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.]

1927

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

[Numbers in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs.]

Names Included: Adams(2); Allen; Anstruther; Ball; Barclay; Barker; Batten; Beer; Belli; Bennett; Best; Bolt; Braid; Brown; Buckley; Burge; Burgess; Burley(2); Burt; Butler; Camp; Carbis; Chaleel; Chamberlain; Chaser; Childs; Cock; Collie; Collins; Colwill; Cook; Counter; Cox; Cory; Craddock; Cross; Cundy; Darke; Dodd; Dore; Drew; Dunning; Dunstan; Edgecombe; England; Featherstone; Fisher; Fitzsimmons; Fox; Garner; Gee; Goss; Graham; Griffen; Guscott; Hannaford; Hanniford; Hardwicke; Harris(2); Harrison; Hart; Harvey; Haworth; Hayman; Hearl; Hill(2); Horton; Hughes; Hugo; Jackman; Jago; James; Jones; Kingston; Knight; Knox; Lane; Lander; Landsdowne; Lavers; Lawrence; Leaman; Lee; Lendon; Love; Major; McAlister; McMullin; McMurtree; Messa; Mitchell; Montague; Moore; Morgan; Morrison; Mugridge; Newcombe; Norman; Oatey; O'Hanlon; Old; Oldfield; Orridge; Overington; Parker; Parsons; Paul; Pearce; Pearne; Pearse(2); Pellow; Penlerick; Pepperell; Peters; Phipps; Pook; Prowse; Rayson; Rennell; Reynolds; Richards(2); Ridgman; Roberts(2); Robinson(2); Roskruge; Rundle; Ryan; Sandell; Satterley; Saunders; Searle; Seldon; Shackson; Skilton; Smith(3); Sowton; Spatcher; Spry; Srodzinski; Stanbury; Sutcliffe; Swabey; Symes; Syms; Taylor(3); Thomas; Thompson; Thorne; Tozer; Trevena; Trotman; Troutbrooks; Tucker; Vanstone; Veale; Voisey; Walker; Wallis; Walsh; Warne; Watts; Webb; Webber; Wellington; West; Westlake(2); White; Widdicombe; Wilkinson; Williams(3); Winter; Wonnacott; Woolcock; Wrayford; Wright; Yates; Yelland

Western Morning News, Monday 3 January 1927
ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX - Maid Burned To Death. Verdict At Inquest On Devonshire Girl. - BEATRICE MAY TAYLOR, 19, a kitchenmaid, employed at Whitewebbs Park, Enfield, the residence of Sir Duncan Orr-Lewis, threw some boiling fat into the fire-box, causing the flames to blow out. Her clothing became ignited and she was quickly enveloped in flames. - Though terribly burned she managed to run upstairs to her bedroom, but was unable to make any statement. She was admitted to Enfield War Memorial Hospital, and died twelve hours after admission. - It was stated at the Inquest at Enfield on Saturday that the girl was a native of Sidbury, Devonshire and a verdict of death from Misadventure was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 January 1927
DARTMOUTH - Inquest On Dartmouth Ex-Officer. - Mr Arthur Davson, Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmouth on Saturday on MR WILLIAM TOM DUNNING, aged 69, of Rose Glen, Victoria-road, who was found dead in bed the previous morning. - WILLIAM GORDON DUNNING, son, said his father had retired from the Navy with the rank of lieutenant. - Dr J. H. Harris attributed death to heart disease. The Coroner recorded a verdict accordingly. - The funeral will take place at Townstal tomorrow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 January 1927
TOTNES - Motor Cyclist Killed. Inquest Verdict On Newton Bank Clerk. - At the Inquest yesterday on LESLIE JOHN PROWSE, aged 22, a bank clerk, employed at Kingsbridge, and whose parents reside at Abbotsbury-road, Newton Abbot, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmunds. PROWSE fell from his motor cycle at Harbertonford on Sunday, and died later in the Totnes Cottage Hospital. - Dr H. R. Allingham stated that death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull. PROWSE did not recover consciousness. - Bertram N. Beer, of Harberton, a mill hand, said he saw the dead man proceeding from Kingsbridge at a fast speed and endeavour to take the curve in the road. Coming round the bend, the machine skidded. PROWSE fell on his back and murmured something about "I want to go to sleep." Then he relapsed into unconsciousness. No other vehicle was passing at that time, so there was a clear road. - Samuel Harris, of Harberton, said that the speed would not have been too great on a straight road. - Constable Tolley said there was a skid mark of 60 feet on the road, which had a tarred surface. The motor cycle was in good order. - The Coroner remarked that the occurrence was purely accidental and apparently caused by an error of judgment in attempting to take the curve at too great a pace. - Mr FREDERICK JOHN PROWSE, father, who had given evidence of identification, thanked Dr Allingham and the Police for their prompt assistance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 January 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Woman's Suicide. Tragedy Of Depression At Devonport. - The story of a woman who, depressed as the result of insomnia, committed suicide in an allotment by drinking poison was related at an Inquest held by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Devonport yesterday on ETHEL GEORGINA PETERS, 44, wife of WALTER LUCKRAFT PETERS, a shipwright in H.M. Dockyard, Devonport of Renown-street, Devonport. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded. - William Thomas Cann of Moor-view, North Prospect, Devonport, stated that on Saturday, about 10.30 a.m. he went to his allotment at Weston Mill Cemetery and saw the body of the woman lying on its side. A bottle of "lysol" disinfectant and a tumbler, which witness recognised when produced at the Inquest, were by her side. - Empty Bottle. - Police Constable Frederick Baldwin, who ultimately took charge of the body, corroborated his evidence, and stated that the bottle was practically empty. He removed the body to the Mortuary. - Dr Henry Guy Ludolf said that he was summoned to the Ker-street Mortuary and saw the body of the woman. He found stains round her lips, and the empty disinfectant bottle and a tumbler. In a post-mortem examination he found the throat and stomach intensely inflamed and attributed death to shock, following the swallowing of the disinfectant. - "Lysol" was a coal-tar disinfectant and a proprietary article. It was not a registered poison and could be purchased anywhere. The woman had been dead a few hours when he first saw her. - MR PETERS said that his wife had been in bad health since July, suffering from nervous depression and insomnia, which caused her to be very depressed. She had very little natural sleep, and though she had never threatened to take her life directly, she had said she would like to have a very long sleep and go out of it. - Did Not Return. - Witness last saw her alive on Friday about 6 o'clock, when she went out after tea, saying she was going for a short walk. She did not return and about 9 o'clock he informed the Police. - They nearly always kept a bottle of "Lysol" in the house as a disinfectant. He thought there had been nearly a full bottle. - Witness recognised both the tumbler and the disinfectant bottle. - There had been no domestic friction in the house and the woman was in no financial difficulties. - The Coroner remarked that there could be no doubt that death was due to poisoning. In considering in what state of mind the woman was at the time of the act, he said they had much clearer evidence than in most suicide cases. She had been very depressed as a result of suffering from insomnia and he had no doubt whatever that she was in an Unsound State of Mind.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 January 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest, yesterday, on JOHN TOZER, a retired plumber, of Stuart-road, Devonport, who was taken suddenly ill on Sunday and died before his wife could fetch a doctor. Dr Richard H. Wagner said death was due to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns investigated the death of a Plymouth woman yesterday. SUSAN HEARL, spinster, aged 78, of Brendon House, Gibbon-lane, was found dead on Sunday by Mrs Phillimore. - Dr Thomas Jamieson said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Coroner, investigated the death of ANNE LAVERS, 67, widow of a naval pensioner, 28 James-street, Plymouth, who fell dead while doing her shopping in the market. Dr Blades said death was due to valvular disease of the heart. He had attended her eighteen months ago and had then warned her to go slowly as her condition was precarious. - A verdict of Death from Natural Causes was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 January 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Stoke Man's Sudden Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Devonport Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK GEORGE SEARLE (70), of St Mary's-place, Stoke. - MRS EMMA SEARLE, the widow stated that her husband had been in failing health for some years. On Monday evening he complained of having felt ill during a visit to Plymouth. She went for the doctor, and on her return found her husband dead. - Dr J. E. Cheyne Wilson, who said he had known SEARLE for 30 years, attributed death to myocardial degeneration.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 January 1927
DARTMOUTH - Fall From Window. Verdict At Inquest On Dartmouth Ex-Alderman. - An Inquest was held at Dartmouth yesterday on ex-Alderman HENRY JAMES WELLINGTON, Newcomen-road, Dartmouth, who fell from his window the previous day. MRS EMMA WEEKS said she had taken MR WELLINGTON, her father, a cup of tea. Immediately afterwards she heard a fall outside. WILLIAM WEEKS, her husband, said he heard a crash, and on going to the road saw deceased lying in his night attire on the pavement. - Constable Soper said he was taken to a front room on the second floor, which the dead man used as a bedroom. There was a large bay window and the casement on the north side was open. In the bay was a dressing table, with a small chair by the side. Nothing was disturbed on the dressing table. Witness came to the conclusion that deceased stood on the chair and in reaching over the dressing table to open the window he overbalanced and fell into the street, a distance of 25 feet. - Dr J. H. Harris said death was due to a fractured skull. The suggestion put forward by the Police was quite feasible. After drinking the cup of tea it was likely deceased went to open the window and overbalanced himself. - The Coroner, Mr Arthur Davson, recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and found that death was due to his Accidentally Falling through the window. - There was no direct evidence as to how it happened, but, in his opinion, it was an accident. - MR WELLINGTON was a popular personality in the municipal life of the town.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Hairdresser's Death. - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CHARLES SIMON COLWILL, 66, hairdresser of York-street, who was found by his daughter lying dead between an armchair and his bed on Tuesday. Dr A. E. Blades attributed death to heart trouble.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fatally Burned. Plymouth Child Who Played With Matches. - The Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on QUEENIE CONSTANCE HARDWICKE, aged 4, of Cobourg-lane, Plymouth, who died on Tuesday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, from extensive burns. - HENRY BIGNELL, a painter, grandfather of the child, said that on Tuesday about 9 o'clock he was left in charge of QUEENIE and her sister, age 6. About three-quarters of an hour after the mother had gone to work, he heard a scream, and, on rushing down, saw the child in flames. Witness smothered the fire with a blanket, and immediately sent for the ambulance, which took the child to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where she died the same day. - There was no fire in the room, but the child was on a bed near the mantle-piece and she had evidently got up and taken down the matches. - "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 January 1927
TORQUAY - Knocked Down By Car. Inquest Story Of Torquay Fatality. - An Inquest was opened last night on MR FREDERICK J. GOSS, aged 73, of 44 Kenwyn-road, Torquay, who died in the Torbay Hospital on Thursday morning as the result of being knocked down by a motor car in Lymington, Torquay. After some evidence had been taken the Inquest was adjourned until Tuesday. Mr C. Fisher represented the driver of the motor car. - MR ERNEST WILTON GOSS, of Clarendon Park, Torquay, said he was visited by his father on Tuesday, and the latter left after six o'clock in the evening. He intended to go home in the tramcar. About a quarter past seven witness was told his father had been injured and was in the Torbay Hospital. His father did not have good eyesight. Witness went to the Hospital on hearing that his father had been taken there, and was told by him that he attempted to cross the road after looking around and seeing no vehicle, and he added that he remembered no more. - Accident Described. - Francis John Elliott, of Lymington-road, described the accident. He said that MR GOSS commenced to cross the road, and on reaching the centre looked towards the Townhall. From that direction a car came along at a moderate speed. After pausing, MR GOSS continued to cross the road, walking slowly and rather feebly. Witness thought the car had passed him, but found MR GOSS'S handbag and hat were on the ground and that MR GOSS was under the vehicle, which had stopped in its own length. Immediately, witness and others rendered assistance and MR GOSS as taken in the car to the Hospital. The light was very bad at the bend in the road where the accident occurred. - The Coroner: So far as you could see, was there anything you could complain of in regard to the way the car was driven? - Witness: Not at all sir. I think the old gentleman was too feeble to cross the road and I intended shouting to him. - The Coroner: In these days we all have to keep our eyes open and be alert in crossing the road. - Dr West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, stated that MR GOSS was conscious on admission. He was suffering from a fracture of the upper ribs on the left side of the chest. The ribs had penetrated the lungs. MR GOSS died on Thursday morning. The cause of death was the laceration of the lung caused by fractured ribs. - The Coroner said he would like to view the spot, and adjourned the Inquest. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict at an Inquest held by the Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns yesterday on RICHARD EDWARD ADAMS, aged 64, Dock labourer, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, who collapsed in his bedroom, death being due to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 January 1927
DARTMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded on MARY ELSIE EVELYN VOISEY, Hill-side Terrace, Dartmouth, who died during the night from pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 January 1927
TORQUAY - Duty To Pedestrians. Torquay Coroner And Recent Motor Fatality. - Recording "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on FREDERICK JAMES GOSS, 44 Kenwyn-road, Torquay, who died at Torbay Hospital from injuries received in coming into contact with a motor car driven by Mr C. Perring in Lymington-road, Mr E. Hutchings said motorists had an obligation to carry out, and their actions must be governed by the rule of the road. They must remember that people with defective vision had to use the highway as well as cars and normal pedestrians. - He thought Mr Perring did what many others might have done - committed an error of judgment - as if, according to Mr Perring's evidence, he was travelling at 15 miles an hour in second gear, he (the Coroner) would have thought he could have pulled up immediately. - Constable Harvey said the road at the point where the accident occurred was 31ft. wide. The nearest lamp was 24 yards away. - Charles Perring said he did not see MR GOSS until his car was within a couple of yards of him. MR GOSS stopped and witness thought it was a signal for him to proceed, and he did so. - The Coroner: Do not you think it was your duty as a motorist to pass him on your proper side? - Witness: It would have been, but I do not think I could have got clear.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 January 1927
PARKHAM - Parkham Tragedy. Inquest On Woman Who Collapsed In Hotel. - Returning to the Hoops Inn, Parkham, where she had been staying with her daughter, MRS CAROLINE MCMURTREE, a widow, aged 72, of Clifton, Bristol, complained of feeling unwell. - Mrs Douton, wife of the proprietor, assisted her to her bedroom, where she collapsed and died. - At the Inquest conducted by the North Devon Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, yesterday, Dr Pearson said an examination revealed disease of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Aged Man's Sudden Death. - A verdict that death was caused through heart failure was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at the Coroner's Court, Plymouth, yesterday, on CHARLES RICHARD RUNDLE, aged 74, a retired jobbing mason, of Harwell-place, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday night. - MRS RUNDLE stated that after having had his supper her husband rose from his chair to place his pipe on the mantle-piece and fell back and expired.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Widow's Tragic End. Accidental Death From Gas Poisoning At Plymouth. - A blind woman's fatal attack of giddiness was described at the first Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, the recently-appointed Coroner for Plymouth, yesterday. - The deceased was MRS RHODA ANN BEER, aged 64, widow of CHARLES BEER, a butcher, who lived with her son at Rosslyn Park-road, Plymouth. - Mr Arthur Lake, a clerk at the Dockyard, who occupies the lower flat in the house, explained that on Saturday afternoon he heard a cry, and running upstairs found MRS BEER lying unconscious on the floor. It appeared that MRS BEER, who was almost totally blind, had been groping in the kitchen, and had accidentally turned on a gas tap.- Dr Olivia Walker said when she was called artificial respiration was tried for an hour, and oxygen administered without success. Death was due to gas poisoning. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was Accidentally caused by the inhalation of coal gas.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 January 1927
YELVERTON - At Yelverton yesterday the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. Johnstone, and a Jury Inquired into the death of the newly-born male child of FLORENCE WINIFRED THOMAS, a domestic servant, employed at Willowby-terrace, Yelverton. The body of the child was found in a portmanteau. - The verdict was that death was due to want of attention at birth, but there was no criminal intent.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 January 1927
TAVISTOCK - Knocked Down In Fog. 'Bus Driver Exonerated At Tavistock Inquest. - The circumstances attending the death of MRS KATE WARNE, of Merrivale Bridge, who was knocked down by a motor 'bus, were Inquired into by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, the County Coroner, at Tavistock, yesterday. - Dr Spence Anderson, of Tavistock, attributed death to shock following the injuries received. - Constable Board, who was in the 'bus at the time of the accident, stated that when passing Rundlestone Cottage he heard a scream and at the same time the 'bus came to a standstill. The 'bus was travelling at about six or seven miles an hour and he found MRS WARNE with her head about four inches inside the near back wheel. - A niece of the dead woman said the latter was crossing the road towards witness when the accident occurred. - Reginald Budge, the 'bus driver, said it was raining and the fog was thick at the time of the accident. He did not see MRS WARNE until he was on the point of slowing up. - A verdict that deceased died from the injuries received was returned, the Coroner intimating there was no blame attaching to the driver.

Western Morning News, Friday 21 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at a Plymouth Inquest yesterday on EDWARD DOUGLAS NORMAN, the four-year-old son of ERNEST NORMAN, newsagent of 12 Waterloo-street, Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Deck Boy Drowned. Tragedy Reported On Ship's Arrival At Plymouth - WILLIAM LEWIS BURGESS, a deck boy, whose home was at Kettering, Northampton, lost his life while the Borda, which arrived at Plymouth yesterday, was in harbour at Sydney. - He had been engaged on his duties in the ship's motor boat, and was clambering across a lighter to return to the Borda when he slipped. He fell into the sea and although an alarm was raised the lad sank,. Two hours afterwards the body was recovered from the bottom of the harbour. - At the Inquest a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 January 1927
PLYMPTON - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded at a Plympton Inquest on Saturday on MRS MARY JANE LEE, aged 68, of Nine Cottage, Plympton St Mary.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 January 1927
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Farm Tragedy. Moretonhampstead Man's Suicide In Plantation. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner at an Inquest on EDGAR WRAYFORD, aged 35, of Pinmoor Farm - a lonely homestead about three miles from Moretonhampstead - who was found dead from gunshot wounds in a plantation. - Dr Hugh McColl stated that the wounds, which, in his opinion, were self-inflicted, were the cause of death. - The father, EDWIN WRAYFORD, said his son worked on the farm for him and did not suffer from sleeplessness or nervousness. On Thursday morning his son was out and did not return and on the following morning, when it was noticed that his gun was missing, a search was instituted. With two employees, witness eventually came across his son's body stretched out in a plantation, with a gun lying beside it. - Robert McCluer, an employee, who last saw WRAYFORD alive, said on Thursday, about 7.30 a.m., deceased admitted him to the house. He seemed to be normal.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Inquest Verdict Of "Suicide." Plymouth Man Who Was Found Hanged. - "Suicide by Hanging whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at the Inquest yesterday on CHARLES ALBERT ENGLAND, a machinist of 49 St Leonard's-road, Prince Rock, Plymouth, who was found on Sunday morning hanging from the branch of a tree in Hay Farm Wood. - It was stated that ENGLAND, who was aged 43, had been suffering from neurasthenia. - MRS MARTHA ENGLAND said her husband had been unwell for some time, and in seven months had only done seven weeks'; work. He left home on Saturday afternoon without saying where he was going. Her husband had been depressed recently, but had never suggested that he might take his life. - MRS ENGLAND was handed an envelope by the Coroner on which ENGLAND had pencilled a message to "My dear wife, sisters and brothers," in which he said: "I can't stand it any longer, for there is no cure for me." - Found By Farmer. - Mr George Denis Selleck, of Wixenford Farm, told the Coroner how he found the body hanging from a tree in Hay Farm Wood early on Sunday morning. ENGLAND was dead and witness, after cutting the body down, informed the Police. The man's feet were at least 18 inches clear of the ground. - Dr T. Wilkinson, of Plymouth, said ENGLAND'S nervous state was such that he might give way to a sudden impulse. He last saw him alive on Friday, when he appeared worried about his general health. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said ENGLAND was hypochondriacal and might be said to be bordering on melancholia. - Evidence was also given by Sergt. Hutchings, of Yealmpton.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on MRS SARAH ANN HILL (77), wife of JOHN HILL, fisherman, of New-street, Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 January 1927
EAST STONEHOUSE - "Death From Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on MRS ESTHER SELDON, wife of a Marine pensioner, of St Paul's-street, Stonehouse, who died suddenly on Thursday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 January 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Death In Street. - "Natural Causes" was recorded by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Plymouth, yesterday on JOHN THOMAS HANNAFORD, aged 47, a labourer, of 2 Morley-place, Plymouth, who collapsed in Julian-street, Plymouth, on Wednesday and died in a few minutes. - Dr David McNair said he noticed a crowd in Julian-street and HANNAFORD lying on the pavement, and found that he was dead. Death was due to syncope, owing to commencing pneumonia in both lungs, and was further accelerated by myocarditis.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Died 3 Months After Fall. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on JANE EMILY RIDGMAN, aged 79, a general dealer, 2 Watson-place, St Jude's, who, on November 5, fell down in her storeroom and fractured her right thigh. - The evidence stated that she was taken to the Greenbank Infirmary, where hypostatic pneumonia set in and resulted in death on Saturday. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plucky Skipper. Rescue Attempt At Plymouth. - The skipper of a Plymouth trawler was complimented by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday for a gallant effort to save a member of his crew, who was drowned in the Cattewater. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on JOHN JAMES KNOX, aged 20, fourth hand of the sailing trawler Florence, whose home is at 13 New-street, Plymouth. A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned in the performance of his duty" was recorded. - Daniel Over Taylor of Limerick-place, St Jude's, skipper of the Florence, said they were preparing to go to sea and had got lines to other ships awaiting a fairway. As the tide was carrying the Florence towards the rocks it was found necessary to put another line to a ship on the port side. The boy went in a small boat with the line to the vessel, and remained in the boat. Witness thought the line slipped and knocked him into the water. - Rescue Attempt. - KNOX was heavily clothed when the mishap occurred and Capt. Taylor kicked off his sea boots, jumped overboard and did his best to save the boy. In his attempt at rescue he became exhausted. - THOMAS JAMES KNOX, of Lambhay-street, uncle of the boy, said he heard from other vessels as the motor trawler Our Boys was going out of harbour that there was "a man overboard." They proceeded to the spot, where they could see an object in the water, which proved to be the last witness. At the time he did not know of his nephew also being overboard. With others, witness later in the day recovered the body with grappling irons. - Coroner: Is it usual to send a boy to fasten the rope in the boat? - Witness: It is universal, unless the skipper thinks two men are necessary. - The Coroner considered it was a sad case, and, in expressing sympathy with the relatives, highly commended Capt. Taylor for the gallant attempt he made to rescue KNOX. There was no doubt whatever that the actual cause of death was due to an accident for which no one could be blamed.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, opened an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on RICHARD ROBERTS, an old-age pensioner, of Willow-street, who was involved in a motor accident on January 6. Evidence of identification only was taken, and the Inquest adjourned.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 February 1927
TORQUAY - Widow Dead In Bed. Fatal Overdose Of Drug At Torquay. - "Death from an overdose of Paraldehyde taken Accidentally" was recorded by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at an Inquest at St Marychurch Townhall, Torquay, on MRS MABEL WALKER, (53), widow, who had been staying at Abbey-road, Torquay, and was found dead in bed on Tuesday. - The landlady, Mrs Bowden, said the woman had been a great sufferer from neuralgia., - Constable Harvey stated that he found a bottle containing paraldehyde in her bedroom; and Dr B. West said that death was due to an overdose of this drug which the woman had been in the habit of taking to induce sleep.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Abnormal Heart. - A human heart weighing near 11lb above the average was mentioned at a Plymouth Inquest yesterday. - Dr E. A. Travers Stubbs, in evidence on the death of SAMUEL SWABEY, aged 42, labourer, of John-street, Devonport, who collapsed while unloading coal from a steamer at Cattedown, said SWABEY'S heart weighed 21lb 3oz. which was from 11 to 14 ounces above the normal weight. Death was due to syncope. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Safety First. Coroner's Observation At Plymouth Inquest. - "Many accidents are due to people stepping off the pavement without looking to see if there is any traffic approaching," said Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at the adjourned Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on RICHARD ROBERTS, 73, of Willow-street, who died after being knocked down by a 'bus in Old :Town-street. - The driver of the 'bus, Charles Randolph James Hole, of Shaftesbury-cottages, said he was driving at about ten miles per hour, when just as he passed the entrance to Treville-street, he felt something strike the front near wing. - Thomas Charles Marks, Dockyard apprentice, said ROBERTS stepped off the pavement in front of the 'bus and was thrown on to his face by the mudguard. - The Coroner said it was obviously an accident, and entered a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Victim Of Cancer Delusion. Plymothian Leaps To Death On Birthday. - JAMES OVERINGTON, labourer, of William-street, Plymouth, believed he was suffering from cancer. On his 54th birthday he jumped from a cliff 100 feet in height and received fatal injuries. - At the Inquest yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Mr J. A. Pearce read the following letter found in OVERINGTON'S pocket:- "It grieves me to have to do this, but I have cancer. My birthday - and my exit. HARRY (his brother) died of cancer, aged 54, and I am 54 today. Please bear up for Carly's sake. God bless you both." - On the envelope was written a pathetic postscript: "Cancer! cancer! cancer! ..... Courage! courage!" - Evidence was given by FANNY OVERINGTON, his sister, who said OVERINGTON had been in bad health for some time, and a week before his death he went to see Dr Ledger, who diagnosed palpitation of the heart and bronchitis. On Wednesday last he left home after eating a small lunch to go to his work on the Corporation dumps at Prince Rock. - Fall Down Cliff. - Reginald Mudge, fisherman, said he was walking alone along a path that lay at the foot of a cliff 100 feet high, on the top of which is a field. He noticed a man at the top. He seemed to trip and then fall over. He struck the rock half-way down before falling to the bottom. - Dr Thomas Foster Everitt, Assistant House Surgeon, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said OVERINGTON was in a semi-conscious state when admitted. He had a fractured skull and other injuries, and cerebral haemorrhage set in, causing death, on Saturday. there were no outward signs, whatsoever, of cancer. - The Coroner said in view of the letter and since OVERINGTON had been a sufferer for many years, he had no doubt that it was done deliberately. There could be no clearer case of unsound mind. The fact that his brother died at 54 from cancer prompted him to do away with himself on his 54th birthday, when he thought he was suffering from the same disease. Unemployment had also influenced him. He pronounced death to be due to OVERINGTON having thrown himself "from the top to the bottom of Moore's Quarry," and he recorded a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 February 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on THOMAS CHARLES SHEPHERD, 70, naval pensioner, of Spencer-avenue, Devonport.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 February 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - After evidence of Dr McCartney, the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday recorded "Death from Natural Causes" at the Inquest on ELIZABETH ANN RICHARDS, aged 57, of 47 Queen-street, Devonport.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 February 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fall Down Staircase. Plymouth Man's Death Two Months Later. - "Accidental Death" was recorded at the Inquest yesterday on JAMES WALSH, aged 62, of 3 Innes-court, Granby-street, Plymouth. - His wife said that on last Christmas-eve she asked him to fetch her a pitcher of water from the court below. On going downstairs he fell from the first step right to the bottom. She thought his neck was broken, and he was unconscious. Dr Letchworth was called and suggested he should go to Hospital, as he had broken two ribs. - WALSH refused, saying: "If I'm going to die, I'd rather do so in my own bed." - Dr Letchworth said deceased had been suffering from chronic rheumatism for some time, and from shock after the accident. For a month he did fairly well, but had a relapse and died on Sunday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 February 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Boy's Fatal Ride. Accident Described At Newton Inquest. - FREDERICK WILLIAM HUGO, aged 7, endeavoured to ride on the connecting rod between a furniture van and a trailer at Newton Abbot. He fell and a wheel of the trailer passed over his head. - At the Inquest yesterday "Accidental Death" was recorded and the driver of the lorry, Mr David Duncan Reux, Hartop-road, St Marychurch, Torquay, was exonerated. - Bernard Avery, age 9 years, of Hilman's-road, Newton Abbot, said he frequently played with HUGO. They were spinning their tops and when the lorry approached HUGO went between the lorry and the trailer and "tipsy-turvied" over the bar, falling to the ground. - The driver said his attention was called by a woman, and when he had stopped he found the boy lying dead in the road. His speed at the time was just over three miles an hour. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, said no possible blame whatever could be attributed to the driver, who was taking every precaution.

