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.]

1924

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: Anderson; Anstey; Barter; Bartlett; Baskeyfield; Beazley; Bedders; Belchar; Bennett(2); Berry; Blight(2); Bolton; Bounsall; Bower; Bradley; Bray; Broadmeadow; Brookes; Brooks; Budge; Bunker; Burke; Burley; Bushrod; Callaway; Carwithen; Chappell; Cocking; Coldrick; Cole; Colling; Cove; Cuddeford; Cudlip; Discombe; Downer; Drew; Durant; Earp; Eastcott; Eggens; Elliott; Elmes; Evans; Everley; Farleigh; Faull; Fiddler; Fox; Francis; Frank; Freeman; Friend; Fry(2); Gibson; Glennon; Hackworthy; Hammond; Hancock; Hardwell; Harley; Harries; Hearl; Hobbs; Hoopel; Howe; Hutchens; Ingram; Innes; Isbell; James; Jenkins; Jewell; Joll; Keast; Keys; King; Kirkpatrick; Langford; Lawson; Lazarini; Lee(2); Light; Locock; Loosemore; Matthew; Matthews; May; McGahey; Meadon; Middlemiss; Moreton; Munro; Murphy; Murray; Neal; Nichols; Northmore; Odgers; Oliver; Olsen; Osborne; Owen; Passmore; Pawlby; Pawley; Pearce; Pearse; Philip; Phillips; Pike; Pitt; Pittman; Pook; Powell; Redman; Revell; Richards; Richardson; Roach; Robjohns; Rodd; Rogers; Rowe; Russel; Sacre; Sage; Scott; Shaik; Shepherd; Sherman; Short; Simpson; Sims; Sleeman; Smith; Spencer; Standlake; Steere; Tancock; Taylor(2); Teague; Thake; Thomas; Tincknell; Tonkin; Tower; Trair; Tridgett; Trist; Truan; Truscott; Tully; Underhill; Veale; Webber; Welch; White; Willett; Williams; Woodman; Woolcock; Wootton; Worth

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Truro Naval Man's Sad Death. Unusual Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - In accordance with the medical evidence, the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Death due to Suffocation while in a state of alcoholism" at an Inquest on DANIEL COLMAN KEAST, an officers' steward of the Royal Naval Barracks, who was found dead in bed at a house in Market-square, Devonport, on Saturday. - DAVID JAMES TREMBATH, deceased's brother-in-law, of 9 Mitchell-hill, Truro, said deceased was aged 25, was married, and had two children. - George W. Dankwardt, of Market-square, said when KEAST with two other sailors asked for beds at his house he refused at first because deceased was hopelessly drunk, although the other men were sober. Eventually he allowed them to come in on condition that the two sober men stayed with the other man, and he gave them one room in which were three beds. He saw them place deceased on the bed and commence to undress him, as he was incapable of doing it himself. In the morning he found deceased lying on his face. The other men had gone at six o'clock, having said nothing about the third man whom they left. Witness called another lodger, who turned deceased over and found him dead. Usually witness took the names of the men who stayed at his house, but on this occasion he failed to do so. - Dr T. McElwaine said there were no signs of violence about the body. In his opinion death was due to suffocation whilst in a state of alcoholism.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 1 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - An Old Lady Burnt. - An Inquest was held today by Mr John Graves, Deputy Plymouth Coroner, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, on MRS ELIZABETH SHELLABEER ROACH, aged 73, of 7 Watson-place, Plymouth. MRS E. F. LOCKYER, daughter of the deceased, said that she got home about 5 o'clock in the evening and found the clothes her mother was wearing in flames. Witness extinguished the flames. Three days later deceased was admitted to Hospital. The deceased told her she was holding a lighted paper, which set fire to her clothing. Dr Todd, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the burns would not have been fatal to a younger person. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Year-Old Injury Causes Death. Plymouth Coroner's Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday at the Inquest on MISS EMMA BLIGHT, aged 71, who was admitted to the Greenbank Infirmary on January 15 last suffering from a fractured thigh. - She died at the Institution on Saturday from pneumonia, which was stated by the Medical Superintendent to have been accelerated by the injury.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 5 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Lady's Death. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest this morning on CLARA GIBSON, aged 65, who died on the 3rd inst. after complaining that she felt sick. The body was identified by JOHN GEORGE STACEY GIBSON, a son of the deceased of 3 Hamilton-gardens. - Dr Keily said death resulted from syncope due to acute gastritis and cardiac troubles. - The verdict was "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 January 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - In attempting to reach for her shawl, which had fallen to the ground, on December 28, MRS ELIZABETH BOUNSALL, widow, aged 87, of 89 Townshend-avenue, Devonport, overbalanced from her chair and fell on the floor, breaking her left thigh. She was put to bed and Dr C. L. Lander called, but death occurred on Sunday. - At the Inquest yesterday, conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, the doctor attributed death to bronchial pneumonia, accelerated by the fall. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Burned Whilst Searching For Cat. - MRS MARY ANN MURRAY, 85, of 37 Stenlake-terrace, Prince Rock, retired to bed last Saturday at about 11 p.m., and, having undressed, took her lighted candle to search for a favourite cat before getting into bed. In bending, she caught her hair in the flame of the candle, with the result that her clothes were soon ablaze. - Mr Harry Voysey, 7 Laira-street, who happened to be next door at the time, rushed in on hearing MRS MURRAY'S screams and found her in flames. - Mrs Jarvis told the Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest yesterday that she and her daughter applied oil and wadding, while Mr Voysey went for the doctor. MRS MURRAY was removed to the Greenbank Infirmary and died on Monday. Medical evidence showed that death was due to shock consequent upon extensive burns and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 14 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Dartmoor Hunt Fatality. Verdict Of "Accidental Death" At The Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, at an investigation into the death of Fleet-Surgeon HENRY HARRIES, of 8 Holyrood-terrace, Plymouth, who died on Saturday after an accident in the hunting field on Thursday, while following the Dartmoor Hounds. - Evidence of identification was given by MR T. BROWN STEPHENS, of Stoke Newington, London, nephew of deceased. - Dr Hamilton, who saw deceased on Thursday, said he was suffering from a broken pelvis and a ruptured urethra. Witness ordered his removal to a Nursing Home, where he died from shock caused by the injuries. Deceased had been thrown from his horse by the animal putting a foot in a hole. - Funeral Arrangements. - The funeral of the late Fleet-Surgeon H. HARRIES will take place on Thursday, Jan. 17, at Carmarthen, South Wales. The cortege will leave 8 Holyrood-place, Plymouth, at 10 a.m. on Wednesday the 16th, for Millbay Station (10.30 train). - A Correction. - Mr Hedley V. Miller, director of the Plymouth Ambulance Centre, writes that the ambulance was in no way connected with any delay which might have occurred in removing DR HARRIES from the scene of the accident. The ambulance was not concerned in the matter until the following morning, when called upon to remove the patient from his residence to a Nursing Home - a difficult transport which earned the commendation of the late doctor.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 15 January 1924
PLYMPTON - At an Inquest held by Mr A. K. Johnston, at Plympton this morning, in respect of the death of SYDNEY HEARL, 3 Vine-cottages, Underwood, Plympton, who died suddenly at Underwood House, the Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, which was to the effect that death was due to inflammation of the pancreas. [Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 16 January 1924 - MR S. HEARL, of Plympton, upon whom an Inquest was held yesterday, expired suddenly while at work at Bottle Hill Quarry, and not at Underwood House, as stated last evening.]

Western Evening Herald, Friday 18 January 1924
WESTMINSTER, LONDON - Tragic Fate Of REV. H. H. MATTHEW. Westminster Inquest. Coroner And Traffic Dangers. The Verdict. From Our London Correspondent. - The Inquest on the body of the REV. HAROLD HENRY MATTHEW, aged 48, Vicar of St Andrew's, Plymouth, was held this morning by Mr Ingleby Oddie in the Westminster Coroner's Court. - There was no Jury, and the proceedings were very brief and businesslike. - MRS MATTHEW'S Evidence. Fateful Crossing From Whitehall To National Gallery. - MRS KATHLEEN MATTHEW, widow, said that her husband enjoyed good health and good sight and hearing. On Tuesday she and MR MATTHEW went to see the Royal procession at the State opening of Parliament. - "We were crossing from Whitehall towards the National Gallery. I saw a good opportunity of getting across, and went on in front. I turned round and found he was not there. I saw there had been an accident. I went back and found it was my husband." - A Plan Of The Square. - A plan of Trafalgar-square was produced in Court, and, answering the Coroner's question, MRS MATTHEW said she was not quite sure whether they went on to the large refuge near the King Charles statue. She was not taking any notice exactly where, but they were making straight across with the National Gallery in front of them. - Were you not rather nervous in crossing this very wide place? - No. I am not naturally nervous. I cannot remember noticing the group of refuges on the right corner. - The Island Refuges. - These would have enabled you to get across quite safely? - I did not think of it. Perhaps I am rather rash in crossing. - Are you used to the streets of London? - Yes. - This is a very dangerous crossing, but the refuges provided would have made it quite safe? - It did not strike me it was a long crossing, but I suppose it is. - Did you have to go through the traffic yourself? - Yes. There was a good deal of traffic, but it did not strike me there was any special danger. - Was your husband able to say anything to you afterwards? - Oh, no. - "Most Dangerous Part." - P.C. Hickingbottom, explaining the plan, said there were no refuges directly north, between the main refuge and the Nelson Monument. If deceased had gone to the east from the big refuge he would have found three small refuges, which made it perfectly safe to cross the several lines of traffic. There were usually two lines of traffic, and sometimes four, when traffic was heavy. - The Coroner: Where MR MATTHEW crossed is one of the most dangerous parts of Trafalgar-square? - Yes. - The distance from the main refuge to the pavement is 26 feet, and 40 feet on the other side, making 66 ft. right across. At the west end of the refuge, to the Nelson Monument pavement it is 60 ft., and at the east end 78 ft. - An Eye-Witness. Tragedy Described As A Pure Accident. - Ernest Frank Winkless, clerk, of Catford, said he was a passenger on the front seat of a No. 9 motor 'bus crossing Trafalgar-square about noon on Tuesday, from the Strand direction to Cockspur-street at about five miles per hour. The traffic was very congested. The Royal procession had just passed down Parliament-street and the traffic, which had been held up, was just coming up. Some of the traffic, moving slowly, was passing us on the near side towards Northumberland-avenue. - Did you see the deceased gentleman come out from behind a #bus and rush in front of your 'bus? - Yes, he looked as if his mind was bent on crossing. That brought him right in front of the 'bus, and he struck his head on the radiator, which knocked him down. The near side wheel wedged his leg, but did not go over him. - Did the driver pull up? - He pulled up practically immediately. I got down to render assistance, but the gentleman had then been moved a little to one side of the spot where he fell. - Was the driver to blame? - I think not. It was a pure accident. - P.C. South said that about twelve noon he saw MR MATTHEW lying in the roadway between the Nelson Monument and the lavatory on the main refuge. The driver said: He shot out from another 'bus going in the opposite direction. I jammed on my brakes and tried to avoid him. My speed was about four miles. - The Constable took MR MATTHEW to Charing Cross Hospital. - The Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Gordon Roberts, Casualty Officer, Charing Cross Hospital, said MR MATTHEW was admitted at 12.15. He was quite unconscious, and died in half an hour. Death was caused by a fracture of the base of the skull, and there was a fracture of the right femur. - The Driver's Story. His First Accident In Very Long Career. - Albert Edward Nash, motor 'bus driver, living at Mortlake, said he was driving No. 9 'bus across Trafalgar-square, and met traffic going down towards Whitehall on his near side, which was the recognized method. He was travelling at four or five miles an hour, having just pulled up and not quite got going again. - Suddenly a gentleman ran out from behind another 'bus and came into the corner of my radiator. It hit him in the head and knocked him down in front of the wheel, but it did not go over him. - How far from the radiator was he when you saw him? - About a yard. - Was he running? - He rushed out and could not stop. - He could have stopped if he had been walking? - Yes. - Witness added he had been 26 years on London streets, first, with horse 'bus, and 18 years motoring, and this was his first accident. - P.C. Durgess, of Cannon Row Police Station, said that the traffic was complying with local regulations for Trafalgar Square. At the spot where the accident happened there was no refuge and possibly the gentleman did not expect, after going behind one 'bus to meet a 'bus going in the opposite direction. Perhaps it would be advisable to put a refuge at this spot. - The Coroner: I think there ought to be two refuges there to divide opposing streams of traffic, which would make it safe. - The Constable thought it would, but the gentleman would have got across quite easily if he had used the refuges to the eastward. - The Summing Up. "Tragic Death Everyone Must Deplore." - The Coroner, summing up, said it was a tragic death which everyone must deplore. Trafalgar Square, which used to be extremely dangerous, had been made practically safe by the provision of refuges owing to the wisdom of the Westminster City Council when, ten years ago, following the system he had always recommended, they divided the streams of traffic so that foot passengers stopping at each refuge could easily deal with the next line of traffic. - If only this unfortunate gentleman had made use of the refugees the accident would not have taken place. He tried to cross from the main refuge to Nelson Monument across four lines of traffic, which was no light undertaking for anybody. - He evidently made a rush, found to his surprise that he was in front of another 'bus going in an opposite direction, and was knocked down. He was running, and nothing was more dangerous than to run when crossing the road. He could not stop himself. - If he had been walking he could have stopped and saved his life. - "I don't see how the thing could be helped. The only way to avoid the danger is to use the refuges which are available within quite a few feet. - The evidence is conclusive that the 'bus was being driven properly and was entitled to be where it was." - The Verdict. - He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from blame. - Mr Curtis, solicitor, expressed sympathy with the widow on behalf of the L.G.O. Co. - Mr A. Brett (Weatherby and Brett, Harrogate) watched the proceedings on behalf of the relatives. - The body will be removed from London tomorrow morning and the funeral will take place at St Michael's, Eastbourne.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows Fall. Plymouth Woman Taken Ill While Shopping. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the Inquest yesterday on JANE ANN PAWLEY, aged 71, the wife of WILLIAM HENRY PAWLEY, mason, of 11 Mount-street. - Evidence showed that on Tuesday deceased collapsed whilst coming downstairs, but got up and went out shopping. She was taken ill in the street, and had to be brought home, subsequently being removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where death occurred. - Dr C. G. L. McHardy, House Physician, said deceased was suffering from cerebral haemorrhage, following a fracture of the skull, which might have been caused by the fall.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 January 1924
NEWTON FERRERS - Woman's Body On Beach. Newton Ferrers Story Of Family Quarrel. - An Open Verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at an Inquest held at Newton Ferrers by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone on MRS LAURA JANE MUNRO, widow, whose body was found on the beach near the Yealm Hotel on Wednesday. - Dr Benstead Smith said death was due to drowning. The body had probably been in the water some hours. Deceased was of a nervous disposition, but there was nothing abnormal about her. - MRS KEZIAH HORTON, deceased's mother, living at Newton Ferrers, said she had not seen her daughter for some months, as they were not on friendly terms. On Tuesday witness had a letter from deceased which was read by her other daughter, who put it in the fire. She believed it contained a reference to a quarrel with a neighbour. She had said that life was not worth living since her husband died. - Superintendent Joslin asked witness if the letter was destroyed after the body had been found, and witness said such was the case but it was accidental. Deceased had left two children and witness would look after them. - Superintendent Joslin remarked that the body was fully clothed, and nothing was disarranged. - Norman Wyatt said he saw deceased on Tuesday night about 10.30 and bade her "Good night." She was then a mile from where her body was found. - Gwendolen Marsh, of Plymouth, stated that deceased spoke to her about the way neighbours talked about her. - P.C. Harding said the evidence showed that there was ill-feeling in the family. He was not satisfied with the evidence concerning the destruction of the letter, as it might have thrown some light on the tragedy. There was nothing to point to suicide, although there was a certain amount of village talk, and neither was there anything to show insanity. - He returned a verdict as stated. - The funeral took place on Saturday at Newton Ferrers Church, Rev. C. B. Tonge officiating.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 22 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - A "Natural Causes" verdict was returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning after an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY OLSEN, 40, a fish hawker, of 20 High-street, who died suddenly on Sunday. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 January 1924
PLYMPTON - Plympton Woman's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquest at Plympton yesterday on FLORENCE JANE BEDDERS, 47, shopkeeper at Colebrook, whose body was discovered on Saturday hanging from the banisters at her house. - JOHN TRISCOTT, Underwood, brother-in-law of deceased, said he went to the house on Saturday about 12.45 p.m., but could get no answer. He entered by the back door, and found deceased hanging. Witness said deceased had complained of pains in her head. She was of a reserved disposition. - F. BEDDERS, 32 Wilson-road, London, son of deceased, said his mother had had no communication from her husband for years, and never mentioned him. He saw her at Christmas, when there was no sign of anything wrong. Her financial affairs were in good order and her bills were paid. - Dr W. D. Stamp said deceased had an illness, which weakened her. She was a person who might act on sudden impulse. She had complained of pains in her head.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 January 1924
EXETER - The death of the four months old child of MR and MRS PHILLIPS, Turners'-cottages, Exeter, was at the Inquest yesterday attributed to a sudden attack of croup due to malnutrition, through biscuits being added to cow's milk as the child's diet. Dr Pereira Grey stated that a good rule was that biscuits and similar food should not be given to infants till after seven months. "Natural Causes" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1924
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Inquest Adjourned. - Mr A. M. Davson, County Coroner, opened an Inquest at Dartmouth yesterday on MRS ETHEL NEWDICK BARTLETT, aged 45 years, wife of CHARLES HENRY BARTLETT, cadet steward, R.N. College, of 2 Beechfield-terrace, Townstal. - The Coroner said MRS BARTLETT died on January 22, her death being alleged to be due to injuries received through being knocked down by a motor car. They were not ready with the evidence that day, and he proposed to take formal evidence of identification only. - This was done and the Inquiry adjourned until Saturday.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 24 January 1924
PLYMOUTH - Depression And Suicide. Plymouth Labourer's Struggle With Ill-Health. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Inane" was returned at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning on the body of EDWARD JAMES REVELL, aged 52, a labourer in the Corporation Gas Works, residing at 202 Grenville-road, Plymouth, who on Tuesday afternoon was found dead in his room. - Deceased, according to Dr E. Travers-Stubbs had during the last 19 months suffered from pneumonia, influenza, and gastritis and recently had been very depressed on account of the condition of his health. - Deceased's daughter, BESSIE, told the Coroner that her father had been unable to go to work for the last 20 weeks owing to his attack of gastritis, but whilst depressed about it had never threatened to take his life. After his death, however, a note was found in his handwriting in which he said he could not stand it any longer. - The finding of the body was described by Ernest Alfred Davey, window cleaner, residing in the same house. REVELL was lying in the corner of the room with a cloth over his head. A length of rubber tubing connected with the gas bracket was passed under the cloth near deceased's head. - Dr Travers-Stubbs having certified that death was due to gas poisoning, the Coroner returned the verdict stated. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1924
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Man's Death. Contents Of Stomach To Be Analysed. - At an Inquest at Tavistock on Tuesday on FRANCIS GODFREY WILLIAM BENNETT, single, aged 21, journeyman mason, who was found dead in bed at his home, 29 Bannawell-street, Tavistock, Dr F. W. A. Watt, who made a post-mortem examination, said he was not prepared to certify the cause of death, and thought the contents of the stomach should be examined. Death might have been due to asphyxia whilst unconscious, possibly following a fit. He thought if the examination of the contents of the stomach proved negative, death was due to asphyxia. - The Coroner, Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, said he would adjourn the Inquest for the contents of the stomach to be analysed, but before that was done he would like to make a request to the Tavistock Burial Committee to provide an artificial light at the mortuary, as it was extremely bad to conduct a post-mortem examination with a small light. - [Western Morning News, Friday 25 January 1924 - In our report of the Inquest at Tavistock on MR PRESTON ARTHUR BENNETT, the name of the deceased was wrongly given as FRANCIS GODFREY BENNETT.]

