motor lorry? - Yes. - Were you thrown out by the collision? - I thought I was, but I hardly know. - Mr Brain: MR WILLIAMS is a very careful and experienced driver? - Yes. - You know that this was the 25th journey he has made from Plymouth to London? - Yes. - Did you notice that the surface of the road was very slippery? - It was slippery. - It was a pure accident? - Yes, it was quite an accident. - I think you were rendered unconscious for a time, were you not? - Yes. - Mr Hurne: Had you not swerved to your near side just before the collision? - We did swerve. - Did you not actually go on to the grass plot by the side of the road before the collision? - I could not tell you. - The driver of the lorry could have done nothing to avoid the accident? - No. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr J. J. F. Knight, of Theale, said that as the result of a post-mortem examination he found, among other injuries, a contused wound an inch above the eye and there was a fracture of the outer table of the skull beneath it. The left upper arm was fractured, and there was an abrasion on the left side of the chest. MRS WILLIAMS must have come into contact with some hard substance, probably wood or metal. Deceased was a heavy woman. Death was due to syncope, caused by shock and concussion and internal haemorrhage. - Car Out Of Control. - Leonard Martin of 17 Lydford-road, Paddington, said he was a motor driver in the employ of Usher's Brewery and on Saturday was driving a motor lorry from Paddington to Trowbridge. - The Coroner: Can you tell the Jury about this accident? - When we were passing through Theale, I saw a car approaching, and I noticed it swerve about 130 yards off. It then ran on to the grass on the near side. Then it came out of the grass and made straight across the other side of the road in front of me. - Did it seem to be out of control? - The car was out of control altogether. The driver could not turn the front wheels. The front wheels were skidding all the while. - How fast were you going at the time? - Between seven and eight miles an hour. I pulled into the near side of the road in order to give the driver an opportunity of straightening his machine and to get by. I was practically at a standstill when the car hit me. It struck the centre of the lorry, which was damaged. - Did you notice the condition of the road at the time? - It was very greasy. - Did you form any estimate as to the speed of the car before it skidded? - I should think it was going more than 25 miles an hour. - Were the brakes on at all? - No. - By Mr Horne: The car was twelve yards off the lorry when it went on to the grass, and then it went across the road. - Did you push the car with your lorry after the collision? - I never pushed it. - Mr Brown: So far as the motor car was concerned it had quite a free road in front of it? - Yes. - He was coming along safely until the car skidded, throwing it across the road and then on to the other side in front of your lorry? - Yes. - It was a pure accident? - Yes. - The witness added that the left side of MRS WILLIAMS' face came into contact with the iron covering in front of the engine. - Witnessed By Police Officer. - P.S. Albert George Elsbury, stationed at Theale, said that on Saturday last, about 12.20 p.m., he was riding his bicycle along the Bath-road to Theale, when he heard a motor car coming behind him. The horn was being sounded. After it had passed him, a distance of about 60 or 70 yards, it commenced to swerve and almost came across the road. There was a hole in the road, and the car recovered itself by the swerve. The car was on its proper side when it commenced to swerve, and it swerved out into the middle of the road on to the other side. The car then swerved back again on to the grass. It again swerved from the grass and went across the road. In the meantime witness noticed a motor lorry coming along from the direction of Theale. When the car swerved across the road finally he thought it would miss the lorry, and then he heard a crash. He then saw persons being thrown out of the car. He rushed to the spot and discovered MR WILLIAMS in the ditch in a semi-conscious condition. He endeavoured to pull himself out, but fell back. He saw MRS WILLIAMS lying on the grass between the car and the ditch. MRS JOHNSTON was in the car. He attended to MRS WILLIAMS, who was lying on her left side. She was unconscious and was groaning. Medical assistance was sent for, and after about an hour and a quarter a doctor arrived from Reading with an ambulance. The doctor examined the deceased and pronounced life extinct. MRS WILLIAMS died about twenty minutes after the accident. The motor car was smashed up. - The Coroner: What do you put the speed of the car at? - I should say about twenty-five miles an hour. - And what about the speed of the lorry? - I could not say; I was too far away. - Probable Cause Of The Accident. - Witness continuing, said the car began to skid by a hole which was three yards long, a yard in width, and an inch and a half in depth. It was deeper in the centre and probably was the starting of the accident. - The Coroner: Did the car appear to be under control? - Perfectly. - A Juryman: Probably the hole did it. Probably it put the steering gear out of control? - Possibly. - Reply to Mr Hurne, witness said the driver of the lorry could not have avoided the collision. - Alice Booth, parish nurse, said that she found MRS WILLIAMS unconscious. She gave her brandy, but she could not swallow it. - The Jury decided not to have the Inquest adjourned. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he did not think there was the slightest blame to be attached to the driver of the lorry, who could not get out of the way, and did the next best thing, viz., to get on to the grass. There was the evidence as to the hole in the road, which might or might not have caused the skid, which was inevitable at times. - Jury's Decision. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the husband of the deceased and MRS JOHNSTON, and added that they would like to call the attention of the Berks County Council to the state of the road at that particular point. They also exonerated the driver of the lorry from blame. - The Coroner concurred in the Jury's vote of sympathy. - The body of the deceased will be brought to Plymouth today and it is hoped that MR WILLIAMS will be well enough to make the journey home. - The funeral has been fixed for tomorrow.

PLYMOUTH - Inquest At Plymouth - There was a rumour that SAMUEL CHARLES STEPHENS, aged 70, who died in Plymouth Workhouse, had been knocked down by a taxi-cab. He had been picked up in the street and taken to the Homeopathic Hospital, but no injuries were found on him. At the Inquest yesterday, MRS JESSIE FRENCH, wife of a petty officer, said deceased was her father. Dr J. Stephens Ward, acting Medical Officer at the Workhouse, said the man was admitted on the morning of December 27th in a semi-conscious state. Death was due to acute pneumonia. There was nothing else abnormal. - Verdict: "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1916
AXMINSTER - Fatal Accident At Axminster. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at an Inquest at Axminster yesterday on REUBEN SWAIN, jun., aged 37, carter, in the employ of his father, MR R. SWAIN, of Lower Abbey Farm. On the afternoon of the 5th inst., deceased and his brother, CHARLES, loaded a wagon with oats in a field. Deceased proceeded towards the farm with a horse and wagon, and subsequently he was found lying in the road, while the horse was proceeding homewards. Deceased told his brother that the wagon had passed over his leg. Death was due to septic poisoning, caused by the accident. Deceased had fractured his left leg and badly injured his right leg.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 September 1916
PLYMSTOCK - Plymstock Farmer's Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on MR JOHN HENRY HINE, aged 53, of Pomphlett Barton Farm, Plymstock, who died suddenly on Saturday. - LEONARD HINE said his father was in Plymouth the most of Saturday, returning about 4 p.m., when he complained of acute pains in the chest, saying he thought he had indigestion. After tea he said he was feeling better and visited a friend at Billacombe. He again complained of pain when he came home about 8.30 p.m. and went to bed. He drank a glass of hot water and said he felt better. An hour later witness's mother went up with another glass of water and found him dead. He had not seemed seriously ill, and had always enjoyed the best of health. - Dr Noy Scott who had made a post mortem examination said death was due to syncope caused by heart disease of some standing. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. - The Coroner said he had known MR HINE for forty years and always had the highest respect for him. Doubtless the Jury would join with him in expressing sympathy with the family. The Jury concurred.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 September 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Dock Fatality. Workmen And Defective Strops. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN THOMAS HANDFORD, aged 44, of Embankment-road, Plymouth. - Wm. G. Rockett, dock labourer, in the employ of Victoria Wharves Ltd., said on Sunday bags of clay were being unloaded from a truck for shipment. They were places in a sling, which was hoisted by an electric transport. They had taken the last load out when the sling broke and the load struck HANDFORD and knocked him on his face. In an unconscious state he was taken to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital. In answer to the Coroner, witness said the same morning a fellow-worker threw away one strop that was not fit for work. The remainder of the strops were also in a bad condition and had been complained about. Three strops had broken within a month and other men had narrow escapes. He had not made a complaint on this occasion. They often passed remarks one to another. He could not say he had ever asked for new strops. - In answer to Mr C. H. Morris, H.M. Inspector of Factories, witness said the load was 22 cwt. He had no instructions to report a defective strop. The stevedore was in charge of the working gang. They used to have a man on purpose to see to the strops, but he had gone into Government work. To the best of his knowledge there was now no one who looked after them. - Dr Woo, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said HANDFORD was dead when admitted on Sunday. There was a fracture of the skull. - George A. Clark, dock labourer, Sutton-road, also in the employ of Victoria Wharves Ltd., thought a sudden jerk at the top broke the strop. The rope used was three inches in circumference. One strop had previously been thrown away that morning. If he found a dangerous strop he cut it. The strop through which the accident occurred had been in use that day, but he had no idea it was going to part. - The Coroner: If you found a strop defective, had you any difficulty in getting a new one? - I cut them and took the consequence. The strops are supposed to be tested at one ton and to carry 30 cwt. - Rockett, recalled, said he did not consider that particular strop defective, or he would have put it aside. - Evidence Of A Stevedore. - Mr Pearce Ivey, superintendent of stevedores, said he was in charge of the gang, but did not examine the strops, as it was not usual. The men had liberty to condemn any strop. He examined the strop after the accident, and to all appearances it was quite capable of conveying the usual load, which was one ton. Four new strops were given out last week: the men had no difficulty in getting new strops. The strops would carry two tons when new, but the instructions were that they were to be worked only to the extent of a ton. - In answer to the foreman, witness said they spliced the rope themselves, so the "slip" when completed, was not tested. He never remembered a splice slipping. They might test a rope for 30 cwt., and the men would put a 2 ton 10 cwt. strain on it behind their backs. The men had put more than one ton on the rope and he had to take them to task for doing it. - Mr Morris said he had examined the rope. It was apparently a clean break, and he suggested that it broke on account of the extra 2 cwt. There was nothing to show it was defective. - In answer to Mr Wilkins, of the Dockers' Union, Mr Morris said there was a Board of Trade regulation that chain gear should be inspected, but not other gear. - Mr Ivey added that Rockett said several strops had been broken lately. He saw one and counted 27 cwt in it. - In reply to the Coroner, Rockett said he had never yet cut a strop and should not like to. He should be afraid, because probably he would get into trouble. - The Coroner: You don't ask the Jury to believe that, do you? - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" adding that some method should be adopted whereby the strops could be tested before being issued. - Mr R. S. Clarke, manager of Victoria Wharves, Ltd., expressed sympathy with HANDFORD'S family, saying he had known him for nearly 20 years, and they felt his loss very keenly. - The Jury associated themselves with the expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 September 1916