Western Morning News, Thursday 3 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Depression. Plymouth Manager Found Dying In Street. - When Leslie George Rice of Cranbourne-avenue, Plymouth, employed in the Dockyard, was walking down Lipson-road on his way to work he saw SAMPSON JOHN MORGAN, aged 56, printer's manager Chaddlewood-avenue, Plymouth, lying on the pavement with wounds in his throat. Later Constable Lugzer found a blood-stained razor and MORGAN was taken to South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died soon after admittance. - At the Inquest yesterday, WINIFRED MARY MORGAN (daughter) said that her father had been restless and depressed. He had suffered with neurasthenia and had been away from work for a month. He was to have returned to work on Monday. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, entered a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 March 1927
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Trader's Death. - The Dartmouth Borough Coroner, Mr A. Davson, recorded "Natural Causes" at the Inquest yesterday on MR GIUSEPPE BELLI, confectioner, of Fairfax-place, Dartmouth, aged 61, who died suddenly on Tuesday night. - DR J. H. Harris stated that heart disease was the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Scratch. Docker's Injury While Unloading Ship. - Scratching his back while unloading coal from a steamer, RICHARD HENRY SKILTON, aged 52, a docker, of Lower Town, Turnchapel, died some weeks after from dermatitis and toxaemia. - At the Inquest held yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, MR SKILTON, the brother of the dead man, who is also a docker, said on February 4 he and his brother were engaged in unloading coal from the steamer Allan Water at Saltash. His brother took the first spell of carrying and then worked in the hold until his turn for carrying came round again, when he declared that he could not go on carrying as he had scratched his back., ~At that time deceased was wearing a vest, shirt, jumper, coat and a "carrying hat." Witness subsequently examined his back, and found a wound, like a scrape, just below the nape of the neck. It had been bleeding slightly. His brother went to work on the following day, but did not do any more carrying. On the following Wednesday he had to take to his bed on account of the wound having spread and eventually the doctor advised his going to Hospital. - Wicker Baskets. - Percy Ford, another docker, in answer to Mr Jasper Richards (representing the Transport Workers' Union), said the coal was carried in wicker baskets, which allowed coal dust to escape over the men carrying them. Irrespective of the amount of clothing they wore, they had to have baths at the end of the day to remove the dust from their bodies. - - Dr M. G. P. Reed, House Physician at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said deceased was admitted on February 17 suffering from toxaemia. He had a wide-spread skin lesion in the nature of acute infective dermatitis. His condition resisted all treatment and he died on February 25, as a result of the disease. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said assuming there had been an original abrasion infection might have entered there and caused the spreading. The skin had been broken somehow, but it was impossible to say how. The dermatitis could not have arisen unless there was some abrasion by which the organism could gain entrance. - By Mr Jasper Richards: There was no organic disease apart from the effects of the toxaemia. He appeared to be a perfectly healthy man. - A verdict was recorded in accordance with the medical evidence. - It was mentioned that deceased left a widow and five children, and the Coroner expressed his sympathy with them.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - At a Plymouth Inquest yesterday, Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, found that JOSEPH EDWARD PRUST LENDON, aged 66, naval pensioner, of New-street, died from Natural Causes. It was stated that he collapsed after breakfast, a doctor deposing that he was suffering from pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Plymouth Coroner, held an Inquiry respecting the death of WILLIAM GEORGE GRAHAM, 79, pensioned lighthouse keeper, of Rosebery-avenue, Plymouth. It was stated by the night nurse engaged in looking after MRS GRAHAM at the time that she heard a thud in the next room and found MR GRAHAM had fallen out of bed. She assisted him, but he died almost at once. - Dr T. B. P. Wilkinson said death was caused by shock due to the fall. MR GRAHAM was a heavy man. A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 March 1927
TAVISTOCK - "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, Coroner, at an Inquest at Tavistock on the male child of FLORENCE WOOLCOCK, of Market--street, Tavistock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 March 1927
INSTOW - The death has taken place of MR ERNEST SHACKSON, of Torridge Cottage, Instow, as the age of 55. MR SHACKSON was a prominent Church worker, having been people's warden at Instow Parish Church. - He was found dead in bed on Saturday. - At the Inquest conducted by Mr G. W. F. Brown, Dr J. C. Dixey said death was due to heart failure and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 March 1927
TEIGNMOUTH - Bathroom Tragedy. Teignmouth Licensee Takes His Life. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, at the Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH L. BUCKLEY, aged 36, licensee of the Black Horse Inn, Teignmouth, who on Saturday was found with his throat cut in a bathroom. - MRS IVY E. G. BUCKLEY (widow) gave evidence of identification and stated that at five o'clock on Saturday morning her husband was taken ill and she called a doctor. A sleeping draught was administered, but it had no effect. - At about ten minutes past twelve her husband went to the bathroom, locking the door after him. She was alarmed and obtained assistance. - Dr F. W. Morton Palmer said when he saw the man about 5.45 a.m. he stated he had not slept for three nights, but he was quite rational. Witness considered he had a sudden fit of insanity. - He had known the family for three years, and BUCKLEY and his wife were very happy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 March 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Fear Of Blindness. Distressing Inquest Story At Plymouth. - "This is a particularly sad case, because it is doubtful whether the tragedy would have happened if he had not been suffering from the terrible disease. He had developed the idea that he would become permanently blind," said the Coroner at an Inquest yesterday on GEORGE HENRY KINGSTON, aged 45, engine fitter in the Devonport Dockyard, of Kent-road, Ford, who died from the combined effects of erysipelas and razor wounds in the throat. - The widow said her husband had served through the war in France and Gallipoli, and she thought he had been affected a good deal. - MAUD MACLOCHLAN, sister, said KINGSTON was about to be discharged from the Dockyard. Erysipelas had deprived him of his eyesight, and he was afraid he would become permanently blind. He frequently said to her "I'm gone," and became very depressed. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce: His discharge from the Dockyard must have affected him? - Yes.- Mrs Northmore said when his sister was out of the room summoning help KINGSTON got up from the floor crying "I want to die." - He tried to find the razor on the dressing table, and when he could not find it he tried to throw himself out of the window, breaking the glass with his head. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 March 1927
EAST STONEHOUSE - The Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on GEORGE FRANCIS ALLEN, aged 22, of St Mary-street, Stonehouse, employed as a labourer at Burrator Waterworks, who had been ill for the past two months and who, after he was found lying on the stairs, died within ten minutes. Dr Heferman said death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News ,Saturday 19 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, on John PHIPPS, aged 68, formerly a fisherman of Looe-street, Plymouth. Dr MacSwiney said he was called to the house and found PHIPPS dead in bed. The post-mortem revealed valvular disease of the heart and bronchitis.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Dr Blades certified that the cause of death of ELIZA LANDER, aged 75, wife of PETER LANDER, pensioned rope maker from the Dockyard, of Baring-street, Plymouth, was cerebral haemorrhage as the result of a stroke. "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at the Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 March 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Fell Down Stairs. Inquest On Retired Farmer At Newton. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on THOMAS WRIGHT, retired farmer, of Keyberry Park, Newton Abbot, who died as the result of shock sustained by falling downstairs. - MISS ANNIE WRIGHT, daughter, said she heard her father, who was aged 82, fall. She found him lying at the bottom of some stairs which led to the cellar. - Dr Edgar Haydon said that after his fall MR WRIGHT was unable to move his limbs, and could only speak in a very low whisper. Death was due to shock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 March 1927
TAVISTOCK - Jury Witness Test. Inquest On Motor Cyclist At Tavistock. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock yesterday by Mr A. K. Johnstone and a Jury, of which Mr C. Bond was Foreman, on WILLIAM HENRY COLLINS, rural postman, living at Milton Abbott, and employed at Tavistock Post Office, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Saturday from injuries received at Milemead-hill, when he was picked up in an unconscious condition between Tavistock and Lamerton. - Mr Peter, of Launceston, was for MRS COLLINS, and Mr D. Pearse, of Tavistock, appeared for Mr Dawe, of Langford Farm, Tavistock, the owner of the bullock with which COLLINS collided. - A question arose during the Inquest as to the efficiency of the brake on the motor cycle which COLLINS rode, and Mr J. A. Harry, foreman of Bond's Motor Works, Tavistock, was sent for and rode the machine up Drake-road, the Coroner and Jury witnessing the demonstration. - Returning to the Guildhall, where the Inquest was held, Mr Harry said the rear brake was capable of pulling up a machine within 20 yards, irrespective of the speed the machine was going. - The Foreman of the Jury said they were agreed that the cause of death was a fractured skull due to a collision between the motor cycle and straying cattle. They did not consider any blame attached to the owner of the cattle, and that they were satisfied with the demonstration which they had seen that the motor cycle could have been brought to a standstill irrespective of the speed it was travelling. - The evidence showed that COLLINS was found by Col. G. F. Meadows by the side of the road with his head resting in the hedge. He was taken to Hospital. - Dr Watts said he saw COLLINS at the Hospital. There was a fracture of the base of the skull and injury to the brain. He died on Sunday without regaining consciousness. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 March 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Railway Mystery. Inquest On Plymouth Dealer Adjourned. - JAMES ALBERT FITZSIMMONS, aged 50, coal dealer, Kinross-avenue, Plymouth, was found dead on the railway line near Dockyard Halt, Devonport, late on Monday night, by William Thomas, a Great Western Railway foreman. - His head was very badly injured and it is believed that he was run over by the down train which left Millbay at 10.20 p.m. He leaves a widow and five children. - The Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, opened the Inquest yesterday and adjourned it until Friday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Unusual Gas Tragedy. Plymouth Pensioner Dead And Wife Ill. - A nail driven into the wall for the purpose of hanging a picture and penetrating the lead gas-pipe underneath was stated to be responsible for a gas escape which resulted in the death of JOHN OLDFIELD, aged 78, naval pensioner, Elliot-terrace, The Hoe, sand the illness of his wife, who had to be removed to Hospital for treatment, at an Inquest conducted at Plymouth yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - Mrs Maida Hawkings said she heard MRS OLDFIELD, who is nearly 80, shouting to her to come quickly. Witness smelt gas and asked the old lady what she had been doing. A jet was burning on the stove and MRS OLDFIELD had a lighted candle in her hand. - Alfred William Friend, a gasfitter in the employ of the Plymouth Gas Company, said he found, on stripping down the bracket and tracing it down the wall a piece of pipe with a hole sufficient to allow a good escape of gas. Witness saw several places where nails had been driven in the plaster over the pipes. - Mr John A. Richmond, a representative of the Gas Company, explained that the pipe was a lead one. The company did not practise buying such pipes in the wall, but used only iron and copper pipes for the purpose, it then being impossible to drive nails into them. From his experience he considered the hole was sufficiently large for the gas to render people unconscious. - The Coroner found that death was due to "Accidental Coal Gas Poisoning."

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Cliff Fence Needed. Coroner's Comment After Bovisand Tragedy. - "If this particular cliff is as dangerous as has been stated, with a sheer drop of about 35 ft., with no protection at the top, then it seems to me that the authorities or the company who own the land should seriously consider whether something should not be done to fence the property." - This observation was made by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who yesterday recorded "Accidental Death" at the Inquest on ELIAS JAMES HORTON, aged 15, a lorry second-help, of Reservoir House, Staddiscombe, who received fatal injuries through falling over the cliffs at Bovisand on Sunday. - The Coroner said he would communicate with the proper authorities to see if something could not be done to prevent such accidents occurring in future, as the place was much frequented in the summer months. - Frederick C. J. Smith, of 40 New-street, Plymouth, mason's labourer, said he was having tea at Bovisand with his brother when someone shouted that a person had fallen over the cliffs. Witness went to the scene of the accident, where the boy was lying on the rocks. He thought the height of the cliff was about 35 feet, and the spot was, in his opinion, dangerous. [Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1927 - Bovisand Cliff Tragedy: Sir, - Considerable prominence is given in your valued newspaper to the loss of life at Bovisand. The Inquest on the lad who has recently died showed that he suffered from fits, and one can presume that, knowing the place from which he fell was only possible by first climbing through a War Department fence on one side or a hedge on the other side, the words of the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, are untrue in fact and likely to cause unnecessary alarm amongst the visiting public. - In fairness to the Bovisand Sands and Pier Company Ltd., who own the greater portion of Bovisand Recreation Grounds, I should esteem your courteous consideration in giving due publicity to this communication. - P. Stewart Saunders, Secretary].

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 March 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Open Verdict. Man Who Was Found On Railway At Devonport. - An Open Verdict was returned by the Plymouth Coroner at the Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday o JAMES ALBERT FITZSIMMONS, aged 50, naval pensioner and coal dealer, of 30 Kinross-avenue, whose body was found on the railway at Dockyard Halt, Devonport, at midnight on Monday. - The Police Surgeon, Dr H. G. Ludolf, said the man's head was badly crushed, but no other part of the body was injured, nor was the clothing damaged. From the fact that deceased was found on the railway line it seemed to witness that he was struck by some part of the engine. - The widow said her husband left home on Monday morning to go to Plymouth on insurance business, and said he would be home at dinner time. She was not alarmed when he did not return to dinner or subsequently, as he was often absent at meal times. She had known him return from Ford by way of the Dockyard Halt and cross the railway line there. He had no financial worries. - Frederick W. Martin, driver of a special goods train from Laira at about 10.30 p.m., said that when he reached Lostwithiel early on Tuesday morning he was directed to examine his engine and found blood on the front life guard. - The Coroner said all the evidence went to show that deceased had no reason to take his life, and his verdict was that there was not sufficient evidence to show whether he met his death accidentally or otherwise.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 March 1927
DAWLISH - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquest at Vennbridge Farm, Starcross, on THOMAS REYNOLDS, aged 74, who was found dead in his cottage on Thursday morning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 March 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - An unusual Inquiry was made relative to the death of MRS FRANCES WALLIS, of Victory Cottages, Honicknowle, wife of a Marine pensioner., by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday. She was aged 54. - Her daughter, FRANCES PERRING, of Loudes, Tamerton Foliot, said she had made no complaint recently and had been shopping in Plymouth the morning before her death. When MRS PERRING arrived at her house she complained of pains and had to be removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr Shauffer, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert, said the patient was in acute pain when admitted to Hospital. Her pulse was scarcely perceptible, but she had no temperature. Hers was not a straightforward case, but the Surgeon present at the time decided to operate. - At the first smell of the anaesthetic she became worse and died before an operation could be made. - She died, said the doctor, probably through eating an apple, a slice of which two inches wide and one thick was found at the post mortem examination. - The Coroner: That is undoubtedly most unusual, most remarkable. - MR PERRING, stepson, said that if she had one fault it was that of not chewing her food. Her husband had "often scolded her about it." - The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the relatives, and recorded "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Strange Gale Sequel. Plymouth Nonagenarian's Death From Shock. - A woman of 91 went to open her door on Friday last. The violent wind that was blowing made it bang, and she was knocked down. She died later from heart disease, accelerated by the effects of the shock. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday HANNA WOODLEY, wife of a naval pensioner, identified the body as that of her mother, ANN HARRIS, widow of a G.W.R. platelayer, of Thornton Cottage, Granby-lane, Plymouth. The dead woman had been in her usual health and got up every day. After she had been knocked over by the door bronchitis set in. - Dr Daniel McCarthy said he went to the house and found MRS HARRIS very ill after the fall. Death was due to valvular disease of the heart, accelerated by shock. - "Natural Causes" was recorded by the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 March 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Retired Clerk's Death. Newton Abbot Inquest Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened at Newton Abbot yesterday on CHARLES CAMP, aged 65, a retired chief clerk, belonging to Manchester, who died on Sunday at Kingsteignton, where he was staying. The Inquiry was adjourned by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, after evidence of identification had been given by Frederick Reed Hebden, Exeter-road, Kingsteignton, who said CAMP had been living with him since March 24. He died on Sunday, and was being attended by Dr Pocock of Newton Abbot. - Mr Hutchings then intimated that the Inquiry would be adjourned until 3 p.m. Tuesday next.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Cancer Victim's Suicide. Pathetic Story At Plymouth Inquest. - Suffering from incurable cancer on the brain, a young married woman at Plymouth threw herself from a window into a courtyard 45 feet below. She died soon afterwards, and at the Inquest yesterday "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded. - She was MRS FLORENCE MAY RYAN, wife of a naval man, of Plym-street, Plymouth. - Dr Letchworth said MRS RYAN had returned from a hospital for cancer incurables at Chelsea, where she had been admitted with cancer on the brain. She was given ten months to live by the doctors, but had lived a little longer. She was subject to fits and had several times told him that she wanted to "be put away somewhere." She could not definitely be described as a mental case, but he was sure she was not fully responsible for her actions. - On Tuesday morning he was called to her home and found her lying in bed unconscious with a dislocated knee, a fractured right elbow and, probably, a broken back. She had climbed through the top half of the bedroom window as the bottom part had been screwed down, climbed on to a leaning roof, and fallen 45 ft. into the court below. She died the same day from shock following multiple injuries. He did not think she was accountable for her actions owing to pain and insomnia. She never seemed to sleep at all. - JAMES HENRY SCOBLE, docker of 1 Plym-street, father-in-law, said the family were afraid to leave MRS RYAN alone, as she had told him she did not wish to live. On the day of the tragedy his wife heard a "bump," and rushed into MRS RYAN'S room, screaming "She's gone." He ran into the room and saw MRS RYAN lying in the court.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Malnutrition Death. Plymouth Coroner And Feeding Of Babies. - Two tragedies of malnutrition were investigated by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. Major, at Plymouth, yesterday. - Mr Major commented on the danger of giving patent foods to children too young to digest them. Both deaths, he said, were brought about by the child being unable to digest the food given it. Food may have been given with the best intentions, but it nevertheless proved fatal. GEORGE ARTHUR GRIFFEN, labourer, of King-street, Plymouth, said his wife thought their baby had cried itself to sleep, but later she found it was dead. - Dr Letchworth said death was due to asphyxia, following a convulsion due to over-feeding. The infant son of GEORGE ENDICOTT BURGE, of Wyndham-lane, Plymouth, was weak from birth. He was born on January 19. Dr Blades certified that death was due to a convulsion following malnutrition. "Natural Causes" was recorded in both cases.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on WILLIAM JAMES LOVE, of Julian-street, Plymouth, it was stated he died from post-operative shock. Dr Preston operated for cancer and the operation was completed when the patient died while still under anaesthetic. He was aged 58. - "That death was due to shock following an operation" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 March 1927
PLYMOUTH - Official Killed On Railway. Plymouth Inquest On Taunton Collector. - After 31 years' service with the Great Western Railway, WALTER WILLIAM POOK, aged 45, ticket collector, of Jubilee-street, Taunton, fell between an express train and the platform at Mutley Station. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was entered. - Dr Robert Evans, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said POOK was dead when taken there after the accident. There was a fracture of the base of the skull, a compound fracture of the leg and a thigh was fractured. Death was due to shock following the injuries. - Ralph Daniel Pyke, bookstall manager at the Station, said as the train passed he heard a shout. Looking along the line he saw a bag with some flags, and about 25 yards further away was a body. POOK was alive, but died within a few minutes. - Witness said he had known the collector jump from the train on previous occasions when it had either stopped for the signals or had slowed down. - Inspector S. E. Walters, of the Great Western Railway, said that in the ordinary way POOK'S duty would be to go to North-road Station and then proceed to Millbay to pick up the train to work back to Taunton. If the North mail train were late he usually walked back to Mutley. - To Save Time. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major: Even had he missed the train, through no fault of his own, nothing detrimental to him could possibly occur? - No, sir. - Witness thought it was hard to say whether POOK'S object was to save time by leaving the train at Mutley, but he would make every effort to keep working to his own turn. - Questioned by Mr G. W. Brown, organizing secretary of the National Union of Railwaymen (Bristol), witness said the distance between North-road and Mutley Stations was 526 yards and it would take about eight minutes to cross from one platform to the other and walk on the permanent way to Mutley. - Inspector Walters added that when the mail train arrived at North-road he found an overcoat caught between the door of the van and coach. It appeared that POOK was jerked forward through the coat catching. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives, in which Mr G. G. Ackland, representing the Railway Company, and Mr Brown joined. Mr Brown said POOK was one of the best-loved men on the railway in the West of England. He was a representative on the Sectional Council of the N.U.R. He joined the Company's service in 1896 and was appointed ticket collector in 1904 having been engaged as a travelling collector for eight years.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Cyclist's Death. Injured Plympton Boy Who Walked Home. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ARTHUR ROGER JACKMAN, aged 13, of Mainstone Cottage, near Plympton, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on March 31, after a fall from his bicycle near Plym Bridge on the previous evening. - Frederick Walter Charlick stated that he was walking with some friends towards Plym Bridge on Wednesday evening, after dark, when he chanced to look round and saw a bicycle about 15 to 20 paces away. He shouted out and the next thing he heard was the sound of a collision. JACKMAN on the cycle struck Mrs Kingwell, one of the party. Witness lifted him up and sat him in the hedge and then went back to Estover Chapel for assistance. When he returned he found that JACKMAN had gone home. - ROBERT HENRY JACKMAN, father, said his son went to the evening service at Estover Chapel, near Eggbuckland, on his cycle. He came back to the house and stated that he had been in an accident. His mother put him to bed, and he complained of his shoulder. A doctor was sent for, but before he arrived the boy had become unconscious. The next day he was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died. - Robert Evans, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said it was found that there was a fracture of the base of the skull. The cause of death was cerebral compression. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MARY ANN TROUTBROOKS, aged 74, wife of PHILIP WILLIAM TROUTBROOKS, cabinet-maker, of Hele's-terrace, Prince Rock, who was suddenly taken ill about midnight on Friday and died. Dr Craig said death was due to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 April 1927
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sudden Death At Stonehouse. - "Natural Causes" was recorded by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest on STEPHEN CARBIS, aged 76, of Carlton-terrace, Stonehouse. - JOHANNA HANNAH CARBIS, wife of deceased, stated that her husband had not been well for the past twelve months. On Friday she had to send for the doctor, but her husband died practically as soon as the latter arrived. - Dr A. E. Blades stated death was caused by syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 April 1927
PLYMSTOCK - Plymouth's Man's Suicide. - An Inquest was held at Billacombe yesterday by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone on HERBERT GEE, aged 59, a former master tailor, who lived at 69 Union-street, Plymouth, and whose body was found by a farm assistant in a field at Hay Farm, Plymstock, on Monday, the Coroner returning a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide by taking Ammonia, but there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of mind. - Harry Holmes, restaurant and lodging-housekeeper, 69 Union-street, Plymouth, said GEE had lived there for the last two years. He last saw him on Sunday, when he appeared as usual. Since about last June he had been canvassing for a firm of stationers, but had been able to do very little business since Christmas. He had been depressed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Blind Miner's Suicide At Plymouth. - The tragic death of a coal miner, who was blind and suffered from creeping paralysis, was described to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on GEORGE EDGEWORTH BALL, aged 57, who lived at Efford Fort. - It was stated in evidence that he had previously threatened to take his life and late last Friday night his wife, who was sleeping in an adjoining room, heard a noise and, rushing in, found her husband lying on the floor with a razor in his hand and his throat cut. The verdict was "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Bridge. Open Verdict On Old Man At Plymouth. - "Death from shock after injuries caused by falling from Friary Bridge" was the verdict of the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce on FREDERICK ALFRED ADAMS WATTS, aged 77, of 54 Embankment-road. Mr Pearce added there was insufficient evidence to show whether the fall was accidental or otherwise. - WATTS was found lying severely injured on the Southern Railway line on March 29, and died on Saturday in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - LOUISA WATTS, daughter, said her father had always enjoyed excellent health, and, indeed, had not had a day in bed for at least 14 years. - Alfred James Mayes, a shunter, stated that on March 29, at 10.53 he was informed that a man had fallen from the bridge. He found WATTS lying badly injured on the line. Asked how he came to be there, WATTS replied that he did not know. His position was compatible with having fallen or thrown himself from the bridge, which was about 35 ft. high.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest on CHARLES ALEXANDER MONTAGUE, aged 87, retired chargeman of boilermakers, of St George's-terrace, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Chloroform Death. Coroner's Questions At Plymouth Inquest. - The death of a St German's motor engineer, MR ALFRED WILLIAM GEORGE TUCKER, aged 31, of the Quay, St Germans, whilst under an anaesthetic at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital was investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - Dr Evans, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the operation was fixed for Monday. When taken to the anaesthetic-room, TUCKER took chloroform normally, but later he ceased breathing. The administration of chloroform was immediately stopped and artificial respiration applied. The patient then started breathing again, and was brought to the operating theatre. Here breathing again stopped and after 25 minutes it was found that life was extinct. He had not visited the patient in the ward before administering the anaesthetic. - The Coroner: Would not that have been advisable? - Dr Evans: It is not usually done. Many anaesthetists are non-residents at Hospitals. - The Coroner: I may be wrong, but it seems to me that it would be advisable for the anaesthetist to see patients beforehand if possible. - Dr Evans, who had conducted a post-mortem examination, added that the body was healthy with the exception of a diseased appendix, and it was therefore the more strange that he should have died under an anaesthetic. Death was due to syncope whilst under the influence of an anaesthetic of pure chloroform. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Child's Tragic Life. - "Death from Heart Failure, due to an abnormally large heart, aggravated by tuberculosis of the lungs and angular curvature of the spine, the latter due to an accidental fall when a child," was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on a nine-year-old boy named FREDERICK DOUGLAS CHARLES WILKINSON, 6 Summerland-place, Plymouth. - The lad had been kept in splints for six weeks at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and Dr D. McCarthy added the heart was abnormally enlarged, weighing 9 oz. instead of about 5 oz.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 April 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Driver Not To Blame. Inquest On Victim Of Devonport Accident. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday resumed the Inquest upon WILLIAM JOHN WONNACOTT, aged 59, recorder in the Devonport Dockyard, who was knocked down by a horse and cart in Albert-road, Devonport, on February 21, and died from injuries received. - William George Bartlett, a horse driver, employed by Messrs. R. Westlake and Co., said while driving a horse and cart down Clarence-place, Albert-road, the animal took fright and dashed across the road. A rein broke and witness fell in the bottom of the cart, but a Mr Collins, who was in the vehicle, pulled the rein. He had no idea anyone had been knocked down. - Mr Percival F. G. Vivian said he thought the accident was no fault of the driver, who had done his best to pull up his horse. - Mr Brewer, electrical engineer, 64 Durham-avenue, said WONNACOTT was struck on the left breast, either by the horse or the shaft. He fell and struck his head upon the pavement and the wheels of the cart passed over his leg. The driver did his best to avoid an accident. - Dr J. Stauffer, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death was due to heart failure, following the injuries received in the accident. - The Coroner, recording "Accidental Death," said no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Killed By 'Bus. Driver Absolved At Plymouth Inquest. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and absolved everybody concerned from blame, at the Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on BESSIE LOUISE HANNIFORD, aged 39, wife of ELIAS HANNIFORD, stoker, R.N., who was run over by a Corporation omnibus in Millbay-road on Saturday and subsequently died from her injuries. - Lily Maude Ford said she was standing at the corner of Bath-street, when she saw a Corporation 'bus, which was not travelling at a fast rate, approaching from Durnford-street and from Millbay a motor cyclist was travelling towards the 'bus. - Witness saw deceased hesitate, apparently on observing the motor cycle, as she attempted to cross the road, and then she ran in front of the 'bus, which knocked her down. The 'bus driver sounded his horn three times and pulled up very quickly. The St John Ambulance Brigade was on the spot in four minutes. - Claude William Anderson, the driver, said he had been employed by the Corporation for seven years, and had never previously had an accident. The motor cycle and sidecar passed his 'bus on its right side going towards Stonehouse. Witness sounded his horn and saw deceased rush in front of the radiator of the 'bus. He drew the 'bus towards the pavement and applied his brakes, but he could not avoid the vehicle striking the woman. - Dr Robert Evans, House Surgeon, said death was due to shock and cerebral compression. Deceased never recovered consciousness after admission to the Hospital.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1927
PAIGNTON - Mother In Hospital. Inquest On Child Adjourned At Paignton. - An Inquest on a six-year-old child, GWENDOLINE LILIAN PARKER, who was killed on the Paignton-Totnes road near Blagdon Barton, on Monday night, was opened by Mr Ernest Hutchings at Paignton last night and adjourned for three weeks, as the child's mother, who was with her at the time, is in Hospital suffering from broken ribs and an injured knee. - MRS PARKER and the child had spent the afternoon in Paignton and on returning home at night walked from behind a charabanc to cross the road. They came into collision with a motor car owned by Mr W. F. Warman, of Woodland, Stroud.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - In accordance with the evidence of Dr A. E. Blades, the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned "Natural Causes" at an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH HENRY SOWTON, aged 63, market gardener, of Shaftesbury-cottages, Plymouth, who died suddenly on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Women Who Collided. Story Of Aged Widow's Death At Plymouth. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner yesterday on MRS JANE SPRY, a widow, of 89, who died in Hospital following injuries sustained when accidentally knocked down by an unknown woman while entering the Post Office to draw her old-age pension. - ANNIE DOIDGE, daughter, explained that on Friday, April 1, she accompanied her mother to Devonport Post Office for the purpose of drawing deceased's old-age pension. - "Just as we reached the entrance to the Post Office a woman hurriedly came round the corner from Fore-street and banged into my mother with such force that my mother was knocked down," said witness, who explained that she could not recognize the woman again, adding that the woman stopped and assisted witness to raise her mother, saying she was sorry. - MRS SPRY was found to have dislocated a shoulder, sustained a fracture of the neck, also of the left femur and to be suffering from shock. - Medical evidence showed that after having the dislocation reduced and her injuries attended to, MRS SPRY gradually became worse and hypostatic pneumonia set in.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest yesterday on VERA MAUD SAUNDERS, the seven-months-old child of GEORGE SAUNDERS, merchant seaman, of Richmond-street, Plymouth.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 April 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Immediate Death Reports. - "It is very essential when a death has taken place that a report should be made immediately," said the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on THOMAS OATEY, aged 73, who died at 14 Melville-terrace, Devonport, after a fall in the street. - Medical evidence showed that OATEY was suffering from a sub-cranial haemorrhage causing coma and cardiac failure. He gradually grew worse and died on Thursday afternoon, but the Coroner was not informed until Friday. There was no evidence of a fracture of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on MISS LOUISA TREVENA, aged 86, of 6 Victoria-cottages, Victoria-street, Plymouth, who was found dead on the floor of her house on Saturday night. In the opinion of Dr Blades she was practically dying before she fell. Both hands and legs were doubled up with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest into the case of MISS OLIVIA WILLIAMS, aged 66, housekeeper of 133 Beaumont-road, Plymouth. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 April 1927
CHUDLEIGH - Coroner's Comment At Chudleigh Inquest. - "It is a curious accident" remarked Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, recording "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at Chudleigh last evening on WILFRID HARRISON, aged 24, who, after motor cycling from Newcastle-on-Tyne with a pillion rider, on Tuesday, came into collision with a motor car at Chudleigh, and was killed. The driver of the car, Mr Frank Elson, a chauffeur, was exonerated. - Mr Hutchings commented on the condition of the pavement where HARRISON was thrown, remarking that on a newly-made road, which tempted motorists to increase their speed, the footpath, which was covered with loose stones, should have been completed so that it could be used. - John Wm. Lakin, the pillion rider, said when they passed over the bridge near the Railway Station at Chudleigh there were two motor cars in front. After a bend in the road was taken, the second car passed the first. HARRISON was about to do the same, but when they reached the first car it turned in to the right and caught them. They were not going fast. - Frank Elson, the driver of the car, employed by Mrs Sheepshanks, of Stokelake House, said when he approached, he beckoned the car travelling behind to pass, and when it did so he began to turn into a drive. Then the motor cycle hit the off front wing. Answering the Coroner, he said his mirror reflected a clear road. - Dr Walters said HARRISON had sustained a depressed fracture of the skull, caused, he thought, by falling on a large loose stone on the pavement.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 April 1927
TORQUAY - Torquay Harbour Tragedy. - An Inquest was opened at Torquay last night by Mr Ernest Hutchings on ALFRED FRED. LEAMAN, aged 46, of Queen-street, Torquay, who was killed while working a winch on board the Sagenite at Torquay harbour. - NATHANIEL WILLIAM FOX, brother-in-law, said LEAMAN was married with two young children. - The Inquest was adjourned until Monday in order that an inspector from the Home Office could be present.