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 31 January 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stonehouse Mystery. Inquest On Woman Found In Pool. An Open Verdict. - An Open Verdict was returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns at the Inquest this morning on ALICE MAUD FARLEIGH, married, 16 Wyndham-square, Plymouth, whose body was found floating in Stonehouse Pool by a waterman yesterday morning. - The husband, WALTER FRANK FARLEIGH, commission agent of Cumberland-street, Devonport, who gave evidence of identification, said that he had been separated from his wife about six months. He last saw her six weeks ago. - Mr A. N. F. Goodman, who was present on behalf of the husband, said the latter had been allowing his wife more than had been prescribed under the deeds of separation. - "Seemed Quite Happy." - Mrs Bryant, living in the same house as the deceased woman, spoke to seeing her leave the house at 5.40 a.m. yesterday. This was very unusual as she rarely went out before 10.30. Witness had never heard deceased threaten to take her life, and said she seemed quite happy. - The waterman, Charles Cook, of Baker's-place, Devonport, spoke to finding the body, and Dr Leah, who made a post-mortem examination, said that death was due to drowning. The body had been in the water about an hour. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 February 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Fall From Straw Rick. Torpoint Naval Pensioner's Fatal Injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR SLEEMAN, aged 44, a naval pensioner, of 1 Pembroke-terrace, Torpoint, who succumbed to injuries which he sustained by falling from a straw rick which he was helping to load into a lorry at Glebe Farm, Sheviock, on Monday. - Deceased's son, FREDERICK GEORGE SLEEMAN, said his father was using a pike, the handle of which suddenly broke. He fell from a height of 10 to 12 feet on his head. A doctor who happened to be in the village advised his removal to Hospital and he was taken by Torpoint St John Ambulance Brigade to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he died on Wednesday morning. - Dr B. H. Stribling said deceased had complete paralysis of the body below the collar-bone and loss of sensation. Death was due to shock following complete fracture of the spine.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 February 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoker Drowned. Accident At Devonport Dockyard. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned at the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on FREDERICK BROOKES, aged 24, stoker 1st Class, of H.M.S. Rocket, who was lost overboard from his ship in No. 5 basin at the North Yard on the night of January 5. At 9.50 p.m. deceased was seen eating for supper some crab he had brought from the shore. He seemed quite well, and was sober. - About 10.40 p.m. someone was heard vomiting, and sounds were also heard as of someone struggling for breath in the water. The ship's company immediately commenced a search. A boat was manned, and remained on the spot until 3 a.m., and four Metropolitan Policemen continued dragging all night, but without success. - Yesterday morning the body was seen floating in the water by the side of the ship, and was brought ashore and removed to the Mortuary. It was examined by Surg.-Com. W. E. Ormsby, who found that the body was decomposed. There were no marks of violence or injury, and death was attributed to drowning. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said he could quite understand deceased overbalancing while vomiting after eating crab. - It was stated that the deceased, whose home was at Willenhall-road, Wolverhampton, was married, but had no children. - An officer from H.M.S. Rocket stated that deceased had a very good character, and was much liked. The ship's company deeply regretted his death. - Mr K. Eyton Peck attended the Inquiry on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - Accident In Dockyard. Labourer's Death As Result Of Burns. - At an Inquest conducted by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, in the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday, on ERNEST FREDERICK SCOTT, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, who resided at Glenpark-avenue, Plymouth, it was stated that the man sustained burns on the head, face, neck, both arms and right armpit as the result of an accident in the Dockyard and developed pneumonia, from which he died. The burns accelerated death, and "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Stepped On A Nail. Sad Death Of A Plymouth Boy. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquests on a twelve-year-old boy named ALBERT LEONARD TRAIR, Devonshire Villa, Pennycomequick. - Evidence was submitted to the effect that a week last Saturday the lad stepped on a nail which entered his heel. The nail was removed and the heel was bathed with hot water and poultices were applied. After tea on Friday he went to bed and the following day complained that he was worse and was suffering from pain in the stomach and that his mouth was closing up. Dr Blades ordered his removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where the lad died from Tetanus.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1924
TAVISTOCK - Suffocated In Bed. Mystery Of Tavistock Man's Death Solved. - A verdict of "Death due to Suffocation whilst Unconscious, probably following an epileptic fit" was returned at the Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on PRESTON ARTHUR BENNETT, 21, single, who was found dead in bed at his home, 20 Bannawell-street. The Inquiry had been adjourned for the contents of the deceased's stomach to be analysed. - The County Analyst, Mr Tickle, reported that there was no trace of poison, and Dr F. W. A. Watt again expressed the opinion that death was due to asphyxia. - The Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone: Have you ever heard of a full-grown man being suffocated in bed? - Yes, if unconscious when lying over on his side. - There has been some story to the effect that deceased was fond of cats, and the suggestion was that a cat had slept on his head. - That is not possible as he would have woke up. - The Coroner said there was evidence indicating that the unfortunate man had been subject either to fits or illness, and he returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 February 1924
WATERFORD, IRELAND - Plymouth Mate's Fate. Skipper's Warm Tribute At Waterford Inquest. - At the Inquest at Waterford yesterday on ERNEST JENKINS, mate of the ketch Garlandstone and living at the Parade, Plymouth, Capt. Murdock, the owner and skipper of the Garlandstone, stated that JENKINS descended to the engine cabin to repair a leak in the exhaust when the vessel was off the Smalls Lighthouse. - Noticing the unusual length of his absence below, the captain followed and found JENKINS leaning against a locker unconscious. He hauled him on deck, but, despite every endeavour at revival, JENKINS never again moved or spoke. - During his evidence, Capt. Murdock broke down and wept copiously. When asked if he were on friendly terms with deceased, amid sobs he warmly praised the deceased as a seaman and friend, and said he had been four years with him in the Garlandstone and nine years in another vessel. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that the vessel should not leave port until the exhaust pipe was rendered easily accessible in case of repair.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Shoemaker's Death. - Going out at her husband's request on Tuesday to get him some buns for tea, MRS SHERMAN, the wife of WILLIAM JOSEPH SHERMAN, 39, a shoemaker, of Gloucester-lane, Plymouth, returned home to find him lying dead upon the floor. - At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded. Dr A. E. Blades said that death was due to syncope owing to an enlarged heart.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 8 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Octogenarian's Fall. Fatal Slip On Getting Into Bed. - A two months' old accident was responsible for the death of an aged hawker, LAURENCE LAZARINI, 86 years old, upon whom an Inquest was held this morning by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. - Evidence of identification was given by the Mother Superior of St Joseph's Home, Hartley, who said the deceased had been in the home for the past fifteen years. On December 7th he was getting into bed from a stool, when he slipped and hurt himself. A doctor was sent for immediately, but the old man grew worse and died on Tuesday. - In accordance with the evidence of Dr J. W. G. H. Riddel, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 February 1924
BRIDFORD - At a Bridford Inquest on MRS E. SAGE, aged 32, who died soon after complaining of pains in the head, Dr McColl, Moretonhampstead, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, following valvular disease of the heart, and the Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 February 1924
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Tragedy. Son Exonerated From All Blame. - A verdict of "Death due to shock from injuries Accidentally received" was returned at an Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on MRS EDITH ELLEN LANGFORD, of Southbrook, Starcross, who died at Newton Hospital on Sunday evening following an accident at Combeinteignhead. - Deceased's son, Squadron-Leader ALEXANDER FRANCIS ANDERSON HOOPER, R.A.F., said his mother was a widow, aged 75. On February 4 witness took her to Combeinteignhead in his car. When preparing to leave, his mother said, "I will go up to the road and you bring the car." She started off towards the gate, at least, so he imagined, and witness started the engine and proceeded to reverse in order to turn the car. He next became conscious of the fact that although the wheels were going round the car was not moving. A man who was standing in the field attracted his attention by pointing behind the car. Witness immediately drove the car forward a few feet and got out, and found his mother lying on the ground. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, witness said deceased must have been standing behind the car looking towards the gate, but it was impossible for him to see her. - Ernest Edward Norcott, carpenter, of Combeinteignhead, who called the witness's attention to what had happened, gave evidence and Dr Colin King, who saw MRS LANGFORD when she was brought to Newton Hospital, said she was suffering from a contusion to the face, a fracture of the rib, and an injury to the spine. She told witness that she had no recollection of what had happened. Death was due to shock. Witness doubted whether deceased was knocked down by the car. It was quite possible she slipped or had a fainting attack. - The Coroner said no blame of any sort or description could be attached to Squadron-Leader HOOPER.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy Of Insomnia. Plymouth Man Found Hanging In Coach-House. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, yesterday on EDWIN BERRY, aged 65, a retired engineer, who was found on Wednesday hanging from a beam in the garage of his residence at Colling's Park. - Dr Colin Lindsey stated that he had attended MR BERRY for some time. A fortnight ago he complained of insomnia, and hinted that if he could not sleep he felt he would "go off his head." - Alfred Josiah Sleep, a Dockyard pensioner, of Ash-villas, Colling's Park, said he was called to the house and discovered deceased hanging.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Shunter's Sad Fate. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest on Saturday on WILLIAM RICHARDS, 54, who died at the Homeopathic Hospital on Friday after an accident at Millbay, when he was knocked down by a railway engine. - Mr H. Lawrence Spear watched the case on behalf of the widow, Inspector Lodge on behalf of the locomotive department, and Chief Inspector G. Ackland for the company. - MR GEORGE THOMAS POWLESLAND, electrical fitter of H.M. Dockyard, stepson of deceased, who resided at Hill Park-crescent, and was a shunter on the Great Western Railway, passed in a statement by deceased to his wife that he was dealing with two portions of trains on different sets of metals and as he and the foreman were checking the wheels he was knocked down and rolled over by an engine, which, he said, was on him without warning. The engine was proceeding tender first. - Dr Philip Willmott said both feet had to be amputated and death was due to septicaemia, caused by the original injury. - Mr Thomas Johnson, foreman, who was working with deceased, said he and deceased did the same work every day. Deceased had been doing it for nearly 30 years.- The Coroner remarked that the men were apt to get careless when doing the same thing so often, but Chief Inspector Ackland said that there was no more careful man in the depot than deceased. He had been in the service of the company for 35 years, and had a perfectly clean sheet. - Mr Johnson pointed out that the engine by which they were standing was blowing steam, and this might have prevented them hearing the whistle. - Mr Ackland said the driver of the engine had made a statement that he did blow the whistle. There were regulations that the whistle should be blown. - Mr Ackland expressed sympathy with the relatives on behalf of the employees at Millbay and the Company.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 February 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on JOSEPH TRIST, 68, journeyman silversmith, of Monument-street, who had been ill since Christmas-eve, but on Thursday last was taken with such violent pains that his removal to the Hospital was ordered, where he died the following afternoon. - Dr Stribling, House Surgeon, who conducted a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 20 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - Death Of Military Cyclist. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on PTE. FREDERICK COLDRICK, 22, of the Royal Berkshire Regt., stationed at Crownhill, who while cycling on Sunday collided with a motor car driven by Dr Colin D. Lindsey, and received injuries, from which he died on his way to the Hospital. - Dr Lindsey said that at about 12.30 p.m. on Sunday he was proceeding along Russell-street towards York-street. When near the end of Russell-street he overtook a horse and trap, which were in the middle of the road. He sounded his horn continuously, dropped into second speed and passed the vehicle at about 10 miles an hour. Opposite the opening of York-street he saw a push-cyclist racing down Richmond-street. He was only about 15 yards away, and, before anything could be done, he struck the side of the car and toppled over on to the pavement. - Witness stopped the car and ran to the man's assistance. Seeing that it was a case requiring immediate medical attention he put the man into his car and drove him quickly to the Hospital. Before the collision he heard no warning bell. - Dr Lindsey, in reply to Mr Croft, by whom he was represented, said he had been motoring for 14 years and had never before been involved in an accident. - Eye-Witness's Warning Signal. - William John Friend, 32 Morley-street, Plymouth, a fitter in H.M. Dockyard, said he was standing at the Russell-street end of Morley-street, when the accident occurred. He saw a milk cart coming along Russell-street at a walking pace and a motor car behind it. The horn was being sounded continually and the car was moving at a slow pace. Just as the car passed the horse and cart the cyclist came down Richmond-street at a great pace. Witness put up a warning hand, which the cyclist disregarded, though there was little doubt that he saw it, for he appeared to smile. Rounding the corner he struck the right wing of the motor car. - At this stage the Jury intimated that sufficient evidence had been brought forward to exonerate Dr Lindsey from all blame, and, in accordance with the medical testimony of Dr C. F. McHardy, House Surgeon, the verdict was returned as stated. - On behalf of Dr Lindsey, Mr Croft expressed the deepest sympathy with the relatives of the young soldier.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 21 February 1924
KINGSTON - Killed By Fall Of Earth. Inquest On Devon Gamekeeper. Suffocation. - The Inquest on JAMES BUSHROD, 47, gamekeeper on the estate of Lord Mildmay of Flete, who was killed whilst rabbiting on the cliffs near Kingston on Tuesday, and who leaves a widow and nine children, was conducted by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnston, this afternoon. - Deceased's father gave evidence of identification and Samuel E. Kerswell, under-keeper, described the accident. - He stated that in company with deceased and deceased's father, he went rabbiting on the cliffs on Tuesday morning, and about noon they left deceased there to dig out a ferret on the side of the cliff. About three o'clock deceased's father went back to see what had happened, and discovered his son buried under the soil, and dead. - He came back and told witness. - Witness then went to the scene and also found that BUSHROD was dead. He was lying on his stomach. The soil had apparently fallen in on the top of him as he was digging for the ferret. He thought about a cartload of soil had fallen on deceased. - The Doctor's Evidence. - Dr W. H. Andrews, Modbury, who was called to the scene in the afternoon, said when he arrived deceased had been carried to the top of the cliff. - "I should say he died from suffocation, by the look on his face," said witness. "It appeared as though he had been crushed into the ground by the weight of this earth falling over him. There was no evidence of anything else, and no broken bones." - P.C. Squire, of Bigbury, also deposed to being called to Wombwell Cliffs. By that time deceased had been extricated. There was a lot of earth in his ears, eyes and nostrils. Deceased's father had described to him how he had found him buried in a hole in the side of the cliff with about a hundred-weight of earth on top of him. The Constable said the hole was about three feet in depth, two feet wide and about eighteen inches from the top of the cliff. It looked as though the earth which had been immediately above the hole had collapsed. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" expressed deep sympathy with the father, widow and family. He described it as an extraordinarily sad end. - "It is a remarkable case, and we hardly ever come across one of a similar nature" he added.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 22 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest this morning on MISS ALICE LOUISA WILLIAMS, of 1 Hoe Gardens, Plymouth, who died on Wednesday last. Dr Earle, who said that MISS WILLIAMS was dead when he arrived, attributed death to double pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on PATRICIA ROSEMARY ANNIE MORETON, the three-weeks' old daughter of Corpl. and Mrs MORETON, of Laira Bridge-road, Plymouth, before Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, yesterday, the mother stated that the child, which was healthy from birth, was found dead in bed by her side. Medical evidence was given, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on MARY EGGENS, of Durnford-street, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," Dr M. D. Keily attributing death to bronchitis. 

Western Morning News, Friday 22 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest on AMELIA DURANT, of Furzehill-road, whose death, according to Dr Price, who made a post-mortem examination, was due to rupture of the heart.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 26 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest this morning at Plymouth, on an 81-year-old widow, MRS SUSANNA SHORT, of 10 Morley-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday morning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on ANNIE RUSSEL, aged 46, of 17 Wesley-avenue, Plymouth, who died suddenly. Medical evidence showed that death was due to heart disease.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 29 February 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner at an Inquest this morning on MRS EMMA OLIVER, aged 70, of 23 Staddon-terrace, wife of Lt.-Com. CHARLES OLIVER, R.N., retired, who died suddenly yesterday.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 March 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - Dockyard Fatality. Unavoidable Motor Car Accident. - Mr John Graves returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest on Saturday at the R.N. Hospital, on ARTHUR WILLIAM INNES, 59, electrical artificer of 4 Sussex-road, Ford, who succumbed to injuries after being knocked down by a motor car at the Dockyard last Tuesday. - Mr E. Elliot Square represented the driver of the car, and there were also present Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent and Mr W. E. Harding, Inspector of Factories. - Lieut.-Com. S. F. Gaisford-St Lawrence, R.N., said about 4 p.m. he was driving a motor car in the North Dockyard and on turning into the Barracks-road changed from low to second gar. There were several men walking down the road towards witness, some on the footpath on his left and some on the edge of the road on the sleepers on his right. He had proceeded about 100 to 200 yards and most of the pedestrians had passed, when a man on the edge of the road to witness's right suddenly turned off into the road in front of the car. The man was too close for witness to swerve, and before the car could be pulled up the car had collided with the man, the near front wheel passing over him. - Lieut.-Com. St Lawrence added that he applied his foot brake immediately he saw the man was in danger and when the car was stopped the deceased was lying about two feet behind the front wheel. - Victim's Defective Vision. - Surg.-Com. G. F. Syms, R.N. Hospital, said all deceased's ribs were smashed with the exception of one on the left side, there was a laceration of the scalp on the left side of the back of the head, and abrasions of both wrists and forearms. INNES died on Thursday. Deceased had only one eye, the right one, which was not normal, and upon which an operation had evidently been performed at some time. The power of vision would have been diminished. He attributed death to shock from the injuries received. - Asked by Mr Elliot Square whether in his opinion there was any neglect on the part of Lieut.-Com. St Lawrence in the way he was driving, C.P.O. D. Ahearne replied, "None whatever." - Mr Square: Was there in your opinion anything which he could have done which would have prevented the accident? - Witness: The accident was unavoidable. - Lieut.-Com. St Lawrence said he regretted the accident very much and extended to the relatives his expressions of sympathy.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 5 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner of Plymouth, today, respecting the death of MILINA KEYS, widow, aged 92, who was found by her daughter dead in bed at 2 Townsend-crescent, on Tuesday morning. Dr Colin D. Lindsey, who had previously attended the deceased, expressed the opinion that death was due to bronchitis and heart failure.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest yesterday on the seven-weeks-old child of MR E. GEORGE BURLEY, a rigger of 8 Woolster-street, Plymouth, who died in its sleep on Sunday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on HENRY MURPHY, of Sydney-street, Plymouth, one of the local immigration staff, who collapsed on Monday at Derry's Clock while apparently waiting for a tramcar. The House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital said death was due to heart failure.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 11 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves, at an Inquest held at Greenbank House, Plymouth, today, on RICHARD JAMES BEAZLEY, aged 80, an old-age pensioner of 6 Parade, Plymouth. - Evidence was given that deceased was admitted to the Greenbank Infirmary suffering from shock, which, he said, was the result of a fall. Both forearms had extensive bruises, and he died on March 8th from shock, death being accelerated by the accident.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 11 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - Tumour On The Brain. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Graves held an Inquest on ASENATHE REDMAN, aged 34, wife of ARTHUR WILLIAM REDMAN, of 8 The Crescent, Torpoint. - Medical evidence was given that the woman was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a tumour on the brain, which was operated upon, but she died of shock at the conclusion of the operation. - A verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 12 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest this morning, "Death from Natural Causes" being his verdict. The Inquiry was into the death of CHARLES SPRY PEARSE of 44 Belgrave-road, 66, who suffered from valvular disease of the heart of many years' standing.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 12 March 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquiry into the death of ENID GLADYS SIMMS, four months old, the daughter of MR S. W. SIMS, of 75 East-street, Stonehouse. Dr G. H. S. Latchworth stated that death was due to congestion of the lungs, and convulsions. The child had been well cared for.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 21 March 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was conducted by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, this morning on WILLIAM ALFRED VEALE, 17, milk salesman of 4 Evelyn-street, St Budeaux. - Deceased's mother said he was a strong and healthy lad, but on Monday last he complained of being poorly, and died on Wednesday. - Dr D. L. Brown, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said death was due to cerebral meningitis. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 22 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Sad End. - A naval pensioner, aged 78 - TRAVION THOMAS HUGO PIKE, of 20 Clifton-place, Plymouth - was yesterday found lying dead in his room with a gash in his throat and a bread-knife by his side. - Deceased had been unwell for some time and had been medically attended. - At the Inquest this morning, conducted by Mr R. B. Johns, MRS PEARSON, daughter of deceased, said that her father had been suffering in his mind for some time, but had never threatened to take his life. He had no trouble of any kind. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 March 1924
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Splinter. Plymouth French Polisher's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on MOSES BRAY, 52, French polisher, Hampton-street, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital from blood poisoning after running a splinter in his hand while at work. - Mr E. Elliot Square represented deceased's employers, Messrs. Clatworthy and Co., Ltd. - Dr A. C. Mowle, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said death was due to septic poisoning, caused by the splinter.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 26 March 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Young Officer's Sad Death. In Practically All Naval War Engagements. - The sad circumstances attending the death of a young naval officer, ENG.LT.-COMDR. JOHN SHORTRIDGE BUDGE, aged 33, of 12 Leigh-villas, were investigated by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearse, this morning. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty. - MR JOHN W. H. BUDGE, father of deceased, said his son was never very fit, and had been attended by a doctor for some time. He seemed quite all right at breakfast yesterday, but ten minutes after he left the house they were informed he had been taken ill, and appeared to be dead when witness saw him. Deceased had been through practically all the naval engagements during the war. - Mrs Osborne spoke to seeing deceased leaning on a wall by the side of the roadway. He asked her to fetch a taxi, but she secured assistance from a near-by house. - Dr Thomas, who had been attending deceased since January last, said he was suffering from profound anaemia and was generally weak. - There were marks of empyema on the right side, caused, he understood, by an illness contracted when on war service, and death was due to a rupture of an abscess following empyema in the right lung. Deceased was most reticent about himself, and must have suffered a great deal without disclosing it. - Questioned by Mr Peck, witness said that deceased had not told him he contracted the illness during war service. - Recording a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner said they all regretted the loss of a young officer who had served his country well in the war in various engagements.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 March 1924
PAIGNTON - Old-Age Pensioner's Death At Paignton. - Mr E. Hutchings returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" yesterday at the Inquest on MRS MARTHA DOWNER, aged 74, who was found dead in her chair at Merrit's Flats, Paignton, on Wednesday. - Mr William Winnicombe, caretaker of the flats, said that when he called on Monday there was no fire and deceased complained of feeling unwell and cold. Witness had seen her in a worse state. - P.C. Voaden said deceased was an old-age pensioner. It could not be ascertained whether she had any other means, and only 5s. 10d. was found. - Dr Healy said the stomach showed she had taken no food for some days. The cause of death was pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - JOSEPH HARRY WHITE, 75, an inmate of Greenbank House, Plymouth, became ill whilst having dinner on Sunday, and expired within a few minutes. At the Inquest yesterday it was stated that a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to a fatty heart. Verdict, "Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Fell Into Fire. Plymouth Woman's Tragic Death. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held at the Homeopathic Hospital yesterday on ELIZABETH MARY LOCOCK, 61, of Summerland-place. - MR HENRY LOCOCK said his wife was tired and sat beside the coal fire, and, she told him, the heat of the fire sent her to sleep, and she fell off the chair. - Mr Baker, who lives in the same house, said, hearing screams, he came down from his own landing and found MRS LOCOCK ablaze. - Dr Gratton Guinness said deceased died from shock, the result of very extensive burns on the chest, back, both arms and face.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 9 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Infant Succumbs To Bronchial Pneumonia. - At an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns today on DENNIS NOEL JAMES, the four-months' old son of WILLIAM JOHN JAMES, labourer, of 23 York-street, evidence was submitted to show that the deceased became "queer" yesterday and died. - Dr J. R. A. Tallack said a post-mortem examination showed that the child had been suffering from bronchial pneumonia. The child had been well cared for. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 9 April 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Motiveless Suicide. Coroner's Inquiry Into Devonport Tragedy. Unread Document. - The Inquest conducted by Mr A. Gard, Deputy Coroner, at Ker-street this morning into the death of JAMES FRY (38), a chief petty officer of H.M.S. Rigorous, who shot himself in a cabin at the Royal Sailors' Rest, Devonport, on Monday morning, failed to elicit any motive or reason for the act, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was recorded. - A lengthy document written by deceased and found lying beside him was produced but not read; the Deputy Coroner observing that it established the fact that deceased had committed suicide. - Mr H. J. Hood watched the Inquiry on behalf of the Sailors' Rest, Mr K. Eyton Peck representing the Naval Authorities. - Gun Report. - Mrs Elizabeth Ann Wills, a dormitory matron at the Sailors' Rest, said that about 8.40 a.m. on Monday she heard the report of a gun and went to the cabin occupied by deceased. She was unable to enter the room, the door being wedged and accordingly summoned assistance. - P.S. Twist said he was called to the cabin about 8.45 and found the door wedged, the foot of the bed having been drawn across it. By means of a broom he was able to push the bed aside, and on entering the room found deceased lying dead on the bed, on his back, clasping a double-barrelled sporting gun (produced). There was a severe wound on the left side of the head. - P.C. Hurden (Coroner's Officer) gave evidence of removing an exploded and an unexploded cartridge from the gun, both triggers of which had been pulled. A lengthy pencil-written document (produced) was lying on the bed, and beneath the pillow was an empty bottle. Witness discovered that the spirits had been purchased the previous evening at a public house where deceased had been drinking, but had been unable to establish whether the bottle in question had contained them. - Shooting Expedition. - James Bennett, licensed waterman, of Canning-street, Devonport, said he had known deceased for several years, and had seen him frequently during the past few months. Last Sunday afternoon they went out shooting together on St John's Lake, with a gun belonging to deceased, remaining in the boat from 12 until about 7 p.m., when they parted company. Deceased stated that he was going to the Royal Sailors' Rest. - In answer to the Deputy Coroner, witness said deceased appeared to be in his usual state of health. He had never threatened to take his life, and to witness's knowledge he was not a heavy drinker. - JOHN FRY, a Belfast train conductor, who said the deceased was his brother, mentioned that he had not seen him for about three years, although he had been in correspondence with him.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 April 1924
SALISBURY, WILTSHIRE - Devonport Victim Of Air Crash. Sad Tragedy On Eve Of Holiday. - Leading Aircraftsman HAROLD SAMUEL NICHOLLS, whose parents live at 21 Duke-street, Devonport, was killed as the result of an aeroplane accident at Salisbury on Tuesday. A peculiarly sad feature of the occurrence is that deceased was expected home on leave next Wednesday. - A Nose Dive. - The 'plane was a Bristol fighter, and it went up for the purpose of demonstration. - The machine had just passed over the head of cavalry officers, who were watching the flight in the vicinity of the aerodrome, when it was observed to nose dive and crash to earth from a height of 200 feet. - The two airmen, who were unconscious, and suffering from severe head injuries, were taken by an ambulance to Salisbury Infirmary. NICHOLLS died on arrival, and Pilot Officer F. F. R. Goldsmid, 21, of Havant, succumbed shortly afterwards. - Telegram To Parents. - The first intimation the parents received was conveyed in the following telegram:- "Sincerely regret to inform you that your son, No. 335,692 L/AC. NICHOLLS, H. S., was killed in aeroplane accident at Old Sarum at 3.45 p.m. today. - Aeros, Salisbury." - Yesterday morning the father, MR S. R. NICHOLLS, ,who is a retired chief stoker of the Royal Navy, received a letter from Salisbury stating that the machine in which Ldg.-Aircraftsman NICHOLLS and the pilot were flying crashed to the ground, and both were killed. On receipt of the letter MR NICHOLLS proceeded to Salisbury. - Only 20 Years Of Age. - Ldg.-Aircraftsman NICHOLLS was only 20 years of age. Educated at St James' School, Keyham, under the late Mr Treglohan, he joined the Royal Air Force when 16 ½ years of age and learnt his trade at Cranwell Camp ,Lincolnshire, passing out about twelve months ago. - He had since been stationed at Salisbury, and had been up three or four times before the day of the fatal accident. By all who knew him he was very much liked. - Insufficient Speed. Witness's Version Of Why The Engine Stalled. - At the Inquest yesterday, Capt. E. A. Packe, 43rd Light Infantry, Shorncliffe, said the machine stalled and crashed to the ground nose first. The cause of stalling was insufficient speed. The accident might not have happened if the pilot had not allowed the nose to come up on the turn; even so, the crash might not have occurred had the engine not been throttled down as was the case. It was not safe to turn in that way with the engine throttled down. The machine was at an altitude of about 150 to 200 feet. - Wing-Commander Owen Tudor Boyd, commanding R.A.F. Old Sarum, said the machine, which he himself flew in prior to Goldsmid, was in perfect condition. Goldsmid was an average pilot and had flown for 140 hours alone. The height at which the machine was flying was the normal one for a flight of this character. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 10 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Retired Bank Clerk's Sad End. Coroner's Verdict. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest this morning on WILLIAM THOMAS HUTCHENS, a retired bank clerk, 70 years of age, residing at 7 St Lawrence-road, Plymouth. - Miss Louisa King, of the same address, said that she last saw deceased alive at 6 p.m. on Tuesday. He was then going to bed and complained that he was not feeling well. Yesterday morning he saw Dr Wilson at 8 o'clock. Witness went to his room and knocked, but could get no answer and then went for his brother-in-law, who lived in the same house, and they both went into the room which they found full of gas. MR HUTCHENS was lying on the floor quite dead. - A tube was attached to the grate and was quite close to him, and the gas was turned full on. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, and there was no reason, except the pain he suffered, for his doing such a thing. - Dr G. J. Wilson said that since Saturday he had been attending deceased who had suffered a good deal of pain. Witness was satisfied that death was due to gas poisoning. The tube was in his hand and had been previously in his mouth.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 April 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - The Geyser Peril. Devonport Man Poisoned By Fumes. - A strong point that geysers should be provided with an adequate ventilating shaft was made by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who, after hearing the evidence concerning the death of GORDON JAMES WEBBER, aged 25, a motor engineer, of Collingwood-villas, Stoke, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Deceased was found in a collapsed state in a bath on Tuesday evening. - Dr Saunders stated that death was due to poisoning from the fumes. There were no signs of drowning.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE JAMES BOWER of 15 Henry-street, Plymouth. Dr G. H. S. Letchworth said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 April 1924
TAVISTOCK -Tavistock Widow's Death. Coroner's Inquiry Adjourned. - The inhabitants of Tavistock were greatly perturbed on Thursday morning when they heard of the sudden death under rather tragic circumstances of MRS LEE, aged 58, a widow, of Parkwood-place, Tavistock. - It is stated that after a visit on Wednesday to her daughter, MRS MIDDLETON, whose husband, a Royal Marine, is at present abroad, and who resides in a tenement house in Brook-street, MRS LEE was seen by a neighbour to go to her home at about 7.30. She then became ill and Dr C. C. Brodrick was sent for, but, in spite of every attention, MRS LEE expired at 12.30. - MRS LEE leaves two sons and three daughters, for whom much sympathy is felt, the family being highly respected. One of her sons, MR WILLIAM LEE, is foreman at the Tavistock woollen factory, and he is hon. secretary of the Tavistock Comrades' Football Club. MRS LEE had been a widow for many years. Her husband was formerly foreman at the wool factory. - The Police were communicated with, in consequence of statements made as to what happened at Brook-street, where a Mrs Eastcott also lives, and it is alleged an altercation took place. - Inquiry Adjourned. - An Inquest was held on Thursday by the County Coroner, Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, with a Jury, of which Mr W. B. Alger was Foreman. - Evidence of identification having been given by MR ALFRED HEATH LEE, younger son of the deceased, the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until this morning in order that a post-mortem examination might be made. - Supt. Joslin and P.S. Lake represented the Police, and Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, solicitor, of Tavistock, appeared for Mrs Eastcott.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 April 1924
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Widow's Death. Story Of Neighbours' Quarrel. Inquest Verdict. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Jury, of which Mr W. B. Alger was Foreman, at an Inquest at Tavistock on Saturday on FANNY LEE, a widow, aged 58, who died under tragic circumstances at her home, Millbrook-place, Tavistock, on Thursday. Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone was the Coroner. - ALFRED HEATH LEE, son, said in consequence of information received from his sister, MRS MIDDLETON, he went to 35 Brook-street, where she had been living, and found his mother sitting on the stairs, with her hands on her chest. She said "Mrs Eastcott has boxed me on the chest." He then went to Mrs Eastcott, who lived in the same house, and she denied having struck deceased. Witness's mother could hardly walk, as the blow had hurt her chest. She was attended by a doctor two years ago for bronchitis and influenza. - HETTIE HEATH MIDDLETON, wife of a Royal Marine, and a daughter of the deceased, living at Millbrook-place, said she had been living in two rooms in the same house as Mrs Eastcott. There was a dispute about a grate, during with Mrs Eastcott struck her in the chest, and she fell to the ground. Witness did not see Mrs Eastcott strike her mother. - Gwendoline Daisy Wood, wife of George Edwin Wood, of Bank-square, Tavistock, said she saw Mrs Eastcott strike MRS MIDDLETON in the chest. Mr Eastcott first struck MRS LEE on the chest and then in the mouth. - George Edwin Wood also said he saw Mrs Eastcott strike MRS MIDDLETON. MRS LEE went up to her daughter's assistance, and Mr Eastcott struck her in the chest and mouth. Witness rushed upstairs and as Mrs Eastcott was going to strike another blow he caught hold of her wrist. - Doctor's Opinion. - Dr C. C. Brodrick said MRS LEE was suffering from shock. Death was due to heart failure following chronic bronchitis and emphysema. - In reply to the Coroner, the doctor said that possibly the rate which the deceased went upstairs and the general shock caused by the proceedings of the day - not the blows - and the excitement might have accelerated death. If there had been a hard blow there would have been a noticeable bruise. - Dr Watt identified himself with the report of Dr Brodrick. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that blows had been given as a result of an unfortunate brawl, but according to the medical evidence they were not responsible for the death of MRS LEE. He expressed sympathy with the deceased's family, as also did the Foreman of the Jury and Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, solicitor, on behalf of himself and Mrs Eastcott, whom he represented.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 25 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of Pensioned Army Tailor. - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today at an Inquest on WILLIAM FRANCIS WOOTTON, of 196 Grenville-road, Plymouth. - MRS WOOTTON said her husband was a pensioned master tailor of the R.G.A., and 56 years of age. She last saw him alive on Wednesday afternoon, when he went out for a walk. In the evening witness went to his room to give him a cup of tea and found him lying across the bed. The doctor was called at once, but found her husband dead. - Dr G. Deery said death was due to haemorrhage caused by tuberculosis of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 April 1924
BISHOPSTEIGNTON - 'My Brain Is Gone'. Bishopsteignton Man's Sad Letter. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquest last evening at Bishopsteignton on FREDERICK WILLIAM POOK, 64, of Smith Hill House, chairman of the Parish Council and overseer of the parish, captain of the Bowling Club, and captain of the Fire Brigade. - DAVID JOHN POOK, son, said on Tuesday morning, at 7.40, his father asked him to send for the doctor, remarking, "DAVID, send for the doctor. I have taken spirits of salts." Witness sent for Police Constable Pester, and in the meantime Richard Hill, a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade, arrived and put a lump of butter in the deceased's mouth and made him swallow it. He also gave him milk and water and six or seven eggs beat up in milk. This made the deceased vomit and shortly after Nurse Briggs arrived, and witness telephoned for the doctor. By the time the doctor arrived MR POOK had been taken into the kitchen and was later put to bed. - The Coroner: Do you know why your father should be unduly depressed? - Witness: He had influenza about three weeks ago, and the least thing in business upset him. He seemed to be worrying over something he had no reason to. For some time he had not been himself and had a nervous breakdown during the war, and he felt the effects of it in the spring of the year. He was building a large house in the village and it seemed to him the work was not going on fast enough. His father had taken an active part in several public meetings in the village as to the rights of the commoners on Haldon, and this worried him. - "My Brain Is Gone." - A letter produced with the words."God forgive me, my brain is gone," was in his father's handwriting. Deceased got the spirits of salts from the plumbers' shop and was used in his business. Deceased had no financial worries. - Dr Alexander Thomson, of Teignmouth, said deceased was rather depressed from the after effects of influenza. During Tuesday night the deceased was very restless and died on Wednesday evening, the cause of death being acute peritonitis as the result of taking spirits of salts. He had no hesitation in saying that deceased took the salts while in a fit of depression. - Constable Commended. - The Coroner said his verdict would be that deceased died from acute peritonitis, caused by taking spirits of salts at a time when he was of Unsound Mind. He commended the action of P.C. Pester (who gave deceased olive oil), Mr Hill, and Nurse Briggs for the extremely able way they had rendered first aid and, in the case of the Constable, he would recommend it to the right quarter.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 April 1924
BATH, SOMERSET - War Claims Devon Victim. - The toll of the war is not yet ended, five and a half years after the cessation of hostilities. It has been responsible for the death of PRIVATE SAMUEL JOHN RODD, 27, of Copthorne, Bridgerule, Holsworthy, Devon, upon whom the Bath Coroner held an Inquest yesterday afternoon. - It was stated that he had been under 16 operations, and was being given an anaesthetic at the Bath Pensions Hospital preparatory to an operation for the condition known as sinus disease, due to wounds, when he collapsed. - Dr Horsford said he noticed sudden dilation of the pupils, and breathing stopped. On removing the tube of the inhaler he found some ether liquid issuing from the end. Under artificial respiration he began to breathe again. - Strychnine was given hypodermically and his condition improved. Death was caused eventually by bronchitis, set up by the accidental inhalation of ether liquid. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 26 April 1924
TAVISTOCK - Sudden Death Of DR E. M. SPENCER. - Inhabitants of Tavistock heard with much regret yesterday of the sudden death of DR EDWIN MACREADY SPENCER, son of the late REV. E.E. SPENCER, at one time head master of the old Grammar School in Russell-street. - DR SPENCER, who was 58, resided at Cardiff, but came to stay with his sister, MISS SPENCER, at 20 Glanville-road, Tavistock, on Saturday last. He was found dead in bed on Thursday. - Last evening Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, Coroner, held an Inquest on the deceased at Tavistock. - FRANCES LAURA SPENCER, sister, said deceased came to stay with her last Saturday, when he appeared to be better than usual. He complained of feeling unwell on Wednesday and died on Thursday morning. - Dr W. E. Cree said death was due to heart failure. - In returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" the Coroner expressed sympathy with the widow, who was present.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 26 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Crownhill Fatality. Verdict of Accidental Death. Motor-Cycling Tragedy. - An Inquest was conducted by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital today on a patient who died in the Institution named MATTHEW HENRY ROBJOHNS, aged 58, market gardener, of Colebrook, Plympton. A son, MARSHALL ROBJOHNS, who described himself as a motor mechanic, said he was driving his father in a motor combination from Gunnislake to Plympton on Monday last. - On reaching the Crownhill Hutments, the backstay of the sidecar broke and the cycle fell on top of the sidecar and swerved across the road. Witness was thrown off the bike and on getting up found his father on his back in the road, but his legs were still in the sidecar. Deceased's head was badly cut and after being taken into the hutments he was subsequently conveyed to the Hospital. - Dr A. C. Moule, House Surgeon at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital, said ROBJOHNS was admitted suffering from a severe fracture of the skull. He was conscious when admitted, and was operated on shortly afterwards. Death occurred yesterday from the injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 26 April 1924
PLYMOUTH - Little Boy's Death. - An Inquest was conducted by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital today where a verdict of "Natural Causes" was recorded in respect of ERNEST FRANCIS HOWE, the five-year-old son of a labourer, residing at 67 South Milton-street, Plymouth. - The mother said that on Saturday last the lad fell down on the road through tripping on a stone, and hurt his knee. The following evening he complained of pain and witness fomented it with hot water. There was no bruises. She took deceased to a chemist on Monday and on Thursday he was detained at the Hospital, death ensuing early on Friday morning. - Miss Norah C. Goodbody, House Physician, described the child as suffering from an abscess of the bone, which might have been aggravated by the fall. The boy was of low vitality and died after an operation. [Western Evening Herald, Monday 28 April 1924 - Little Boy's Death: MRS SUSAN HOWE, of 67 South Milton-street, Cattedown, Plymouth, writes with reference to the report of the Inquest on her five-year-old son on Saturday, that it should have been stated that the little boy received the attention of Dr Travers Stubbs on Tuesday and Wednesday following the visit to the chemist on Monday.]