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest yesterday at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, Plymouth, on ANNIE HONEY, 49, of Seymour-street, wife of GEORGE A. HONEY, plasterer. On Tuesday morning he left her in her room for two minutes and on returning found her with three wounds in her throat. She had been attended by a doctor for nerves and had lately been worrying about her son in the army. Dr T. J. Woo said MRS HONEY died at the Hospital on Thursday from bronchial pneumonia due to the wounds. Verdict, "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Friday 29 September 1916
SHEBBEAR - Shebbear Gentleman's Death. Evidence As To Chlorodyne. - An Inquest was held on Wednesday at Shebbear by Dr Pearson of Bideford, on MR JOHN W. GAMMON, Hay House, gentleman, son of a former Governor of Shebbear College. - MRS GAMMON said her husband, who since August had suffered much from sleeplessness, went out on Sunday after dinner and made no remarks as to his health. He had never alluded to taking his life, nor did she ever think he would do so. - The Rev. T. E. Fox, vicar of Shebbear, said he called at the house on Sunday and learnt that MR GAMMON was missing. He went in search of him, but it was not until next morning that he, in company with Mr Griffen, discovered the body in a field half a mile from the residence. There were slight scratches on his face, caused probably by a bramble. He thought it unlikely that he would contemplate taking his own life. In fact, he bought a new hat on Saturday and talked of going to Holsworthy on Monday. - Mr John Squance, brother-in-law, said two letters were found in MR GAMMON'S handwriting, one of a private character and the other a scrap, on which was written, "The greatest kindness has been shown to me by my wife and sister." - Dr Drybrough Smith said he had attended MR GAMMON for 2 ½ years off and on. He had informed him of his heart condition. He suffered mentally through lack of sleep, and had stated that he would awake in great distress about someone he should never see again. His mind was much oppressed, but he told him he would get over it. The bottle found was given him in August containing a mixture for sleeplessness. It having no effect he asked for chloride, but was refused on account of the condition of his heart. Several times afterwards he wanted chlorodyne in the house, but witness ordered it to be taken away as dangerous. A post mortem examination revealed a heart much enlarged. In the stomach was chlorodyne that was the cause of death. MR GAMMON had a very bad heart, and very little of the poison was required to take effect. - The Coroner said it was evidence that as the result of his mental condition, MR GAMMON had taken poison, which was the cause of death. - A verdict in accordance with that view was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 September 1916
PLYMOUTH - Crownhill Moat Fatality. Sergeant's Sad Death. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Crownhill on SERGEANT JOHN BACK, D.R.E., aged 45. Lance Corporal A. J. Shears said BACK was a sergeant in his company, and was in the canteen at the fort with him and a few others on Wednesday evening at a convivial gathering. BACK left the canteen about 8.45 by himself, apparently all right. When he turned in at 10 p.m. BACK, who slept in the same quarters, was not there. BACK would have the privilege of retiring later, the sergeants' mess being open to him. As BACK was not in the quarters next morning he reported it to the sergeant-major, who formed a search party, and the body was found in the moat, BACK having apparently fallen from the top of the slop over the ramparts. The body was fully dressed save for his buckle-strap, which lay at his side, but his dress was disarranged. BACK made it a practice of going on to the ramparts to have a breath of fresh air before retiring at night, and said he was going to do so that night. He was perfectly sober and was familiar with the surroundings. He must have slipped on the grass and rolled over. - FRANCIS BACK, of Exeter, said his son (the deceased) left a widow and three children. He had returned from the front badly wounded. - The Coroner: Are there any regulations against going to the ramparts at night? - Co. Sergt.-Major Hulton: None, sir. - It is dangerous to go there at that time of night, I should think? - Yes. It was very dark and cloudy that night, too. - Was BACK seen after leaving the canteen? - No; I made every possible inquiry. He did not go to the sergeants' mess and the other men agree with Shears that he was sober. - Capt. Chas. Chichester said death had taken place some hours before the body was discovered. Five of the sergeant's ribs on the left side were broken, the right thigh was fractured, and there was considerable internal haemorrhage. The only external mark on the body was a slight scratch in the middle of the back, as if he had just grazed the parapet of the wall. The injuries were quite consistent with the fall, which must have been between 30 ft. and 40 ft., and he was a heavy man. - The Coroner, at the of a Juryman, asked if an order could be issued forbidding men to go up on the ramparts after dark? - Adjutant Picken: Oh, yes. - And it would be a reasonable thing to do? - No. - You would let them go? - Yes. We are at war, you know. - The Sergeant Major said there was a path round in the direction BACK went, leading to his quarters. - At the request of the Coroner, the Jury viewed the place and on returning Mr Rodd said he thought the Jury would agree that BACK probably went there for a purpose and unfortunately fell over into the moat. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said he was inclined to the adjutant's view. They were at war and it would be best to leave matters in the hands of the military. No doubt what had happened would be a warning to others to exercise proper care. He should like to offer his sympathy, not only to MR BACK, the widow and children, but to the regiment also. - Adjutant Picken tendered condolence on behalf of Col. Bastard and all ranks.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 October 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Torpoint Woman Drowned. Mysterious Splash At Pottery Quay. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at Ker-street, Guildhall yesterday on GRACE LOUISE ROBERTS, aged 36, single, of 6 King-street, Torpoint, whose body was found on the Ferry beach, Pottery Quay on Tuesday. - MARTHA ANN ROBERTS, deceased's sister, said deceased lived with her mother, who is a widow. She had been a domestic servant, but had not been employed for a considerable time. Deceased was very strange in her manner on Sunday. She was subject to violent fits of temper for trivial reasons and when in that state she had threatened to make an "end of it." They did not take any notice of deceased, as they believed she did not mean to end her life. Shortly after 9 p.m. deceased left the house and witness and her mother waited up until after midnight and then went to bed, believing that deceased had gone to spend the night with a brother and sister at Devonport, as she had done before. Deceased did not help much in the house and often did not arise until between noon and 2 p.m. - Thomas W. Toms, captain of the Torpoint ferry steamer, said he was on Pottery Quay, off duty, at 10.30 p.m. on Monday, when he heard a splash. Thinking that somebody had thrown a dog overboard he did not at first take any notice, but not seeing a dog when he looked into the water he walked to the pontoon. the people there said they had not heard anything, but a search was made and one man thought he saw a hand raised from the surface of the water. Witness threw a lifebuoy with a line attached. Just afterwards the Torpoint ferry steamer arrived and searched for some time, but without success. Witness did not think deceased could have fallen into the water. He did not see a woman on the pontoon. It was very dark at the time. Witness knew deceased, whom he considered rather eccentric. - P.C. White, Metropolitan Water Police, said he helped to search after the splash was heard and at 2.45 a.m. on Tuesday he found deceased in about three feet of water. At the time of the alarm it was very dark, rain was drizzling, and there was a lot of seaweed on the surface of the water. - P.C. Bulley said he searched the clothing and found nothing but a brooch. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to drowning. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 October 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held at Ker-street Police Court, Devonport, yesterday, on WILLIAM LEWIS HURRELL, aged 49, of Honicknowle, R.N. pensioner, working as a skilled labourer in the Dockyard. A. E. Angus, engine-fitter, said he sat with the deceased on a tramcar, when HURRELL gave a gasp and in a few minutes expired. Dr Vosper said death was due to syncope, accelerated by exertion caused by running after the tramcar. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 October 1916
EXETER - Fatal Quest For Chestnuts. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Exeter on ARCHIBALD CHARLES RAYMOND, aged 12, Shaftesbury-road, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Friday last after a fall from a wall in Cowick-lane. - MR RAYMOND said when he went home at dinner-time the boy was in bed and said "Don't worry, I shall be all right in a few minutes," but his experience in first-aid work taught him that the boy's symptoms were dangerous and he sent for Dr Atkins, who ordered his removal to the Hospital. - Harry Apsey said that having the permission of the daughter of the owner, he and RAYMOND went into a field to get horse chestnuts. Inside they saw the gardener, who caught witness and turned him out, saying he did not care about any permission. Deceased scrambled out of the field through the hedge and barbed wire. - Walter Puddicombe, one of several boys who were waiting for the deceased and Apsley in the roadway outside, said they heard a man shout, and saw the deceased try to get out of the field. He caught his foot in the wire and fell off the wall, pitching on his head. Thomas Henry Phillott, gardener at Franklin, said about 15 to 20 boys were in the garden, breaking the shrubs and throwing stones. His mate caught one and the deceased, encouraged by the boys outside, tried to get out over the wall. The boy did not say he had permission to go there. - William Seaton, another gardener, corroborated, and said when he went towards the deceased after his fall he got up and walked away. - Dr Domville said the base of the skull was fractured, this being the cause of death. - Verdict: "Accidental Death, nobody being to blame." - The Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