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 April 1927
PLYMOUTH - Allotments Tragedy. Neurasthenia Victim's Death At Plymouth. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FRANK MAY WILLIAMS, a tailor's cutter, aged 53, of Coleridge-road, Plymouth, who was found hanging from the rafters of a hut in East Mount Gold allotments. - STANLEY FRANK WILLIAMS, a coach painter, said his father left home for his allotment about 9.30 a.m. and when he returned home from work at midday he was told his father had not returned. He went to the allotment, where he found his father hanging from the rafters of his hut by a silk scarf. He could not undo the knot, so he broke the rafter. His father was already dead. - He had been suffering from neurasthenia for the last two months, and at times had been depressed, beating his head with his hands owing to the pain. He had never threatened to take his life. - Constable Wm. Brady said he was called to the allotment about 1.20, where he saw WILLIAMS, and found a pencil and the following note in his overcoat pocket. - "To my dear wife and family. - God forgive me for this, but I am near mad to feel that I cannot work any longer. Tell May and Eme to look after our dear Vic. All I leave to you. From your wretched husband, FRANK." - The Coroner remarked that it was a particularly sad case, as WILLIAMS was in the prime of life and had a wife and family. There was no doubt that sufferers from neurasthenia were practically driven out of their minds by the continual suffering.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 May 1927
EXETER - "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded at an Exeter Inquest on FREDERICK JOSEPH RICHARDS, aged 59, sign-writer, who collapsed and died at a lodging house.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 May 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Kitchen Tragedy. Plymouth Woman's Death From Gas Poisoning. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on BESSIE LANDSDOWNE, aged 32, wife of WILLIAM CLARENCE LANDSDOWNE, of Pennycross Park-road, Devonport. - MR LANDSDOWNE stated that his wife had suffered from epileptic fits. He described finding her "excited and hysterical" when he came home at 10.30 on Saturday night. When she refused to go to bed he locked her in the kitchen to prevent her disturbing himself and their daughter, aged 10. - About 4.30 a.m. on Sunday witness found the kitchen full of gas. His wife was lying on the floor unconscious. One of the gas-taps in the oven was turned full on and the oven door was open. A doctor found MRS LANDSDOWNE was dead. - Dr S. Vosper, who had made a post-mortem examination, said he was satisfied death was due to coal gas poisoning. - The Coroner remarked he could not say there was any blame attaching to MR LANDSDOWNE. He had no doubt that he had done all he could do.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 May 1927
PAIGNTON - Workman's Stoicism. Paignton Inquest On May Who Was Caught By Winch. - No call for help was uttered by ALFRED FREDERICK LEAMAN, of Queen-street, Torquay, who was caught in a winch on a boat in Torquay Harbour and died from his injuries, stated a witness at the adjourned Inquest at Paignton yesterday. - Robert Northway, of Terrace-place, Torquay, said when the accident occurred he and LEAMAN were hoisting up the coal basket attached to a steam winch. Witness looked round and saw LEAMAN'S arm caught in the drum of the winch. He shouted to Sydney Currell, the winch driver, to stop, and steam was shut off as quickly as possible. When the winch was stopped LEAMAN'S arm was bound to the drum by four coils of rope. He did not shout out at all, even when his arm was caught. - Witness said he had once been caught in the same way and squashed his fingers. He agreed with the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, that it was a dangerous job and the man had to e very careful. He did not know where the first-aid equipment was kept. - Percy Tucker, of Green-street, Torquay, who was working with LEAMAN, said he noticed the basket going further than it should. Looking up he saw LEAMAN'S arm wound round with rope and shouted to the other men to look out. The first-aid equipment was kept in the harbourmaster's office. He did not know what would be done if the office were locked. - Capt. J. Haynes was questioned by the Factory Inspector, Mr H. Clarke, Plymouth, regarding the first-aid box, and was informed that its contents did not comply with Home Office regulations. Some additions would have to be made to the contents. Notices should be posted stating where it was and who was in charge of it. - Torquay Corporation, said the Inspector, were responsible for the provision of first-aid equipment. - The Coroner recorded "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 May 1927
ST BUDEAUX - Plymouth Girl's Death. - Mr A. Kenneth Johnstone returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence at the Inquest yesterday at Woodlands Farm, Honicknowle, on PHYLLIS MARY ROSKRUGE, aged 18, of Salisbury-road, Plymouth, who died the previous day from the effects of burns received from falling into a fire whilst in a fit at the farm on April 13. - The father, MR HARRY E. ROSKRUGE, an engineering assistant to Plymouth Corporation, said he was staying at Woodlands with his daughter at the time. - Dr P. F. Chandler said death was due to suppurative meningitis following extensive burns.

Western Morning News, Monday 9 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Inquest Adjourned For Jury. - The Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, adjourned until today an Inquest which was to have been conducted on Saturday, in view of the recent Act which renders it necessary to summon a Jury when death is thought to have resulted by the use of a vehicle on the highway. - The Inquest was on DUGALD MORRISON, aged 74, of Headland-park, Plymouth, who died on May 5, as the result of an accident sustained in Old Town-street, on April 27. - Witnesses and a Medical Officer were instructed to attend the adjourned Inquest early this morning, so that the funeral of MR MORRISON will be able to take place as arranged this afternoon.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Street Fatality. How Walking-Stick Caused Plymouth Man's Death. - How a walking stick caused the death of a Plymouth pedestrian was described at an Inquest held by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, yesterday on DUGALD MORRISON, aged 74 of Headland Park, Plymouth, a retired fishing tackle manufacturer. - Richard Henry Cross, Lipson Hill-terrace, Plymouth, a builder's apprentice, describing the accident, which occurred in Old Town-street on the evening of April 27, said he was riding his bicycle towards St Andrew's Cross when deceased stepped off the pavement in front of him. Witness, in brushing past deceased, touched the walking-stick he was carrying and he fell to the ground. He was picked up and then said he felt all right and would walk on to the Post Office to post a letter. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer at Greenbank Infirmary, said that when deceased was admitted he was suffering from a fracture of the neck of the right femur. He died on May 5, death being caused by shock following the accident. - The Jury returned "Accidental Death." - The Inquest was the first held in Plymouth under the new Coroners' Act, which makes it incumbent on the Coroner to sit with a Jury in cases of street accident. - The action of a witness of the accident in giving a false name and address to a Police Officer, when questioned regarding the accident was strongly criticized by Mr Major. "It is a great pity we have been deprived of the services of a witness who foolishly gave a wrong name and address," he said. "Very fortunately MR MORRISON said the mishap was purely accidental."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 May 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Killed In New Cruiser. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Jury at the Inquest at Devonport yesterday on ARTHUR GEORGE JAMES, 39, shipwright, who was killed by falling from a staging in the boiler-room of the new cruiser Devonshire. He leaves a widow and three children. - It was stated in evidence that JAMES was working on a staging in No. 1 boiler-room. The stage was three feet wide and he had to stoop to screw up a bolt. - John Henry Hughes, driller, who was working with JAMES, saw him fall, and thought the spanner must have slipped off the bolt causing him to lose his balance. - Surg.-Lieut. J. J. Carroll said death was due to fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain.

Western Morning News, Friday 13 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Unusual Tragedy. Ivybridge Motorist Killed After A Collision. - Crossing the road with the intention of calling a doctor after an accident in which his own car was involved, THOMAS HENRY SMITH, aged 40, of Bridge Park, Ivybridge, came into further collision with a motor cycle and was killed. At the Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday, Mr W. A. Major, Deputy Coroner, found that his death was Accidental and that the motor cyclist was not to blame. - Edward James Leatherby, of Woodcote, Plympton, said he went into a hedge to avoid a collision with SMITH'S car. SMITH left his vehicle and went over to witness; seeing he was hurt, he crossed the road to summon a doctor from Ivybridge. - Ernest Champion, of Ivybridge, said SMITH went from behind the car and collided with the motor cycle, the driver of which could not possibly have avoided the accident. - The motor cyclist, Cecil Louis Palmer, of Clifton-villa, North-hill, Plymouth, said SMITH ran from behind the car with his back towards him, another witness stating that the affair was "all over in a second."

Western Morning News, Monday 16 May 1927
DIPTFORD - Poisoning Tragedy. Inquest On Former Plymouth Mayoress. - At an Inquest at Diptford on Saturday Mr T. Edmonds, Totnes District Coroner, found that MRS IVY DUNSTAN, a former Mayoress of Plymouth, and wife of MR L. R. DUNSTAN, committed suicide, but there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of her mind. - The widower said MRS DUNSTAN was 42 years of age. He found her unconscious in bed, and on a table was a bottle marked "poison", pure phenol. - Dr Frederick William Style said he had attended MRS DUNSTAN previously. On reaching Manor House on Thursday evening he found she was unconscious, and her mouth showed signs of burning, which, he concluded, was caused by carbolic acid. Having regard to the bottle which was found, he formed the opinion that she died from carbolic acid poisoning. - Sergeant Burrows said he ascertained from a chemist in Plymouth that he sold the phenol to MRS DUNSTAN. She inquired of the chemist what phenol was, and was told it was pure carbolic acid. Asked what she required it for, she replied that she had been recommended to have it handy when the cow calved. It was not a poison which was required to be registered. - MR DUNSTAN mentioned that what might have been a contributory cause to his wife's mental condition was the fact that on Wednesday their younger son left home to enter a business at Newport, Mon., and it possibly caused her some worry. On Wednesday night she sobbed herself to sleep.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 May 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Motor Cyclist's Death. Appeal For Information At Newton Inquest. - An anonymous source of information was commented upon by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at an Inquest opened at Newton Abbot last night, on EDWIN T. GARNER, a gamekeeper, of Lindridge, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital following injuries received after his motor cycle had collided with a pedal bicycle near Ideford Arch last Wednesday. - The Coroner made a strong appeal to anyone with a knowledge of the occurrence to give information to the local Police, and adjourned the Inquiry until June 13, remarking that the case would have to be investigated by a Jury. - Mr Hutchings asked the Press to give publicity to his remarks, stating that he had received some information, the source of which he did not know. It was the duty of people to come forward and not talk behind the backs of the Police and refuse to make a statement. - Evidence of identification was given by the father of the deceased, EDWIN GARNER, also a gamekeeper, who said his son was 26, and had ridden a motor cycle about two years.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 May 1927
DARTMOUTH - Naval Stoker Killed. Fall Into Steam Winch. Dartmouth Harbour Fatality. - The visit of the First Minesweeping Flotilla to Dartmouth yesterday was marred by a fatality, Leading Stoker PATRICK YATES being killed in a winch accident. "Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr A. M. Davson on board H.M.S. Albury. - Lieut. Henry Buckle said YATES was 36, and lived at Croydon. At 6.30 yesterday morning he ordered him to "ease off the after wire," which was done by easing the brakes. Witness then went forward and was on his way back, when his signalman met him and said YATES was seriously hurt. Witness ran to the winch and found YATES lying on the deck bleeding profusely. The winch was then stationary. YATES had let the steam into the winch to warm it through. It had been raining and YATES must have slipped. - Head In Machinery. - Signalman Tompsett said he saw YATES'S legs in the air and his head among the machinery of the winch. Witness switched off the steam and stopped the winch. John McLean, chief petty officer, who went to render first-aid, said YATES died almost at once. It was his impression that he slipped and fell into the winch. - Surg.-Lieut. Gaussen said death was due to shock and haemorrhage. YATES had a large wound in the head. - The Coroner said it was a lamentable accident and no blame attached to anyone. He placed on record the deep sympathy of the town. - Mr G. Norrington was present at the Inquest, representing the Admiralty. - The flotilla left Dartmouth at 2.3- yesterday afternoon for Fowey. H.M.S. Albury put into Plymouth last night and landed the body.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Deadlier Gas. Doctor's Comment At Inquest On Plymouth Woman. - When Dr E. S. Saunders said death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning at the Inquest yesterday, at Plymouth, on FRANCES HANNAH FEATHERSTONE, aged 75, of South-hill, Devonport, the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, asked: "Do you mean coal-gas poisoning?" - Dr Saunders: No, it was domestic gas; water gas, not coal gas. The water gas used now is worse than coal gas. It contains more carbon monoxide. - Dr Saunders added that MRS FEATHERSTONE had frequent fits of depression and had told him her life was not worth living. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Dairy Tragedy Verdict. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was recorded by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest yesterday on CHRISTOPHER O'HANLON, aged 23, a single man, employed by the Plymouth Co-operative Society, who was found dead lying before a gas stove with the gas turned on, at their dairy premises in Radnor-street. - Evidence was given that O'HANLON, who had been attending a doctor for neurasthenia, was eccentric and suffered from fits of moodiness and depression. - The Coroner read extracts from notes written to a fellow-workman, in the course of which O'HANLON said, "Thank you for your advice, but it was too late." - John Tarrant, to whom notes were addressed, said O'HANLON had some secret trouble preying on his mind, which he had refused to tell him about.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 May 1927
DARTMOUTH - Inquest On Two Children. Dartmouth Coroner's Statement. - The Inquest on the two child victims of an unexplained tragedy at Dartmouth on Monday was opened yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr H. Davson, and adjourned until June 14. - As stated in yesterday's "Western Morning News," MRS SRODZINSKI was found in a bath with throat injuries and her two children, KATHLEEN MARY, aged 4, and JULIA MAY, aged 10 months, were found dead in the house, their heads having been battered in. - The Coroner said under the new Coroners (Amendment) Act 1926, he had discretionary powers with regard to viewing bodies, but he thought that in this case as the two children were so badly battered about it was obviously desirable that the whole of the Jury should attend with him to view the bodies. - On returning from the Mortuary, the Coroner told the Jury that at 9.30 a.m. on Monday, MR FREDERICK ALBERT SRODZINSKI, of 1 Meadow-side, Victoria-road, left his home to go to work in the town, leaving his wife in the house with the two children, KATHLEEN MARY and JULIA MAY. MRS SRODZINSKI then appeared to be in her usual health and spirits. - Husband's Discovery. - At 1.15, continued the Coroner, MR SRODZINSKI returned home and found the two children lying dead in a bed, their skulls having been fractured with a hammer. Later he found his wife, in partially-filled bath, unconscious, with her throat cut. she had partly taken some disinfectant, for an empty tin stood at the side of the bath. - MRS SRODZINSKI was now in Dartmouth Cottage Hospital. Dr Cadman, who was attending her, had informed him that there was every probability that she would recover, and, having regard to that fact, it was impossible for him to continue the inquiry. - Dr Cadman had informed him that MRS SRODZINSKI might be able to appear in Court in a fortnight. Therefore, he proposed to adjourn the Inquest for three weeks, after taking evidence of identification. - FREDERICK ALBERT SRODZINSKI, father of the children, said he was employed by the Pearl Insurance Company. He identified the bodies as those of his two daughters.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 May 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Double Tragedy. - Only evidence of identification was taken at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on the victims of a double tragedy in a house in Beaumont-road on Saturday - REGINALD RICHARD GUSCOTT, aged 25, tram conductor, who lived with his wife at 157 Beaumont-road; and ELEANOR BENNETT, aged 23, wife of PERCY ARTHUR BENNETT, a Dockyard worker of 8 Mount-street. - The Inquiry was adjourned for a week.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 May 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Tragedy. Woman's Suicide Caused By Depression. - Mr T. Edmunds, Deputy Coroner, returned "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest on AMY LOUISA VEALE, aged 39, of Fisher-road, Newton Abbot, who died in the local Infirmary on Sunday from lysol poisoning. - FRANCIS L. VEALE said that his wife's sister died from consumption in March, and since then deceased had suffered from sleeplessness and depression. - Last Friday morning, whilst making tea, he heard glass clink, and found his wife leaning against a wash-stand. She had moved from her own bedroom and had taken lysol. - At the Infirmary on Sunday his wife told him she did not know what she was doing. - Dr Colin King said the woman had been in a depressed mental condition.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1927
PLYMSTOCK - Pensioner Killed. 'Bus Driver Exonerated At Turnchapel Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was recorded at the Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr E. W. Chilcott, at Turnchapel yesterday, on PHILLIP WEST, aged 68, a Dockyard pensioner, of Oreston, who was killed in collision with a 'bus. No blame was attached to anybody. - Thomas Mock, of Chaddlewood-avenue, Plymouth, said he was driving the 8.20 p.m. 'bus from Plymouth. Approaching Oreston Schools he saw WEST coming up the road. As he came level WEST made a sudden dive towards the 'bus, which was proceeding at eight miles an hour. Before the accident the road was clear. - Two passengers in the 'bus declared the accident could not have been avoided. - Dr Bradbury said WEST died from a compound fracture of the skull.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1927
BURRINGTON - The North Devon Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, held an Inquest at Oak Cottage, Burrington, on CLARA ELIZABETH ROBINSON, aged 75, who had been staying at that address with her sister, and died suddenly. Having heard the evidence of Dr Hancock, of Chulmleigh, the Coroner returned "Death from Natural Causes"