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 30 April 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - A Lonely Death. Woman's Body Found Near St Budeaux. - Pending the receipt of the findings of the Devon County Analyst, to whom have been forwarded the contents and portions of the dead woman's stomach, mystery surrounds the death of MISS MARGARET PEEK CUDDEFORD, aged 46, daughter of MR JOSEPH CUDDEFORD, retired farmer, of 24 Victoria-terrace, who was found by a Southern Railway ganger lying fully dressed on the bank of the river at Saltash Passage early on Sunday morning. - The Inquest was opened yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, who after hearing the story of the finding of the body and, near by, an empty bottle, said that Dr Thomas, who had conducted a post-mortem examination, had reported to him that he had been unable to find any relative cause of death. Therefore, considering it more satisfactory from the point of view of the relatives, he had sent parts of the stomach and its contents to the County Analyst, whose report was not expected until Friday morning. On that account Mr Pearce decided to adjourn the Inquiry until Friday afternoon.- MR CUDDEFORD, who is over 80 years of age, told the Coroner he last saw his daughter alive about six o'clock on Saturday evening, when she had tea. He heard her leave the house about nine o'clock, but did not take much notice, as she was in the habit of going out at night. Her health for some time past had not been good. Dr Thomas had considered she ought to have been taken care of, and had given a certificate to that effect, but witness did not like the idea of her being removed from her home, and had hoped she would get better. - Her Clothes Saturated. - John Mitchell, ganger, said he, in company with Robert Harris, was examining the railway track between St Budeaux and Tamerton Foliot on Sunday morning, when near Newlands Cottages, Riverside, they found a woman's coat and hat a few feet from the metals. About 50 yards away on the quay he saw a woman lying on the ground, her clothes being saturated. As he jumped down to see what was the matter he saw the woman move a foot. Getting no reply when he spoke to her, he sent his companion to Capt. Harkcom, who lives near by, for some brandy. - Meanwhile he examined the woman's coat and finding an envelope bearing the name of MISS CUDDEFORD, went in search of MR CUDDEFORD, who came and identified the body. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said that near to the body he found an empty bottle. Asked if he smelt it, he answered, "I did smell it, or try to smell it, but I am no smeller, so I could not tell what was in it." - Robert John Harris said when he returned to the spot after calling Capt. Harkcom he saw the woman move an arm and a leg, but she died before Capt. Harkcom arrived with brandy.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Sailor's Sad Death At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, yesterday held an Inquest at Devonport on Leading Seaman ALBERT BASKEYFIELD, 28, who was found dead at the bottom of No. 2 dock at the South Yard, Devonport, on Wednesday. Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent, was present. - Horace Vaughan, petty officer in charge of the drifter Harmattan, said deceased joined the ship on Saturday. It was awkward to get from the brow into the ship. There was plenty of light, but it was necessary to take great care. Deceased must have slipped when entering the ship. - Surg.-Com. Frederick Cock, of H.M.S. Dartmouth, said there was a considerable fracture of the skull. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and observed that no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Dead At Saltash Passage. - The Inquest on MISS MARGARET PEEK CUDDEFORD, aged 46, daughter of MR JOSEPH CUDDEFORD, of St Budeaux, whose body was found between the river bank and the railway line at Saltash Passage on Sunday morning, and which was opened on Tuesday and adjourned until yesterday, pending the receipt of the findings of the County Analyst, to whom certain parts of the stomach and their contents were forwarded, has been further adjourned until May 26.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 5 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Dead For Hours. Devonport Widow's Tragic End. Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Death from Accidental Coal Gas Poisoning" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at an Inquest at Ker-street, Devonport, this morning on ELLEN BROOKS, aged 65, widow of GEORGE WALKER BROOKS, a seaman of the Royal Navy, who had been the caretaker of 28 Ker-street for 20 years. Deceased was found dead in bed there on Saturday morning. - Dead For Hours. - Dr W. L. Cowardin, who was called to the house by P.C. Hurden at midday on Saturday, said there was a strong smell of gas in the two ground floor rooms, in one of which the deceased was lying in bed. She had been dead between eight and twelve hours, and a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning. - ETHEL LOUISA SCOTT, daughter of the deceased, said she last saw her mother alive on Friday night, when she was bright and cheerful. - The tap of the gas ring, which deceased used was rather loose. Nine months ago witness found an escape of gas which her mother did not notice, as she had lost the sense of smell. Usually her mother had her windows open, but they were closed on Friday night because she had only just returned home. - The Coroner: If the windows had been open this would not have occurred. - The Discovery. - Kenneth M. R. Smith, an architect's pupil, spoke to having made an inquiry for MRS BROOKS at noon on Saturday. He knocked at her door and received no answer. Witness smelt gas and looking through a window saw MRS BROOKS in bed apparently dead. He called P.C. Hurden. - P.C. Hurden described his visit to the deceased's rooms. He said the tap of the gas ring in the kitchen was loose and was "full on." There was a small ventilator high up in the wall, but it was insufficient to prevent the room being filled with gas, as the windows were closed. - MRS BROOKS, before going to bed the previous night had apparently put the breakfast things in position, and a kettle was on the gas ring. - The Coroner: Would you call the tap of the gas ring a defective tap? - Witness: No sir. It is rather loose compared with the others. - In returning the verdict stated above the Coroner said he had no doubt deceased had turned on the tap in some way without knowing it.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 5 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Due to Natural Causes. Sergeant's Sudden Death At Devonport. - The Inquiry into the circumstances of the death of SERGEANT EDWARD ERNEST MEADON, of B. Coy., 1st Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, stationed at North Raglan Barracks, Devonport, was held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at the Military Hospital, Devonport, this afternoon. Deceased, who was 35 years of age and was single, died suddenly at the Barracks on Friday. His home was at South Bridge, Wareham, Dorset. - MRS EDITH VILLAROEL, of South Bridge, Wareham, sister of deceased, gave evidence of identification and said her brother never complained of anything. She had a letter from him on Tuesday, stating that his health was good. - Private J. A. Page said that on Friday he was with deceased in a room in "K" Block, at the Barracks. Deceased was in charge of men waiting for medical inspection. He suddenly staggered and fell. - Lance-Corpl. J. H. McCarthy also gave evidence. - Captain Griffith of the Royal Army Medical Corps, who went to deceased immediately he was seized with illness, stated that he died within a few minutes. An aneurism of an artery at the base of the brain had been ruptured, resulting in apoplexy. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 6 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - An Infant's Death. Devonport Coroner And Midwifery. His Advice. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, held an Inquest Devonport this morning on the infant son of WILLIAM PARNELL HOBBS, a naval pensioner, and MRS ANNIE MAUD HOBBS of 15 John-street. - MRS HOBBS stated that the child was born on Easter Sunday and very soon afterwards it began to turn yellow and gradually got darker. She took no notice, thinking it was jaundice, with which two other children had suffered. On the Wednesday she sent for a doctor on the nurse's advice, and he advised her that the child would be all right again in a week. He prescribed some medicine and ultimately the child's colour became paler. It seemed to be getting thinner, however. On the following Tuesday she noticed signs of haemorrhage, which grew very bad by the evening and when the doctor came he pronounced it a hopeless case. She subsequently called in Dr Ingram. Death occurred last Friday. - Coroner's Comment. - The Coroner commented upon the fact that MRS HOBBS had "gone back to the old system of midwife," although she could get a thoroughly experienced nurse from the local nursing association. - "I want to impress upon you and all others in these days the necessity of obtaining the best skill and assistance which is available in the town," he added. - Mrs Eliza Jane Owen, a widow, of 36 James-street, said she had been certificated whilst practising in Madras, and gave evidence as to attending MRS HOBBS. In the hurry, she said, she forgot the little bag she usually took with her and obtained various articles from MR HOBBS, sterilising them before use. - The Coroner: That seems a very informal way of doing things. The ordinary proper and safe precautions are not taken in cases where you don't get a duly qualified skilled midwife. - Evidence was also given by Mary Eliza Gansom, a qualified midwife, belonging to the Three Towns' Nursing Association, who said the rules of the Central Midwives' Board applied equally to Nurse Owen as to the nurses of the Association. - Dr J. Ingram said the baby was very jaundiced when he saw it and very yellow - worse than he had ever seen a baby. Every means was tried to arrest the haemorrhage but without success and the child died the same day. Death was due to the haemorrhage. - The Coroner: Was that due to want of proper attention? - The Doctor: I would not like to say that. - In answer to further questions, the doctor said the use of articles obtained at the house would be all right provided they were properly sterilized. Nurses were sometimes called to a case in an emergency and were unable to take their appliances with them. - The Verdict. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, and expressed the view that a skilled nurse should be engaged and not a nurse who had not undergone any real training or passed any proper examinations. - "I cannot but think that in this particular instance there was a little lack of something on the part of Nurse Owen," he said. "I cannot conceive that she should have rushed away in such a hurry and let her things behind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 May 1924
SOUTH MOLTON - Workhouse Inmate's Death. - WILLIAM LIGHT, aged 95, formerly a labourer, an inmate of Southmolton Poor-law Institution since the age of 90, stumbled whilst being assisted by a nurse along a passage in the Institution on April 22, and fractured his left femur. - He died on Friday, and at the Inquest yesterday, Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 7 May 1924
PORT TALBOT, WEST GLAMORGAN - Motor-Cycling Fatality. Port Talbot Inquest on Plympton Man Adjourned. - Mr Howe, the West Glamorgan Coroner, at Port Talbot opened an Inquest on LEONARD CALLAWAY, 33, railway relief clerk at Aberavon, who was killed in collision with a milk cart while motor-cycling in Port Talbot streets. - His widow said that CALLAWAY was a native of Plympton. - The Inquest was adjourned for the attendance of Cyril Davies, the booking clerk who rode on the pillion and was injured.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 May 1924
KINGSKERSWELL - "I am Driven To This Act." Kingskerswell Widow's Last Sad Message. - The District Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, at Kingskerswell on Tuesday held an Inquest on MRS BESSIE BARTER, widow, aged about 50, who lived in lodgings at Princess-road, Kingskerswell. MRS BARTER was found unconscious on Monday morning, and died 2 ½ hours afterwards, before a doctor could be obtained. The verdict was that deceased died from poison administered by herself while Insane. - Mrs Ivy Gertrude Dorrington, with whom MRS BARTER lodged, said on entering MRS BARTER'S room she found her unconscious. A neighbour, Mrs Elsie Isaacs, administered stimulants, and on being unable to find a doctor in the village, they telephoned to Torquay and Newton Abbot, but were unable to obtain one in time to save MRS BARTER, who died about one o'clock. - Mrs Isaacs of Princess-road, said while attending to deceased she found a sealed note addressed to the Coroner pinned on the underside of MRS BARTER'S nightdress. - P.C. Braund searched the room, and failed to find any bottle or traces of poison. MRS BARTER'S husband died in March, and he was of the opinion she grieved over his death. - Dr James Russell said there were no conclusive indications that MRS BARTER had taken poison, but he agreed that the general appearances of the body were in agreement with the fact that she had taken morphia. He understood MRS BARTER'S husband had suffered from a painful disease for which morphia was prescribed. - The Coroner said he had received a letter left him by MRS BARTER. MRS BARTER wrote: - "I am driven to this act," then followed a long statement of the worries and troubles she had had, and references to her husband's death. The curious remark followed, "I am sorry in taking up your time, but I hope you will do your best on my behalf." - Mr Hutchings commented: "I have come to the conclusion that at the time she wrote it she was not in her right mind." But for this letter he would, he said, have had considerable anxiety, because they could not definitely say what was the cause of death. He thought it probable she had secreted some morphia in solid form. In taking it in that form there was no trace.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 13 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, the Coroner, today held an Inquest at 5 St Michael's-terrace, Devonport, this afternoon on JOAN MAY KING, the four months' old daughter of GEORGE HENRY KING, commercial clerk, of New Inn, Turnchapel. The child was admitted to a nursing home the previous week. It was fed at half-past five on Sunday morning and less than an hour later was found dead in its cot. Dr Lander told the Coroner that the cause of death was syncope due to general tuberculosis, and a verdict in accordance with his evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 May 1924
PLYMSTOCK - Coroner And Low Wages. Plymouth Milkman's Suicide. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM FREDERICK JOHN BLIGHT (20), of Cobourg-lane, Plymouth, whose body was recovered from Pomphlett Creek, Plymstock, on Friday, said in view of letters written by deceased it might not be a matter for surprise if Mr Langdon later on discovered that the accounts were out of order. The man's wages had been very small for a full-grown man. "With such low wages it is hardly inhuman nature for a man to remain honest," declared Mr Johnstone. - It was explained that the wages were those current in every part of the district. Deceased was a milk-roundsman. - The letters provided the stumbling-block, said the Coroner, and in view of the evidence given the only solution was that they were a fiction of the brain. There was no question that deceased died of drowning, and the only question was the state of his mind when he entered the water. His story of defalcations on his daily rounds was not borne out by his employer, and they could only assume, therefore, that deceased's mind was unhinged. Consequently he felt justified in bringing in a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - Alarming Letter. - FREDERICK WILLIAM BLIGHT, father, said that he last saw his son alive on Friday morning. His daughter later informed him that according to deceased's statement he had gone to Liskeard with his employer to make a purchase of milk. On Saturday witness's daughter received a letter from BLIGHT written in red ink, which she at once took to witness at his work. The contents of the letter led them to set inquiries afoot. Deceased had never mentioned any trouble concerning his work. - From the evidence of Reginald Langdon, dairyman, Henderson-place, Ford, Plymouth, it appeared that BLIGHT had been employed by him for three years. During this time witness had never found deceased dishonest. He had never had any intention of visiting Liskeard, and, in fact, did not do so. He received a letter on Saturday morning from BLIGHT, expressing penitence at having robbed "a good boss." In the letter deceased said he had listened to other milkmen, who said that they made money for themselves on their rounds, and said he had tried to do the same himself. BLIGHT intimated that he was going away, and should not return alive. "I hope I shall be punished for the wrong I have done," he wrote. - Witness on receiving this letter went carefully into deceased's accounts, but could find only a few small discrepancies. Otherwise the deceased's book showed a satisfactory state of accounts. BLIGHT being in fact the most accurate employee witness had. He could in no way account for the terms in which the letter concluded. - Replying to the Coroner, he said there had been no question of deceased leaving his employ. BLIGHT received £1 a week, with commission extra. - Dr S. Noy Scott said death was due to drowning. There were no marks of violence.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 15 May 1924
PLYMSTOCK - The Hooe Tragedy. Dockyard Labourer's Suicide. Head In Gas Oven. - An Inquest was held at Hooe today by the County Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, concerning the death of JAMES HENRY TAYLOR, Dockyard labourer, aged 40, of Cromwell-cottages, Hooe, who was discovered yesterday with his head in a gas oven with the gas turned on. - The widow, CAROLINE TAYLOR, said she had only been married to deceased for about six months. - The Coroner: How did you get on with him? Did you quarrel with him? - Witness: No, not at all, but he was always saying that he was going to take his life. - You did not get on well together? - No, not very well. - Have you been on bad terms with him ever since you were married? - Only the last two or three months. He was always threatening to take his life and I was afraid of him. Every time he came home from work there was always the same old cry. - Did he give any reason for this threat? - He said on Tuesday night that he was going to do himself in. - Did he say why? Was he unhappy? - No; I think he was in debt; he used to say so. - W hat did he say on Tuesday? - He said his nerves were properly scattered. - Did he say anything else? - No, but he fell back over the stairs. He frightened me so I ran in next door. - Did he threaten to take his life? - Yes. - What did he say? - He had a knife in his hand. - Afraid To Go Home. - Further questioned by the Coroner, witness said that she was afraid to return home that night, so slept at her mother's. She returned to the house the following morning, but, finding it locked, thought her husband had gone to work. She had never stayed away for the night before. When later in the day she again went to the house her brother, looking through the window, saw her husband's legs near the table. Later the Police forced an entry and they found the body. - Did your husband ever threaten you? - Yes. I was afraid of my life of him. - What did he say? - He said he was going to do himself in and me too, sometimes. - Did you attend to the house as you should do or not? - Yes, sir. - "Have you seen the letter your husband left behind?" asked the Coroner, and receiving a reply in the negative, Mr Johnstone proceeded to read the letter, in the course of which deceased accused his wife of neglecting the home. - A second letter addressed to deceased's mother ran as follows:- "Dearest Mother, Just a line to tell you that I have committed suicide as I have nothing to live for, so do forgive me and goodbye for ever." - Both letters were dated "April 24," but the widow could not account for that fact at all. - The Widow's Denials. - Asked to explain the meaning of the allusion to her having put the Police on his track, witness said she had never spoken to the Police about her husband, and with this P.C. Pyke, who was present at the Inquiry agreed. - So far as the rest of the contents of the letter were concerned, proceeded witness, there was no truth in them whatever. She did not neglect the house, neither did she constantly stay away. - The Coroner: Why didn't you get on with your husband? Witness: He used to say it was money matters, that he was in debt. - What was the first quarrel about? - Money matters. - But that was not your fault? - No. It was before he knew me. - Police-Constable Pike described finding the body in the kitchen after gaining access to the room through the window. Deceased was lying with his head in the oven, and a towel was suspended over the front. Both taps were turned on. The body was quite cold, and as Dr Bradbury was passing at the time, he called him in. - Witness said he had only known deceased about six months. MRS TAYLOR had never complained to him about her husband and he had never had any occasion to visit their home. - Recalled, the widow said her husband earned about £2 2s. a week, of which he allowed her only 15s. on which to keep him, her child and herself. - Answering the Coroner, witness's mother said she never interfered in her daughter's home. She had only been into it twice since they had been married. - Dr Bradbury having ascribed death to asphyxiation, due to gas poisoning, the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 15 May 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest this morning on PHYLLIS FAULL, aged nine hours, daughter of MR R. J. FAULL, of 83 Cambridge-street, Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 May 1924
PLYMPTON - Fell From Car. Plymouth Lady's Death On Ivybridge Road. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone held an Inquest yesterday on EDITH CATHERINE HARLEY, of South View-terrace, Plymouth, who was killed by a motor accident on the Ivybridge road on Wednesday. - WILLIAM LANG HARLEY said he was driving a 10 h.p. car, which he had recently bought. With him were his wife and another lady and gentleman. From Plymouth they went to Ivybridge, which they left about 4.30. He had driven the car three days. They were driving down the slope between Cadleigh and Lee Mill and were going, he thought, between 10 and 15 miles per hour in top gear. After asking his wife how she liked the running, he said, "I am not using the accelerator; just see the difference when I do." He then put his foot on the accelerator. In doing so he thought he put his foot down too heavily, and the car leapt forward and wobbled. Mr G. H. Williams, who was with him, saw the danger, and tried to steady the car, which skidded into the hedge on the right side of the road. Witness gave a jerk to steer it into the middle of the road, and the car went head on into the left bank, and came to a standstill. - Witness then looked around and saw his wife and Mrs Williams both in the road. Mrs Williams was on her knees and his wife on her back. - How The Accident Happened. - Mr G. H. Williams said MR HARLEY had bought the car through him and witness was instructing him to drive. The car gained speed as MR HARLEY kept his foot on the accelerator. Witness took hold of the wheel and MR HARLEY, he thought, pulled the hand brake, keeping the accelerator down, and thus causing the car to go across the road and strike the right hedge. Witness still had hold of the wheel, and tried to steer the car into the centre of the road, but it went to the other hedge. By that time the speed had eased up. - In his opinion the accident was caused by the application of the hand brake with the clutch still engaged and the accelerator pressed down. - In reply to Mr A. Gard, who appeared for the wholesale distributing agents of the Singer Car Co., witness considered the accident was due to faulty driving as a result of inexperience. He would not have allowed MR HARLEY to drive had he not been with him. - Dr Condon, of Ivybridge, could not say definitely that the neck of deceased was broken, but formed that opinion. He could find no signs of external injury to the head. - Mrs C. Williams, who was sitting in the back of the car with MRS HARLEY, said when the car started to get out of control, MRS HARLEY stood up, called out to her husband, and fell out sideways. When the car struck the hedge witness was thrown into the air and fell out. - P.C. Burridge, of Lee Mill, said the tyre on the right hand back wheel had burst, and the rim of the wheel dragged on the road, leaving a mark, which he thought was caused by the brake locking the wheel. - The Coroner said the cause of death was Accidental, owing to MRS HARLEY being thrown out of the car, the probability being that she broke her neck. He expressed sympathy with MR HARLEY.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 May 1924