TEIGNMOUTH - Mr F. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Teignmouth yesterday on JOHN BARNES, aged 49, butcher, of Teign-street. Deceased was well known at Barnstaple, where he resided for some time before going to Teignmouth. MRS BARNES said her husband had complained of his work being too much for him. When her husband came home on Saturday evening he appeared cheerful. He went to bed after a light supper. At 6.30 on Sunday morning he breathed heavily. She spoke to him, but got no answer. A daughter went for a doctor. Dr F. E. Little said death was due to aneurism of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest on T. J. ROWE, aged 11 weeks, the infant of EVELYN ROWE of Rendle-street. The mother said that the child was born in a field at Mile-house. Mrs McCoy, a midwife, attended it, but no doctor was called. She took the child to Dr Waterfield nine weeks later and he advised the Workhouse Infirmary, and afterwards refused a death certificate. - The Coroner said the child only weighed 4 lb. It would not be fair to proceed unless the woman was defended. - The Chief Constable, Mr Sowerby, concurred and the Inquest was adjourned until Thursday week, the girl entering the Workhouse.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 October 1916
CHITTLEHAMPTON - North Devon Farmer's Suicide. - At an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD HOWARD, aged 69, farmer, of Nethercleave, Chittlehampton, the widow stated that deceased had suffered from chronic rheumatism and the results of an accident, but seemed to be fairly well on Wednesday morning. She went out temporarily, to find on her return deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs with a gunshot wound in the head, and a double-barrel gun by his side. - Dr Good said MR HOWARD had been depressed and worried about trifles without cause. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Tragedy. Young Officer's Fatal Fall From Bedroom Window. - An Inquest was held by Mr Thomas Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at the Townhall, Kingsbridge, on Wednesday, on LIEUT. P. W. PURSER, aged 25, of London, who met his death by falling about 25 feet from a bedroom window. - MR F. W. PURSER, solicitor, Maida Vale, London, said his son, PHILIP WARBERTON PURSER, aged 25, was a lieutenant in the Middlesex Regt. Witness last saw his son alive in June, when he came home from Solonika on sick leave, and was ordered to go into a Hospital at Chatham, and he believed deceased left the Hospital about six or seven weeks ago. Witness did not know his son had left the Hospital until he received a demand for the payment of a cheque. Since that he had been trying to trace his son and followed him to Margate, Ilfracombe, Devonport, Penzance, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Liverpool and finally, to Kingsbridge, and telegraphed to the Police to detain him, as he was suffering from mental aberration. In his arrival at Brent that morning he heard of his son's death. - P.C. Wordon said on Tuesday, at midday, he met deceased, and asked him for his papers, to which he replied that officers were not supplied with passes. Not being satisfied, he took him to the Police Station, and he was detained. About 3 p.m. he was brought before Mr J. S. Hurrell, J.P., and was allowed out on parole, on condition he allowed a Constable to be with him, to which he agreed. Witness stayed with him until about 10 o'clock, when deceased said he was going to bed. After he got to the bedroom witness, not having had any supper, left the room to get food and was not absent more than three or four minutes. On his return he found the door locked. He burst open the door. Deceased was missing, but after a search witness saw through a window below that deceased was hanging by his hands to the window of his bedroom. At the same time he dropped on to the pavement in the street. He was unconscious when picked up. - Miss Olive Fellowes stated she was walking up Fore-street about 10 p.m., when she saw a man hanging by his hands from the top bedroom window of the South Hams Coffee Tavern. He appeared to be trying to get a foothold. A few seconds after the man dropped on to the pavement. - Dr W. T. Webb said the officer died in the Cottage Hospital at 11.45 from shock following concussion and laceration of the brain. - Mr J. S. Hurrell, J.P., said he did not think any blame could be attached to the Constable. When deceased was brought before him (Mr Hurrell) he did not like the idea of the young officer being locked in the Police Cells, and advised his being taken to the coffee tavern, undertaking to be responsible for his lodging. He was certain no doctor would have certified the man to be insane. Deceased was grateful for the kindness shown him. - The Coroner said it appeared that in the impulse of the moment the young fellow thought he could get away from the Police. From the father's evidence he had evidently been dodging the Police for some time, probably suffering from mental aberration from the shock of the experiences he had lately gone through. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death from Misadventure," and exonerated everyone from blame. They also expressed sympathy with the parents and friends, in which the Coroner and Superintendent Jeffery joined.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 October 1916
TAVISTOCK - Devon Mining Fatality. Blasting Accident In Adit. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock Hospital yesterday on JOHN GLOYN MAY, aged 59, miner, late of Horndon, Marytavy, who was injured at Devon United Mine, Petertavy, on September 26th. Mr T. Baydell, H.M. Inspector of Mines, was present. Sergt.-Major D. Bowles was Foreman of the Jury. - Ernest Samuel Williams, miner, of Tavistock, said he was working with deceased on September 26th at Devon United Mine. They were blasting in Bennett's adit, and had bored three short holes that morning. Two were charged with gelignite. The fuse was then attached with a detonator. The deceased did the charging and what was necessary to fire it. About three-quarters of an hour later they went back and charged the third hole. The deceased again did what was necessary to light the fuse, and witness was standing about two yards behind him. Without moving back the deceased said, "It hasn't taken," and with the same the charge went off, injuring the deceased very badly. The candles were blown out, and he found himself in the dark. It was being done in accordance with usual procedure, and no regulations were violated. The deceased should have left the adit directly he applied the light and witness would have followed in due course if they had known the fuse was burning back. He could not explain why the deceased did not see it. He believed the deceased thought that the fuse had not lighted. - By the Inspector: The fuse was in good order. - Dr J. Leslie Watt stated that the deceased had, among other injuries, a punctured wound in the chest, a fracture of the forefinger of the left hand and the left wrist. He was doing well until Saturday when tetanus set in and caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 October 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Taxi-Cab Fatality. Driver Exonerated. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on ALFRED THOMAS CHARLES WEBBER, aged 8, of Mainstone-avenue, who was killed on Monday evening by a taxi-cab. - George Edward Burt, Dockyard labourer, who identified the body, said the boy's father was at present on active service in France. - Thomas George Stephens, of Albany-place, in the employment of Messrs. Cooper, said on Monday evening he was driving along the Parade, and just as he turned into High-street a boy ran out in front of the cab. The boy struck he head-light and fell over on to the front off wheel. He (witness) pulled up in two or three feet and found the boy two or three inches behind the front wheel. He put him in the cab and took him to the Hospital with all speed. It was not very dark at the time. - The Coroner: What pace were you going? - Between four and five miles an hour. Did you sound your horn? - Yes. The Foreman, Mr Parsons: If you were just rounding the corner could the boy have seen you coming? - He could have seen me if he was looking. He came rushing out of a doorway, as if someone was chasing him. A Juryman: How far off was the boy when you saw him first? - About five feet from the car. - Thomas Betteridge, a private of the Lancashire Regt., said he saw the boy run rapidly across the pavement and into the road in front of a taxi-cab, which was going not more than five or six miles an hour. He was the first to arrive on the scene of the accident. In his opinion it was impossible for the driver of the taxi-cab to avoid running over the boy; it was a pure accident. - In reply to a question, witness said he heard the driver sound the horn. - Dr Wilmot said the boy died shortly after his arrival at the Hospital and without recovering consciousness. He had no fracture or dislocation, and there was no bleeding anywhere. He (witness) had come to the conclusion the boy died of shock. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave it as their opinion that no one was to blame. - The Coroner remarked that unfortunately children often rushed across the street without looking to the right hand or to the left. - Mr Percy Pearce watched the proceeding on behalf of the driver of the taxi-cab.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 October 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Infant's Death. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday held an Inquest on the male child of EVELYN RAWE. The child was born on July 22nd; it died on October 8th. It was at the Plymouth Workhouse until August 12th, when it passed into various hands until its death. - Mrs McCoy, a certificated midwife, stated that the child was healthy at birth, weighing nearly 6lb. - Mrs H. Cavey of King-street, said she was awakened on the night of July 22nd by a knocking at the door. On descending she found EVELYN RAWE with a newly-born child wrapped in a mackintosh. On September 7th the mother visited her and Mrs Cavey, seeing the bad condition of the child, urged her to see a doctor. - Mrs E. Bishop said that she consented to keep the child for a while and when under her care it was in good health. The mother denied this, saying that she found her baby dirty and ill-kept, and she removed it. - Mrs E. Cavey and Mrs G. Grainger, however, corroborated Mrs Bishop's statement. - Mrs K. Smale of Princes-street, said when she saw the child it was thin. - Mrs J. Smith, who also took it in for a night made the same remark. - Mrs E. Barren said the mother and baby came to her on October 6th to see if she could accommodate her until the Monday. She let her have a spare room, but saw the child was ill. She informed the Police and an inspector of the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children visited the house. On Sunday morning it died. - Dr Waterfield who made a post-mortem examination, said he found death due to neglect; there was no disease. When he was called to see it on October 6th he found it in a disgusting condition. It weighed 4 lb. 3 oz. - Mr Johns said this was one of the worst cases he had had. - The Jury thought that there was neglect, but as the baby passed through so many hands they would not like to say the mother was wholly responsible, and returned a verdict of death due to "Neglect, but not Manslaughter."

