Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and Western Evening Herald

[printed in Plymouth.]

1922

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); Albert; Algar; Allen; Anderson; Apsey; Aycliffe; Baker(2); Ball; Bastard; Batten(3); Beal; Beard; Billington; Binham; Bishop; Blampey; Bolt; Bond; Brenton; Bright; Browne; Burrows; Burt; Butcher; Carn-Duff; Carr; Caunter; Chapman; Cocking; Cockrem; Collicott; Coombes; Cooper; Copp; Couzens; Cowe; Cox; Craig; Crocker; Crompton; Cummings; Cunningham; Currie; Dashper; Davis; Dawe; Deacon; De Caen; Dodd; Drake; Dubbin; Dyer(2); Ellacott; Elliott; Ellis; Facey; Fehrenbach; Fewings; Fisher; Fry; Gale; Gilbert(2); Gist; Godwin; Goss; Graham; Hall; Hammond; Harding; Harris; Haverty; Heath; Henning; Hobbs; Hughes; Hutchings(2); Ivey; Jago; Jarrod; Jellett; John; Jolliffe; Jones; Jordan(2); Kelk; King; Laity; Lenart; Maddock; Mallett; Maloney(2); Marchant; Marston; May(3); McGuire; Milford; Moriarty; Morrell; Nicholls; Nicholson; O'Connell; Ogilvie; Ollman; Parfitt; Parker(3); Parsons; Pearce; Pearman; Penberthy; Penelrick; Perkins; Phillips; Polkinghorne; Power; Prout; Pudner; Pullen; Ranson; Rawlings; Ridges; Robins; Roland; Rowe; Sargent; Scawn; Selmon; Sercomb-Wyatt; Schofield; Shapter; Shearman; Shellabear; Sleep; Somerville; Soper(2); Spry; Squire; Steer; Stott; Tallack; Taylor; Toro; Townsend; Tresize; Tuersley; Tull; Varcoe; Venner; Viggers; Wadge; Walker(2); Ward; Warley; Waterworth; Watson; Weaver; Webber; Whitehead; Wightman; Willcocks; Williams; Willmets; Wotton; Yeoman; Zimber; Zumstein

Western Morning News, Monday 2 January 1922
TAVISTOCK - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, at an Inquest on Saturday on JOHN JAMES WARRAN PEARCE, aged 73, of Brook-street, Tavistock, who was found dead in bed by his son on Friday morning.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 3 January 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Wearde Anthrax Death. Fatal Infection From A Shaving Brush. Pensioner's Sad End. - A case of death from Anthrax caused apparently by an infected shaving brush was investigated this afternoon by Mr J. A. Pearce, who held an Inquest at the Military Hospital, Stoke, on WALTER MAY, aged 40, pensioner private of the R.A.S.C., whose home was at 2 Drant-street, Spitalfields, London. - Capt. J. S. Smith, medical officer in charge of Queen Alexandra Convalescent Camp, Wearde Camp, Saltash, said the deceased came to the camp in June last suffering from inflammation of both ears. He was being trained as a painter, his deafness having debarred him from following his former occupation of a stevedore. - On Leave. - Returning from Christmas leave on Thursday he reported sick and pointed to a small pimple on the right side of the neck, and on being sent to Hospital said he had accidentally "nicked " a pimple while shaving. A small inflamed pimple was found just below the right angle of the jaw; there was enlargement of the glands on the right side of the neck and a slight tenderness of the right oxilla (gland). The following day he stated that he felt somewhat better, but the sore on the neck was still inflamed, and the gland enlarged. The temperature had also increased. On Friday evening, he was again examined, and certain organisms were found which led to the conclusion that the patient was undoubtedly in a condition of anthrax. He was then sent to the Military Hospital at Stoke, where a consultation confirmed the diagnosis of anthrax. Witness took possession of the shaving brush. - Hospital Operation. - Captain Walter Bisset, R.M.L.I., stationed at the Stoke Military Hospital, said that after deceased was admitted on Saturday morning it was decided to operate for the removal of a pustule on the right side of the neck. After the operation the patient appeared as comfortable as could be expected At 6.30 p.m., however, he suffered convulsions, which continued off and on until about 10 p.m., when he became almost comatose, and he died at 10.20 p.m. The immediate cause of death was toxaemia, from anthrax (from a malignant pustule), presumably contracted from the shaving brush. - Purchase From A Hawker. - Witness had a conversation with deceased after the operation, and the latter stated that he bought a new shaving brush from a hawker, named Tucker, in the camp at Saltash. - Asked if he had been shaved by anyone whilst he was away in London on Christmas leave, deceased said he had not been shaved by anyone for 20 years. He used the new brush for the first time on Christmas Day. - Major Dawson, R.A.M.C., concurred with the evidence given by Capt. Bisset. - Hairdresser's Advice. - Ernest William Smith, a patient at the camp, said he was a personal friend of the deceased, and was with him when he bought the brush. "I am a hairdresser," remarked the witness, "and I say that these brushes ought not to be brought into this country. ~They all ought to be burned." - The Coroner: Did you say that at the time? - Witness: I told him that foreign goods were no good. - Hawker's Evidence. - James Herbert Tucker, 67 George-street, Devonport, licensed pedlar, said he was in the habit of hawking articles to the men at the Convalescent Centre, amongst the goods being shaving brushes. He was not sure, but probably he sold a shaving brush to the deceased. He bought them from a bazaar kept by Miss Cowen, Marlborough-street, Devonport, for 1s. 3d. each. - The Coroner: They must be cheap at that price. - Coroner's Comment. - The Coroner, in reviewing the evidence, said he was personally satisfied that death was due to anthrax contracted from the new shaving brush. - Some time ago there was a regulation issued concerning these shaving brushes, and they were not allowed to be brought into the country. Whether this regulation had been relaxed or not he could not say. This particular case was being investigated by the Medical Officer of Health for Plymouth, and he had no doubt that the report of the case would be forwarded to the proper authorities in London, so that there might be more stringent regulations. - He was convinced that such brushes should not be allowed to be sold. The step now to be taken would be that these particular brushes would be confiscated, so that no more damage could be done. - The Verdict. - The verdict was that the deceased "Died of Toxaemia from Anthrax (from a malignant pustule) contracted from s Shaving Brush."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 4 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. Verdict of "Temporary Insanity" Returned. - The death of CHARLES JOHN CRANN KING, 55, of 14 King-street, Plymouth, a watchmaker, was the subject of an Inquest by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, this morning. - P.C. Albert Carter gave evidence of finding and cutting down the body, which was hanging in the room at 14 King-street, about 3.15 p.m. yesterday. - Francis Robert Levers, a travelling draper, of 10 Mount Gold Way, Plymouth, said he had known deceased off and on, and had a cup of tea with him on the day of his death about 9 a.m. He had never known deceased threaten to take his life. - Dr A. E. Blades said that death was due to strangulation by hanging, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Monday 9 January 1922
HONITON - Tent Dweller's Death At Honiton. - At an Inquest at Honiton on JOSEPH HUGHES, aged 65, who had lived in a tent on Gittisham Common for several years, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 12 January 1922
PLYMPTON - 'Life Not Worth Living'. Mining Engineer's Death At Plymouth. Lost Income. - "Life is not worth living," was the remark passed to a person with whom he lodged by GEORGE LAITY, aged 60, mining engineer, who, it was ascertained at an Inquest held by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, at Plympton Workhouse this morning, was the man whose mutilated body was found floating in the River Plym on Monday evening. - Definitely Identified. - Andrew Stephens Voss, general labourer at Saltram, having given evidence of discovering the body, and P.C. B. Watts, of Crabtree, of removing it to the Mortuary, evidence of identification was given by Edward Cockram, naval shipwright pensioner, of Oxford-place, Plymouth, who said he was able to identify the body by the clothing, watches and a door key found in the man's clothing. - Witness last saw him alive at his house at 4 p.m. on December 22nd. Deceased was then going out and said he would not be returning for tea. Deceased had stayed at witness's house on and off for the past six years, and had been with him since August last, when he returned from a job at Exeter, where he had been for about three months. - As A Mechanic. - During the war deceased worked as a fitter in the Dockyard. He was earning the wages of a mechanic. About two years ago, however, he found that the mines in Africa, in which he had his money invested and brought him in about £3 a week, had closed down. This worried him, and in addition to that he was out of employment. He had apparently only a brother in Africa. Deceased, who could not sleep, owed witness £12 for board and lodgings. - Death Due To Drowning. - Dr W. D. Stamp, who made a post-mortem examination of the body, said death was due to drowning only. The flesh of the face and other exposed parts was eaten away. There were no fractures or marks of violence caused before death, the mutilated condition of the body being due to being in the water for nearly three weeks and coming into contact with rocks. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," said there was a strong suspicion of suicide, but he thought it safer to return an Open Verdict. - The Inquiry was attended by Superintendent W. H. Chammings, of the County Constabulary. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows Fall From Bed. - At an Inquest yesterday on EMMA GRACE SOPER, aged 79, of 63 Furze Hill-road, Plymouth, Dr A. V. Ledger said he had conducted a post-mortem examination of the body and found that death was due to shock following a fall out of bed. - The Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, entered a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 January 1922
OKEHAMPTON - Footballer's Death. Tragic End Of A Practice Game At Okehampton. - Okehampton residents were pained on Thursday by the sudden death of MR WILLIAM R. MILFORD, of Northfield-road, Okehampton. MR MILFORD, who was an ardent footballer and a member of the Okehampton Ivy Leaves Football Club, had been practising with some youths on the Okehampton ground, and on the way home he stopped by the river to wash the mud from his boots. While doing this he suddenly fell down. Those with him saw that something was wrong, and with considerable pluck carried him to Dr Gaster's, who found life extinct. Aged 27, deceased was unassuming and very much liked. He was a guard on the London and South-Western Railway, and had charge of the ballast train that runs between Meldon and Salisbury. He played football regularly for the Okehampton team, and during the war served with the Royal Engineers, holding the rank of sergeant. He leaves a widow and one child, for whom great sympathy is felt. - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday, when HAMILTON RICKARD, brother-in-law of deceased, said they were just practising football, not playing a game, from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday. There was no rough play and deceased was not unduly exerting himself. At 5 o'clock the deceased, another player called Evans, and witness went to the stream at one end of the field to wash their boots. Deceased suddenly fell forward with his face in the water and as he fell he exclaimed "Oh." He had been talking and laughing the moment before. They at once pulled him out of the water and laid him on his back, but he died a few moments later without speaking. - Joseph Alfred Evans corroborated. - Dr T. Strethill Wright said from a post-mortem examination he concluded that death was due to heart failure. ~There was evidence of pre-existing disease. Verdict: "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 16 January 1922
NEWTON ABBOT - Found In The Teign. Inquest On Missing Torquay Man. - How the body of EDWIN DASHPER, who disappeared from his home at Torquay on December 21, was found in the mud of the River Teign at Newton Abbot was told at an Inquest on Saturday, when it was stated that days before the body was found people noticed something sticking out of the mud, but thought it was a dead dog. - Matthew Crang gave evidence. He went to Newton Market with deceased from Torquay. They visited several Hotels, and in early evening went to the Railway Hotel, where they met a party of gipsies. Both he and DASHPER were perfectly sober and there was no quarrelling or unpleasantness. About five o'clock witness wanted DASHPER to go home. - 'I begged and prayed him to come with me,' he said, but DASHPER, who at that time was watching one of the gipsy girls step-dancing, refused to go home. Crang went alone. - DASHPER, according to the potman, John Gifford, remained until 8.30 p.m., when he left quite sober, having had only two glasses of bitter in the house. - A bargeman named Froude said the body was lifted very little above the mud. - A Juryman: Is it a fact that others had seen the object in the mud for some time past, but you were the first to turn it over? - Yes; they thought that it was a dead dog or something. Many dogs are drowned there. - Cause of Death. - When the body was examined by Dr de Glanville there were no wounds or other indications of foul play. Death was by suffocation from mud or water and the windpipe was choked with mud. - In the clothes was a wallet containing £20 10s. in notes, and a bank pass-book showing the last withdrawal to have been £25 on December 17, and a credit balance of £27 12s. 2d. A gunmetal watch in the pocket had stopped at 5 hours 32 minutes. - Supt. Crooke said there was no suspicion attaching to the gipsies, there being no sign of foul play. - The witnesses agreed that it would be quite possible for DASHPER to miss his way after leaving the Railway Hotel, and to wander on to the quay and fall over. There were no lights on the quay and no railings, as it was not a public road. - The Coroner said as DASHPER was not in money difficulties or distressed, there was no suggestion of suicide. - A verdict that death was due to Drowning was returning, there being insufficient evidence to show how he got into the water.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 19 January 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Death In The Street. - At an Inquest on CAMPBELL VIGGERS, aged 47, a bachelor, who carried on business as a general dealer at 41 Wilton-street, Devonport, Wilfred Richard Facey, a stoker petty-officer in the Royal Navy, said he saw deceased fall while leading a horse drawing a wagon along Paradise-road. It was very slippery and slightly dark, and it seemed that the horse stepped on him. Witness with assistance took him to the footpath; he was unconscious and was conveyed in a passing naval motor car to the Royal Albert Hospital, where life was pronounced extinct. - Dr Mary Hamilton, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said a post mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope following valvular disease of the heart. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 January 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Late Paymr.-Adml. PULLEN. Death Due To Heart Disease. - At the Inquest on Paymr.-Rear-Adml. WILLIAM LE GEYT PULLEN, R.N. (ret.), who died suddenly at Penlee Gardens, Devonport, on Wednesday, Dr C. L. Lander attributed death to myocardial degeneration. It was stated that deceased was warned some time ago that his heart was in a weak state. The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes". - The funeral will take place at Devonport tomorrow.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - Dead Man In A Chair At North Quay. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ALFRED WILLIAM ALLEN, aged 68, a night watchman employed by Plymouth Co-operative Society, who was found by Frederick James, traffic inspector in the employ of the society, at about 7.15 yesterday morning, dead in a chair in the dining hall at the Central Stores, North Quay. - Dr David Macnair, who was summoned, said death was due to valvular disease of the aorta. The fact of deceased's going to sleep in a sitting position would be quite sufficient to produce fatal syncope.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 January 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest at Devonport on EMMA WALKER, 70, spinster, of 2 Moon-street, Devonport, who died suddenly at her home on Saturday, the medical evidence was that deceased's death was due to acute pneumonia of the lungs, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 24 January 1922
PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Inquest. Fall Which Did Not Accelerate Death. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at an Inquest yesterday at Turnchapel on the body of ELIZABETH JOLLIFFE, 79, the widow of JOHN JOLLIFFE. - Caroline Boobier, wife of John Boobier, a naval pensioner, identified the body as that of her aunt, who had been treated since last Wednesday for bronchitis by Dr S. R. Scott. She had a fall on Thursday, but did not complain of any ill effects. On Friday night, however, witness sat up with her. At 5.30 the next morning witness went to call her son, and on her return ten minutes later she found MRS JOLLIFFE dead in bed. - Dr S. R. Scott said he attributed death to bronchitis and was not accelerated by any fall.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 24 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner this morning on the body of MARY JANE DRAKE. Eudora Isaac, of 11 Valletort-place, Plymouth, identified the body and said that deceased was 63 years of age. She last saw her alive on Wednesday, when she was in her usual state of health. On Sunday deceased was found dead in bed with the door of her room shut. - Dr H. Garas said he conducted a post-mortem and death was due to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 24 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner this morning on FREDERICK LUDWICK JOHNS, 46 years of age. LOUISA JOHNS, 3 Claremont-street, Plymouth, identified the body as that of her husband, and said she last saw him alive on Thursday. On Sunday he was found dead in bed. - Dr A. E. Blades, who conducted a post-mortem, said death was due to peritonitis caused by inflammation of the appendix.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 26 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest held this morning on the body of GEORGE HARRIS, 52, a furniture dealer, who was found dead with his throat cut in his store at Morley-street, on Tuesday last.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 26 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest held by Mr Johns on LILIAN MAY COWE, the five weeks old daughter of ALFRED GEORGE COWE, a fruit hawker, Dr J. S. Pearce said death was due to convulsions following distension of the stomach. The child had been quite healthy. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 January 1922
TOTNES - Totnes Road Tragedy. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Totnes yesterday on ALBERT EDWARD HUTCHINGS, of Victoria-street, Totnes, the water-cart driver, who was found pinned under his horse in the Langridge-road, where he was employed on road work, on Wednesday. - Dr E. S. Bowes said deceased's spine was dislocated and his arm broken, but the actual cause of death was suffocation. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, said no blame appeared to attach to anyone.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 January 1922
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows Cold Snap At Plymouth. - The intense cold on Tuesday last was partly responsible for the death of MAUD MORRELL, aged 49, of 74 Charlotte-street, Devonport, according to the evidence at the Inquest yesterday. - Deceased, on returning home late in the afternoon, complained of the cold to her daughter and Dr McCulloch was consulted. His evidence was that death was due to syncope, following influenza, accelerated by the severe cold on Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 January 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Died While At Work. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned on JAMES GEORGE DYER, 51, of 143 Fleet-street, Devonport, a painter, who died while at work at 9 Penlee-gardens, Stoke, on Tuesday. - Dr Lander said death was due to a rupture.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 1 February 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Infant's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Mr Coroner R. R. Rodd at an Inquest held this morning on PERCY JAMES HALL, aged nine weeks, who died yesterday without having been attended by a doctor. According to Dr T. Noy-Leah, who conducted a post-mortem examination, death was due to convulsions.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 February 1922
SALTASH, CORNWALL - Drowned In The Tamar. - The body picked up in the River Tamar on Tuesday by a watchman on board H.M.S. Wrexford proved to be that of ALFRED JORDAN, an inmate of the Tavistock Poor-law Institution, who had been missing since December 27. He was single and about 44 years of age. - At the Inquest held by Mr Glubb at Saltash on Thursday, Mr S. T. Stone, Master of the Institution, identified the clothing of the deceased. He thought deceased must have lost his way and slipped into the river at Gunnislake. He did not think it was a case of suicide. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Evening Herald, Monday 6 February 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Sudden Death. - THOMAS MCGUIRE, aged 56, a newsvendor, who occupied a room at the back of 90 King-street, Plymouth, was found dead in bed on Saturday afternoon by his son, a dock labourer, living at 25 Rendle-street. When deceased retired on Friday evening he appeared to be quite well. - Giving evidence at the Inquest held this afternoon by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, Dr W. H. Waterfield stated that as a result of a post-mortem examination he found that death was due to syncope caused by tubercular disease of the lungs. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 8 February 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Infant's Death. - An Inquest was held at Ker-street Police Station this morning by Mr J. A. Pearce on ARTHUR FRANK ALFRED COPP, aged nine weeks of 48 Johnston-terrace, Devonport. - According to Dr J. Ingram, who conducted a post-mortem examination, death was due to suffocation. The child, on Monday night was given some patent food, but was apparently unable to digest it. Upon examination, part of the food was found in the child's wind-pipe. Evidently it had taken the food, and was afterwards sick. Being unable to vomit freely it was choked. - A verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 14 February 1922
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on ANNIE BEARD, aged 56, of Plymouth, who was found dead in her home with a length of gas tubing in her mouth and the gas turned on, a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 14 February 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce at Devonport Dockyard on Monday on JOHN GRAHAM, second engineer of the Royal Fleet auxiliary Slavol, the evidence showed that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, and a verdict was returned accordingly. Deceased was married and his home was at East Ham.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1922
HALWILL - Devonport Man's Death At Halwill. - An Inquest on JOSEPH POWER, age 44, of Devonport, retired stoker, R.N., was held at Halwill on Monday by Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner. Deceased was employed in the demolition of huts at Moor Plantation and his body was found on Thursday evening. - A post-mortem examination was held at the Medley Cottage Hospital by Dr Candler, who said that deceased had an athlete's heart and there was overstrain as the result of previous occupation. - Mr Stephen Voaden gave evidence as to finding the body, and the widow said her husband had enjoyed good health. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Infant's Fate. - At an Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd at Stonehouse Town Hall yesterday on the body of the male child of EMILY KATE SCAWN, domestic servant, which was found on Saturday in a coal cellar at the R.M.L.I. Barracks, Dr W. H. Waterfield stated that there were no marks of violence and no evidence of separate existence. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon on the death of the newly-born child of Stoker Petty Officer WILLIAM O'CONNELL and MRS O'CONNELL, of 37 York-street, Devonport. - Both Dr Sandford and Nurse Provis, of the Three Towns Nursing Association, expressed the belief that the child would have lived had it received proper attention at birth, and a verdict to that effect was returned. The Coroner considered it a matter for regret that a nurse was not summoned earlier.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 16 February 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - "Death From Haemorrhage Of The Right Lung" was the verdict returned by Mr Coroner R. R. Rodd at an Inquest held this morning at the R.N. Hospital, on BERTRAM GEORGE PHILLIPS, aged 27, first-class stoker on H.M.S. Glorious, who collapsed on the boat while returning from leave on Tuesday morning. - Although the mother, MRS L. H. PHILLIPS, stated that, as far as she was aware, deceased had never had any serious illness, the haemorrhage was due, in the opinion of Surg-Commander A. Woollcombe, of H.M.S. Glorious, to an old tubercular trouble, though it was quite possible that it had never taken the form of a definite illness.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Suicide. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on JAMES WATERWORTH, who was found last Friday hanging from a pole placed across a man-hole over the landing of his home, 101 Beatrice-avenue, MR MAY (brother-in-law) said that deceased had been unwell for some time and had been unable to sleep. He had also been very depressed. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Fatality. Pensioner's Fall From A Motor Lorry. - At the Inquest on SAMPSON RODNEY PROUT, 60, a naval pensioner, of 34 Maristow-avenue, who died from injuries received in a motor accident last Tuesday, EDWARD W. PROUT, son, said he was travelling from Admiral's Hard with his father in a light motor lorry, owned and driven by Mr F. Coombes. When the lorry was turning at the junction of Paradise-road and Tavistock-road, Devonport, there was a jerk, and immediately after he felt the lorry pass over something, and looking out saw his father lying in the road. Witness was seated with the driver, but his father was at the back of the lorry, sitting on one of the boxes, with his back towards the road. There was a ridge in the road, which was fully 6 inches higher than the ground level. - The driver, Mr F. Coombes, said he was not going at a very fast pace, but in reply to a question by the Coroner, admitted that he was on the wrong side of the road, his explanation being that he inclined to the right to avoid two or three ladies who were in the middle of the road. - Mr Mapp, of the Borough Engineer's Department, said the ground was very soft where excavation had been made, and it was necessary to raise it in order to consolidate it before finally levelling the road. - Miss Mary Hamilton, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said death was due to internal haemorrhage, and a verdict was returned accordingly. - The Coroner and Mr Mapp (the latter on behalf of the Corporation) expressed deep sympathy with MRS PROUT, and on MR E. PROUT saying that both he and a brother were out of employment. Mr Mapp promised to do his best to help them.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1922