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1927
PLYMOUTH - Double Suicide. Plymouth Gas Tragedy Verdict. - Recording "Suicide by Carbon Monoxide Poisoning" at the Inquest on REGINALD RICHARD GUSCOTT and ELEANOR BENNETT, the victims of the Plymouth gas tragedy, the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, said there was no evidence whether the two were of sound or unsound mind. - PERCY BENNETT, of Mount-street, husband of the deceased woman, told the Coroner he knew "nothing whatever about the circumstances of the affair. - MRS EVELYN MARIA GUSCOTT, widow, of Beaumont-road, said she did not know MRS BENNETT and had no idea her husband was friendly with her. - Her husband, she said, was rather quiet, but never got fits of depression, nor was he moody. As far as she knew he had no troubles. They had been married four years last September. So far as she was concerned it was a happy marriage. She had no reason to believe her husband was not happy. - Det.-Inspector Hutchings said he examined the room in which the couple were found, and found the gas bracket had been reversed so that the flow of gas would be downwards and not upwards. A nightdress had been stuffed up the chimney and some clothing and a carpet had apparently been placed at the foot of the door. - A note had been left behind, but afterwards the writing had been obliterated and there were insufficient characters distinguishable to form an intelligible sentence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 June 1927
TORQUAY - Errand Boy's Death. Torquay Motorist Exonerated After Collision. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at the Inquest yesterday on JOHN SATTERLEY, a 16-years-old errand boy, of Braddons-street, Torquay, who died in Torbay Hospital as the result of injuries received on Saturday in a street accident. - Miss Hilda Hill said she saw the lad riding down Old Torwood-road on a pedal cycle. When he approached the junction of the Babbacombe and Old Torwood-roads he collided with a car. He was travelling at a moderate speed, and was, as far as she could see, on his proper side of the road. The car was also on its proper side of the road, and was being driven at a moderate speed. - Hurbert Campbell Gilchrist, of Belmont-road, Torquay, driver of the car, said immediately he heard the impact he applied his brakes and brought the car to a standstill within a few feet. He had never had a mishap in 20 years of driving. - Dr Basil N. West, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said SATTERLEY had a fractured base of the skull sufficient to cause death. - The Deputy Coroner said there was no evidence of carelessness on the part of the motor driver, who was exonerated by the Jury.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 June 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, opened an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on MR LEWIS MUGRIDGE, aged 66, who died suddenly at his home at Highweek-street on Friday. He had been employed at Messrs. Vicary's works for nearly 50 years, and met with an accident about two months ago. The Inquest was adjourned until Wednesday.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 June 1927
AVETON GIFFORD - Fatal Fall From Pony. Boy Crushed Against Post At Bigbury. - Mr E. W. Chilcott, Deputy Coroner, Tavistock, held an Inquest on Saturday at Aveton Gifford on SAMUEL JAMES MOORE, aged 16, Jubilee-street, who died on Friday as a result of injuries sustained in a fall from a pony on Wednesday at Stakes-hill, Bigbury, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - John Roger Froude, Aveton Gifford, gave evidence that from where he was working at Milburn Orchard, Bigbury, he saw the lad sitting on a stepping-stone washing his face in the water. Thinking something was wrong, he went to the lad and found him bleeding badly. He said the pony had thrown him against a telegraph post. After assisting the lad to Milburn Orchard, witness had him taken home. - Dr W. H. Andrews, Modbury, attributed death to a fracture of the base of the skull, followed by cerebral haemorrhage. He said there were slight abrasions on the lad's nose and over the right eye.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 June 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plasterer Killed. Fatal Fall When Plank Broke At Plymouth. - Death was due to cerebral compression caused by a fracture of the skull, declared the Plymouth Coroner at the Inquest yesterday on HENRY BARBAR ADAMS, aged 71, a plasterer, who was believed to have fallen down a flight of steps when a plank broke while he was working on some flats at Laira. - There were no actual witnesses of the accident, but George Luscombe, labourer, of Belgrave-road, Mutley, described how on hearing groans and proceeding to investigate he found ADAMS lying at the bottom of some concrete steps in one of the flats. He appeared to have fallen down the steps. - Samuel George Jeffery, foreman plasterer, said ADAMS was working at the time on lathing in rooms at the top of the steps. - Dr J. J. N. Morris said he did not consider ADAMS' injuries very serious at the time. In the course of the next two days, however, his mental condition got worse, and he died on June 8.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 June 1927
PLYMOUTH - Widow's Death. Coroner's Comments At Plymouth Inquest. - At the Coroner's Court, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest on CHARLOTTE HARRIETT HOOPPELL TAYLOR, aged 48, a widow, of Old Town-street, Plymouth, who died at a Plymouth Nursing Home under an anaesthetic. - LESLIE JOHN TAYLOR stated that his mother had been in bad health for some time, receiving medical attention. On Whit-Monday she went to Buckfastleigh races, but was not in her usual good spirits. On the Wednesday she became much worse, complaining of pain in her sides. Witness sent for a doctor, who said that she was suffering from acute appendicitis, and an operation was imperative. His mother was taken to a Nursing Home, but died before an operation could be performed. - Dr H. Guy Ludolf said he administered an anaesthetic but her breathing became sharp almost immediately and though artificial respiration was tired for half an hour she never recovered consciousness. - The Coroner suggested that it might be advisable for a doctor before he administered an anaesthetic to ascertain if his patient had been attended by a medical man and, if so, find out something about the nature of her complaint. - Witness remarked that it would certainly be helpful, but it was never done. Administering an anaesthetic was always looked upon as such a routine business. This was the first time in his experience that such a thing had occurred. - The Coroner said there was not the slightest reflection upon Dr Ludolf, who had the highest reputation as an anaesthetist. Death was due to syncope while under an anaesthetic.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 June 1927
DARTMOUTH - Dartmouth Tragedy. Coroner Discharges Jury At Resumed Inquest. - Yesterday Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, conducted the adjourned inquest into the circumstances of the deaths of KATHLEEN MAY SRODZINSKI, aged 3 years and 10 months, and JULIA MAY SRODZINSKI, aged 10 months, whose mother, ROSE MAY SRODZINSKI, has been committed for trial by the Dartmouth justices on a charge of murder. - The Coroner said it was not his intention to trouble the Jury much further in the Inquiry. When the Inquest was opened on May 24 he merely took evidence of identification and then adjourned the proceedings. The mother had been committed for trial at the Devon Assizes. Recently an Act had been passed giving the Coroner certain powers in regard to charges of murder and manslaughter. It was now not necessary for him to call a Jury to come again., - FRED SRODZINSKI, the father, described the incidents of the tragedy. This was all the evidence taken, and the Coroner said he voiced not only his personal feelings, but those of the Jury, in expressing his sympathy with MR SRODZINSKI in the terrible tragedy. MR SRODZINSKI had conducted himself as a man throughout the proceedings. - The Jury asked that their fees be handed to the father of the children, and they were discharged by the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 June 1927
PLYMOUTH - Pedestrian Killed. Oreston Man Who Walked Into Motor Cycle. - The death of WHITAKER SUTCLIFFE, retired cotton mill mechanic, of Broad Park-terrace, Oreston, who walked into a motor cycle, was Inquired into by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. The Jury found that death was Accidental and that no one was to blame. - William Richard Langdon, of the Batten Air Station, said that he was motor cycling to Mount Batten from Plymouth. As he approached the road known as the Radford Estate and turned the bend he noticed an elderly man walking toward him. He sounded his horn and the man walked to the side of the road, but just as he reached him, the man went to cross the road and though he applied his brakes and swerved, he struck him and knocked him down. - Witness was rendered unconscious and did not recover for over an hour. He estimated his speed as not more than 10 to 15 miles an hour, remarking that the road was uphill and was very rough and bumpy. - The Coroner: If this man had kept where he was the accident would not have happened? - Quite. - Sidney Franklin, an employee in the Post Office Engineering Department, was near the spot at the time of the mishap., "The first thing I heard," he said, "was a thud; then I looked up and saw a lot of smoke. I jumped over the hedge and saw two men entangled in a motor cycle which was lying at the side of the road." - Edwin George Davis, of Oreston, described how only half an hour before the accident, SUTCLIFFE narrowly escaped being struck by a motor lorry, which swerved to avoid him.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 June 1927
PLYMOUTH - Nonagenarian's Fatal Fall. - A nonagenarian's fatal fall was described to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on MRS ELIZABETH COOK, aged 91, widow of a bootmaker, of Trelawny-road, Plymouth. - She had been in exceptionally good health, but on Monday she slipped in the yard and struck her head. At first she seemed to treat the matter quite lightly, but later lost consciousness and died 24 hours later. - Dr Monica Wickham said death was due to shock, owing to the loss of blood following the scalp wound and "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 June 1927
PLYMPTON - Tractor Tragedy. Inquest On Young Driver At Plympton. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest at Plympton yesterday on JETHRO PEARCE, aged 25, married, of 39 Stone-barton, Plympton, who was killed near Plympton on Wednesday as the result of a mishap to the motor tractor he was driving. - Reginald Joseph Tall of 1 Brewery-lane, Plympton St Maurice, said he was returning from Sparkwell when he saw PEARCE with his tractor and a trailer at Beechwood Cross. Witness assisted him to unload the trailer, and PEARCE then proceeded in the direction of Plympton. He drove on to Hemerdon Lodge, where he again saw the tractor at a standstill on the right-hand side of the road. - PEARCE was lying between the tractor and trailer. The front wheels of the tractor were jammed in the hedge. Witness tried to lift PEARCE clear, but was unable to do so, and went off to Hemerdon Lodge for assistance. Witness found the steering wheel of the tractor on the left hand side of the road, opposite the vehicle. - Constable Godfrey stated PEARCE was firmly wedged between the off-wheel of the tractor and the front portion of the trailer. He was apparently dead. - John James Goad, a motor engineer, of Plympton, said he examined the tractor after the accident. The gears were in neutral and the brakes were in perfect working order. It was a one-man tractor. There undoubtedly had been a nut on the top of the steering wheel quite recently. With the least jerk, if this nut was missing, the steering wheel would come off in the man's hand, and the tractor would be completely out of control. - Dr W. D. Stamp said on examining PEARCE he found the ribs on the left side were broken and evidently pressed in right over the heart, which would cause immediate death. - William Samuel Matthews, PEARCE'S employer (for whom Mr D. F. Nash appeared), said the tractor was bought new last December and since had been bought new last December and since had been driven solely by PEARCE. The tractor was recently under repair and the nut on the steering wheel was replaced by a new one, because trouble had been experienced with the old nut, which had come off before. - The Coroner returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 June 1927
DAWLISH - Body Found In Sea. Mystery Of Gardener's Death At Dawlish. - "Found Drowned" was the verdict returned by Mr E. Hutchings, at Dawlish last night at the Inquest on JOHN FRANK COX, aged 54, of Fernlea, Brunswick-place, Dawlish, whose body was found in the sea near Smugglers' Lane. - The widow said her husband had recently been working as a gardener and when he left home at 7.30 a.m. on Wednesday she understood he had gone to work at the Cliffs, on the Teignmouth road. They had been a little unfortunate in business, but beyond the possible state of his health she had nothing to worry about. - James Ware, labourer, said he saw the body in the water after having been signalled to by the driver of the 9.20 a.m. train off Teignmouth. With a man named Lendon he waded into the sea up to his knees to get the body ashore. - James Kerswell, Teignmouth, said he saw deceased pass down Smugglers' Lane carrying a basket about 9 a.m. and Constable Mitchell said nothing had been discovered to throw any light on the occurrence. - Dr M. Cutcliffe attributed death to drowning.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 June 1927
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Drowned In The Dart. Aged Buckfastleigh Man's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide by Drowning" was returned at the Inquest at the Townhall, Buckfastleigh, on Wednesday, on THOMAS HAYMAN, (73), a wool picker of Jordan-street, Buckfastleigh, whose body was found in the River Dart on Monday evening. The Coroner, Mr T. H. Edwards, added that there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of the man's mind. - MRS LINDA MADDICKS said her father, who lived with her, left home as usual at 8 o'clock on Monday morning and she thought he had gone to work. He enjoyed good health and was not depressed in any way. - John Jeffery Tooley, of Trevena, Elliott-plain, Buckfastleigh, said he met the deceased about 3.30 p.m. outside his linhay at Elliott-plain. He said he was going for a walk. - Frederick James Woodley, Elliott-plain, Buckfastleigh, said he had been fishing in the Dart on Monday and found the deceased in the river about 6 p.m. The body was in Nursery Pool about 15 feet out from the bank and in about five or six feet of water. It was lying in a crouching position, with the face downwards. - P.C. E. Squires spoke to seeing the body floating downwards in the water at the Nursery Pool. On the river bank about five feet from the water's edge he found under a thorn bush the deceased's pipe, tobacco tin, an empty match box, his cap, a red handkerchief by its side and his walking-stick across the top. - Dr Eva Constance Tronside, who examined the body, said death was due to drowning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 June 1927
LIFTON - Fatal Excitement. Lifton Man Who Would Not See Doctor. - At Lifton Mr H. C. Brown held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY KNIGHT, labourer, Old Tinhay, Lifton, who collapsed near an Inn on Friday. - MARY ANN POTTER (sister) said he had complained of heart trouble for some months. He did not cease work and would not see a doctor. - It was stated that there had been an argument outside an Inn and Dr Cecil Musgrave, of Lifton, said there were symptoms of a slow form of heart disease, quite consistent with the heart failure after the excitement. The cause of death was heart failure. - "Death from Natural Causes" was entered.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 June 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Fell Under Motor 'Bus. Naval Stoker Killed When Cycling At Devonport. - An accident in which a cyclist and a motor 'bus were involved on Newpassage-hill, Devonport, resulting in the death of a naval stoker, was the subject of an Inquiry by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, at the Ker-street Court yesterday. The victim was JOHN JOSEPH BUTLER, aged 27, first class stoker, of H.M.S. Tenacious, who resided at Chudleigh-road, Lipson, Plymouth. - Mr K. Eyton Peck represented the Admiralty, Mr John Woolland appeared for the widow, and Mr W. Haydon (Messrs. Shelly and Johns) for Mr Facey, 'bus proprietor, Tamerton. - H. L. Shorten, King-street, Devonport, said that about 6.45 a.m. he was proceeding down Newpassage-hill and noticed a man walking in front of him step off the footpath. At the same moment BUTLER passed down the hill on a bicycle, riding on his proper side at a speed of from eight to ten miles an hour. His elbow appeared to touch the arm of the man who had left the pavement, and his bicycle swerved towards the centre of the road, where he fell in front of a 'bus which was ascending the hill. - Frederick Chas. Gibbeson, James-street, said he felt a blow on the elbow, and as he turned he saw BUTLER shoot across the road. - Harry Arthur Roger Huggins, Lawson House, Tamerton Foliot, said he had been a 'bus driver in the employ of Mr Facey for five weeks. He had had three years' experience as a motor driver. On Saturday morning there were 20 passengers in his 'bus and after turning out of William-street, he went slowly up Newpassage-hill, when suddenly he saw a sailor cyclist fall in front of the vehicle. He swerved to avoid him and instantly stopped, but the body was underneath the 'bus. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury adding that no blame was attached to the motor driver.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 June 1927
TOTNES - Driver Exonerated At Totnes Inquest. - Yesterday at Totnes Guildhall an Inquest was held by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, concerning the death of RODERICK GEORGE HILL. Mr J. Trembath was Foreman of the Jury. - HERBERT E. E. HILL, labourer, Warland, said the deceased was 2 years and 10 months old, and on Monday evening went out to play with his sister, aged 5 years, who came in and said he had been knocked down by a car. - James Henry King said the car was pulled up dead. the child was under it, between the hind wheels and showed no signs of life. Dr W. Chapman stated that the cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. - Charles Austen Leigh, Priestaford, Ashburton, stated that he was driving at 10 to 12 miles an hour. He saw the little boy on the pavement and when within seven or eight yards of the boy he commenced to run across the road. He slowed to allow him to do so, which he did and then to his horror suddenly wheeled around and ran back in front of the car. He stopped instantly, but had no chance to avoid him. - The Coroner said it seemed to him to have been a pure accident, with no blame attached to the driver of the car, who appeared to have done all he could. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and no blame attached to the driver.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 June 1927
COMBEINTEIGNHEAD - Boy Accidentally Shot Dead. Coroner's Comment On Nursery Tragedy. - "It is a most reprehensible thing that people should have taken the trouble to warn the lads about the danger of using a weapon like a gun, and should be so careless as to leave not only the gun, but the ammunition in a place where the boys could, if so minded, get possession." - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, made this statement at the Inquest yesterday at Combeinteignhead on WILLIAM WHITE, aged 14, of Westbrook Cottage, Combeinteignhead, who was shot by Albert Callard, of the same age, of Dodbrook Cottage, in a nursery on Tuesday. The verdict was "Death by Misadventure." - Mr Hutchings said the boy's death was purely accidental in the sense that Callard when he fired the gun had no idea that WHITE was near him. He admitted quite frankly that he was told not to use the gun, and that he disobeyed orders. It was only fair to say that the boy had been perfectly truthful. - The Coroner added that it was no use telling a boy not to do a thing if he was given the opportunity of doing it. Nothing would have been simpler than to have kept the cartridges under lock and key, and it was extremely careless that it was not done. It was the duty of all persons employing young boys to see that the temptations to play with dangerous firearms were not placed in their way. - Dr Mayo, of Shaldon, said death was due to laceration of the brain. The gun must have been fired a fairly close range. - Albert Callard said he went to the nursery, and after the potting sheds had been unlocked he took out the gun to shoot any birds that might be among the raspberries. As he walked around several birds flew out, and he was on his way back when another rose from the canes and he fired. Hearing somebody fall, he looked and found WHITE lying on the path. - Mr Hutchings: Had you used the gun before? - Yes. - Witness said he had been told not to use the gun. - Hugh C. Palmer, gardener, of Combeinteignhead, the employer, said he had no idea the boys even know how to use the gun. He told his foreman not to allow them to touch it. - Mr Hutchings: Do you not think it was dangerous to leave it with ammunition where they could get at it when so minded? - Yes; but I did not realize it before. - Ernest Albert Searle, the foreman at the nursery, said he told the boys not to use it.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 July 1927
BUCKFASTLEIGH - "I am Going Home." Buckfastleigh Woman's Suicide. - "I am going home at last. God forgive me," wrote MRS ANNIE MAUD COUNTER, of Buckfastleigh, in a farewell note before she took her own life on Wednesday. - At the Inquest on Thursday, a police Constable, who was called to Rockfield House, Buckfastleigh, told the Coroner that he found the woman's body in the lavatory at the rear of the house. It was in a kneeling position, with the head over the pan, in which was a blood-stained razor. There were three gashes in the throat, extending almost from ear to ear, and the gullet, windpipe and arteries were all severed. In the bedroom which the dead woman had occupied was the following note:- "God forgive me. Good bye, dad. Sorry, you've both done your best. I shall be better off. My head aches so. Good bye, Frank and Bessie. Think kindly of my poor dear George and darling boy. I am going home at last. Bury, Bickington." - GEORGE THOMAS COUNTER, of Sands-road, Kingsteignton, said his wife was 55 years old last birthday, and had been living with her brother until they could get a house. She had suffered for the last two and a half years from sleeplessness. - MRS CRAGGS of Rockfield House, said MRS COUNTER was her husband's sister, and lived with them. She had been a bit depressed with a pain in her head. On Wednesday morning she asked witness not to disturb her as she was going to try and sleep. When witness went to call her at dinner time she found the room empty. The lavatory door was locked and getting no answer she called her husband. The gained an entrance and found MRS COUNTER inside dead. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death by Cutting her Throat whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 July 1927
PLYMOUTH - Sequel To A Fall. Naval Man's Suicide By Poisoning. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on THOMAS HARVEY, aged 40, joiner in the Royal Navy, who lived at Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, and who was found unconscious on Sunday in his bedroom, and who died subsequently in Hospital. - Mr Percy Snell was present on behalf of the family, and Mr K. Eyton Peck for the Admiralty. - The Inquest was held by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - ELIZABETH MARY CARTER, Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, said she was the wife of JUSTINIAN CARTER, a linotype operator and the deceased, THOMAS HARVEY, aged 40, was her brother. He was a joiner in the Royal Navy. On June 6 he fell from a bedroom window, 30 ft. or 40 ft. into the garden. The bedroom was on the first floor. He was sent to the Naval Hospital and was discharged last Tuesday for light duty. On Sunday night, when she and her husband arrived home, about nine o'clock, she called, but got no answer, and subsequently found him in bed unconscious. He died shortly afterwards. There was a bottle of lysol by his side. The bottle was partly filled. A note on the table read:- "Dear Mary and Tim. - Please forgive me for what I have done. My pains are bad and I cannot stick it no longer. All I leave is for my dear sister. Look on the bright side and don't worry. - Your brother, TOM." - Dr Philips said when he arrived at the house on Sunday night HARVEY was past hope and died shortly afterwards in Hospital. He made a post-mortem examination. He was of opinion that the swallowing of lysol was the cause of death. - The Coroner said it was obvious that HARVEY was suffering from the effects of falling from the window and that caused his mind to become unhinged. He found that he took his own life, but that at the time he did so, he was of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 July 1927
TORQUAY - Penryn Man's Body Found Near Torbay Pier. - Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, yesterday returned "Accidentally Drowned" at the Inquest at Torquay on ARTHUR BURLEY, aged 21, of Penryn, Cornwall, a yachtsman, who had been in the employ of Dr Neville Williams, owner of the yacht Gwynedd, and whose body was found in Torbay on Wednesday. - REGINALD J. BURLEY, of Broadlane, Mylor, Penryn, a cousin, identified the body by the clothing. - Stanley F. Cox, who lives on the yacht Nora, moored in Torquay harbour, said that at 12.30 a.m. on June 23 his attention was drawn to a yacht moored in the bay unduly close to the Princess Pier. He thought she had dragged her anchor, but he found that everything was secure. Later he heard someone blowing a foghorn and taking this as a call for help he shouted to some men on the yacht Concord, which was lying close by and they put off in a small boat. Witness went to the Princess Pier and spoke to the person who had been blowing the foghorn. He said his man had put off in a punt to put out a kedge, and he had not returned. It was very dark and the wind was blowing hard. - Later, with the skipper of the yacht Glitter, he went out in the bay and endeavoured to find the missing man, but they failed, only finding the punt. - Charles H. Holden, yachtsman, of Meadfoot-lane, Torquay, said he and his mate, James Henley, found BURLEY'S body on Wednesday afternoon about 50 yards off the back of the Princess Pier.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 July 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Motor Cyclist's Speed. Coroner's Comment At Newton Inquest. - "Generally when you get motor cyclists in this Court they say they are going from 12 to 15 miles an hour, and it is something to Mr Bickford's credit that he quite frankly says he was travelling at 25 or 30 miles an hour," said the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the Inquest held at Newton Abbot on MRS JANE BENNETT BARCLAY, 39, Fishwick House, Kingsteignton, whose death occurred at Newton Abbot Hospital on Wednesday from injuries received when knocked down by a motor cycle ridden by Leslie John Bickford, East-street, Newton Abbot. - "If we wanted to travel from 12 to 15 miles an hour we should ride pedal bicycles, and it is foolish for motor cyclists to say they are travelling so slowly, because in many cases no commonsense Jury believes them," added Mr Hutchings. "It was the duty of a person riding or driving a vehicle to take every precaution, and equally the duty of pedestrians before attempting to cross a road to see the road was clear." - Albert John Blackmore, Oakmead Farm, Highweek, said his car was standing opposite The Bungalow on the Bovey Tracey road, and when he saw MRS BARCLAY about to cross the road he shouted and waved to her to stop. She did so, and a motor car passed. He saw a motor cycle approaching and again waved to deceased, but she stepped into the road and was knocked down. - Charles Robert Lanjoy, a commercial traveller, considered the height of a hedge at the turn prevented the motor cyclist seeing the woman. - Bickford said MRS BARCLAY walked into the bicycle. He was travelling from 25 to 30 miles an hour. It was impossible to see the gate of the bungalow until level with it because of the high hedge. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that the owner of the hedge at the bend should be called upon to trim it whenever necessary. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 July 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Suicide. - "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, at the Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on WILLIAM FRANCIS OLD, aged 54, a naval pensioner, of Pasley-street, who died in Hospital yesterday as the result of injuries to his throat. - The widow said she found her husband lying unconscious in a pool of blood in his cycle shed. He had been depressed as the result of illness. - A nurse, who happened to be passing, said she was called to the house and rendered first-aid prior to the man's removal to the Hospital. There was a razor lying beside him.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 July 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Ambulance Man Killed. Fatal Fall While Helping A Case. - "Perhaps this case will bring to the notice of the public the great and self-sacrificing work of the St John Ambulance Brigade," said Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, in the course of an Inquest held in Ker-street Police Court, yesterday on WILLIAM CHARLES TROTMAN, of Coryton-terrace, Torpoint, a voluntary worker with the St John Ambulance Brigade. - Warm tributes to the respect in which MR TROTMAN was held were paid by the Coroner and by representatives of St John Ambulance and the Police. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Charles Henry Knott, of Ferry-street, Torpoint, said that accompanied by TROTMAN he went to St Germans to fetch an urgent case to Plymouth and on the return his attention was called to the fact that TROTMAN was lying in the road. - Frederick Ernest Nancarrow, engineer, of Bodmin, said he was driving his car in the direction of Torpoint and saw a man lean from the ambulance van in front of him and beckon to him, either to stop or else to slow down and pass the ambulance without noise. The next thing he knew was that the man had fallen from the vehicle and was on the ground. - Dr J. H. Stauffer, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said TROTMAN died a few minutes after his admission. He probably fell on the right side of his forehead. TROTMAN had suffered from severe heart trouble and had a very light skull. - The St John Ambulance was represented by Mr J. Woolland.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 July 1927
YELVERTON - Plymouth Woman's Death. Jury Exonerate Motor Cyclist. - "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone at Yelverton yesterday on KATE SMITH, aged 44, the wife of EDWARD SMITH, a printer's reader of 3 Leyhill-cottage, Lower Compton, Plymouth. MRS SMITH was knocked down on Sunday by a motor cycle while crossing the road at Whitestones, a point between Yelverton and Roborough. The Jury, with Mr J. C. Black as Foreman, exonerated the motor cyclist, Charles Mudge, of Horrabridge. - Supt. Joslin watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police, and Mr Martyn Wivell represented Mudge, who was thrown when the accident occurred and, having concussion, was unable to attend. - The husband said his wife and he were proceeding to Yelverton when they saw some friends on the right of the road. The 'bus stopped and they got out. His wife went round the front of the 'bus and as she did so he heard a shout. Then he saw his wife and the motor cycle entangled and smashed up. Witness did not think it was possible for the rider of the cycle to avoid the accident. -- Answering Supt. Joslin, SMITH said as far as he knew four people got off the 'bus when it stopped. - Dr Frederick Moreton Vincent Smith said MRS SMITH died about 1.30. Her skull was fractured, and a post-mortem examination revealed bruises on the right hip and a dislocation of the left hip. - 'Bus Driver's Evidence. - Thomas Whitton, motor driver employed by the D.M.T. said as he pulled up a man and three women alighted from the 'bus. After getting out, one woman walked in front of the 'bus, and as she did so he heard a motor cycle approaching. At the same time the woman walked away from the front of the 'bus. He saw an accident was bound to happen. She stepped a pace of two from the 'bus and was struck apparently by the handlebars. He did not think the rider of the cycle could do anything to avoid an accident. - Questioned by Supt. Joslin, Whitton agreed it was dangerous for anyone to cross in front of a 'bus, and he had many times warned people. The road in front of the 'bus would appear clear to the motor cyclist. - Mrs Hettie Hamley, of Clearbrook, said on Sunday her cousin, Charles Mudge, came to take her to Venton on his motor cycle. At Whitestones she noticed the 'bus in front, and the driver of the cycle touch a lever when he saw the 'bus stop and slackened speed. He also sounded his horn two or three times as the 'bus was approached. Witness saw no one as they approached the 'bus, but just after a woman stepped out. Her cousin swerved towards the right-hand bank and applied his brakes in trying to avoid her, but could not do so.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 July 1927
PLYMOUTH - Carnival Fatality. Child Who Was "Somehow Overlooked." - "If parents are rather slack about their children being out, especially in the evening, it is no wonder these things occur," remarked the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who yesterday conducted an Inquest on HUGH PATRICK MCALISTER, aged 6, of 36 Flora-street, Plymouth, who was knocked down and fatally injured by a motor-car in Union-street, following the decorated car procession. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame. - HUGH MCALISTER, 36 Flora-street, the child's father, said the boy was usually put to bed about six o'clock, but "owing to carnival week" he was somehow overlooked and must have slipped out of the house. It was not until a few minutes before ten o'clock that witness knew definitely that the child was his. - Fred Robert Knight, of Daneville-road, Camberwell, a motor driver, said on Wednesday evening he was driving a car along Union-street from Devonport to Plymouth. There were so many people about that they were walking in the gutters, but there was not much vehicular traffic. Just as he reached the railway arch a child darted from the near-side kerb right in front of the car. Witness did everything possible to avert the accident and swerved the car, but not in time to avoid the boy. - Other evidence was given as to the car being driven at a moderate speed. - Mr E. Elliot-Square appeared for the father of the child and Inspector W. T. Hutchings was present on behalf of the Police.