Western Morning News, Monday 23 October 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Soldier's Mysterious Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, held an Inquest at the General Military Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday on CORPL. THOMAS WHITEHEAD, aged 28. - H. J. Elson, Old Laira-road, G.W.R. engine-driver, said about 7 a.m. the previous Sunday he was on his engine, which was at a standstill on the Bath-street side of Millbay Station, when he heard the shout "Help me, mate." Witness then saw deceased leaning against the engine and clutching the handrail with his hands. The soldier was taken to a shunter's cabin, where it was seen that he was seriously injured, his face being a mass of dried blood. Deceased told witness that he was going home quietly the previous night when he fell into a deep pit. - Pte. Joseph White said he last saw deceased at Friary Station at 10.40 p.m. on Saturday, the 14th inst., but he did not know whether he entered a train. - Pte. George Duffy said he was with deceased at the same time. He had had some drink, but was able to take care of himself. - P.C. Medder said deceased was conveyed to the Hospital. Deceased said he could only remember being at Plymouth about ten o'clock the previous night. Witness asked deceased if he knew he had lost his cap and he said he could get another. - Capt. F. J. McSwinney, R.A.M.C., said that when he saw deceased at 8 a.m. on Sunday he was conscious, but suffering from severe shock. His face was severely bruised and after being placed in bed other injuries were found. Deceased gradually became worse and died at 3.15 a.m. on Thursday, death being due to meningitis through fracture of the base of the skull. - Capt. F. C. Napier, deceased's company officer, said the man was married and belonged to Arkem-in-Furness. He was employed as police-corporal and possessed a good character. - P.S. Jane stated that a Mrs Parker of Belmont-street, Plymouth, had informed him that her mother-in-law found a soldier's cap and cane in the street by the G.W.R. boundary wall opposite their house at 7 a.m. on Sunday. The wall was 7 ft. 3 in. high on the street side and considerably more on the railway side. A return railway ticket from Friary to Turnchapel was found on deceased. - The Coroner said it was rather a mysterious case. It seemed that deceased must have either climbed over the all in Belmont-street and dropped on the railway, or climbed up from the railway side and fell backwards. - On the Coroner's suggested, the Jury returned a verdict that "Death was due to Meningitis following fracture of the skull, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the fracture was caused."

SLAPTON - Start Bay Fatality. Boat With Seven Fishermen Overturns: No One Could Swim. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Slapton on Saturday on JOHN WILLIAM JAMES LUSCOMBE HEAD, aged 34, fisherman. It was stated deceased's wife died fourteen months ago, leaving three young children. - William Tabb, fisherman, Slapton, said he and nine other men went to the beach on Friday morning to launch a boat to make a haul with a tuck net for fish. After the boat was launched the wind freshened and the sea became much rougher. There were seven men in the boat, but witness and two other men stayed on shore to take the ropes. Six men were pulling and one man was paying out the rope. The men had pulled some distance up the bay and were about 30 yards off the shore when he heard shouting, and looking out he saw the boat suddenly vanish and the men were in the sea. Then he saw the boat bottom up, with three men clinging to it. Two of the men were his own sons, one being deaf and dumb. The boat washed in to the shore and they succeeded in rescuing five of the men. Ernest Cole was washed ashore unconscious, but a doctor succeeded in reviving him. When they got hold of deceased he appeared to be dead. - The Coroner: Could any of the men swim? - No, sir. - The Coroner: I am astonished to hear that; I should have thought every fisherman could swim. - Witness: There is not a fisherman in this village who can swim, and I do not know of any boys that can do so. There are only two or three fishermen in the bay that can swim. The shore at this end of the bay is very dangerous to learn swimming from. - Is there any life-saving apparatus on this shore? - I believe there are life-lines and a buoy at Torcross but that is a mile and a quarter away. - Sidney Cole, fisherman, Slapton, said he formed one of the crew in the boat. After the boat was launched the wind and the sea increased. They had been pulling about twenty minutes along the shore when they got into the surf. They tried to get further out, but a big sea came over the stern of the boat and swamped her. - Dr E. Campbell-Horsfall, of Newquay, said he was on a visit to Slapton. When he went down to the shore two bodies had been brought in. He succeeded in reviving one man, but when he could attend to the deceased it was without avail. Everything that could be done was done, but probable if someone had been present who understood artificial respiration the deceased's life might have been saved. The cause of death was drowning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and at the request of the Jury, the Foreman (Mr F. Digby Cox) said he would try to persuade the Parish Council to place a lifebuoy and lifeline on the shore near the scene of the accident.

Western Morning News, Thursday 26 October 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Motor Fatality At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport District Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on HORACE MAUNDER, aged four, son of WILLIAM E. MAUNDER, joiner in the Dockyard, living at 50 George-street, Devonport. The mother said that whilst deceased was playing in the street at about 11 a.m. on the 14th inst. she heard him scream and on going to the door found a motor car stopped outside and a neighbour carrying the child. She took him to the Royal Albert Hospital in the car. - Albert Kitto, Citadel-terrace, motor engineer, said he was driving an open touring car to Mount Wise with Mr Davis, the managing director of his company, when a child ran into the street. Witness swerved the car to the right but the boy was caught by the left wing and knocked down. Witness was driving at six miles per hour, and that was his first accident in 15 years. - Stephen Martin, Ford-hill, said he heard the last witness sound his horn three times before the accident occurred. He did not believe the driver was to blame. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said deceased received a very slight knock on the head, but meningitis set in on the Wednesday and that was the cause of death. He thought the child would recover. - The Coroner remarked that it was very dangerous for parents to allow young children in the streets, although in that case the mother had only sent deceased out for a few minutes before going to market with her. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They expressed sympathy with the parents and the opinion that the driver was not to blame. - The father said he believed the child had been accidentally killed. The children were very rarely in the street and he did not think any blame was attached to his wife. - The Coroner remarked that he did not suggest the mother was to blame.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 October 1916
HOLCOMBE ROGUS - Holcombe Rogus Tragedy. MAJOR . K. BARR'S Suicide: Anxious To Return To The Front. - Mr H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Timewalls, Holcombe Rogus, yesterday, on MAJOR HENRY KEITH BARR, aged 44, who was found shot in the head on the previous morning. - Mr Roughton, (relative and the family solicitor), attended. - MRS ELSIE VIOLET ST CLARE BARR said the deceased, her husband, was a major in H.M. 38th King George's Own Central India Horse Regt. He served 24 years in India, and at the commencement of the present war was sent to France. Several months ago - she thought it was July - her husband came home on sick leave, his eyesight being defective. He had been before the Medical Board in London, an oculist and the Medical Board at Exeter and his leave expired on October 23rd. On the previous morning she left him in his dressing-room and five minutes later heard a report. She and the deceased's sister )Mrs Watkin) who were in the breakfast-room, ran up and found her husband on the floor of his dressing-room. His revolver was by his side. He had a wound in the head. He never spoke afterwards. He had never threatened to take his life. He was rather worried at the War-office delay, because he was anxious to return to duty in France. On Tuesday night he said his eyes were better. To her knowledge had written three letters with regard to going before the Medical Board. She knew he had received a letter from the Medical Board at Exeter, dated 18th October, to the effect that he need not worry about not receiving an official communication and advising him that if he had notified the War-office of the date on which his leave expired and his address he need not write any further, but should await instructions. - MRS EVELYN CONSTANCE WATKIN, widow, said MAJOR BARR, who with his wife had lived at Timewells since August as her visitors, was slightly depressed of late. He had to go before a Medical Board and he was uneasy lest they should not pass him sound for service on account of his eyesight. - Dr G. R. McDonald, Holcombe Rogus, said the deceased had a revolver shot wound in the right temple. He was unconscious and died just over two hours afterwards. There was no hope from the first. Deceased's defective eyesight was due to shell shock which would also affect his nerves generally. Four of the five chambers of the revolver were still loaded when it was handed to him. - Evidence was also given by P.C. Lynn, who found the letter from the Medical Board, the revolver case and a 50-box of cartridges, five of which were missing. - The Deputy Coroner said it was extremely sad that an officer who had done such service to his country should come to such an end. It was evident both from what his wife and sister said, and from the reply received from Exeter, that the deceased was worried lest he should be unable to return to duty. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," and the Deputy Coroner expressed their deepest sympathy and his own with MRS BARR and MRS WATKIN.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 November 1916
BRADNINCH - G.W.R. Packer Killed At Hele. - An Inquest was held at Hele yesterday before the Coroner, Mr J. Gould, on JOHN FARLEY, aged 52, packer, G.W.R., of Silverton, who was knocked down and killed by an express train near Hele Station on Monday. - Mr F. W. Jones (Bow) identified the body as that of his brother-in-law. - W. G. Munkley, Bradninch, a ganger on the G.W.R., said deceased was working under him. FARLEY had orders to proceed to work up the line and left Hele Station with witness and another man. They went on the down main line. A little way from the Station deceased was walking on the siding of the up line, when a goods train approached on the down line. Witness and the other man got out of the way of the train and then an up train passed them. After the up train had passed they heard someone shouting and looking back they saw deceased on his hands and knees in between the up line and up siding. He was nearly dead when they reached him. - F. F. C. Coleman, guard on the goods train, said he saw the engine of the up train strike deceased. - Dr Kitt said he was called to deceased immediately after the accident. He described the injuries and added that the train did not go over deceased. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 November 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death In H.M.S. Indus. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the North Dockyard yesterday on EDWARD BONE GUARD, pensioned chief engine-room artificer, who resided in Townshend-avenue, Keyham. E. B. GUARD, naval shipwright, said deceased was his brother and had lately been serving in H.M.S. Indus as an instructor of boy artificers. He had been medically attended for some time for acute indigestion. W. J. Beesley, instructor in the Indus, said deceased was very bright on Tuesday morning. He left work for dinner at 11.45 and at one o'clock complained of violent pains in the chest. A boy artificer told him nearly an hour later that deceased had been taken ill. A doctor was sent for and pronounced life extinct. - E. N. Eynon-Lewis, boy artificer, said he found deceased lying on the floor of his office. Steps were taken to revive him whilst a doctor was being sent for. - Staff-Surg., P. B. Egan, R.N., H.M.S. Indus, attributed death to syncope, due to fatty degeneration and valvular disease of the heart. The verdict was "Natural Causes."