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Hesitation. Plymouth Man Run Down By Motor Car. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday, concerning the death at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital that morning of FREDERICK BATTEN, aged 48, insurance agent, Peverell-terrace, who the previous day had been knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Clarence N. Spooner in Tavistock-road. - Mr Spooner told the Coroner he was driving his car down Tavistock-road, when he saw deceased standing on the step of a tramcar in front of him, apparently preparing to alight. When near the Museum, and before the tram came to a standstill, BATTEN jumped off and made for the pavement. Midway across he hesitated, and then turned back towards the tram. Meanwhile witness had swerved his car in order to pass behind the man, but on deceased turning back he ran right into him, knocking him down. Mr Spooner said he was driving at between six and eight miles per hour. He subsequently took the injured man to the Hospital. - Leonard J. Radford, apprentice, Hyde Park-road, who was on the platform of the tramcar, said he saw Mr Spooner's car approaching from behind, and warned BATTEN to be careful. If BATTEN had gone on towards the pavement the motor car would have missed him. Witness considered it a pure accident. - Dr J. H. Schofield, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to haemorrhage caused by the internal injuries. - Mr Spooner, who was represented by Mr F. Mayburne Pearce, expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 8 March 1922
PLYMOUTH - Dockyard Pensioner's Death. - Mr John Graves, the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest today on the body of THOMAS JOHN SHEARMAN, aged 71, Dockyard pensioner, of 5 Sydney Cottages, Cambridge-lane, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning. Dr R. H. Wagner expressed the opinion that death was due to syncope, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 14 March 1922
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy. Opening Of Petitor Inquest. A Terrible Discovery. - The story of the terrible discovery in a country lane at Petitor, near Torquay, on Sunday, when a man and his wife were found with their throats cut was told at the Inquest today upon the woman. - She was identified as LOUISA WATSON, and the man, who is her husband, WILLIAM JOHN WATSON, is at present lying in the Torbay Hospital in a serious condition. - The Coroner, at the commencement, said it was likely to be a serious Inquiry, and he only proposed to take a certain amount of evidence which would be read over to WATSON when he was in a condition to be brought to the Court. - "Nerves A Little Touchy." - A man called Alfred Job said he saw the WATSONS in a Torquay public house on Sunday morning. He treated them to a drink each and WATSON said his nerves were a little touchy. They both complained that WATSON had had no work for over three weeks and they both cried. - Evidence of the discovery was given by a grocer of St Marychurch, William Francis Mudge. He was walking along the road, he said, and he first saw the man and thought he was asleep. Later he saw the woman and found that her throat was cut and that she was dead. She was lying in the hedge a little lower than the man.- The Coroner: Did you ascertain whether she was dead? - From where I saw her I could see she was. The man was living. I went to fetch the Police. - Police evidence was given that a blood-stained razor was found lying on the grass between the two. - Medical Testimony. - Further evidence was called including that of Dr G. M. Winter, of St Marychurch, who deposed to making a post-mortem examination, and said he found a wound in the woman's throat four inches in length. It was very deep and was not, in his opinion, a self-inflicted wound. If it had been self-inflicted there would have been blood on the woman's right arm and hand. As it was, she only had a very little blood on the front part of the fore-finger and thumb. - Razor Between Them. - Evidence was given by Detective Milford, who said he found a blood-stained razor lying near the woman's face and was within easy reach of herself or the man. In the man's coat pocket was a razor case, and two scarves and a walking stick, afterwards identified as belonging to the couple, were afterwards found on the bank near them. - The Inquest was then adjourned until the 28th instant, it being stated in Court that the man was in a fair way to recover, as he had smoked a cigarette the previous afternoon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 March 1922
LYDFORD - Princetown Prisoner's Sudden Death. - At an Inquest in H.M. Prison, Princetown, on RAYMOND WILLIAM GILBERT, aged 35, who was serving a sentence of five years' penal servitude for forgery, it was stated that on the day of his death deceased had his dinner and when the officer went to the cell to collect the food utensils he found the man in a dying condition. Medical aid was immediately procured, but life was extinct. - The doctor said death was due to syncope, following heart trouble, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 March 1922
MODBURY - Modbury Man's Fatal Fall. - Mr R. Robinson Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Modbury yesterday on WILLIAM THOMAS DAVIS, wheelwright and undertaker, of Poundwell-street, Modbury, who died on Monday. - Dr Miles stated that death was caused by haemorrhage into the brain, due to a fracture of the skull, through falling whilst assisting in the removal of a corpse. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 March 1922
BRIXTON, LONDON - Dead In Pool Of Blood. Torquay Lady's Suicide In London. - A Torquay lady's suicide at Brixton (London) was described at an Inquest at Camberwell yesterday on MISS NELLIE SERCOMB-WYATT, aged 33, lately residing at 14 Warren-road, Torquay. - HAROLD JOHN WYATT, deceased's brother, said a short time ago deceased had a bad attack of influenza, and came up to London for a change. She attempted her life by cutting her throat in 1914, and was detained for some time in Devon County Asylum. - Ella Elizabeth Brazier, a friend, with whom deceased had been staying, stated that on going to deceased's room she found her lying in bed in a pool of blood with her throat cut. In the bed was a table knife. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst Mentally Deranged."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 March 1922
UGBOROUGH - Wrangaton Farmer Found On Railway. - An Inquest on JOHN HEWETT COCKREM, aged 37, farmer, of Cheston Farm, Wrangaton, who was found killed on the railway near the farm on Tuesday, was held at Wrangaton yesterday. - MRS L. V. HEATH, of South Brent, deceased's mother-in-law, said deceased had no monetary or other worries and he and his wife were very happy. Deceased lost an infant child on Sunday and was worried because the baby was not baptised. He had never threatened to take his life and there was nothing to suggest that he might do so. - Florence Edmunds, servant at Cheston Farm, said when deceased went away on Tuesday, about 8.30, he said he wanted water to shave when he returned, and that he would go to Brent for meat for dinner. - Thomas Rees, driver of the 9.25 a.m. of Plymouth, said nothing untoward happened on the road, but at Totnes he was requested to examine the engine, and found hair on the lifeguard and flesh on the front wheel. - Dr Style, Brent, said deceased's skull was fractured, but there was not a mark on the body. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Hacker, Dr Style said he did not think deceased could have been struck whilst walking on the line. - Evidence was given that deceased's farm was on both sides of the line and he was in the habit of crossing the railway. - The Coroner said there was not sufficient evidence to enable him to come to a very certain decision, but there was absolutely no evidence as far as he could see that the deceased was contemplating suicide. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 18 March 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Naval Pensioner's Death After A Walk. - At the Inquest on ALBERT CROMPTON, 59, a naval pensioner, of 11 Townshend-avenue, Devonport, held at Devonport today, MRS M. E. CROMPTON, said that her husband had complained of shortness of breath. On Thursday he went out for his usual afternoon walk and on returning at about 7 o'clock went to bed complaining of pains in his side. He became unconscious and medical aid was called, but death ensued before the doctor arrived. Dr G. K. Pearson, who made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to Natural Causes, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 18 March 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Mishap. - Death was found to be due to "Heart Failure" accelerated by Shock, in the case of MRS A. HOBBS, 63, of 8 King-street, who died on Thursday as the result of burns received through upsetting a saucepan of boiling water on to her foot.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 March 1922
PLYMPTON - Plympton Suicide. Housekeeper's Story Of Dead Man's Conduct. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest at Plympton on Saturday on CHARLES HENRY MADDOCK, aged 58, of Golden-square, Colebrook, Plympton, who was found on Friday hanging in the lavatory at the rear of his house. - Deceased's housekeeper, Catherine Mary Burns, stated that when deceased asked if she had got another place, she replied that she had, and was leaving the next day. Deceased said, "Then I will finish it off," and went out to the back. She went out and found him with a rope around his neck, hanging from a beam. She immediately sought the help of Alfred Lee, a neighbour, and he called Frederick Kellaway, who cut deceased down and tried artificial respiration without result. - Deceased had been in indifferent health, had been unemployed for a considerable period and was worried because he was under notice to leave his house.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 22 March 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. - At an Inquest on RICHARD THOMAS PARSONS, 72, naval pensioner, at Plymouth, this morning, it was stated that deceased was found dead lying over a gas-ring yesterday. For some years past he had been under the delusion that he was suffering from cancer of the throat, and other serious diseases. He was repeatedly assured by the doctors that he was perfectly healthy. It was believed that these delusions had affected his mind. - Dr H. S. Eccles attributed death to coal gas poisoning, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1922
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Illness At Plymouth Whist Drive. - Taken Ill at a whist drive in the Co-operative Hall, Plymouth, on Saturday, ALBERT WILLIAM DUBBIN, 32, a mineral water manufacturer, of 27 Lisson-grove, expired on the way to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. At the Inquest yesterday Dr J. H. Schofield said death was due to heart disease. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, Inquired into the death of EVELYN MARY SCHOFIELD, 109 Ocean-street, Keyham, wife of an electrical fitter in the Dockyard. - Her husband, ALFRED EDWIN SCHOFIELD, said on Monday morning deceased awoke about 5.30 on hearing the baby cry and was making the child comfortable when she fell back and died. - The evidence of Dr W. H. Davis showed death due to syncope owing to congestion of the lungs and old-standing pleurisy. - Verdict accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 28 March 1922
TORQUAY - Murder Verdict At Torquay. Husband's Story Of The Tragedy. Inquest Evidence. - The tragic story of the dramatic scene effected in a quiet country lane near St Marychurch, Torquay, was told at the Coroner's Court today at the adjourned Inquest upon LOUISA WATSON, who, it will be remembered, was found with her throat cut lying alongside her husband, whose throat was also cut. - Ghastly Story. - The husband recovered in Torbay Hospital and his statement to a detective was made three days after the tragic happening. It was read in Court today. - When told that his wife was dead he said: "No! What time did she die? I saw Alf. Job, my nephew, at the Palk Arms. He paid for a pint of beer for me and a drop of whisky for LOUIE. He lent me a shilling. We then left the Palk Arms and went up the lane. We stood by the hedge. I took my overcoat off, placed my walking stick on it and hat. LOUIE said, "HARRY, I see nothing else in front of us." I had a razor in my hand behind my back. I said, "Well, here goes." - "I had two gashes at my throat with the razor." She said, "Good God," and took the razor from my hands. I saw her raise it. I dropped and saw her drop by the side of me." - Attempt To Borrow. - On the morning of the tragedy, Mrs Lovesey said the couple came to her house and endeavoured to borrow £1, but she was only able to lend them 5s. MRS WATSON offered her a pawn ticket for her wedding ring, and on witness remarking that that ought to be "her most sacred possession," MRS WATSON said, "I shan't need it again, shall I HARRY?" - In answer to a question, witness said she did not see any suggestion in the statement at that time. - Dr Winter, recalled, reaffirmed his opinion that the woman's throat must have been cut when the parties were lying down, and, further, that the woman's injury was not self-inflicted. - Coroner's Explanation. - In his address to the Jury, the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, said that the conduct of the couple in going away together into the lane and the fact that they were on the best of terms with each other pointed to the conclusion that they were purposing the same common object and contemplating some unlawful deed. - He quoted the law with reference to the culpability of the surviving party in a death pact, and said the Jury had one of two conclusions to come to - either that the woman cut her own throat, in which case the razor must have been given her by WATSON, or that WATSON did the deed. - "Murder" Verdict. - After five minutes' retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Murder" against WILLIAM JOHN WATSON, and the Coroner intimated that WATSON would take his trial at the next Devon Assizes.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 28 March 1922
PLYMOUTH - According to the evidence of Dr M. Aikman, at an Inquest held this morning on MRS A. E. H. ANDERSON, 75, of 25 William-street, Plymouth, by Mr R. B. Johns, deceased succumbed yesterday to rupture of the heart and a verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 28 March 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE -Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest this morning on GERTRUDE EMMA PUDNER, 30, a single woman, residing with her father at 78 High-street. - SAMUEL THOMAS PUDNER, the father, said he was awakened on Sunday night about ten o'clock and found his daughter apparently very ill and exclaiming "I am dying." She was put to bed and soon afterwards expired. - Dr T. Noy Leah, who was called, attributed death to bronchitis and congestion of the lungs, and said that a deformity of the spine explained the suddenness of the fatal ending. - A verdict was recorded accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 1 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Fatal Fall. - On February 21, MRS ELIZABETH FISHER, aged 86, residing at 7 Pentillie-road, Plymouth, went to sit on a chair, but missed and sat on the floor. She broke her thigh and was removed to a Nursing Home where she died yesterday. - This morning Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 April 11922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Domestic Worries. - "Found Drowned" was the verdict at the Inquest at Maker Farm yesterday on MARY ANNA JELLETT, aged 70, of Waterloo-street, Devonport. - Deceased left her home early on Saturday morning without saying where she was going, and her body was discovered next day on Hoe Lake beach, near Mount Edgcumbe, by Thomas Baker, of Kingsand. It was stated that she had just recovered from influenza, and was very depressed, while she was considerably worried over her husband having become blind.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1922
TORQUAY - Torquay Tragedy Of Destitution. Lonely Man's Fate. Starved Rather Than Ask Relief. - A tragedy of destitution was revealed at an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on ARTHUR JOHN SOPER, aged about 57, who was found dead in bed at his home, 3 Brunswick-terrace, Torre, on Tuesday. - William Gibson, 4 Brunswick-terrace, said deceased had been living alone. He last saw him about a fortnight ago. On Monday, at the instance of another neighbour (a woman) witness went into the house and knocked at the door of deceased's kitchen. He heard SOPER say: "Is that you, Bill?" The door was not opened. On Tuesday morning witness again knocked at SOPER'S door, getting no reply. He burst open the door and found deceased lying on the bed, somewhat doubled up and quite dead. He was dressed, with the exception of his boots, and had some clothes thrown over him. - Out Of Work. - The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker: Had he enough to live on? - He had no work lately, but he used to "rub along." I don't know how he lived. He was a man who would not take anything from anyone. I have offered him food, but he has refused it. I never heard of him having parish relief. There was half a loaf of bread, a piece of cheese and a bit of butter on the table when I found him, as well as a basin with what looked like broth in it. - Dr T. D. Cooke said when he saw the body the man had been dead from eight to twelve hours. He looked as if he had fainted in his sleep. - Starving. - Dr Nicory, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said the body was wasted There were no traces of solid food in the stomach. It seemed that the man had been starving; he could not have taken solid food for days before his death. He should say, except for the statement that the witness Gibson had heard deceased speak on Monday, that he had been dead for days. Death was due to pneumonia and heart failure, accelerated by want of food. - MRS SOPER, deceased's wife, of Ellacombe Church-road, said she had lived apart from her husband for five years, and last saw him a fortnight ago. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and said it was clear that the man was in a semi-destitute condition, and had declined to apply for relief that he might easily have got.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1922
EXETER - Plymouth Man's Death At Exeter. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest at Exeter yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY JOHN TAYLOR, 14 Wonford-road, clerk to the surveyor, who died suddenly on Wednesday. - Dr Clapp said deceased suffered from tuberculosis, and death was due to a profuse haemorrhage. - MR TAYLOR was a son of MR W. H. TAYLOR of 23 Shaftesbury-cottages, Plymouth, and grandson of MR H. TAYLOR, of Widey Lodge, Crownhill.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 10 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Fall From A Window. Sister Eye-Witness Of Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was held this morning by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, at the Homeopathic Hospital, Plymouth, on WILLIAM VICTOR MALONEY, aged 33, coxswain on the Port Sanitary motor boat, who fell from a window 45 feet high at 19 New-street, on Thursday afternoon last. - HELEN LAUNDER, sister of deceased, described witnessing the fatality from her house opposite. She thought at first, she said, that someone had thrown a bag of clothes out of the window, and then discovered it was her brother lying in the road. - Watching The Child. - Deceased's little child was playing in the road at the time and a motor lorry and a brewer's dray, with restless horses, were passing. She believed that deceased over-balanced whilst anxiously watching his child. - Dr Wilmot said deceased was admitted suffering from shock and concussion. He never regained consciousness and died on Saturday morning. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 11 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - "Not Satisfied." Unusual Incident At Crownhill. Inquest. - An unusual scene marked an Inquest held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, by Mr R. B. Johns, on GEORGE FREDERICK SPRY, aged 87, a retired blacksmith, of Egg Buckland, who was knocked down at Crownhill last Saturday by a motor car. - ALFRED SPRY, retired blacksmith, son of the deceased, said his father had fairly good sight and hearing. - Archie James Northcott, accountant, said that before approaching the cross roads at Crownhill from the direction of Tamerton Foliot he signalled to the Police Sergeant, and Constable who were on duty, and they motioned him to drive on. - "I was driving probably less than five miles per hour," witness added. "I could hardly say where deceased came from. Quite suddenly he appeared in front of the car, and before I could pull up I hit him." - Police Evidence. - Police-Sergt. Cruse said the car passed very slowly. He saw deceased coming towards him on the footpath. Then he stepped off, looking in the opposite direction to the car. When he signalled to the car to drive on he did not think deceased was going to cross over. - Dr Schofield, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was suffering from a compound fracture of the tibia, a simple fracture of the fibula and an extensive cut at the back of the head. There was considerable bleeding and he died the same evening. - The Coroner: That will be accidental death. There can't be any blame to the driver. - Coroner's Question. - "You are quite satisfied, MR SPRY?" added Mr Johns. - "No," replied a man present at the Inquest, "MR SPRY is not satisfied." - "But you can't dispute the evidence we have heard," said Mr Johns, who asked the speaker who he was. - "I am the nephew of the deceased", replied the speaker, whose name was MR W. FOLLEY. He produced a plan of the spot where the fatality occurred and entered into a discussion with Sergt. Cruse. Meanwhile the depositions were being packed up. - "MR SPRY is not satisfied," he repeated. - The Coroner: Well, I can't help whether he is satisfied or not. "I am perfectly satisfied." - Mr Northcott said he wished the relatives would get out of their heads any ill-feeling. "Is the expression," he asked the Coroner, "That I am exonerated from all blame?" - The Coroner: Yes, entirely.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 13 April 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Dead In A Bath. Tragic Discovery At Devonport. Inquest On Officer. - A startling discovery was made at the Royal Hotel, Devonport, yesterday morning. - A chambermaid found, on attempting to enter a bathroom, that the door was locked, and becoming alarmed, summoned the night porter. - The latter, on bursting open the door, discovered Lieut.-Com. RAYMOND G. F. H. DE CAEN, who had been staying at the Hotel, dead in his bath. - Surg.-Com. Fleming, staying at the Hotel, was called, and artificial respiration was rendered, but without success. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, opened the Inquest at Ker-street this afternoon. - Lieut. Edward E. Daly, H.M.S. Sardonyx, identified the body and said that deceased was 39 years of age and had been in command of the Sardonyx and a group of destroyers, of which H.M.S. Woolwich was the parent ship, since January 3rd. Deceased's home was at Mevagissey, Cornwall. Witness last saw him alive on Monday last. - At this stage the Inquiry was adjourned until Saturday morning for further evidence. - Mr K. E. Peck was present representing the Admiralty.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 15 April 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Still A Mystery. Tragic Fate Of Lieut. CARN-DUFF. An Open Verdict. - The death of Lieut. HERBERT JULIAN CARN-DUFF, of H.M.S. Valiant, the well-known Services Rugby footballer, whose body was found in the Hamoaze, near Bull Point, on Thursday morning, is still shrouded in mystery, for at the Inquest, which was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, the Stonehouse Coroner, at the Royal Naval Hospital today, no evidence was forthcoming to show how he got into the water and an Open Verdict was consequently returned. - At The Club. - After evidence of identification had been given by Lieut. G. H. Faulkner of H.M.S. Valiant, who said the deceased was 29 years of age, some light was thrown on Lieut. CARN-DUFF'S movements a few hours before his death by Thomas Henry Barter, hall porter at the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth, who said that he entered the Club with two brother officers at 10.30 on Wednesday night and he left alone at 11.20. He was sober and normal. - Midshipman's Evidence. - The story of the deceased's doings on Wednesday evening was continued by Wilfred John Nixon, midshipman, on H.M.S. Valiant, who said that they met at the Globe Restaurant, Plymouth, about eight o'clock on Wednesday evening. They had dinner and later, accompanied by Midshipman Woodburn, went to the Royal Western Yacht Club. At about 10.45 witness left the deceased at the club. He was all right then and perfectly normal. The last boat to the Valiant left the Flagstaff Steps at 11.30 p.m. - P.C. Geeves, of the Metropolitan Police, gave evidence of recovering the body from the water near Bull Point at 10.30 on Thursday morning when the tide was on the ebb. - The Cause of Death. - Surgeon-Commander T. B. Shaw, attached R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, who made a post-mortem examination of the body, said the sole cause of death was asphyxia due to drowning. There were several slight bruises on the body which would be explained by the fact that deceased had been playing football, but they did not in any way accelerate death. There were no signs of any injury. The deceased was a very fine man and well nourished and developed. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 15 April 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Drowned In A Bath. Naval Officer's Sad Death At Devonport. War's Aftermath. - "Drowned as the result of an attack of syncope brought on by an affection of the heart," was recorded by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the resumed Inquest at Ker-street this morning on Lieutenant-Commander RAYMOND G. F. H. DE CAEN, aged 39, whose death occurred in a bath on Wednesday at the Royal Hotel, Devonport, where he had been staying. - Porter's Discovery. - The night porter, Jesse Baker, of Belgrave-road, Mutley, said that on Wednesday morning a chambermaid informed him that one of the bathrooms had been occupied a long time. The door was locked and after knocking loudly and getting no reply he forced it open and found the deceased lying in the bath on his left side. The bath was full of hot water and the tap was partially turned on. Deceased's head was under the water and after turning the tap off, witness went for assistance. - Admiralty Question. - In answer to Mr K. E. Peck, representing the Admiralty, witness said he did not lift the deceased's head out of the water. - The Coroner: You did not think that lifting his head out might have saved his life? - Witness: I thought of it, but on the impulse of the moment I rushed out for assistance. I should have gone back at once if no one had been handy. - But you could have lifted his head without assistance? - Yes. - Medical Conclusion. - Surg.-Com. A. F. Fleming, R.N., residing at the Hotel, said he was fetched to the bathroom by the previous witness and together they lifted deceased out of the bath. Artificial respiration was tried unsuccessfully. - As a result of a post-mortem examination, witness found that deceased's death was due to drowning, brought on by an attack of syncope. His heart was in a fatty condition and death might have occurred suddenly from shock at any time. The water in the bath was very hot, and witness thought the shock of sudden immersion in it might have caused the attack of syncope. - Witness did not think deceased's life would have been saved if the night porter had lifted his head out of the water. - MRS DE CAEN, the widow, said her husband had been in very ill-health as a result of the war, and their family doctor had given him six months only in which to live.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 April 1922