Western Morning News, Monday 18 July 1927
PLYMOUTH - Inquest In Liner Off Plymouth. Passenger's Fall In Ship's Sports. - For the first time in history a Plymouth Coroner held an Inquest in a liner outside the limits of the borough on Saturday. - Journeying half a mile from Penlee Point, the nearest point of land, Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, boarded the Cunarder Ausonia, where in a cabin he Inquired into the death of a passenger, MR WILLIAM BORKLEY STAFFORD COLLIE, aged 48, retired of San Fernando, Trinidad, who was travelling as a first class passenger. - The circumstances of his death are particularly sad, as he was travelling with his wife and two daughters to Europe for a holiday. The evidence showed that he died from injuries to his head, due to an accidental fall while competing in an obstacle race in some ship sports. - The Ausonia, which was sailing from Montreal to Cherbourg, called at Plymouth only for a short time to land some 160 passengers and she was not at anchor in Cawsand Bay for more than an hour. - Coroner's Decision. - The Coroner had received an intimation that an accident had occurred aboard the vessel, and, as it had been arranged to land MR COLLIE'S body at Plymouth, he was required to conduct an Inquest. No information as to the name or how the accident occurred was received, and, as the Ausonia was only due to stay one hour off the coast, Mr Major decided that he would hear the evidence on board, instead of having the witnesses brought ashore and taken out again, which would undoubtedly delay the liner. - Within a few minutes of the tender stopping alongside the liner the Coroner and Dr B. L. Hodge (port medical officer) had viewed the body and evidence was being heard. - ESME MAUDE COLLIE, daughter of San Fernando, said last Thursday her father competed in some ship sports on the deck. He was running in an obstacle race and had to climb over some netting about three feet from the deck. He put one foot on the netting and was about to bring up the other, when he slipped and fell backwards on his head. - Magdalen Drysdale McKean, wife of William Kirk McKean, a timber merchant of South Park-street, Halifax, corroborated MISS COLLIE'S evidence and stated that MR COLLIE was picked up unconscious. The ship's surgeon came at once and attended to him. She thought that he appeared to catch his foot in the netting. - Fractured Skull. - James Sherren, ship's surgeon, stated that he saw MR COLLIE about three minutes after the accident. He had a fractured skull and died the next day about 1.15 p.m. The cause of death was cerebral laceration. - Dr Bernulf L. Hodge, port medical officer agreed with Dr Sherren's evidence as to the cause of death. - The Coroner returned "Accidental Death being caused by cerebral laceration due to an Accidental Fall while competing in ship sports. - The body was taken to Plymouth in the tender and will be embalmed and then shipped back to Trinidad, the family also returning by the next available boat.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 July 1927
PLYMOUTH - A Plymouth Fatality. Cyclist Hurled Through Car's Windscreen. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday held by Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, on JOHN PARSONS, 20, of Green-street, Plymouth, who was killed last Friday as the result of a collision with a taxi-cab near the Royal Citadel. The driver was exonerated. - Reginald Bougourd, Cambridge-street, taxi-cab owner and driver, said he was driving his cab towards the Citadel at 5.20 p.m., when he saw a cyclist approaching from round the corner from the Hoe at a fast rate. He saw the young man would not be able to get round the corner on his right side and he pulled his cab up dead, and immediately afterwards the cyclist crashed through the windscreen of the car. He seemed to have lost control of the cycle. - Elsie Annie Mundell, who witnessed the accident, said she believed PARSONS was riding too far out from his proper side and seemed to be in difficulties. - Marine John Sampson said he was riding behind PARSONS, who, he thought, did not see the car until it was five yards away. - Dr Newman, House Surgeon, Homeopathic Hospital, said death was due to fracture of the base of the skull and haemorrhage. The collar bone was also broken.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 July 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - The Devonport Tragedy. Accident Due To Rope Breaking. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at the Inquest at Ker-street Guildhall yesterday afternoon on ALEXANDER CHARLES BRAID, aged 30, single, of 39 St Martin's-road, Norwich, petty officer and ALBERT HECTOR BARKER, aged 17, of 171 Cavendish-street, Ipswich, first-class boy, who were killed on board the battleship Ramillies at Devonport last Friday. - Ldg.-Smn. Sydney Brooks said he assisted Petty Officer BRAID to fix a wire rope net for the purpose of safety whilst the mast was being painted. So far as witness could tell the net was properly fixed under BRAID'S supervision. BRAID and the boy were the only two painting on the net, which was sufficiently strong to held the weight of two men. - When working near by the net in the afternoon he heard something go and found the net had broken and BRAID and BARKER had fallen. In his opinion the accident was caused by there being too much weight on a 2 ½ in. manila rope by which the net was secured. - Net's Support Snaps. - Boy John Henry Booth said after he had finished painting on the mainmast about a foot above BRAID he saw the petty officer move across the net to where BOY BARKER was painting. Just afterwards the rope snapped, and both BRAID and the boy fell to the deck. BRAID was there to superintend the painting, but he was himself painting. - Lieut.-Com. W. O. Scrymgeour-Wedderburn, H.M.S. Ramillies, said it was at BRAID'S suggestion witness ordered the net to be used for painting the mainmast. It was a good suggestion, because it was better for men to work in a net than in a boatswain's chair. The rope should have had a breaking strain of two tons and a comfortable working strain of one ton. - In witness's opinion the accident was caused by a flaw. The rope, however, should have been strong enough to have allowed two men to have danced upon it. - Lieut.-Com. Wedderburn added that P.O. BRAID was, without exception, the most reliable and the finest petty officer he had ever met in the service. He was a very hard-working man, and always anxious to help anybody in their work, as he was no doubt doing in the case of the boy. Every precaution was taken on board the Ramillies for the safety of the men, and so far as the men under his charge were concerned none would be sent aloft if he objected. - Boys Working Aloft. - In reply to the Jury, Mr H. H. Swiss, Foreman, witness said there were no regulations about boys working aloft, and there were boys on board who would be hurt if they were not sent to the top to work. - Medical evidence was given to the effect that in each case death was caused by laceration of the brain and fracture of the base of the skull. - BRAID'S father, asked by the Coroner if he had any remarks to make, said he had had a good deal of experience with rope and considered the piece which had broken should have borne a greater strain than 15 cwt., the approximate weight of his son and the boy. His own opinion was that the action of the two blue-jackets walking about the net caused the rope to break, but he would have thought the rope was quite safe. - In giving their verdict the Jury attached no blame to anybody.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 July 1927
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Conflicting Evidence At The Inquest. - Conflicting evidence was given at an Inquest by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, on FRANK JAGO, aged 33, a chief petty officer of the Royal Navy, of Kingswood Park-avenue, Peverell, Plymouth, who died as the result of injuries received in a motor accident at Peverell on July 11. - After a brief retirement the Jury recorded "Accidental Death, no blame attaching to anyone concerned in the accident." - JAGO, it appears, was alighting from a tram-car with his wife and child when he was struck by a motor car driven by Surgeon-Commander R. K. Shaw, R.N., of Compton Park Villas-road, Plymouth, receiving injuries from which he died a few days later in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Mr E. Elliot Square represented Surgeon-Commander Shaw; Mr Isaac Foot appeared for the widow, MRS MAUD ETHEL JAGO; Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, appeared on behalf of the Plymouth Corporation and Detective-Inspector W. T. Hutchings attended on behalf of the Police. Mr K. Eyton Peck, solicitor to the Admiralty, was also present. - Evidence of identification was given by THOMAS CHARLEY PENNA, flying-officer in the Royal Air Force, of Sussex-road, Ford, Devonport, brother-in-law of JAGO. - Tram Conductor's Story. - Edward John Finnigan, tram conductor, of Oaklands-cottage, Peverell, said the car on which he was working had just left the Peverell Park stop and was going in the direction of Plymouth. As they were approaching the Burleigh Park-road "request" stop MR JAGO, his wife, child and a dog came down the stairs with the intention of alighting at this stop. Witness accordingly pulled the bell for the tram to stop. - He then saw a motor car coming down the road on the left-hand side, and putout his hand to motion the vehicle to slow down, at the same time warning the passengers. MR JAGO, evidently thinking that the motor car would slow down, jumped off with the child. He was hit by the motor car and dragged a distance which witness estimated at five lengths of a tramcar - about 48 yards. - A lady had been waiting to board the car at the "request" stop and she actually did get on the tram before JAGO jumped off. - At the time of the accident the car was at a standstill exactly opposite the "request." - In answer to the Coroner, Finnigan said the driver of the motor car was going pretty fast for passing a stationary tramcar. He did not hear the brakes applied. - Other evidence was given by Louisa Morgan, of Bickham Park-road, who boarded the car at the "request" stop; John Frederick Macey, Charles Isaac Smith and William Henry George Macey, eye-witnesses of the accident; Constable Voaden, William Seymour, the motorman of the tram and the widow. - Car Driver's Statement. - Surgeon-Commander Shaw said he was travelling down Peverell Park-road in the direction of Plymouth at about fourteen miles an hour. He first saw the tram about a hundred yards ahead of him, and he might have then been going slightly faster than the tram. He saw two people apparently waiting to get on the tram at the "request" stop. He was emphatic in his statement that the tram went on past the exact stopping-place. He saw one lady board the tram and concluded that the tram was about to go on again. - To his horror he saw a man and a little girl alight from the tram too suddenly for him to avoid striking him. He immediately applied his brakes as hard as he could. The little girl must have been struck by the bonnet and somehow rolled off. Witness knew he had struck the man, but had no idea that the man was underneath the car. The people who had gathered round the car lifted the axle and got the man out. - Dr Cohen, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital said that JAGO had died from the shock which resulted from his injuries. These included a compound fracture of the tibia and five fractured ribs. - Answering Mr Elliot Square, Surgeon-Commander Shaw said he saw no signal to slow down given by the tram conductor. - Mr Charles Hocking, of Fore-street, Devonport, and Constable Martin also gave evidence. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated above.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 July 1927
BERE FERRERS - Death At A Show. Inquest Story Of A Judge's Collapse. - An Inquiry was held at Bere Alston yesterday on EDMUND JOHN MESSA, farmer, of The Grange, Plympton, who died suddenly while replying to the toast of "The judges" at the luncheon at Bere Ferrers show on Wednesday. - Frederick Rich, of Plympton, stated that he went with MR MESSA to the show, where they both acted as judges. MR MESSA was very bright and did not complain of feeling unwell. - After lunch MR MESSA was replying to the toast of "The judges" when he suddenly lurched forward, recovered his balance and fell back into witness's arms. Dr Shanks was sent for. The deceased collapsed at 2.30 p.m. and died at three. - Dr H. P. Shanks, of Bere Alston, said that when he arrived on the scene he came to the conclusion that MR MESSA was suffering from heart disease. He attributed death to syncope from mortus cordia. - The report from Dr Stamp stated that he had attended MR MESSA, who had suffered from organic disease of the heart and was liable to fail suddenly. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnston was the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 July 1927
SOUTH TAWTON - Devon Farm Tragedy. Inquest Opened At Southtawton. Coroner Asks Jury To Keep Open Minds. - "I ask you to keep a perfectly open mind on the case. The time for considering the verdict, if it comes at all, will come later. In the circumstances it would not be proper, or possible, or just to form an opinion without giving MR LANE an opportunity of hearing the evidence and, if he so desires, of making a statement." - This advice was given to the Jury by Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday on MISS EMMA LANE, who was found shot dead at Southtawton, near Okehampton. Her brother, RICHARD, is now in Okehampton Cottage Hospital suffering from gunshot wounds in the head. - The Inquest, held at Thorn Farm, Southtawton, where the couple were on holiday, was adjourned till September 16. The funeral takes place on Monday afternoon at Providence United Methodist Chapel, Throwleigh. - The evidence (said the Deputy Coroner) would be that MR and MISS LANE were staying at the farm and on Wednesday night, about 7.30, they went out together with the intention of going to Whiddon Down to ascertain what time the 'bus went to Exeter for the purpose of leaving for London the following day. - About two o'clock on Thursday morning the bodies were found in a lonely spot. MISS LANE was dead and her brother was very seriously injured. The injuries to both were believed to have been caused by a shot gun. A gun was found lying on the ground; both barrels were discharged. - The first witness, Mrs Mary Louisa Knapman, of Thorn Farm, said she had known MISS LANE for a number of years. MISS LANE, who was 68, had been residing at the farm for seven weeks and on many occasions before. She had been living with her friends for the last five years. - MR LANE arrived last Friday. On Wednesday night the brother and sister went out about 7.30, MR LANE taking a gun with him. - The Search. - Constable Brewer, South Zeal, described how he made a search with Mr Thos. Branton, Frank Cousins, Arthur Knapman and two of Mr Branton's sons. Between 2 and 2.30 a.m. Thursday morning they found the two bodies at Pitts' Head, on Well Farm. - The man showed signs of life, but the woman was dead. Apparently both had been shot with a gun. - He saw a double-barrelled shot gun lying on the ground with a bootlace attached to the trigger of the right barrel. Both barrels had been discharged. - Dr Hughes, of Chagford, describing the injuries to MISS LANE, said death must have been instantaneous., MR LANE was unconscious and was suffering from gunshot wounds. Witness dressed LANE'S wounds and took him to Okehampton Cottage Hospital, where he was in a critical condition. - It would be five or six weeks before LANE could give evidence, if any, outside the Hospital. - On this evidence the Coroner agreed to adjourn the Inquest until September 16.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 August 1927
CHUDLEIGH - Fall From Window. Retired Carpenter's Fatal Injuries At Chudleigh. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at Chudleigh on Saturday at the Inquest on PETER WIDDICOMBE, aged 72, a retired carpenter of 49 Fore-street, Chudleigh, who fell from a top storey window of his residence on Thursday evening and died on Saturday morning. - MRS E. M. WOTTON, 49 Fore-street, Chudleigh, a daughter, and with whom he had lived, said her father often stood at the window from which he fell. - Miss Mary Manning, a domestic, said she first saw what appeared to be a duster fall from the window and then MR WIDDICOMBE fell. - Mr John Shepherd, of the Plymouth Inn, said MR WIDDICOMBE was laying between the railings and the house, with one knee impaled on a railing. - The Coroner said it was difficult to know exactly what did take place. It might have been that whilst MR WIDDICOMBE was looking out of the window his cap fell off and he over-balanced and fell.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 August 1927
BIGBURY - Scout's Sacrifice. Drowned While Attempting To Help Companions. - Mr Johnstone, the Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday on JOHN T. SPATCHER, who was drowned while bathing on Sunday. He came to Bigbury with a party of Scouts from Winslow, Bucks, last Saturday and went with 14 others to bathe on Sunday about 12.15. SPATCHER, it was stated, was unable to swim. - Mr McCorquadale, the Scoutmaster in charge of the party, stated he was bathing with the boys on Sunday in shallow water, having given instructions that those who could not swim should not go out above their knees. Some of the smaller boys became alarmed and he went out and rescued four of them and then became exhausted. - SPATCHER was walking about up to his knees in water and seeing the other lads in difficulties went to their assistance and then himself got into difficulties. - The Coroner returned "Accidentally Drowned while Bathing."

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 August 1927
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday on THOMAS EDWARD MCMULLIN, aged 57, coal dealer, of Castle-street, Plymouth, who fell on the fire while in an epileptic fit on June 29 and died last Monday. - Dr Cohen, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to shock following burns on the face, and a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 August 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Dockyard Tragedy. Jury's Recommendation At Devonport Inquest. - That care should be taken to see that things lent from one department to another are in proper working order was the recommendation of the Jury at Devonport, yesterday, when the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on WILLIAM JOHN WILLIAMS, aged 48, labourer, of Cecil-street, Plymouth, who was crushed between a crane and a truck at the Dockyard on Tuesday. "Accidental Death" was returned. - Arthur Jordan, crane driver, said they were working with the crane and truck on a temporary line which had a slight incline. WILLIAMS got down to release the truck which had been borrowed from another department. The brake was faulty and could not be released with the handle from the outside and WILLIAMS went underneath to knock it up. He apparently did not realise about the incline and the truck ran back and crushed him against the crane. There were no buffers on the crane. Had there been buffers there would have been plenty of room; or even had he been standing facing it, instead of sideways, he might have been all right. - Mr T. F. Smith, leading man, said they did not require buffers on the crane. Without them they were able to get the crane to a nearer position to the work. This truck had been borrowed from another department, but it had not been reported that the brake was out of order. - Surgeon-Lieut. V. F. Walsh said WILLIAMS was dead when taken to the Dockyard surgery.

Western Morning News, Monday 8 August 1927
TRURO, CORNWALL - Fatality At Ladock. Plymouth Woman Killed In Overturned Combination. - Mr E. L. Carlyon held an Inquest at Truro on Saturday on the body of ELIZABETH MARY THORNE, aged 53, wife of MR A. H. THORNE, naval pensioner of 147 Union-street, Plymouth, who died as a result of a motor cycle accident near Ladock. - The Coroner said that MR THORNE was driving a motor cycle and sidecar with his wife, and proceeding from Truro to Plymouth, and at New Mills, near Ladock, they came upon some heavy road repairs. When about 50 yards behind a car they saw the signal given against them, and it was suggested that MR THORNE applied his brakes too suddenly. Something went wrong, and the motor cycle and sidecar overturned. No one actually saw what happened, but Mr A. A. Kneebone, of Truro, was on the spot immediately and helped to get MRS THORNE out, and she was taken to the Royal Cornwall Infirmary, where she died the same night. It was evidently a pure accident. - MR THORNE, who escaped unhurt, said when the accident happened he might have put extra pressure on the two brakes and the brakes gave way. The wire broke and got around the axle and jammed the wheel. He had been driving since 1916 and had never had a hitch before. - Mr Kneebone said the cycle and sidecar turned a complete somersault and MRS THORNE was pinned underneath. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 August 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Injury. Inquest On Devonport Dockyard Apprentice. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at an Inquest conducted in Ker-street Police Court, Devonport, yesterday by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on CHARLES STANLEY BURLEY, a 20-years-old shipwright apprentice in H.M. Dockyard, who died as the result of an accident in the Dockyard on August 3. - WILLIAM HENRY BURLEY, a naval pensioner, employed at the Great Western Docks, Millbay, said on August 3 his son came home from work and appeared to be in normal health. He told his mother, however, that he had been given "a bit of a knock" by some plates in the yard. The same evening he was able to go out to St Matthew's Club and later to the pictures. The next morning he felt unwell, but would not hear of a doctor being sent for. - About ten or eleven that night, proceeded witness, his son was in pain and a doctor was fetched, with the result that some medicine was ordered and the doctor came again on the Friday. His son was still in pain on the Saturday morning, later being taken to the Royal Naval Hospital and operated on. - Oliver Henry Warne, of Union-place, Stonehouse, a labourer in the Dockyard, said he spent the evening of August 3 with BURLEY, who did not appear to be quite himself, but did not complain of illness. - Accident Described. - Alfred Charles Roper, shipwright in H.M. Dockyard, of Packington-street, Devonport, said on Wednesday afternoon he was engaged in "marking off plates." Each of these plates was about 20 lb. in weight. He had made up a load of fifteen plates and had slung them together to be lifted by the crane - a distance of about 4 to 5 feet. Whilst they were in mid-air, the plates canted for some reason and fell. Two plates struck BURLEY and one struck him. BURLEY was hit in the back with such force that he was knocked against a watertight door, and one of the "lugs" on this door struck him in the stomach., He was about to fall when witness caught him. - Witness told the Jury he was used to this method of slinging the plates and had used it thousands of times without having an accident. BURLEY happened to be standing near him, talking to him about the work. He agreed that the accident might not have happened had the plates been steadied. He advised BURLEY to go to the Surgery, but he refused to do this. - Evidence was also given by two eye-witnesses of the accident, Leonard George Brown of Palmerston-street, a temporary skilled labourer, who was working the crane at the time; and Reuben Edwin Hills, a shipwright of St Aubyn-street, Devonport, who was in the machine-shop close to BURLEY. - Medical Evidence. - Surg.-Lieut. G. W. Garde said BURLEY was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital on Saturday morning and was found to be in a very bad way. It was decided to operate on him that evening, internal haemorrhage having been diagnosed. On Sunday the lad improved in condition but later he complained of severe pains and died. - The Jury, without retiring, returned "Accidental Death" and intimated that no blame attached to anyone. At the same time, they expressed the hope that great care would always be taken in slinging the heavy plates in the manner described. - Mr H. Clarke, H.M. Inspector of Factories, who attended the Inquest, said that the method of hoisting the plates described by Roper was the usual one. - Mr K. Eyton Peck , solicitor to the Admiralty, was also present and the Coroner and Jury extended their sympathy to the parents of deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 August 1927
PLYMOUTH - Man's 50 Rescue Attempts. Coroner's Praise At Plymouth Inquest. - A tribute to "the most wonderful record" of Mr Charles James Kittle, the well-known bathing attendant at Tinside, Plymouth, was paid by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who yesterday conducted an Inquest on ALFRED CHARLES MITCHELL, the young aircraftsman who was drowned while bathing from Tinside Bathing Place on Tuesday afternoon. - Mr Pearce congratulated Mr Kittle on the efforts he had made to save the man's life, and commented on the fact that this was the fiftieth similar case with which Mr Kittle had dealt. - MRS BEATRICE PENGELLY, of High-street, Stonehouse, said MITCHELL was her nephew, and was staying with her while on leave. He was aged 22 and was an aircraftsman in the Royal Air Force, Wansfod, Northants. He came home on leave last Friday and seemed in good health. Twelve months ago, however, he had a serious illness - pneumonia and pleurisy - and on the Saturday she had begged him not to bathe, although he expressed a wish to do so. On Tuesday he left the house saying he was going boating. He had been seven years in the Air Force. - Mr Kittle told the Coroner that about 2.15 p.m. on Tuesday a young man, whose face he recognized from having seen him bathing two years ago, hired a cabin, a towel and a costume. As the sea was a bit choppy, witness asked him if he were a good swimmer, and he replied, "That's all right, Charlie." - MITCHELL swam out to the raft and on his return witness noticed that he was swimming feebly and did not appear to be comfortable in the water. He immediately ran over the steps and dived into the water, but by that time the man's head was about a foot under the water. He was semi-conscious. Witness took him to shore as quickly as he could and noticed that blood was flowing from a wound in his head. A doctor and the St John Ambulance were sent for and artificial respiration applied. - Dr Nathan Newman, House Surgeon at the Homeopathic Hospital, said he saw MITCHELL immediately on his admission to the Hospital at 3 o'clock. He was then dead, but in view of the assertion by the ambulance men that MITCHELL had only just stopped breathing, he decided to apply various methods to resuscitate him. These were tried for nearly an hour, but without result. - Dr Newman was of opinion that the illness to which MRS PENGELLY had referred played a large part in the man's death. Both lungs were affected and the heart was flabby. - The Coroner commented on the sad nature of the case, and recorded "Death by Drowning."