TORQUAY - Soldier's Suicide AT Torquay. Walked Over Daddy Hole Cliff. - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on WILLIAM MORRIS, aged 35, cabinet-maker, an ex-sapper of the Royal Engineers of West Kensington, who had been staying at St Luke's Home, whose dead body was found at the bottom of the cliff at Daddy Hole on the previous afternoon. - Margaret Knox-Leet, head nurse at the Home, said deceased was admitted there on October 23rd, suffering from kidney disease, on a recommendation from the Hon. Mrs Hubbard. He never said anything to suggest that it would be dangerous to let him go out alone, or that he contemplated taking his life. As a rule he did not go out alone as he sometimes lost his memory and he was generally accompanied by one of the other patients. There was no reason for putting any restraint upon deceased. - A letter from his wife, found in his pocket, was produced and read privately by the Coroner, who said it was couched in affectionate terms, but that it threw no light upon the occurrence. - Witness added that deceased suffered from mental weakness. - William H. Hitchings, coastguard, stationed at Daddy-hole signal station, said he saw deceased walk across the Plain and approach the iron railings at the edge of the cliff. He placed his umbrella against the rails and put his cap down by the side of it, after which he climbed over the rails and walked down over the short slope and disappeared, there being from this point a perpendicular drop of about 60 feet. Thinking the occurrence rather strange, witness went down to the bottom of the cliff seven minutes afterwards and found deceased lying on his back on two sharp-edged rocks. - P.C. Summers described how the body was got up over the face of the cliff by ropes to the top, where it was examined by Dr Walker, who pronounced life to be extinct. Deceased's wife stated that he was discharged from the Army on September 5th and that he remained at home at West Kensington until he came to Torquay. He had occasional fits of depression, but he never said anything to led her to suppose that he contemplated doing harm to himself. He said at times that he did not know what he was doing and he seemed to lose himself completely. He suffered so much from pains in the head that he feared he was losing his reason. - Dr H. R. Walker said deceased's skull was fractured, death being instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict that Deceased Threw Himself Over the Cliff whilst in a state of Temporary Insanity.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 November 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Drowned At Devonport. Young Woman's Mysterious Death Off Pottery Quay. - Mr J. A. Pearce, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Ker-street Guildhall, Plymouth, yesterday, on ADA FLORENCE HOBLING, aged 26, daughter of FRANCES R. HOBLING, widow of a Metropolitan Police constable, of Haddington-road, Devonport, who was drowned on Wednesday. - MRS HOBLING said her daughter had never been strong; she suffered from a weak heart. She fainted occasionally, the last time being a week ago. On Wednesday evening witness and her daughter, who both worked as machinists with a Plymouth firm, returned home together about 6.45. Deceased would not have any tea and said she was cold and would go out for a walk to get warm. Deceased was a teacher at the Dockyard Sunday-school and a member of the Girls' Friendly Society, where witness thought she may have gone. She was a very bright girl, had no trouble at home, and had never threatened to take her life. - Laura Bryant, wife of a seaman, living in Albert-road, Devonport, said on Wednesday evening, when a steamboat had left the pontoon at Pottery Quay, she noticed a young woman, whom she identified as deceased, standing on the bridge near by with both hands in her coat pockets and leaning against the ironwork. Witness walked past her, but before she reached the quay she heard a groan. On looking round she saw that the young woman had disappeared. Witness informed two men who were fishing that somebody was in the water. They shouted and a Metropolitan Police Constable came to the spot and threw a lifebuoy. As the deceased was being washed down the river the people ran down to the beach but could not see her again. Witness saw deceased in the water when the lifebuoy was thrown, but she did not attempt to reach it, although apparently she could have done so with her hand. Witness heard no splash and thought deceased must have got into the water quietly. - P.C. Imms, Metropolitan Police, said he threw a lifebuoy. He saw the buoy near deceased but she appeared to be on the point of sinking at the time. A very strong ebb-tide was running and carried deceased swiftly between the pontoon and the quay. The tide was too strong for deceased to have been saved by witness jumping overboard, and witness could only swim a little. - Inspector R. Maddeford said the Constable was not a permanent member of the division. - John Gliddon, licensed victualler, said he found the body of deceased at 9.45 the same night about 12 ft. off the ferry beach. The tide was then low. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to drowning. - Rev. E. F. Harrison-Smith, chaplain of the Dockyard, said deceased had been a teacher in the Dockyard Sunday-school for the three years he had been chaplain. She was a devoted and regular attendant at the Church services and the Sunday-school and was always bright and cheerful. He also saw her frequently at their Church rooms, where they made bandages and splints for the wounded. He could not conceive that she should have voluntarily taken her life. - Mrs Dawson, assistant secretary Girls' Friendly Society, Stoke Damerel branch, said deceased attended their last meeting. Her character was exceptionally high and she was most loving and unselfish. - The Coroner recommended the return of an Open Verdict. If it was not for the very high character borne by deceased in every respect, the inference would be that she took her own life, as it was very strange for her to leave her home as she did. Mrs Bryant did not hear a splash, which indicated that she may have slid into the water. On the other hand, she may have wanted a walk after a long day in the factory and may have fallen into the water. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 November 1916
PLYMOUTH - Sad Death Of A Soldier. Found Under Plymouth Hoe. The Father's Statement. - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns held an inquest at the Mortuary last evening concerning the death of WILFRID SIDNEY SMITH, whose body was found near the Promenade Pier. Capt. D. P. Kirk R.G.A., attended the Inquiry. - Gunner Edgar Spray, R.G.A., said deceased, who was 27 years of age, was last seen alive on the 4th inst., when he went out on pass and did not return. He did not know of anything amiss with him, except that he said he could not see after dark. He wore glasses. - The Coroner said it seemed strange that a man who could not see well and had to wear glasses should be an ordinary soldier. The father of deceased said his son was classed B1 for garrison duty abroad. - Leslie Charles Martin, of Princess-street, deposed to finding the body under the Hoe, and Dr Francis, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was undoubtedly due to drowning. - The Coroner said on this evidence he thought they could do no other than return a verdict of "Found Drowned," and to this the Jury assented. The Coroner added that they were very sorry for the father of the deceased (who was present). - MR SMITH, of Kingsgate-street, Winchester, said he should like to make an explanation. He said an appeal for his son to the Appeal Tribunal at Winchester was made on medical grounds alone. He had no desire that his son should evade military service; if he had ten sons they should go. His son was partially deaf, as well as afflicted badly with myopia. In 1911 he had him examined by a specialist as he could not go out at night without somebody to be with him. this was all explained to the tribunal, but the military representative over-ruled them, at which there was much indignation among the people of Winchester. He asked the military representative to write to the commanding officer wherever his son happened to be sent, but he was afraid he had not done so. Deceased ought not to have been allowed out in the dark alone, especially on November 4th when it was blowing a gale. - The Coroner said this had nothing to do with the Jury. The deceased had been examined by the medical board. - MR SMITH added that his boy was a life-abstainer and a Christian lad too. He had a letter from him to say he was very contented as a soldier and he thought he was proud of being in the army really.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 November 1916
PLYMPTON - Infant's Death At Plympton. Alleged Neglect: Inquiry Adjourned. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest in the Board-room, Underwood, yesterday, on ERNEST EDWARD MAUNDER. Superintendent Chammings watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - The Coroner said the deceased, aged about two years, was the son of WILLIAM HENRY MAUNDER, farm labourer, who, with the mother, was on the 23rd of October at Plympton, convicted and sentenced to two months' imprisonment for the neglect of this child and a younger daughter, who was also in the Workhouse. The child died on Wednesday morning and he understood the medical evidence would show that it had been neglected. If that was so to the Jury's satisfaction, the Inquiry would be one of a serious nature. He had to communicate with the Home Secretary to issue an order for the parents to be present during the Inquiry. He suggested that the Inquiry be adjourned until Monday, November 27th. This was agreed to.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 November 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Chargeman's Death. Former Captain Of Devon Albion F.C. - Devonport District Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an inquest yesterday on WILLIAM H. MOORE, aged 56, 66 Trelawney-avenue, Peverell, who died in a tramcar near his home on Thursday, when proceeding to work. The deceased was highly respected locally, and was well known in the football world when a young man. He was one of the first players for Devon Albion, and 32 years ago was captain of the team. - LEWIS J. MOORE, clerk, Cobourg-street, Plymouth, said deceased was his brother. For some years he had suffered from gastritis and at 4 a.m. on Thursday complained of terrible pains in his chest. He left home for the Dockyard just before 6 a.m. - W. A. Jordan, hammerman, Higher Compton-road, said he was in a Peverell - Fore-street tramcar at 6.5 a.m., when deceased entered at the top of Glendower-road and sat opposite witness. He was looking very pale and a few minutes later his head fell over on the shoulder of the passenger sitting next him. Witness asked what was the matter but he did not reply, and after drawing three long breaths he expired. Dr Vosper was very quickly in attendance, but could do nothing. - P.C. Hendon deposed to taking deceased from the car to the Mortuary. - Dr S. Vosper said death was due to syncope through fatty degeneration of the heart. - The Coroner said he knew deceased very well as an honourable and upright man, who was highly respected by all who knew him. With the Jury, who returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" he expressed sympathy with the relatives. - Commander J. K. Crawley, R.N., acknowledged the vote of sympathy on behalf of the widow and friends, and thanked Dr Vosper for his prompt attendance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 November 1916