DAWLISH - Dawlish Man's Death. Former Butcher's Complaint Of Pains In The Head. - Mr Sydney Hacker, Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish on Saturday on JOHN MARK HUTCHINGS, 70, of 2 Cliftonville-Dawlish, formerly a butcher, who was found Shot through the head by a humane killer in the cellar of the house on Good Friday morning. - ALBANY BERTRAM HUTCHINGS, of Lympstone, son, said deceased had been more or less an invalid. - The Coroner: Can you give us any reason for the occurrence? - Witness: No; the whole thing is inexplicable to me. With the exception of his ill-health he had no trouble in the world. He had suffered from acute pains in his head for the past two years. - MARY PIKE HUTCHINGS, the widow, said deceased had suffered from asthma for years. He complained a good deal of pains in his head, which at times were very severe. On Friday morning he was no worse than usual. - Thomas Robert Netherway, butcher, said deceased on Friday morning asked witness for the loan of his humane killer to kill a dog. He said he had a cartridge. - Dr Montagu Cutcliffe said there was a wound on the top of the head. The bullet had gone right through the brain. Death was instantaneous. - Dr F. J. H. Cann said deceased always spoke very dolefully of his ailments and was distressed because he could not work, but otherwise was a rather buoyant sort of person. - Verdict: "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 18 April 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Life Thrown Away. Seaman's Fatal Plunge After His Cap. Inquest Today. - An Inquest was held at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, this morning, by the County Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, on the body of HERBERT HARRY GOSS, aged 28, of Buckland Monachorum, leading seaman, R.N., on the Defiance, who was drowned last Wednesday night off the Defiance Pier. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM HENRY BALL, master mason, of Buckland, step-brother of deceased, who, he said, was a single man. - Witness's Advice. - Edwin Kellaway, electrical artificer 1st class, R.N., on the Defiance, described coming down in advance of deceased about 10.15 on Wednesday evening from Wearde Camp to catch the boat. When on the pier deceased's hat blew off. Witness said, "Never mind your hat, the boat is waiting." Witness boarded the boat and saw deceased with his hands on the rail of the pier, apparently contemplating rescuing his hat. - He next saw him in the waster floating down the river, the sea being rough. A life-buoy was thrown. The motor boat could not put off to rescue deceased because it was worked on an endless chain, but deceased was picked up within ten minutes. No one actually saw him go into the water. - Coroner's Questions. - The Coroner: Do you think he took to the water after his hat or fell in accidentally? - Witness: I think he must have gone in after his hat. - Was he sober at 10 o'clock? - Well, sir, he was quite capable. - Leonard Slee Collingwood, leading seaman on the Defiance, who was seeing the liberty boat off from the ship at the time, heard a hail and the shout, "Man overboard!" He and another at once manned a boat which was moored by the ship and picked deceased up. He appeared to be dead. Artificial respiration was applied, but he never came to. - The Coroner: I suppose there is no risk of a man falling into the water on that pier unless he is careless? - Lieut. M. Liddicoat, R.N., of the Defiance, replied that there was not. The pier was guarded by railings all the way and lit by electric light. - "Was the man a good swimmer?" asked Mr Rodd. - "Yes." - Hampered By Overcoat. - The Coroner was informed that a strong spring tide was running at the time, and the previous witness, Kellaway, said he thought deceased was drowned through his overcoat. - The Coroner: Is there any precaution which might be taken? - Lieut. Liddicoat: I don't know of any. - Such as having a boat moored at the pier? - There is a boat always afloat at the ship. We had three boats away that night in a matter of two or three minutes. - The Coroner: It seems a foolhardy thing to go into the water at that time of the night and the state of the sea to rescue a cap. - James Duff Scott Miller, Surgeon-Commander, R.N. Barracks, said that when he saw deceased at 11 p.m. he was, in his opinion, dead. Artificial respiration was continued for two hours after that. Death was due to drowning. There were no marks of any injury. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 19 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - A WEBBER "Heir" Dead. Fatal Result Of Plymouth Boy's Fall. - An Inquest on GERALD GEORGE WEBBER, aged 6, who died at his home at 7 Cambridge-street, on Sunday morning, was held at Plymouth yesterday afternoon. - MRS VIOLET M. WEBBER, the mother, said the boy had a fall some eighteen months ago. He developed tuberculosis and was treated at two Plymouth hospitals, and also by several doctors. Her doctor advised her to send him to Treloar's Home, where he was kept for 13 weeks. When she brought him back he was (she alleged) in a terribly neglected state, with bed sores on his back. He died ten days after. - Medical evidence was to the effect that the tuberculosis started in deceased's knee as a direct result of the fall and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. - The deceased boy is one of the three brothers who claim to be entitled to valuable estates in Fiji, the romantic story of which has already been published.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on ELLEN MARIA SELMON, 49, of Queen-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 April 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Death In Back Yard At Devonport. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on EMILY KELK, of 56 St Levan-road, Devonport, who collapsed and died in the back yard of her house. - Dr T. McElwaine attributed death to disease of the heart, accelerated by distension of the stomach.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 21 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, at Plymouth, this morning on ALICE LILIAN BOLT, aged 6 years, of 8 Finewell-street, Plymouth, who, after being taken with a sick headache accompanied by vomiting, on Wednesday morning, died the following day before the arrival of the doctor. Dr G. H. Fisher, who conducted a post-mortem, said death was due to pneumonia and gastric inflammation. Verdict accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 26 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Borough Coroner, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at the Inquest on ARTHUR JARROD, 52, of 53 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, who died on Monday night after being taken with a fit. - Dr E. Blades said death was caused by haemorrhage of the brain and congestion of the lungs.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 26 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Natural Causes. - Upon the evidence of Dr D. Macnair, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was given by Mr Johns at an Inquest on WILLIAM HENNING, who was found dead on Monday afternoon by his step-sister, JESSIE WEEKS. Deceased was sixty years of age.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 27 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Dockyardsman's Death. Sequel To Accident While At Work. - On returning to his apartments at 53 Pembroke-street, Devonport, last Friday evening, WILLIAM WILLIAMS, carpenter, employed in the Dockyard, complained to his landlady, Mrs E. J. Hocking, of a pain in his right leg. He mentioned that three weeks before Easter he slipped while at work, but did not suggest that he sustained any injury. - On Saturday medical advice was sought, and on Monday there was a medical consultation with the result that on the following day he was removed to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital. He died later the same day. - Dr Schofield, House Surgeon, informed the :Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest held today that a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to septicaemia caused by inflammation of the bone in his leg, which may have arisen from a blow. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict. 

Western Morning News, Friday 28 April 1922
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Cut. Plymouth Man's Death From Tetanus. - While braking stone in the Corporation Yard at Coxside, JOHN GODWIN, aged 53, Batter-street, picked up a piece, which broke and cut a finger of each hand. He became unwell and on Saturday was admitted to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, where he died on Wednesday. - At an Inquest held yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, Dr Barbara Cubitt stated that death was due to tetanus, produced by the cut on the fingers. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 29 April 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - The sudden death in the night after a fit of coughing of MRS SARAH JANE BILLINGTON, aged 65, of 3 Jackson-place, Devonport, the wife of JOHN BILLINGTON, an Army Scripture reader of Plymouth Garrison, was the subject of an Inquest at Devonport yesterday, when Dr G. A. Rae, who had conducted a post-mortem examination, attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, accelerated by exertion. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Tragic Love Affair. Tregantle Soldier's Death From Self-Inflicted Wound. - An unfortunate love affair and incidents which occurred during his service in Ireland were said, at the Inquest yesterday, to have affected PTE. HENRY WHITEHEAD, 2nd Battn. K.O.S.B., who died at the Devonport Military Hospital on Thursday from the effects of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. - Sergt. H. Bojan spoke to seeing deceased at Tregantle, where he was stationed, with a wound in his forehead and Capt. J. S. Levack, R.A.M.C., said when admitted deceased was suffering from the effects of laceration of the brain, and death was eventually due to meningitis. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returning a verdict that deceased died from a gunshot wound, which was Self-inflicted while he was in an Unsound State of Mind, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE. H. H. SHAPTER, 60, of 25 Garden-street, who was found hanging from the door of his bedroom cupboard on Sunday. Deceased, who was a Dockyard pensioner, had been unwell for some time and a verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 12 May 1922
EGG BUCKLAND - Coroner And Mother. Strange Death Of Egg Buckland Youth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, at the Inquest at Egg Buckland today on JAMES ROWE, a delicate and mentally defective youth, 17 years of age, whose body was discovered by Alexander John Taylor, a labourer, about 1.30 p.m. yesterday, suspended by the feet from a thick hedge near his home. His head was in a small pit and partially covered by undergrowth. - Deceased had been an inmate of several institutions and had been discharged only a fortnight ago. He wandered away from his home on Wednesday and, although searched for almost immediately, was not found until the following day. - Dr T. Olver, of Crownhill, said that in climbing the hedge deceased had apparently fallen very heavily, catching his feet in the shrubs, which held him hanging face downwards. Being unable to extricate himself he was suffocated. His nose was fractured, presumably, by the fall. - The Coroner remarked that he could not help thinking that the mother had not searched very carefully for the lad, since he was found quite close to his home. In view of his state of health she ought to have been more careful.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1922
YEALMPTON - Daughter Terrified. Yealmpton Man's Suicide After Threatening Wife. - "I was really terrified," declared FLORENCE SARGENT, at an Inquest, conducted by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, yesterday, on her father, THOMAS SARGENT, farm labourer , of Wilberton-cottages, Yealmpton. - She said her father, who was 59 years of age, came home from work on Thursday about 6.45, and threatened to "do her mother in." He was very quarrelsome, and might, witness said, have had a drop of cider. After threatening his wife he ordered her to leave the house and she sought safety in the house of a neighbour. He then threatened to commit suicide and went out into a linhay. Witness followed him, and on seeing him putting up a rope, told him not to be so silly. In response he threatened her to such an extent that she was terrified and left the linhay. - John Sleeman, traction engine driver, said he heard a noise in the house of deceased and saw him coming out of the linhay with a large hammer. He threatened witness, who, however, would not go away, and told deceased to go inside and be quiet. MRS SARGENT, who was at that time in witness's house, was crying and very upset. Subsequently witness found deceased hanging from a beam in the linhay, and secured by a rope round his neck. He immediately cut him down. He was dead. - Dr E. H. B. Fox said he had treated deceased for a very severe attack of influenza about six months ago, which had necessitated his removal to the Hospital. Deceased was a victim to abdominal pains and had a very dilated stomach. From his knowledge of the case he had no doubt that deceased was temporarily insane. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Echo Of April Gale. Fatal Sequel To Devonport Fall. - The high winds a month ago were responsible for the death on Thursday of MRS MARIA HAVERTY, aged 78. On April 15 she was walking down Fore-street, Devonport, when a violent gust of wind blew her off her feet, with the result that her left leg was broken. Pte. Miller, R.A.M.C., rendered first aid and MRS HAVERTY was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where she has now succumbed. - Yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Ford Workhouse and returned a verdict that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage caused by shock following the accident.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 13 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - A Gallant Seaman. Inquest On Body Found At Ocean Quay. - ELISHA CURRIE, a naval pensioner, 41 years of age, who had been living apart from his wife at 4 King-street, Devonport, and who for gallantry on board the battle-cruiser Lion, in the Battle of Jutland, was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, was found drowned in the Hamoaze near Ocean Quay on Friday afternoon. - At the Inquest this morning, conducted by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, it was stated by the widow, FLORENCE CURRIE, that she last saw deceased alive when he called at the house for his unemployment card on April 12. He was formerly a shipwright in the navy and had a disability pension. He had suffered from shell shock and acute neurasthenia, and had threatened to take his life. On the last occasion he said he felt his head was going and that rather than go into an Asylum he would take his life. - Richard John Bates, of High-street, Stonehouse, said he was in his barge near Ocean Quay when he saw the body floating. - Dr T. McElwaine said the body was fully dressed. It was in a very advanced state of decomposition. Death was due to drowning. - The Coroner said all the circumstances pointed to suicide, but there was not sufficient evidence to show how deceased came in the water, and the verdict would be one of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 May 1922
TAVISTOCK - Farmer's Tragic End. Open Verdict At Tavistock Inquest. - Mr R. R. Rodd, the County Coroner, held an Inquiry at the New Cemetery Lodge, Tavistock, yesterday, into the death of HAROLD SYDNEY COCKING, 56, farmer, of Gawton Farm, Bere Ferrers, who was found dead at the back of a bungalow at Granville-road, Tavistock on Monday. - Mr W. W. Mathews watched the proceedings on behalf of the family. - P.C. Middlewicke said at 7.30 p.m. he went to the bungalow, where, in a yard, at the rear, he saw deceased lying on his back and his arm stretched out by his side. He was by the side of a four-wheeled carriage. A portion of the head had been blow away. There was a double-barrelled shot-gun lying across the front of the carriage. The right barrel of the gun contained one spent cartridge, and the left barrel was empty. In the left pocket of deceased's coat was the large cartridge produced. - The Coroner: Can you suggest how deceased shot himself, seeing the position in which the gun was found? - I think the deceased must have stood at the corner of the trap and pulled the trigger of the gun with his finger. I think it was quite possible from the position I found the deceased for him to have shot himself. The trigger was quite easy to reach. - Face Blown Away. - Was the face quite clear? - There was not much left of it. One eye was left, the nose had gone and the back of the head completely blown away. I later found two pieces of the skull 30 yards from where the body lay. - Was there any charring on the face as if there had been a big flash of flame from the gun? - I noticed no charring on either side of the face. - P.S. Lake said there was a lot of blood on the near side of the wheel where the deceased had stood, and Middlewicke remarked that he did not think the gun could have slipped. - The Coroner: How can you account for the blood on the wheel? - When the explosion occurred the deceased must have fallen forward. - Triggers Needed Tightening. - HAROLD THOMAS COCKING, son of the deceased, said his father left the farm on Monday morning at 10 o'clock in his four-wheeled carriage, and appeared to be in his usual good spirits. The gun produced was his father's property. He kept it in the drawing-room and when he left home he took it with him to have the triggers tightened. His father was very fond of shooting. He did not regret the sale of the bungalow in Granville-road, as he disposed of it for his boys' sake so that they might go to the farm and learn farming. He himself was at Milton Abbot. - The deceased appeared to be quite well when he left the farm, and said he was going to Tavistock to get the hammer of the gun attended to, because it was loose and liable to go off accidentally. - Dr Broderick said deceased was a light-hearted man. He never complained of insomnia, and was absolutely a normal man. He attended to him some weeks ago for a slight chill. He was about the last man in the world who would think of committing suicide. - Was It An Accident? - It was pointed out that from the position of the gun it was quite possible, the trigger being very loose, for it to have gone off accidentally when it was being pulled out of the trap. - Mr Mathews said there was no truth in the rumours that had been circulated concerning deceased. - An Open Verdict of "Found Dead" was returned, and the Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Husband's Suicide. Tragic Result Of Domestic Quarrel At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD HOSKIN PENBERTHY, 31, of Mount-street, Devonport, labourer in the Dockyard. - The widow said that on Tuesday, at about 8.45 she went out to get something for supper and returned in about twenty minutes. Deceased was annoyed at what he considered her long absence, and high words followed. He left the house about 9.30 without having supper. They had had domestic quarrels, but not of a serious nature. They had been married about nine years, and had one child, two others having died. Her husband suffered from gastritis, was irritable and constantly complained of pains in his stomach. - Mrs E. Weeks, landlady, said she told deceased she would not have these fusses. He replied, "All right, Mrs Weeks, and I shall never enter this house again." - Thomas Frederick Brooks, licensee of the Boot Inn, Devonport, said deceased called at his house between nine and ten o'clock on Tuesday night and had two glasses of whisky. - Charles E. A. Hurst, employed in the Dockyard, deposed to finding the body in the East Park Reservoir. - Dr Thomas McElwaine said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," said it was sad that a domestic quarrel should have resulted in a man taking his life.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday returned a verdict of Accidental Death in the case of CHARLES EDWARD ALBERT JAMES HEATH, the 16 months-old son of CHARLES EDWARD JAMES HEATH, a merchant seaman. The father stated that the child accidentally over-turned a cup of boiling milk on himself last Tuesday week. Dr Mary Hamilton, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the child had no chance of recovery from the outset.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 22 May 1922
PLYMOUTH - A Woman Killed. Motor Smash Near Roborough. Four Others Injured. - A shocking motor accident occurred midway between Crownhill and Roborough, about half-pat three yesterday afternoon, one woman subsequently dying and four other persons being badly injured. - A car driven by Mr K. F. Crang, of 11 Collingwood-villas, Devonport, the other occupants being MRS POLKINGHORNE and her son, of the Crown Hotel, Devonport; Mrs Gliddon, of the Lord Beresford Hotel, Devonport; and Mrs Bulley of 39 Chapel-street, Devonport, was proceeding towards Yelverton and when it reached a point about 100 yards past the George Hotel a motor cycle and sidecar turned out of a by-lane and just missed colliding with another car from Plymouth. The car from Devonport was about 20 yards behind, and, in trying to avoid the motor cycle, the driver ran into the grass bank on the left side. For a few yards it zig-zagged, and turned over on its side and threw all the occupants out into the road. - Four of the occupants were rendered unconscious and the driver was the only one who was able to get up. MRS POLKINGHORNE and Mrs Gliddon, the most severely injured passengers, were conveyed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, but before arrival MRS POLKINGHORNE died. Her son was taken home in a private car. Mrs Bulley was also taken home and the driver was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport. - The party, which was arranged by the deceased lady, had set out from Plymouth with the intention of visiting Yelverton and Burrator. - At The Inquest. Evidence By Driver Of Motor-Cycle. - The shocking accident was investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, and a Jury at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital this afternoon at an Inquest on the body of MRS SOPHIE POLKINGHORNE, aged 59 years of the Crown Hotel, Chapel-street, Devonport, one of the four passengers in the car, who died a short time after the accident. - Mr A. Gard represented the husband and son of the deceased. - The Coroner, at the outset, told the Jury that this was a very serious and sad occurrence, and he deeply sympathised with the relatives. There were two independent witnesses, and he thought the Jury would be able to arrive at a verdict without adjourning. - Medical evidence showed that death had taken place before the woman reached the Hospital, and as a result of a post-mortem examination, it was discovered that death was due to laceration of the spleen. Several ribs were fractured. - Driver Of Motor Cycle. - Frank Algernon Church, builder of 43 Beechcroft-road, the driver of the motor-cycle, said that he was coming out of Plym Bridge lane with his wife in the sidecar. As he came down the lane he sounded his horn continually and as he turned into the road he told his wife to look behind whilst he looked ahead. A car flashed by before he came into the main road and directly it had gone he steered round to the right very slowly, steering for the centre of the road when he saw the coast clear ahead. - His wife told him there was another car coming behind so he immediately closed his throttle, put on his brakes and practically stopped in the centre of the road, the car in which MRS POLKINGHORNE was travelling passing by with plenty of room to spare. - The Coroner: How long have you been driving? - About two years. I have driven about 10,000 miles. - Witness added that just as the car got ahead of him it ran on to the path. Then it immediately turned sharp to the right and toppled over. The tyre burst after it went over. The Coroner: It must have burst before then. - In reply to a Juror witness said a charabanc could have passed on either side of him when he stopped in the centre of the road. - Arthur Donald Holmes of Walmer Villa, Mannamead, said he was riding in a car which preceded that in which deceased was travelling. As his car passed the lane the motor cycle came out and although it was necessary to swerve slightly there was no difficulty in avoiding a collision. Just afterwards witness turned round and noticed the other car swerve around the motor cycle and pass it on the left. Then he heard an explosion like the bursting of a tyre and saw the car cross the road and turn on its side. The people were thrown out and he ran back to render assistance. - Coroner's Comment. - George Martin, a young farm labourer, of Scuthaway Farm, Roborough, who was on the road at the time, said that the motor cyclist was sounding his horn as he came out of the by-lane. The car in which MRS POLKINGHORNE was travelling passed the cyclist on the left, and just afterwards he heard the tyre burst. The car then swerved across the road and toppled over, the occupants being thrown out. - The Coroner said it was admitted that the owner of the motor cycle was driving carefully, and a Juryman suggested that if the tyre had not burst the driver would have retained control of the car. - The Coroner added that Mr Church seemed to have taken every precaution. It was wonderful that there were not more accidents at Crownhill for that was probably the most frequented road in Devonshire on a Sunday. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and attributed blame to no one, the Coroner adding that there was no doubt that the accident would not have happened if the tyre had not burst.

