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.]

1929

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; Allen; Atkins; Austin; Babbage; Baker; Barrett; Bawden; Berry; Bishop; Blackman; Bodley; Bolt; Bone; Bools; Bowden; Brading; Bridle; Briggs; Brinnicombe; Bulkeley; Burch; Butchers; Cawse; Charman; Cherry; Clarke; Clements; Collins; Connor; Cooper; Cornish; Costello; Cotgrave; Creedy; Crossman; Cundy; Davey; Davies; Dawe; Devitte; Dixon; Dodd; Doyle; Drake; Drew; Dunn; Earle; Easterbrook; Edwards(2); Evens; Eyre; Fiddick; Fielding; Ford; Foster(2); Francis; Fry; Gilbert; Giles; Gollantz; Gouterais; Gwynne; Halling; Hamlyn; Handford; Hannaford(2); Harris; Harvey(3); Heard; Hicks; Hill(3); Hocking; Holman; Holwill; Holyoake; Honey(2); Hook; Hooper; Huckle; Hudson; Humphreys; Hutchings(2); Jaggers; Jeffery; Johnson; Jones(2); Kelly; Kilvington; Kingdom; Lacey; Lapthorn; Laughton; Lawrence; LeCount; Lethbridge; Levens; Lewarn; Lidstone; Lister; Lowden; Luscombe(2); Marsden; Martin(2); Master; Matthews; McEwan; Mead; Middlewick; Mogg; Monahan; Monk; Mutton; Nankivell; Naude; Naylor; Nedelec; Neil; Nicholas; Northmore; Osborne; Parker; Parnell; Parr; Partridge; Paterson; Penny; Percy; Perry; Piper; Porter(2); Preston; Purden; Read; Redstone; Reed; Reeves; Ricketts; Rogers; Rose; Rowe; Roxburgh; Ruse; Russell; Ryder; Scarlett; Scoble; Scott-Watson; Screech; Selley; Sellick; Selmon; Shapcott; Shillabeer; Shilson; Skelley; Slade; Smale; Smith(2); Soper; Staines; Stephens; Sweet; Tanner; Taylor; Tilston; Townsend; Trethewey; Tucker; Turfrey; Turner; Vincent(2); Vingoe; Vosper; Wadmore; Walker; Waller; Ward; Ware; Warren; Weekes; Wengradt; Wheaton; Whenmouth; White(2); Widger(2); Wilkinson; Willans; Williams; Wilson; Wyatt; Yeeles; Yelland.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Tragedy. "Peculiar Circumstances," Says Coroner. - The Inquest on SYDNEY FRANCIS HANDFORD, aged 24, chef, of Archer-place, North-road, Plymouth, the victim of a gas tragedy on Saturday, was opened yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - The Coroner said he proposed only to call evidence of identification by the mother, and then adjourn the Inquiry. At the present moment the circumstances were peculiar and uncertain. "We do not know what really happened, but I am glad to say that the boy who was found on the ground suffering from exposure and slight injury is recovering, and his evidence will be very material." - "In the meantime it would be useful if you members of the Jury could visit the house and see the room where the death occurred." - The Inquest was adjourned until Thursday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - School Lessons On "Safety First." Coroner's Comment At Plymouth Inquest. - The Borough Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on HILDA MAY FRANCIS, aged 10 years, who died following injuries sustained through being knocked down by a motor car in Cattedown-road five days before Christmas. - HARRY HERBERT FRANCIS, Home Sweet Home-terrace, Cattedown, said he sent his daughter to a shop in Cattedown-road. As she did not return he made some inquiries, and he was informed that a little girl answering her description had been knocked down by a motor car and had been taken to Hospital. At the Hospital he found her lying unconscious. She had only to go about 100 yards from her home to the shop, but had to cross the road. - Miss Dorothy Mary Curtis, typist, residing at Hartley Park-gardens, said on the evening in question she was driving her father's four-seater car along Cattedown-road, when she had to pull out into the road to pass a cyclist. As she was again pulling in to her proper side a child ran from the pavement in front of the car. She did not see the child before she was struck. - "I hardly saw anything. It was so quick. Directly I felt something I tried to turn to the right, but it was too late. I felt a bump. I pulled up immediately. I was driving very carefully because the weather was very bad. The car was travelling at about 10 or 12 miles an hour." - As soon as they pulled up her father jumped out and they saw the little girl lying in the road. With the help of a young man the child was taken to Hospital. - Charles Ernest Curtis, father of the last witness, said he was in the car at the time of the accident. It was a wretched night, and visibility was very bad. After passing a pedal cyclist they began to draw into their correct side when without any warning something flashed across the front of the car. He told his daughter to pull up. He got out and going back a few yards he found the girl lying in the road. - Driving Carefully. - He was satisfied that his daughter was driving very carefully when the accident occurred. The only construction he could put on the accident was that the child suddenly darted out from the kerb. They appreciated that in driving along Cattedown-road the utmost caution should be shown.- George Hassett, South Milton-street, Cattedown, said he was passing through Cattedown-road when he saw a car going along at about ten miles an hour. He saw the girl run off the pavement and in front of the car. She seemed to be playing with two other little girls. The accident could not have been avoided by the driver. - Francis Ernest Henry Johnson, clerk, of Salcombe-terrace, Lipson, who was riding the pedal cycle, said "I do not think the accident could possibly have been avoided." - Dr F. A. Blackwood, resident Surgical Officer at the Hospital, said the child was unconscious when admitted. Death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, "and exonerated Miss Curtis from blame. - The Coroner said it was one of those cases which occurred all too frequently of a child darting out from the pavement without noticing an oncoming car. It was to be hoped that what was being taught in the schools about the dangers of crossing the streets would in future serve to lessen these accidents.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Woman Injured While Cleaning Bedroom. - At an Inquest on MRS FLORENCE MAY SHILSON, aged 38, of Guelph-place, Higher Compton, Plymouth, held at Vauxhall-street, yesterday, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, of "Death from Pneumonia, accelerated by an Accidental fall in her room." - MR ERNEST WILLIAM SHILSON said on Saturday week his wife was cleaning the bedroom, when she hurt her side and back in getting between two bedsteads. She did not complain at the time, but went out that evening to do her shopping. - When witness met her in the town she was looking very pale and he asked her what was the matter. She replied she was feeling ill and wanted to go home. - He obtained some brandy and they went home together in the 'bus. - Dr C. H. Letchworth said MRS SHILSON died from heart failure due to pneumonia, accelerated by an accidental fall in her room. - The Coroner remarked that it was a bad state of things for MR and MRS SHILSON and their three sons, aged 15,13, and 9 years, all to be sleeping in one bedroom, and added that, although it had nothing to do with the case, it was probable that had there not been three beds close together in so small a room the accident might have been avoided. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Slipped Downstairs. - "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest on MISS MARY EMILY MONK, of Torrington-place, Plymouth. - Evidence was given by MISS MONK'S sister to the effect that she had fallen downstairs on November 25, injuring her left hip. Dr Corbett was sent for and attended her until the day of her death on December 30.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Gas Drama In Bedroom. Man Dead And Boy Unconscious. Accident Verdict At Plymouth. - The strange circumstances of the gas tragedy in which SYDNEY FRANCIS HANDFORD, aged 24, of 2 Archer-place, Plymouth, a chef, lost his life and a boy, named PERCY FRANCIS SAVILLE, aged 11, of the same address, was found unconscious in the courtyard, were only partially explained at the adjourned Inquest yesterday, when the Jury, returning a verdict that HANDFORD died of Coal Gas Poisoning, said that the mishap was purely Accidental. - Evidence was given suggesting that a gas tap had become accidentally turned on by the moving of a picture or a chair, and the boy SAVILLE told the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, that he awakened in the night with dry lips, feeling very thirsty. He was unable to get out of the door as the handle was broken, and therefore clambered through the window. In the courtyard he fell, and remained there unconscious all night. - Detective-Inspector Lucas was present on behalf of the City Police, and Mr J. A. Richmond gave evidence as an official of the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas, Light and Coke Company. - Since the adjournment both Coroner and Jury had visited the scene of the tragedy. - MRS MARTHA HANDFORD, mother, who at the previous hearing had given evidence of identification, said her son slept in a small room at the back of the house on the ground floor, sleeping in the same bed with her grandson, PERCY FRANCIS SAVILLE. On December 28 her son retired at about 10.30, having had the evening off from his work at the Globe Restaurant. - He was a man of sober habits and had been indoors all the afternoon and evening. Her grandson had gone to bed before her son. - HANDFORD usually rose at about 8 a.m., but last Saturday he did not do so and at about 9 - 10 witness went to call him. She went into the bedroom and saw him lying on the floor on his face, with his head underneath the bed. - Dead Some Hours. - She pulled him out and turned him over on his back, but though she sent for Dr Heffernan she thought he was dead. When the doctor arrived he said he had been dead some hours. - The blind of the window was not drawn, the bottom half of the window was closed, but the top half was as wide open as it could be. - Down by the side of the mantelpiece there was a gas-pipe leading from the room above; it was fitted with a tap from which led a piece of flexible tubing formerly used to convey gas to a gas ring. That was no longer in use, but had not been disconnected. - The tap, which turned very easily, she discovered, had been turned nearly half-way round. When she first entered she noticed no smell of gas. - Over the bed there had been a fairly large picture. It had fallen down a week previously, and had afterwards been placed near the tap. - The Coroner: It is your theory that someone had accidentally touched the picture, which had caused the tap to turn? - Yes.- Had you noticed any escape of gas? - There was a smell of gas, because there were men working on the gas main in the lane, but they put it right before they left. - You had never noticed any escape of gas in this particular room before? - Never. - Her son was of a happy disposition and had no financial worries. - There were also marks and scratches on the window, as though a man had been struggling desperately to open it, or to get out. - Schoolboy's Story. - The next witness was PERCY FRANCIS SAVILLE. He was brought into the room by an attendant, who supported him while he gave his evidence. - After telling the Coroner that he felt "quite well," he said he had slept with HANDFORD for about three months. On this particular night he did not hear his uncle come in. - "During the night," he said, "I woke up and felt thirsty. It was dark, and I could not see if there were anyone else there. I could not get out of the door because the handle was outside, so I lifted down the top of the window and got out that way. I went out to get a drink at the tap, which was outside in the courtyard." - "I got a drink," he proceeded, "and then, as far as I remember, I fell down, knocking my forehead and knees. After that I could not remember much." - He had never felt thirsty in the night like that before. From the time he fell down he remembered nothing until he woke up at the Hospital. He smelt no gas in the room. - He remembered the picture falling down and being placed near the gas tap which had been referred to. On that particular night he lit the gas, and after putting it out lit a candle, but went to sleep without putting it out. When, however, he woke up thirsty it had gone out. - "I did not meddle with the other tap at all, and I turned the light quite off." - Mrs Florence Pearce said on December 29 she got up about 8.45 a.m., and, pulling up the blind, she saw the boy PERCY SAVILLE on the ground in the courtyard in a crouching position. He was only partly dressed and both knees were cut. - "I went to him and found he was wet through and still unconscious, so I carried him upstairs." - At this point there were questions regarding the bolting of the door of the courtyard. It was stated that it was bolted at the usual time, but the witness noticed and was surprised to find it open in the morning. - Gas Connection In Order. - John Arthur Richmond, distribution superintendent, Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Light and Coke Company, said about noon on Saturday it was reported to him that there had been an accident at Archer-place. He went immediately to the house and was shown the tap which had been found turned on. He examined it, found it was one which turned only one way and turned easily. It was in fairly good order. It was quite possible for it to have been turned on by the pressure of anyone moving a picture or the chair. - The Coroner: As far as your company is concerned there is nothing wrong with the gas connection? - Nothing whatever. - In the passage a slight escape of gas had been reported two days previous to this accident, but was in no way connected with the supply under consideration. It had been repaired. - Dr T. P. Heffernan said death was due to coal-gas poisoning. The boy saved himself by keeping high and going to the window, while the man apparently fell to the floor, where the gas, being heavy, was thickest. - The Coroner said the case presented some peculiar circumstances, but after hearing the evidence he thought the Jury would come to the conclusion that this was a case of pure accident. He thought some movement of the picture or a chair, just as HANDFORD was going to bed, must have accidentally turned on the gas tap. All the circumstances pointed to that conclusion. - After a brief retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 4 January 1929
PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Tragedy. Keyham Man Found Dead On Mortuary Steps. - JOSEPH HOLYOAKE, single, aged 49, an army pensioner, who lodged at Fleet-street, Keyham, Devonport, was found dead on the Mortuary steps at Turnchapel at 9.30 yesterday morning. Frederick Rowse, docker, of Hooe, Plymstock, who discovered the man, immediately communicated with Constable Salter, who fetched Dr Bradbury, of Plymstock. - At the Inquest held later in the day by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Coroner for the Tavistock district, it was stated that the man came to Turnchapel that morning looking for work. He called at the Post Office at 9.15, where he was given a cup of tea. He then appeared to be all right, but a quarter of an hour later he was found dead in a sitting position on the Mortuary Steps at Turnchapel. - Medical evidence was to the effect that the man was suffering from pneumonia, and that this, combined with exposure to the cold, was the cause of death. - The verdict returned was in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 January 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Tragedy. Suicide Verdict At Inquest On Dockyard Employee. - A verdict of "Suicide," was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who said there was not sufficient evidence as to the state of mind, at an Inquest on Thursday, on EDWARD CHARLES SMITH, aged 44, riveter in H.M. Dockyard, who resided at John-street, Devonport. - Mr F. E. Bowden attended on behalf of the Admiralty. - WILLIAM HENRY SMITH, a brother, said he lived with deceased. On Wednesday last they had both been to work and sat down to tea together. His brother then appeared all right. Witness went out and on returning about 10.30 found the tea table had not been cleared, and thought his brother must be unwell. He went to the bedroom but could not gain admittance, the door being locked on the inside. Witness called a neighbour, Mr Kelly, and, failing to open the door, a ladder was procured and admittance gained through the bedroom window. There witness found his brother lying in a pool of blood with a razor by his side. Deceased had always been very cheerful, and had no trouble so far as witness knew. - MRS FLORENCE CURTIS, of Avondale-terrace, Keyham, a sister, said when she saw her brother on Wednesday evening he appeared as usual. He had never threatened to take his life, and had always expressed sorrow when he heard of anyone doing so. - Constable Bulley deposed to being called to the house, and after having accompanied the man to Hospital returned and searched the room, finding a razor with the blade broken. - Medical evidence showed that the man was dead when brought to the Hospital. He had a wound in the throat extending to the right ear, and haemorrhage from the wound was the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 January 1929
TORQUAY - Death Follows Fall. Inquest on 92-Years-Old Torquay Woman. - An Inquest on a 92-years-old Torquay woman, whose death was accelerated by an accident, was held by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner at Torquay yesterday. - Deceased was MISS MARY HARRIET BULKELEY, of Summerland-cottages, Trumland's-road, St Marychurch, Torquay, who died on Thursday morning. Miss Brinstone, deceased's maid, said that on December 12 MISS BULKELEY caught her foot in the leg of a table and fell on her side. She complained that her leg hurt when she moved it, and a doctor was called. He attended her until she died. - Dr W. C. Davidson said deceased was suffering from shock and a broken thigh-bone. Her strength was unable to stand against the shock, and she gradually became weaker. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by shock due to the fall. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Tribute To Coroner. Gratitude Expressed At Plymouth Inquest. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on LIEUT.-COM. WILLIAM FIDDICK, retired, R.N., aged 68, of 37 Amherst-road, Plymouth. - It was stated that the deceased had suffered from depression, sleeplessness and pains in his head and had been attended by Dr Elgar Down. Early on Monday morning he was found with his head in the gas oven in the scullery, and although Police Constable Burgess tried artificial respiration it was without avail. - REV. H. G. FIDDICK, of Nottingham, deceased's son, expressed his gratitude to the Coroner, his officer (Sergt. Byrne), and Constable Burgess for the consideration they had shown and Mr Pearce explained that it was always the endeavour of himself and Sergt. Byrne to alleviate as much as they could the distress which relatives must feel in such circumstances.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 January 1929
KINGSBRIDGE - Kingsbridge Man's Death.- An Inquest was held by Mr T. Edmonds at Kingsbridge yesterday into the death of STEPHEN WIDGER, 86 years, retired saddler. For some time he had been delivering newspapers for a local newsagent and on Saturday morning, while calling at a house, he tripped over a mat and fell, striking his head. From the medical evidence the Coroner recorded "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 January 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Found In The Teign. Kingsteignton Mystery Cleared Up. - It was established at the Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening that the body of the man found in the River Teign on Sunday morning was that of GEORGE SELLEY, clay miner, aged 53, who had been missing from his home at 1 Chudleigh-road, Kingsteignton, since December 28. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. - In connection with the disappearance of deceased search parties had been organized on two Sundays and individual searches had been made, but without any trace of the missing man being discovered. - Deceased was identified by his son, WILLIAM EDWARD SELLEY, of Fore-street, Ideford. He said his father had been home from work for nine weeks. No communication had been found to account for his disappearance. - Constable Wolland said he organized two large search parties on successive Sundays, and made individual searches without getting any trace. With the exception that one slipper was missing, the clothing on deceased when found was the same as when he left home. A sum of £4 14s. 9d. in money was in the pockets. - Albert Laskey, farm labourer, of 16 Elm-terrace, Newton Abbot, who had helped in the search, said he saw the body in the River Teign, near Dolbeer's Marsh, at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday, in 6 ft. of water. - Dr D. Cromie said death was due to drowning. He attended deceased for hernia but he was depressed and said he did not sleep well. - Deceased had worked underground but was unable to do so owing to his disability, and witness advised him to try and get a job on the surface.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. Man Dead And Wife Seriously Ill. Inquest Adjourned For More Evidence. - The circumstances in which a man and his wife were found lying in their bedroom were described at the Inquest yesterday on HARRY WALTER WHENMOUTH, of 33 Tresilian-street, Prince Rock, Plymouth. - MRS WHENMOUTH was stated to be lying extremely ill in Greenbank Infirmary. The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said he was quite convinced that it was an accident of some sort, and they would hear more about it when the widow was able to attend and give evidence. He adjourned the Inquest until February 5. - HENRY WILLIAM WHENMOUTH, saddler, residing at Bodmin-street, Holsworthy, identified the body as that of his father, who was 84 years of age. He as formerly a general labourer, and he last saw him alive in September, when he seemed as well as could be expected for his age. - Locked Door. - ELLEN CLARK, 13 Harvey-avenue, Prince Rock, widow of James Donald Clark, labourer, said the deceased was her brother-in-law. She visited her sister and brother-in-law nearly every day. On Sunday, January 13, at 4 p.m., she went to take them some food, as they were unable to cook and look after themselves, her sister being totally blind. She visited them again on Monday, January 14, at 6 p.m. She thought they must have gone to bed. The next day, at 2.30 p.m. she called and found the door still locked. - "At 3.30 p.m. I returned to the house and finding the door still locked I informed the Police". Inquiries showed that the neighbours had not seen the couple for some time. - "When my daughter, who was with me, lifted the letter-box, she said she smelt gas. - There was a gas ring in deceased's kitchen, for they used to boil the kettle on it. They had been married 38 years, and were a very happy couple. In moving about deceased might have pushed his chair against the tap of the gas ring and loosened it, thus causing a slight escape." - Mr J. A. Richmond, who represented the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Co., said he inspected the gas tap in the presence of a Police Officer and found that the tap was quite in order. It was a very small boiling ring. - Gas Tap Full On. - P.C. Holmes said he was called to the house about 4.45 p.m. on Tuesday with P.C. Bickle, and saw MRS CLARK there. The door was locked, and he entered by the back scullery door, which was slightly open. He detected a faint smell of gas, and later found that the gas tap was turned full on. The smell of gas was very faint. Upstairs he found MR and MRS WHENMOUTH, both lying in bed. MR WHENMOUTH was undressed and apparently dead. MRS WHENMOUTH was fully dressed and in an unconscious condition. He could detect no smell of gas then. - Frederick Ellis, fitter, in the employ of the Plymouth and Stonehouse Gas Company, said he entered the house with the Police and found the tap of the gas ring full on. He immediately turned the tap at the main off. Subsequently he examined the tap of the gas ring and found that it was in good condition. - It was suggested in Court that the light from the gas ring might have been accidentally blown out with the tap still on. - Dr McNair, who examined the deceased, said the internal organs were weak, and in such a condition that very little would cause a fatal issue. The actual existing cause of death was coal gas poisoning. He had been dead probably twenty-four hours. - The Coroner said he was quite convinced that it was an accident of some sort, and they would hear more about it when the widow was able to attend and give evidence. He therefore adjourned the Inquest until February 5.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 January 1929
BRIXHAM - Poison Tragedy. Brixham Inquest Story Of Wife's Discovery. - "Death through Drinking Poison while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict recorded by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at Brixham on Friday on CHARLES COOPER, who was found by his wife unconscious at his residence, Great Rea, on Wednesday afternoon. - MRS COOPER told the Coroner that on entering the room she detected a strong smell of Lysol. Going to the bathroom, she found a comparatively full bottle of Lysol, which she had left there in the morning, had been emptied. Dr E. H. Molesworth was summoned, and COOPER passed away during the night. - COOPER, who was a native of Yorkshire, took up his residence at Brixham last September. He was formerly an electrical engineer in Burma.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 January 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Local Gas Tragedy. Devonport Woman Who Was Victim Of Nerves. - Mr W. E. J. Major, the Deputy Coroner, recorded a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest on Saturday on MRS EMILY LYDIA BURCH, aged 38, wife of MR ALBERT ERNEST BURCH, warrant wardmaster, Royal Navy, of Welsford-avenue, Devonport. - The husband gave evidence of identification, and said his wife had not been herself for about four months. Her nerves were troubling her and she seemed worried about the children. - Dr Stauffer said death was due to coal gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 January 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - How Accidents Are Caused. Coroner And Plympton Woman's Fate. Plymouth's Congested Hospitals. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday on MRS ELIZABETH HARRIET LUSCOMBE, aged 68, of Pensilva House, Plympton St Maurice, who was knocked down and killed by a motor van in Plympton on Friday, the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said the case was one of those in which people went to cross a thorough-fare, and, hearing a motor horn, hesitated before turning back to the pavement or continuing to cross the road. - In many such cases if the pedestrians only continued their crossing instead of becoming confused and hesitating in the middle of the road there would be no accidents. - Replying to a member of the Jury, who asked why deceased after the accident, was conveyed from her home to such a distant Hospital as the Royal Albert, the Coroner said that, although he had had no information about it, he supposed the other Hospitals were full. Hospitals in the city were certainly becoming very congested. - The Jury commended the driver of the motor van for his ready information of the facts of the accident and exonerated him from blame. - Driver's Story. - HENRY J. SPURR, of Powell-cottages, Plympton St Maurice, deceased's brother, said his sister possessed good sight and hearing and was fairly active physically. - William Roland Dannan, aged 17, of Cambridge-street, Plymouth, who was driving the motor van, belonging to his employer, Mr Charles Strong, of Cobourg-street, Plymouth, said, driving at about ten miles an hour, he had just passed the Post Office Inn, when a lady stepped off the pavement on his side of the road and commenced to walk across the road close in front of his van. He put on his brakes and sounded the horn, at the same time swerving to the right. The left side of his radiator touched her and she seemed to fall over. He pulled up in less than the length of his van. She stepped out into the road close to his car without looking to see if any vehicle was approaching. - J. H. Morgan, of the Fish Stores, Plympton, said MRS LUSCOMBE hesitated in front of the van, which, although going slowly, was almost on top of her. There was no blame to be attached to the driver. - Police Constable Huxtable, who was on duty on the main road near the Plymouth Inn, said when he signalled the van to pass it was going at between 12 and 15 miles an hour. - DR E. C. Savona, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said the woman died about twenty minutes after admission. A post mortem examination showed that the cause of death was unrelieved pressure on the brain and meningeal haemorrhage, following fracture of the skull. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Death Before Operation. - Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict of "Death from degeneration of the heart muscle whilst under an anaesthetic preparatory to an operation," at an Inquest yesterday on MR WILLIAM EDMUND BUTCHERS, aged 61 years, a retired naval warrant officer, of 5 Beechwood-terrace, Mutley.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 January 1929
PLYMSTOCK - Gas Poisoning Tragedy. Dead Manager And Fire Fittings. Pomphlett Inquest Verdict. - "Suicide by Coal Gas Poisoning" was the verdict returned at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY TILSTON, aged 54, manager of the South Devon Concrete Manufacturing Company's works at Pomphlett, near Plymouth, who was found dead in his office on Monday morning. The Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, stated that there was no evidence to show the state of his mind. - Richard James White, of Thornville-terrace, Oreston, a foreman of the company, said on Saturday morning MR TILSTON appeared to be in his usual good spirits. On the previous day (Friday) MR TILSTON asked him how he turned the gas on at the meter at the office. Witness explained, but he (deceased) wanted to see how it was done and witness showed him the working of the lever. In another conversation MR TILSTON asked witness if he turned off the gas of an evening. He replied in the affirmative and MR TILSTON told him not to turn it off in future, as he might require it. - Rushed To The Window. - On Monday, proceeded Mr White, he went to the office about 8 a.m., but could not open the door. He then smelt gas and, recalling the conversation which he had with MR TILSTON, he rushed to the window and saw the manager lying on his back on the floor. Witness broke the window and climbed into the room. Deceased's body was lying on the floor covered with a rug, with the exception of the face, which was near the gas heater. - The gas supply pipe had been broken off close to the tap near the skirting. TILSTON'S head was resting on an attaché case. Deceased had never given any indication of being in any trouble. - Dr Steuart Noy-Scott, of Plymstock, said when he saw the body on Monday morning deceased had been dead from 12 to 16 hours. Coal-gas poisoning was the cause of death. - Constable Brewer, of Oreston, stated that he found an open book, an envelope containing an Income-tax assessment and the piece of broken gas piping on the table in the office near the body. MR TILSTON had been lodging at Grove Park, Rocky-hill, Pomphlett, and his landlady spoke very favourably of him. Witness spoke to TILSTON about 2.45 p.m. on Sunday, when he was going towards the office. He seemed quite normal. - Satisfactory In His Job. - Charles Selby Glenwalker, of Kensington, managing director of the company, said that MR TILSTON was quite satisfactory with regard to his job. The company had no complaint at all to make. Witness was down from London last Wednesday to see the works, but he did not discuss the general business of the firm with deceased. Everything was in order as far as he knew at present. - ARTHUR ROBERT JAMES TILSTON, of Kingscourt-road, London, a son, said his father had been living apart from his mother. Witness and his father had not communicated recently. To his knowledge his father did not suffer from depression, and was always very cheerful.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - . Errand Boy Dies From Injuries.- A tragedy occurred yesterday, an errand boy receiving fatal injuries in collision with a lorry.- The fatality occurred during the rush hour at lunch time yesterday, when the streets were crowded with traffic. The boy, HARRY SLADE, 16, of Richmond-street, Plymouth, who was employed by Messrs. Whipples, butchers, of Old Town-street, was riding a cycle and was emerging from Clifton-place into Tavistock-road, when he came into collision with a Plymouth Co-operative Society lorry driven by Reginald Williams, of Oreston. - He was thrown to the ground and rendered unconscious. The St John Ambulance Brigade were summoned, and the boy was rushed to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. So severe were his injuries, however, that he died at 8 p.m. Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1929 PLYMOUTH - Schoolboy's Fatal Dash. - A verdict of "Death from a Broken Neck and multiple injuries caused by being Accidentally run over by a lorry" was returned by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on BERNARD WILLIAM JONES, aged six years, of 19 Bath-lane, Plymouth. - EDWARD JONES, a dock labourer, the boy's father, said his son left home to go to Frederick-street School at 8.45 a.m. on Monday last. About a quarter past twelve midday he was informed by his elder son ROBERT that his younger son had been knocked down by a lorry and on going to the Central Hospital he was told that his son was dead. Replying to a question by the Coroner as to whether he had cautioned his boys as to crossing the street, witness said that this was the first time he had known the boy to cross the street without his brother, who was twelve. - William Charles Edward Hill, of Carlton-terrace, Stonehouse, driver of the lorry, said about midday on Monday he was driving to Devonport Dockyard. He was driving through King-street, Plymouth, at from six to eight miles an hour. A private car was approaching him, and as he was in a narrow spot he slowed down. When the car passed him four or five boys ran out from behind it to cross the road. Four of them managed to check themselves, but the smallest boy, who was in front, could not do so. He held out his hands as if to try and save himself. Witness applied his emergency and his hand brakes and felt the back wheel go over the child. - William Raymond Perring, King-street, said he saw the private motor car proceeding up King-street towards Plymouth, and the British Petroleum lorry going in the opposite direction. Five boys ran off the pavement, some hand-in-hand, others holding on to the tails of the other boys' coats. They were running quickly. They would not be able to see the lorry, because of the motor car, which had just passed. The one who was killed was the one in front and ran right into the front wheel of the lorry. Both wheels of the lorry went over him. The lorry was going slowly, and in his opinion the driver did everything possible to avoid the accident. - William Lobb, King-street, gave similar evidence and said under the conditions it was impossible for the driver to avoid the accident. - Constable John Cove said he was on duty in King-street at the bottom of Anstis-street, about 50 yards from Neswick-street-ope. The lorry passed him at a little more than walking pace. - Mr John Gourley, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said when the boy was brought to the Hospital he was dead. The child's neck was broken, and there were multiple injuries, including broken ribs. - The Jury, in giving their verdict, exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Accident A Year Ago. - The sequel to an accident in Union-street, Plymouth, in January of last year was an Inquest held yesterday, when a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence that death was due to fluid at the base of the lungs, accelerated by a fractured thigh, caused by falling when alighting from a tram, was returned by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. The victim of the accident was MRS ELIZABETH BOOLS, a widow, aged 73, of Valletort-buildings, Stonehouse, who was taken to the Central Hospital after the accident and had been there ever since. - Mr William Norman Billing, tram conductor in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation, said that MRS BOOLS alighted from the tram at the corner of Battery-street whilst the tram was moving. She jumped off backward and fell. - Mr John Gourley, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said MRS BOOLS had a fractured right femur, which had not united. She could not walk, and was lying in bed. Through lying in bed so long fluid collected at the base of the lungs. That was the cause of her death on Monday last. - The Jury exonerated the conductor and driver of the tram from blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Sudden Death. - Evidence was submitted at an Inquest conducted by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on EMANUEL FORD, 72, old-age pensioner, and formerly a labourer, residing at 1 Norley-place, Plymouth, to show that deceased had been in poor health for some time. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned and the Coroner paid tribute to the good work done in Charles Parish by Miss Pitts. - A Charles Church visitor said she went to the house and found MR FORD leaning against the fireplace and sitting on the gas ring. With assistance he was removed, but witness did not know he was burnt. The Police and a doctor were summoned. - Dr H. Guy Ludolf said he found severe burns over the back, shoulders and neck, while a post-mortem revealed an enlarged heart. He was of opinion that deceased died from acute endocarditis, and was dead before receiving the burns.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 January 1929
PLYMOUTH - Boy's Death In Road Accident. All-Day Inquest At Plymouth. Jury And Negligence Of Driver. - After a hearing lasting all day ,a verdict that "The boy met his death through the negligent driving of Williams, but that such negligence was not of a culpable nature," was returned by a Jury who sat with the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday to Inquire into the death of JOHN HENRY MARSHALL SLADE, aged 15 years, of Richmond-street, Plymouth, who was fatally injured through a collision with a motor lorry in Tavistock-road last Wednesday. - In his summing up the Coroner said it ought to be understood by all drivers of motor vehicles that Tavistock-road was a difficult one to drive through in either direction, the traffic there being very considerable. It was wonderful to think that at the time of that particular accident there was no down traffic. If there had been, probably the accident would not have occurred. - Sympathy with the parents was extended by the Jury, the Coroner and Messrs. H. Lawrence Spear and Mayburne Pearce, who represented the lad's employers and the Plymouth Co-operative Society and driver of the lorry respectively. - Mr John Woolland watched the proceedings on behalf of the boy's parents and Detective-Inspector W. T. Hutchings appeared for the Police. - Driver's Evidence. - Evidence of identification having been given by the boy's mother, the driver of the lorry, Reginald Dennis Wyatt Williams, of Oreston, stated that on Wednesday last, about 12.50 p.m., he was driving a new 30 cwt. commercial lorry up Tavistock-road. When about opposite Wentworth-villas he was overtaking another of the society's lorries, which was in the centre of the road. In order to pass witness had to go on the wrong side, and then pull in to get to the proper side. As he was doing that a cyclist appeared on his right front and struck the off mudguard and fell back in the road. Witness drew into the kerb and stopped and went to attend to the boy. The boy was riding between the two tramlines when struck, and witness did not notice where he came from previously.