AVETON GIFFORD - Sudden Death At Aveton Gifford. - At Aveton Gifford yesterday an Inquest was held on MRS EMILY STEERE, age 63, who expired suddenly while dressing to go to Exeter to take part in an exhibition in connection with the Women's Institute. - Dr Andrews attributed death to apoplexy, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 May 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - River Bank Tragedy. St Budeaux Woman's Death. No Poison Found. - A verdict of "Death from Exposure" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, at the adjourned Inquest on MISS MARGARET PEEK CUDDEFORD, aged 46, daughter of MR JOSEPH CUDDEFORD of 24 Victoria-terrace, St Budeaux, who was found on the river bank at Saltash Passage on the morning of Sunday, April 27. - Near the body was found a bottle, and as the post-mortem examination revealed no cause of death, the contents of the woman's stomach were submitted to the County Analyst for examination. Yesterday it was reported that the examination had produced a negative result. - In his report the County Analyst, Mr T. Tickle, wrote: - "I have examined these articles (the stomach and bottle) with reference to the presence of poison, and I have to report I have found none. The bottle contained only a few drops of gin diluted with water." - All the evidence describing the finding of the body by a railway ganger and his assistant on a plot of grass between the Southern Railway line and the river was given at the preliminary hearing and yesterday only the medical evidence remained to be called. - Scantily Clothed. - Dr R. J. P. Thomas said the woman was dead when he got to the river bank. She was lying face downwards, with her face buried in her arms. She was only scantily clothed - her hat and coat were found several feet away - and all her garments were saturated with water. The post-mortem examination revealed no signs of external injury, except two small abrasions on the left knee, whilst the organs were healthy. - As there was no obvious cause of death, witness said he sent the stomach and the bottle to the County Analyst. - The Coroner: At that time there was a suspicion she might have taken poison? - Dr Thomas: Well, there was no obvious cause of death from the post-mortem examination, and I thought it only right to have the stomach and contents analysed to clear up any suspicion of poisoning. - In the light of the Analyst's report, what would you say was the cause of death? - Syncope, due to exposure. - "I am of opinion," proceeded witness, "that the woman had been in the river and then came out and lay down on the turf. Seeing that she was so scantily clothed, coupled with the fact that she had evidently been drinking, I have no hesitation in forming my opinion that she died from exposure." - Do you think the saturation of the clothes might have been from the rain that had fallen that night? - I don't think so. It looked to me very much as though she first went to the railway line and as there were no trains running that night, she then went down to the river, where she lost heart. - Unfounded Fears. - Deceased, added the doctor, was afraid she was in a certain condition, but there were no grounds for those fears. "I think that, coupled with her low mental condition for some time past, made her desperate." - He had given a certificate as to her unsoundness of mind some three weeks before her death. - Answering MR CUDDEFORD, witness said he felt certain his daughter had been in the water. - Then she must have had the presence of mind to get to where she was found? - She probably got frightened after getting in the water and came out again. Mind you, that is only what I think. - You don't consider it accidental in any way? - I think it was in the end. It was death from natural causes after a deliberate attempt to cause it. - The Coroner thought the doctor's opinion represented what very likely had occurred, but he could not return a verdict of accidental death.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 27 May 1924
PORT TALBOT, GLAMORGANSHIRE - Plympton Motorist's Death. Port Talbot Collision: Coroner's Verdict. - Mr Howe, District Coroner, gave a verdict of "Accidental Death" at a Port Talbot Inquest on LEONARD CALLAWAY, a native of Plympton, who was killed in a collision with a milk float while motor cycling in Port Talbot on May 5. - He sustained a fracture of the base of the skull and terrible chest injuries. - Evidence showed he was going at 35 miles an hour.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 2 June 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Nonagenarian's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, this morning at an Inquest on WILLIAM JAMES TAYLOR, ex-engine fitter, aged 90, of 27 Clarence-place, who was found dead on the floor in his bedroom yesterday morning. Dr R. J. Fleming said deceased suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 6 May 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today at an Inquest on MRS ANNIE CHAPPELL of 30 Eton-place, Plymouth, who died the previous day. Dr M. Aikman attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 June 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Bere Alston Man's Suicide. Fatal Sequel To Police Inquiry. - A Bere Alston man's suicide at Devonport, following on a visit by the Police, was investigated at an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Coroner, on Saturday on GEORGE STRATTON FRANCIS, aged 66, a pensioned fitter of Devonport Dockyard, residing at Fore-street, Bere Alston, whose body was recovered from the Hamoaze the previous evening. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's son, GEORGE GUY FRANCIS, an unemployed musician of Fore-street, Bere Alston, who said he last saw his father alive on the morning of May 21, when he visited Devonport to do some shopping. He failed to return home, and witness, becoming alarmed, notified the Police. The same evening he received a letter from his father, stating his intention of going away, and adding, "I am in serious trouble, of which you will hear soon enough. Good-bye! I am clearing off." - The Police Interview. - Witness added that he had since learned that the Police had interviewed the deceased on the day before he left home, but he was unaware of the reason, as they had stated that they were not justified in informing him. Had any charge been brought against his father, it would have affected him greatly, as he was a deeply religious man, of very upright reputation. - This interview was explained by P.S. Lake, of Tavistock, who said he saw the deceased on May 19, in respect to an offence which had been committed at Bere Alston, and told him that the matter would be reported. - The finding of the body floating in the water off Pottery Quay was described by P.C. Jeffery, of the Metropolitan Police, who said there was a large stone tied to it, and there were also stones in the coat and trousers pockets. - Dr T. McElwaine said death was due to drowning, and a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was recorded the Coroner remarking that whether guilty or not of the charge which might have been made against him, it had been sufficient to unhinge his mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 June 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Cyclist Exonerated. Devonport Man's Accidental Death. - "In this case I have to consider whether there is any blame attaching to the cyclist. I have not summoned a Jury, because I did not think the circumstances warranted it. As far as the evidence goes, I cannot see that I can justly attribute any blame to the cyclist," said the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest in the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday, on ALEXANDER KIRKPATRICK, night watchman, of 8 Ker-street, Devonport, who died as the result of being accidentally knocked down by a cyclist on Saturday morning. - MRS ANNIE KIRKPATRICK identified the body as that of her father-in-law. - Frederick William Webb, 18, of 53 Lydford Park-road, Peverell, shipwright apprentice in the Dockyard, said he was cycling from his home to his work as usual on Saturday morning. On going down Milehouse-hill two cyclists, who were ahead of him, went up Wolseley-road. He was about to turn in to St Levan-road, when he saw deceased crossing from the right to the left of the road. - Two sailors on cycles passed, and cut in pretty sharply, attracting the deceased's attention. Witness rang his bell, and turned round to his right, and as he was about to turn in past KIRKPATRICK "he seemed to hesitate and give a step back on top of my front wheel. I struck him on the left-hand side in the back, and we both fell together." - Witness said he was not going any faster than anybody else would go. He had never done any scorching since he had had his machine, because he was too nervous. - Rang His Bell. - Henry Johns, of 4 Beauchamp-road, Peverell, and Richard Harold Warren of 16 Wyndham-square, Plymouth, gave corroborative evidence, Johns declaring that Webb would have had a better chance of clearing KIRKPATRICK if he had been a bit slower. - Warren stated that Webb rang his bell. If KIRKPATRICK had kept on walking instead of hesitating there would have been no accident. - Dr B. H. Stribling said the deceased had a wound on the skull two inches long right down to the bone and was unconscious when taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. In his opinion, shock was the actual cause of death, along with severe concussion. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to shock and concussion, due to being Accidentally knocked down by a cyclist.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 June 1924
BRATTON CLOVELLY - Gun Accident. Bratton Clovelly Farmer's Son Shot. - There was a fatal gun accident at Little Borough Farm, Bratton Clovelly, as the result of which MR ERNEST WOODMAN, aged 28, one of the sons of the occupier, lost his life. - Mr H. Croston Brown held an Inquest last night. - JAMES WOODMAN, brother, stated that deceased went out early on Monday morning to see the traps and shoot a rabbit, taking with him a single-barrelled gun. As he did not return witness made a search and found him dead beside a hedge. The gun was sticking in the hedge top with the stock embedded a little way and prevented from falling by two stumps. The position of the gun was such that the deceased could not have shot himself. - Dr Benson, of Lewdown, said death was due to shot wounds in the chest, received at close quarters and would be practically instantaneous. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 14 June 1924
BERE FERRERS -"Found Drowned." Hooe Man's Tragic End At Bere Ferrers. - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, County Coroner, at Bere Alston, on THOMAS PEARCE, 51, baker, of Hooe, Plymstock, who was found drowned in a pond on Barton Farm, Bere Ferrers, the previous day. - ALICE EMMA PEARCE, the widow, stated that about three weeks ago her husband, on the advice of Dr Scott, was sent to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital suffering from weak nerves. She did not notice anything wrong with him the last time she saw him alive. - Dr Fox, of Plymouth, said that while he was at the Hospital, PEARCE seemed quite normal, although of a quiet disposition. On Thursday deceased went for a walk, but failed to return. In his opinion the deceased might have had a sudden impulse in the condition he was. - Albert Ernest Horwood gave evidence of finding the body in the pond, and P.C. Dymond said he found on deceased 5s. 1d., a razor and a half-return railway ticket from Bere Ferrers to Plymouth. Horwood was complimented by the Coroner on the way he had removed the body. A sister at the Hospital also gave evidence as to the condition of the deceased while in Hospital, saying he appeared to be improving while there. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 June 1924
REVELSTOKE - Noss Mayo Inquest. - An Inquest was held at Noss Mayo yesterday concerning the death of MISS ELIZA MAY - aunt to MRS E. V. IRISH, of Post Office Farm, Bridgend, Newton Ferrers - who was found lying dead in her bedroom. - Dr Benstead Smith, after a post-mortem examination, formed the opinion that deceased died from syncope, probably due to a fall. Deceased had been blind for many years and last September was knocked down by a motor car and sustained a fractured leg. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was found.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 24 June 1924
TRURO, CORNWALL - Truro Fatality. Plymouth Man's Death In Hospital. Shocking Injuries. - An Inquest was held at Truro this morning by Mr E. L. Carlyon, on WALTER THAKE, 22, labourer, employed by Messrs. Anderton and Rowlands, amusement caterers, who received fatal injuries through falling under a traction engine at Truro the previous evening. Deceased formerly lodged at 14 Waterloo-street, Stonehouse. - Arthur Rowlands, one of the proprietors, said deceased was one of the attendants on the traction engine. He was a most reliable man and understood his duties. The engine left Penzance yesterday morning, and travelled to Truro, where it was to stay the night. - Severe Injuries. - Dr Hood said deceased was admitted to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary last evening suffering from a compound fracture with great injuries to both legs and the left arm. His right leg and foot were practically pulped, as also was his left hand. He was operated on, and the damaged right leg and left hand amputated. He died early this morning from shock, due to the extensive injuries. He had been suffering from extreme shock when he was admitted to the Institution. - Companion's Evidence. - William Voisey, employed by Messrs. Anderton and Rowlands, said he was with deceased at the time of the accident. Both were walking along the pavement by the side of the engine. When near the Central Hotel deceased stepped off the pavement. His foot slipped and he fell. The front wheel of the engine passed over his right leg and left arm. As he lay under the engine he tried to lift his legs to miss the back wheel, but owing to his right leg being injured he was unable to do so, and the back wheel went over both feet. Witness shouted to the driver to stop, which he did immediately. The engine was travelling at a crawling pace at the time. Just before the accident deceased shouted to another man to know if lodgings had been found for him. - The Verdict. - The Coroner said there was no doubt that deceased died from the shock due to the injuries he received. He was perfectly satisfied that nobody was to blame. He returned a verdict accordingly. - Mr Rowlands, on behalf of the firm, expressed his sorrow at the fatality and said he would make arrangements for the funeral, which would take place at Plymouth.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 24 June 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Sudden Death. - While taking a charabanc trip to Ivybridge, MRS ALMA SIMPSON, the wife of a dock labourer, living at 40 Well-street, Plymouth, complained to her companion, Mrs A. Barrett, of feeling unwell. At Ivybridge, MRS SIMPSON saw a doctor, and on his advice was taken home, but she lived only a few hours. - At an Inquest yesterday, Dr A. E. Blades said death was due to haemorrhage of the brain. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 June 1924
PLYMOUTH - Chemical Works Fatality. Young Plymouth Labourer's Sad End. - A verdict "That death was due to injuries Accidentally received at Messrs. Norrington's chemical works, Cattedown, caused by a fall of manure," was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, at an Inquest on CHARLES JOHN BURNS NORTHMORE, of Ford House, Cattedown, Plymouth, yesterday. - William Charles Jackson said he was with deceased on Thursday morning removing a fall of manure which was against a wall. Suddenly a mass of the manure swayed outwards. Witness jumped back, but the manure buried NORTHMORE. He was dead when dug out. The heap of manure had not been undercut. - Dr G. Deery said NORTHMORE died as the result of a fractured skull and other injuries. - Mr W. E. Harding, Inspector of Factories, was present, as was also Mr Wm. Rannells, organizer, Transport and General Workers' Union, who attended on behalf of deceased's relatives. Messrs. Norrington and Co., Ltd., were represented by Mr D. Pascho, secretary, who expressed sympathy with the relatives. NORTHMORE, he said, had been in their employ since he was a boy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 July 1924
TORQUAY - Seaman's Sudden Death At Torquay. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on Leading Seaman GEORGE BRADLEY, age 24, of submarine H 34. BRADLEY was taken ill while on board the submarine and went ashore to see the surgeon-commander, but died on the way to Hospital. - Surg.-Com. H. C. Devas, H.M.S. Maidstone, said just as he landed BRADLEY complained of sickness. He fell in a fit, and witness sent for a taxi to take BRADLEY to Hospital. T There was disease of the left kidney, the cause of the epileptic fit from which he died. Slight thickening of the membranes covering the brain might also have caused the fit. BRADLEY was a native of Oldham.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 8 July 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquest this morning on SARAH ANN WOOLCOCK, aged 56, of 46 High-street, Stonehouse, when Dr G. H. Fisher said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 July 1924
OKEHAMPTON - Wagon Tragedy On New Railway. Did Victims Disobey Instructions? - The tragedy which occurred on the new railroad being constructed between Halwill and Torrington on Tuesday, when two men were killed was investigated by the Okehampton District Coroner, Mr H. C. Brown, last evening. - The exact cause of the bogey carrying the men tipping up could not be ascertained, and it was stated they had been instructed not to rid on the wagons, and also to stop at the place where the bogey was loaded, as there was another gang at the destination for unloading purposes. - Mr Reginald Boase of Torrington, represented Messrs. Anderton, Ltd., the contractors. - The deceased were GEORGE DREW, 62, of Trebeath, Egloskerry, and GEORGE JOLL, 20, of North-street, Sheepwash. - Dr W. B. Mitchell, who was summoned to the scene of the tragedy at Venton Cross, near Highampton, said he found both men dead. They were very much mangled, and three others were injured. - The Coroner: Did you find any appliances to help you? - Witness: We took a stretcher with us. - With regard to appliances on the spot? - There was only a small box of dressings, about six inches long. - In your experience, in cases of railway construction, what would you expect to find? - I would expect to find splints and stretchers handy. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM JAMES DREW, Egloskerry and JOHN HENRY JOLL, Holsworthy. - "Suddenly Tipped Up." - Ernest George Brown, Highampton, one of the injured, a labourer employed by Messrs. Anderton, who could not stand owing to an injured foot, and was accommodated on a sofa, said he and others were working on the line under Frederick Lewis, their foreman, who was giving certain instructions. They began loading the bogey with keys and chairs for the line. After going about 300 yards the bogey suddenly tipped up, and they were all thrown underneath. The engine was pushing from behind. The five men were sitting on the front part of the bogey, the end farthest from the engine. He did not know what happened after they were thrown off. - The Coroner produced a toy engine and truck and witness gave a practical illustration of how the bogey tilted and canted over. - The Coroner: Have you any idea whatever what caused the truck to tip up? - Witness: Not the least. - Has anything ever been said to you men about riding on trucks? - Nothing. They have always been perfectly safe. - You have never been warned personally? - I have never been told by anyone not to do it. - If there are witnesses today who say that such an order was given to your gang, what would you say? - If an order was given to that effect, the men would not have ridden. - Questioned by Mr Boase, witness said that DREW was not a foreman, but was sent by Lewis to go with the other men. - When you had made your load up, did DREW say anything about riding on the bogey? - DREW told us to get on. - The Foreman: How would you get to spot to unload if you did not ride? - We would have had to walk. - Witness added that they jumped on the wagon to ride to the destination too unload. He heard nothing drop off the bogey. - Engine Driver's Story. - John Holland, the driver of the engine, said he saw the bogey rise up at the end nearest the engine, and he stopped within about 10 ft. He was travelling at five or six miles an hour. - The Coroner: Can you account for it tipping up in any way? - Witness: I cannot. It has never done such a thing before. - Can you offer the Jury any suggestion as to what happened or what caused it? - No, I cannot. - Witness added that he could not say whether there was any flaw or breakage in the line. - Replying to Mr Boase, he agreed that something falling on the wagon under the wheel would be an explanation of its tipping up. - A Member of the Jury: I should think that was the most logical explanation. - Cecil Yeo, the stoker on the engine, corroborated. - James Stafford, Hatherleigh, a foreman platelayer on the line, who gave the order for the loading of the chairs, said he definitely instructed DREW not to let any man ride on the wagon. DREW was nominally in charge of the job. - The Coroner: What made you make that remark to him? - Witness: Because I have approached the manager on three different occasions to allow men to ride, and he has absolutely refused. - Witness referred to an occasion on Monday afternoon last, when he said he gave practically all the men instructions not to ride on the wagons. DREW was present at the time, but he could not say whether the other four men concerned in the accident were there. - A Dangerous Practice. - Asked whether riding on the bogeys was common among the men, witness said he had never known of it since he had been on the line. Riding on wagons was very dangerous, as a load, especially chairs, was liable to shift. - A Member of the Jury: Would it not be rather irregular for the men to run alongside the truck? - Witness: DREW'S instructions were to load only. There was another gang at the other end to unload the truck. - Witness told the men to remain at the dump. They had no reason to go on the wagon at all. - Edward Henry Cox, manager for Messrs. Andertons, Limited, contractors, said he would not allow the men the privilege of riding on the wagons, whether laden or unladen. He particularly noticed DREW present when Stafford gave the men instructions not to ride. The rails at the place of the accident were exactly 4 ft. 8 ½ in. wide, the proper gauge. There was nothing wrong with the wagon. - Witness agreed that if a chair had fallen on the rail it could have caused the bogey to tip up. That was his only theory as to how the accident occurred. - The Coroner said there was no eye-witness as to anything falling off the bogey, and to that extent the evidence was deficient. They had gone rather fully into the question of the regulations of Messrs. Anderton - a point which ought to be cleared up in the interests of both relatives and contractors. He was afraid there was some laxity on the part of the men in the gang, and especially if the men were told to load only and to remain where they were. That made it all the more incomprehensible why the men should have got on the wagon at all. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their deep sympathy with the families of the deceased. - Mr Boase also expressed the sympathy of Messrs. Anderton.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 July 1924
EXETER - AT an Exeter Inquest yesterday on MRS M. A. LOOSEMORE, 25 Russell-street, aged 77, who was found dead in bed, Dr Foulkes attributed death to haemorrhage of the lungs, due to heart disease. The Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 12 July 1924
PLYMSTOCK - Jennycliff Tragedy. Suicide Of Plymouth Rating Surveyor. - Inquest Story. - A verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by the Tavistock and District Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest at Turnchapel this morning on HENRY BENNETT, aged 45, who held the position of rating surveyor and valuer to the Assessment Committee of the Plymouth Incorporation of Guardians, and whose body was found on the beach at Jennycliff, near Turnchapel, early yesterday morning. Deceased, who resided at 71 Embankment-road, Plymouth, was a Fellow of the Institute of Actuaries. - Left Four Letters. - Evidence of identification was given by Mr W. T. Cherrett, technical assistant to the Assessment Committee, who said that deceased lived apart from his wife, having been separated in December of last year. The home was sold. - He was of a reserved nature, and had never said anything about taking his life. - Deceased left a letter addressed to witness, together with four others (two directed to his wife and mother) on his desk. - The Coroner read two of the letters, but said they threw no light on the reasons why deceased should take his life. - Mr W. A. L. Smith, living at Bovisand, said deceased landed at Jennycliff at 2.30 on Thursday afternoon from a boat and kept the two watermen with the boat waiting until six o'clock, when he said he intended walking back to Plymouth. Witness went bond for deceased for the amount of the boat-hire (10s.), as deceased did not possess sufficient ready cash. - Deceased seemed quite normal, and said nothing about drowning himself, and when they parted promised to see witness again and asked him to call at his office. - Finding Of The Body. - Amelia Job of 3 North-street, Plymouth, gave evidence of finding the body, which was two or three yards from the high-water mark. - Mrs Northcott, living at 71 Embankment-road, where deceased lodged, said he was quite regular in his habits. He often spoke about his children, who were with his wife. - P.C. John Pike said the body was apparently washed up by the previous tide at midnight on Thursday. A hat and walking-stick, identified as deceased's property, were found between high-water mark and the edge of the cliff, quite dry. Amongst the articles found on deceased was a sheet of paper, on which his name and address was written, while there was also a type-written copy of a verse of the song, "The End of a Perfect Day." - The Coroner said there did not seem to be much doubt that deceased committed suicide by drowning, but there was little to guide him as to the state of deceased's mind. - Deceased worried about his children and the selling of his home, and the breaking up of his life in that way would tend to depress him. The act seemed to have been contemplated by what he wrote to Mr Cherrett, and under the circumstances he thought he was justified in returning a verdict that "Deceased was Temporarily Insane."