Western Morning News, Monday 15 August 1927
TORPOINT, CORNWALL - Woman's Fatal Injuries. Inquest Story Of Runaway Horse. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Torpoint. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Jury at an Inquest conducted on Saturday by Dr E. S. Toogood, of Liskeard, on MRS ELIZABETH ANN PAUL, who was knocked down by a runaway horse at Torpoint on Thursday and died from her injuries. - JOSEPH HENRY SAMPLE, a boot and shoe operator, of Embankment-road, Plymouth, said MRS PAUL, who was 68 years of age, was his mother-in-law and resided at the same address. She was the wife of HENRY PAUL, a retired baker. On Thursday, August 11, witness, with MRS PAUL and three others, crossed the ferry and walked along Fore-street, Torpoint, at about 2.45 p.m. MRS PAUL and witness's wife walked along in front and witness and two others behind. They had left Fore-street when witness's son drew his attention to an aeroplane which was flying overhead. The 'plane appeared to shut off the engine for a short time and then went off again with a roar. Witness did not see the horse and cart before they had struck his mother-in-law. The cart seemed to strike her, with the result that she was jammed against the wall. - Answering Supt. Drew, SAMPLE said he could see the marks on the aeroplane, but did not take sufficient interest at the time to be able to recall them. The 'plane looked to him as though it were flying just over the tops of the houses. His mother-in-law was in fairly good health and was not deaf. Where the accident actually happened there was no pavement. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Williams, of Torpoint, said he saw MRS PAUL after she was dead. She had fractures of the forearm, collarbone, the lower jaw and five or six ribs. From the shock, due to these and other injuries, MRS PAUL must have died instantaneously. - James Davies, of Fore-street, Torpoint, a naval pensioner, said he was crossing Harvey-street when he heard "a bit of a rattle," and saw a horse and dustcart coming down like a steam engine. He was only just able to get out of the way himself. The horse dashed into the wall slantwise, and when it had gone on witness saw the woman lying in the road. He immediately went to her assistance. He agreed that the aeroplane was making a lot of noise. - Frederick William Weight, of Harvey-street, Torpoint, said that for a quarter of an hour before the accident he had been watching a 'plane flying over Torpoint. It was flying at a very low altitude over the house-tops. His attention was drawn by the noise of a horse and cart which was approaching at a gallop and unattended. Witness tried to stop the horse, but was unable to do so. - Harry Northcott, of Rowe-street, Torpoint, horse driver, employed by Torpoint Urban Council, said that at 2.45 p.m. he stopped his cart outside the Co-operative Grocery Department and went inside to remove the refuse. Whilst he was still engaged in this work someone came and told him that his horse had bolted. The heavy nature of the refuse bin in question and the distance it had to be carried made it necessary for both witness and his mate to be inside the Co-operative premises at one time. He had been driving the horse for about three months and had always found it quiet. The previous owner had also told him that it had never given trouble of any kind. If the horse had been restive witness would certainly not have left it unattended. To his knowledge the animal had never before seen or heard an aeroplane, and it was his opinion that it had been frightened by the noise made by the machine and bolted. - Questions For Jury. - Summing up, the Coroner said the Jury had to decide whether MRS PAUL met her death by criminal negligence or not. The question of whether the aeroplane was flying too low or whether the horse should or should not have been left unattended were matters which did not affect them as regarded their verdict. They were matters for another court, but if the Jury wished to add any riders to their verdict he would be happy to forward them to the proper quarter. - After a brief retirement the Jury intimated, through the Foreman, Mr Grainger, that their unanimous verdict was "Accidental Death." The Jurymen handed a subscription to MR SAMPLE towards the expenses incurred. - Mr H. Lawrence Spear, who appeared on behalf of the Torpoint Urban Council, expressed the sympathy which members of that body felt for the relatives of MRS PAUL. It was understood also, he said, that the daughter, who was injured, was in a serious condition. The Coroner and Jury, with Mr A. Collings, chairman of the Urban Council, associated themselves with the remarks of Mr Spear, and hoped that the daughter would have a speedy recovery.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 August 1927
PLYMOUTH - Swallowed A Bone. Inquest On Tavistock Man Who Died In Hospital. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on JAMES STANBURY, aged 56, of the Abbey Private Hotel, Tavistock, and recorded that death was due to the accidental swallowing of a meat bone. - MARY ANNE STANBURY, widow, said that on the morning of August 13 she was having breakfast with her husband, when he suddenly jumped up and ran to the sink,. - He complained of "an awful feeling" in his throat. She had cooked the breakfast, including some fried potatoes, but she did not notice any bone. - After being examined by several doctors he was removed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where, after an operation, he died on Thursday morning, - Dr T. F. Everitt, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said he had never previously experienced a similar case. - MR STANBURY underwent an operation on the day of his admission. The bone was too far down to locate, but at a post-mortem examination a large piece of bone was found half in and half out of the oesophagus. There was also an abscess, due to the presence of the bone. He would say that the presence of the bone was the cause of death. - The Coroner said that MR STANBURY'S death was to be deplored, especially as he was so widely known and respected in Tavistock.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 August 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Knocked Down On Way To Kinema. Plymouth Pensioner's Death., - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest in Ker-street Police Court yesterday on RICHARD WILLIAM WINTER, aged 59, a pensioned petty officer plumber, formerly of the Royal Navy, who died on Tuesday as the result of injuries received in a collision with a cyclist at New Passage-hill more than a week before. - LESLIE NORMAN FLETCHER, nephew, said he resided with his uncle at 10 Evelyn-street, St Budeaux. On August 11 WINTER left home to go to a picture-house. His eyesight and hearing were quite good. He returned about 6.30 p.m., however, with his head and one hand bandaged. He told witness that he had been knocked down by a cyclist at New Passage-hill while crossing the road from the right-hand to the left. He was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital, treated, and sent home. That evening WINTER got much worse and they sent for Dr Thomas, who was of opinion that he should be readmitted to the Hospital. He was accordingly taken there, and, having at first improved, had a relapse and died on Tuesday. - Cyclist's Story. - The cyclist, William Collard, a student at the University College of the South-West, said he was returning on his bicycle from Devonport to Keyham by way of New Passage-hill. The Constable at the top of the hill signalled witness on, and when he had ridden about 100 yards a man stepped off the kerb without looking and was knocked down. Witness had not time to put on his brakes and ring the bell. He shouted, however, and swerved, but too late to avoid the man. - After the collision witness could not remember any more. He was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital and attended to. He suffered from bruising and a sprained wrist. He hit WINTER in the back. He himself nearly fell under a 'bus coming up the hill and there were a lot of people about. He was not going more than 15 miles an hour. - "A Dangerous Hill." - Constable Lush told the Coroner that this was a very dangerous hill and cyclists should be particularly careful in travelling down it. - Dr Stauffer, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital said WINTER was admitted to the Hospital on August 11. At that time he did not appear to be seriously injured. Having had a cut on his brown sewn up, he was able to wash his hands and face himself, and witness did not think it necessary to have him sent home in an ambulance. - Next Day, however, Dr Thomas rung him up advising readmission. WINTER was brought to the Hospital again and it was found that he was suffering from haemorrhage, but there had been absolutely no sign of this the day before. There had also been nothing to show that the man had received any internal injury. After improving, the man got worse again, and died. The immediate cause of death was pneumonia brought on by the result of his accident. It was possible that if the man had been struck in the back he might have fallen on his face. - A verdict as stated was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 August 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death From Scalds. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport on LEONARD JOHN WEBB, aged 18 months, son of THOMAS WILLIAM WEBB, a naval petty officer. - The mother, who lives in Princes-street, Devonport, said on Wednesday afternoon, while frying she accidentally knocked over a kettle of hot water and the child was badly scalded. Medical evidence was that death was due to shock following extensive scalds. - Recording "Accidental Death" the Coroner said no blame was attached to the mother.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 August 1927
PAIGNTON - A Son's Discovery. Father Found Hanging In A Paignton Shop. - Last evening Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Paignton Police Court on MR SYDNEY PENLERICK, aged 55, a civil mining engineer, who was found dead on Sunday at 3 The Triangle, Dartmouth-road, Paignton. - SYDNEY M. PENLERICK, a son, said his father assisted him in the business of a wholesale tobacconist at The Triangle, Dartmouth-road, Paignton. Witness went to the premises on Sunday and found his father hanging from a rope. He cut him down and called Dr Duston. His father had lived for many years in the tropics and had imaginary worries. As far as witness knew, his father had no cause for worry. He probably worried on account of having poor health. - Dr H. T. Duston stated that he tried artificial respiration for about 20 minutes without success. The cause of death was suffocation, caused by strangulation. - The Coroner: He probably tied this rope tightly around his neck and put himself in such a position that he was suffocated? - Yes. - The Coroner recorded "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 August 1927
EAST ALLINGTON - Little Girl's Death At East Allington. - While the nurse was busy getting another child ready for church on Sunday morning, PATRICIA, the four-year-old daughter of MR and MRS GORDON HOPE ROBINSON, of Fallapit, East Allington, near Kingsbridge, who are on holiday in America, climbed on to a radiator in the nursery and fell out of the window to the yard below, a distance of 16 feet. She died the same evening from her injuries. - At the Inquest yesterday Mrs C. M. Burford said she was engaged as nurse to two children at Fallapit. The eldest daughter was six years and PATSY was four years. About 10.20 on Sunday morning she left PATSY in the nursery alone to prepare for Church. It did not appear more than five minutes after she left the nursery the child was brought to her, having fallen out of the window. - Mrs L. A. Anning said she was in the kitchen when she heard a noise. On looking out she saw PATSY lying on the ground. She picked up the child who was unconscious. - Dr D. O. Twining of Salcombe, said the child had severe injuries on the top of her head. An operation was performed, but she died about 10 p.m. on Sunday. - "Death from a Fractured Skull caused by Accidentally falling out of a window," was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 September 1927
PLYMOUTH - Lived Five Months. Remarkable Plymouth Rally After Skull Fracture. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce yesterday at the Inquest at Greenbank House, Plymouth, on MRS MARIA REBECCA WESTLAKE, 89, widow, 2 Claremont-court, Claremont-street, who had been in the Infirmary for five months, having sustained fracture of the skull through a fall when on her way to draw her pension, through, it was believed, the heel of her shoe coming off. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer at Greenbank Infirmary, said deceased was admitted suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull. On recovering she developed mental symptoms and had to be certified. Death was due to cardiac failure and senility, accentuated by the fall. It was remarkable that she lived for five months after fracture of the base of the skull. - Mr R. C. Ray, chairman of the Hospital Committee, on being informed by deceased's son that he was absolutely satisfied with the treatment extended to his mother in the Institution, said "sometimes we don't get the appreciation we feel our staff should get. Some people seem to have the idea that they are brought in to be killed and be the subject of an Inquest. We want this broken down if we possibly can." - There were hundreds, he said, who were afraid of going into the Infirmary. While they did not want to advertise, it was very much better than that. - The Coroner said it was just as well that the public should know. His experience was that inmates at the Plymouth and Devonport Institutions got every possible attention and skilled treatment from persons well trained. "I cannot imagine why there should be any antipathy towards the Infirmary," concluded the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 September 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fight To Save Soldier's Life. 80,000 Units Of Serum Used In Vain. - All the anti-tetanus serum at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital was exhausted and an additional supply obtained from London in six hours in the endeavour in fruitless attempt to save the life of SIDNEY ROBERT RAYSON, a Royal Artillery artificer and quarter-master-sergeant, who cut his foot whilst endeavouring to remove a corn on the sole of his foot. Altogether he was inoculated with 80,000 units of the serum. - Q.M.S. RAYSON was aged 53 and he was a widower. He was stationed at Raleigh Battery, Maker, near Plymouth. - At the Inquest held yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Hospital, Dr H. H. Cohen, House Physician, said RAYSON was taken to the Hospital last Sunday, when he was conscious, but his jaw muscles were in spasms, and the muscles at the back of the neck were also stiff. RAYSON complained of great pain in his back, but could not open his mouth and give clear articulation. - Seven days previously he had tried to cut a corn on the sole of his right foot and two days previously he had a small cut on his left thumb. The wound on the sole of the foot was about quarter of an inch long and there was a small piece of lint and adhesive strapping which had worked loose. The whole picture was typically that of tetanus. There was no doubt about that. - Supplies Of Serum Used. - RAYSON was given 20,000 units of anti-tetanus serum into the vertical column and 10,000 units into a vein. There was no improvement. He spent a restless night with frequent spasmodic attacks. Next day he had another 20,000 units of anti-tetanus serum into a vein. - By that time he had used all the supplies at the Hospital. They telegraphed to London, and in six hours a fresh supply was sent down. Altogether he received 80,000 units. "This was a very remarkable dose," said the doctor, who observed that for ordinary purposes 500 units were given. It did not seem to take any effect at all. RAYSON became weaker and died midday Tuesday. - Death was due to poisoning by tetanus toxin, which gained admission through the wound in the foot. - MINA ELIZABETH RAYSON, a daughter, said her father complained of a bad throat on Friday, attributing it to the fumes from caustic soda which he had been using. He would not see a doctor on Saturday, but eventually Dr Currie visited him and he was taken by ambulance to the South Devon Hospital. - "Only A Cold." - Mr A. H. Ives, master gunner, R.A. Fort Picklecombe, explained that when RAYSON was advised to see a doctor, because he had something the matter with his jaws and could not hold his pipe, he remarked that it was only a cold. - The Coroner, in extending his sympathy to RAYSON'S young daughter, who is left with younger children, said RAYSON had had every possible attention in the Hospital. - Mr S. J. Gloyn, Relieving Officer at Torpoint, also thanked Dr Cohen and the Hospital staff for what they had done for RAYSON. It was also stated that everything that could be done by the Army authorities would be done to assist the bereaved family. - The verdict was in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 September 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Mystery Escape From Cell. Inquest On Soldier Who Shot Himself. - "I have messed up my life completely and I have no one to blame but myself and my over-fondness for a certain girl, who was, and always will be, too good for me." - "I am very sorry for all I have done, this being my only sensible act since 1925 and I hope that the persons whom I have wronged will forgive." - These are extracts from a letter written several days before a young soldier of the 2nd Battalion Devon Regiment was found shot dead in barracks at Devonport. - The letter was read at the Inquest conducted by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on the 23-years-old soldier who served under the name of ARTHUR THOMAS ORRIDGE, made a mysterious escape from a bolted cell in which he was confined for desertion at the South Raglan Barracks, Devonport, and after remaining hidden was found some days later in the officers' quarters shot. A discharged revolver was by his side. - Bolt Of Door Broken. - Corpl. John Holman, 2nd Devons, said he was in charge of the battalion details at the South Raglan Barracks. He had known the soldier as PRIVATE A. T. ORRIDGE, aged 23. For a military offence - desertion - he had been placed in a cell. On the morning of August 24 witness sent a military policeman with his breakfast and to make arrangements for him to be shaved by a civilian before proceeding to the battalion. - The Policeman came down the steps from the cell and said the soldier had gone. Witness inspected the cell and found the bolt of the door broken and a lock of the outer corridor door smashed. - On the night of August 30 it was reported to witness that the officers' quarters had been broken into. The next morning witness went to the quarters and from the disordered state of books, papers and kit he came to the conclusion that there had been tampering. - On arriving at No. 5 Quarters the private with witness remarked that there was a door on the left open. On entering the room witness saw a double-barrel gun lying on the floor. The right bore was loaded and a revolver bullet wedged in the front of the cartridge with match sticks. On the table were a loaf of bread, portion of lard and in the wardrobe three empty jam tins. On the table was a watch which was working. The bed had been recently used. - "Heard A Report." - "I then heard the cocking of a revolver," continued witness. "I went to the door and said to Private Jones, 'Pass me that double barrel gun and we will find him.' On approaching the lavatory I heard a report. Bringing my gun to the shoulder I proceeded to the lavatory and found the soldier lying in a pool of blood with a revolver by his side." The soldier was unconscious. Witness did not know how he became possessed of the revolver, which was not a service revolver. He had been a deserter on a former occasion, but was a clean, smart soldier. - Replying to the Coroner, who said it did not appear to have been a particularly safe cell, witness said: "I don't see how he could undo the bolt from the inside. I defy anyone to get out of the cell if I put the lever and bolt down." - The cell was properly bolted the night before. The cell door opened into the corridor and another lock had to be broken to get free. - The Coroner: Then how on earth did he get out? - Witness: That's what I would like to know. It's a mystery to me. - Pte. S. Jones, 2nd Devons, bore out the statement of Corpl. Holman, and was equally mystified as to how the soldier got out of the cell. - Surg.-Capt. R. C. Munday, who is in charge of Devonport quarters, said he was called, and found the soldier unconscious and bleeding from two wounds in the temple. Witness dressed the wounds and had him sent to Hospital. - Surg.-Com. J. M. Holmes, :Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, said the soldier died within a few minutes of reaching the operating theatre. Death was due to laceration of the brain, due to a revolver bullet. - Remarkable Note. - Constable Palmer deposed to being called and in the man's coat pocket found eight rounds of ammunition and the following note: - To-night (Saturday), 27th August 1927, I intend to destroy myself. I don't know if the gun I have has the power to kill me. God knows; I hope so. If I should be found in an unconscious state, but not dead, please let me die. I have messed up my life completely and I have no one to blame but myself, and my over-fondness for a certain girl, who was, and always will be, too good for me. I could never be happy in the Army (or out of it) now, and as for soldiering on 2s. 6d. a week that is right out of the question, though this is my only grievance. I must say that all the officers over me have been more than mind and fair, especially Col. Hewlett and Col. Street. - I thank God I have no living relative whatsoever (all particulars in that connection given at my various attestations being quite false). My correct name is ANSTRUTHER, and I am a native of Leeds. - I am very sorry for all I have done, this being my only sensible act since 1925, and I hope that the persons I have wronged will forgive. (Signed) WILLIAM ANSTRUTHER. - Corpl. Holman, recalled, said the pay would be about 21s. a week. - The Coroner recorded "Suicide," saying there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of the soldier's mind. It was strange that he should have written the note on the previous Sunday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 7 September 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Coroner Tests Car's Lights. Fate Of Torquay Motor Cyclist. - Jury's Verdict At Second Inquest. - The second Inquiry to consider the circumstances in which ALBERT THOMAS HUGHES, aged 19, of Braddon-street, Torquay, met his death on the Newton Abbot - Torquay main road on the night of August 22 was held by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner and a fresh Jury at Newton Abbot last night and resulted in "Accidental Death" being returned. - At the first Inquest a week ago the Jury failed to agree, after a hearing lasting nearly six hours. - Mr Hutchings pointed out to the newly-empanelled Jury that under the law, as it stood at present, if there were a larger minority than two a Coroner could not accept the verdict of the Majority. - Mr Hugh Gibbons was appointed Foreman of the Jury. A good deal of public interest was evinced in the case, and the Townhall last night was crowded. In order to save time the depositions taken at the first Inquest were read over to witnesses, and some fresh evidence was introduced. - Slippery Road. - The brief circumstances of the tragedy as given to the new Jury by the Coroner were that HUGHES was riding his motor cycle on the night of August 22 from Newton Abbot towards his home at Torquay. He had passed Kingskerswell and was approaching the straight bit of road near the Halfway House. Coming in the opposite direction from Torquay was a motor landaulette driven by the owner, Mr C. D. Garside, of Ipplepen. It had been raining and there was no doubt the road was slippery. - The young man was seen riding his cycle just after leaving Kingskerswell on his proper side and with the headlight burning,. The next thing that happened was that Messrs. Bibbings and Peach, who were in the Halfway House garage, heard a crash and running out, found the young man impaled on the near dumb iron, which had penetrated his back. - The Police evidence of road measurements, which was repeated by Constable Carpenter, was that the width of the road was 30 feet and that the front off wheel of Mr Garside's car was 11 feet from the off kerb. The width of the car was 5 feet 9 inches, and the near wheel was 13 feet from the near kerb. Marks on the road indicated that from the point of impact to where the car stopped was a distance of 154 feet. - Testing The Lights. - Constable Carpenter stated at 10.30 on the night of September 1 the Coroner and himself rode up and down the road where the accident happened in Mr Garside's car. In contrast to the night of the tragedy, the road was dry and the night starry. There were two acetylene headlights on the car and two oil side-lamps. The lights were not powerful, and at 20 feet distance the visibility would be poor. They also threw a straight beam and did not cover the sides of the road. On two occasions they walked forward and at 15 paces in front of the car it was difficult to see anyone with their backs to it and anyone standing at the side of the road would be passed without being seen. - The Coroner said the object of this test was to see, if possible, how much of the road Mr Garside could see in front of him with the lamps he was using on the night of the accident. On one occasion the only thing they saw was a motor car coming towards them with brilliant headlights and apparently nothing between them. Suddenly the motor coming towards them altered its position and they found a motor cyclist riding between them. The effect of the approaching lights was entirely to obliterate the light of the motor cyclist. - Heard A Crash,. - Mrs Dorothy Webb, of Denbury, who was riding in Mr Garside's car, said she saw a faint light on the side of the road approaching the car. It suddenly went out and she saw the shadow of a motor cycle flash across the front of the car. She thought it had got clear until she heard a crash. It was only a foot or two away when it shot across the road. - Mr Garside again held to his previous statement that he did not see the motor cyclist or the machine and that he was travelling at from 15 to 20 miles an hour. - Summing up, the Coroner said there was no suggestion of criminal negligence, but of whether or not the driver of the car had been guilty of carelessness. It was conclusive to his mind that the motor cyclist had a skid, otherwise the cycle could not have been broadside across the road. - The Jury were absent for ten minutes before returning with a verdict of "Accidental Death." The Foreman considered the cyclist had unavoidably skidded. - The hearing lasted three and a half hours.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 September 1927
TOTNES - Stone Causes Death. South Brent Cyclist's Fatal Spill On A Hill. - At the Inquest on WILFRED JAMES LAWRENCE, 21, farm labourer of Church-street, South Brent, held at Totnes Guildhall on Saturday afternoon by the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, William Henry Eastley, farm labourer, said while he was cycling to Ugborough about 8 p.m. on Wednesday he found LAWRENCE lying in the road unconscious. He was lying across his bicycle. - Dr H. P. Miles said that when he saw the man he had all the symptoms of having fractured the base of his skull. There was a severe abrasion over his left eye, probably caused by a fall. - Constable McCree stated that he examined the road at Whitehouse Hill the morning after the accident and found cycle wheel marks for 22 yards, leading to three loose stones where LAWRENCE was found. In his opinion, the wheel of the bicycle struck one of the loose stones, which buckled it and threw the cyclist off. - "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 September 1927
PLYMOUTH - Road Fatality. "Accidental Death" At Inquest On Plymouth Woman. - At the Inquest conducted yesterday at Plymouth by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MRS MARY JANE PEARSE, aged 68, wife of a builder, living at 12 Pounds Park-road, Peverell, who sustained injuries in collision with a motor car last Thursday, the Jury recorded "Accidental Death." - Mr Elliot Square appeared for the driver of the car, and Mr W. H. Sloman for the woman's relatives. - GEORGE PEARSE, son of 40A Corporation-road, Peverell, said his mother was a little deaf and wore glasses. - Mr Square: She was materially deaf>? - She could understand all the family. - William Henry Randle, 45 Shaftesbury-cottages, Plymouth, said he was walking up Tavistock-road when he saw a woman step off the pavement. She was carrying an open umbrella directly in front of her which prevented her from seeing anything. He saw the car coming down the hill on its proper side. Witness turned to speak to someone when he heard a bang. Turning round, he saw the woman fall and the car pull up in its own length. There was a thick drizzle at the time. He thought the car's speed was between eight and ten miles per hour. In his opinion the umbrella she was carrying blocked her view, and he believed the handle of the car must have caught her pocket. - Mr Sloman contended that if the car was going between eight and ten miles an hour it was too fast at that point and in that weather. He suggested that the car did not pull up under forty feet. - Arthur Henry Stabb, 16 Seaton-avenue, Plymouth, motor salesman, driver of the car, said he was travelling from ten to twelve miles an hour. The road was very greasy and it was drizzling. He did not see anyone in front of him. The first thing he knew was a banging on the side of the car. He pulled up dead to ascertain the cause and saw a woman lying in the road behind him. He took her to the Hospital. When he examined the car he found a piece of woman's clothing, including the coat pocket, hanging on to the handle of the rear door. The near side of the glass screen was blurred through the rain and the only clear vision he had was straight ahead through the part cleaned by the automatic wiper. - Mr Square said his suggestion was that the woman was not looking where she was going and walked into the car. - Witness was questioned by Mr Sloman as to the speed. Witness adhered to his statement that he was driving slowly and with care and pulled up within a few feet. He denied that he failed to see the woman because he was driving recklessly. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said he had been driving for nine years and this was his first accident. - Dr J. Dick, of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the woman was unconscious when admitted. She died quite suddenly early next morning. The post-mortem showed an extensive fracture of the skull. - The Jury considered the driver was driving too fast and was not taking sufficient observation, considering the state of the road and weather. They also considered the shape of the handle of the car was dangerous and contributed to the accident. - The Coroner: You don't attribute any culpable negligence? - The Foreman: Oh, no.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 14 September 1927
SOUTH TAWTON - Dartmoor Shooting Tragedy. - The adjourned Inquest on MISS EMMA LANE, a visitor from London, who was found shot dead at Thorn Farm, Southtawton, has been postponed from Friday, September 16, to Thursday, October 20. - RICHARD LANE, brother of the dead woman, who was found unconscious at the same time, has since the tragedy been an inmate of the Okehampton Cottage Hospital.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 September 1927
HATHERLEIGH - Mystery Of Hatherleigh Woman's Death. - "Suicide while Insane" was the verdict recorded at an Inquest on MRS ANNIE YELLAND, aged 28, of South-street, Hatherleigh. The widower said she did not return from the doctor's, and he found her hat and an empty medicine bottle by the river. Their life was perfectly happy, and he could not account for the tragedy.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 September 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Lad's Fatal Fun. Scalded In Tub At A Devonport Brewery. - A Devonport Jury returned a verdict of "Misadventure" at the Inquest held at Ker-street yesterday on HERBERT EDWIN JOHN FISHER, aged 17, casemaker at the Tamar Brewery, Devonport, of King-gardens, Plymouth, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital on Wednesday as the result of scalds sustained at the brewery. - The father, HERBERT EDWIN FISHER, boiler-maker of Olivia-street, Bootle, Lancashire, said the boy had been living with his grandmother at Plymouth. - William John Martin, Victory-street, Devonport, said he and FISHER were "skylarking" in the brewery, when witness, who was wearing clogs, slipped on the rain-covered concrete surface of the yard and this caused him to push FISHER into a tub alongside the wall in which was about 18 in. of hot water admitted by a steam-pipe. The tub was used for washing-up purposes. He immediately pulled the lad out of the tub and conveyed him to the boiler-room, his arms, shoulders and part of his head having been immersed in the hot water. After receiving treatment from a first-aid member of staff he was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr J. B. Stauffer, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said he never had any hope of FISHER'S recovery. The boy said the accident had occurred through skylarking and repeatedly observed that it was not Martin's fault. - Mr W. McIntyre, District Manager, Messrs. H. and G. Simonds, the Tamar Brewery, said instructions had been given for the tub to be covered in future, although that was not usually done in breweries. - Mr H. Clarke, Inspector of Factories, was present on behalf of the Home Office.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 September 1927
PLYMSTOCK - Bathers Who Run Risks. Coroner's Comment On Bovisand Tragedy. - A warning against the growing habit among bathers of overlooking the possibilities of danger by swimming out to sea was uttered yesterday by the Tavistock Deputy Coroner, Mr E. W. Chilcott, at the Inquest on MRS ERNEST PELLOW, Furneaux-road, Swilly, Devonport, who was drowned at Bovisand on Saturday. - Bathers generally, he said, were getting too much in the habit of swimming out to sea and endangering their own lives and also endangering the lives of those people who were near by and who attempted, very often successfully, to rescue them when they were in great danger. The ordinary bather had not enough knowledge to know that very often there was a big sea, and was therefore unable to gauge the strength of the big breakers. - Wilfred Johnson Banham, a captain of the Reserve of Officers (Indian Army) said he had lived at Plymouth about three months. He met MRS PELLOW soon after he came to Plymouth at Holyrood-terrace. About three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by Mr Hitchins, he called for MRS PELLOW in his car and they drove to Bovisand. They left the car and went to a point around the cliff and Mr Hitchins and MRS PELLOW bathed. After they had been in the water for about ten minutes they both shouted for help. At that time they were about 50 yards out and some distance from one another. - Unable To Reach The Shore. - He (Capt. Banham) got into the water fully dressed and swam out to where he had seen them. He could not see either of them at first, but after swimming for some time he came across Mr Hitchins, whom he dragged ashore. He went in again, but was unable to find MRS PELLOW. He believed MRS PELLOW and Mr Hitchins were good swimmers, but the waves were very big and were breaking, the sea being very rough. - Ernest George Hitchins, Hoe-gardens, Plymouth, mechanical engineer, said he had known MRS PELLOW for about three months, but he had never bathed with her before. On Saturday afternoon he was swimming about ten yards farther out than she was. He did not think they were 50 yards out when he heard her shout that she could not get in. He swam to her and told her to catch hold of his shoulder and he would swim in with her. He started swimming and then a big wave came and felt her let go. He turned around to see if he could find her, but she was gone. He swam about but could not see her and he became exhausted. He knew nothing further until he found himself on the beach. - Not A Powerful Swimmer. - When he got out the sea was rougher than he thought and the waves were very strong. - Charlotte Dorothy Shelford, widow of a naval captain, said she lived at Swilly Lodge, Plymouth. She identified the body as that of JULIA PELLOW, who was 39 years of age last birthday. She was a friend of hers, and they had been neighbours since 1916. MRS PELLOW was expecting to join her husband at Malta within the next three weeks or a month. She was a fairly good swimmer, but not a powerful one in a strong sea, and quickly became exhausted. - The Coroner said there was not the least doubt that MRS PELLOW died an accidental death by drowning. He congratulated Capt. Banham for his plucky behaviour. - MRS PELLOW was the second daughter of MR and MRS CAVALLO of 9 Brookdale-terrace, Victoria-street, Barnstaple. MRS CAVALLO is a prominent worker in the Conservative interest in Barnstaple. MRS PELLOW had two brothers, one residing in London and the other is at home on holiday from Singapore.