Western Morning News, Monday 22 May 1922
TORQUAY - Visitor's Suicide. Tragedy Of Torquay Nursing Home. - At the Inquest at Torquay on Saturday on AMELIA ELIZA ELIZABETH WEAVER, a visitor to the town, who jumped through a bedroom window of a local Nursing Home, the Jury found that death was due to "Shock and Injuries caused by deceased throwing herself from a window, being of Unsound Mind at the time," and added a rider suggesting greater care in guarding the windows of such Homes, which the Foreman of the Jury said could be done by using special glass with wire running through it. - MR GEORGE WEAVER, of The Firs, Stroud, said deceased was his wife, and was aged 62. She came to Torquay at the end of February for a change, and had been staying with her daughter, MRS WEEKS. When she left Stroud she seemed to be suffering from nervous prostration. He last saw her at the Home on Easter Tuesday, and she seemed much improved, although she was worrying about her son, who had given her some trouble. - MRS CONSTANCE MAY WEEKS said her mother seemed to be getting better and was much more cheerful. - The Coroner: During the time you have visited her did she ever suggest that she would take her life? - No; she was expecting to come home. - Matron's Evidence. - The Matron of the Home said the Home was a private one for patients suffering from nerve trouble. Deceased was admitted seven weeks ago suffering from complete nervous prostration. Witness had orders to keep her under strict observance for a week and she was attended by night and day nurses. After the first week, during which deceased was confined to her bed, she became much better. There was nothing in the deceased's manner to suggest suicidal tendencies. - On Wednesday morning she saw deceased in her bedroom performing her toilet. She wished her good morning and deceased seemed as usual. Witness then left the room for about ten minutes, and on returning saw the window was open half-way and on looking down she saw deceased sitting on the flower bed 15 feet beneath. She was brought back to bed. She was conscious and said, "Oh, my leg," and later kept moaning, "Oh, my boy; my boy!" She died on Friday morning. - Dr Craig said the case was a straight-forward one of nerve exhaustion, which had been brought on by worry. Deceased had had no delusions. On the Thursday or Friday she seemed to have some idea that her son was in trouble. This did not affect her condition, but she told him that she was waiting for some letters. - No Suicidal Symptoms. - On Sunday she seemed again improved. On Wednesday he saw her after the fall and found her suffering from a crack across the bone of the right tibia; it was not a fracture. There was a cut on the right heel, which might have been caused by one of the garden tiles. She was also suffering from shock, but this had almost passed away by the following day. On Friday morning he had a telephone message that the deceased had a heart attack, but when he arrived she was dead. He was of the opinion that she had died from heart failure aggravated by the fall. - In reply to the Coroner, witness strongly emphasized that deceased's symptoms were not suicidal. It was her one object to live - and to get well. - The Coroner (to Dr Craig): Is it not unusual in these nervous cases that the patient may have a suicidal tendency which might break out by some impulse later on? - Dr Craig: They are exceptions. - The Coroner, in summing-up, said the fact that deceased opened the window in the absence of the Matron was sufficient evidence that she did not fall out accidentally. He did not think any blame could be attached to the Matron. - The Jury returned the verdict given above, and recommended the safe-guarding of the windows of such Homes, because in Torquay there had been four cases of people jumping through windows within a very short period. - The Coroner said he hoped that doctors and Matrons would take notice of the Jury's suggestion.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. Tragedy Follows Woman's Strange Delusions. - How a Devonport charwoman committed suicide after suffering from delusions was told at the Inquest yesterday on ELIZABETH WILLCOCKS, aged 61, of 36 Moon-street. - The sister of the deceased, LOUISA MARGARET WILLCOCKS, said deceased, with whom she lived, had been in regular employment, but of late had not been "proper in her mind." She had been under delusions that she was being followed by detectives. - P.C. W. Bulley described how deceased was found in a kneeling position with a thin rope tied in a slip-knot around her neck, and suspended from a bracket. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to asphyxia from hanging. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said there was no doubt that the deceased took her own life and that at the time she was of an Unsound State of Mind. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 May 1922
PLYMOUTH - Cyclist Killed. Plymouth Coroner's Remarks To Cab Driver. - Sitting without a Jury, Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest on JOHN HENRY HUXHAM ELLIS, aged 48, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, and a resident of Modbury, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the previous night from the result of injuries received through colliding with a horse drawing a cab in Laira Bridge-road the same evening. - Suggestions of carelessness were made against the driver of the cab, James Cudlip, of Grenville-road, but in the absence of corroborative evidence the Coroner said he could not return any other verdict than that stated, though he could not help thinking that Cudlip was somewhat to blame. - Giving evidence, the driver of the cab said he was returning from Billacombe to Plymouth, by way of Laira Bridge-road, and was in the act of turning into Belvedere-road, when deceased, who was riding a bicycle in the opposite direction, ran into his horse's head and was knocked off his machine. Witness maintained that he was on his right side of the road, and was proceeding at a walking pace. Deceased was travelling very fast and ran right into the horse's neck. - Signal To Deceased. - Answering the Coroner, Cudlip said he signalled to ELLIS to pass behind the cab. He should have gone behind, as there was fully 30 feet to spare. Witness thought deceased appeared to have lost control of his machine. - In reply to Mr F. J. Davis, brother-in-law of the deceased, witness said he could not see that he did wrong in turning across the road as he did after giving the signal. There was plenty of room for ELLIS to have passed behind the cab. - Mr Davis: The bicycle must have been very close on you when you turned. Had you any right to turn? - I was turning before he reached me, otherwise he would not have come into the front of the horse. - If it had been a heavy motor you had seen coming would you have turned your horse's head? - Witness reiterated that he had given the signal that he was going to turn, whereupon Mr Davis, who claimed to be an old driver, said he thought witness had made a very great mistake. - Eye-Witness's Account. - The only eye-witness of the occurrence, Claud Foster Davis, steam lorry steersman, of St John's-road, alleged that the cab was turned to the right across the road just as ELLIS was coming to it. - The Coroner: How far was the cyclist away when the horse's head was turned? - About five or six yards. The man's shoulder struck the horse's head, knocking him off the machine and the horse fell on him. - ELLIS, said witness, was going at a very ordinary speed, and did not appear to have lost his head. He did not think the cyclist had time to go behind the cab, as the horse was right upon him when turned. Witness did not see the cabman put up his hand or signal to deceased, though, when pressed by the Coroner, he said he could not say that CUDLIP did not do so. - By the brother-in-law: ELLIS was travelling at about 12 miles per hour. - Dr J. H. Schofield, House Surgeon, said deceased's condition, when admitted to the Hospital was hopeless from the first. He was suffering from a fractured skull and laceration of the brain, and died about 1 ¾ hours after admission. - Coroner's Opinion. - The Coroner, in expressing regret that other independent witnesses were not available, said that in view of the evidence of Davis he could not help thinking that Cudlip was somewhat to blame, and, addressing Cudlip he said: "If this man was on you, you had no right to turn as you did." - Cudlip: Do you not think he had plenty of room to clear me? - The Coroner: Not at all, if you turned just as he met you. It would not have mattered if the road had been 140 feet wide; it would not have given him a chance. I cannot help thinking you are somewhat to blame. - The witness Davis, recalled, said he thought the cyclist tried to clear the horse's head, because he did not know which way the horse was going to be turned. - Ought To Have Waited. - The Coroner: I must return a verdict of "Accidental Death" but I do think that, if what this man Davis says is correct, you (addressing Cudlip) ought to have waited until he had had an opportunity of passing you before you turned. No one, however, can believe you did it deliberately. - Mr Johns expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 May 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Boy's Fatal Play. Coroner's Pointed Comment At Devonport. - The Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, made some pointed remarks at an Inquest yesterday on the body of a schoolboy, FREDERICK CYRIL TUERSLEY, aged 6, who lived with his parents at 4 George-street, Devonport. - The boy met his death while playing with other school children on the steps and rails in front of the old Devonport Guildhall on Monday. He was seen by a schoolgirl named Edith Wesley climbing the disused gate, and a moment later she was horrified to see the gate topple over on the boy and crush him. She called to her comrades to assist in lifting the heavy gate off the boy, and meanwhile one of the children ran to the Police office for assistance. The boy, who was bleeding from several wounds, was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital on the Police ambulance. He died soon after admittance, having sustained a fracture of the base of the skull. - Children Warned, - Miss Dawson informed the Coroner that the children were warned not to play on the steps or inside the rails of the old Guildhall. - P.C. J. Hingston said the railings and old gate were dilapidated, and had been for a long time. - The Coroner: Since the amalgamation, I suppose? - The Witness: Ever since I have been back from the war. I have frequently driven the children away, but they are very small. - The Coroner: Why is the gate not properly repaired? - Supt. Davies: I cannot say. - The Coroner: It seems such an unwise thing to have a loose gate, even though wired to the railings. Why not place the gate in position? - Supt. Davies: This one is beyond repair. New gates are needed. - "Nobody Cares." - The Coroner: As a matter of fact, I suppose, nobody cares. If it were in Plymouth it would be put right. - P.C. Evans said he had wired the gate to the railings again and again at Supt. Davies' instructions. The children broke it away as often as it was mended. - The Coroner said it was a pity a new gate was not placed in position. The Devonport Guildhall was one of the architectural features of the town, and ought not to be allowed to go to rack and ruin. He could not say that in this case there was any blame to any member of the Plymouth Corporation. The child was a trespasser, and had been frequently warned away. At the same time, the gate and railings should be properly and substantially repaired. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Coroner commended the little girl witness for her pluck in helping to get the gate off the boy.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Suicide. - EDWARD DEACON, naval pensioner, aged 65, was found on Wednesday evening lying on his bed at 15 John-lane, Plymouth, in great pain. He said, "I have taken some spirits of salts; I want to die." He was taken to Hospital and succumbed. At an Inquest yesterday it was stated that deceased had been drinking heavily, and had attempted his life before. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Inane" was returned by the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 June 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Crownhill Tragedy. Dangerous Souvenir Of The War. - Thursday's tragedy at Crownhill Barracks, where Lance-Corpl. ERNEST JORDAN, 1st Munster Fusiliers, was shot in the head through the discharge of a revolver handled by a comrade, was investigated at Devonport Military Hospital yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner. - Capt. Guy R. Prendergast, adjutant, explained the mechanism of the revolver, which was of German pattern, and said an order was issued some time back forbidding the possession of revolvers. He examined the weapon immediately after the tragedy, and found it to contain seven cartridges, one of which had been discharged. It was quite possible for a novice accidentally to fire the weapon on picking it up. - Lance-Corpl. Meyrick said the revolver was his property and a souvenir of the war. He obtained it about six years ago, and kept it in his private box, which was fitted with a combination lock. A ball with which the soldiers played hand-ball was also kept in the box. He did not think anybody in the battalion other than himself knew of the existence of the revolver. Witness was busy with his duties on Thursday and by accident left the box unlocked. - Pte. John Hayden, bandsman, deposed that on Thursday evening he, with several other bandsmen, was in the bandroom, when a game of cricket was suggested. Witness proposed hand-ball and went to Lance-Corpl. Meyrick's box for the ball. In turning over the clothes he discovered the revolver. He had seen a revolver of similar pattern before, but had never handled one. While he was examining it, it went off, the bullet striking JORDAN, who was his intimate friend in the forehead. - Capt. E. Wentworth Wade, R.A.M.C., attributed death to shock and laceration of the brain. - The Coroner said he had no hesitation in returning a verdict of Manslaughter. (Western Morning News, Monday 5 June 1922 - Crownhill Tragedy. A Verdict Of Misadventure. - We very much regret that by an unfortunate slip we misreported the result of the Inquest held at Devonport Military Hospital on the tragedy at Crownhill. It will be remembered that Pte. John Hayden, a bandsman at the barracks, casually picked up a revolver, and whilst he was examining it the weapon went off, and the bullet struck and killed his most intimate friend. It was quite obvious that the affair was a pure misadventure, and the sincerest sympathy was shown towards the man who by a tragic mischance had caused the death of one of his comrades whom he held in close companionship and affection.- The Coroner had no hesitation in finding a verdict of "Death from Misadventure," and our reporter so recorded it. But by a typographical error and a slip in the reading-room this conclusion was printed as a verdict of "manslaughter." It was clearly a misprint and we feel sure that our readers were not deceived by it. - But Bandsman Hayden must have been considerably hurt by it and we take the earliest opportunity of correcting our account and offering him our sincerest apologies.)

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 3 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Death After Measles. Well-Cared-For Child Succumbs At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Death from Bronchial Pneumonia" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today, respecting the son, 16 months old, of JOHN CARR, fitter's labourer, in the Dockyard, of 23 Melbourne-street. - The mother stated that the child had been quite healthy since birth until Tuesday, when she thought it had a cold. On Thursday afternoon she sent for Dr Blades, but before his arrival the child had died. - Dr Blades, who made a post-mortem examination, found that death was due to bronchial pneumonia following measles. The deceased had been well cared for.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 June 1922
TAVISTOCK - Child's Death. Tavistock Mother Warned By The Coroner. - "In returning a verdict of 'Death from Natural Causes' I am bound to take notice that the child should have had medical treatment earlier in the week, and I must impress upon you that you ought to have sent for the doctor sooner than you did. The doctor says that if you had sent for him on Wednesday the child would have been living today. It would have been a very serious thing for you if the Police had taken a different view of the matter. Another feature I do not like is that the child was insured, and in this case it aggravates the position as far as you are concerned. Take this warning, MRS GALE, and be very careful in the future." - In these words, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, summed up an Inquiry at Tavistock yesterday on ERNEST JAMES GALE, aged 3 ½ years, son of THOMAS GALE, journeyman painter and house decorator, Bannawell-street, Tavistock, who died on Friday. - OLIVE GALE, the mother, said the boy was poorly on Monday, and she kept him home from school. On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday she noticed that he was going off his food and on Thursday evening the child was taken very ill. - The Coroner: When did you send for the doctor? - On Friday morning. - Why did you not go for him on Thursday night? - Because I thought the cold was the same. What I did I thought was for the best. - You couldn't have thought it was for the best when the child was suffering from severe pains in the stomach. - Witness stated that the doctor came to see the child at 12 o'clock, and he died at twenty minutes to six in the afternoon. When the doctor came he could not do anything for the child; it was too late. - The Coroner: You ought to have sent for the doctor on Thursday. - Dr J. Leslie Watt said when he saw the child it was dying. Death was due to pleurisy and pneumonia. Had the child received medical treatment earlier in the week he would have had a fair chance of recovering.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Struck By Motor Car. Fatal Mishap In Crowded Plymouth Street. - A fatal accident in George-street, Plymouth, was described at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital last evening, on MRS MURIEL HYPATIA PARKER, aged 38, the wife of MR HARRY PARKER of 73 Amherst-road, whose death occurred after being knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr Alfred Webber, wine merchant, of Beaumont-road, Plymouth. - Mr Webber said he was driving through George-street on Saturday afternoon at a speed of about four miles an hour. The street was very crowded, and as he entered Bedford-street MRS PARKER stepped into the middle of the road and was struck by the radiator of the car. - Mr Thomas Welsdon, who witnessed the accident, said Mr Webber was driving very slowly and sounding his horn. The accident was unavoidable. - Medical evidence was to the effect that deceased died the morning after admission to Hospital from a fractured skull and haemorrhage of the brain. - Recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, expressed sympathy with the widower. Mr H. Lawrence Spear, on behalf of Mr Webber, said that gentleman had already expressed personally his regret at the occurrence.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 10 June 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on HAROLD ERNEST, the three weeks old child of GLADYS IRENE BATTEN, a spinster, of Alexandra-road, Ford. Dr Ingram said death was caused by convulsions due to pneumonia. The child had been properly looked after.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 June 1922
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Suicide's Body Left Hanging. Coroner's Comments. Barn Tragedy At Buckfastleigh. - Pointed remarks on what he alluded to as the very prevalent idea that a person found hanging must not be "cut down" before the Police have been notified were made by the Devon County Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, at the Inquest at Buckfastleigh yesterday on AARON CAUNTER, a man aged 67, who was found hanging in Scoble's Barn, Buckfastleigh, on Wednesday evening. - MRS ALICE CAUNTER, residing at Elliott Plain, the widow, said her husband had been working as a stonemason at the Abbey up to a month ago, when he met with an accident, falling from a pair of steps while white-washing and straining his back. After the fall he became depressed and often complained of pains in his head and neck. On Wednesday morning he went to his allotment, and did not return. - MRS ALMA CHURCHWARD, deceased's daughter, said she saw him on Wednesday morning and asked him how he was. He replied that he was in great pain in his head. - Son-in-Law's Discovery. - THOMAS HENRY CHURCHWARD, an electric engineer, said that having heard that his father-in-law had not come home from the allotment, he went in search of him, and late in the afternoon found him hanging in Scoble's Barn, which was about 30 feet from the road, and about half a mile from deceased's home. Witness wanted to cut deceased down, but two friends who were with him argued that he must not. Deceased was quite dead. Witness identified the rope produced, and by which deceased was hanging, as belonging to deceased. They had used it many times together fetching in wood. - P.C. Blackmore, stationed at Buckfastleigh, said he was fetched to the barn by the last witness, and found deceased hanging from the roof in an upright position. His toes were on the ground and just behind him was an earth tub, on which apparently deceased had stood, afterwards kicking it away. - Dr Eva. C. Ironside, of Buckfastleigh, said deceased was a patient of hers. He appeared to have recovered from his recent accident, but had suffered from pains in his head - a sort of nervous complaint or headache. - Mistaken Idea. - The Coroner said the idea that a man must not be cut down before the Police had been notified was a perfectly ignorant idea. The first thing to do was to cut the body down, as it might be the means of saving a man's life. The idea had evidently arisen from a confusion of such cases with cases where a man had been murdered, when it was not desirable to disturb things as they were found, and which might furnish valuable clues. - Replying to the Coroner, the witness CHURCHWARD said 14 years ago a brother of deceased committed suicide. - The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased "Killed himself by Hanging himself by a rope whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1922
TORQUAY -Dangers Of Devon Cliffs. Lads Dashed To Death. Tragedies At Torquay And Brixham. - The sad deaths of two lads who fell and were killed while climbing the precipitous rocks of the Devon coast formed the subjects of Inquests held on Saturday, one at Brixham and the other at Torquay. The victims were: The Brixham lad, LESLIE BINHAM, who fell some 120 feet near Durl Rock while in pursuit of a pigeon, and whose body was recovered from the sea on Friday by a Brixham seaman; and JOHN WILLIAM HAMMOND, a London lad, aged 7, staying with his parents on holiday at Torquay, who sustained dreadful injuries by a fall of 60 feet from the cliff under Daddy Hole and who died in Torbay Hospital. These fatalities emphasize the danger of young children playing unattended on the beaches and rocks - a point made by the Coroner at the Torquay Inquest, Mr S. Hacker. - Mother's Discovery. - At the Inquest n HAMMOND, MRS LOIS HAMMOND, the mother, 5 Meadvale-road, Ealing, said she had been staying in Torquay about a month with her husband and four children. Deceased was the eldest child. On Thursday afternoon he went out to the beach, which was not far from where they were lodging. About half an hour later one of his playmates, named Finch, told her that "JACKIE had had a fall and hit his head." Going to the spot she found deceased lying on his back under the Daddy Hole Plain Rock. He was unconscious. She called for help and later the child was taken to the Hospital. - Mr William George Beer, of St Marychurch, who came in response to MRS HAMMOND'S call for help, said that the boy must have fallen from the cliff under Daddy Hole Plain., He lifted the boy to a seat and saw he was in a serious condition. At the top of the cliff there was a fence. - Playmate's Story. - Ronald Finch, age 7, a playmate of deceased, clearly recounted what happened. They played about on the beach, he said, and then climbed to the top of Thunder Hole. They then started to climb another rock, witness and another boy named Holden leading the way, and deceased coming up behind them carrying an iron spade in his hand. When witness and Holden reached the top of the cliff they could not see HAMMOND. - James Henry Holden gave similar evidence. - Dr Clement Nicory, of Torbay Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from two severe fractures of the skull; in one case the brain was exposed. The left thigh bone was fractured, and there were abrasions all over the head. From the first there was no hope of saving the boy's life. - P.C. H. Brook said the height of the cliff at the point of the boy's fall was 60 feet. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said that he was continually warning boys not to climb these cliffs. There were iron railings at the top of both cliffs. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," remarked that it was a considerable danger if children were left to play on the beach without supervision.