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 15 July 1924
PLYMOUTH - Naval Pensioner's Death. Verdict At A Plymouth Inquest. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today held an Inquest on FRANCIS CHARLES EDWARD POWELL, aged 55, naval pensioner, of 14 Cambridge-street, Plymouth, who died on Sunday. - Mrs Purdey of 34 Cambridge-lane West, said she last saw deceased alive at about 7.15 on Sunday evening. He was sitting on the rails of a house in Courtenay-street. Deceased asked witness's husband to take a key to the Minima Yacht Club, where he was employed as a steward. She fetched him some brandy and took him to his home in a taxi, and sent for a doctor. MR POWELL had died before the doctor's arrival. Deceased, she said, had not been well for some little time, but witness did not think he was seriously ill. - Dr A. E. Blades had conducted a post mortem examination, and found that death was due to valvular disease of the heart of long standing. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 July 1924
BRIXHAM - Naval Stoker's Bravery. Brixham Coroner's Thanks For Attempted Rescue. - The Inquest on Leading Seaman MOSES SHEPHERD, of the destroyer Whitley, Ninth Flotilla of the Atlantic Fleet, a native of Hertford, who was drowned on Sunday night, was held by Mr Ernest Hutchings at Brixham yesterday. It will be recalled that SHEPHERD was going to his ship in the drifter Columbia, of the Second Flotilla, when he fell overboard, near Brixham pier-head, and was drowned. Lieut. G. W. Arkwright, H.M.S. Whitley, was present at the Inquest. - James William Champion, leading seaman, H.M.S. Whitley, said he did not know SHEPHERD'S age, but thought he was about 25. He and witness were in the Columbia, which left Brixham Pier about 11 o'clock on Sunday night with sailors who were returning to their ships. SHEPHERD was not absolutely drunk, but he had had a little drink, and was able to take care of himself. The drifter was not crowded. Witness heard a cry of "Man overboard!" whilst standing up lighting a cigarette. There was a shout of "Boats!" in a peculiar voice and he remarked "That's my chum." The engines of the drifter were stopped, and two small boats came along. - The Coroner: But SHEPHERD could not be seen? - No. The drifter was close to Brixham Pier when the shout of "Man overboard!" was heard. - No cry was heard other than what you think was his voice called "Boats"? - No. It was a smooth sea at the time and there was an off-shore wind. Witness was of the opinion that SHEPHERD was standing up when he lost his balance and fell overboard. He had said that he could swim. His body was recovered in the outer harbour the following morning where he fell overboard. - Thomas Arthur Baden Russell, stoker, H.M.S. Windsor, whose home is at Birmingham, said he heard the cry of "Man overboard!" and at once looked to see if he could see anybody and dived into the water. When in the water he saw what he thought was a man's head and he swam in that direction. "I just touched him and he went straight down," added the witness. - The Coroner: Were you able to catch hold of him? - No, sir. He sank too quickly. Witness added that he had not seen SHEPHERD on the drifter. - Dr R. B. Thompson, of Brixham, who was called to see the body in the Mortuary, said the cause of death was drowning. - Addressing Stoker Russell, the Coroner said it was his duty to make a report to the proper authorities of what he tried to do. "I am sure that it was through no fault of yours that the poor fellow was not rescued," added the Coroner, and "I think you made a very gallant attempt to try and save this man's life. On behalf of the Court I wish to thank you for what you did." - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning" and said it was a very sad case.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 17 July 1924
PLYMOUTH - Attempted Suicide. Leads To Death In Prison From Pneumonia. - "Death from Pneumonia indirectly caused by Self-inflicted wounds in the throat," was the verdict returned by Mr John Graves, Deputy Plymouth Coroner, at an Inquest held this morning at the Plymouth Prison, Mutley, on the body of AMBROSE GEORGE TEAGUE, 44, a mason's labourer, of Green-lane, Halgrave, Bodmin, who died in the Prison yesterday. - The Governor, Mr George Arthur Wood, said that deceased was received into the Prison on June 21st last, coming from the Bodmin Infirmary to take his trial. He attempted to commit suicide on May 11th and had been ill ever since. - Dr H. G. Pinker, the Prison doctor, who had attended deceased since his reception in the Prison, said death was indirectly due to the wound in his throat.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 July 1924
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Gas Worker's Burns. Moreton Man's Mishap While Clinking A Furnace. - At Moretonhampstead Mr Edmonds held an Inquest on ALBERT PITTMAN, 72 years, of Kinsmens Dale, who died as the result of an accident on June 21 while employed at Moretonhampstead Gasworks. - Walter Wright, Moretonhampstead Gasworks, said on June 21 deceased was employed clinking a furnace -taking out fires - when one of the bars slipped and he was scalded. He did not actually see the accident, but went to PITTMAN'S assistance in response to his call for help. - In reply to Mr C. G. Gates, Inspector of Factories, witness said deceased was accustomed to the work for 40 years. So far as witness knew, the bars were in a correct position. - Dr E. H. McColl stated that PITTMAN suffered from burns and scalds on both arms, face and ears, while the left shoulder was dislocated. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death". Mr George Lane, secretary of the Devon Gas Association, on behalf of the directors, joined in an expression of sympathy.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 July 1924
TAVISTOCK - Gunnislake Fatality. Cyclist's Inexplicable Conduct. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Tavistock Hospital on Monday evening on STANLEY ISBELL, 21, blacksmith, of Metherell, who died on Sunday from injuries received in a collision at Lee-bridge Hill, Gunnislake, on Wednesday. - Superintendent Joslin watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - WILLIAM THOMAS ISBELL, father of the deceased, said his son had ridden a motor bicycle for 12 months and was an experienced rider. He left home about 7 a.m. on Wednesday to go to work. - Charles Henry Sandercock, miner's labourer, of Harrowbarrow, said he worked at Marytavy Mine, and on the morning in question he was cycling down the hill when he lost his brakes. He was not riding very fast. The brakes were rim brakes, but there were no brake-blocks in the shoes. After he lost the brakes his speed increased, and he lost control of the machine. He did not see deceased until he was within a dozen yards of him and tried to turn out of his way, but he struck the motor bicycle with his front wheel, throwing the rider off. The bicycle was going too fast for him to get off. He saw deceased lying on the side of the road, but did nothing to help him. He stood by until two men removed deceased. - Fred Higman, mine setter, said he found deceased lying on his back in the road with a motor bicycle across his feet. He was unconscious and there was a pool of blood under his head. He sent for a car, and had him conveyed to the Tavistock Hospital. Sandercock was standing by holding on to his bicycle. He said nothing about an accident until shortly afterwards. He made no effort to help deceased. - No Effort To Help. - Mr Perkins, another mine worker, said he said to Sandercock, who made no effort to help deceased, "Whatever has happened," and Sandercock replied, "I ran into him." Sandercock then went away, pushing his bicycle. Sandercock appeared to be frightened. - P.C. Hoare said where the accident happened there was a straight piece of road for about 50 yards. The road was 24 ft. wide at the spot. - Dr M. H. Hoskins, of Gunnislake, said deceased was suffering from severe concussion and had a punctured wound and bruise on the right side of the head. Subsequently he showed definite signs of a fractured skull and was operated upon, ape of granite being discovered beneath the skull. He did not regain consciousness and died from a fractured skull. - Recording a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner complimented Higman, Perkins and Pengelly for their assistance, saying they had behaved as Englishmen might be expected to behave. What struck him was that Sandercock must have known it was a very serious accident, and yet he stood by the side of de no effort to assist him, but waited until other people came and then went away. He expressed sympathy with deceased's parents.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 24 July 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Month-Old Child. - At an Inquest on the body of EDWARD ARTHUR HENRY GLENNON, the one-month-old son of MRS J. V. GLENNON of 80 Charlotte-street, Devonport, the wife of a Royal Marine, serving on H.M.S. Pegasus, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Deputy Coroner, Mr A. Gard, this morning. - The child was found lying dead in bed by its mother's side on Tuesday morning. Medical evidence was given by Dr McElwaine, the Police Surgeon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 July 1924
PLYMOUTH - The Railway Tragedy. Inquest On Two Plymouth Boys. Looking For Flowers. - The Inquest on the two boys who met with a fatal accident near North-road Station on Saturday afternoon was held at the South Devon Hospital this afternoon, before Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner. - The boys were GEORGE FOX, 6, of 46 Cecil-street, and THOMAS WILLETT, 7, of 6 Inne's-court, Granby-street. - Chief Inspector Ackland appeared on behalf of the Great Western Railway Company. - MRS FOX, mother of the deceased boy, said she as the wife of WILLIAM HENRY FOX, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard. Her son, GEORGE ALFRED, was six years old last March. He went out on the Saturday morning about 10 o'clock, as was usual on Saturday mornings, to play in Victoria Park. He should have returned about a quarter to one. Information of the tragedy was brought to her in the afternoon by three little girls. - Mrs Rose Leddon said she lived at 75 Alexandra-road. She was an assistant in Trusse's Restaurant, which was No. 2 Saltash-road, Plymouth. About ten minutes to one she saw three boys, who were strangers, come around the back of the shop. She remarked to the girl in the shop about one boy having no shoes or stockings. The three then went up the railway bank and picked a bunch of flowers each. The three boys went on to the railway track. - "I watched them, and saw that the signal for the train went down. Just then the smallest boy slipped under the signal wire on the line on to the bank and clear of the railway. - The other two boys remained on the track and the train knocked them down. They were standing up side by side when it happened. - P.C. William Clatworthy said he went on to the up line where the boys were, close by Pennycomequick, and found them with wounds in the head. WILLETT was shouting deliriously. He took the boys North-road Station and told someone to send for the ambulance. - Died In Hospital. - Dr Norah C. Goodbody, House Physician at the Hospital, said the two deceased boys were brought to the Hospital, both having received injuries to the head. One was already dead and the other died about an hour and a half after admission. - MRS SELINA PELLOW said the boy WILLETT was her son by her first husband. She left him on Saturday morning when she went to work, playing in their yard. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr John Graves, said it was quite clear that it was a case of accidental death, with no blame attaching to anyone. One could not expect the driver of an engine, even if it was possible for him to see the boys, to have been able to stop the train. - Chief Inspector Ackland explained that the driver had to be looking out on the other side of the engine to where the boys were and had not seen them at all.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 1 August 1924
THURLESTONE - The Bantham Tragedy. Inquest On Two Victims. Painful Scene. - The story of the terrible bathing tragedy at the picturesque little hamlet of Bantham, near Thurlestone, was told this afternoon at the Inquest on the bodies of MR G. M. TINCKNELL, teacher, of 112 Kennington-avenue, Bristol, and the boy C. B. OWEN, of 10 Randal-street, Clifton, Bristol, conducted by the Totnes Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, at the Sloop Inn, Bantham. - General Sympathy. - Considerable interest was occasioned by the presence of a number of Pressmen from Bristol and other parts and relatives of the dead teacher and schoolboys. Sir Ernest Cook, chairman of the Bristol Education Committee, on his arrival, immediately instituted a thorough search of the vicinity where the sad affair occurred, in company with a number of sympathizers, but the sea refused to give up her dead. - Sir Ernest and Mr Baxter, headmaster of Cotham Secondary School, where the boys were pupils, have received a large number of messages of sympathy, including one from the Mayor of Bristol and one from the Bishop of Bristol, who wired: "Please convey my deepest sympathy to all concerned in the terrible disaster." A message in similar terms has been received from the Right Hon. Colonel G. A. Gibbs, M.P., for Bristol West. - It seemed as though the elements felt the sad nature of the occasion, for the sky assumed a dull leaden hue, which sombered the pretty picture of the previous day. - Pretty Hamlet. - Bantham is a pretty little hamlet, composed of a score of white-washed cottages at the mouth of the meandering river Avon, whose estuary at low tide presents for the most part a vista of a wide track of sand. The village lies a hundred yards or so inland on the left bank of the river, and on the crest of the hill on the opposite bank can be discerned the bungalows at Bigbury-on-Sea, while Burgh Island, which is popularly known as Chirgwin's Island, looms large almost as a sentinel in front of the hamlet. - Distressing Scene. Witness Identifies Body Of His Son. - The dining-room of the Sloop Inn was crowded with Pressmen, witnesses, relatives, and Police when the Inquest commenced. - The first witness was MR W. J. STENNER, an architect, of 129 Chesterfield-road, Bristol, brother-in-law of MR GEORGE MARK TINCKNELL, school-teacher, 31, whose body he identified. All the party belonged to Cotham Secondary School, Bristol. He knew nothing about the accident. - MR ARTHUR OWEN, master tailor of 19 Randall-road, Clifton, Bristol, identified the body of his son, CYRIL BENJAMIN GEORGE OWEN. He would have been 16 on the 8th of August, proceeded witness, bursting into tears. He (witness) knew nothing of the accident until informed on Wednesday night. His son could not swim. He went to the baths two or three nights a week. - Camping Out. - George Arnold Phillips of 73 Church-road, Horfield, Bristol, the teacher who managed to get ashore after heroically endeavouring to rescue MR TINCKNELL and some of the boys, said that on Wednesday last he was in the neighbourhood of Bantham with the party of boys from Cotham Secondary School, Bristol. They were camping out. The boys were under the charge of MR TINCKNELL and witness was assisting him. There were 15 boys in all, and on Wednesday they went to bathe in the sea off Bantham. - The Bathing Party. - It was about 11.45 when they went to bathe. One boy remained out as he was suffering from a cold, so there were 14 bathers and the deceased bathing. Witness said there was a notice board which he had not himself read, but MR TINCKNELL had done so. The board was over the main entrance to the sand, and not very far away. They had also made inquiries soon after they came. Witness understood they went into the water on the place indicated as safe. There was, he added, a sign on the sands on which there was a triangle, which was red on one side and white on the other, dividing the beach into what was considered the dangerous portion and what was thought the safe part. The party kept well on the white side. They were, he thought, 20 yards on the white side of the sign. - The tide had turned and had been coming in for about an hour. For some few minutes they played among the breakers and then some of the party swam out ahead a short distance. OWEN being one of those who went on, whilst MR TINCKNELL, who was further ahead than witness, moved with some others to the left.- MR TINCKNELL was a moderate swimmer, but OWEN was considered a good swimmer. He should not call the sea rough at the time, though there were breakers. - Out Of His Depth. - When he (witness) went out a little way, he found that he was soon out of his depth and when he turned for the shore he found that returning took him much longer than he expected. When eventually he found his feet again he stood up and saw that some of the party had gone on a long way and others had drifted to the left, which was towards the dangerous part of the beach, MR TINCKNELL being one of the latter party. - A Call For Help. - Witness formed the opinion that there must have been a current carrying them towards the left, and he called to them to look where they were, and come back towards him. - There was a cry from Fred Pitts (whose body has not yet been recovered). He was one of those swimming to the left, and to him MR TINCKNELL immediately went. For a few strokes the master swam with his pupil, but then Pitts was lost, having disappeared, whereupon MR TINCKNELL called for help and witness swam to MR TINCKNELL'S aid, reaching him before he sank. - "I told him to put his hands on my shoulders so that I could swim with him, but he did not respond." - Witness thought he was rendered helpless by the water by that time, although his eyes were open and he did make some movement with his hands. - Proceeding, Mr Phillips said he caught hold of MR TINCKNELL by one arm and became exhausted himself, and called to Woodhall, who came towards him. - "Just at the moment I felt the ground, and I held his head out of the water." A big wave came from behind him and took him off his feet. - The Coroner: What happened to MR TINCKNELL? - I lost my hold and we both went under. - When he (witness) recovered he just struck out for the shore himself. He never saw MR TINCKNELL after being swamped by the wave. When he got ashore he looked out for the other boys who had been swimming some distance, but he could only see Norman Saunders. Three were missing, OWEN being one. It was difficult to recognise just heads at a distance. - He did not see OWEN in difficulties. Woodhall, who had been assisting MR TINCKNELL came in to land after witness. Saunders, who was the last to land, was indeed in a collapsing condition when he reached the shore. Later a search was made. - At the time Ernest Anderson, the boy who did not enter the water, ran along the rocks with a rope, but he did not see any signs of those who had disappeared. - In all four boys disappeared. He was not present when the bodies were recovered. - The Coroner, to Sergt. Horne: Is there anything you would like to say? - Sergeant Horne: I think the witness has given his evidence very clearly. - Answering Sir Ernest Cooke, witness said OWEN, Pitt and Tom Anderson, were good swimmers, but Elmes was not a strong swimmer. Witness and MR TINCKNELL were fairly good swimmers. There was a strict order by MR TINCKNELL that the boys were not to swim unless with him or witness. - At the time Ernest Anderson, the boy who did not enter the water, ran along the rocks with a rope, but he did not see any signs of those who had disappeared. - Noel Henry Woodhall, one of the schoolboys, of 22 Broad-street, Staple Hill, Bristol, said OWEN must have sunk while witness was swimming to MR TINCKNELL. "I thought he had his senses, but he could not get away. He was a dead weight, said witness of MR TINCKNELL. When he last saw OWEN he did not think the boy was in danger and when he went to TINCKNELL'S assistance he saw that a wave had swamped MR TINCKNELL and Mr Phillips." - "I was just getting near at the time," said witness. After MR TINCKNELL and Mr Phillips had been separated by the waves, TINCKNELL came up for a quarter of a minute, and witness caught him by the bathing costume, "but he went again," proceeded witness. - Call For A Boat. - Ernest William Anderson, 20 Lancashire-road, Bristol, the schoolboy who did not bathe, said the first he knew of any untoward happening was when someone ran out of the water calling out for someone to go for a boat. He raced across the beach as hard as he could to the place where the boats were moored. He met some visitors during his run and he called to them for help, but they said they could not get a boat out for a few minutes, as it would have to be dragged across the sands. - He fetched a rope which was hanging up by one of the huts, and went as far out on the rocks as he could in the hope of seeing those who had got into difficulties. He saw nothing of them. Saunders told witness that OWEN got into difficulties apart from the others, Saunders immediately swam out to him and brought him back a distance which Saunders estimated at 300 yards. - OWEN then began to sink, and he had to let him go, as he was being pulled under. Packer, too, informed witness that Tom Anderson went after OWEN, and that Anderson, who was witness's brother, got hold of OWEN, and also towed him back. - Donald Cameron, 15 Effingham Park-road, St Andrew's Park, Bristol, another schoolboy, was out just past Pitt and tried to stand, but could not. He swam back and in the meantime Pitt was in difficulties, and called out "Help, help, honestly, honestly." - Search For Bodies. - P.C. H. J. Hawkin, Aveton Gifford, said he joined in the search for the bodies, with no result until 5 p.m., when the body of MR TINCKNELL was pulled ashore by a gentleman of Paignton. The boy's body was pulled ashore in the evening by two young men staying at the Inn. - The Coroner said it was a most unfortunate case, especially in regard to MR TINCKNELL, because he was so near being saved. But for the unfortunate wave, in another second or two he would have been saved. Everyone concerned, friends and companions of the deceased, evidently did all they possibly could with very considerable risk to themselves in order to save their friends. "I think they deserve very great credit for the efforts which they made, and I do not think that they could have done any more. It is most fortunate, it seems to me, some of them did not lose their lives as well. They ran considerable risk. When a man is drowning he is not accountable for his actions and he is apt to cling to his rescuer and endanger the lives of both." - The Warning Notice. - 

Western Morning News, Friday 1 August 1924
EAST STONEHOUSE - Stoker's Fatal Fall. - Mr John Graves held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on CYRIL BOLTON, first class stoker of the R.N. Barracks, who was found lying unconscious in John-street, Morice Town, having apparently fallen from a window. - Frederick W. R. Gaynor, first-class stoker, said last Sunday night he occupied the same bedroom as deceased at John-street, Morice Town. They retired at 11.30. About 2.30 witness was awakened by his father and a Constable, who said deceased was in the street unconscious. Deceased was at once taken in an ambulance to the Royal Naval Hospital. The window of the room was open about 1 ft. 6 inches. He could give no account as to how deceased got through the window. - Surgeon-Lieut. A. E. Malone said when deceased was admitted he was suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull. He died on Wednesday. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" as the result of a fall from a window, was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 August 1924
THURLESTONE - Bantham Bathing Tragedy. Inquest On Bodies Of Three Boys. Coroner And Warning Signs. - About eleven o'clock yesterday morning the body of FREDERICK THOMAS ANDERSON, the last of the five from Cotham Secondary School, Bristol, who lost their lives while bathing at Bantham last week, was found on the beach. - The Totnes Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, was thus enabled to hold the Inquest on the bodies of the three boys, having previously conducted an Inquest on the bodies of the teacher and another boy who were drowned. Two of the boys, it will be remembered, were found on Monday, ELMES at Bigbury, and PITT at Bantham Beach. - The names of the boys were: - FRANK ELMES, 16, of Algiers-street, Bristol; CHARLES FREDERICK PITT, 16, of Colham-hill, Redland, Bristol; and FREDERICK THOMAS ANDERSON of Lancashire-road, Bristol. - MR WILLIAM ELMES of Eldon-terrace, Bedminster, Bristol, a carpenter, identified ELMES, his nephew. The boy, he said, was the son of FRANCIS JAMES ELMES, a chief Government Inspector on the Gold Coast of Africa. - MR GEORGE HOWARD PITT, of Leighton-road, Southville, Bristol, civil servant, identified his brother, CHARLES FREDERICK PITT. - As the body of ANDERSON was only found yesterday morning, the school teacher, Mr Phillips, received a telephone message from the lad's father, who was unable to reach the scene in time, asking him to make the identification. - Mr George Arnold Phillips again gave evidence of the fatality, recapitulating his statement at the previous Inquest. He described how the party went to bathe from the safe portion of the beach and were caught by the current. ANDERSON and PITT were amongst those who swam out ahead of the remainder of the party, but he could make no statement with regard to ELMES. He recalled how MR TINCKNELL endeavoured to save PITT, but after holding him for a short time lost him and then himself got into difficulties. After that the boy was not seen again. - TOM ANDERSON was last seen swimming with OWEN in an attempt to save him. - The Coroner: Apparently ANDERSON lost his life in trying to assist OWEN? - I think that is quite clear. - Found On The Rocks. - Mrs Blanche Samways of Warren Cottage, Bigbury-on-Sea, found the body of one of the boys about ten o'clock on Monday morning. She was sitting on the rocks with her little girl and saw the body of the boy on a rock. She communicated with the postmaster, who informed the Police. - Mr Alfred Hine, of Hazlewood, Loddiswell, a gardener, discovered PITT'S body on the sands at Bantham on Monday morning. It was in the water by the rocks and, with his son, witness pulled the body out of the water, and informed the gatekeeper, Mr R. Hoskins. - Taking Precautions. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death due to Drowning while Bathing," the Coroner said last week he made some suggestion as to additional or better means of indicating to would-be bathers which part of the beach was dangerous and which safe. That morning he had had a talk with Com. Evans, who took a great interest in the neighbourhood, and he had told him (the Coroner) that he had arranged to have a fresh notice put up, giving more details and warning as to the danger of bathing on the sands. He was also going to have erected a white post, which would to some extent be a safeguard. At the same time, Com. Evans told him that at low tide the sea on the whole length of these sands was very dangerous for bathers. Those who swam out of their depth were liable to get caught in the current and be unable to return to the shore. - At the same time, he went on, the sea there was hopelessly dangerous except for very strong swimmers, but when the water was high, he understood there was no current and it was comparatively safe. It was at low tide that the danger arose. - Bravery Commended. - The Coroner could not help remarking again on the bravery exhibited by the friends of the deceased and of at least two of the deceased, MR TINCKNELL and TOM ANDERSON, who evidently lost their lives in trying to save their companions. In all probability if they had been alone they could have swam ashore, but they went to assist the others in difficulties, and in their efforts to save them became exhausted and got into difficulties. - "The great danger is that people come here who don't know the coast at all and plunge into the water and swim out of their depth, are unable to swim very strongly and get into trouble." - MR GEORGE PITT expressed thanks to the Coroner and the Police and the inhabitants for the great kindness in the great misfortune that had befallen them. - The Chairman of the Governors of the Colham Secondary School, Mr Shirley, repeated thanks to the people of Bantham, whose kindness was appreciated by all those interested.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 8 August 1924
PLYMOUTH - Labourer's Suicide. Son's Tragic Discovery At Plymouth. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned by Mr H. J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, today at an Inquiry respecting the death of ARTHUR PETER ANSTEY, skilled labourer, aged 45, who resided at 65 Grenville-street, Plymouth. - The son of deceased stated that as his father had not returned home at 11 p.m. on Wednesday he went in search of him on the fish quay and afterwards to his allotment at Prince Rock. On opening the door of the shed he saw his father's body hanging by a rope from a cross beam. He was dead. Deceased broke his leg about 14 months ago and he worried because it had not set properly. - Dr F. H. Stuttaford, Brunswick-terrace, who examined the body, said there were marks on the neck which were consistent with death by hanging.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 12 August 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Death. Fatal Abscess Develops After A Fall. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at the S.D. and E.C. Hospital today on REGINALD ARTHUR CUDLIP, the 20-months old child of JOHN WALTER CUDLIP, general labourer, of 36 Looe-street, Plymouth. - Evidence given by the mother showed that she left the child alone in a room for a few minutes on August 1, and on her return found him lying on his face. He told her he had fallen down. Later deceased went out to play with his little sister, but she had to bring him back again because he could see nothing and was unable to stand. Witness said he ate and slept all night, but the following morning his foot seemed swollen and she sent for a doctor, who stated there was nothing wrong. The mother bathed the foot for a week, but as it got no better she sent for the doctor again, and he ordered the child's removal to Hospital on Thursday. The little lad died on Saturday. - Dr Norah C. Goodbody, House Physician at the Hospital, said the child was suffering from abscess of the bone of the right leg. An incision was made and the matter scraped out. Death was due to toxaemia due to the abscess of the leg, which was no doubt started by the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 13 August 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Tragedy. Eight-Year-Old Lad Killed By Charabanc. Inquest Story. - The distressing tragedy which occurred in Ferry-road, Devonport, on Monday last, when an eight-year-old boy, FREDERICK HERBERT COLLINGWOOD NEAL of 16 Charlotte-street, was knocked down by a motor charabanc and died shortly afterwards, was investigated by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, this afternoon at the Royal Albert Hospital. - The charabanc, which belonged to the Grey Car Company, Torquay, was proceeding towards the Torpoint Ferry when the accident occurred, and although the Plymouth St John Ambulance was quickly on the scene, the lad was dead before the car reached the Hospital. - Mr E. Elliot Square appeared for the Grey Car Company, Torquay, owners of the charabanc. - Went On To Play. - Evidence of identification was given by MR HERBERT NEAL, of Charlotte-street, a pensioner, C.E.R.A., father of the dead boy. On Monday morning the boy said he was going out to play, and witness understood he was going to Devonport Park. - The driver of the charabanc, Arthur Maurice Williams of 6 Pennsylvania-road, Torquay, in the employ of the Grey Car Company, Torquay, said he had driven for fifteen years and had never before had an accident. On Monday he was driving the charabanc to Looe and Polperro and was about to catch the 11.45 ferry to Torpoint. He came via Devonport-hill, and turned into Ferry-road they were just half-way down, witness continued, and a large covered wagon was going along the road towards him. He had just got abreast of the wagon when the boy dashed in front of the car from behind the wagon. He found out afterwards several other boys were hanging. - Fatal Hesitation. - He immediately swerved to the right to avoid him, and he thought that the boy must have seen his danger and tried to go back again, but the near side front wheel of the charabanc caught the boy and he fell under the car. If the boy had not hesitated, witness added, the car would have missed him. He stopped the car in its own length. He ran round to the boy and found the conductor had already picked him up. - Witness accompanied the Police to the Hospital with the boy. - Frank John Watson, 71 Sherwell-hill, Chelston, Torquay, conductor on the charabanc, who was sitting on the front seat of the car, said the driver sounded his horn as he approached the covered wagon. The boy ran out and the driver swerved suddenly to the right to avoid him. The driver, said witness, acted with great promptitude and he at first thought the boy was cleared, but he distinctly saw him hesitate and the rear wheel must have struck him. The boy was lying on his back and it was evident that he had been run over. He was positive from the position of the lad that the back wheels of the car had not passed over him. - Story Of Eye-Witness. - William John Rogers, 42 Rendle-street, Plymouth, a bill-poster, said he was posting bills in Ferry-road and saw the wagon going along with six or seven children hanging on to the back. He heard the horn sounded on the charabanc and one of the boys ran out to the middle of the road. He hesitated when he saw the charabanc and the driver swerved to the right, but the near front wheel went over him. Witness added that the box dragged the boy along the road until the car was pulled up, in its own length. The box, said witness, did more damage than the wheel. The driver did the best he could to save the lad. - Dr Bertram Stribling, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the boy was dead when brought to the Hospital. Death was due to shock due to fracture of the base of the skull and of the pelvis. - The Coroner said that the driver did all that was humanly possible to save the lad; and no possible blame could be attached to him. - Had the boy not hesitated, said Mr Pearce, he would have probably escaped. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 15 August 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Signalman's Death. A Distressing Story At The Inquest. - MARK TANCOCK, signalman, aged 59, of 7 Keppel-terrace, who while on duty in the early morning at Devonport Railway Station on June 16 was seized with an attack of haemorrhage and died on Monday last, was the subject of an Inquest held at Ker-street, Devonport, yesterday, by Mr J. A. Pearce. - MRS LETTY VIOLET BENT, of 39 Perrin-street, Hyde, near Manchester, a daughter, said she had been on a visit to her parents and had not heard her father complain. On Sunday, June 15, he went to work at 11.30 p.m. and about 1.30 a.m. was brought home by Dr Fleming. - He told witness: "I pulled in the levers and let in a train. I went back and sat down to have my supper and after my first mouthful a gush of blood came right up as I stooped." He said that he crawled to the Station to let them know, as the place would have been closed in half an hour's time. There was no one in the signal-box at the time. - John Sweet, porter on the Southern Railway, usually at Devonport Station, said on June 16, he was on duty at the Station in the early morning when deceased came to him looking very ill. Witness rang up Dr Fleming, who took deceased home by "The Western Morning News" car. - After Dr E. H. Mayhew (acting for Dr Fleming, who was on holiday) had given the result of a post-mortem examination, the Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to an aneurism of the aorta, there being no evidence it was due to sudden strain of any kind.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 August 1924
PLYMOUTH - Poison Suicide. Plymouth Woman Who Drank Disinfectant. - An Inquest was held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on VIOLET LYLE BURKE, who died at the Hospital. - Her husband, WILLIAM LYLE BURKE, of Sanders-place, Plymouth, said his wife was 35 years of age. On Saturday, when he went to bed, his wife said: "Oh, I have drunk this bottle," and collapsed. The bottle contained lysol. - Dr A. C. Mawle said deceased was admitted on Sunday. Lysol caused collapse, and also had a corrosive effect on the stomach and throat. She lived about 10 minutes after admission. Death, he considered, was due to the taking of lysol. A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 August 1924