- Witness said he could offer no suggestion as to how deceased got into the middle of the road. He agreed that if two vehicles were proceeding abreast up the hill it would be unwise to attempt to pass, and with his driving experience witness would not try to do so. The lorry had done about 200 miles and had not been "run in." The maximum speed would be about 30 miles an hour. - "I have never known a new lorry to do from 30 to 35 miles an hour up the hill," said witness, in reply to the Coroner, adding that at the time of the accident he judged his speed at 15 miles, and if stated he was going from 45 to 50 miles an hour he would say it was incorrect. Witness was not racing the other lorry, nor was he attempting to see what speed he could get from the new lorry. He had never previously been concerned in any accident, and was exercising every care on that particular occasion. - By Mr Spear: He was not sure of the maximum speed. Witness tested lorries for hill-climbing, but was not intent on doing Tavistock-road on top gear. His vision of a horse-drawn lorry was blocked and for about 50 feet he travelled within three feet of the off kerb as the bread lorry had pulled out. Williams did not agree that the driver of the bread lorry was trying to prevent witness overtaking him. - "I was looking straight in front of me," said witness, who could offer no explanation for not having seen the boy, despite the fact that the impact was about 70 feet from the corner. - No On Coming Traffic. - Replying to Mr Woolland, witness said he took a wider sweep than he need to have done because there was no oncoming traffic. As far as he could estimate he had to go over to within about three feet from the off-kerb in order to pass the bread lorry, and nothing coming down the road could have passed him while witness was passing the other lorry. He realised a vehicle was likely to come down Clifton-place at any moment, and was ready to pull up if that should occur. He did not think his speed would attract the attention of passers-by as being anything more than usual. - Questioned by Mr Mayburne Pearce, witness stated the bread van driver appeared to wave him on, and then pulled out, necessitating witness pulling out to his off side. - Mr Henry Norman Leatherby, assistant in the City Engineer's office, produced a plan showing Tavistock-road,, and indicated as near as possible the spot at which the accident happened from information supplied by Constable Buckingham. That would be about 67 feet from a spot half-way from the kerb of Clifton-place and approximately 15 to 17 feet from either side of the road, the road being 33 feet wide. From the point of impact to where the lorry stopped was about 50 feet. It was about 180 feet from the bottom of Wentworth-villas to the scene of the accident. - Dr Leo A. Richardson, resident Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated that from a post-mortem he was satisfied death was due to fracture of the skull. There was a scalp wound and the brain was injured. - William Horace Chappell, foreman of fitters, said he gave Williams instructions to test the lorry ,and accompanied him on the trial run. - In cross-examination, witness admitted that at some time there were three vehicles abreast, but did not consider there was any danger, as the driver had a clear view. At the time of the impact there was plenty of room for the bicycle to pass witness's car. - Answering Mr Woolland, witness did not agree that there was a head-on collision, and that the lorry drove into him, and not the cyclist into the lorry. When witness saw the cyclist strike the mudguard he noticed it was the carrier that struck the mudguard. - Thrown Over Handlebars. - William Stanley Nethercott, of St Budeaux, who was driving the bread lorry, stated that he noticed a horse-drawn brewer's dray about two feet from the let kerb. Ashe started to pull out to pass the dray witness heard an electric horn behind, and, thinking it was a light car, put his hand out and waved it on. By the time he started to pull in again the following vehicle had got ahead and started to pull into its correct side. When the front of the lorry was about the centre of the tram lines witness glanced up and saw the cyclist about a second before the impact. The boy was thrown over the handlebars and pitched on his head in the roadway. - When the accident occurred Nethercott said he had reached his proper side. There was no question of racing with the other lorry. - William Ernest Johns, driver of the dray, said when near North-hill Villa a Co-operative bread van passed at a speed of about seven miles an hour. After it had passed witness noticed another lorry on the off tram-track. It drew into the off side of the van that passed witness. When the vehicle was across the metals a cyclist appeared from the back of the lorry. - William Thomas Beal, of Mutley, commercial traveller, stated that he was walking in the direction of St Matthias Church and noticed a boy on a bicycle come out of Clifton-place very slowly. Up to that time he had not noticed any motor vehicles, but had gone only a few paces when he heard a crash. - Robert Henry Hurley, scenic artist, said he was outside St Matthias Church and saw two lorries coming up the hill., The second was about a foot to a foot and a half from the offside pavement. Witness at this time noticed a boy come from Clifton-place and proceed down the road, about seven or eight feet away from the pavement. As the lorry took the left-hand bend to get past the first lorry the near mudguard seemed to pull the boy into the middle of the road, apparently catching the basket or the front wheel of the cycle, eventually throwing him unconscious between the tram-lines. - "A Terrible Speed." - Witness thought there was not quite enough room for the boy to clear the lorry, but considered the boy was pushed seven or eight feet by the lorry.- "In my opinion, I should say the motor lorry was going at a terrible speed - from about 45 to 50 miles an hour," added Hurley.- Frank Newcombe, of Mutley Plain, who was walking on the left-hand pavement, gave evidence estimating the speed of the second lorry at between 35 and 40 miles an hour. - Charles Henry Piper, dairyman, of Clifton-place, who was driving up the road, stated that he saw the cyclist with about seven or eight feet clear to pass through. In his opinion the boy took too wide a sweep as he came out of Clifton-place. The boy was going between 8 and 19 miles an hour and he thought the speed prevented him keeping to his proper side. - Questioned by a Juror, witness did not think the boy had the cycle under control just before the accident. - Constable Buckingham, of the City Police Force, said he found SLADE lying on the pavement, and assisted in his removal to the Hospital. He subsequently took the wheel track measurements and found for a distance of over 50 feet the off-wheels of the lorry were only from 1 ½ to 3 feet from the right kerb, and that the wheel marks showed at the time of the accident, it was crossing to its own side, being about 16 feet from the pool of blood where the boy had lain. Witness later made a sketch, with measurements from the side of the road and corners. The bicycle was damaged beyond repair. - The Coroner congratulated the Constable on the manner in which he had prepared the plan and taken the measurements. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 February 1929