PLYMPTON - Child's Death At Plympton. Alleged Parental Neglect: Inquiry Again Adjourned. - The adjourned Inquiry into the death of ERNEST EDWARD MAUNDER, aged about two years, who died in Plympton Workhouse Infirmary on November 15th, was conducted by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, yesterday. The parents, WILLIAM HENRY and ROSINA MAUNDER, who are serving a sentence of two months' imprisonment for neglect of this child and a younger child, were present in charge of a warder and wardress. Superintendent Chammings watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - George Daw, Mater of Plympton Workhouse, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse on October 20th under Magistrates' Order. - P.S. Endacott, Yealmpton, said that on October 20th he went to the house occupied by MAUNDER at Yeo Cottages, Yealmpton and found Nurse Thomas attending to the two children. Witness examined the deceased and found him in an awful condition. The lower part of his back was covered with sores; he was very emaciated. The other child was in the same condition. The house was dirty and there was very little food. Deceased was lying in the cradle on some straw wrapped in rags and a piece of quilt. The girl, ROSINA MARY, age seven months, was lying in rags in a perambulator and covered with a quilt. He obtained a magistrates' order and removed the children to Plympton Workhouse. Deceased weighed 11 lb. with his clothes on and the girl 8 lb. Deceased seemed very ill. On October 23rd the parents were convicted at Plympton for the neglect of the children and sentenced to two months' imprisonment with hard labour. The parents had lived at Yealmpton for about a fortnight, the man being employed on a farm near at 15s. per week with privileges, including the cottage and garden rent free. Previously he worked for a butcher at Plymstock, receiving 25s. per week with gifts of meat. He was there seven weeks, but only paid one week's rent. He was discharged owing to irregular attendance at work and afterwards obtained work at digging potatoes in the neighbourhood. He worked three days and dug eight yards at 4 ½d. per yard. - The Coroner: Would that be "pitching into it"? - (Laughter) - Witness: It is not a day's work. MAUNDER was of an indolent disposition. - In answer to a Juror, witness said the only food in the house was a loaf of bread and a jug of milk, the latter having been procured by the nurse for the children. - Miss Emily Thomas, District Nurse at Yealmpton gave similar evidence. She added that she bathed the girl, who was in such a shockingly dirty condition that witness was upset and could not do the boy the same day. Witness asked MRS MAUNDER what she gave the babies, and she replied "This milk." Witness told MRS MAUNDER she would have some new milk sent in and gave her instructions how to feed the children. On the following morning (the 20th) at 11.15 witness found MRS MAUNDER in bed with the two children. There was no fire. The children were huddled against the wall with no covering and MRS MAUNDER was lying dressed and with a coat over her. Witness asked her to get up and she got rather abusive. The milk witness had ordered was on the table scarcely used and MRS MAUNDER said she last fed the children at nine o'clock the previous night. Witness lit a fire and bathed the boy. His body generally showed signs of continuous neglect. She gave him some milk of which he seemed very glad. The child was very ill and like a log, and could only move with her assistance. He had no flesh and was nothing more than skin and bones. The milk on the table was that delivered the evening before and the father said he could not leave his work to fetch the milk that morning. In her opinion the condition of the children was due to neglect on the part of the parents and she saw no justification for that state of affairs. The father showed an absolute indifference about the whole thing and said he could not waste his time to fetch medicine. - Dr E. H. B. Fox, Yealmpton, said that he saw the children on October 20th. The previous evening he had received a note from MRS MAUNDER asking him to call the next day. On arriving at the house at 11.15 a.m. with the last witness, he found no one downstairs and no fire in the house. MRS MAUNDER was in bed with the two children who had no bedclothes over them. He examined the deceased and found him in a very shocking condition. He examined the chest and came to the conclusion that in all probability the child had bronchial pneumonia. The room was too cold to examine the children fully. He prescribed for deceased and asked that the husband should go and fetch the medicine in his dinner hour. He did not do so. On November 16th he made a post-mortem examination of the deceased at which Dr Stamp was present. The general appearance of the body was extremely emaciated. The lungs were riddled with tuberculous deposits and abscesses were forming in the lower lobe of the right side. There was excess of fluid and recent tubercular incultration at the base of the right side of the brain. The cause of death was general tuberculosis. - The Coroner: Did the neglect of which you have previously spoken induct that? - Of course, you can't say it was the actual cause. It probably was and there is no question about the neglect aggravating it. - You consider that the neglected condition of the children tremendously accelerated the cause of death? - yes, and was in all probability the cause of the tuberculosis. - And in that case it would have been the direct cause? - Yes. - Dr Stamp, Plympton, said deceased was admitted to the Workhouse infirmary on the afternoon of October 20th. He was extremely emaciated, his weight without clothes being 10 ½ lb. The child was too ill to dress and he had it wrapped in cotton-wool and attended day and night until he died at 4 a.m. on November 15th. It was the lightest child of that age he had ever weighed. The neglect of the child certainly accelerated death. - A Juror suggested that the weight of the child at birth should be obtained and Dr Stamp also was of opinion that that should be done in fairness to the parents. The Crooner said the Police had made inquiries, had found that the child was born at Plymouth and knew who the doctor and nurse were. As the Jury had quite rightly expressed a wish to hear that evidence, it would be obtained. The Inquest was further adjourned until Wednesday.

EXETER - Exeter City Fatality. Council Recommended To Put Road In Proper Repair. - An Inquest was held at Exeter last evening on HAROLD W. J. COLE, aged 10, Danes-road, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Friday afternoon, two hours after being run over by a motor lorry in Queen-street. Mr M J. McGahey appeared for MRS COLE and Mr T. Lowman (the motor driver); Mr J. D. Allon (Assistant Solicitor) and Mr R. H. Dymond (Deputy Surveyor)represented the City Corporation. - MRS COLE, who is a widow, said the boy went to school and latterly had told her he had been in Mr Havill's shop helping to make sausages and to go errands on a cycle. He had also driven a trap. Last Friday he promised her he would not go again, because she was worried about it and thought it was dangerous. - Replying to Mr McGahey, MRS COLE said it was entirely against her wish that he did this work for Mr Havill and as a matter of fact she went into Mr Havill's shop on Friday to say he was not to go again, because she thought it was not safe for a boy of ten. - Harry Gerrard, Regents'-street, said he saw the boy cycling between the tram-lines. He tried to pass the motor lorry but his cycle skidded and he was thrown He rolled under the lorry, which was stopped at once. The road was very greasy, but was not in a bad state at that particular place. The lorry was well on its proper side of the road. - Replying to Mr McGahey, witness said he had not noticed that the one side of the road had been re-laid with wooden blocks, but that the other side (the side upon which the deceased was) the wood blocks were uneven and broken in places. - Harold Francis Roberts said the boy skidded on the tram-line and his experience was that the cycle would not skid unless there was some "camber" or edge which checked the tyre. The lorry was pulled up very smartly indeed. - By Mr McGahey: One side of the road had been re-laid as the result of complaints in the City Council, but the other side was not touched. There were many sunken blocks and they were very dangerous to cyclists. - Tom Lowman, of Lympstone, driver of the motor lorry for Mr E. F. Watts, Budleigh Salterton, said he was travelling about three miles an hour along Queen-street out of the City. He saw something falling in front of his front off wheel and stopped the lorry within about three feet. - Ernest F. Watts, owner of the lorry, who was steering, said, in reply to Mr McGahey, that he had examined the road, which was rather bad at the place of the accident and the tram-line was certainly higher than the wood blocks in several places. He did not know what threw the boy down. - Dr Delbruck said two ribs were broken and there was extensive injury to one lung. Death was due to shock. - A. G. Havill, butcher, High-street, said he had promised the boy a bladder and he called several times at the shop. He was given permission last week to ride the bicycle and volunteered to deliver some meat on two occasions, on condition that he could ride the bicycle home to dinner. - The Coroner: Didn't it strike you he was rather young to be going about with a cycle with meat on a carrier? - It did not strike me; he was a big boy. - Replying to Mr McGahey, Mr Havill said the boy was not at his shop making sausages on the Monday night. It was news to him that the boy had driven his trap into Thornton Hill. He had not paid him nor promised him any wages. - Don't you think there was great danger in allowing a boy of 10 riding a cycle about the streets in this way? - One would take him for a boy of 14. He was bigger than my boys, who are 13. - Robert Dymond, Deputy Surveyor, E:xeter Corporation, said he had examined the road that afternoon. There was a slight depression there, but not sufficient to account for a skid. - The Coroner said, although the occurrence would probably cause Mr Havill to be more careful in the future about allowing boys to ride his cycle, it was within the knowledge of all that the English boy was always ready to ride anything if he got a chance, and the greater the risk the more he seemed to like it. They need not trouble themselves about any question of civil liability, which might lead to interesting proceedings elsewhere. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They said the driver of the lorry was free from blame, expressed sympathy with the mother and added a rider to their verdict to the effect that the Council should put the road in proper repair to prevent further accidents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 November 1916