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall From Scaffold. Plasterer's Death At Plymouth. - The question whether a building scaffold was safely raised or not was the chief point at issue in an Inquest conducted yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, at the Homeopathic Hospital, on WILLIAM H. ELLIOTT, aged 62, a plasterer of 1 St Mary-street, Stonehouse, who died in the Hospital on Thursday as the result of a fall caused by the breaking of the scaffolding on which he was working in July last. - Mr J. L. Wolferstan, (instructed by Messrs. Woollcombe and Yonge) represented the relatives of the deceased, Mr Eric R. Ward watching the proceedings on behalf of the Plymouth Co-operative Society. - George Thomas Ferris, carpenter of Owen-cottages, William-lane, said he was working with deceased on a scaffolding of a building being erected by Plymouth Co-operative Society in Raleigh-street at 11.30 a.m. on July 10, when the pole supporting the planks on which he was standing broke and deceased, witness and another man fell a distance of 10 feet to the ground. Witness escaped without injury. - Answering Mr Wolferstan, witness said deceased complained to the foreman that the scaffolding was not high enough for the work which was in progress, with the result that a man was sent to raise it. It had been raised before the accident happened. - The Coroner: You saw no defect in this scaffolding? - Witness: No, I should not have gone on it if I had done so. - Complained To Foreman. - Richard Gehan, plasterer, of Morfley-street, who was the third man working on the scaffolding, said the scaffolding was ridiculously low, even for him, and he was one of the tallest plasterers in Plymouth. He complained to the :Foreman, who said he would have it made higher, and if he (witness) felt it moving he need not be afraid, as it would be because he was having it made higher. The heightening of the scaffolding was not properly done, however, an 8-inch strain being thrown on the supporting timbers. - The Coroner: Could the foreman have anticipated it was going to break? - I should not think so. But that was the fault of it. He added that the scaffolding ought to have been reconstructed. - Mr Ward suggested that the scaffolding was only raised 4 ½ inches, but witness disagreed, and, in answer to Mr Wolferstan, said the scaffolding was raised with two bricks, one being on its edge and a piece of flooring. The man who carried out the work was unable to raise it in the centre, and witness considered it a negligent way of doing the work, owing to the strain it threw on the centre supports. - Raising The Scaffold. - George Horswell, labourer, of Clare-buildings, who was responsible for the raising of the scaffolding, said he was unable to form any opinion as to the cause of the pole breaking. He examined it afterwards, but found nothing to account for it. Describing the way in which he had raised the scaffolding, he said the "ledger" was raised 4 ½ inches by means of a brick on its flat and a piece of wood; and was left perfectly in order. Witness added that he had been in the building industry over 30 years. - Gehan (interjecting) said the centre of the scaffolding was not raised at all. - The Foreman, Henry Horne, of Glendower-road, considered the scaffolding was satisfactorily raised and stated that when first it was erected tests were applied to ensure its soundness. - Dr P. McK. C. Wilmot said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on July 10 suffering from a wound on the inner side of the foot and ankle, severe pains to his back, and general shock. It was ultimately found necessary to amputate the leg, but death ensued on Thursday. - The Coroner expressed the view that every precaution had been taken, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Ward, on behalf of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 August 1924
POLPERRO, CORNWALL - Naval Officer's Death. Drowned While Bathing At Polperro. - "Accidentally Drowned" was the verdict at an Inquest by the Liskeard Coroner, Mr A. de C. Glubb, on SUB-LIEUT. E. C. TOWER, of the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham, Plymouth, who lost his life while bathing at Polperro on Friday. - It was stated that deceased with his half-brother, MR JEDYE, and some girl companions went bathing at about midday near an inlet at Lake Rock. They all went into the water and deceased returned to the shore with the rest. The party then went across the inlet, but when half-way across deceased turned back and Miss Carstairs accompanied him a little way. He climbed the rocks again, and she did not see him for about a minute and a half, when she suddenly caught sight of him under the water. She shouted to the other members of the party, who were on the other side of the creek, and MR JEDYE immediately came across and with assistance dragged deceased out of the water. Dr Stevenson, a visitor to Polperro, was near at hand, and hurried to the spot, but artificial respiration was carried on for two hours without avail. - The supposition is that deceased struck his head in diving off the rocks and three small abrasions on the temple may have been caused in this way, rendering him unconscious. - A tragic feature of the affair is that deceased's mother and father, the latter being the Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Windsor, were both at Polperro on holiday with the deceased officer.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 27 August 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Fatality. Electrical Worker's Fall From Staging. - At an Inquest held at Devonport Dockyard yesterday on ROBERT RICHARD RICHARDSON, aged 49, skilled labourer in the Electrical Engineer's Department, who was killed while at work on board H.M.S. Vanquisher on Monday afternoon, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, as briefly reported in last night's "Herald" returned a verdict that deceased died from a broken neck due to his accidentally falling from the staging on which he was working in the boiler-room of the Vanquisher. Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty and Mr W. R. Hockaday, H.M. Inspector of Factories was present. - The evidence showed that RICHARDSON, who lived at 16 Endsleigh Park-road, Peverell, was a chief petty officer pensioner from the Royal Navy and a very capable workman, and was engaged on Monday with Alfred Smith, electrical fitter, in fixing electric leads in the boiler-room on the port side of the Vanquisher. As there was no handrail they fixed up a plank, which was wedged between the boiler and the bulkhead. Smith stated that in his opinion the plank was perfectly safe, and the place was sufficiently lighted. He suddenly heard a crash and found that RICHARDSON had fallen between 9 and 12 feet between the boiler and the ship's side. - Stoker Petty Officer William Gibbins, said that on hearing the crash and being told by Smith that deceased had fallen, he rushed into the bilge and found him huddled up in a heap in the bilge. With assistance RICHARDSON was carried on to the footplates. When he previously saw the two men they were standing on the grating, which was dangerous without a handrail, and when he afterwards went down to deceased the plank was down there. - P.C. Rouse, Metropolitan Police, said that when he was called RICHARDSON was unconscious and a doctor pronounced life extinct. - In reply to the Coroner, Smith said they could have objected to erecting the staging, but it was unnecessary, because it was such a small plank. - Mr Hockaday said the plank was 11 inches wide and 4 feet 3 inches long and about 2 inches thick. - Gibbins, in reply to the Coroner, said that when he got into the stokehold the plank was resting "end on." - Surg.-Lieut.-Com. E.S. Mellor said he made a post-mortem examination and found that deceased's neck was broken in two places. - The Coroner said it was evident that the two men were working on staging erected by themselves - a short piece of planking. Smith had stated that he was satisfied it was absolutely safe, but the staging could not have been as safe as Smith concluded, because it was shown that a plank was found "end on" and he thought there was a fair presumption that that was the particular plank. - A verdict was returned as stated above, and the Coroner expressed deep sympathy with the widow and members of the family. - Mr W. J. Wotton, electrical engineer, expressed the sympathy of the Admiral-Superintendent and officers of the Dockyard, and paid high tribute to the character of the deceased during the time he had been employed in the Yard.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 27 August 1924
ST BUDEAUX - Honicknowle Tragedy. Inquest On The Boy Victim. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at the Inquest at Honicknowle this morning on CLIFFORD SACRE, aged six, of Honicknowle, who was run over while at play, by a wagon on Monday. - MRS SACRE, wife of E. T. SACRE of 14 Horsham-cotts, Honicknowle, identified the body as that of her son. - Driver's Evidence. - Ernest Henry Blake, of 1 Beaumont-terrace, Crownhill, said he was taking a wagon loaded with bricks from the brickyard at Honicknowle on Monday morning and was leading the horse. He saw the deceased sitting in a box on four wheels on the right-hand side of the road. There were two other boys with him, who had hold of the rope attached to the trolley, which they were pulling along. He tried to warn the driver of the wagon following him of the approach of the boys and suddenly found the boy in the box almost underneath his horse. The boys and people around cried out and frightened the horse and the wheel of the wagon passed over the boy and the box. - Charles Hansford, Glendower House, Crownhill, who witnessed the accident, said the boys were walking backwards, pulling the trolley along. The horse became frightened and the boy and the trolley got under the horse, the front wheel of the wagon passing over the boy and the trolley. Blake, the driver, was doing his utmost to pull the horse up. - Dr T. Olver, of Crownhill, said that when he saw the deceased soon after the accident he was practically dead. He attributed death to severe injury to the abdominal organs as the result of the wagon wheel passing over his body.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 28 August 1924
PLYMPTON - Fatal Fall From Char-a-Banc. Grave Allegation At Inquest. - The absence of material witnesses and suggestions of quarrelling in the char-a-banc made by the father of the deceased necessitated the postponement of an Inquest held by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. Johnstone, at Plympton yesterday, on the body of LEWIS AUBREY PASSMORE of St Aubyn-street, Devonport, who was killed through falling out of a char-a-banc on the Ivybridge-Lee Mill road on Monday evening. - Dr Soltau, of Plymouth, said he was driving home in the direction of Plympton about 10.30 p.m. on Monday, when, about two miles on the Plympton side of Ivybridge, his driver noticed a body lying across the centre of the road. He noticed the rear light of a vehicle some distance away. Witness got out of his car and instructed his chauffeur to hold up all passing traffic while he examined the body. The man was dead when he found him, death being due to extensive injuries to the skull, and having apparently been instantaneous. There was no sign of the body having been moved or dragged. The head was lying in a pool of blood, apparently in the spot in which the man had fallen. - Questioned by the Coroner as to the distance of the rear light, witness estimated that it was at least some 200 yards distant. No other vehicles were about at the time until some other char-a-bancs arrived. The injuries to the skull were quite consistent with those that would be sustained by a man who had fallen from a char-a-banc. - Excited Women. - Asked by the Coroner whether he heard any statements made at the time, witness said a large number of people came back to the scene of the occurrence from the char-a-banc, including three women, relatives of the deceased. These women were in a highly excited condition, so much so that he had to have them put into his car and driven away from the scene of the occurrence, as he did not wish them to see the body in the condition that it was in. - The widow, HILDA ELIZA PASSMORE, said her husband had been a Dockyard labourer, but was at the time unemployed. He was 30 years of age. She accompanied her husband on the excursion. Questioned by the Coroner as to whether it was a private party, witness said anyone could have gone on the trip. In addition to herself and her husband, her two sisters and her mother formed members of the party. The trip was from Plymouth to Ivybridge, and they started at about quarter to seven in the evening. - Stops Described. - Stops were made at Yealmpton and Ermington. Witness and her two sisters got out at Yealmpton, but her husband did not get out. None of the party had anything to drink at Yealmpton. At Ermington all the party got out, and they visited a public-house. They stopped at Ermington for about fifteen minutes. Her husband was quite all right when they came out of the public-house. They again got into the char-a-banc and went on to Ivybridge, where they arrived about a quarter past eight. They left Ivybridge at 10 p.m. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said all were "merry and bright," and quite happy. There was no fighting. They all entered a public-house at Ivybridge, in which they stayed the whole time until the return. Her husband left the room in which the party were and went to the bar, but later rejoined them. Asked by the Coroner whether her husband was sober when he entered the char-a-banc at Ivybridge, witness said she admitted he had had a couple, but he was not drunk. She was not sitting next to her husband on the way home. There had been no quarrelling at all; they were all happy and comfortable. - Family Party. - Witness said there was a family party, consisting of her mother, her two sisters, and her husband sitting in the back seat. Her husband was skylarking with her sister, a MRS MILLMAN, who said "I have lost my wedding ring." All those in the back seat commenced to look for the ring, and he must have overbalanced and fallen over the side. She saw him get up on the seat. - The Coroner suggested that the deceased was sitting on the folded hood of the char-a-banc and witness agreed this was so. - Witness did not see her husband fall; it was pitch dark at the time. Her sister got up and shouted, "LEW'S gone." Her sister shouted to the driver to stop, but a concertina was playing at the time and he could not hear, but the car was later stopped. She did not go back to the scene of the occurrence. To the Coroner's inquiry as to what she understood from her sister's remark that "LEW had gone," witness said that she thought that her husband had fallen over. She knew he had fallen out, her sister told her, but she was not aware of her husband's death until the following morning. - Breaking The News. - The Coroner commented upon the fact, and asked witness, if she did not think it was strange when she found her husband did not return, but another witness who was present in Court, a Mr Potter, explained that it was no use to break the news to the widow at the moment, and he told her that her husband had been injured and had been conveyed to Ivybridge Hospital. He did this in order to keep her quiet. She was hysterical. - The brother of the deceased, FERNLEIGH JAMES PASSMORE, questioned the widow and asked whether her husband received black eyes. - The witness denied this. - The Coroner asked witness whether she was in the habit of having fights with her husband.- Witness said that they never had any fights. - The brother then said he would like to ask whether there was any rough and tumble, in which witness received a black eye. - Witness said there was no fighting at all in the back of the char-a-banc on the way home. He then said that a gentleman in the seat told him that witness received a black eye. - Passionate Outburst. - In a passionate outburst witness said "You are telling a lot of lies. He is my husband; you are telling lies." To a further inquiry by the Coroner, witness said that her husband "liked a drop," but was not a heavy drinker. - Questioned by P.S. Hill witness said the wedding ring was later found in the char-a-banc. - The father of deceased, G. F. PASSMORE, said he wanted a satisfactory answer. - The Coroner said he could not allow him to address the Court, but the man persisted, and said he firmly believed his son was knocked out of the char-a-banc and killed. - The Widow said: "He is my husband," and in a passionate retort the man said, "I know, but he is my own flesh and blood; he never fell out of the car. He has been murdered." - The Coroner told the father that if he wished to make such assertions he must prove them by providing witnesses. It would not do to come and say "someone has told me." If he (PASSMORE) wished, the Inquiry could be adjourned. He should realise that if what he said was true it might lead to other proceedings. - Licensee's Evidence. - Questioned by the Coroner, Ernest Coombe Potter, licensee of the Post Office Inn, Market-street, Devonport, said there was no fighting in the vehicle. The suggestion was untrue. He was in charge of the party, which was run from his house. It was a party of customers and friends. He was shortly leaving the premises and it was a farewell party. - Asked if there was any skylarking, witness said that there was chaffing and singing, and there was a concertina on the way out. Everyone was happy and agreeable. They got to Ivybridge about 8.15 and went into the back room of the public-house. There was a piano, a violin and they had songs. They stopped there until 10 p.m., when they left sharp on the hour. None of the party was boisterous. Asked whether any of the party were drunk, witness said there was no one drunk; none of them was out of the way. Everyone had had one or two drinks, but no one was at all rowdy. Witness was the last one to enter the vehicle, and none of the party had any difficulty in getting in. - Relating the incident in the car, witness said someone shouted to stop the car, as someone had lost a wedding ring at the back. That was the reason he asked for the car to stop. The driver pulled up right away. He got out of the car and went to the back, and was then told that deceased had fallen over the back of the car. He went back on the road and found that Dr Soltau was in charge of the body. He stopped a van and asked the driver to convey the body away. Dr Soltau told him to wait until the Police arrived. - Number Of Drinks. - Mrs Clark, of St Aubyn-street, Devonport, said they all had one or two drinks. - The Coroner said all the witnesses used the expression "one or two drinks." He supposed they meant five or six. He suggested that they had several drinks. Witness concurred but said that they were not drunk; all were good tempered and not quarrelsome. - The Coroner questioned her concerning the ring incident. - Witness said her brother-in-law (deceased) was skylarking with Mrs Millman. She saw MR PASSMORE jump on the seat and sit on the hood at the back of the char-a-banc. All the occupants in the seat were looking for the ring, and witness was kneeling on the seat. She saw deceased slipping and went to grab him, and managed to catch hold of him by the coat. She held on to the coat but could not hold on long, and had to let go and deceased fell from the back of the car. When she found she had lost her grip she shouted. She could not get them to hear as they were singing and playing a concertina. - Witness was asked whether she suggested that deceased had jumped from the char-a-banc and replied that she said that deceased jumped on the seat. She did not hear any angry words. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Friday afternoon in order that further witnesses might be called.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 29 August 1924
PLYMPTON - Tragedy In A Char-a-Banc. Inquest Story At Plympton. Today's Verdict. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned today at Plympton at the adjourned inquiry into the circumstances concerning the death of LEWIS AUBREY PASSMORE, 63 St Aubyn's-street, Devonport, who on Monday evening last received fatal injuries as a result of a fall from a char-a-banc on the Ivybridge-Lee Mill road. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, conducted the Inquest. - It will be remembered that at Wednesday's proceeding G. F. PASSMORE, father of the deceased, suggested that his son had been knocked out of the char-a-banc. MRS MILLMAN, the owner of the lost ring, the article which played such an important part in the distressing tragedy, who was not at the last Inquiry, was present today and gave important evidence. - GEORGE FREDERICK PASSMORE, 25 Princes-street, Devonport, father of deceased, identified the body as that of his son, who, he said, would have been 31 years of age next month. He was a dockyard labourer, but was recently unemployed and was drawing unemployment insurance at the time of the accident. Witness was not one of the party. - Sister-in-Law's Story. - MRS MILLMAN, sister-in-law of deceased, residing at 17 Sydney-street, Devonport, was one of the party who took the unfortunate char-a-banc expedition. Returning from Ivybridge, she said there was a certain amount of skylarking going on between her and deceased, but there was no quarrelling. Witness lost her ring. She said, "I shouted to LEWIS, 'I have lost my ring.' He jumped on the eat to let me search for it on the floor." She did not see that he sat on the hood of the vehicle. - She said to Mr Potter , "I have lost my ring; stop the car." She did not see her brother-in-law had gone, as she had her back to him. Mr Potter did not know anything had happened to LEWIS. - No Quarrelling. - When the char-a-banc was brought to a standstill she heard them say, "LEWIS has gone." That was the first she knew of the incident. She was one of the party which went back and saw Dr Soltau at the spot where the body was lying, but she did not see the body. - There had been a good deal of singing on the way back, but as far as she knew, people had not been getting on the seats or standing up. - The Coroner: The party has been described as to have been a somewhat merry one. Is that correct? - Yes, sir. - Supt. Joslin: How many were in the back seat? - Six, sir.- Was there any quarrelling? - No, sir. - It would not have been possible for deceased to have been pushed out? - No, sir. - Have you found your ring? - Yes, sir, it was found in Mr Scutter's lap. - Witness Who Was Asleep. - Mr Eli Scutters of 24 Granby-street, Devonport, said that he was in the back seat of the char-a-banc on the way home. He was sitting next to PASSMORE all the way out and back and he could not say who was sitting on the opposite side of deceased. He was asleep when the accident occurred, but was wakened up by someone shouting, "LEWIS is gone." He got out of the char-a-banc to look, and they brought me back to the char-a-banc. That is all I know. I remember finding MRS MILLMAN'S ring. I remember giving it to her. - The Coroner: I suppose you don't remember much about it? - I don't. - Supt. Joslin: Had you too much to drink that night?- I had a good deal of drink. - The Coroner: Why did you go asleep? - I cannot say. I got into the char-a-banc at Ivybridge and that is all. - The Coroner: If there was any quarrelling you would not have heard it? - No; but I expect that I have been awakened. - Supt. Joslin: When you were singing &c., was there anybody to stop or to check you? - I don't say that there was. You are allowed to do as you like. - Coroner's Summing Up. - P.C. Bolt, Cornwood, said he saw the driver, who gave every assistance and there was no suggestion that this man was in any way to blame. He was quite sober. Witness had interviewed the sailor, David John Keist, and Mr Northwood in the presence of the deceased's father and brother, and produced the statement made by Mr Keist. - In summing up, the Coroner said this Inquest was adjourned from Wednesday in order that a certain statement might be investigated - a statement made at that time, which appeared to be chiefly made on hearsay, and probably because the father and brother were labouring under the strain of the moment. Possibly now the father and brother regretted that this statement was made. It was adjourned in order that the Police might make inquiries and ascertain whether there was any truth in the statement made and it appeared from the evidence of P.C. Bolt who saw Mr Keist and Mr Northwood that the suggestion had no foundation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 30 August 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, this morning, on MARY ELIZABETH COCKING, aged 84, a widow of 28 Pembroke-street, Devonport, who died yesterday morning. Dr Morrish said that death was due to syncope, due to myocardial degeneration.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 2 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today at an Inquest on ALBERT CARWITHEN, aged 58, ship's fireman, of 10 Martin-street, Plymouth, who died on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 September 1924
PLYMPTON - Killed By 'Bus. Plympton Fatality. Coroner In Doubt. - Saying he found considerable difficulty in expressing an opinion whether the dead man's action was deliberate or accidental, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Tavistock Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE FRANCIS TRUSCOTT, of Marlborough-street, Devonport, who was killed by a 'bus on the Plympton-Ivybridge road on Saturday. - Mr J. A. Pearce appeared on behalf of the widow, and Mr Edgar Bowden represented the Devon Motor Transport Company and the driver of the 'bus. - MR JOHN WILLIAM JAMES TRUSCOTT, of Keyham, identified the body of his brother, a builder and undertaker, aged 59. - Mr Pearce: Do you know on several occasions your brother's legs have given way under him? - Yes. - Had he a peculiar habit of pushing anybody who was walking with him? - He used to catch hold of them. - Suffered From Melancholia. - Dr Alfred Turner, resident licensee of Plympton House, said deceased was admitted to the Institution suffering from melancholia and was in the habit of going for walks with an attendant. Deceased had never given witness any reason to suppose he would have taken his life. The attendant Patterson had been in his employ three years, and was quite competent. On Saturday morning TRUSCOTT was rather better than the average. He had been three weeks at Plympton House, and was rather better than on his admission. His case from a mental point of view was hopeful. - Mr Pearce: Had there been any suggestion of suicidal tendency he would never have been accepted in Plympton House? - He is described in the statement as "not suicidal." There was nothing in the doctor's statement to suggest that he was. - In reply to Mr Pearce he stated it had been noticed in the house he had a habit of pushing people to get where he wanted to go. - Did you know any reason why he was despondent? - He had delusions of poverty, unworthiness and inability to do his daily round. - Injuries Described. - Dr Thomas Anderson Brown said deceased had a fractured dislocation of the spine and six broken ribs and a superficial wound in the region of the left knee and abrasions on the right knee. The broken ribs and the fracture of the spine he thought were caused by the fall subsequent to the 'bus having struck him. - Mr Pearce: Might the fall have taken place before the 'bus struck him? - I think that is possible. - Albert Edward Wadeson, Ivybridge, motor-driver, employed by the Devon Motor Transport Company, said he was going to stop at Deep Lane End to allow a passenger to alight. He saw in front two men on the right hand side of the road walking towards Ivybridge. When he was a yard away from the men the man nearest the hedge pushed the other backwards from the front. - Deceased then made "a deliberate dive" across the right hand wheel. Witness was slowing up at the time, being only three yards from where he was going to stop. - The Coroner: You say he made "a deliberate dive"? - He flung himself on the ground in front of my wheel. He did not attempt to run across in front of the 'bus but made a "distinct dive." - At the time the 'bus was going about five miles an hour and the offside wheel went over the deceased. - Driver's Assertion. - Mr Pearce: Do you think it possible he was crossing the road and as he was doing so his leg gave way under him? - I don't think so. It was more of a "deliberate dive." - Were you looking at him at the moment or the car? - At the moment I had one eye attending to him and the other on what was in front. - Mr Pearce: Is it not possible he may have stumbled? - Yes, he might have stumbled at the moment. - Mr Bowden: Had the conductor sounded his bell to stop? - Yes, I had my clutch out and the hand brake on before I had seen deceased. As I turned the corner I saw deceased and then put the hand brake a notch back and pulled in further to the left. The 'bus was about one pace from the hedge on its correct side and had the deceased gone straight on the accident would not have happened. - The attendant, Patterson, said on previous walks deceased had not pushed him, but once he had caught hold of witness's arm. His legs had never given way, nor had he given witness to understand that he was likely to take his life. Deceased, when the 'bus was approaching, was talking normally. When the 'bus was a yard away, witness being between the 'bus and the deceased, witness felt a knock from deceased's left hand in his chest. - The Accident. - "He ran in front of me to the front of the 'bus. He was running low, his head being down toward the ground." Witness caught hold of the end of his overcoat, but could not hold a firm grip and witness was pulled forward somewhat, but deceased was not thrown to the ground. No sooner did the wheel go over him than the driver pulled up the car, deceased being on the ground. Witness thought deceased deliberately ran in front of the 'bus. - Replying to Mr Pearce, he did not think that when he caught hold of deceased he caused him to stumble. Witness then corrected his previous statement, saying that he caught hold of the coat when deceased was on the ground. Witness did not think deceased could have stumbled. The driver of the 'bus could not have avoided the accident. - Mr W. H. Mounstephen had known deceased from boyhood. He was deeply religious and in his opinion he was the last to think of taking his life. - Business Worries. - He had known that he had been worried over business matters and only six weeks ago he fell three times in witness's office and when he went into the street his legs gave away again. He had known deceased to have momentary fainting attacks, when he had no control whatever. He was most impulsive in almost all his actions and often pushed people to one side. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner said it was quite clear that there was absolutely no blame whatever attached to the driver of the 'bus. As far as he was concerned it was an accident which was absolutely unavoidable, and he did everything in his power to prevent it. "I must say," he continued, "I find considerable difficulty in expressing an opinion as to whether this action of the unfortunate man was a deliberate one or whether it was purely accidental, and that what really happened was that for some reason he took it into his head that it was necessary to cross the road. It appeared that deceased pushed the attendant aside and either ran or flung himself in front of the 'bus. That appeared to be explained by the fact that it was a habit of his to push people to one side. - Mr Bowden, on behalf of the Company, expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 September 1924
KINGSTEIGNTON - Young Girl's Suicide. Distressing Case At Chudleigh. - VIOLET EVELYN DISCOMBE, domestic servant, who would have been 17 years of age today, was found drowned early yesterday morning in the lower lake at Ugbrooke Park, Chudleigh, her coat and shoes being on the bank. - The Inquest was held at Fosterville, Kingsteignton, by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner. - WALTER DISCOMBE, father of deceased, said his daughter was employed at Batcombe Farm, and he last saw her alive on Thursday. She was in her usual health and did not appear depressed. - Dr Doris Irene Martin of Battersea Park, London, locum tenens for Dr Walters at Chudleigh, said death was due to drowning. The body had been in the water from five to six hours. - Mrs Hill, of Batcombe Farm, deceased's employer, said deceased had been in her employ for three years and was treated as one of the family. On Sunday deceased told her that she was in a certain condition. Witness told her she was very much surprised, but did not speak angrily to her. Deceased carried out her duties as usual, and went to bed at 9.30. Witness saw her after she was in bed, and she did not appear unduly depressed. On Monday morning, when witness went to call deceased, the latter was not in her room. One of the doors downstairs was partly open. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity," and said deceased was worried because she thought she was in a certain condition. Had she taken her mistress into her confidence a little more, the latter might have been able to help her.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Tyre-Burst. Yelverton Traveller's Death In Hospital. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death, at an Inquest on HERBERT HENRY WELCH, aged 37, commercial traveller, of Beechfield-terrace, Yelverton, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday from injuries to the head received as the result of a tyre of his motor car bursting near Lee Mill the previous Wednesday, the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, said it was unfortunate they could not get an eye-witness of the accident. - Frank Baker, garage proprietor, of Plymouth, said he was returning from Haldon Races at about 7.45 p.m. on Wednesday and when about 200 or 300 yards on the Plympton side of Smithaleigh Farm saw a Ford car on its side. The road was dry at the time, but the care was right across the road as though it had skidded. Deceased was lying with his feet under a part of the hood and several boxes had fallen on top of him. He was unconscious. Witness and the passengers he was driving rendered what assistance they could and sent for a doctor. Witness thought the accident due to the tyre bursting and the car overturning. - Dr A. C. Mowle, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said MR WELCH was unconscious when admitted to the Institution, and was suffering from severe concussion. Death was due to the head injury.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 3 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Accidental Death. Inquest On Plymouth Street Fatality. Knocked Down By Cyclist. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth today by Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, on the body of MISS BESSIE SMITH of 4 Finewell-street, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday following an accident in St Andrew's-street, where she was knocked down by an unknown boy cyclist. - Evidence of identification was given by JAMES JOHN SMITH (brother), who said deceased was 56 years of age. - Albert Easter of 11 Wolster-street, said he was standing in the doorway of the Ice Company's Store, in St Andrew's-street, the previous morning at about 11 o'clock, when he heard a bicycle bell ringing a long way up the street. The bell was rung continuously down that where witness was standing, and the rider of the machine was a boy of about 13. - An old lady was seen by witness crossing the road and as the lad approached he rang his bell, but deceased took no notice of it and continued crossing the road, being knocked down by the bicycle. In his opinion the boy could not avoid the collision. - Dr Norah C. Goodbody described deceased's injuries, and a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Boys On The Cycle. Identity Not Established: Police Appeal. - The identity of the two boys who were together riding a bicycle which collided with MISS BESSIE SMITH in Finewell-street, Plymouth, yesterday, and caused injuries from which the lady shortly afterwards succumbed at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, has not yet been established and the Police have requested us to publish an appeal that the lads concerned in the occurrence will report themselves at the Central Police Station. - From descriptions supplied by persons who witnessed the event it appears that the lads, one of whom was riding on the back step of the bicycle, are from 12 to 14 years of age. They were dressed in grey flannels and wore school caps, with red and dark coloured quarters and a badge in front. One of them were seen to have a pair of field glasses in his pocket. - They remounted immediately after the collision - upon the advice, it is stated, of a woman, that they should get to their homes as speedily as possible - and could not be traced when a Constable arrived on the scene. [Western Evening Herald, Friday 5 September 1924 - St Andrew's-street, Fatality. - We are officially informed that the two lads concerned in the recent bicycle accident in St Andrew's-street, when a woman was so badly injured that she subsequently died at the Hospital, have attended upon the Chief Constable in response to the invitation issued through our papers. - Mr Sanders questioned the boys at considerable length and he is satisfied with their explanations, that the unfortunate affair was purely accidental, and that no blame attached to either of the lads.]