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 September 1927
DARTMOUTH - Workman Fatally Crushed. Coroner's Comment At Dartmouth.- Inquiring into the death of EDWIN ERNEST PEPPERELL, aged 33 years, of Newcommen-road, Dartmouth, who was fatally crushed while at work at the Sandquay shipbuilding yard of Messrs. Philip and Son, Dartmouth, on Monday, the Coroner, Mr Arthur Davson, expressed the opinion that the accident would not have happened if a chain and pulley found at the top of the iron frame which crushed PEPPERELL had been secured to the top of the shed while the work was in progress. - The Jury, in recording "Accidental Death" concurred in this view and added a rider accordingly. - Mr H. Clarke, of Plymouth, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present, and Mr George Norrington represented Messrs. Philip and Son. Mr Norrington, at the outset, expressed the sympathy of the firm with the relatives, and said PEPPERELL was a very good workman, and the firm had a high opinion of him. - How The Accident Happened. - The story of the accident was told by GEORGE HENRY WOTTON, Chestnut-terrace, Dartmouth, charge hand of fitters, employed by Messrs. Philip and Son. On Monday last, at 4 p.m., he was working with PEPPERELL in preparing to concrete in a log saw machine. The frame was standing up, resting on two rails, on five blocks. The frame was perpendicular. - They were about to cement the holding-down bolts into the concrete body when he suddenly saw the frame begin to move. He shouted "Look out." At first the frame moved slowly and then very quickly, catching deceased and crushing him before he could get out of the pit. - By the Inspector: There were a pulley block and chain overhead. Had the frame been secured to the pulley block it might have steadied it, but having regard to the size of the base he did not consider this necessary. - Dr Donald Cadman said the man was in great pain and had severe injuries. Death was due to shock.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 October 1927
PLYMOUTH - One-Man 'Buses Condemned. Jury And Children In The Streets. - Returning "Accidental Death" and exonerating the driver, the Jury of the Inquest on a little girl who was killed by a Corporation 'bus on Wednesday, which was held by the Borough Deputy Coroner yesterday, added that they "wish to convey to the Corporation that the one-man 'bus in the area ought to be abolished, because it was often seen that the driver is taking fares and giving change while the 'bus in moving in a congested area." - The Jury added further that they desired the Coroner to say something about young children being in the streets without someone in charge, and the Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, said while he felt very strongly that children should not be in the streets unattended, there were people who could not help themselves, who were living in rooms with large families and sent their children to play in the parks, had no older children to take care of them, and could not afford a nurse. - The victim of the tragedy was OLIVE BLANCHE BURT, the four-year-old daughter of HENRY BURT, a labourer, of Salem-street, Plymouth, who stated that the child and another had been sent to the park, with his eight-years-old son, to play, while their mother was busy washing. - Ran Into The 'Bus. - Evidence was given by a passenger in the 'bus, which was proceeding to the Guildhall from Mount Gold, and was going along the road to Ebrington-street about eight miles an hour, and slowed up when a tram approached. A boy dashed out from behind the tram, and the driver immediately swerved the 'bus. The boy got safely across, but the little girl, who was running behind him, ran right into the 'bus. - A Constable stated that the 'bus was not more than four feet from where the child had been lying in the road. - Francis Hugh Wonnacott, 29 Barrack-street, Devonport, the driver of the 'bus, said he was allowed a quarter of an hour to get from Mount Gold to the Guildhall, which gave him plenty of time without hurrying. He made it a practice to slow down when passing anything. He was going at about eight miles an hour when he noticed the tram first, but when he was passing it he was going at about six and a half miles an hour. - "When I got near the end of the tramcar," he said, "Something flashed right across the front of the 'bus like a piece of paper. I realised it was a child, and applied my brake, and swerved to the left to put as much distance as possible between the front of the 'bus and the child. I did not see any other child run across the road. I pulled up in the length of the 'bus, which is about twenty feet and the child seemed to run in the centre of the 'bus." - Dr Stutteford said he found the most complete and most complicated fracture of the skull that he had ever seen. There were no bones broken in the body, but there were internal injuries. - Mr Ernest Vosper represented the Corporation and expressed the sympathy of the Corporation and the Transport Department with the child's parents, an expression in which the Coroner and Jury joined.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 October 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - "It is quite clear that he was worried and depressed because of his illness," said the Borough Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, yesterday, returning "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" at an Inquest on WILLIAM PEARSE, of Austin-avenue, Devonport, formerly engaged at the Tamar Brewery, who was found dead the previous day with his throat cut.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 October 1927
NEWQUAY, CORNWALL - Girl's Sudden Death. Inquest On Servant At A Newquay Hotel. - The sudden death of DOROTHY DARKE, aged 21, a Plymouth domestic servant employed at the Atlantic Hotel, Newquay, was attributed at the Inquest on Saturday to heart failure, possibly caused by Graves' disease, and a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by the Coroner, Mr E. L. Carlyon. - MRS DARKE, mother of the deceased, who resides at Plymouth, and whose husband, MR JAMES WILLIAM DARKE, is an accountant in Jersey, said her daughter had not been medically attended for two years. - Beatrice Dangerfield, manageress at the Hotel, said deceased came to the Hotel on July 13. She was bright and energetic, but very quiet in her movements. During her stay at the Hotel the girl put on weight, but too rapidly to be altogether healthy. - Dr Gadsden, Newquay, said MISS DARKE was suffering from Graves' Disease, which meant enlarged thyroid and was almost always accompanied by heart symptoms. Deceased probably died from heart failure. Presumably, the girl had been suffering only a few months, otherwise she would have noticed the symptoms and have been seen by somebody.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 October 1927
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Collision. Plymouth Pillion Rider Dies In Tavistock Hospital. - JOHN JONES, builder's assistant, of 53 Lanhydrock-road, Plymouth, who, as reported in yesterday's "Western Morning News," was involved in a motor cycle accident near Horrabridge and was taken to Tavistock Hospital suffering from a fractured skull, died yesterday. - MR JONES was riding pillion on the machine and was accompanied by Mr Dowson of 12 Old Town-street, Plymouth. They were proceeding in the direction of Tavistock and, when between the saddler's shop, Horrabridge and Magpie, the cycle collided with a motor car driven by Dr S. C. Anderson, of Tavistock, Mr Dowson sustaining a fractured leg and hip. - An Inquest was held on JONES yesterday afternoon at the Guildhall by the District Coroner, Mr A. Kenneth Johnstone, and a Jury. of whom Mr C. M. Bond was Foreman. The Coroner, after explaining the accident, said he thought it would be better to adjourn the Inquiry until next Monday. - Evidence of identification was given by the sister of JONES. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 October 1927
PLYMOUTH - Died Under Operation. Collapse Of Former Plymouth Headmistress. - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on MRS EDITH EMMA COCK, 47, wife of MR HARRY COCK, head schoolmaster, of 55 Beaumont-street, Devonport, who died at a Plymouth Nursing Home on Friday whilst under an anaesthetic for an operation. - The medical evidence showed that the usual precautions were taken for an urgent case such as this was, and the operation had been started when she died. - Dr Millicent Fox stated that death was due to shock. An examination showed that she was not a good subject for an operation, but that was the only means by which her life could possibly have been saved. - A verdict was returned accordingly, and MR COCK said he was perfectly satisfied that everything possible had been done for his wife. - MRS COCK, before her marriage was MISS EDITH MCDONALD, was formerly a teacher under the Plymouth Education Authority. As a pupil teacher she served under the Devonport Authority and on passing the Queen's Scholarship in 1898 won the Arnold Memorial prize by being the top girl in Devon and Cornwall for that year. At Homerton Training College, Cambridge, she distinguished herself by winning a double first-class certificate, being placed at the head of the college list. - Her first appointment as certificated mistress was at Montpelier School, but because of her success as a teacher, she was transferred to Devonport Pupil Teachers' Centre, where her work won golden opinions from all concerned. As lecturer on the "Principles of Teaching" for many years at the evening certificate class, her work was specially commended by the Board of Education. - Early in 1905 she was appointed head mistress of Ford Infants' School, which position she held until her marriage in 1915.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 October 1927
IPPLEPEN - Woman's Suicide. Husband's Story At Ipplepen Inquest. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest at Ipplepen yesterday on MRS DOROTHY MAY CHILDS, aged 29, of Blackstone, Ipplepen, who was found in a bedroom of her home on Saturday with her throat cut. - SAMUEL GEORGE CHILDS, the husband, who gave evidence of identification, stated that his wife rose earlier from bed than usual, and when he mentioned it, she said, "I know I have done wrong, SAM. I am suffering for all my troubles." Witness had fetched his bicycle to go to his work, when he heard screams and returned to the house, where he was told his wife had cut her throat. He found she had done this in front of a looking-glass in a bedroom. A doctor was summoned. - In reply to Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, witness stated his wife had been ill several months. - Dr A. L. M. Sealy said death was due to shock and loss of blood.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 October 1927
PLYMPTON - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Plympton, on Tuesday on GEORGE EDWIN DREW, aged 86, of Carlton House, Plympton St Maurice. - Dr W. D. Stamp said he had attended MR DREW for many years. He last saw him about four months ago. In his opinion the cause of death was atheroma, a hardening of all the vessels of the body, due to old age. - The Coroner recorded "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 October 1927
PLYMSTOCK - Motor Fatality. Clergyman's Evidence At Plymstock Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the adjourned inquiry at the Plymstock Parish Hall into the death of ROGER JOHN SYMS, aged 7, of Deans-villas, Plymstock, who was run over by a motor car near Goosewell Cross, and died from his injuries. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, the District Coroner, intimated that the driver of the car, Rev. Ernest Hughes, rector of Meavy, who was not present at the previous hearing, would be able to give evidence. - Mr Hughes said that he was driving his car through Plymstock. He was accompanied by two ladies, and was proceeding from Wembury to Meavy. He was a stranger to the locality and did not know the roads. At the Goosewell corner on entering the village, he proceeded at about six miles an hour. He was sounding his horn continuously, and there were groups of children in the road, and one little fellow ran across in front of his car and he had to shout to him. - Approaching Goosewell there was a rise in the road, and he was on his correct side. There was a blind corner on the left, and boys, one evidently chasing the other, ran across. The first boy just escaped the car, and the second struck it. He pulled up within two or three yards. - Witness's daughter and friend got out of the car and rendered first-aid to the child, who was conscious and able to take a drink of water. He afterwards took the child to his home in his car. The doctor who arrived said he did not think the injuries were serious, and witness, who had hospital experience, thought the injuries superficial. On Saturday evening witness phoned Dr Scott to ask how the boy was and to his great astonishment he heard the boy was dead. - Recording a verdict as stated, the Coroner consented to convey to the Devon Educational Authorities the suggestion that children when leaving school should be directed across dangerous roads and corners by the teachers.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 October 1927
PLYMOUTH - Boy Drowned. "Accidental Death" At A Plymouth Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was recorded yesterday by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest on BERTY JOHN CHASER, aged four years, of Togo-terrace, Plymouth, who fell into the water at Commercial Wharf on Tuesday. - Evidence of identification was given by the mother, the wife of BERTRAM CHASER, a gunner in the Royal Navy. - The grandmother said she left the boy playing outside the gate, when she went shopping. - Constable R. J. Hawkins said he was informed by MRS CHASER that her son had fallen into the water at Commercial Wharf. With the assistance of Edward Higgins and Herbert Tookey witness dragged the spot and recovered the body at about 6.30 p.m. Witness used artificial respiration, but without effect. - Dr Ludolph said death was due to drowning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 October 1927
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Road Collision. Jury And Concealed Bend. Tavistock Inquest On Plymouth Man. - The adjourned Inquest on JACK JOHN JONES, aged 27, builder's assistant, of Lanhydrock-road, Plymouth, who died following a collision between a motor cycle he was riding and a motor car, which took place near Horrabridge, was resumed at the Tavistock Guildhall yesterday. - Dr Charles Spencer Anderson, of Tavistock, said he attended JONES on the highway and at the Hospital. He had an injury on the left side of the skull and a small scalp wound, and had one or two bones broken. He died last Monday from cerebral haemorrhage, due to the skull injury. - The Jury took three-quarters of an hour to consider their verdict, which was that JONES "Had met with his death through a collision with Dr Anderson's car, Dr Anderson's attention being momentarily attracted by the emergency case falling down in the car." - There was no evidence to show that there had been any culpable negligence on the part of the doctor. The accident would not have occurred but for the concealed bend in the road, and the Jury suggested that some mark should be exhibited there. "Accidental Death" was recorded. - "Apparently Clear." - Describing the accident, Dr Anderson said he was travelling at about 20 miles an hour and was well on the left side. The road was apparently clear, and certainly he saw no motor cycle or motor car. - Just before the accident happened he heard a noise at the base of his car and saw that his emergency case, a black tin box, had fallen, from its position in front of the scuttle immediately in front of the passenger. He could not say definitely that it was the emergency case that made the noise. He glanced down to see what it was and immediately after that, said the witness, "I heard a most appalling noise. I seemed to be almost on top of another car. I did not see what had hit me. I did not know what it was, and I did not see any motor cycle. I did not then appreciate the position I was keeping in the road although I was on the left side." - Witness said he had the motor car on the off-side, and his car came to a standstill a few yards after that, and he saw later that it had struck the stone hedge. It happened so suddenly that he would not like to say anything about the other car, although it seemed to be well on its side of the road. He got out of the car and was surprised to see two men lying in the road, and the car a little beyond. He attended the men, and sent for an ambulance. - Edith Mitchell, the passenger in the car, said she could give no estimate of the speed, but it was certainly not fast. Before the accident happened the car was on the left side, and she saw neither the car nor the motor cycle. - Room To Pass. - Thomas Occleshaw, Yeomans-terrace, St Budeaux, said he was driving his car from Plymouth to Tavistock, and the motor cycle, with a pillion rider, passed him just by the bend. Witness at that time was going between 15 and 20 miles an hour. When they got to the bend the cycle was about three car lengths ahead and then he saw the front of another car coming towards him about three car lengths ahead also. - When he first saw the car there was room for the motorcycle to pass, and then he saw the wheels diverted and the car ran into the cycle on the side. The next thing was he felt a bump himself. He did not see the men come off the cycle and he thought the doctor's car was proceeding at normal speed. After the accident he asked Dr Anderson, "Why did you cross the road like that?" and he replied, "I would rather anything should have happened than this." - His attention was directed to the car first by the wheels looking towards the cycle and its being on the wrong side of the road. He realised that if the car kept on it would get the motor cycle, and so he applied his foot-brakes. When it was struck the motor cycle was only about three feet from the hedge. Then the car came towards him, giving him a slanting blow involving his running-board, the back off-wing and the hub of the wheel. Witness's car came to the right of the road, and he just went round the men who were on the ground. - At the time of the accident the cyclist was on his proper side, and if the pillion rider said that at the time of the accident they were just drawing over to their proper side, he, the witness, would be prepared to contradict him.- The pillion rider, Wm. Thomas Dowson, whose evidence was taken at Tavistock Hospital, said the motor cycle, having just passed Occleshaw's car, was drawing over to its proper side, when he had a transitory vision of a car on top of them. It was impossible for him to place any blame, and it was undoubtedly an accident, the result of some misjudgement of distance.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 October 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Dairyman's Death. Open Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - The Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned an Open Verdict at the Inquest yesterday on MR WILLIAM JOHN CHAPPLE CUNDY, a well-known dairyman of 16 St Hilary-terrace, Stoke. - MRS CUNDY said MR CUNDY was 68 years old. He and she occupied separate rooms, and she saw him in bed about 10.30 on Sunday night, when he was awake. Leaving him with a glass of wine she wished him good-night and turned out the gas-fire because he complained of feeling hot. There was only one gas tap in the room and that was very loose. - On Monday morning the door was not locked and as she entered she noticed a smell of gas, and remarked about it, and she opened the windows, but one was already open about nine inches. This was left open every evening. She then tried to revive her husband and did not think he was dead. There were no domestic or financial troubles, and she had never heard him threaten to take his life, although he had been suffering for years. - Dr Pearson said that on entering the room he did not notice a smell of gas until he got up close to the fire. He found on examination that deceased was dead, but the condition of the body was not typical of coal-gas poisoning. His opinion was that deceased went to the stove to do something for himself, found that he was becoming faint and went back to bed again. A little gas could kill him in his condition - he was in a very debilitated state - that was why he did not have the typical appearance. - Dr Wilson said he also was summoned and noticed a smell of gas. MR CUNDY had only been dead a short time - perhaps an hour or two - and in his opinion the cause of death was by carbon-oxide (coal-gas) poisoning.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 October 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Yard Fatality Explained. Inquest Verdict At Devonport. - The Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, sat with a Jury at Devonport yesterday to Inquire into the death of FREDERICK E. NEWCOMBE, labourer, aged 50, of Tamar-terrace, St Budeaux, who died as a result of an accident in the Dockyard last Tuesday. "Accidental Death" was the verdict. - FREDERICK GEORGE NEWCOMBE said his father was a naval pensioner. - Henry Quance, hallowman, Wilton-street, Devonport, said that he was employed with other men on Tuesday afternoon in the south smithery, working an electrical capstan. They were drawing a large chain cable toward the examination beds by means of a wire hawser, a swivel and hook. The wire, which was around the capstan, had to be drawn round three leads or bollards. - NEWCOMBE and Archibald Milton, an electrical fitter, were employed fixing an electrical wire in the smithery, the fitter being practically at the top of a 30 ft. ladder, while NEWCOMBE was standing at the bottom, when the accident happened. - The last length of cable was being drawn round the first bollard by the hawser for examination when the swivel to which it was attached broke and became detached, causing the hawser to fly back and strike NEWCOMBE. It also brought the ladder down, with the result that the fitter, who was on the top, fell with it. The two men both fell on their backs across the cable. - Due To A Flaw. - Alexander Charles Taylor, inspector of the smithery, of Hungerford-road, Swilly, said the accident was entirely due to a flaw in the swivel, which was the result of defective welding. It was impossible to see the flaw externally. Such an accident might not happen again. This was the first one of its kind in his experience which extended over some 36 years. - The hawser with swivel and hook was tested on July 25 with seven and a half tons - twice the weight it usually bore. The cable only weighed 55 cwt., and there was no undue strain on the hawser. In a normal way a swivel could take twice the weight of the hook, which was the weakest part of a hawser. - Henry Mounsey Braithwaite, surgeon-commander at the Royal Naval Hospital, said NEWCOMBE was taken to the Hospital with the fitter. The former was in a very bad condition, and was suffering from a compound fractured breast and a fractured skull. He was almost dead and died within a few minutes, death being due to a fractured skull. The fitter was progressing well. - The Coroner said the case was sad but simple. The accident was due, undoubtedly, to the snapping of the swivel piece owing to a flaw which could not be detected by any external signs. - Mr Isaac Foot appeared for the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 October 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Tram Conductors And The Blind. Inquest On Devonport Fatality. - Evidence as to the duties of tram conductors in regard to assisting blind passengers on and off the trams was given at an Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, with a Jury, yesterday, on SARAH JANE MAJOR, 83, widow, of 58 Renown-street, who died in the Royal Albert Hospital from injuries sustained through being knocked down by a motor car as she was crossing the road after alighting from a tram-car. - JOHN WILLIS MAJOR, shipwright, 95 Cotehele-avenue, Keyham, stated that deceased, who was his mother, possessed very poor eyesight, and had a blind person's tramway pass, but she would have no one to accompany her when she went out. She was remarkably active. - Manager's Instructions. - Stanley Chas. Allen, tram conductor, 93 Pembroke-street, said about 8.25 p.m. on his tram arriving at the Royal Naval Barracks stop, deceased alighted. Witness noticed a motor car approaching and about to pass the tram, and then he heard a shout, followed by a thud. He ran around and assisted in lifting the motor car off deceased. - Witness added that it was an instruction of the tramway manager that conductors should alight at stopping places and stop over-taking traffic. - The Coroner: When you have a blind person in the car, have you any instructions as to being very careful about the way they alight and get across the road? - Witness: Oh, yes. We always help them in or out and see them to safety. I have helped this woman across the road several times previously. - He added that he did not notice MRS MAJOR alight. If he had he would have helped her out and across the road. - Witness, who mentioned that the woman was conveyed to Hospital in the Mayor's motorcar, which was on the point of leaving the barracks, said he did not get off the tram on this occasion because the road was clear. He did not notice the motor car until all the people had got off the tram. - Person Hesitated. - Samuel Austin Ryall, a stoker petty officer, of Corfe Mullen, who was driving the motor car, said on approaching the tramcar he saw passengers who had alighted on the left-hand side of the road, and accordingly took the right-hand side, which was clear of traffic. He sounded his horn before reaching the tram. As he started to pass it someone suddenly came out from what he thought was the far end of the car and proceeded to cross the road. He put on his brakes and could have pulled up dead slow, but the person hesitated, making him think she was waiting until he had passed, and as he accelerated to pass the tram, began again to make for the pavement. He was unable to avoid knocking her down. He pulled up in about a quarter of a car's length.- Dr A. F. Mackey said the injuries were not very severe and in the case of a younger person were not likely to have proved fatal. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury intimating that they considered no blame attached to anyone. - Mr McCreedy watched the proceeding on behalf of Ryall and Detective-Inspector W. T. Hutchings on behalf of the Police.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 October 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Hesitation. Dockyard Worker Killed At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held yesterday by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on GEORGE CROSS, aged 44, Dockyard shipwright, of George-street, Devonport. - William Charles Glanville said that on the night of October 16, while he was riding a cycle down King's-road toward Stonehouse Bridge, he saw CROSS coming from the near side of the road. He rang his bell and eased up on his brakes, but when he got within a bicycle's length CROSS stopped and hesitated in the centre of the road, and then apparently changed his mind and went back toward witness. - Witness pulled hard on his brakes, with the result that he was thrown over the handlebars, knocking CROSS down. - Witness, who was conveyed to Hospital with a dislocated shoulder, did not know what happened to CROSS, except that he was conveyed to Hospital in the same ambulance in an unconscious condition. - In answer to the Coroner, witness said the road was very badly lit. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1927
ST MARYCHURCH - Octogenarian Killed. Fatal Accident To Torquay Resident. - An Inquest was conducted by Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at St Marychurch Townhall, Torquay, yesterday into the cause of the death of MR RICHARD HARRIS, 87, of Piercefield, St Marychurch, Torquay, who died on Sunday as the result of injuries received when he came into collision with a taxicab near his home on Wednesday last. MR HARRIS was for a period a member of the Newton Board of Guardians. - MR JOHN HARRIS, of 16 Velwell-road, Exeter, said that on the Friday after the accident his father told him he saw the lights of the car coming and was dazzled by them. He could not remember clearly what had happened. He said that when he got into the middle of the road he started to turn back. - Thomas Frank Cornish, of North-street, Exeter, said he was in MR HARRIS'S garden when MR HARRIS went to post a letter. Helping witness to carry MR HARRIS into the house after the accident, the driver of the taxi remarked that he was going extremely slow and this appeared to be so. - Arthur Clarence Haynes, of Newton Abbot, said he was in the taxicab and he saw someone practically in the centre of the road when they were travelling at about 10 miles an hour. The driver slowed down to a crawl. - Thomas William Newbould, of Lyncott Cottage, Torquay, the driver of the taxicab, said he was going slowly. The man took a step or two forwards, and thinking he was going to cross the road witness swerved to the right and the near wing caught him. - Dr Allan Hawkins said that the cause of death was primarily a fracture of the ribs, which caused laceration of a lung. - The Jury returned "Death by Injuries Accidentally Received, after being knocked down by a motor car."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 November 1927
TORQUAY - Nurse's Strange Death. Coroner's Appeal At Torquay Inquest. - The strange death of a nurse about whose antecedents nothing was known was investigated at Torquay yesterday by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings. The Coroner appealed to anyone who had known the dead girl to communicate with her relatives, if she had any. - MISS SYMES was found in a deep sleep on Friday morning from which she could not be roused, and died later in the Hospital. - She was employed as a nurse by Major and Mrs Pizey, of Mead Point, Torbay-road, Torquay, and giving evidence of identification, George Henry Pizey said he engaged MISS SYMES on September 12. She gave the name of MISS SYMES, and an address at Malvern for the purpose of reference and witness obtained a satisfactory one from that source. She was going to leave witness on November 22. - On October 27 he saw her about 10 o'clock in the evening, when she appeared quite normal. Next morning he heard that she was seriously ill. Dr Riddle was summoned and ordered her removal to the Torbay Hospital. - At Four O'clock This Morning. - Mrs Teresa Pizey said about 4 o'clock on Friday morning she saw a light in the nurse's room. She opened the door and asked why she was not in bed. She said "I hope I am not disturbing you." Later in the morning witness found her in a deep sleep, and could not rouse her. - Dr B. M. West, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said MISS SYMES was conscious when admitted, but later became unconscious and died. From a post-mortem examination he would say that death was due to asphyxia caused by some narcotic. - Constable Cotty said no trace of any relatives or friends had been found. A glass phial was discovered in her room. - In returning "Death by Asphyxiation through an unknown cause," the Coroner hoped that anyone who had known the dead woman, and who read the account of the Inquest would communicate with the relatives, if there were any.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 November 1927
PLYMSTOCK - Plymouth Woman Found Dead In Creek. - A verdict of "Suicide by Drowning while of Unsound Mind" was returned by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, District Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday at Turnchapel on KATE PEARNE, aged about 50, a spinster, of Hele's-terrace, Prince Rock, who was found dead in Breakwater Creek, Oreston, on Sunday. - Evidence of identification was given by deceased's brother, FRANCIS THOMAS SYMONS PEARNE, of First-avenue, Rectory, Devonport, who said he last saw his sister alive on Wednesday. She had been attended by a doctor for years and suffered from fits and delusions. She was liable to an attack at any moment and also was often very depressed. - William Henry Smith, of Breakwater House, Oreston, deposed to finding the body about noon on Sunday, face downwards in the mud. - P.C. Salter, stationed at Turnchapel, who, with Sgt. Hutchings and Mr Smith, removed the body, said the tide was practically out. He found deceased's hat and umbrella on the slip leading to the creek, about four feet below high water-mark,. - "I concluded," he said, "that she had entered the water about an hour before high water, which was about 8 a.m., as the hat and umbrella were dry."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 November 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Victim Of Depression. Suicide Of Devonport Resident. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest on HENRY THOMAS HART, 60, widower, of Ann's-place, Devonport, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday. - Deceased was found lying in his bedroom with a wound in his throat by a daughter who kept house for him, and Dr D. Colombos was called, but found the man dead. Constable Walke found a razor lying by HART'S side. - Deceased was stated to have been under medical care for about 12 months and to have been very depressed and low spirited. According to the daughter he had been "doing queer things."