EXETER - Drowned In The Dark. Danger Of Exeter Canal Banks. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on MRS JESSIE SQUIRE, Diamond-road, Haven Banks, whose body was found in the River Exe on Monday. - SIDNEY SQUIRE, brass finisher, her husband, said she left home last Thursday evening to visit his daughter in the Friars. Her sight was not very good. As she did not return he made inquiries and went to the Police. - Mrs Marsh said her stepmother left her house at the Friars at about 8.15. She was sober and well. Her way would lie along the quayside and it was a dark night. - William Giles said he dragged for the body and found it in the canal near the quay shed. It was a few feet in. It was fully dressed, including gloves. - The Coroner remarked that probably the woman walked into the water in the dark. The reduced lighting was worse than no lamps at all. - A Juryman remarked that that was the third Inquest he had attended relating to persons who had fallen in the water near this spot. There were no lights and nothing to prevent people walking into the canal. People did not know whether they were going in the water or over the bridge. There used to be chains there, but these had been removed. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and asked the Coroner to make representations to the City Council with regard to the unguarded state of the canal banks.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Injured While Unloading Cargo. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN NORTHMORE, aged 62, of South Milton-street, who died in the S.D. and E.C. Hospital on Saturday. Mr J. Y. Woollcombe represented the employers, Burnard and Alger Ltd., and Mr Morris, Inspector of Factories, was present. - Alfred J. Riggs, transport worker, in the employ of Burnard and Alger, Ltd., said on November 20th he was working with NORTHMORE discharging nitrate from the ship on to the Company's quay. NORTHMORE had been engaged in similar work for 20 or 25 years. He (witness) put ten bags, weighing a ton, in the sling and gave word to the crane driver to lift. NORTHMORE was then in the fore part of the hold. The sling rose a few feet and then parted. He shouted, but four bags fell on NORTHMORE, who was removed to the Hospital. It was a rope sling. The foreman always examined the strops and if one was weak threw it away. From all appearances the strop that broke seemed capable of carrying a ton. They had no difficulty in getting new strops whenever they wanted them. - By the Foreman: There was no sudden strain or jerk to account for the rope parting. He had used similar ropes for the past ten years and no accident had previously occurred. - William H. Rickard, foreman, said he examined the rope when the ship commenced discharging on November 12th. It was then a new rope and he could see no defect in it. Nitrate did not affect the rope. With ordinary wear the rope should last four weeks. - The Foreman: Is the rope subjected to any test to find out what strain it will bear? - No. - The Coroner: You buy it for the purpose? - Yes. - The Foreman: What weight do you expect this rope to bear? - Three tons when new. - The Foreman: Would the men notice any defect? - Yes; they would be bound to see any defect because they had to pick the strop up. It was a 3-inch rope. - Dr Wood said NORTHMORE suffered from fractured ribs and fractured thigh on the left side and also from shock. The case was practically hopeless from the first. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 November 1916
TOPSHAM - At an Inquest on EVA LILIAN DOWNING, aged 22, of Topsham, wife of a soldier serving in France, it was stated that her sister left her to get a cup of tea, and returning a few minutes later found her dead. Dr Macpherson said an ulcer had perforated the wall of the stomach and would cause almost instantaneous death. Verdict, "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMPTON - Child's Death At Plympton. Verdict of "Manslaughter." - A verdict of "Manslaughter" against WILLIAM HENRY and ROSINA MAUNDER was returned by a Coroner's Jury at Plympton yesterday, at the adjourned Inquiry into the death of ERNEST EDWARD MAUNDER, born in February 1915, who died in Plympton Workhouse Infirmary on November 15th. The parents, who are serving a sentence of two months' imprisonment for neglect of this child and another child, were present in charge of a warder and wardress and Superintendent Chammings watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. The Inquiry had been adjourned for evidence of the condition of the child at birth. - Mrs Ellen Maria Whitton, of Neswick-street, Plymouth, who has acted as a midwife for the past 37 years, said she attended MRS MAUNDER at Morley-place at the birth of deceased in February 1915. Deceased was a full-time child, quite healthy, "a very nice little baby," of between six and seven pounds weight, although she did not actually weigh him. The mother and house were quite clean then. The child was quite well when she left at the end of ten days. - Dr Stamp, recalled, said that after hearing that evidence he was of opinion that the child should have weighed at least 27 lb. at the age it died. It actually weighed 8 lb. Neglect would undoubtedly cause tuberculosis in a healthy child. - The Coroner (Mr R. Robinson Rodd) said the Jury would have learnt from the evidence that deceased had been grossly neglected and in consequence death had ensued. It was the bounden duty of parents to see their children were properly nourished and cared for, and if they abstained from doing so, were criminally responsible. It was no excuse or justification to say that it was for the want of means, because if that were the case they could have applied to the Poor-law authorities. But he did not consider there was an absence of sufficient means in that case. The wages and privileges MAUNDER was getting at Yealmpton were certainly sufficient to provide the necessaries of life for his children, and but for his indolent and lazy habits he might have augmented those means considerably. They now had the additional evidence that this child was healthy at birth - quite a normal child. Had it been proved that it was a delicate child at birth it would be no excuse or justification for neglect, because a delicate child would require more care and attention. The evidence disclosed very grave neglect, shocking neglect and it was for them to consider whether it was a case of wilful murder or manslaughter. For murder they must be satisfied that there was malice, either expressed or implied and he must tell them that all homicide was presumed to be malicious until circumstances of excuse or justification were satisfactorily proved. The witnesses in this case, including the doctors, said that in their opinion there was no excuse or justification for what they found, and that state of affairs seemed to be aggravated by the conduct of MRS MAUNDER towards the nurse and more particularly in her neglect to feed her children for 15 hours after the nurse had taken the trouble to get the milk sent from the farm to the house. Moreover, the father, although requested to go for the doctor - not a great distance away - and to get medicine, refused or neglected to do so. They would probably say that that was callous and wicked conduct, amounting in law to malice and if they took that view their verdict would be one of wilful murder. If, on the other hand, they did not consider malice had been proved, the verdict would be one of manslaughter. - During the Coroner's remarks MRS MAUNDER became very hysterical and had to be taken out. - After deliberating some twenty minutes, the Jury returned a verdict of "Manslaughter."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 December 1916
EXETER - Exeter Wife's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday on SELINA JONES, aged 62, of Franklin-street. - MR C. W. JONES, her husband, said on Thursday last he went to get some tea, and when he returned, his wife, who had been sitting on a chair, had fallen off and apparently fainted. She told him she had knocked herself. Next day Dr Harrison was sent for and advised her being taken to the Hospital. Later she was brought to the Workhouse Infirmary, where she died on Friday. - Dr Pereira said death was probably due to shock through the fall and causing heart failure. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 December 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Wife's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Devonport yesterday on MRS ALICE PICKARD, aged 48, of Pym-street, the wife of an electrician in the navy. On Thursday Mrs Edith Cunday, a niece, went to her house and on opening the door of the bedroom found the room full of gas. The window had been stopped up with stockings and the grate with paper. The gas was turned full on and MRS PICKARD was lying dead in bed. She had for some time suffered from fits of depression and had been attended by Dr Leah. A verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 December 1916
EXETER - Murderer Of A Plymouth Girl Hanged At Exeter. - FREDERICK BROOKS, 28, private in the Worcester Regt. suffered the death penalty in Exeter Prison yesterday morning for the murder of Alice Clara Gregory at Compton, Plymouth on June 19th. BROOKS was sentenced to death at the Devon Assizes on November 3rd and unsuccessfully appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeal. - The execution was carried out by Messrs. Ellis and Willis in the presence of the Under-Sheriff of Devon (Mr G. Hardy Harris), the Governor of the Prison, Mr A. C. Aglionby, the Rev. G. M. Chesters, (Wesleyan Chaplain) and Dr R. V. Solly, Deputy Medical Officer of the Prison. At 8.20 the two notices signed respectively by the Under-Sheriff, Governor and Chaplain and by Dr Solly, conveyed to the public that the execution had taken place. - At 10 o'clock Mr H. W. Gould, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body in the Prison. Evidence was given by the Governor, who said the home address given by the deceased was "Horton-street, Great Bridge, Tipton, Staffordshire." He was present at the execution that morning and everything was carried out satisfactorily to the best of his belief. - Mr G. Hardy Harris said as Under Sheriff he was perfectly satisfied with the way the execution was carried out. - Dr Solly testified that BROOKS was dead and the Jury formally returned a verdict in accordance with the facts. - Yesterday's execution was the fourth at Exeter within seven years for murders committed in Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 December 1916
NORTH TAWTON - Northtawton Fatality. Killed On Sentry Duty. - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an inquest at the Railway Hotel, Northtawton, yesterday, on PTE. H. HAYWARD, of the Royal Defence Corps, who was killed by a goods train on Sunday, while on guard at Newland Viaduct. - Corpl. Butler, R.D.C. said deceased was a married man and came from Stourbridge. On Sunday deceased went on duty at 12 noon and was then all right. A few minutes before two o'clock a boy came to the guard hut and said he had seen PTE. HAYWARD knocked down by a train. Witness found the body 54 paces from the sentry box. Deceased was very deaf and was applying for his discharge. He was due to appear before a medical board on December 11th. - Percy Coster, engine driver, said on Sunday he was driving a special train from Devonport to Exeter. As he approached the viaduct he blew the whistle and saw no obstruction on the line. On arrival at Queen-street, Exeter, witness was informed that deceased had been run over. - Dr Desprez said death was instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Monday 18 December 1916