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 3 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Death In The Garden. Retired Captain's Tragic End At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today at an Inquiry into the death of SAMUEL BOYD BOLSHAW HAMMOND, aged 58, retired captain of the local forces of the West Indies, of 24 Lime Tree-road, Peverell, who died suddenly on Tuesday whilst cutting grass in the back garden. Dr T. A. Lawder attributed death to heart failure, caused by over exertion.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 5 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Little Girl Run Over By Motor Car. Inquest Verdict. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict of a Plymouth Coroner's Jury, who Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of EMILY ALFREDA BETTY FREEMAN, the five-year-old child who was killed by being run over by a motor car in Millbay-road, Plymouth, on Tuesday. - Mr John Graves, the Deputy Coroner, held the Inquiry at the Mortuary this morning. The deceased was the child of GEORGE WILLIAM FREEMAN, a dock labourer, living at 3 Bath-street, Plymouth, and was five years and d six months old. - Mr Hilton Layland's Evidence. - Mr Ralph Hilton Layland said he was an actor and residing temporarily at 10 Mulgrave-street, Plymouth. About 5 o'clock on Tuesday, September 2nd, he was driving a 20-horse power Daimler car in Millbay-road, opposite the goods entrance of the Great Western Railway, at about eight miles an hour. The traffic was pretty clear. He first saw the little girl when she was about 30 ft. ahead. She was walking up the pavement in the opposite direction to that which he was going. As witness got near to her she stepped off the pavement. He swerved the car in an effort to clear her. The child seemed to follow the car. She was knocked down and he thought that the near front wheel went over her. He did all that he possibly could to avoid the accident. He immediately put the clutch out and applied the foot brake and hand brake. The car was stopped so suddenly that the wheels were locked and skidded. His wife and a gentleman were in the car with him. - James Badham Norris, chief petty officer, R.N., residing at 30 Ocean-street, Keyham, said he saw the child in the road in front of the car. She hesitated and the driver swerved his car to the right, but the child seemed to get right in the way of the car. - Benjamin Gascoyne, a dock labourer, gave similar evidence, and the Jury decided that the child died from the effects of injuries Accidentally Received by being run over by a motor car. - In his summing up, the Deputy Coroner said that in his opinion it was quite clear no blame could be attached to Mr Layland, who did all he could to avert the accident.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 September 1924
PLYMPTON - Body In Stream. Plympton Discovery. - A tragic discovery was made yesterday at Plympton by Mr Edwards, of Loughtor Mills, when the body of MRS E. E. TULLY was found in the stream near the mills. - MRS EMILY E. TULLY, who was 51 years of age, had been staying for some time at Loughtor Mills. - At the Inquest Mrs F. H. Edwards said deceased had had considerable worry as well as illness. Her marriage was not a successful one, and she had lived apart from her husband for the past three years. She had never given witness any indication that she would take her life. - The Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 September 1924
TORQUAY - Died In Hospital. Inquest On Brixham Resident. - The death of a retired accountant named ALFRED INGRAM, of Chisseldon, High Brixham, who was knocked down by a motor-car and died later in Torbay Hospital, was Inquired into by Mr E. Hutchings at an Inquest at Torquay last evening. - DAVID JOHNSON, deceased's brother-in-law, said on August 30 deceased left his home to go to the sub-post office. He was slightly deaf. - Harry George Tooley, 19, of Drew-street, Brixham, driver of the car, said he was driving at about 10 miles per hour. Deceased was walking on the right-hand side of the road. Witness sounded his horn about three times. Without looking the man ran across the road. Witness applied his brakes, but the front wheel of the car knocked the deceased down. The man's foot appeared to be pinned under the front wheel. - Dead Man's Statement. - In a statement read by the Coroner, deceased stated he had almost reached the centre of the road when he heard a hooter sounded, but saw no car. Before he knew where he was the car had knocked him down, and the front wheel had passed over his ankle. The car was backed and again passed over his ankle, but the driver of the car, added the statement, pulled up very quickly after he had knocked down the man. - The Coroner contended no blame could be attached to the driver. - Dr Moore, of Torbay Hospital, said deceased was suffering from a compound fracture of the leg and a dislocation of the foot. He was given gas in order to attempt to reduce the fracture, but this was only partially successful. The next morning a general anaesthetic was administered, but after the operation bronchial pneumonia set in. As deceased was suffering from active tuberculosis this anaesthetic was very undesirable. The man died the following morning from bronchial pneumonia because of the operation. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Wednesday 10 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Died After Operation. Inquest On Naval Pensioner: Natural Causes. - The sudden death at the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday, following a slight operation, of a naval pensioner named SAMUEL STANDLAKE, aged 63, of 63 Wilton-street, Stoke, was Inquired into by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, this morning. - The deceased had been attending the Hospital as an out-patient since June. Yesterday he attended for treatment, which was administered by Surg.-Lieut.-Com. Horan. The doctor told the Coroner the patient did not complain of any pain during the operation. But as he was getting down off the table he collapsed and died within three minutes. The post-mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure, which had brought about the collapse. - In returning a verdict of "Natural Causes" the Coroner expressed his sympathy with the widow. - Mr J. Cochrane attended the Inquiry on behalf of Mr K. Eyton Peck, Admiralty law agent.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 September 1924
ST MARYCHURCH - Aller Fatality. Report Of Inquest Proceedings. Inquiry Adjourned. - The adjourned Inquest on MR CLIFFORD UNDERHILL, of St Paul's-road, Newton Abbot, was resumed at St Marychurch Townhall last evening, before the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, and a Jury. It will be recalled that deceased was taken to the Torbay Hospital on August 30, suffering from terrible injuries to his head, sustained in an accident at Aller. He was proceeding on his motor cycle, with his fiancée, Miss Jenkins, as pillion rider, to Newton Abbot, and at Aller his motor cycle came into collision with a Torquay charabanc. - Mr M. J. McGahey represented deceased's relatives and Mr F. C. Lansdell (of Messrs. Glanfield and Glanfield) appeared for the White Heather tours. - Deceased's brother said deceased rode a 4 h.p. motor-cycle and had been accustomed to it for three years. He was a careful and experienced driver. - Miss Jenkins' Evidence. - Miss May Jenkins of Torquay-road, Newton Abbot, stated that she had ridden thousands of miles with MR UNDERHILL, sitting on the back of his cycle. On August 30 she rode on the back of his cycle to Torquay and left there shortly after 10 o'clock at night to return to Newton Abbot. She did not remember passing a vehicle on the road. She was sitting sideways on the bicycle and facing the left-hand side of the road. They were going slowly, as the road was very bumpy. They had almost got to what are known as Aller-cottages. - As far as she could remember deceased and she were going along the last piece of straight road, as close to the left hand side of the road as they possibly could be, when she saw two brilliant headlights coming towards them. She alleged that no horn was sounded, and she knew there was nothing else for it but for the vehicle with the headlights to go for them. It did come for them and she did not remember any more. She alleged that the vehicle with the bright lights was on the wrong side of the road. The headlights were not dimmed and she alleged that the vehicle was going very fast. - In reply to the Coroner, Miss Jenkins stated that she had been to Weston-super-Mare, Newbury, Liskeard, Bournemouth and other places on the back of deceased's cycle. She had also ridden with him many times in the dark on the same road. The accident took place some time between 10 and 10.30. - Examined by Mr McGahey, she said she was facing the hedge and the motor cycle was as close to it as the axle would allow immediately before the accident happened. In reply to Mr Lansdell, witness stated that when she first saw the charabanc it was very close to them. She could not see it before because of the bend in the road. - Dr Moore, House Surgeon of the Torbay Hospital, describing the wounds which deceased had sustained, said there was a lacerated wound on the left side of the forehead, and a compound fracture of the right leg below the knee. The wound on the head was caused, in witness's opinion, by an oblique blow. Laceration of the brain and septic infection were the cause of death. - Pace Of The Charabanc. - Ernest Edwin Morris, Lymington-road, Torquay, carpenter, said he was on an outing with a party on the day in question in the White Heather charabanc. They left Torquay at 9 a.m. They called at Princetown and Plymouth. On the way home a halt was made at Ashburton, where some of the party went into a public-house. They left shortly after 10 o'clock. They came home via Newton Abbot. He was sitting in the third seat back on the left-hand side of the charabanc going to Torquay. - He saw a very bright light approaching just as they were turning the corner where the accident took place. It was a left-hand bend in the road. When he saw the light approaching he considered it was about 50 yards distant. He really could not say, but as far as he could tell, the cycle had very nearly half the road, at any rate. Shortly after he saw the light he heard a crash and screams. The charabanc immediately pulled up. He got out and went immediately in the direction of Newton Abbot to where he thought the cycle was. He found the cycle on the top of the man and lying a distance of about 60 feet from where the charabanc had stopped. - The Coroner: When the driver was driving the charabanc along this road was he going faster, slower, or at the same rate as he was driving from Ashburton to Newton Abbot? - Much the same. - At the time of the accident, he said, the charabanc was travelling at from 9 to 12 miles per hour. This was the uniform rate it came along from Ashburton. - The Inquest was adjourned in order to allow the Coroner and the Jurymen to visit the scene of the accident. - On resuming, Mr Morris continued his evidence. He said he could not tell what rate the motor cycle was going at. He thought it was a matter of seconds from the time he first saw the cycle's light and the time when the crash took place. There was a fog at the time, but it was not much. - In reply to a Juryman witness said he did not have the felling at the time that a crash was imminent. - On Left-Hand Side Of Road. - In reply to Mr McGahey, witness said the charabanc was on the left-hand side of the road, and it was pulled further over to the left naturally. After the accident, deceased was lifted into the charabanc and he thought that took about seven minutes. All the members of the party did not go into the public-house at Ashburton. - In reply to the :Coroner, witness stated, as a rider in the charabanc, that he did not think there was any necessity to slow down at the bend. - Mr McGahey: Here is a motor cycle, as you say, in the middle of the road, with 9 ft. 1 ½ in. in which to pass. Do not you think that with that very narrow margin, the driver should have slowed down? - I do not think so. - The Coroner: You are quite certain that as you came round the corner, and sitting as you were, on the left-hand side of the charabanc, you saw a bright light coming? - Yes. - When Miss Jenkins said that the charabanc was on the wrong side of the road she was incorrect? - Yes. - A Cyclist's Story. - Harold Holmes, the post-office, Chudleigh Knighton, said he was riding an ordinary bicycle in the direction of Newton Abbot about 10.30. He saw MR UNDERHILL on the road, with his motor cycle, and riding behind. Deceased was going very steadily, and he, witness, could nearly keep up with him on an ordinary bicycle. - The Coroner: Have you said anything to P.C. Braund which could possibly bear interpretation that you thought MR UNDERHILL was nearly caught by another car because of the way in which MR UNDERHILL was driving? - Witness: No, sir. - Mr McGahey (to witness): Whatever evidence you are giving you are giving quite unsolicited by anybody? - Yes. - Replying to Mr Lansdell, witness said he had not told P.C. Braund deceased was travelling fast. He had not seen anyone in connection with this accident and had not discussed it with anyone. - The Coroner: Have you ever said to the Constable that the cycle was being ridden by MR UNDERHILL in a way that he was asking for trouble? - Witness: Not that I know. - The Coroner: It is a serious matter to leave in doubt. - Closely questioned by the Coroner, witness admitted that he told the Constable that shortly after the motor cycle passed him he "nearly got it." He did not mean, however, that deceased was driving in a dangerous manner. - Width Of The Road. - P.C. Braund, Kingskerswell, who visited the scene of the accident at 10.30 the following morning in company with the driver of the charabanc, stated that the latter pointed to the place where he thought the collision took place. The width of the road there was 18 ft. 3 in. The distance from the place where the driver thought the accident occurred to where he said he stopped his vehicle was 45 ft. The width of the charabanc was 7ft.- Examined by Mr Lansdell, witness said Mr Holmes came to him at Kingskerswell last Sunday week and asked how MR UNDERHILL was progressing. Witness told him that MR UNDERHILL was still alive, and Mr Holmes then said, "He was asking for trouble from the way in which he was riding. How he avoided colliding with a car just before the accident, I don't know." - The Coroner: Did he say what he meant by "the way in which he was driving"? - Witness: No. I did not ask him any questions. - As it was 10 o'clock and the Jury had been sitting for over 5 ½ hours, the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until 3 o'clock this afternoon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 September 1924
ST MARYCHURCH - Aller Fatality. Resumed Inquest Proceedings. Jury And Error Of Judgment. - The adjourned Inquest on MR CLIFFORD UNDERHILL of St Paul's-road, Newton Abbot, was resumed at St Marychurch Townhall yesterday, before the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, and a Jury. It will be recalled that deceased was taken to the Torbay Hospital on August 30 suffering from terrible injuries to his head, sustained in an accident at Aller. He was proceeding on his motor cycle, with his fiancée, Miss Jenkins, as pillion rider, to Newton Abbot and at Aller his motor cycle came into collision with a Torquay charabanc. - John Arthur Hall Goss, motor driver, of West Hill-avenue, Torquay, said he wished to give evidence. He was at the present time in the employ of the White Heather Motor Company, as a driver and mechanic. On August 30 he was driving a Lancia charabanc to seat 19 persons. The car was 30-35 h.p., and the legal speed limit for it was 12 miles per hour. There were no instructions issued by the company to the drivers as to the rate at which the vehicle should be driven. There was a seat on his right for a passenger, continued witness. As an experienced driver he thought he had equally as much control over the charabanc with a passenger on his right as he would if he was sitting on the extreme right of the vehicle. - The Coroner: Do you think you would see anything as well if something is very close to your right-hand side as you would if you were sitting on the extreme right? - Witness: Yes, sir. - Going on a level road at twelve miles an hour in what distance could you pull up? - In dry weather in its own length. - What is the length of your car? - Just over 20 feet. - Is the width seven feet?- Yes, sir. - Are the brakes in thorough working order? - Yes, sir.- On this day what lights had you on the car? - I had two electric head lights. - Dimmed Lights. - Witness added he also had two side lights, a rear light and two dimmers, the object of those being to take the place of the headlights. - The Coroner: Was it your practice to dim your headlights when approaching traffic? - Yes, sir. - What is your experience of that? Is it a safe practice? - Providing the car or bike approaching dims too. - On August 30 were you taking a party for an outing? - Yes, sir. - What time did you leave Torquay? - Nine o'clock, as near as I can remember. - Where did you go? - Proceeded to Stokeinteignhead via Newton Abbot, Holne Village, crossing to Dartmoor to the Paignton Waterworks, on to Two Bridges to Princetown, where we had lunch. - You got to Plymouth at what time? - I think it was five minutes to six. - What time did you leave? - 7.30. - Witness was further questioned as to the trip. After Buckfastleigh they went to Ashburton and Newton. - Coroner: When coming to Torquay was it fine? - No, it was particularly dark and there was a drizzling rain. - What do you do in drizzling rain? - I always drive with my screen open. - The Accident. - Coroner: Now tell the Jury what happened. - Witness: On the bend which the Jury viewed yesterday I was taking the bend, and a distance ahead I saw a single light. I proceeded a matter of yards and the light - when I was getting near the cycle - the light from the acetylene lamps came across my vision, and the next thing the bike appeared to be practically touching the off-side wing. I heard a slight noise and a few seconds after I heard a bump. I pulled up, got out of the car and walked back towards Newton Abbot, and saw two of three men who had got off the car bending over a man. Somebody had a torch. I immediately saw the man was very badly injured. I told them to get him up and I would back the car, and they could then put him in the back seat. I did so and the man was put in and the lady. I then drove with all due haste to the Torbay Hospital. On arriving the man and the lady were conveyed immediately into the Hospital. I then went direct to the Police Station and reported the accident at five minutes past eleven. - Driver's Theory. - Asked by the Coroner what his theory was as to how the accident happened, the driver said when deceased struck the car his off handlebar struck the lower part of the wing, and the impetus threw him off his balance. As to how he got the injury to his head, witness was not sure, but thought it was caused either by the machine or falling on the road. He did not think it had been caused by the charabanc. - The driver said: "I consider that as he came towards me he might have been temporarily blinded by the strong lights and slightly swerved as I was passing and his handlebar caught my off wing and threw him off his balance. - A Juryman: On the usual run are you not expected to adhere to a timetable which averages 20 miles an hour? - Witness agreed, but said he had never worked out the average speed. At the time of the accident, however, he was not doing more than 12 miles per hour. - The Coroner: Then the cyclist ran into you? - Yes, when I got abreast of him he seemed to give a swerve. - Mr McGahey (for the relatives): suggested to witness that the rule that the speed must not exceed 12 miles an hour was a rule that was broken every time a charabanc went out. - Witness: Well, every tram breaks it. - Replying to Mr Lansdell (for the White Heather Motor Company) witness said if he had put on his brake at the time of the accident and the car had skidded he would have endangered the lives of 19 passengers. - Stanley Smerdon, Chelston, Torquay, who was in the charabanc, said the driver slowed down when the motor cycle was 10 to 15 yards ahead of it. The vehicle went from two to two and a half lengths before it stopped. Had Goss pulled up quicker the car would have skidded. -The Coroner: If this is true, I shall have to make representations that these vehicles be taken off the road, as they are a public danger. - Coroner's Comments. - The Coroner, summing up, said these fatal accidents, people being killed by motor vehicles on the highway, were getting far too frequent, and if the Jury were able to make any recommendation which might assist the safety of the public it would be doing a public service. For witnesses to say that a 35 h.p. motor car equipped with proper and efficient brakes could not stop within 40 or more feet because it had been raining, without skidding, was to drive one to the conclusion that the sooner such dangerous vehicles were prohibited from being a source of danger to the public the better it would be. He did not think it was true, however. - The Coroner put certain questions to the Jury to answer. - They were absent deliberating over 3 ½ hours and they found that deceased died from laceration of the brain caused by the injury. They also found that the deceased at the time of the occurrence was driving in a proper manner and that Goss committed an error of judgment in the manner in which he was driving. - Charabanc's Speed. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the speed of charabancs in the district, having regard to the narrow roads and increasing traffic, was excessive, and it was inadvisable for a passenger to be seated on the right-hand side of the driver as this might affect the proper control of his vehicle and prevent adequate signals to other users of the road being given. - They also expressed the opinion that charabancs should be provided with an adequate mirror and speedometer. - The Coroner, addressing Goss, told him the verdict did not amount to manslaughter, but it was as near as they could get it. - A Serious Warning. - The Coroner hoped this case would be a warning to people who drove these large vehicles that it was their duty to drive in a proper manner and not endanger the lives of others. The way in which some of these large vehicles were driven about was positively disgraceful and if it continued fatal accidents, of which we were having so many, would continue. He hoped this warning would be seriously taken.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 September 1924
KINGSBRIDGE - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on MR WILLIAM EARLE COVE, of Caroline-place, Stonehouse, who died suddenly on Monday on Kingsbridge Railway Station. Dr W. F. Adams said death was due to cardiac failure.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 September 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymothian's Fatal Fall. - At an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on GEORGE SAMUEL OSBORNE, 80, of 2 Seymour-place, Devonport, a verdict of "Death caused by Cerebral Haemorrhage, accentuated by an Accidental Fall on April 19," was brought in. - Deceased's widow said deceased was working in the front garden, and leaned across to speak to her through the window. He fell through into the basement and became unconscious, dying on September 25.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce at Devonport yesterday on ELIZABETH ANN EVERLEY, aged 80, of Tamar-terrace, St Budeaux, who fell out of a chair in her daughter's house on Sunday and died before medical aid could be procured, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned. The daughter, MRS CHARLOTTE TREMEER, said her mother had always enjoyed good health, and had worked at her trade of a tailoress until a month ago.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Death from shock due to cerebral haemorrhage" was returned by Mr Pearce at an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital on MARY ANN JEWELL, aged 72, who lived at Sidney-street, Devonport, and who died in the Hospital on Sunday. Mrs Husk, living in the same house as deceased, said she heard her fall downstairs on Friday and found her lying in the passage, which had a stone floor, unconscious. A wound in the head was bleeding profusely.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 30 September 1924
PLYMOUTH - Boy Drowned. Boating Accident At Cattedown. Evidence at Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner today at the Inquest on GILBERT ROWE, the 15-year-old carpenter's apprentice, who was drowned at Cattedown last Saturday. - The boy's father, CHARLES JAMES ROWE, labourer, of 1 Railway Cottages, Cattedown, said he left home on Saturday afternoon to go out to his (witness's) boat and subsequently they learned that he had been drowned. He could only swim a short distance, but he was quite at home in a boat, he added. - Seen In The Water. - Alice Parselle, the wife of a labourer, living in the same house, described how, after seeing the boy in the boat, she heard him shouting and saw him in the water off the Cattedown ferry. There were only some little children about at the time. - The recovery of the body was described by Albert Ernest Gilbert, dock labourer, who said artificial respiration was tried without success, whilst Dr E. A. Travers Stubbs said death was due to drowning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 October 1924
TOTNES - Fatal Obsession. Suicide At Totnes. - At Totnes yesterday Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on WALTER JOHN FREER MIDDLEMISS, 45, dentist, whose body was found near Flete Mill on the previous day. - Evidence was given that deceased, who was acting as assistant to Mr Hawkins, dentist, had been in a depressed condition. - DR G. MIDDLEMISS, of Settle, a brother, said that for many years deceased was in South Africa. On medical advice he returned home, and witness put him under a London specialist. He was anxious to resume work, and came to Totnes. In his opinion deceased committed suicide while in a state of temporary insanity. Witness considered the cause of aberration was an obsession in Christian Science. He put in a letter from the doctor who attended the deceased in London, and after perusing it the Coroner said everything possible appeared to have been done for the deceased. A verdict that the deceased Drowned himself while Temporarily Insane was recorded.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 9 October 1924
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, returned a verdict today of "Natural Causes" in the case of ROBERT BUNKER, aged 80, a coal porter, who was found dead on Tuesday afternoon lying fully dressed in the room which he occupied alone at 2 North-street. Dr Stuttaford gave evidence that death was due to chronic bronchitis, which produced heart disease.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 23 October 1924
PLYMOUTH - Docker's Death. Verdict At A Plymouth Inquest. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held today by Mr R. B. Johns, the Plymouth Coroner, on THOMAS HENRY WORTH, 42, a dock labourer, who died suddenly yesterday while unloading the s.s Tapia in the Great Western Docks. - H. Perraton, a docker, said that deceased had been lifting some sacks in the hold of the ship when he collapsed. The doctor was sent for immediately, but could only pronounce life extinct.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 27 October 1924
PLYMOUTH - "Found Dead." Inquest On Fireman Drowned At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held this morning by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on HARRY FIDDLER, aged 25, of the Orkney Islands, who was drowned in the Great Western Docks on Friday night. Deceased was a fireman in the Stream Fisher, which was discharging coal, and on the night in question was returning to his ship with two companions. - John Wakeham, 62 Durnford-street, a dock gate watchman, said that at 10.25 p.m. on Friday last he heard a cry for help. He ran towards where the cry came from, and threw a lifebuoy into the water. There was a good light at the time. He then fetched drags and finally got the body ashore, and after trying artificial respiration sent for assistance. He thought the man was dead when they got him out of the water. He was told by the Policeman at the gate that when the men came in they were sober. - Dr Ludolf, who tried artificial respiration for nearly an hour, said death was due to heart failure, caused by drowning. - A verdict of "Found Dead" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 October 1924
PLYMOUTH - Lorry Tragedy. Plymouth Driver Exonerated From Blame. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest yesterday on HENRY HERBERT TONKIN, 65, of 50 Chapel-street, Devonport, who died as the result of injuries received through being knocked down by a lorry in Union-street on Friday morning. - Walter Horace Calvart of 79 Holland-road, Peverell, driver of the lorry, said he, with an assistant, R. G. Soper, was driving down Union-street at a speed of about five miles an hour. At the end of Station-road he was abreast of a tramcar, which was proceeding in the same direction. Several other vehicles were behind him and he had been keeping behind the tram car until a private car attempted to pass him, when he drew in to allow the car to get into line again. While he was abreast of the tramcar deceased stepped off the pavement. Witness swerved to avoid him and hit the tramcar, but the front of the lorry struck deceased, throwing him back on to the pavement. Witness pulled up within a yard, and rendered what assistance he could. He was not attempting to pass the tramcar at the time. He first saw deceased when he stepped off the pavement. - Corroborative evidence was given by the conductor of the tramcar and a passenger in the tramcar. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to shock, consequent on a compound fracture of the right leg. The lorry could not have gone over deceased. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver of the lorry from blame. - Mr F. Howarth, borough water engineer, on behalf of the Plymouth Corporation, expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives, who were represented by Mr W. E. J. Major.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 November 1924
TAVISTOCK - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone held an Inquest yesterday at Tavistock on EMILY MATTHEWS, wife of MR W. W. MATTHEWS, solicitor, whose death occurred yesterday morning at her residence, Chaldron House. - The husband said his wife was 71 years of age and had been ill for 22 years. During the last three years she had been unable to leave her bedroom. On October 15 she slipped on the floor and broke her thigh. - Dr G. Hillyar, of Tavistock, said death was due to heart failure, accelerated by shock arising from the accident. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 6 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held this morning on HENRY TRIDGETT, aged 61, who collapsed and died on Tuesday night whilst reading the "Herald." Evidence of identification was given by his daughter, LILIAN FLORENCE BOVEL, 29 Well-street, and medical evidence showed that death was due to heart failure, produced by old standing pleurisy.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 November 1924
STOKE DAMEREL. - Devonport Man's Sudden Death. - As JOSEPH JOHN HENRY LAWSON of 27 Market-street, Devonport, was cycling back from Callington on Friday, he fell off his machine at Carkeel. Mr Alford rendered assistance, but LAWSON expired in about ten minutes. At an Inquest on Saturday a verdict was returned that death was due to a dilated heart.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporary Insane" was returned by Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday, at an Inquest on JAMES MCGAHEY, 71, Army pensioner, who occupied a room at Frederick-street. - Mrs Henrietta Williams, Cecil-street, said she saw the deceased on Saturday morning when he appeared to be as usual. On Monday morning her mother, the landlady of the house where the deceased lived, sent for her, as she had knocked at the door of his room and could get no reply. - Witness went there and tried to enter the room, but without success. A Constable, who was fetched, forced the door open and found deceased on the floor with his head over a gas stove and the gas turned on. He had suffered from cancer, but she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Dr W. H. Waterfield gave evidence that death was due to gas poisoning.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 13 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Princess House, Plymouth, this morning on ALBERT EARP, of 8 Derry-villas, Plymouth, who died suddenly yesterday morning. Dr H. R. Corbett said that death was due to double pneumonia. Verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MRS EMILY SARAH HACKWORTHY, 62, wife of a stableman, living at Scott's-cottages, Pomphlete, who was taken ill in the street and died before she could be taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Death was attributed to cerebral haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 November 1924
BATH, SOMERSET - Fall From Window. Salcombe Man's Tragic Fate At Bath. - Shortly before noon yesterday MR GERALD STANLEY PHILIP, 59, of Salcombe, a retired London publisher, fell 60 feet into a garden from the third floor bedroom window of a boarding-house in Pulteney-street, Bath, where he was staying for the benefit of his wife's health, and was instantly killed. - He was formerly a member of the well-known map publishing firm of George Philip and Son. Dr Hardyman attended him only half-an-hour before the tragedy. - At the Inquest yesterday it was stated that he had not been sleeping well and feared a breakdown. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 24 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest held this morning on MARY HARDWELL, aged 72, of 11 Furzehill-road, who died suddenly on Friday. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to chronic aortic valve disease, with incipient pneumonia.