BRIXHAM - Coastguard's Pluck. Cliff Descended On Single Rope. - A plucky attempt at rescue by a Brixham Coastguard was described at the inquest on a Brixham lad, LESLIE BINHAM. - John Gifford, age 12 years, said deceased and himself went for a walk towards Berry Head and near Durl Rock deceased saw a pigeon and together they climbed down the rocks after it. Part way down a ledge of rock barred their progress, but deceased crawled under this, telling witness to stay where he was. Witness did so and waited for about five minutes, and then called out to BINHAM to come back. - Deceased shouted back, "Shut up, or you will frighten me." Witness then crawled under the ledge and saw deceased higher up the rocks on the other side. The pigeon had gone. Soon after he heard some stones falling and saw deceased fall, first hitting the rocks and then into the sea below, where for a moment he lay floating on his back and then began to sink. - Witness ran back to Brixham and told his mother what had happened and then went to the Police Station. - P.C. Hawkins, of Brixham, spoke to accompanying the previous witness back to the rock, but said there was no sign of the deceased. - Body Under Water. - Henry J. Lewis, a merchant seaman, of Brixham, said he found the body in about ten feet of water below the Durl Rock. The body could not rise to the surface because the legs were entwined in seaweed. - P.O. Hubbard, a Brixham Coastguard, spoke of descending over the side of the cliff with a life ladder and single rope and as he thought perhaps the boy might have been hanging on to the ledges in the cliff, he searched the cave under the cliff. The cliff had a hard face and was slippery. He estimated that the boy fell 120 feet. - Dr R. B. Thompson attributed death to heart failure, due to shock. He was of the opinion that deceased never breathed under the water. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed his approval of the prompt and efficient manner in which the search for the body had been carried out. Coastguard Hubbard's heroic act in descending the cliff by the single line was also commended.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Engineer's Death At Plymouth. - JOHN WM. EDWARD BURT, chief engineer of the oil tanker Elderol, now lying in the Cattewater, Plymouth, when leaving the ship on Friday complained of feeling faint, and subsequently became unconscious. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died the next day. - At an Inquest held yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, Dr Schofield said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 13 June 1922
BERE FERRERS - Drowned In A Pool. Inquest On Bere Alston Victims. Misadventure. - "Misadventure" was the verdict returned by Mr R. R. Rodd, Deputy County Coroner, at the Inquest at Bere Alston today relative to the death of two young fellows who were drowned whilst bathing in a pool in a brick works near the river on Sunday afternoon. - The deceased were LEO. VICTOR WILLIAM ROBINS, aged 18, an ordinary seaman, serving in H.M.S. Carysfort, of Bere Alston and HAROLD N. HENRY WADGE, aged 16, a market gardener, of the same place. - The lads, in company with another named William James Ackford, met by appointment on Sunday afternoon and went to bathe in a pool at the Rumleigh Brick Works close to the river. - The Fatal Attempt. - Ackford told the Coroner that only ROBINS could swim. He (ROBINS) swam about for some time and then asked WADGE, who had a pair of air wings on, and was near the edge with witness, if he would swim across the pond with him if he (ROBINS) went with him. WADGE replied that he would and together the two started to swim across. - They had got as far as the middle, about 30 yards, when said Ackford, "I heard WADGE shout, 'GERALD' - the name by which ROBINS was known to his friends - and ROBINS went towards him. They then disappeared under the water." - Witness did not think ROBINS came up again, but he saw WADGE come up with his arms in the air,. "I could d not go to help them," added the witness, "because I could not swim," so he immediately went for help. - The Deputy Coroner: How do you think ROBINS went down like that? Do you think the other boy pulled him down? - Witness: I don't know, I didn't see him. - Do you think it a safe place to bathe in, or have you heard it described as dangerous? - I have heard some people say it is 40 feet deep in places and others that it is only 8 feet. - Police-Constable Dymond said that when he got to the spot a number of other people were there and they dragged the bottom of the pool. After about two hours the body of WADGE was recovered, whilst a few minutes later that of ROBINS was brought ashore. The water at the spot would be about six to eight feet deep. - Mr Rodd: Can you account for the fact that ROBINS, who was a swimmer, went down? - Witness: I should think the air wings burst, or else WADGE lost them and feeling himself sinking caught hold of ROBINS and they went down together and stuck in the mud and weeds at the bottom of the pool. - The bottom of the pool was very muddy and weedy and a man named Wilton, who swam about the pool trying to locate the bodies, went down to the bottom several times and found the mud very deep in places. The air wings had not yet been recovered. - The Deputy Coroner said it seemed quite clear that it was a case of Misadventure, and without calling further evidence returned a verdict to that effect. - Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty solicitor, watched the case on behalf of the naval authorities.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 June 1922
TOTNES - Doctors' Decision Queried. Coroner And Death Of Dartmouth Woman. - The propriety of sending an injured woman from Dartmouth to Totnes Poor-law Infirmary was queried by the Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, at the Inquest at Totnes on JANE ANN ALBERT, aged 81, widow of Sergt.-Maj. R. ALBERT, of Castle Green, Dartmouth. - Dr S. C. Jellicoe stated that after the woman was admitted to the Totnes Institution, she stated that she had had a fall. He found abrasions and bruises on her hip. The accident, a fall from a chair, probably had the effect of hastening her death, which was due to shock and heart disease. - The Coroner observed that it seemed a long way to bring an old woman from Dartmouth to Totnes. It occurred to him that she might have been taken to the Cottage Hospital with more safety. However, he supposed the authorities were justified in sending her there. - Dr Jellicoe: I expect they thought it was not serious. - Not A Hospital Case. - Mrs Jessie Jago said she asked the doctor if MRS ALBERT could not be taken to the Hospital, and he said it was not a hospital case. He brought a lady who stayed the night with deceased. - The Coroner, returning a verdict that death was the result of heart disease and senile decay, accelerated by an accidental fall, observed that apparently the doctor at Dartmouth considered it a case which should come to the Infirmary. There was nothing before him to show any gross carelessness or impropriety, but it did almost seem that under the circumstances described deceased should have been taken to a local Institution.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 14 June 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Swimming Test. A Naval Boy Drowned In The Hamoaze. - The sad death of HENRY JOHN BUTCHER, aged 17, second class boy, H.M.S Impregnable, who was drowned in the Hamoaze during a swimming test, was Inquired into by Mr R. B. Johns, at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday. - Leonard Todd, acting sergeant, R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Impregnable, said at about 2 p.m. on Monday he was in a boat in charge of Lieut. Alcock, when deceased was passing out of the deep swimming test. He jumped off the boat and commenced swimming strongly, but got into difficulties. Lieut. Alcock threw a lifebuoy to him, but he made no attempt to grasp it. He was a weak swimmer and had not been out in deep water before. Witness dived for the deceased as he was beginning to sink, as did Lieut. Alcock and S.P.O. J. H. Williams, but their efforts were unsuccessful. - Surg.-Lieut.-Com. Markham, H.M.S. Impregnable, said death was due to asphyxia caused through drowning. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," commended Lieut. Alcock, Sergt. Todd and S.P.O. Williams for their gallantry in going to the aid of deceased. - Capt. Gordon Campbell, V.C., stated that an inquiry had been held in the ship, and the conclusion had been reached that every possible step had been taken and Mr Johns expressed himself satisfied.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 June 1922
PLYMPTON - Fireman's Ordeal. Drama Of Hemerdon Bridge Tragedy. - How the fireman of a railway engine, powerless to avert the impending tragedy, watched a man crawl towards the four-foot way and deliberately place his head on the rail in front of the approaching train was described at the Inquest at Plympton yesterday on RUSSELL EDWARD BALL, the Plymouth man who was run over and killed by the 9.15 p.m. down train near Hemerdon Bridge on Saturday. - BALL, a carter, aged only 21, was a married man living at 13 King-gardens, Plymouth. The Inquest was conducted by Mr R. Robinson Rodd, acting Coroner for South Devon, in place of his late father. - JOHN BALL, 52 Oakfield-terrace, Plymouth, deceased's father, replying to a question by the Foreman of the Jury, said there had been no family troubles. - Fireman's Story. - Sidney William Dunn, fireman of the engine which struck deceased, said about 1 ½ miles from Plympton he was looking out and saw a man step from the hedge a short distance in front of the train. The man crawled on his hands and knees to the metals and placed his head on the rails. Witness shouted to the driver, but it was impossible to stop the train, which was travelling at nearly 50 miles per hour. - At Plympton the Station authorities were informed and the Police were communicated with. An examination of the engine revealed that the lifeguard was covered with blood and hair. - Neck Severed. - Police-Sergt. Lynn, of Plympton, said the trunk of the body was lying on the outside of the down rail and the head was in the four-foot way. The brains were scattered about and there was blood on the rail. - Deceased had said he was feeling unwell on Saturday, and his wife, MABEL BALL, in her evidence, said he went out about six o'clock to "have a drink." That was the last she saw of him. They had been married three weeks. - The Jury found that deceased "Committed Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 June 1922
MODBURY - Mystery Of Modbury Motor Mishap. Another Victim. Driver Blinded By The Sun? - The fatal motor mishap on Stoliford Hill, Modbury, on Wednesday, has claimed its full toll of victims, for yesterday morning the owner of the car - believed to have been driving at the time of the accident - MR WILLIAM JOHN MORIARTY, of 61 Halsbury-road, Redland, Bristol, succumbed to his injuries at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - The other occupant of the car, MR SAMUEL BEAL, shoe manufacturer, of Glanaber, Glebe Road, Leicester, was dead when picked up. - As a consequence it is doubtful whether the actual cause of the catastrophe will ever be known. No one witnessed the occurrence, and the damage caused to the car - a two-seater - has made it impossible to ascertain whether any fault in the mechanism or brakes was responsible. It was, however, stated by Dr R. N. Weeks, of Modbury, at the Inquest on MR BEAL, at Modbury yesterday, that MR MORIARTY in one of his conscious moments before being removed to the Hospital said "The brakes went." - Another theory is that the driver, who wore glasses, was blinded by the sun, and in attempting to negotiate the right-angled bend in the road a few yards from where the over-turned car was found, ran into the hedge with such force that the vehicle toppled over and threw the occupants out. - Tale Of Wheel Tracks,. - In the absence of witnesses, the Deputy County Coroner, Mr R. R. Rodd, called only formal evidence, and in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said there was no doubt that the sad affair was an accident. - P.C. Bawden said that when he reached the spot, which was just below the cross-road leading from Whympstone, on the Kingsbridge-Modbury road, he found the car, badly damaged, lying on its side in the road. Deceased was lying on his back in the middle of the road with his left leg pinned under the car. He was dead. His companion, MR MORIARTY, who, it was believed, was driving, was lying seriously injured by the side of the hedge. - An examination of the wheel tracks of the car showed that after it had rounded the corner it went a distance of some 90 feet before striking the hedge. It then appeared to have travelled another 20 yards with its left-side wheels banked up in the hedge and eventually overturned. - Dr Weeks said death was due to a fracture of the wall of the skull. Deceased had also sustained a compound fracture of the leg. - Mechanic Uncertain. - A motor mechanic who had examined the car, in answer to the Coroner, said he could not say whether the damage found was existent before the accident or was the result of it. - MR BEAL'S son, who had travelled from Leicester to attend the Inquest, suggested the possibility of the two occupants, both of whom wore glasses, being blinded by the setting sun.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 19 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Gasometer. Inquest On Plymouth Labourer. The Verdict. - A Plymouth Gasworks labourer, FRANK TRESIZE, of 48 Southmilton-street, Aged 42, while engaged in painting the lattice work of a gas-holder last Friday, fell from a height of about 50 feet and was killed. - The Inquest was held by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning, when William Atwill, another employee who was working with deceased at the time, said deceased was suspended in a "stool." He did not actually see what happened, but he saw deceased falling and strike the next girder below. He shouted out, "FRANK, hang on." Then he saw him slip through the girder and fall to the ground. - Deceased had been engaged on the work for five years. - in reply to H.M. Inspector of Factories, Mr Harding, witness said he did not notice that deceased had his "stool" out of position. Witness always regarded the work as quite safe in the "stool." - Method Of Suspension. - Plans and drawings were produced showing the method of suspension. - The Chief Engineer of the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gasworks, Percy Seddon Hoyte, gave evidence that the holder had been painted yearly by the same method since 1896 and they had no reason to doubt that it was a safe one. Witness described further steps for safety that had now been taken. - Dr W. M. Hamilton said death was due to fracture of the skull. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner. H.M. Inspector said there was no negligence on the part of the Company.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 19 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - A Pensioner's Death. - GEORGE CRAIG, an army pensioner, aged 56, of 25 Caprera-terrace, Plymouth, died suddenly at his residence on Friday last. He had had his dinner and later in the afternoon he was found dead on the sofa in the sitting-room. - At the Inquest this morning Dr R. H. Wagner said death was due to haemorrhage, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 June 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Fatality. Child Killed While Crossing The Road. - A lengthy Inquiry was held at Ker-street Police Court yesterday by Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner for Devonport, into the death of EDITH DODD, aged 4, of 55 Johnson-terrace, Devonport, who was knocked down in Keyham-road, near the North Dockyard Gates on Thursday, by a motor cycle ridden by Charles R. A. Grant, a midshipman, stationed at the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham. Mr A. N. F. Goodman represented Midshipman Grant and Mr K. Eyton Peck appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Deceased's father, HARRY DODD, a leading seaman, stationed at the Royal Naval Barracks, Devonport, said he sent his little girl across the road to buy him a newspaper and as he was crossing the road to met her returning she was struck by the motor cycle, which he had not seen approaching. - Eye-Witness' Stories. - A tramway inspector, George Squires, who witnessed the affair, said the bicycle was travelling at a speed too fast for the district. If the bicycle had been driven more slowly the accident would not have occurred. He heard no warning of the cyclist's approach. - Answering Mr Goodman, witness estimated the speed of the cycle at 17 miles per hour. - Henry John Baker, 5 Sennen-place, Devonport, the newsvendor from whom the child bought the newspaper, questioned by Mr Goodman, said he thought the accident was unavoidable. He did not attribute it to carelessness on the part of the driver. - Other witnesses gave corroborative versions of the accident and Midshipman Owen Jones, who also witnessed the occurrence, said he did not think the motor cyclist was travelling at more than 20 miles an hour. - Dr Wagner, who was called said death was due to fracture of the skull. - Charles Robert Archibald Grant, the rider of the motor cycle, said his speed at the time of the accident was between 16 and 17 miles per hour. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Fracture of the Skull as a result of being Accidentally knocked down by a motor cycle."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 28 June 1922
PLYMOUTH - Vicar's Sudden Death. Visit To Plymouth: Coroner's Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Princess House, Plymouth, today, before Mr R. B. Johns, on the REV. PHILIP PAGET SOMERVILLE, aged 54, who died shortly after reaching Plymouth on Monday. - According to Dr W. Crosbie Hamilton, death was due to valvular disease of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 July 1922
NEWTON ABBOT - Danger Of Left-Hand Drives. Warning To Motorists. Jury's View At Newton Abbot Inquest. - The view that left-hand drives on motor cars add to the dangers of the roads in this country was expressed by the Jury at the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on MISS EDITH ELLEN WALKER, of Glenwood, Rowden's-road, Torquay, who was killed as the result of a motor accident on the Newton-Torquay road on Sunday evening. - ARTHUR HENRY WALKER, Glenwood, Rowden's-road, Torquay, a retired civil engineer, stated that deceased, his sister, had been a hospital matron, and was 71 years of age. They resided together at Torquay. When the accident occurred witness was driving the car, in which his sister and a young lady named Haine were sitting. The car had a left-hand drive. Witness was following another car, driven by Mr Haine. Mr Haine's car successfully passed a motor 'bus going in the same direction. As Mr Haine's car cleared the front of the 'bus, it revealed to witness another smaller car proceeding very slowly towards him on its proper side. Witness thought there was ample room for him to pass between the two vehicles. Midway through the 'bus swerved out towards the centre of the road, and the near front wheel of witness's car struck the 'bus somewhere near the hind wheel. From his position in the car he could not see the driver of the 'bus, whom he imagined could not have heard the warning which he gave. - Restricted View. - The impact between his car and the 'bus threw his car crossways on to the small car and it upset. His sister, Miss Haine, and himself were thrown into the road. He did not think it was possible that the wheel of the 'bus passed over deceased. He thought his sister's injuries were either due to the side of the car or the road. - Witness, questioned by the Coroner and Foreman of the Jury as to whether a left-hand drive restricted the driver's view, admitted that a left-hand drive might be a disadvantage in this respect. - The Coroner: More precautions are necessary on a left-hand drive? - I admit you have to swing out further to get a view. - Alan James Roberts, of Kingsteignton, the driver of the motor 'bus, said he did not know he was being followed by two cars. If a warning was given it was the custom for the conductor to ring the bell three times. He did not think he swerved out into the centre of the road. There was no need for him to do so. He saw nothing of the accident. He only heard a "bang" and felt a jar. - Walter John Stone, a passenger, and Stanley F. Major, conductor of the motor 'bus, both denied that the 'bus altered its course or swerved out into the centre of the road. - Henry John Moore, of St Thomas, Exeter, the driver of the smaller car involved in the accident, stated that MR WALKER'S car collided with his in the first place and rebounded, its hood striking the 'bus, causing it to turn over. - Summing up, the Coroner said that deceased's head must have been very close to the 'bus wheel, and it looked very much as if it had passed over her. There was no evidence to show any criminal culpability or gross negligence, and it seemed possible, as MR WALKER himself admitted, that witness had committed an error of judgment in attempting to pass between the two vehicles. - Jury's Rider. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that in their opinion the 'Bus Company should be recommended to provide reflectors for each 'bus, and that the drivers should be instructed to decrease their speed when another vehicle going in the same direction was attempting to pass. The Jury also expressed the view that the left-hand drive on motor cars added danger to the roads of this country. - The Coroner asked the Foreman to prepare these points as riders, which he would forward to the proper quarters. This was done, and the driver of the motor 'bus was exonerated from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 July 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Escape Of Gas. Devonport Naval Pensioner Found Dead In Bed. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner for Devonport, Mr A. Gard, at an Inquest yesterday on a naval pensioner named JAMES COLLICOTT, aged 57, of 8 Boscawen-place Devonport, who was found dead in bed by his wife on Monday evening. The bedroom was full of gas. - The widow told the Coroner that there was a gas bracket in the room, and connected with it was another jet, to which to attach tubing for a gas ring. The tubing was off the jet, which, to her knowledge, had not been used since Saturday, but the tap was turned on. She had a slot meter, and on the Monday there was no money in it until she put 6d. in, in the afternoon. - Witness thought the tap must have been left turned on when she finished ironing on Saturday. - Dr E. G. Symes Saunders attributed death to gas poisoning.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 5 July 1922
TAVISTOCK - Child In Flames. Girl's Sad Death At Gunnislake. Playing With Matches. - Playing with matches was suggested at an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday as having led to the death of ELEANOR SLEEP, the three-year-old child of MR J. H. SLEEP, school teacher, of The Firs, Delaware-road, Gunnislake, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Monday from shock following burns received on Sunday. - The father said that on Sunday morning he left deceased in the bedroom sitting on the bed, and went downstairs to feed some poultry. About two minutes later he heard a terrific scream. Rushing back to the house he found his wife in the room with the child rolled in a blanket. Deceased's nightdress was burnt. Dr Shaw, who arrived within 30 minutes, ordered the child to be taken to the Tavistock Hospital. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he thought the child must have reached across the chest of drawers and taken a candle and box of matches, one of which she must have struck. - MRS SLEEP, the mother, said she was downstairs when she heard deceased begin to cry and then scream. Witness immediately went upstairs and found the child in flames on the bed. Witness had never known the child attempt to strike matches before, although she had played with matches. - Dr William Geoffrey Shaw, of Gunnislake, said the cause of death was shock, following extensive burns and a verdict in accordance with medical evidence was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 13 July 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Bookbinder's Death. - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest this morning on JOHN THOMAS HENRY GIST, 11 King Gardens, Plymouth, book-binder, who at the age of 77 dropped dead in his workshop on Tuesday. - Dr G. Deery said death was due to syncope, probably caused by a heavy meal. - A verdict was returned accordingly. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 July 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Fatal Fall. Coroner's Comments At Inquest. - The necessity for testing thoroughly all gear on which the lives of workmen may depend was emphasized by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday on ALBERT ERNEST MARSTON, aged 26, a single man of 60 Ford-hill, Devonport, who fell from a considerable height while working on a stage for Messrs. Willoughby (Plymouth) Ltd., at the Devonport Gasworks on Thursday morning and was killed. - Mr S. Carlile Davis appeared on behalf of Messrs. Willoughby, Mr W. E. Harding, H.M. Inspector of Factories, represented the Home-office, and Mr Mayburne Pearce watched the case on behalf of an insurance company. - Frederick George Staples, 56 Neath-road, rigger in the employ of Messrs. Willoughby, said he prepared the stage, which was used on the side of a "hopper". The stage was composed of triangular hangers of iron. He examined these at the time, and also jumped on the stage when it was erected, to test it. - Life-Lines Available. - Mr Harding asked if it were the custom for men to wear life-lines, and witness replied that life-lines could be obtained if the men applied for them. - James Henry Goss, King-street, foreman of boilermakers, employed by Messrs. Willoughby, said he issued the hangers on the day in question. - Asked by the Coroner if it were not very important that these hangers should be examined every time they were issued, witness responded that these things were used very occasionally, and it never struck him to examine them. He had advised the "holder-up" who worked on the outside of the "hopper" to wear a life-line. - Replying to Mr Davis, witness said the stage was capable of supporting a weight of from 4 to 5 cwt. - John Lovell, 87 Charlotte-street, Devonport, general manager of Messrs. Willoughby, said that with respect to gear in general use a test, which was not exactly periodical, but intermittent, was carried out. ~Gear which was not in general use was not subjected to such a severe test because it was not so liable to deterioration. - Foreman's Duty. - The Coroner: Would it not be the duty of the foreman issuing the gear to make a more severe examination? - Most decidedly. - The witness gave technical details showing how corrosion might take place and what test should be applied. - Albert Edward Lawrence, 193 Embankment-road, Plymouth, boilermaker's apprentice, who was working with deceased on the day in question, said the stage broke and deceased fell to the ground, about 40 ft. below. - Dr Mary Hamilton, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the man when admitted was suffering from a fractured skull and laceration of the brain. His case was hopeless. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," said he hoped that there would be a more severe test of all apparatus which was sent out for use in this way, especially where the lives of men were in danger. He did think that the foreman was some way to blame for not making a more severe test of the hangers.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 15 July 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Infant's Death. - An Inquest was held at Ker-street Police Station this morning by Mr J. A. Pearce, on the body of ELIZABETH LILIAN COOMBES, aged 9 months, the daughter of MR A. J. COOMBES of 9 Canterbury-street, Devonport. - According to the evidence of Dr T. McElwaine death, which took place on Friday morning, was due to convulsions as a result of teething. A verdict in accordance with that was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 18 July 1922
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest this morning by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, on the body of BEATRICE MARY PERKINS, wife of GEORGE PERKINS, an engine driver in the employ of the L. and S.W.R., Dr E. Travers Stabbs said that death was due to heart disease as a result of rheumatism. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 July 1922
NEWTON ABBOT - Clothing All Burnt. Inquest On Kingsteignton Girl. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on EVA PENELRICK, the Kingsteignton girl who died in Newton Abbot Hospital as the result of burns sustained by her clothing becoming ignited when some polish which she was preparing at her mistress's house, Blindwell Cottage, Kingsteignton, burst into flames. - The deceased girl, aged 25, was the adopted daughter of MRS KATE TREGALE, of 1 Bogtor-terrace, Kingsteignton. - Hilda Cockerman, a housemaid employed at Blindwell Cottage, spoke of hearing deceased scream, finding her in flames and running for assistance. - Dreadful Burns. - Mrs Clara Senior, of The Retreat, Highweek, who was cycling in the neighbourhood at the time, said she was called by the last witness. On reaching the house she saw deceased coming out into the road almost naked with the exception of her corsets, which were burning and some smouldering stockings. She was not screaming, but tore off her corsets and flung them on the ground. "Her burns were dreadful," said Mrs Senior, who added that she wrapped her coat around her. It was, however, of little use, and the other girl fetched garments from the neighbours. A motor was passing by, and at her request the driver removed the girl to her home. - Dr George Trist, locum tenens for Dr Patey, attributed death to shock from burns.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, returned a verdict of Death from Natural Causes yesterday in the case of MRS MARY ANN CUMMINGS, 60, a widow, who collapsed near her home on Sunday evening.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 July 1922
ALPHINGTON - Man's Body In Canal. Open Verdict At Alphington Inquest. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at Alphington yesterday on the man whose body was found in Exeter Canal, and who was stated to be HARRY APSEY, 42, draper's porter, living at the rear of 10 Holloway-street. - Mrs Bissett, to whom he was engaged to be married, stated that she had known him about a month; there had been no unpleasantness between them. He had bad sight and it was thought he may have fallen into the canal.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 July 1922
EXETER - Death At Exeter During Operation. - Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, held an Inquest yesterday on RICHARD THORN MALLETT, 63, of Glengeary, Dublin, who succumbed while undergoing an operation. The verdict was that death was caused by respiratory failure due to an anaesthetic.