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Gas Poisoning. Defective Chandelier At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday on SAMUEL QUANTICK, aged 67, beer-house keeper, of 44 Duke-street. - FREDERICK GEORGE QUANTICK, skilled labourer, said deceased, his father, was a widower, and always locked the door of his room. In the middle of the room was a gas pendant hanging from the ceiling, which had to be filled with water from time to time. It had not been used for the past two years. Witness noticed no escape of gas on Friday morning. - Rose O'Connor, housekeeper to deceased, said she got no answer when she knocked at deceased's door on Friday morning and as she could not open it a Constable came and forced it. - P.C. Greep said when he forced the door QUANTICK was in bed dead and the room was full of gas. The chandelier was an old one and was pulled down as low as it could go. The gas was still escaping. The chandelier slid up and down with weights and was almost dry. - SIDNEY H. QUANTICK, engine fitter, deceased's eldest son, said he had never known the chandelier pulled down. It was in a state of disorder, and on the slightest touch would come down with a run. - The Coroner: You don't think your father pulled it down on purpose? - Decidedly not. - Dr McElwaine said death was due to suffocation from gas poisoning and had occurred some hours previously. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 December 1916
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. Four Persons Die As The Result Of Fractured Gas Main. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on JOHN BRIMBLECOME SKINNER, (72), his wife, SARAH JANE SKINNER (72), ETHEL SKINNER (41), their daughter and ALINE MATILDA ALICE SKINNER (9), their grand-daughter of 90 Desborough-road, who were found dead in two rooms on Friday, having been apparently asphyxiated by gas. Mr H. Wolferstan was present on behalf of the Gas Company, and Mr Isaac Foot represented the family of the deceased. - MR EDWIN SKINNER, son, town missionary, Plymouth, living at 26 Carmarthen-road, identified the bodies. - P.C. White said at about 12.5 p.m. on Friday he went to No. 90 Desborough-road. The place was locked up and the blinds drawn. Ringing the bell and getting no response, he obtained a ladder and in company with P.C.Scott forced the window open at the back of the house and went in. There was a very strong smell of gas and they could not at first enter. On going upstairs they found in one bedroom the two bodies of a woman and a child lying on a bed, life apparently being extinct. In a second room they found two more bodies. The woman was in bed and the man on the floor. Both rooms were full of gas. He and Scott examined the taps, all of which were turned off. All the windows and doors in the rooms were closed and he could find no trace of the place whence the gas came. - In reply to Mr Wolferstan, witness said the Gas Company officials had been sent for earlier in the day by someone at 88 Desborough-road, who had complained of gas in his house. - Mr Foot: Was the gas more noticeable in some parts of the house? - Chiefly in the front shop. - Dr R. H. Wagner said death was due to asphyxiation through gas poisoning. They must have been dead several hours. - Mr Wolferstan: Twelve hours? - Over six. - Broken Gas Main. - Mr Percy Hoyte, engineer of the Gas Works, said on Friday afternoon he went to Desborough-road and found the Gas Company's men had opened the road, exposing the main outside No. 90. The main was cracked completely across. - The Foreman: Broken in consequence of rust? - No, it was a perfectly sound pipe in itself, but was completely broken in two. - And there is hardly any traffic in that road? - Not much. - What depth was the pipe? - Two feet three inches below the surface. - Is it cast iron or wrought iron? - Cast iron, most of such mains are cast iron. - How does the pipe run? - Transversely with Eric-road. - Mr Wolferstan: It was 26 feet from No. 90 and 14 feet from No. 88, whence the first complaint was made. - The Deputy Coroner: How was it in your opinion broken? - It might be due to pressure from heavy traffic. Witness added that he went all round the fracture with a penknife and found that the point of the knife would not enter the fracture on the top, but could be easily inserted underneath. - Did you receive any complaint of escape of gas there? - Not until Friday morning. - In your opinion did the gas in the house emanate from this leak? - Undoubtedly. - Having percolated through the earth? - Yes. - Mr Foot: Do you know of any other complaints having been received beside No. 88? - None whatever. - Do you know there was a postcard received by the company from Desborough-road as to the escape of gas? - I cannot say personally. - In reply to further questions, witness said the complaint from No 88 was received at Coxside between 10.30 and 11 a.m. on Friday. He knew there were complaints from that district as elsewhere, but the blowing of the service pipes generally effected the remedy. They did not blow the mains. the age of this main was about 15 years. They had pressure registers at the extreme ends of the district to see that they maintained their statutory pressure. He thought the fracture must have been caused the previous Thursday. - A Juryman said he had lived in Desborough-road 19 years and the main was put in before he went there. - The Coroner: Is fifteen years a long time? - No, it is comparatively youthful. Some have been down for 40 or 50 years. The soil in Plymouth is such that they would keep quite good for that time. The only way in which they were able to know of escapes, added witness, was through the Police, who were very helpful, their own officials and the consumers. - Mr Foot: Are your employees instructed to report breakages? - Yes, strictly. - Is wrought iron used by you for pipes? - Not for mains. Ninety-five per cent of our mains are cast iron, but not the service pipes, which are of wrought iron. - They had, said witness, had breakages at a greater depth than this, and this might happen elsewhere. - In reply to Mr Wolferstan, witness said they did not expect mains to be broken in a place like Desborough-road, which was a side road, but heavy traffic went in so many places and the nature of the fracture made him think that heavy traffic caused it. - The Foreman said heavy traffic in Embankment-road had broken things in his premises and it might break a main if the ground beneath was at all loose. - Wording Of The Verdict. - The Jury, having seen the fractured main, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Wolferstan expressed sympathy with the relatives on behalf of the Gas Company. Whilst they considered it a purely accidental matter that any oversight could not have prevented, they were not only prepared to extend their sympathy, but any material assistance they could give they would be willing to do. - Mr foot: Was the word "accidental" the word of the Jury? - Mr Wolferstan: Yes, distinctly. - The Deputy Coroner (to Jury): Do you say, gentlemen, it is accidental or not? - The Foreman: I will consult the Jury. - Mr Foot: There will be other considerations. - The Deputy Coroner: How can you bring in a verdict of anything but accidental? - Mr Foot: The verdict might be "due to Gas Poisoning." - The Deputy Coroner: We have to find if it is accidental or otherwise. These papers have to go to the higher authorities, and they don't want us to leave it open if we can do otherwise. We have our duty and we are going to say whether it is accidental or not. We are not going to consider what other people are going to do afterwards. If I express an opinion, I do not see what other verdict you can give. It would, I think, be absurd to say it was done on purpose. - Mr Foot: Suppose there were proceedings to be taken elsewhere, the question of negligence might be raised. - The Deputy Coroner: We must not go into that; it is for you (turning to the Jury) to say if it is accidental or not. It is not a matter as to what we may say, Mr Foot, if you can prove negligence. - Mr Foot: Quite so. - The Foreman: The Jury is agreed on "Accidental." The same evidence was given in each case, and a similar verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 December 1916
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Burns At Plymouth. - An inquest was held yesterday on ERIC SYMONS, aged 8, of 11 Bath-street, Plymouth, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on Thursday evening as the result of burns received that morning. - MRS SYMONS said she went away from home for half an hour on Thursday morning, leaving deceased, her son, in bed. There was a good guard around the fire. When she returned she found him in flames, jumping on the bed. She could not give any explanation of how he caught fire. There were no matches about. He was a most intelligent lad. - Dr Wilmot said deceased was suffering from burns on the arms, body and legs. The case was hopeless from the first. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, commented on the dangerous practice of leaving children of that age alone in a house. In this case, however, precaution seemed to have been taken in the way of a fire-guard and not using flannelette.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 December 1916
TORQUAY - Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on JOSHUA DODD, aged 62, a widower, formerly a cab-driver, who died suddenly at the residence of Dr Courtenay Dunn, Fair View, Castle-road, on Christmas morning. Deceased had lived during the last 13 years at the common lodging-house in Braddons-street, kept by Mrs Crang, who asked him at 9 a.m., after he had had a basin of tea, to go and fetch Dr Dunn for an old woman who was very ill. Deceased went and was received by Mr Adrian C. Dunn, a medical student and the doctor's son, to whom he gave his message. Mr Dunn went below to give the message to his father, leaving deceased in the hall and when he returned he found DODD lying on the floor, with his head resting against the door, against which he had slipped down gently and breathing as if he was in a fit. Mr Dunn asked deceased what was the matter, and immediately went for his father, who found deceased just breathing. He expired within a minute or so. The body was removed to the Mortuary at the Torbay Hospital, the house surgeon of which, Dr R. Allan Bennett, attributed death to heart failure, probably caused by the slight exertion on the part of deceased in walking up the hill to Dr Dunn's house. Dr Bennett added that there had been long-standing valvular disease of the heart and the Jury, of whom Mr E. M. Shinner was the Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes - syncope, due to an embolism."

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 December 1916
PLYMOUTH - Gunnislake Man's Suicide. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, of Plymouth, held an Inquest yesterday on CHARLES LANGFORD, aged 28, Gunnislake, who died at a Mannamead Nursing Home. - MRS E. LANGFORD said for some months the deceased, her husband, had been of unsound mind and on August 11th he rose early in the morning and hearing him cry out she went downstairs, where he lay with his throat cut. Dr C. Leakey said he had treated deceased for two years, but had no idea he would attempt to take his life. His throat was badly cut and the wound caused bronchitis. There were hopes of his recovery had not bronchitis set in. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."