Western Evening Herald, Tuesday 25 November 1924
PLYMSTOCK - Pomphlett Tragedy. Inquest On Man Killed By Train. "Suicide" Verdict. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr Kenneth Johnstone, today held an Inquest at the Morley Arms on JOHN HENRY EVANS, aged 59, house decorator of 80 Salisbury-road, Plymouth, who was knocked down and killed early on Monday morning by a train near Pomphlett, on the Turnchapel branch of the Southern Railway. - Not Mentally Strong. - Mrs Pope of 11 Laira-street, stated that deceased was her uncle. She last saw him alive on Saturday. He was being attended by Dr Deery for neurasthenia. Deceased had been behaving "like a child." He was interested in Spiritualism, and so was his wife, but had had nothing to do with it for the past two years. - Witness could not say whether he was in his right mind, but he had behaved peculiarly and was not mentally strong. He had not threatened to take his own life, and when witness saw him on Saturday he appeared quite all right. Deceased had done no regular work for two years, and had been receiving National Health benefit of 8s. 6d. a week. He was very happy at home, and had no troubles. Her uncle seemed to have taken to heart the reduction of his benefit. - Questioned by Supt. Joslin (Devon Constabulary), witness said deceased was capable of going out by himself, but got very nervous at times and would stand in the middle of the road. - Plunge In Front Of Train. - Thomas Henry Salter, signalman, of Oreston, said from his box he saw a man on the line about 8 a.m. on Monday. Witness saw him get over the fence and walk along the line towards Plymouth. He missed sight of the man for a time, but subsequently, looking out for the 8.17 a.m. train from Friary, saw deceased go over the fence again and then walk back towards the fogman's hut. - Deceased then stayed behind the hut. The train was approaching over Laira Bridge at about 20 miles an hour. When the train nearly reached the hut deceased stepped over the signal wire and stood still for a few seconds. Deceased then made a direct plunge in front of the train, which was promptly pulled up by the driver. Witness called some platelayers and told them what had happened. He was satisfied it was a wilful act, and pointed out that EVANS had no business on the line. - Driver's Story. - William Payne, the driver of the train, had been employed in that capacity for seven years. He first saw deceased when the train got to the end of the bridge. EVANS was at that time on the bank between the signal wire and the line, and witness saw him step over the wire. I sounded my whistle before leaving the bridge, but not when I saw deceased, added witness. From the end of the bridge to where deceased was, was between 40 and 50 yards. - Dropped Over Rail. - Witness did not sound his whistle when he saw the man, because he thought he saw the train and was waiting for it to pass before crossing the line. Witness was only about ten yards away from deceased when deceased stepped over the wire. He then dropped on his knees and went right over the rail. Witness applied the brakes and reversed the lever, bringing the train to a standstill; only one of the leading wheels went over the man. Witness got off the engine and saw the body on the line between the two front wheels. The body was not cut about, and the fireman and witness, assisted by a platelayer, subsequently got it out. Life was extinct. - Thomas Henry Baker, fireman, employed by the Southern Railway, corroborated the evidence of the last witness and spoke to the driver shouting "Stop" when they got at the end of the bridge. The train was brought to practically an immediate standstill. - Death Instantaneous. - Dr S. Noy Scott, Plymstock, saw the body about 8.40 a.m. It was by the side of the line. The injuries were slight externally, with the exception of a broken left arm, but there was a wound on the right side of the body. There were severe internal injuries, and death must have been instantaneous, the body being crushed. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind," the Coroner said he thought the driver and fireman ought to be commended for the prompt manner in which they pulled up the train.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 28 November 1924
LISKEARD, CORNWALL. - Mystery Cleared Up. Devonport Man Found Hanged. - The mystery of the disappearance of a Devonport resident while on a visit to relatives at Liskeard was solved yesterday by the tragic discovery of his body lying in a spinney near the Looe railway line, a few hundred yards from Brimboyte Farm. Deceased, 73 years of age, was MR GEORGE TRUAN, who resided with his son at Valletort-road, Devonport. - Last Friday, as already reported, he went to Liskeard on a visit to his daughter, MRS BARTLETT at 3 Church-place, and mysteriously disappeared while out for a walk during the afternoon on Saturday. - Snapped Rope. - ALBERT F. TRUAN, of St Winnow, eldest son of deceased, said he had been searching for his father for four days and was one of the party who found his body that morning. The rope was attached to a branch about 10 ft. high, and it had snapped, leaving deceased lying on the ground, with a piece of rope still around his neck. - MRS BARTLETT said when her father arrived at her house last Friday he was bright and in his usual health and said he intended to stay a fortnight. He said he had had a cold and was always nervous about his health. - WESLEY H. TRUAN, of Devonport, another son, said a fortnight previously his father consulted a doctor for a cold and noises in the head, but did not seem depressed. - Witness agreed with a suggestion by the Coroner that probably his father worried more than he let them know about what the doctor told him. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 29 November 1924
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Native Seaman. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest this morning on HASSEN MAHOMED SHAIK, a seaman, aged 29, who died on his ship, the Rotenfels, on Thursday.- Evidence of identification was given by the purser of the steamer, Alfred John Heinsen, of London, who also stated that deceased had been in Hospital for some time, but came back to the ship, and on the day in question complained of being ill, dying before a doctor's arrival. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to pulmonary tuberculosis and cardiac failure.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - Fell 20 Feet. Fatal Accident At Mount Batten. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Saturday on WILLIAM ALEXANDER BROADMEADOW, 21, son of MRS JANE BROADMEADOW of Shrewsbury-road, Shifnal, Salop. Deceased fell from a scaffolding at Mount Batten on Wednesday morning and died next day as the result of the injuries. - Evidence by Dr Hamilton Reid was that deceased was admitted to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital suffering from a fractured skull and laceration of the brain. - Alan Osbeston, of Brunswick-terrace, Plymouth, a fellow worker of deceased, who was injured also, stated that he and deceased were working on the roof of a shed at the Air Force Station at Mount Batten. A ladder was put up to the roof from the ground and was fixed all right. Another ladder was to be fixed on the roof and was to stand on a level board. Either deceased or witness slipped and brought down the ladder. Both men fell a distance of about 20 feet. Witness could not account for the accident. - The verdict was "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 12 December 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Devonport Coroner, on JOHN WILLIAM FRANK, 73, master mariner of 18 Market-street, Devonport, who died after falling and fracturing his skull. Dr McElwaine certified that death was due to a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 December 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Sudden Death. - Following the evidence of Dr D. Colombos, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest on THOMAS JOHN HANCOCK of 86 Charlotte-street, Devonport, who died last Monday. - MRS K. TREEGARD, deceased's daughter, said her father had been living in her house and had been in poor health for two years. On Sunday she saw him put to bed comfortably, but when she went into his room in the morning he was dead. She sent for Dr Colombos, who had been consulted by deceased at times.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 15 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. Suicide Of Victim Of Rare Disease. - "I don't suppose we shall have another case for another ten years," said Dr Palmer, referring to the disease of actinomycosis from which the late ANDREW THOMAS HOOPEL, sailmaker, 63, of 41 Beaumont-road, was suffering, at the Inquest held this afternoon by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns. - Dr Palmer said MR HOOPEL was suffering from actinomycosis, a fungoid disease that was incurable. - Evidence was submitted to show that deceased was found dead yesterday, lying with his head in a gas oven. He had never been known to threaten to take his life. He had been attended by Dr Palmer. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 December 1924 
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Infant's Death. - Dr R. J. Fleming attributed death to be due to syncope through a relapse of pneumonia following a previous attack, at the Inquest yesterday on THOMAS MATTHEW ROGERS, the eleven weeks old child of MRS ELSIE MAY ROGERS, 69 Fore-street, Devonport. The mother said the child was very small at birth and had never been well. Last Friday the child slept between her husband and herself and at 8.30 the next morning they found he was dead. - Mr J. A. Pearce returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 18 December 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Labourer's Suicide. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on JOSEPH THOMAS, 68, formerly a general labourer, who committed suicide by cutting his throat with a razor. - Deceased's son, THOMAS THOMAS, said his father was a widower, had been living at Market-street, Devonport and had been in bad health for some time. He had complained of terrible pains. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Thursday 18 December 1924
SHAUGH PRIOR - Shaugh Girl's Death. Accidentally Drowned In The Cad. A Sad Case. - "It is a particularly sad case" said the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone in passing a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Shaugh this afternoon on MISS ELLEN KATE BELCHAR, 21, who had acted in the capacity of postwoman and was found drowned in the River Cad. - MRS KATE BELCHAR said her daughter left on her round on Monday at 8.10 a.m., and when she did not return by 12.30 witness became anxious and raised an alarm. Her daughter had enjoyed splendid health and had been doing the round for about four years. - A Footbridge. - Miss Alberta Skidmore of Cadworthy Farm, Meavy, said deceased delivered a newspaper about her usual time on Monday morning, about ten minutes past ten and asked if the water was over the bridge. Witness's brother had recently crossed and he did not think it was. The bridge consisted of two fir poles with boards placed across, the width being about two feet. The River Cad was rather wide there and was apt to rise and fall very quickly. Deceased appeared to be in excellent spirits. She had a macintosh cape on. A storm was rising and a heavy wind was blowing. - Mr John Hearn, representing the G.P.O., Plymouth, said the affairs of the Post Office were quite in order. - Finding The Body. - Mr Harold Kinnard, one of the search party, said he found the body in the bed of the river, fastened between rocks, about a quarter of a mile from the bridge. Someone else found the post-bag another hundred yards further down, and near it was deceased's cape. The last witness said the boards became slippery in wet weather. He considered that the water on Tuesday had dropped some feet from what it was on Monday and he had no hesitation in saying that on Monday the water was over the bridge. - P.C. James said he had concluded that the water had been over the bridge and, in fact, had overflowed the banks of the river quite seven or eight inches. - Mrs Skidmore said her husband passed over the bridge twice a day, and that he had pulled taut the old wire placed as a rail and put a second rail, as children passed that way to school. - Coroner's Sympathy. - The Coroner said that he could only come to the conclusion that it was purely and simply a case of accidental death. He imagined that deceased slipped and fell and was carried down stream. Great credit seemed to be due to the people of Shaugh Prior, who organised themselves into search parties. He extended to deceased's parents his deepest sympathy and on behalf of the Police, Sergt. Potter expressed similar sentiments.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 December 1924
FRIERN BARNET, MIDDLESEX - DR BLAKE ODGERS. Heart Disease Cause Of Fatal Collapse. - Dr George Cohen, Coroner for Middlesex, held an Inquest at Friern Barnet Council Offices yesterday concerning the death of DR BLAKE ODGERS, 75, formerly Recorder for Plymouth, who dropped dead in the street close to his home on Tuesday. - MR WALTER BLAKE ODGERS, son, said his father had had trouble with his eyes for many years. Up to four years ago he was a very fit man, but then suffered from an illness which included a carbuncle. - P.C. Over said he saw deceased apparently waiting to cross the road. Witness accompanied him across the road, and while crossing deceased told him that he got out of the train at Church End Station in mistake for the next station, which was Woodside Park. Deceased decided to walk to his home, which was about a mile away. - Mr Peck, of Squire's-lane, said he saw DR BLAKE ODGERS walking just ahead of him. He heard a fall and saw that deceased had fallen on his face. - P.C. Hunby said deceased was lying on his face on the pathway and was unable to speak to witness. Dr Gleed, who was sent for, pronounced life extinct. - Dr Burt, of Lansdown, Woodside Park-road, said he knew deceased very well indeed and had been his medical adviser. Since his illness four years ago deceased had suffered from cardio-vascular degeneration. - The Coroner found that DR BLAKE ODGERS died from cardio-vascular degeneration and extended his sympathy to the relatives of the deceased, who had been a great friend to him. When he (Dr Cohen) applied for the position of Coroner, it was DR BLAKE ODGERS who gave him his legal testimonial. He was proud to say that he had won one of DR BLAKE ODGERS' prizes.

Western Evening Herald, Friday 19 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned this morning by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, on EDWARD HENRY EASTCOTT (61), 10 Boon's place, Plymouth, who died suddenly yesterday. MR EASTCOTT was a retired inspector of joiners in H.M. Dockyard.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 22 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Death From Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest today on MRS MAUDE COLLING, residing at 29 Grenville-road, Plymouth. - The husband, Mr F. H. R. COLLING, said that on returning to the house after a few minutes' absence he found his wife dead. - Dr E. A. Travers-Stubbs, who had been attending deceased, said that at a post-mortem examination he found death was due to a ruptured malignant tumour.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 December 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Manager's Sudden Death. Devonport Tragedy Investigated. - The sudden death of ARTHUR CHARLES LEE, 46, of North Down-crescent, and manager of the Co-operative Society's butcher shop in Morice-street, Devonport, was investigated yesterday by the Deputy Devonport Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, who returned a verdict of "Natural Causes." - MR WILLIAM J. LEE, Embankment-road, Plymouth, said deceased, his brother, had served in the war and received a wound in the head, of the effects of which he sometimes complained. - Ethel Price, manageress of the Co-operative Society's dairy, Morice-street, said on Friday at nearly eight o'clock she saw him in the yard at the rear of the shop. He complained that he was feeling ill and asked her to help him. Witness returned to the shop and sent one of the assistants for the doctor. Just as MR LEE reached the door leading into the shop he collapsed and witness fainted. - P.C. Lee said he found deceased lying on the floor behind the counter. He applied artificial respiration until the arrival of the doctor, but without result. - Dr J. J. N. Morris, said MR LEE was dead when he arrived at the shop. Death was due to long-standing aneurism of the left lung.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 27 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - Yule Tragedy At Plymouth. An Inquest was held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, today in respect of a death which had taken place during the Christmastide. "Why we do not have hundreds of motor accidents every year in Plymouth, I don't know," said Mr Johns at an Inquiry respecting the death of FREDERICK WILLIAM COLE, a stonemason, aged 66, of 17 Wellington-street, who was knocked down by a motor 'bus on Christmas Eve. - Evidence of identification was given by ALFRED HENRY MARTIN, a nephew of deceased, who added that his uncle's sight was slightly defective. - William Stanley Goodfellow, a motor-driver of Plympton St Maurice, said that about 10.30 p.m. he was driving a 14-seater motor-'bus, owned by Goads, of Plympton, down Tavistock-road, when he suddenly saw deceased right in front of the 'bus. He pulled up immediately and deceased was taken to Hospital. - Edith Hodgkinson, of 12 Headland-park, said she was walking up Tavistock-road and saw deceased cross the road. He came out from behind a stationary motor-car and evidently did not see the 'bus. Witness described the speed of the 'bus as "moderate." - Describing it as "a very unfortunate occurrence," Mr Johns returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." He commented strongly on the careless way in which many pedestrians crossed the roads and added that they apparently did not realise how much more congested and quicker the traffic had become.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 27 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - Boxing-Day Suicide. - A Boxing-day tragedy was the cause of an Inquest on the body of ERNEST JOHN FRIEND, aged 22, of 3 Russell-cottages, Plymouth. - ERNEST GEORGE FRIEND, father of deceased, said he last saw his son at 12.30 p.m. yesterday, when he was quite well, laughing and joking with them. About 2.10 p.m. deceased's mother went upstairs and smelt gas coming from his bedroom. On entering she found deceased with a coat over his head and a tube in his mouth, with the gas turned on. Witness knew no reason why his son should commit suicide and he had never threatened to take his life. - Lorna Dunn, medical practitioner at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said deceased was brought to the Hospital and died about 4.30 this morning from gas poisoning. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Evening Herald, Saturday 27 December 1924
PLYMOUTH - Woman's Sad Death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on EVELYN FRY, age 47, wife of GEORGE FRY, R.M.L.I., of 46 Wesley-avenue, who died suddenly on Christmas Eve. - JOHN BICKELL, of 10 Frederick-street, said that deceased, his daughter, came to see him about 10 p.m. on Christmas Eve, and was talking quite naturally when she suddenly fell forward and died immediately. She had never complained to him or to her husband of feeling unwell. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to pneumonia accelerated by heart disease.

Western Evening Herald, Monday 29 December 1924
STOKE DAMEREL - Struck By Car. Death Of St Budeaux Boy Investigated. - Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, with a Jury, of which Mr J. Vincent was Foreman, sat at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on Saturday, for an Inquest on ERNEST HERBERT PAWLBY (9) of 32 Coldrenick-street, St Budeaux, who died as the result of injuries received through being knocked down by a motor car, driven by William George Johnston, baker and confectioner of 29 Victoria-terrace, St Budeaux, in Wolseley-road, on Christmas morning. - Robert James Moyse, 18 Morris Park-terrace, retired inspector of engine fitters, said on Christmas morning at about 11.30 he was walking along Wolseley-road with his son-in-law. One car passed them and then another, proceeding in the same direction as witness. The road was clear, but there were people on the footpaths. Just as the second car passed him he heard a thud. The car swerved and pulled up, and witness saw a boy's cap and the body of the boy on the ground. The boy was taken to Hospital. Witness examined the surface of the road. The car was on its correct side of the road, but was going fast. - Answering Detective-Inspector W. T. Hutchings, witness said the first car was going at a safe rate. From the place in the road when the brakes were applied to where the car stopped was about 53 paces. Witness pointed out that the driver had a clear view, but the car was going at a dangerous speed if anyone was in the road. - View Limited. - Charles Gilbert Birch, 18 Coldrenick-street, stated that he was going towards St Budeaux and had not quite reached the Baptist Church, when he saw a motor-car coming towards him. It was on its proper side of the road and in witness's opinion was proceeding at a reasonable speed considering the traffic in the road. He saw a boy run into the road from a lane, at each corner of which was a high hedge and the car struck him. The boy spun round several times and then fell down. The car swerved in an attempt to avoid going over the boy and was pulled up in four lengths. Deceased was not visible to the driver until he was practically on the spot and the accident was quite unavoidable. Witness picked the boy up and with the driver of the car conveyed him to Hospital. The boy was conscious and gave witness his name and address, but complained of a pain in his right leg. The hedge was about four or five feet high and would prevent anyone coming from the lane seeing the car approach. Neither boy nor driver could see the approach of the other. - Driver's Statement. - The driver of the car, William George Johnston, said he was proceeding in the direction of Camel's Head at from 15 to 20 miles an hour by his speedometer. At the corner near the Baptist Chapel a boy suddenly ran out from behind a "blind" corner and the near head-lamp of the car struck him. Witness had no chance of doing anything before he struck the boy, but immediately afterwards he jammed on the brakes and the car skidded badly. To prevent the car skidding too far he released the brakes and then applied them again. Witness had nine years' experience of driving. - Dr Arthur Sheridan, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said he found abrasions on the boy's face and legs and a dislocation of the left wrist, which he reduced and put in a splint. There was no evidence at the time of any shock and after attending to the injuries witness asked the boy to stand up and walk, and he did so. The lad was then sent home, but was brought back again at 2 p.m. in a collapsed condition and suffering from shock. Witness sent for Dr C. L. C. Lander and an operation revealed an accumulation of blood in the abdomen. After the operation they treated the boy for shock, but he died about 10 p.m. that day. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage following a rupture of the kidney, caused by a severe blow. - Dangerous Corner. - Rev. E. W. Ketley, pastor of St Budeaux Baptist Church, said he had several times pointed out the dangerous state of the corner to the Corporation. The church had kept the hedge trimmed up to about two months ago, when a piece of land was purchased by the Corporation, but since then nothing had been done to it by the Corporation. The hedge was at present quite seven feet high. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Jury exonerated the driver from blame, and added a strong recommendation that the Corporation should be approached with a view to the blind corner being rectified.