Western Morning News, Monday 31 July 1922
PAIGNTON - Paignton Woman's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest at Paignton on Saturday on MISS HARRIET SARAH RAWLINGS, aged 58, of 4 Victoria Street, Paignton. - Deceased was found in bed unconscious with a tumbler containing Jeyes Fluid by her side. A letter in her handwriting contained the sentence: "It is useless to go on."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 1 August 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Sudden Death. - GEORGE SCOTT OGILVIE, aged 62, a Corporation tramways labourer, of 5 Peel-street, Plymouth, died on Saturday evening as he was preparing to take a bath after returning home from work. Dr Waterfield found that death was due to syncope caused by loss of blood through advanced tubercular lungs. At the Inquest the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 August 1922
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, respecting the death of ESTHER WIGHTMAN, aged 68, of Hobart-terrace, widow of a retired tailor. - Mr W. J. Tucker, Episcopalian Church Minister, residing at the same address, said that shortly after Saturday midnight he heard a fall in the back yard and found the deceased living but unconscious. She had seemed worried about her income. - Dr Ward gave evidence that death was due to the fall. It was obvious that the lady had thrown herself out of the window.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 9 August 1922
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was conducted at Greenbank House, Plymouth, today on JOHN IVEY, 71, who had been an inmate since September 1920. He was found dead in bed yesterday morning, and medical evidence was given that death was due to Natural Causes. Verdict accordingly. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 August 1922
TORQUAY - Torquay Visitor's Death. - Although her relatives believed her to be perfectly healthy, medical evidence at the Inquest at Torquay on MISS ETHEL ANNE PEARMAN, the visitor who was found dead in her bed on Friday morning, showed that she was suffering acutely from tuberculosis. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" said it was an uncommon case, and struck one as curious that deceased's relations were not aware of her condition.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 August 1922
PLYMSTOCK - Bovisand Mystery. Coroner And Need Of An Ambulance Station. - An Inquiry was held by Mr A. H. G. Johnstone at Bovisand yesterday into the mystery surrounding the death of MRS LILY FACEY, 30, of Whittington-street, Stoke, Plymouth, who was found drowned on Sandy Parlour Beach, near Bovisand, on Tuesday. - Evidence of identification was given by MR W. C. GEACH, a foreman of mechanics on the G.W.R. Company, brother-in-law of deceased. MRS FACEY was the wife of Company-Sergt. FACEY, R.M.L.I., who is at present on his way home from service in China. She had a child age 10. - MR EDWARD YELLAND, father, said that his daughter left home at 10 o'clock on Tuesday. She seemed quite normal and he knew of nothing that would induce her to take her life. - Mr Harrison, Hoe-street, Plymouth, said he found the body, which had apparently been washed up by the tide. It was partially submerged and with the help of two or three coastguards he moved it on to the grass fringing the shore. Artificial respiration was applied for over two hours by Constable Langdon, but Dr Scott, who was called from Plymstock, pronounced life extinct. - No Marks Of Violence. - Dr Scott, who had since made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to asphyxia, due to drowning. There were no marks of violence. - An Open Verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned, as there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water. - The Coroner asked whether there were any means of rendering assistance to persons meeting with accidents at Bovisand and was informed that there were none., An application had been made to the Admiralty, who replied, however, that it was not their business to provide for the general public. - Dr Scott asked that the St John Ambulance be communicated with, with the object of forming a station at Bovisand. "It would be a God-send to the place," he added. - The Coroner agreed to send a recommendation to the St John Ambulance to this effect.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 August 1922
OKEHAMPTON - Girl's Sad Death. Victim Of Okehampton Street Accident. - Mr H. Croston Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest at Okehampton on Saturday on ANNIE SQUIRE, aged 14, draper's apprentice, living at Okehampton, and daughter of MRS SQUIRE, a widow of Lower Upcott, Hatherleigh. Deceased was knocked down by a horse and art on Friday evening and died on Saturday morning. - Dr Gaster said deceased was brought to his surgery in an unconscious state and he diagnosed fracture of the base of the skull. From the first there was very small chance of recovery. - Norman John Voaden said a horse standing with a trap in the Camp-road, suddenly gave a jump and bolted down the hill. The horse might have been frightened by some pieces of paper which were flying about. - P.C. Ley said the girl, when she saw her danger, seemed to hesitate, and then ran towards St James's-street, but the horse swerved and caught her, the wheels of the trap going over her. - John Reddicliffe said apparently the horse swerved from one side of the road to the other. He saw deceased and shouted to her to "mind out," at the same time jumping some railings to get clear. - John Murrin said he only left the horse for half a minute. He had never had any trouble with the horse, which was quite quiet. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 23 August 1922
PLYMOUTH - Mother's Sad End. Collapse During Recovery From Accouchement. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on BEATRICE MARY FRY, 33, of 17 Claremont-street, Plymouth, today. - MR LOUIS FRY, husband, in evidence, said his wife was confined a fortnight ago but after progressing satisfactorily collapsed on Monday morning and died at about 10.30. She was attended by a certificated midwife during her confinement. - Dr Smith Luftes, acting for Dr M. Aikman, said that death was due to internal haemorrhage consequent upon the confinement.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 23 August 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Skull Fracture Due To Blow On Chin. Inquest Adjourned. - The Inquest was opened at Keyham Dockyard, today, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on EDWIN JAMES NICHOLLS, 53, a labourer in the Dockyard, and residing at 1 Jessamine-lane, Devonport, who was killed as the result of a blow from a wire hawser on Monday. Deceased leaves a widow and four children. - Only evidence of identification and medical evidence were called. - Surg.-Commander F. C. Robinson said that on Monday afternoon he was called to see deceased, whom he found to have a small cut or abrasion on the chin. He was unconscious and very deeply cyanosed and his breathing was shallow. His condition was such that nothing could be done for him and he died at 4.10. On making a superficial examination witness found that there were no marks of violence except the one on the chin; but there was ample evidence of fracture of the base of the skull, which was undoubtedly due to the blow on the chin. - It was the fracture which was, in his opinion, the cause of death. - The Inquest was adjourned until Friday. 

Western Evening Herald, Friday 25 August 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. An Unusual Accident At Devonport. - "An accident which has apparently never occurred before and may never occur again," observed Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the adjourned Inquest at Ker-street today on EDWIN JAMES NICHOLLS, 53, labourer, of 1 Jessamine-lane, Devonport, who was killed as the result of a blow from a wire hawser on Monday. - It transpired, from the evidence of Alfred Roach, foreman of stores, of 9 Trematon-terrace, Mutley, that on the day in question a vessel was preparing to leave No. 10 wharf extension in the Dockyard, after discharging a cargo of coal. Deceased and another man were working at the hawser attached to the vessel and secured to a bollard on the wharf. As the ship was swinging round the hawser suddenly swerved, knocking down both men and seriously injuring the deceased. - Evidence had been given at the opening of the Inquiry to the effect that deceased's death was due to a fractured base of the skull, although the only external injury was a small abrasion on the chin. - Mr K. Eyton Peck, for the Admiralty, and Mr F. Cowell, Inspector of Factories, watched the proceedings.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1922
BIGBURY - Bigbury Bathing Fatality. Swiss Lady's Fate. Coroner Suggests Warning Notice. - The recovery of the body of a Swiss lady from the water at Challaborough on Wednesday was described at the Inquest at Challaborough yesterday afternoon, when deceased was stated to be ELIZABETH ZUMSTEIN, a visitor, who had been staying in the district about a month as governess of four American children. - Mrs K. Wright, of Washington, America, identified the body, and stated that deceased, aged 23, had been in her employ for fourteen months as governess to her four small children. - It appears that MISS ZUMSTEIN went to Challaborough Sands with the children and after they had bathed and dressed, she undressed and went into the water to bathe. She could swim only a little and, it is assumed, got out of her depth. The governess and children not having returned to their apartments to luncheon, another visitor, Mr Williams, went in search of them and found the children on the sands, but the eldest child being only seven years of age, it was difficult to get information. - Coastguard's Evidence. - Chief Officer Halloran being notified that the young lady was missing promptly proceeded with Coastguards Rickard and Edwards to the beach. Coastguard Rickard stated that he and Coastguard Edwards waded out into the surf and noticing hair floating on the water, plunged out into the sea and brought the body ashore. Under the direction of Chief Officer Halloran, artificial respiration was resorted to and assistance was rendered by Mrs Mitchell, who provided hot water bottles and blankets. - Dr Miles, of Modbury, was telephoned for, and although he had to cover a distance of six miles, he was soon on the scene. The doctor administered strychnine and under his direction artificial respiration was continued until all hope of recovery was given up. - Dr Miles said the coastguards did all possible, and did it exceptionally well. He was satisfied death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, Mr R. Robinson Rodd, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and expressed the opinion that a notice board should be erected warning visitors that bathing was dangerous at certain states of the tide.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 August 1922
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Cycling Fatality. Inexplicable Accident On Dartmoor Road. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Moretonhampstead yesterday on MR HARRY COUZENS, who was killed as a result of the bicycle accident between Princetown and Moretonhampstead on Friday. - Deceased, with a friend, Mr Geo. Burren, had been visiting some friends at Plymouth. They left for home on Friday morning, intending to make the journey on cycles by way of Princetown and Moreton. When about five miles from the latter, and while descending a steep incline, the deceased elected to take advantage of the position and released his brakes. He reached the bottom in safety, and had ascended about 50 yards the hill on the opposite side, when deceased's companion noticed the machine take a sudden turn to the side of the moor and saw his friend fall. On reaching the spot it was found something serious had happened. Two cars, each containing military doctors, were promptly on the scene, but deceased was beyond all aid. - At the Inquest it was ascertained that the cycle and brakes were in order and the cause of the accident is a mystery. The doctor said MR COUZENS had broken his neck by falling on his head and death was practically instantaneous. - Deceased, who was a pensioned electrician from the Navy, was aged 47, and leaves a widow and three sons. The body was conveyed to Portsmouth for interment.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 4 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Drowned While Fishing. Inquest On Body Of A Plymouth Boy. - The Inquest on the body of JAMES ROY FEWINGS, the 17-year-old boy who was drowned under Plymouth Hoe last Friday afternoon, was held by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at his office today. - FRED JAMES FEWINGS, hairdresser, of 4 Hyde Park-place, Plymouth, father of the deceased, said he last saw his son alive at 2 p.m. on Friday. He understood he was going for a walk. The next thing he heard was that the boy was drowned. He was subject to fits. - Heard Shouts. - Alfred Coath, general labourer, was in a boat under the Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club about 5 p.m. on Friday, when he saw the boy fishing. He was at the edge of the rocks trying to get brit. Witness asked him if he had seen any mackerel. - Witness had only pulled on a little way when he heard shouts and found deceased had got into the water. He recovered the body and artificial respiration was commenced at once. - Skull Fractured. - Dr C. J. Cooke said death was primarily due to drowning, but there was also a fracture of the skull, caused by striking the rocks in falling. Dr Cooke thought it was quite possible that he had a fit. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, Mr Johns expressing sympathy with the father.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 6 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Sudden Death. - The cause of the sudden death of SAMUEL BRENTON, aged 62, of 21 St Jude's-place, Plymouth, whilst delivering coal at the Royal Marine Barracks, Stonehouse, on Monday, was investigated by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest this morning. - The man, who had been employed by Messrs. Eden Bros., as a horse driver for 38 years, had just emptied a sack of coal when he collapsed and died almost immediately. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to syncope and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Smothered By Shawl. Unusual Cause Of Baby's Death At Plymouth. - An unusual cause of a baby's death came to light at an inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, yesterday, on REGINALD FREDERICK MAY, the five-weeks-old child of OSMOND KERNICK MAY of 69 High-street, Stonehouse. - The evidence showed that on Thursday morning the mother fed the child and then placed it on the bed, wrapped in a shawl, and when she next went to look at it she found that it was dead. A post-mortem examination made by Dr Waterfield proved that death was due to suffocation, and it was believed that this was caused by the shawl getting into the baby's mouth while it was asleep. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - That death was primarily due to heart trouble, but was accelerated by a fall, was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM H. R. BOND, aged 67, naval pensioner, of Ivydale-road, Plymouth. Deceased's grand-daughter said he was a paralytic and fell from his chair on August 26.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 14 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death. - At an Inquest held before Mr R. B. Johns, at Princess House, Plymouth, this morning, on WILLIAM ALFRED PARFITT, 58, of 15 Addison-road, Plymouth, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. - MRS L. E. PARFITT said the deceased, her husband, was a naval pensioner. He had complained for some days of heart trouble. - Dr W. P. Hardwicke, of Plymouth, who had conducted a post-mortem, said death was due to heart disease.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 18 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Baby's Fatal Burns. Plymouth Child Scalded By A Cup Of Tea. - How a cup of hot tea caused the death of a fifteen-months-old baby was related to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital this afternoon. - Deceased was HECTOR BLAMPEY, whose father, a Dockyard labourer, resides at 37 South Milton-street. On Friday evening the baby's aunt, MRS MINNIE RADMORE, who had been looking after the infant during his mother's absence in hospital, made a cup of tea to take to a relative in another room. Baby HECTOR was with her and whilst her back was turned for a moment the little fellow caught hold of the saucer and upset the cup, receiving the contents on the face and chest. - He was immediately removed to the Hospital, but his condition was found to be practically hopeless from the first, and though everything was done for the little patient, he died on Saturday from shock, the result of the burns. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 20 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Sudden Death. Verdict Of "Natural Causes" At Inquest. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, at an Inquest held by him today respecting the death of ROBERT PERCY WILLMETS, aged 69, a retired insurance inspector, who died on Monday night at 16 Mount Gold-road, Plymouth. - MISS WILLMETS said her father went to bed about 10.30 p.m. and two hours later, hearing a noise in his room, she went to him. He died while she was fetching a doctor. - Dr G. M. Herriott stated that as a result of a post-mortem examination he found the cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage from natural causes.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 26 September 1922
PLYMOUTH - Camelford Man's Death. Ex-Service Man's Sudden Death In Plymouth. - "Degenerate changes of the heart muscles" was the medical theory advanced at an Inquest at Plymouth this morning, conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, for the sudden death whilst on holiday in Plymouth of a Camelford farmer. - Deceased, MR HERBERT VALENTINE BAKER, aged 30, of Worthyvale Manor, Camelford, was staying at his fiancée's home in Grimstone-terrace, and when he went to bed on Sunday night appeared to be in his usual health. Yesterday morning when he was called he was found dead in his bed. - A brother stated that deceased had served in the East and in France during the war, and had suffered from malaria. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 September 1922
TORPOINT, CORNWALL - Found Drowned. Inquest On Dockyardman At Torpoint. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at the Inquest held by Mr A. de C. Glubb at Torpoint yesterday on ROBERT HENRY ADAMS, whose body was found on the north shore of St John's Lake on Saturday. - ELLEN ADAMS, widow, identified the body. Deceased was 43 years of age and a skilled labourer in the Dockyard at Devonport. After he had his tea on Friday he said he was going for a walk and left the house at 6.15. He had no money worries. He often went boating, but could not swim. She knew he had crossed to Torpoint of late to pick blackberries and nuts. - John Avery, skilled labourer in the Dockyard, said deceased and he often went boating together. Sometimes they crossed to Torpoint for cockles. On Friday there was a very high tide. Witness's opinion was that deceased had fallen into the water while picking nuts. - The Jury gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 September 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fell Into Milk Pan. Stonehouse Baby Dies From Scalds. - Whilst in her father's dairy at Caroline-place, Stonehouse, on Saturday night, LENIN DE VALERA JAGO, the two-year-old child of BRUCE JAGO, fell into a pan of hot milk and was so severely scalded that she died from shock on Monday. - At the Inquest, conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, deceased's brother said the child went unobserved from the shop to the dairy, where several pans of hot milk were placed on forms, but, as there was not room for all, one was on the floor. - Hearing screams, witness went to the dairy and found the little girl sitting in the pan of milk, having apparently slipped and fallen backwards. The milk was not boiling, having been standing there about twenty minutes. Sweet oil and flour were applied to her body and she was removed at once to the Hospital. - Dr Barbara Cubitt said the case was hopeless from the first. The child was severely scalded. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 27 September 1922
SOUTH BRENT - The Didworthy Mystery. Tragedy Of Man's Lost Memory. 19 Days Missing. Lived On Nuts And Berries. - The mystery of the sudden disappearance of the pantryman named HERBERT HARRY BASTARD, aged 43, from the Didworthy Sanatorium, near Brent, which created such a sensation in the neighbourhood, was satisfactorily cleared up at the Inquest today. Some remarkable facts, however, came to light. It will be recalled that the man disappeared from the Sanatorium, where he had been working only a week, just over three weeks ago, and no trace of him could be found. The whole of the district was thoroughly searched and it was not until Sunday that his dead body was found in a copse, a short distance from the Sanatorium. - Dead Four Days. - This copse was thoroughly searched at the time he was first missed and the searchers are positive that he was not there then. When he was found on Sunday it was evident that he had been dead only about four days, and the assumption is that during a period of mental aberration he wandered over the moors, probably being on his way back to the Sanatorium when he died in the copse from sheer exhaustion. This was the view taken by the Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, of Totnes, who returned a verdict of "Misadventure." - According to medical evidence the man had no solid food during the whole of the 19 days he was missing, and he lived entirely on nuts and wild berries. A peculiar feature of his mental condition, said the doctor, was that he would want to avoid people and would do all he could to hide from them. - Widow's Evidence. - The Inquest was held at the Sanatorium, and the first witness was ANNIE BASTARD, the widow, of 21 Garden-crescent, West Hoe, Plymouth. She said her husband, whom she married in 1909, was formerly in the navy, but during the war he served with the army in France. Since being demobilized he had suffered from loss of memory, due, she believed, to his overseas experiences and he had also had heart trouble. His loss of memory sometimes led him to go away from home and remain absent perhaps a couple of days before returning. His last attack of this nature was whilst working at Holbeton last year. At that time he was missing for nearly a week before being discovered unconscious in a barn. - The Search. Money And Watch Left Behind. - Miss Mary Hilson, the Matron of the Sanatorium, said she engaged BASTARD through the agency of the Police Court Missioner at Plymouth, who spoke very highly of him. She never saw anything wrong with him, and he carried out his duties splendidly. - He disappeared early on the morning of September 5, leaving behind him his money and a watch, but taking with him a canvas bed sheet, a towel and some soap. A search was made for him every day afterwards, but no trace of him was found until his dead body was discovered on Sunday. He had had no trouble with the other male employees. - The night nurse at the Sanatorium, Miss Annie Creas, said she called BASTARD at 4.45 on the morning of September 5, when he was in bed as usual; and William Henry Wilmot, attendant, who slept in the same room, said he saw BASTARD dressing after he was called by the night nurse, witness then dropping off to sleep again. BASTARD was not seen alive afterwards. - Not In The Copse. - Fernley Smeaton James, farm bailiff, spoke of the search which was made for BASTARD after he was missed. "Three of us," said witness, "searched the copse where his body was afterwards found, and I am positive he was not there at that time. I think he must have gone away and come back again." - Last Sunday witness found BASTARD'S dead body in the New Copse. It was covered with the canvas sheet which he had taken away from his bed. - Did Not Starve. Vegetarian Diet For Three Weeks. - Dr William B. Livermore, Medical Superintendent at the Sanatorium, who had made a post-mortem examination of the body, said the feet were rather swollen, due probably to tramping and there were scratches on the wrists and arms, which had no doubt been caused when he was forcing his way through trees and undergrowth. Death had occurred within four days of the time when his body was found. There was a sign of old inflammation of the brain, but otherwise the brain was normal, and there were also signs of recent pleurisy, due probably to exposure to the weather. - The stomach was practically empty and there was nothing wrong with the heart. - The man had evidently been living on beech nuts and other nuts and berries and witness did not think he had had any solid food since he left the Sanatorium three weeks ago. "He had been absolutely a vegetarian," added the doctor. "But he had not been starved and could have lived on the nuts but for the exposure and if he had had proper rest." - The cause of death, in witness's opinion, was heart failure through exhaustion, due to exposure and the want of proper food. The man, he was certain, had been wandering from one copse to another. His condition of mind would make him want to avoid people. - An Earlier Incident. - P.S. Endicott, of Yealmpton, stated that eighteen months ago BASTARD was employed at Coombe Farm, Holbeton, as an indoor servant. One morning he got up early and left the farm without saying a word to anyone, and though a search party was organised not trace of him was discovered until four days afterwards when he was found unconscious in a barn. - P.S. Wilde, of Brent, said that after BASTARD was missed three weeks ago the whole district was searched. About 100 people from South Brent as well as from the Sanatorium took part, but no trace of him could be found between Brent and Shipley Bridge. Witness had come to the conclusion since that the man was at that time somewhere on the moor. He left some money behind when he disappeared, and was not in financial difficulties. - The Coroner said the case was a peculiar and unusual one, but from the evidence he was satisfied that there had been no violence, crime or foul play. It had been shown to his satisfaction that death was due to heart failure from exhaustion, the result of exposure to weather and through the want of proper food, whilst wandering about during an aberration of mind and lapse of memory, and had come to his death through Misadventure.