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 November 1927
PLYMOUTH - Convict's Death In Hospital. Pathetic Story At Plymouth Inquest. - The Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ISAAC HAWORTH, aged 54, of no fixed abode, who died in unusual circumstances at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on November 2, while temporarily released from Princetown Prison, where he was serving a sentence. - The verdict was that HAWORTH died from a chronic spinal disease, death being accelerated by weakness following a self-inflicted wound in the throat. - The Deputy Governor of Princetown Convict Prison, Major B. D. Grew, stated that HAWORTH was admitted to the Prison on July 22 1925 from Leeds to serve a sentence of four years' penal servitude. He was first given agricultural work, but owing to his health he was afterwards set to make mailbags. He had a sister living in Nelson, Lancashire, and was known to them as ISAAC HAWORTH, though he was referred to as GEORGE SMITH in Police records. - He was temporarily released from Prison to undergo an operation at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, being in effect a free man while in Hospital. - Doctor's Evidence. - Dr Eric George Bittiscombe, Medical Officer in charge of the Prison, stated that HAWORTH was always a romantic subject, but his health was fairly good until January this year. He had previously, however, told witness that he received an injury to his groin and thigh in 1910, and also had had pleurisy. His last illness dated from September 3, when he complained of severe pains in the small of his back. - On October 7, according to his own statement, he was getting into bed, when he was attached with severe cramp in the thighs and fell over backwards on to the floor. On examination it was found that he was completely paralysed from the hips downward. He progressed slowly, and he was finally X-rayed, after which it was decided to operate, and, permission having been granted by the Home Office, he was removed to Hospital on October 18. There was very little hope of his recovery, and, in any case, he would have been a cripple for life. - James Dick, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that HAWORTH seemed to make fair progress after the operation for two days, and then relapsed. He was very difficult to nurse, and it was found that he had been throwing medicine under his pillow instead of taking it. The cause of death was the enlargement of part of the spine, which was probably tubercular. It was accelerated by weakness following a wound in the throat, which resulted in the loss of a fair amount of blood. - Gertrude Leonore Scoble, a nurse, said that about 5.30 p.m. on November 1 she was on duty in HAWORTH'S ward when the House Surgeon was making his evening round with the nurse in charge. They went to HAWORTH'S bed and found that he was lying with his throat cut. A safety-razor blade was found near him. - The Surgeon immediately stitched up the wound. HAWORTH seemed all right afterwards and spoke to witness, but he died next morning at 7.30.- The Coroner said he wanted to draw the attention of the public to the very great care and medical skill which was bestowed upon the prisoners at Princetown. - It was possible, he said, that if HAWORTH had not committed the foolish act, he might have lived for some time. He did not hesitate to say that the man was not in a proper state of mind at the time, owing to what he had gone through.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 November 1927
UGBOROUGH - Moor Tragedy Verdict. Story Of Search For Lost Boy. Coroner's Comment At Inquest. - "It seems extraordinary that the child should have wandered away of his own accord from the youth. However, there is no doubt it is a case of Accidental Death, and that the boy got lost on Dartmoor during a dense fog and kept out in the rain and fog," said Mr T. Edmonds, the Totnes Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest at Ugborough yesterday on the seven-years-old boy, IVOR GORDON THOMPSON, who was found dead on Thursday morning after having been missing for forty-eight hours on the moors. - "Everyone seems to have done their best, but anyone who knows anything of the moor knows what it is to look for a child in a dense fog for anything from twenty-four hours until his death. It is not surprising that he, being a delicate boy, should have succumbed. Death was due to over-exposure to the cold and wet and the hardships he had undergone." - MR THOMPSON, the father of the dead boy, said he wished to thank all who had helped in the search for his son. - SAMUEL JOSEPH THOMPSON, father, said he first heard that his son was missing when he returned home after midday on Tuesday. His boy went on the moor with witness's step-brother, RUSSELL HEATH, who went out for the day from Ugborough. - "I ran down from my house to the river to see if I could find him. The first thing I said was 'My dream has come true.'" - [MR THOMPSON dreamt some three weeks ago that his son was lying dead on the banks of a stream with outstretched hands and this was how the boy was found.] - MR THOMPSON explained that the mist was so thick that he could only see about 15 yards ahead. He shouted to his son and step-brother, but got no answer and afterwards went to "the micas" - a section of the clay-works - and told some of his fellow-workers that the boys were missing. Several men joined in the search. - The Search. - Witness went to Redlake, where he procured a pony, and rode around, the others going in another direction. A thorough search of the moor was made on Tuesday night. The search lasted on Tuesday from about 1.15 p.m. to 8.45 p.m., during which there was a hard rain, with dense fog and pitch darkness, as the result of which the search had to be given up. - Mr Perkins, manager of the Ivybridge China Clay Company's works, organized a search party also. - Russell Heath, who accompanied the dead boy, was found on Wednesday morning, but the little boy THOMPSON was still missing. The search was continued on Wednesday, when a number of the followers of Dartmoor Hounds joined in the search, but it was not until Thursday morning, about 10, that he was found. Fog continued all Wednesday, with accompanying heavy rain and wind, but the fog cleared off by Thursday when the body was found. - "He was found lying on a bank beside a stream about two and a half to three miles from my house," said MR THOMPSON, who thought his boy had been dead for at least 24 hours. The boy had probably died during Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning. There were no footprints near, or any disturbance of the ground. The boy was lying on his back right out in the open. The two boys were always good friends. Heath appeared to be distressed about the affair. He joined the search parties on Thursday. Following an attack of double pneumonia, IVOR was 15 months old, witness was informed that he would always be delicate. IVOR appeared to be quite well when he disappeared. - MRS THOMPSON, the mother, explained that on Tuesday her son and Russell Heath went out to play football near the house with two little girls, who returned to her crying: "Oh, mammie! IVOR has gone to the river." - "I went to the clump of stones and started shouting, but they could not have heard me, otherwise the boy would have come back. They went right into the fog. You could not see more than a dozen yards," said MRS THOMPSON, who explained that she could not join the search parties owing to the other little ones at home. - Heath's Story. - Russell Heath, a fair-haired, 16-years-old youth, who lives with his parents at Church Cottage, Ugborough, stated that he did odd jobs. On Tuesday he went to Redlake to visit the boy's parents, intending to spend the day there. After breakfast he went on to the moor to play football with the boy. They lost the football, but eventually found it. The fog came on worse and they walked down toward the river. - Later they realized they had lost their way. They tried to get back to the cottage, but they had been going in the opposite direction. They walked on and on, but could see nothing of the cottage. - "We were walking all day. I carried him a long way. I held his hand and led him," said Heath, who stated that the boy complained of being tired. They crossed a little stream, witness helping THOMPSON over. - Proceeding on their way they came to Brend Rock, which IVOR knew. After crossing the stream witness at times carried the boy, the distance between the stream and the rock being about two miles. Witness said he knew nothing about the moor. - "Evening came on and what did you do>?" asked the Coroner. - "We walked on and we came to a little rock. The little boy said 'We will lie down and sleep.'" - Witness stated that he took off his coat, under which they slept. IVOR fell asleep first. In the morning when witness woke up little IVOR was not near and the coat was by the side of witness, who got up and shouted through the fog, but got no reply. He searched around for very nearly an hour. - Was there any water there? - I heard some water somewhere. - Witness continued to walk over the moors. - The Coroner: Are you sure you did not go somewhere to look for help and left the little boy there? - Quite sure. - It is curious that the little boy should have gone away, is it not? - Yes. - Did you see any footmarks? - No. - You are positive that he must have left you while you were asleep? - Yes. - Russell Heath stated that he went on for about two hours and came to another stream, which he crossed by means of a plank, eventually arriving at Lee Moor Clay-works, where he got some food and told that IVOR was lost. On Thursday he joined the search party near Redlake. - No Sign Of Struggle. - Sergt. William Burrows, Brent, explained that on Wednesday and Thursday, with Constables Derges and Macrae, he joined a search party at Redlake and searched the moors for the missing boy. They were unsuccessful the first day, but about 10.10 a.m. on Thursday the body was found on the bank of a small stream by Stanley Quest, of Lee Moor Clay-works. - At the same time, the party approached and witness found the boy lying dead on his back. There were no signs of any struggle and there were no marks on the body. The clothing was wet through, the boy having lain on the moor. In witness's opinion the boy had been dead at least 24 hours. On examining the bank witness could trace three distinct footmarks, which appeared to be those of THOMPSON. Nearer the bop of the bank was an impression apparently caused by his knee. IVOR appeared to have turned over on his back and lain there exhausted and eventually died. - There were no other footmarks present.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 November 1927
STOKE DAMEREL - Driver Exonerated. Inquest Story Of Devonport Man's Death. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, concerning the death of JAMES WESTLAKE, aged 64, single, a grocer's assistant of Molyneux-place, Devonport, who was struck by the traffic controller of a motor car whilst crossing Albert-road, Devonport, last Thursday evening and died three hours later in the Royal Albert Hospital. - The driver of the car, J. F. Dowling, Railway Inn, Albert-road, Devonport, was exonerated, the Jury stating that he had done everything possible to avoid the accident. - Mr Dowling had told the Coroner that he noticed WESTLAKE crossing the road, and sounded his horn. MR WESTLAKE appeared as though he would stop, but apparently walked on and was struck by the traffic controller of the car, the glass of which was smashed. Evidence had previously been given that the man's sight was poor. - The House Surgeon of the Royal Albert Hospital stated that WESTLAKE never regained consciousness after admission, and that death was due to laceration of the brain.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 November 1927
EXETER - Dying Woman's Request. Remarkable Story At An Exeter Inquest. - The remarkable story of a dying woman's removal from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by her husband, at her request, because she desired to see her children, was told yesterday at the Inquest conducted by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, on LUCY ELLEN RENNELL, Belgrave-road, Exeter. - It was stated that MRS RENNELL was medically attended towards the end of October by Dr Preece, who on the 23rd advised her being taken to the Hospital. While there her condition was very critical, and on the 30th her husband inferred to Dr Maneschewitz, House Surgeon, that she would be better if she went home. The doctor told the husband that it would be fatal if he took his wife home, but he came again the following day and insisted. The woman was also equally keen to go home. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Manescheqitz said he explained to MR RENNELL that it would be a fatal thing to move his wife. The chances of recovery were very small if she remained in the Hospital, but absolutely nil if she went home. - WILLIAM RENNELL, the husband, explained that he originally advised his wife to go to the Hospital. - The Coroner: Then why did you afterwards advise her to be taken out again? - Witness: Because my wife told me she was dying and did not want to go without coming home and seeing her children. - The Coroner: Did you realize she might have had some chance at the Hospital? - Witness: But knowing she was nearly dying I became frantic. I knew she had six little kiddies at home and let her have her wish if it was to be. - The Coroner: Are you prepared to say that she insisted on your taking her out? - On my honour, yes. - Dr Bromilow said MRS RENNELL died on the 4th inst. - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 November 1927
TAVISTOCK - Motor Cyclist's Death. Inquiry Opened Into The Gunnislake Fatality. - The Inquest on REGINALD JOHN CORY, 35, draper's assistant, of 30 Alexandra-road, Plymouth, who was killed as the result of colliding with another motor cyclist, Albert Friendship, gardener, of Callington, at Newbridge, between Gunnislake and Tavistock last night by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Coroner. - Friendship is at present in the Tavistock Hospital suffering from injuries received in the accident, and with a view to his attendance the inquiry was adjourned until Monday next. - The only evidence taken was that of identification, which was given by MAUDE ISABEL RENDALL, of 30 Alexandra-road, Plymouth, a sister, who stated that her brother had been riding a motor cycle for several months. He left home on Sunday afternoon about 3 o'clock, with the intention of proceeding to Bodmin.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 November 1927
PLYMOUTH - Inquest Jury Alter Verdict. Road Tragedy At Roborough. Danger Of Dazzling Headlights. - There was a surprise yesterday afternoon at the Inquest which was held by the Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, sitting with a Jury, to Inquire into the circumstances concerning the death of RICHARD CHARLES CRADDOCK, baker's warehouseman, aged 45, of The Pines, Crownhill, who died on Friday after being knocked down at Roborough on Monday night by a car driven by Lynden William George Cook, draper, of Launceston. - The Jury retired for about half an hour, and announced a verdict of "Manslaughter." Mrs Cook at once fainted and had to be assisted out of the court. - The Foreman of the Jury then had a consultation with the Coroner. The Jury retired again for some minutes, and on returning again later brought in a verdict that "CRADDOCK met his death through the excessive speed at which the car was driven, but that there was no culpable negligence on the part of the driver." - Mr R. McDonald appeared for the widow, and Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell (Tavistock) for Mr Cook.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 November 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Lorry Overturns At Newton. Inquest Story Of Fatal Accident. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on FREDERICK GEORGE DORE, aged 57, labourer, of Bushell-road, Broadlands, Newton Abbot, who died in the local Hospital on Tuesday. - DORE was injured on Saturday when a motor lorry conveying workmen overturned on the Totnes-Newton Abbot main road and when five men were injured. - Brice Rundle, Daison Heights, Torquay, stated that with other employees of Mr Narracott, he was engaged in work at Abbotskerswell. Shortly after 12 o'clock he and nine or ten others left in a lorry. The road was greasy and the accident occurred at the four cross roads on the Totnes-Newton Abbot road just outside Newton Abbot cemetery. - "We were on our left-hand side following a cyclist. As we approached the cross-roads the cyclist was almost in the middle of the road, and he gradually pulled into his left-hand side. When we got abreast of him his front wheel seemed to turn on the road and the lorry driver pulled out to the right. The lorry skidded, shot across the road to the left and turned over." - "All the men in the back of the vehicle were thrown out and when I ran round they were all on top of each other, several of them injured. DORE was lying in the road at the tail end of the vehicle. He appeared to be very badly injured and three or four of the men were bleeding badly." - Cyclist Not To Blame. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings: Did it appear to you, when you saw the cycle wheel turn to the right, as if the cyclist was going to cross, or that, owing to the condition of the road, his wheel skidded? - He either went into a pit or skidded. - Was there, in your opinion, anything that the cyclist did that he ought not to have done? - I should not say so. - The driver of the lorry, Charles William Brooks, High Union-lane, Torquay, said he had followed the cyclist some distance. When he turned the lorry wheels the lorry skidded some 20 or 30 yards before it stopped, and then turned over on its side. He applied his brakes. - The Coroner: I think you are perfectly helpless in a skid, applying brakes do not assist you. - Brooks added that had he let the wheel of the lorry go in the way it was skidding the vehicle would have gone into the cemetery wall. - Victor A. Palmer, Rose Cottage, Abbotskerswell, said there was nothing in the manner in which the cyclist and the lorry were proceeding to attract attention. The speed of the lorry was about 12 to 15 miles per hour. - Dr Tanner stated that DORE sustained a fracture at the base of the skull and an injury to the right shoulder. - When the Jury returned their verdict, the Foreman expressed sympathy with the widow and relatives, an expression in which the Coroner, Mr R. E. Narracott, DORE'S employer and Sergt. Smith, on behalf of the Police, joined.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 November 1927
TAVISTOCK - Wrong Side Of The Road. Gunnislake Motor Cycle Fatality. - The evidence of Arthur Friendship, who was seriously injured in the motor cycle collision on the Devonshire side of the new bridge at Gunnislake on November 18, was read yesterday at the Inquest at Tavistock on REGINALD JOHN CORY, 35, draper's assistant, of 35 Alexandra-road, who succumbed to injuries received in the collision. Friendship is still in Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mind A Perfect Blank. - In his statement, Arthur Friendship, of Bella Vista, Calstock, said he was motor cycling from Calstock to Tavistock. He crossed the bridge at Gunnislake, and was thinking about going up the old hill, when he saw a motor car coming down the hill. He changed his mind and went up the main Tavistock road. Then his mind was a perfect blank as to what occurred, and he could not remember running into anything or anything running into him. - He was in the habit of riding at a reasonable speed at all times, and had been riding practically every day since last March. He was riding in the middle of the road. - Charles Carlos Cook, St Merryn, said at the time of the accident he was standing near the bottom of the hill on the Devon side of the bridge, looking up the old road to Tavistock, which was a steep hill. He saw the collision take place right on the white line just around the bend. Witness did not think the cyclists could see one another until the collision took place. He saw nothing to interfere with their vision, and there was no other traffic on the road. The collision appeared to be head-on. - In answer to the Coroner, Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, witness said he thought that had both motor cyclists been on their proper sides the accident would not have occurred. - By the Foreman: He thought the motor cyclist coming from Tavistock inclined towards the middle of the road rather than to the left. - By Sergeant Lake: The motor cyclist coming down the hill did not appear to have as much control over his machine as the one going up. The former appeared to draw to the white line and probably lost control of his machine. - Vision Of 32 Yards. - Constable Bedford, who visited the scene of the accident, said if each driver had kept on his proper side of the road, from measurements taken, they would have had a vision of 32 yards previous to the accident. The hedge at the bend was approximately 5 feet high. This would have obscured the vision of Friendship if he was on his wrong side, but not if he was on his correct side. - Dr Charles Leakey, of Gunnislake, said he found a man lying in the road at the point of death, and another man supported by someone at the side of the road. Deceased died while witness was present. He had a depressed injury at the vault of the skull on the left side, as well as a fracture of the base of the skull. There were also minor injuries. The fracture of the skull was the cause of death. Witness had attended the other men, who was well enough to be seen, but not to be worried.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 November 1927
PLYMOUTH - Not Culpable Negligence. Jury And Moor Motor Smash. Driver's Account Of Dazzling lights. - After an exhaustive Inquiry into the cause of death of WALTER EDWIN WADHAM SANDELL, motor lorry driver's mate, of East-street, Stonehouse, who died from injuries received while tending to the lorry's rear light on the moorland road near Yelverton on November 14, a Coroner's Jury yesterday found that death was due to shock, haemorrhage and concussion, and that the car which pinned the man against the lorry was driven negligently, but that the negligence was not of a culpable nature. - The driver of the car, Mr Chas. Percy Skinner, shop blind manufacturer, Cobourg-street, Plymouth, stated in evidence that he was dazzled by the headlights of an approaching car coming over the brow of a hill and then saw some obstacle ahead of him. He pulled out and thought he had cleared it, but had not done so. - But for the lights of the oncoming car he said he would have seen the lorry before reaching it, and had the lorry's rear light been burning he would have seen it if the dazzle had not prevented him doing so. - The occupants of another car which was passed by Mr Skinner's car expressed the view that Mr Skinner was dazzled by the lights of the oncoming car. - The Inquest was held at Plymouth Mortuary by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - Mr D. F. Nash represented Mr Skinner; Mr E. E. Square was for the widow, and Mr R. McDonald for SANDELL'S employers, the Plymouth Transport Company. - Harold Cox, Looe-street, Plymouth, motor lorry driver in the employ of the Plymouth Transport Company, said that on the 14th inst. he left Whitchurch about 4.30 p.m. to return to Plymouth. At the junction with the main road he asked SANDELL, his mate, to light the lamps of the lorry. It was then from eight to ten minutes past five. The lorry was stopped for the purpose about 500 yards from the Clearbrook corner on the Yelverton side. He was well in on his side of the road. - Penned Against The Lorry. - When going to light the front light witness was suddenly pushed forward. He ran to the rear of the lorry and found a saloon car had crashed into the back of it. SANDELL was lying back against the wheel unconscious. He was pinned by the near front wheel of the saloon, which was under the hang of the lorry. - The Coroner: While lighting your lorry light did you see any car approaching from Plymouth? - No, sir. - How long were you attending to the lamps? - About ten minutes.- Answering a question from the Jury, the witness said the road was 25 feet wide. The driver of a car overtaking him ought to have seen the lorry, and if there was a motor coming from Plymouth it would have illuminated the lorry. - Replying to Mr Square, he said he could see any traffic either way. He noticed after the accident that there were no lights on Mr Skinner's car. They were turned on after the lorry was pushed to the side of the road. - Capt. Arthur Edward Hext Wright, R.N., stated that he was returning to Yelverton in Capt. Turner's car. They left the golf club about ten minutes past five. When approaching the junction of the Clearbrook and the main road they were overtaken by a saloon and there was another car which came from the direction of Plymouth. Just after the saloon straightened up ahead of them it crashed into the lorry. He thought he saw the lorry a second or so before the collision took place, but not earlier. The oncoming car passed him at about the same time as the collision happened, so that it had been passed by the saloon. - The Coroner: Was the approaching car showing very brilliant lights? - Yes, the ordinary bright lights. - What are known as dazzle lights? - Yes. - Not Dangerous Driving. - If the car had not passed you, would the collision have occurred, do you think? - I do not think the action of the saloon was dangerous at all had the lorry lights been lit. In my opinion he was dazzled and could not see the lorry in time. He did not think the driver of the car could have avoided the accident, and had there been no lorry there his action would have caused no comment. - Capt. Douglas Duke Turner, retired surgeon, R.N., Leigham-street, said that at the road junction he was travelling at from 15 to 20 miles and never saw a lorry until after the collision. A car which passed them had fairly bright lights, but they were not exceptionally brilliant. He was sure the saloon which overtook him had some lights on in front, but whether head or side lights he could not say. It was travelling, he thought, at about 25 miles an hour. - The Foreman: Do you consider they were sufficiently brilliant to dazzle the driver of the saloon? - I think it possible. - Do you think it was through the dazzle lights that the accident occurred? - I think so. - Are you of opinion that the saloon was being driven at a reckless speed? - I don't think it was reckless. - Dr William Crosbie Hamilton said he assisted to take the injured from the saloon to the side of the road, and sent for the Police and the ambulance. SANDELL was very badly hurt, and the others were all more or less injured, being severely cut with broken glass and bleeding very much. - Dazzled By Lights. - Charles Percy Skinner, who expressed his willingness to give evidence, stated that he was returning from Yelverton, having in his car three men. They left at 5.5. p.m. On reaching the main road at the Rock he switched on his side and rear lights. - After overtaking a car he observed the headlights of an approaching car coming over the brow of the hill. He was dazzled by them for a moment and then he became aware of an obstacle in front of him, but did not know what it was. Involuntarily he turned his car toward the right and thought he had cleared the object, until he felt the broken glass falling on him. The man sitting by his side was thrown against him, pushing him from his seat and he received a severe blow in the face. But for the lights of the oncoming car, he felt sure he would have seen the lorry before reaching it, and if its rear light had been burning he thought he would have observed it if the dazzle had not prevented him doing so. - Witness, who said he had been motor driving for 20 years, considered he had plenty of room to pass Capt. Turner's car and escape the approaching car, and that he was taking every precaution on the journey. About eight months ago he ran into a stationary and unlighted lorry at Oxford-place corner, Plymouth, and damaged his own car. When passing Capt. Turner's car his speed was about 25 miles per hour, and he reduced just afterwards. - Dr James Dick, House Surgeon at the South Devon, said that the actual cause of death was general shock, haemorrhage and concussion. - Coroner's Summing Up. - The Coroner said there were four alternative verdicts for the Jury's consideration. They might find that the death was due to an accident, in which event no blame would attach to anyone. It might otherwise be felt that the fatality was attributable to an act of Mr Skinner, such act being due to his negligence. If that was their opinion they must decide whether the negligence was of an ordinary nature, or was culpable, gross, reckless or wilful, in such case as to warrant a more serious verdict. - After 15 minutes' absence the Jury returned a verdict that death was due to shock and haemorrhage, with concussion, caused by being jammed against a stationary motor lorry, the lamp of which he was lighting, by a following motor car driven negligently by Mr Skinner, which negligence was not of a culpable nature.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 November 1927
EAST STONEHOUSE - Pensioner's Death. Plymouth Inquest Story Of Fight For Life. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM ARTHUR BROWN, aged 64, Royal Marine pensioner, of Union-place, Stonehouse, who was found with his head in a gas oven at his home on Sunday. - FLORENCE FANNY LONG, of Saltash, daughter, gave evidence of identification and said she left her father at home on Saturday evening. He then appeared normal, but complained of great pain in his back and side and said he had not slept for a week. He had only been discharged from the Royal Naval Hospital the previous Monday, where he had been treated for shingles. - Constable Henry Beal said he tried artificial respiration. He untied a towel he found round BROWN'S throat, upon which were two cuts, which appeared to have been recently made. Witness thought at that time BROWN was alive, but his efforts to restore animation were not successful, although he continued them until the doctor arrived. When the ambulance arrived the attendants also considered he was alive, and oxygen was administered, but without effect. - Dr Ludolf said he considered death was due to coal gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Monday 28 November 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Man's Death. Found With Skull Fractured Near Home. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on WALTER WILLIAM EDGCOMBE, aged 44, an accountant of Linden-terrace, Newton Abbot. - It was stated that on Thursday he left home to go out for the evening and was found about 10.45 p.m. lying in the roadway at the entrance to the back of Linden-terrace. - Dr J. J. Brown said when he saw EDGECOMBE he seemed to have had a bad blow on the forehead. A post-mortem revealed a fracture of the skull extending from front to back. Haemorrhage of the brain caused death. There were no other signs of violence. The injuries might have been caused by a fall. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner: There was nothing to suggest he had been knocked down by a vehicle? - No.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 December 1927
TEIGNMOUTH - Tragic Story At Teignmouth. Letters Unread At Inquest. - A tragic story was told Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest last night at Teignmouth on CAESAR CHALEEL, independent, of Hylands, Barn Park-road, Teignmouth, who was found dead in his bedroom on Thursday morning. Death was attributed to an overdose of medicinal tabloids, and "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded. - It was stated that in the drawing-room of his home a bottle containing liquid similar in colour to that in a jar marked "weed killer" was discovered on the sideboard beside a tumbler that contained some of the liquid. In the conservatory there was a rope suspended from a rod, underneath which there was a pair of steps with a cushion on top, and there was a cut on CHALEEL'S leg which the doctor considered might have been made in an attempt to cause death. - MR CHALEEL left six letters, two of which were read. Commenting upon the others, the Coroner remarked, "These letters are long statements. I have read them and I do not think there is any necessity to read them here. They contain a lot of personal and family matters of a somewhat painful character; they have no real bearing on the case." - "I committed suicide and you will find all papers on my dressing table," stated one of the letters read, which was addressed to Inspector Champion. "The large envelope to be posted to my son, and the letters in the two manilla envelopes to be read at the Inquest and other two handed to Mr H. C. Full, solicitor". - The other, addressed to Miss Alice Dawson, of Ilbert-terrace, South Shields, who was staying at the house, was, "As I could not bear it any longer I committed suicide." It was dated 5 a.m., December 1. - Mr T. Shaw, of Sunderland, said MR CHALEEL was highly excitable and temperamental. He was born of Greek parents but was a naturalized Englishman. Witness knew that for ten years he had suffered from insomnia. - Dr H. D. Goulden, of Teignmouth, said he had attended MR CHALEEL for minor complaints and tuberculosis. He had been in a sanatorium with good results. Witness saw the body on Thursday and found a cut beneath the knee, but this was insufficient to cause or accelerate death, although he thought it might be an attempt to bring about this effect. - Proposed Foreign Trip. - On the mantelpiece in the bedroom there was a bottle containing medicinal tablets. It would originally have 100, but there were only 63. Ten would be sufficient to cause death. He last saw MR CHALEEL in the middle of November, when he complained of "feeling wretched." It was intended that he should go away to Palestine. - The Coroner: There is no poison label on the bottle. - Dr Goulden: The original prescription was for six tabloids in June last. - He added that an examination showed extreme suffocation, which was consistent with poisoning by the tablets. - Mr Henry Dring, chemist, Wellington-street, Teignmouth, who supplied the tablets, said MR CHALEEL bought the tablets on October 24, and stated that he was going abroad and wanted to take some with him. - Mr Dring pointed out that the number of tabloids gone from the bottle corresponded with the number of days gone since they were bought. He added that he did not think MR CHALEEL knew what they were composed of. - Miss Dawson stated she heard MR CHALEEL walking about in his bedroom at 5 a.m. on Thursday, but thought he was packing. She went to inform him that breakfast was ready, but had no reply and when she found the note addressed to her she communicated with the Police. - Constable Phillips said the door of the bedroom was locked and he forced it. MR CHALEEL was lying on the bed, and he had over £31 on him. The letters were found on the dressing table, and there was also a slightly blood-stained razor in the room. - The Inquest was held at the house and when the rope and steps were pointed out in a conservatory which adjoined the room, the Coroner remarked, "Perhaps he thought that was the best way to accomplish his purpose." - Mr Edmonds said perhaps the troubles MR CHALEEL had gone through with his bad health and one thing and another had deranged his mind and he was not quite responsible for his actions.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 December 1927
EXETER - Plymouth Man's Death At Exeter. - The death in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital of SIDNEY ERNEST DODD (24) an engineer, of the Corn Exchange Hotel, Plymouth, who came to Exeter to attend the funeral of his grandfather, was the subject of an Inquest held by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens. - WILLIAM DODD, Paris-street, Exeter, said his nephew had been unwell, but, with his father, came to Exeter to attend a funeral. Witness noticed that he looked very ill and he sent for Dr Harris, who, after examination, ordered his immediate removal to the Hospital. - The Coroner returned "Death from Cerebral abscess and Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 December 1927
PLYMOUTH - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest on ERNEST TAYLOR, 24, an electrician of Federation-road, Laira, who was found in bed shot dead on Saturday morning with a pistol lying near by. - Dr L. D. Stamp said he found a small puncture wound between the fourth and fifth ribs. He had known TAYLOR for a number of years and had attended him professionally during the summer. He was delicate and reserved. - MRS TAYLOR stated that her son was called on Saturday morning to go to work, but decided not to go, and remained in bed. Shortly before 10 o'clock they heard an unusual sound, and her daughter went upstairs and found him lying on the bed gasping for breath. Her son had been depressed because of threatened discharge from the Dockyard. He had twice received his notice, but it had been cancelled. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 December 1927
PLYMOUTH - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" on EDWARD THOMAS BEST, 64, mattress maker, of William-street, who cut his throat with a razor on Saturday afternoon. - A son stated that his father had been depressed since his wife died early in the year, and had once said he had nothing worth living for. On Saturday evening when he returned home he was unable to get into his father's bedroom owing to some obstacle behind the door. The door was forced and his father was found dead on the floor. - Dr F. W. Perry stated that the wound was a severe one and death was due to haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 December 1927
TORQUAY - Head In Gas Oven. Aged Torquay Victim Of Acute Depression. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at Torquay yesterday after the Inquiry into the death of WILLIAM WEBBER, aged 76, of Cavern-road, Ellacombe, who was found dead the previous morning at his residence with his head in a gas oven and the gas turned on. - Evidence of identification was given by GEORGE WEBBER, boot repairer, who said his father had been employed as a general labourer, but for the last 18 months or two years he had been in poor health and was depressed. - Dr T. D. Cook said he had attended WEBBER for chronic indigestion and a thickening of the back of the throat. He was very depressed, because he was obsessed with the idea that he had a cancer. Death was due to gas poisoning. - In reply to a question from the Deputy Coroner, witness said WEBBER had become so depressed recently that his mind was unhinged. - MRS MARY ELIZABETH WEBBER said she saw her father-in-law alive at 9 a.m. on the morning of his death, and he seemed quite normal then.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 December 1927
MODBURY - Shooting Tragedy. Coroner's Comment At Modbury Inquest. - A shooting fatality occurred near Modbury on Wednesday, when LEONARD GEORGE FOX of Modbury, employed by a local baker as a motor vanman, died as the result of injuries sustained through the accidental discharge of a double-barrelled gun. - FOX, who was accompanied by a lad named Broad, was proceeding along a road near Modbury, when he saw a bird in a hedge, and having the gun loaded in the van, and thinking that he could have a shot at the bird, the car was stopped while FOX got out. - The gun exploded and FOX was shot in the head. - At the Inquest yesterday the Coroner said the tragedy was accidental. He added that greater care should be exercised with guns. If FOX had removed the cartridges when he put the gun in the van the accident would not have happened. He also advised the removal of cartridges when getting over hedges and gates.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 December 1927
ST BUDEAUX - Agent's Suicide At St Budeaux. - "Suicide Whilst Of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Inquest yesterday on WALTER COLEMAN BATTEN, aged 60, insurance agent, of High View Bungalow, Higher St Budeaux, who died as the result of injuries to his throat. - The evidence showed that BATTEN on November 1 attempted to take his life by gas poisoning, but was handed over to friends on the understanding that he would be looked after. He had been watched as well as possible. BATTEN had said his mind seemed to have given away. He had been depressed, but there was nothing for him to worry about financially. All his books were in order.

Western Morning News, Friday 23 December 1927
ST MARYCHURCH - Inquest Adjourned. Naval Officer Who Died Suddenly At Torquay. - The Inquest on MR JIM VANSTONE, aged 50, commissioned supply officer on H.M.S. Revenge, who died suddenly at Wychbury, Cleveland-road, Torquay, on Tuesday night, whilst on a visit to his married daughter, MRS L. J. TROULAN, was opened by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at the St Marychurch Townhall last evening, and adjourned until Thursday next for an examination of certain organs of the body, as a post-mortem examination had failed to disclose the cause of death. - LAWRENCE JOSEPH TROULAN of Wychbury, Cleveland-road, Torquay, son-in-law, identified the body and said MR VANSTONE had been staying with him since December 12. On Tuesday night he was taken ill and died before the arrival of Dr Catford. MR VANSTONE had suffered from malaria and this was the only illness, as far as witness knew. On Sunday and Monday he did not feel well. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 29 December 1927
NEWTON ABBOT - Died From Exposure. Kingskerswell Plasterer's Fate. - "Death from Exposure to cold, accelerated by deceased being in a comatose or stuporous condition owing to sickness," was returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on ARTHUR ROBERTS, plasterer, of Manor House, Kingskerswell, whose body was found on the inner side of the pavement of the Torquay-Newton Abbot main road on December 26. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, stated that on Christmas night, while he was motoring, his attention was drawn to a man who appeared to be going along on his hands and knees. After going a short distance he (the Coroner) returned, thinking the man might have had a fall and been hurt, but could not find him. - Mrs Emma Drake said ROBERTS had lodged with her since last March. On Christmas evening, between 7 and 7.30 he went out she thought to visit the Half-way Inn. - It was stated by Fredk. J. Clark, bricklayer, of Water-lane, Kingskerswell, that on December 26, when on the Newton Abbot-Torquay main road, going toward Torquay, he found the body of a man lying in a pool of water and partly in a catch-pit on the inner side of the pavement. - The licensee of the Half-way Inn, Albert E. Bibbings, said that ROBERTS left the Inn at 20 minutes to ten on December 25, remarking he was "not feeling up to the mark." - Dr J. Orchard said death was caused by exposure to cold, and was accelerated by the man having been in a comatose or stuporous condition. There was no sign that he was under the influence of drink.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 December 1927
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Result Of Fall From Bed At Plymouth. - Death was attributed to shock following an injury, and a verdict of Accidental Death was returned yesterday at the Inquest on NANCY BOLT, aged 82, who had been an inmate of the Greenbank Infirmary for about 18 months. - It was ascertained that she fell out of bed during the night of December 16, fracturing her thigh. She was the widow of NATHANIEL BOLT, a journeyman baker.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 December 1927
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Suicide. Tragedy At R.N. Engineering College, Keyham. - Mr J. A. Pearce returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily insane" at the Inquest yesterday at the Royal Naval Engineering College, Keyham, on THOMAS ATWOOD CHAMBERLAIN, pensioned chief engine-room artifice. He was invalided from the Navy in 1918 and was employed at the College, his home being at Glencoe-terrace, Saltash. - On Wednesday he was found at the College with his head in a bag, connected by a piece of tubing with the gas, which was turned on. - Surg.-Com. R. K. Shaw gave evidence of endeavouring to resuscitate CHAMBERLAIN by means of artificial respiration, which was tried for about an hour.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 December 1927
ST MARYCHURCH - Naval Officer's Death. Pathologist's Evidence At Resumed Inquest. - At the resumed Inquest on the body of MR JIM VANSTONE, aged 50, a commissioned supply officer of H.M.S. Revenge, who died suddenly while on a visit to his married daughter, MRS L. J. TROULAN, at Wychbury, Cleveland-road, Torquay, Dr H. A. Fielder, pathologist, of Torquay, said he had examined certain organs and had formed the opinion that the cause of death was angina pectoris. The organs, particularly the kidneys were such as to produce what was known as high blood pressure, and the heart muscles did not respond to the stimulus of the high blood pressure. The result was that his heart failed. - In answer to MR L. J. TROULAN, son-in-law, as to whether this would not have been revealed by a post-mortem examination, Dr Fielder said it might not be very obvious without microscopical examination, such as he had made. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - The Inquest had been adjourned for the purpose of a pathological examination, as the post-mortem had failed to reveal the cause of death.