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 2 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - The Tramway Tragedy. Terrible Story At Inquest. The Verdict. Witness And Cause Of Disaster. - The Inquest on JOSEPH PARKER, aged 48, of 16 Rowden-street, Peverell, the victim of the terrible tram smash in Drake Circus, on Saturday night, was held by Mr John Graves, the Deputy Coroner, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, this afternoon. - Mr E. Foster represented the Plymouth Corporation. - Evidence of identification was given by ABRAHAM KIRK, tram conductor of 16 Rowden-street, who said the deceased, who was his brother-in-law, was an electrician in the employ of the Corporation. - Attached The Grinder. - Horace Andrews, electric welder, of 3 Cromarty-road, Prince Rock, said that about 10.30 on Saturday night at the Compton Depot he attached a tram-rail grinder to an electric welding car by means of an iron draw-bar coupling, 4 ft. 6 in. in length, secured by means of a steel pin to the fender of the car. It was required for use in Old Town-street, and coming down towards the town the grinder was in front. - Witness rode on the rear car and everything was all right until they reached Clifton-place, when he heard a clanking noise. - Then he saw that the grinder had become detached and was travelling quickly down Tavistock-road. - Witness shouted, and PARKER, applying his brake, replied, "I got her all right." - "Pin Must Have Jumped Out." - The Deputy Coroner: To what do you attribute the cause of the accident? - Witness: As far as I can make out the pin must have jumped out, though I didn't see it. The drawbar was not broken. The pin was of the usual size, and has been used similarly many times. - The Fatal Dash. Engineer's Story Of Terrible Scene. - William Eunson, engineer, in the employ of the tramways department, 13 May-terrace, said he arrived at the junction of Regent-street and Tavistock-road at eleven o'clock on Saturday night to await the grinder and welding car. - A few minutes later he saw the lights of the machines as they came over the crest of North Hill. He stepped into a doorway to shelter from the rain. - Almost immediately afterwards he saw the grinder coming dashing down the hill without any lights, the trolley having left the wire. "I particularly looked to see if any of the workmen were on the machine," added witness, "but could not see any sign of them." - The draw-bar was "flying about" behind the machine, which witness thought might have hit and stunned PARKER, who must have been huddled up at the back of the machine. - Had he been standing witness must have seen him, as the machine dashed past. - He must either have fainted or been injured at the moment. - Examined The Brake. - Later witness examined the brake of the machine. "I could not feel the tension on," he said, "but from my observation of the worm-screw, which pulls on the brake, it appeared it could have gone on considerably further to stop the machine. It had not been fully applied." Witness added that he had never previously known a pin to jump out of one of these couplings. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Barbara Cubitt, the House Surgeon, said that PARKER was suffering from concussion and other injuries when he was admitted to the Hospital, and he died just over an hour later. There was a large scalp wound as well as extensive injuries to the jaw and ribs. - The blow on the head would have rendered him unconscious. - Police Sergeant's Story. - P.S. Knight said he saw the machine racing down towards Drake Circus at a terrific rate without lights. PARKER was then standing, though in a leaning attitude at the rear of the machine. The car crashed into the premises of Messrs. Holmes and Co., and the man was flung on to the pavement. - The Verdict. - The Deputy Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death" and added that no negligence had been suggested. - Mr Foster expressed the sympathy of the members of the Corporation, who he said, had lost a capable and highly-respected workman. - Two Men Jump Clear. The Machine Carried PARKER To His Death. - This morning's report of the tragic affair stated that as the machine gathered speed the two men in front jumped off, but JOSEPH PARKER, aged 48, who resided at 16 Rowden-street, Peverell, who was in the rear part of the machine, remained at his post. Travelling at a tremendous pace, the machine kept to the lines until it reached Drake Circus, when it jumped the points at the junction at Old Town-street and dashed into the wall dividing Messrs. Oliver's boot shop from the drapery establishment of Messrs. Holmes and Co. - PARKER was thrown with terrific force against a part of the machinery, fracturing his left arm, ribs and jaw, dislocating his shoulder and sustaining concussion of the brain. - First-aid was immediately rendered by Mr R. Roberts, a qualified ambulance man, who happened to be near at hand, and the unfortunate man was conveyed in the St John motor ambulance to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died shortly after midnight. - The window of Messrs. Holmes' shop was smashed into fragments, part of flooring in the bottom of the window was torn up and a portion of the dividing wall broken away. Several heavy pieces of broken machinery from the engine were thrown violently into the shop. The adjoining window of Messrs. Oliver's shop was also broken and the wall damaged. Deep cuts were made in the wooden blocks of the roadway by the wheels of the machine, and two large pieces of the granite kerb were chipped off. - An Eye Witness. - A member of the editorial staff of "The Western Morning News and Mercury," who had just passed Holmes' shop, says:- "I was just about to cross the road at Drake Circus when I was horrified to see the tramways mobile repair shop dash at a terrific speed into Old Town-street, negotiating the awkward bends in a most remarkable manner. A few people were in the vicinity at the time. After taking the two bends the car swerved off the rails at nearly right angles and went with tremendous force into the dividing wall of Messrs. Oliver's boot shop and Messrs. Holmes' drapery establishment. - "I had previously noticed a man on the platform of the runaway and my first impulse was to run towards the scene of the crash and see whether anything could be done for him, as I realised that his injuries must be extensive. Other people had hastened to the scene, and found the injured man lying bleeding on the pavement. I noticed men from the crowd doing what they could for the poor fellow, and the ambulance speedily arrived and conveyed him to the Hospital. The shop fronts presented an appearance as though a bomb had been hurled through them. Had the car not struck the wall it must have penetrated the shop for some considerable distance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 October 1922
TORQUAY - Torquay Poisoning Mystery. Inquest On Little Girl Adjourned. - The Inquest on AYLEEN BETTY WARD, the six-year-old Torquay girl who died after having taken tablets which she thought wee sweets, was opened at Torquay yesterday. - From the evidence of the mother, MRS S. WARD of 1 Braddon's-street, Torquay, it appeared that the child had taken two tablets on two consecutive days, and Dr Crowdy, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to strychnine poisoning. The Coroner, Mr S. Hacker, , adjourned the Inquiry for an analysis of the contents of the child's stomach and the remaining tablets to be made.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 3 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Mutley Tragedy. Woman's Suicide By Gas Poisoning. Wife Of A Chilean. - The Inquest was held this morning by Mr R. B. Johns on ANNIE TORO, aged 32, the wife of IGNACIO TORO, an engineer-commander in the Chilean Navy, who was found on Saturday evening sitting in front of a gas stove at 2 Moor View-terrace, Mutley, Plymouth, dead, with a strong smell of gas pervading the house. - Going To Birmingham. - Evidence was given by Francis Charles Taylor of 117 Salisbury-road, Plymouth, who said he was the secretary of the Plymouth Legion. He saw the deceased woman on Thursday night at her house with her mother, and left her about 10.30 p.m. Deceased and her mother were then preparing to pack up and go to Birmingham, whence they had come. - Witness went to London on Friday, returning on Saturday evening, when, after reporting at the British Legion headquarters on the results of his visit to London, he made a call, with Mr Harvey, the assistant-secretary of the British Legion, to 2 Moor View-terrace at ten o'clock. - Gas Taps Turned On. - On arrival he found the house smelt of gas, and on entering a room saw deceased in a chair in front of a gas stove, lying helpless. The taps of the stove were all turned on. - A doctor was sent for immediately and the windows were opened. - Witness said he had known the deceased woman for two years. He had been introduced to her by her husband when the Chileans were at Plymouth. - She had been a bit despondent of late. Her husband had kept promising her that he was coming home, but he never came. Mr Taylor had never known her threaten to take her life. - There was no one else in the house when she was found dead. Witness presumed that her mother had gone to Birmingham. Deceased's father was dead, but she had brothers and sisters. - Medical Opinion. - Dr F. E. Price said the woman was dead when he arrived. He could find no other cause of death except the obvious one - gas poisoning. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 October 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - It was stated at an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM ROBERT BATTEN, who was found lifeless, kneeling beside the bed in his room at 84 Pembroke-street, that death was due to syncope. Deceased, who was 76 years of age, was an Army pensioner.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 5 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - "A Dangerous Place." The Derry's Clock Fatality. Coroner's Verdict. - "It is a most dangerous place, and it has got worse and worse with the trams going right through without stopping." - With this observation the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning passed a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest on ERNEST HENRY VARCOE, the 14-year-old butcher's errand boy, who was killed as the result of an accident with one of the Corporation 'buses at Derry's Clock on Tuesday afternoon. - Mr Ernest Foster was present on behalf of the Corporation. - The Coroner remarked that there was no blame whatever attaching to the driver of the 'bus (Richard Harvey). The Coroner did not suggest it in this case, but it appeared to him that cyclists in the town were allowed to go what pace they liked. In the old days before the motors they had to go slowly, but they now appeared to do exactly as they liked. - The Driver's Story. - The driver stated that he was just opposite Limpenny's shop in George-street when he saw a man walking from the lavatory towards the shop. Suddenly deceased on a bicycle came straight across the street on the wrong side. The bicycle struck the man. The handle bars flew out of the boy's hands, the front wheel turning at a right angle. The boy struck the near fore wheel of the 'bus, and the wheel seemed to go half over his back. Witness had to reverse the engine to get the 'bus back. - The Coroner: Were you in motion at the time of the accident? - Yes. - What speed were you doing? - Very slowly. I was able to pull up within two feet. - David William Worthy, of West Hill-road, said he did not see the boy on the cycle before he was struck. "He seemed to try and get round me to get on his road again and then struck the fore part of the 'bus." - The Coroner said it was obvious that the 'bus could not have been going at any pace. The difficulty was to know at what pace the cyclist was going. - Died From Shock. - Dr T. Wilmot said deceased was in extremis when brought to the Hospital. The left side of his chest was crushed, and he died from shock. - Mr Foster expressed the sympathy of the Corporation at the accident, and Mr Shillabeer, the deceased's employer, also joined in the expression.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 7 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest this morning on GEORGE EDWIN WARLEY, aged 40, coal dealer, of Lipson Mill House, who died suddenly yesterday, and after hearing the medical evidence returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 11 October 1922
CHESTER, CHESHIRE - Mystery Of The Air. Cause Of The Chester Tragedy Unknown. Plymothian's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death from shock following injuries " was returned at the Inquest today at Chester on Flying Officer HUBERT EVERITT RANSON, 29, a native of Plymouth, late of London, who was killed in an aeroplane accident at Shotwick Aerodrome, near Chester, on Monday afternoon, when Pilot Officer Hatton was also injured. - In Perfect Order. - Evidence was given that the aeroplane in question was in perfect order. In the afternoon RANSON and Hatton ascended in the machine, which just as a loop was finished began to nose-dive and crashed to the ground. - No one, said a witness, could have tampered with the machine and it was impossible to discover what went wrong, as the machine was broken up.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 October 1922
TORQUAY - Fatal Tabloids. Torquay Child Dies From Poisoning. - The adjourned Inquiry into the death of AYLEEN BETTY WARD, the six-year-old daughter of MRS SARAH WARD, of 1 Braddon's-street, Torquay, who died suddenly on the evening of September 29 after eating some tabloids, was continued at Torquay yesterday. The little girl discovered the tabloids in a cupboard. - The Coroner, Mr Sidney Hacker, adjourned the Inquest a fortnight ago to enable the analyst to make an examination of the contents of the child's stomach, and also to analyse the remaining tabloids. - The Coroner recalled MRS WARD and asked her: You are sure these are the same tabloids which your husband had? - Yes. - When did he leave the Army? - In 1919. They have been in the box ever since. - Analyst's Evidence. - Mr Thomas Tickle, public analyst for Devon, said he had found that each of the three tabloids contained 1-32nd of a grain of strychnine, but no other poison. The ingredients in the tabloids included also quinine and phosphate of iron. The stomach contained a total of 1-16th of a grain of strychnine, being the equivalent of the amount in two tablets. There was a corresponding amount of quinine. He did not find any other poison. - The Coroner: Would the analysis show the whole amount taken by the child? - No, because some portion of the strychnine would have disappeared through being distributed over the body through the circulation. - Then there was more than 1-16th of a grain taken? - Undoubtedly. - I suppose it really rests on the length of time? - Yes. - In reply to another question, the analyst said that it could not be estimated with great exactitude how much the child had taken, but assuming that an equal amount of the poison found in the stomach had passed into the circulation, which was probable, that would make enough strychnine to cause the death of the child. - The Coroner: Therefore the child must have taken four tabloids? - That is a likely presumption. - What is a fatal dose of strychnine in an adult? - Half a grain would be fatal. To find 1-32nd of a grain of strychnine in a tabloid was not unusual, and would not have any effect on an adult. It was merely a tonic. - Mr Tickle pointed out that the tabloids came under the Poisons Act. The coating of the tabloids contained some little sugar, but it would be hardly perceptible. It was known as pearl coating. - He had no hesitation in saying that the strychnine found had caused the death of the child, even if he had not heard that the doctor had discovered symptoms of strychnine poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Misadventure." They considered people should be warned against leaving such tabloids about.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Fatal Fall. - Suffering from a broken hip, as the result of a fall at her home, SELINA LOUISA TOWNSEND, 87, of Cobourg-street, Plymouth, was admitted to the Plymouth Workhouse, where she died on Monday. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 October 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Baby Suffocated At Stonehouse. - After KENNETH ROY CUNNINGHAM, the five months old son of FREDERICK GEORGE CUNNINGHAM, tram conductor, of 56 Union-street, had been put to bed on Saturday night, his mother went upstairs to see to his comfort and found the child was lying dead, covered with the bedclothes. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, yesterday, Dr Waterfield stated that a post-mortem examination of the body showed that death was due to asphyxia, as the result of suffocation, which was undoubtedly accidental. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Interrupted Orders. - While giving instructions to a workman, JOHN BURROWS, 66, a builder's foreman, of 23 Queen's-gate, Millbridge, suddenly lost the power of speech on Monday afternoon. He was conveyed to the Homeopathic Hospital, but expired soon after admission. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday, when Dr W. C. Hamilton stated that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Monday 23 October 1922
HENNOCK - Cyclist Killed. Collision With Pedestrian At Chudleigh Knighton. - A collision between a cyclist and a pedestrian resulting in the instant death of the cyclist, while the pedestrian, a burly workman, escaped with a bad shaking and a few bruises, was described at the Inquest at Heathfield on Saturday on WILLIAM STEER, 31, of Granite Lodge, Teigngrace, a platelayer on the Teign Valley Railway. - Dr J. E. Finlay, Bovey Tracey, said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull. - Ernest Edgar Vallance, Chudleigh Knighton, an engine driver for the Wilson Syndicate and the pedestrian in question, said he was walking to work about 9.20 on Thursday night, which was very dark, when he felt something strike him in the back, and he was thrown into the road. - John Spry, labourer, Chudleigh Knighton, who heard the smash, said Vallance was struggling to get up when witness arrived, and deceased was lying unconscious in the road. - Mr T. Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Six-Foot Fall Causes Death. - A fall of six feet down some iron steps in the French trawler Louise Margarite, just inside the three-mile limit on Saturday, caused the death of BENULI LENART, aged 44, of Boulogne, employed as a fireman on the vessel. He sustained a fractured skull. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, said it was a remarkable accident, as deceased had such a short fall.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 October 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Mother's Ordeal At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM EDGAR HARRY TULL, the infant son of ETHEL WINIFRED TULL of 3 Fellowes-place, Devonport, commented on the dangerous practice of children sleeping in the same bed with their parents. - Early on Monday morning, when the mother awoke she found the child dead in her arms. Medical evidence showed that death was due to asphyxia. - Verdict: "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 27 October 1922
PLYMOUTH - Motor Car Fatality. Naval Officer's Story Of Plymouth Accident. - Paymr.-Lieut. J. C. H. Barclay, R.N. Barracks, Devonport, was subjected to severe cross-examination yesterday at the Inquest on BRUCE MICHAEL D. WOTTON, the nine-years-old child of JAMES D. WOTTON, baker and confectioner of 11 Cleveland-road, who was knocked down and killed instantly near St Jude's Church on Wednesday by a motor car driven by Mr Barclay. After hearing considerable evidence, the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - William John Earnshaw, labourer, of 5 Saunders-place, said that at 1.20 p.m. on Wednesday he was opposite St Jude's Church when he saw the boy crossing the road from the church and going in the direction of Friary Station. A boy on the other side of the street attracted his attention by calling, and WOTTON stopped suddenly and looked round. At the same moment a motor car was coming from the direction of Ebrington-street, and as he got to the corner the driver sounded his horn. He made a big swerve to avoid the boy, but the car just caught him. Witness estimated the speed of the car at between 7 and 8 miles an hour and the driver pulled up very quickly within a yard or so. - Quite An Accident. - It was quite an accident, and if the boy had gone on instead of stopping in the middle of the road he would have been quite all right. - In reply to Mr Bowden, witness said the car swerved when it was about three or four yards from the boy. - Dr Barbara Cubitt, House Physician at the Hospital, said death was due to a severe fracture of the skull. - Paymr.-Lieut. Barclay said there were three other naval officers with him and they were on the way to Dartmouth. - On approaching the cross roads from Ebrington-street he sounded his horn and shut off his engine before going round the corner. Half of the road was up and there was a cart on his right. He first saw the little boy as he was half-way round the corner, when he was only two yards away, running out from the pavement. He paused and then made a swerve. At the time the car was travelling at between 10 and 12 miles per hour. - It was absolutely impossible to avoid the boy, and one of the lamps must have struck his head. - Engine Shut Off. - Engine Shut Off. - Cross-examined by Mr F. Edgar Bowden, for the parents, witness said he was sure he was not travelling at more than 10 to 12 miles per hour at the time of the accident. Before turning from Beaumont-road and shutting off his engine he was travelling at about 20 miles per hour. - Witness could not have pulled up as he did if, as suggested, he was going at 10 miles with the engine shut off. He swerved and put on his brakes at the same time, and pulled up in two cars' length. He could not have pulled up in a car's length. The distance covered by the car from the time he put on the brakes was about three lengths. When he saw the child he tried to get out of his way and stop, and he did so. Once the car had knocked the child down the only thing to do was to let her run. He was bound to have hit the boy if he had gone straight on and it would not have been better not to swerve. - Lieut.-Com. H. R. Eastwood, R.N. Barracks, was of opinion that the accident could not possibly have been avoided. - Evidence was also given by J. L. Henry Higginson, 15 Tothill-avenue and Paymr.-Lieut.-Com. E. B. Elstob, R.N., who rode in the car and estimated its speed at 18 to 20 before the accident and 12 miles per hour when it occurred. He did not see deceased until he was on the ground behind the car. - The Coroner observed that the occurrence was undoubtedly a pure accident. He expressed his sympathy with the driver of the car in his unfortunate experience, which he said might happen to anyone. - Paymr.-Lieut. Barclay expressed his sincere regret at the unfortunate occurrence.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 27 October 1922
ST BUDEAUX - Cyclist Breaks His Neck. Tragedy Of Broken Machine At St Budeaux. - While GEORGE DUCKWORTH NICHOLSON, 48, was cycling from his work at the Victoria Wharves, Plymouth, to his home at 18 Agaton-road, St Budeaux, yesterday, about 5.30 p.m. the frame of his bicycle broke at the fork crown and as the result of the fall his neck was broken. - Dr Vosper was summoned and pronounced life extinct. - At the Inquest held by Mr Johnson, the County Coroner, today, evidence was given by Charles Gray and Ronald Hodge, who witnessed the accident and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Representatives of the deceased man's firm expressed regret at the unfortunate occurrence and the Coroner also tendered his sympathy to the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 October 1922
MARY TAVY - A verdict of "Death from Heart Failure" was returned at an Inquest on SARAH DAWE, 66, single, who died suddenly at her home, Whitstone Cottage, Marytavy, at 2.30 a.m. on Saturday.

Western Evening News, Wednesday 1 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. H. Graves, at the Plymouth Mortuary today on ALBERT PARKER, hawker, aged 63, of 77 Oakfield-terrace, who died suddenly on Monday night. Medical evidence showed that death was due to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 3 November 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest yesterday on SERGT. WALTER ADAMS, 1st Bn., Devon Regt., who shot himself at South Raglan Barracks, on Wednesday. It was stated that deceased had been strange in his manner lately.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 13 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Found In Cattewater. Open Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - "Found Drowned" was the verdict given by Mr R. B. Johns at an Inquest held at his office in Princess-square, Plymouth, today, on the body of MARY DINAH STOTT, spinster, 72 years of age, whose body was found floating in the Cattewater. - Deceased lived at The Hut, Billacombe, Plymstock. - Arthur Rickard, a dock labourer, deposed to finding the body and handing it over to the Police. - CHARLES STOTT, of The Hut, Billacombe, said the deceased was his sister. He last saw her on Thursday. He knew of no reason why she should take her life. In his opinion she must have started to walk home from Plymouth and missing her way walked into the water near the Morley Arms. It was a dark night.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 13 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Sudden Death. - At an Inquest today on ANNE ELIZABETH JONES, aged 34, wife of GEORGE JONES, stoker petty officer, R.N., 91 Cattedown-road, Plymouth, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns. Deceased was found lying in the passage face downwards on Saturday afternoon. - Dr H. P. Wilkinson, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure, caused by fatty degeneration.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 14 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Another Street Fatality. Small Boy Knocked Down By A Lorry. - In delivering a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest on GEORGE WILLIAM HARDING, the three-year-old child of ALFRED JOSEPH HARDING, of 8 Commercial-street, Coxside, Plymouth, this morning, the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, expressed surprise that more accidents of a like nature did not occur. - The child was admitted to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday afternoon suffering from crushed feet and a cut on the forehead and died from shock and the injuries two hours later. - Evidence showed deceased was standing on the kerb at the beginning of Commercial-road about 2.45 yesterday afternoon, when a lorry driven by David Duncan Roux, an employee of the Heavitree Brewery, living at 48 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, came down the road in the direction of the Victoria Wharves. - The driver said he saw nothing of the child, but felt the impact as the wheels of the lorry struck the boy and heard deceased scream. He immediately pulled up and discovered that he had knocked down the boy, who was then taken to Hospital. - There were, said Roux, very few people in the street at the time. - Mabel Quick, 11 Par-street, who saw the accident from a window, said the boy ran out from the kerb straight into the vehicle, and was knocked down by the front wheel, which, as well as the rear wheel, passed over him. It was impossible for the driver to see the child. - This evidence was supported by that of Alfred Charles Brimmacombe, who agreed that the occurrence was purely accidental. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents and said it was obvious no blame whatever could be attached to the driver.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 21 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Stoke. Day Before Intended Removal To Asylum. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquiry yesterday into the death of FRANCIS JAMES BRIGHT, retired chief engine-room artificer, R.N., 49 years of age, who lived at Valletort-place, Stoke. - A brother-in-law of the deceased (BENSON HOCKING) said that on the day before the sad occurrence his brother-in-law was certified insane. He had never known him to threaten his life. He was to have been removed to the Asylum on the following day. On Saturday they were having breakfast together. The deceased got up from the table and went into the bathroom, and shortly afterwards a gurgling noise was heard. Witness went to the bathroom and found his brother-in-law lying on the floor with a wound in the throat. He had been shaving,, and had cut his throat with a razor. Dr F. E. Price was called but life was extinct. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 22 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Railway Tragedy. Verdict of "Suicide " At The Inquest. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict of the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, this morning on WILLIAM FEHRENBACH, 55, Dockyard labourer, stated in evidence to have been residing at the Sailors' Rest, Devonport. - Dr J. W. G. H. Riddel said that in January last he attended deceased in the South Devon Hospital for incurable cancer, which he thought was sufficient to unhinge his mind. - CHARLES FEHRENBACH identified the body as that of his brother, who was unmarried. He last saw him on Saturday, when he referred to pains and seemed depressed. - P.C. R. Dawe, of Laira, gave evidence that at half-past two on Tuesday morning he was called to Lipson-vale Halt, where near the down line he saw the head, bust and arms of a man lying about thirty yards from the platform in the direction of Plymouth. He made a search and about twelve feet away he found the legs and the remaining portions of the corpse lying between the rails of the down line, as well as a parcel with its contents scattered. A verdict was returned as stated above.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 November 1922
MALBOROUGH - Young Man's Suicide. Salcombe Sufferer From Nerve Trouble. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by Mr S. Hacker at an Inquest at Salcombe on JOHN EDMUND YEOMAN, of Ingledene, who was found shot dead in the cellar of his house with a gun by his side. - The widow stated that deceased, who was 27 years of age, and worked on a farm with his father, had been complaining of serious pains in the head. He had been very depressed, fearing a nervous breakdown similar to one he had about five years ago. - MR YEOMAN, sen., gave evidence of finding his son's body and Dr Twining said deceased came to his surgery last Friday, suffering from indigestion and weakness.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 25 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Verdict At Inquest This Morning. Financial Troubles. - The tragic death of REGINALD STUART COOPER, aged 42, who was found suffering from a terrible gun-shot wound in the head at his china and hardware business premises, 58 Old Town-street, Plymouth on Thursday morning, was the subject of Inquiry by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital today. - Mr Basil H. Chowen, solicitor, gave evidence of identification, and said the deceased called on him about a fortnight ago with regard to his financial position, which the witness afterwards found was in a very unsound state. - Letter From Bankers. - On Wednesday last he accompanied the deceased to Launceston to discuss the position with the largest creditor. He was informed that on the following morning COOPER received a letter from his bankers and a few minutes later his wife heard the report of a gun. On going downstairs she found deceased lying in a pool of blood, which was coming from his head. The Police and a doctor were called and deceased was removed to the Hospital. - Skull Fractured. - Dr Maxwell Hall, House Surgeon, stated that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a severe gunshot wound in the head. The skull was fractured and the case was hopeless from the first. Death took place on Friday evening as a result of the injuries, which, in the opinion of the doctor, were self-inflicted. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and expressed sympathy with the widow and family.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 25 November 1922
OKEHAMPTON - Sticklepath Fatality. Okehampton Coroner's Inquiry Into Sad Affair. - An Inquest was held at Okehampton yesterday on MR FRANK ALGAR, aged 29, ironmonger, 17 Powderham-crescent, Exeter, the victim of the motor car accident near Tongue End, in the parish of Belstone, on Thursday night. - Evidence was given that deceased left Okehampton, perfectly sober, about 7.30 p.m., and drove away in his car for Exeter. Mr R. Reddicliffe, of Okehampton, while driving from Sticklepath to Okehampton, saw the motor car lying upside down and the legs of a man protruding from underneath. With Mr Wonnacott, of South Zeal, he tried to lift the car away, but could not manage it. - P.C. Ash, Okehampton, said the car was resting on the small of deceased's back, tightly pinning him down. He was apparently dead. - P.S. Snell said that from the tracks, the off wheel and near wheel had struck the hedge. The night was very dark. There was no sign of a skid. - Medical evidence was that death was due to shock arising from a violent blow in the abdomen, and would be instantaneous. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 25 November 1922
EAST STONEHOUSE - Infant's Death. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today on the death of the son of CHARLES ELLIOTT, petty officer, R.N., residing at 39 High-street, Stonehouse. Dr Leah stated he was satisfied that death was due to premature birth. The child lived only a few minutes.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 25 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, on the death of the twelve months' old son of GEORGE H. H. OLLMAN, stoker petty officer, R.N., of 1 Cecil-street. Dr Wagner, who found the child dead on arrival at the house, said his examination showed that death was due to convulsions. The child had been well cared for. The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Monday 27 November 1922
LAUNCESTON, CORNWALL - Hunting Fatality. Death Of MISS D. SHELLABEAR, of Tavistock. - MISS DORIS SHELLABEAR, of Mount Tavy, Tavistock, who met with a serious fall while hunting with the East Cornwall Foxhounds on Friday, died yesterday afternoon in Launceston Hospital, never having regained consciousness. - MISS DORIS MARY SHELLABEAR, who was aged 24, was the third and youngest daughter of MR and MRS G. G. SHELLABEAR, of Mount Tavy, Tavistock. Fond of an open-air country life, she had been a keen follower of the Hunt since she was a child, and she was an experienced rider. - MISS SHELLABEAR was an officer in the Girl Guides at Tavistock. During the war she joined a Voluntary Aid Detachment, and was a nurse at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse. She was a member of the Amateur Operatic Society at Tavistock, and was to have taken a leading part in the forthcoming performance of "The Mikado." - Owing to the death of MISS SHELLABEAR the Sperling Harriers' meet on the village green, St Budeaux, announced for tomorrow, has been cancelled. - Evidence was given at the Inquest today that MISS SHELLABEAR was thrown owing to her horse putting its hoof in a rabbit hole and turning turtle, death resulting from severe concussion of the brain.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 28 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest, held at Plymouth today by the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns on BERTIE J. D. VENNER, 14, of 15 Morley-lane. MRS VENNER, mother of the deceased boy, said that her son had been delicate from his birth and on Sunday was taken ill and died before medical aid arrived. - Dr A. E. Blades, who made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to general tuberculosis. 

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 28 November 1922
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on MRS ROSE AYCLIFFE, 54, wife of EDWARD AYCLIFFE, a Dockyard labourer. MRS AYCLIFFE passed away before medical aid could be procured, death being due to the inflammatory condition of the muscles of the heart. A verdict of Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Girl Guide's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, at the Inquest on Saturday on Mabel Jackman, aged 12, the daughter of Robert George Jackman a bread salesman. - It was stated that the girl developed cerebral abscess following a fall after attending a Girl Guides' meeting and despite an operation died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. [Western Evening Herald, Monday 4 December 1922 - DORIS MAY CHAPMAN was the name of the subject of an Inquest held by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, on Saturday, not Mabel Jackman as stated. Deceased was the 12-year-old daughter of ROBERT GEORGE CHAPMAN, a bread salesman.]

Western Evening Herald, Monday 4 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Found Dead In Bed. Inquest On A Plymouth Pensioner. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" in an Inquest conducted by him today respecting the death of WILLIAM GILBERT, a marine pensioner, aged 72 years, who resided at 12 Flora-cottages. - Ellen Trace, wife of a Dockyard labourer, living in the same house as deceased, said she last saw him on Friday evening, when he seemed quite well. On the following morning she went in his room and got no reply when she spoke to him. - Dr G. M. Heriott stated that he found the deceased dead in bed. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure, caused by chronic valvular disease.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Lonely Woman's Fate. Suicide Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was the verdict returned yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on SELINA BISHOP, spinster, who was found dead at her residence, 62 Mutley-plain on Monday, with a fully-charged gas tube by her side. - Mrs Sarah Jane Forsythe, of Cawsand, a relative of the deceased, said MISS BISHOP was aged 70, and was in receipt of a life annuity left her by a former employer A somewhat eccentric woman, she had no friends in Plymouth, and must have led a very lonely life. - Joseph William Blake, bootmaker, Brixton, said deceased had been his tenant for nine years. He was obliged to vacate the house at Christmas and had therefore been compelled to give MISS BISHOP notice to quit. This had preyed on her mind. - P.C. Voaden said when called to the house on Monday evening he found the rooms locked and had to force the door. Deceased was on the floor, her head and shoulders resting on a couch. A gas tube connected to a stove, a tap of which was turned full on, was beside her. - Dr Price, who was called, said death was due to gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Plymothian's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR GEORGE BROWNE, aged 64, a retired baker and confectioner of 1 Seymour-terrace, Plymouth. - The widow, ALICE MARY BROWNE, stated that her husband overbalanced and fell on the stairs at 11 o'clock on Monday night. Dr Phelps was called and Dr Young Simpson, who arrived later, performed an operation, but her husband died about 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning. - Dr Simpson said that deceased was unconscious when he arrived, having sustained a fracture of the skull.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 19 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Baby's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning on PATRICK JAMES MALONEY, a five-weeks-old child, who died on Sunday morning in his mother's arms. The mother, FLORENCE MALONEY, said the infant had been delicate from birth. Dr W. H. Waterfield deposed that the child was prematurely born and died from infantile convulsions.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 20 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, investigated a case of death from Natural Causes this morning. The body was that of BLANCHE OCTAVIA RIDGES, aged 61, the wife of JOHN RIDGES, warden of the Swarthmore Institute, Mutley, whose death occurred suddenly yesterday whilst she was at dinner. Dr F. E. Price, who was summoned, said he had subsequently found that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 20 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Syncope, due to double valvular disease of the heart, was stated by Dr Mabel L. Ramsay to be the cause of the death of MARGARET ELLACOTT, aged 89, widow of JAMES ELLACOTT, Dockyard shipwright, discovered dead in bed at 20 Melbourne-street. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 December 1922
UGBOROUGH - Farm Tragedy. Tin Miner's Sad Death At Bittaford. - An inquest was held at Bittaford by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, on OSCAR ZIMBER, aged 30, who was found dead in a shed on Pies Peak Farm. - Evidence of identification was given by CHARLES F. ZIMBER, of Bodmin, brother of deceased, who, he said, was a tin miner. He suffered from heart trouble, and had not been working lately. - Dr Style, South Brent, said that death was due to suffocation. Deceased evidently fell off the hay and knocked his head against the wall, rendering him partly unconscious. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 December 1922
PAIGNTON - Runaway Bath Chair. Fatal Accident To Blind Paignton Lady. - Owing to the bath chair in which she was seated running backwards down an incline and overturning, MRS KATE SOPHIE COX, a blind lady age 68 of Needwood, Manor-road, Paignton, was killed. - At the Inquest at Paignton by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, MR WALTER COX, husband of the deceased, said he was pushing the chair in Winner-street, on December 11. He went to a blacksmith's shop at the top of the street. Deceased was sitting in the chair and witness was standing in the doorway with his back to the chair, when someone told him the chair had gone. He turned round and saw his wife in the road and that the chair had been turned over. The chair had run backwards down the hill about six or eight yards. - Afterwards deceased told him she thought he was pushing it. Witness said he had been used to using the chair on the level, and the danger of letting it stand there did not occur to him. - A boy said he saw deceased in the bath chair outside the shop. The last witness had his back to the bath chair, when it suddenly ran away. It ran against the wall on the opposite side of the road and turned over, deceased being thrown out. - Badly Bruised. - Dr Barland stated that after the accident deceased said she was badly bruised. Next day, when he called, she was unconscious, and she never regained consciousness. She was suffering from a compression of the brain due to cerebral haemorrhage which was caused by the accident. - John Godchild, of Merrit Flats, said he saw the chair run away as he came round the corner in a car, but it was impossible for him to do anything to stop it. He thought the chair must have been started by deceased moving. The incline was very slight there. - The Coroner's verdict was one of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was held on Saturday by Mr A. Gard, on ELIZA MAY, 78 York-road, Weston Mill, who died on December 22, following a fall on the previous day. Dr R. L. P. Thomas said that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and coma, as the result of the fall. Verdict accordingly.

Weston Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1922 PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on HENRY CHARLES MARCHANT, 73, of Higher Anderton House, Millbrook, who died suddenly in a ferry steamer while proceeding from Millbrook to Plymouth on business, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 27 December 1922
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest this afternoon at Ker-street Police Court on ELIZABETH DYER, aged 83, of 73 Pembroke-street, Devonport. CAROLINE ALICE ARSCOTT, daughter-in-law, of 40 Monument-street, Devonport, stated that deceased lived by herself and was an old-age pensioner. She last saw her about 9.30 p.m. on Monday, when she did not appear well, but would not send for a doctor. - Edith Maud Sherbutt, of 73 Pembroke-street, said she and her foster-mother occupied rooms opposite those of the deceased, who about 2.10 the previous afternoon called her and asked for a drink, which was given her. A little later witness's foster-mother discovered MRS DYER dead in bed. - Dr McElwaine, Police Surgeon, said that at a post mortem examination he found the heart diseased. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 27 December 1922
PENNYCROSS - Tragic Sequel To Daughter's Wedding. - At an Inquiry held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr A Gard, into the death of ANNIE SARAH WHITLOCKE BAKER, aged 72, of 5 Holly-grove, Pennycross, DAISY ANNIE DARK, daughter, of the same address, said she had resided with her mother for many years. Deceased was very stout and did not move about a great deal. On Saturday witness was married, and deceased seemed excited, and, feeling unwell, went to bed. About eight o'clock on Sunday morning witness found her mother dead in bed. - Dr Sydney Vosper, giving evidence, said that deceased died of heart failure accelerated by excitement and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 28 December 1922
PLYMPTON ST MARY - Lee Mill Tragedy. Naval Pensioner's Sad End. On Birthday Eve. - A sad occurrence took place at Lee Mill yesterday morning when SAMUEL H. S. CROCKER, 70, a naval pensioner, shot himself with a sporting gun in the garage of his son-in-law, MR MATTHEWS. - A pathetic feature was that deceased's 71st birthday would have been today. - The Inquest was held at Milbourne Hall, Lee Mill, this morning, before the Coroner, Mr A. K. C. Johnson, of Tavistock. - CYRIL MATTHEWS, grandson, stated that about 10 a.m. he went into his father's garage and found deceased lying on the ground. Thinking that his grandfather had a heart attack, he called his uncle, who sent him for a Constable. - P.C. Burridge, Lee Mill Bridge, stated that on Wednesday morning he was called to the garage by CYRIL MATTHEWS, where he saw deceased lying on the ground with a gun by his side. He examined the body and found that deceased was quite dead, being shot through the heart. He had known deceased for some months. He was of a quiet disposition and, as far as he knew, had no troubles of any kind. - Dr Stevens, of Plympton, stated that he had attended deceased for a serious illness about two years ago. He was of opinion that deceased was inclined to look on the dark side of life since the death of his wife. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide, whilst of Unsound Mind," and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an inquest yesterday on MRS ALICE ROLAND, aged 73, widow, of 38 Gifford-terrace, Plymouth, who collapsed in the street owing to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 30 December 1922
PLYMOUTH - Death From Bronchitis. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" in the case of MISS LOUISE TALLACK, aged 75, of 13 Longfield-terrace, who was found dead on the floor in her room by Mrs Daisy Chatfield, of the same address, yesterday morning. Dr F. E. Price said death was due to bronchitis.