TAVISTOCK - Road Fatality. Inquest On Tavistock Man Adjourned. - In the Magistrates' Room, Tavistock, last night, Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, (Coroner) with a Jury, held an Inquest on JAMES NANKIVELL, stonemason, of Taviton-hill, Tavistock, who died in Tavistock Hospital the previous morning from injuries received as the result of an accident in Brook-street on Monday night.- The Coroner said at the time of the accident there was a car coming from the direction of Kelly College and another car was proceeding in the opposite direction, both having headlights. Two men who were standing in the road, 13 ft. 5 in. from the pavement opposite Messrs. Matthews' garage, were struck. One had since died and the other was now in the Tavistock Hospital suffering from injuries, and would not be able to attend the Inquiry that day to give evidence. Therefore, he (the Coroner) proposed to take only evidence of identification, and would adjourn the Inquiry until next Wednesday so that they might be able to have the evidence of the man who was now in the Hospital. - WILLIAM HENRY NANKIVELL, of West-street, Tavistock, identified the body as that of his brother, who was about 38 or 39 years of age, and was married with four young children all under the age of eight. - Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, of Tavistock, represented Messrs. J. Backwell and Son and Mr W. Hacken, the owners and driver respectively of one of the cars concerned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 February 1929
EGG BUCKLAND - Rail Tragedy At Marsh Mills. Man Hurled 22 Yards By Engine. - "Accidental Death, caused by being knocked down by a train on the Great Western Railway," was the verdict returned by the County Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at the Inquest at the Rising Sun Hotel, Crabtree, yesterday, on WILLIAM HENRY BERRY, aged 36, an acetylene burner, of The Haven, Leswerry-road, Newport, who was killed on the railway bridge over the river Plym near Marsh Mills. - Mr W. E. J. Major appeared for Mr John Cashmore, deceased's employer, and Inspector E. E. Henwood for the Railway Company. Supt. Joslin attended on behalf of the Police. - Joseph Mallia, of Clive-road, Cardiff, also an acetylene burner, and a fellow employee with the deceased, said that BERRY and himself left Laira at 1.55 p.m. on Friday to go to their work at Tavistock Junction, and proceeded along the railway towards Marsh Mills. They had a permit to use the railway. - Saw Train Approaching. - They had reached the bridge near Marsh Mills, and witness was actually upon it, when he saw a train approaching from the direction of Plympton. He called out to BERRY, who was walking behind him, crying, "Mind, HARRY! There is a train coming," and BERRY answered "All right." They had been walking on the footpath on the right-hand side of the track, facing the down line. There was 2 ft. 9 in. between the rails and the side of the bridge. - When witness saw the train coming he jumped on to the top of the bridge girder. He did not see what happened to BERRY, as he had his back to him. When he turned around the first thing he saw was deceased twisting over and over, coming off the engine. His head was completely smashed in. BERRY would have been quite all right if he had only done what witness had done and jumped on the girder. - The train was about 85 yards away when witness first saw it. There was a bend in the track at that point. At the time of the accident witness was about 11 or 12 feet across the bridge and BERRY, who had been walking about eight feet behind him, must have been three or four feet on the bridge. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness stated that they could have gone by the road, but in any case they would have had to cross the track to reach the place where they were working. - Railway Permit. - In reply to Mr Major, he said the work they were doing was not in connection with the Great Western Railway, but for Mr John Cashmore. They were employed cutting up girders both at Laira and at the Tavistock junction. - The railway permit, which was read by the Coroner, permitted BERRY and the last witness to "go on the railway property at Laira for the purpose of work at Tavistock junction." - Ernest Edward Henwood, district traffic inspector at Millbay, said the only point he wished to raise was that the permit issued was only granted in the ordinary way for the purpose of going on the railway company's property for certain work, and it was not intended to be used for walking on "running" lines. He was prepared to admit, however, that the wording suggested the latter. A different form of permit was issued for walking along the line. - The two men could have gone to the job by the road without crossing the main line by passing over the branch line at Marsh Mills Station. - Constable A. E. Jarman, stationed at Crabtree, stated that he saw the body of the deceased lying on the bank on the down side, where it had been thrown by the train, about 22 yards from the end of the bridge, and about 10 feet from the metals. His head was smashed in, his left thigh was broken, and also his right fore-arm. The distance between the side of the bridge and the metals was 3 ft. 4 in. - It was stated that the engine of the train projected beyond the rails about 2 ft.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1929
TAVISTOCK -Tavistock Suicide. Man Who Was Depressed By Fears Of Cancer. - "That deceased committed Suicide by hanging while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned by Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, at the Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on CHARLES EDWIN WEEKES, 48, general labourer and an ex-service man, married, of Vigo Bridge-road, Tavistock. He was found hanging from a tree at Moorshop Plantation, about 1 ½ miles from Tavistock, on Monday afternoon. - JOHN HENRY WEEKES, brother of deceased, said CHARLES had been under medical treatment. He told witness he worried because he fancied he "had something growing inside." Some time ago their sister died from cancer, and deceased had told witness that if he ever had anything like that he would do away with himself. - George William Woods, motor lorry driver, of Tavistock, deceased's brother-in-law, said that on Sunday last witness visited the deceased. He was walking up and down with his walking stick. He asked what was the matter and the deceased replied, "I am fed up; I have got the old pains again." Witness told him it was nothing to be afraid of. Deceased was very depressed. - After medical evidence a verdict was returned as stated.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1929
PLYMOUTH - Prince Rock Fatality. - In connection with the death from as poisoning in January of HENRY WALTER WHENMOUTH, 33 Tresillian-street, the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, reported yesterday that he had had an opportunity of questioning MRS WHENMOUTH, who had been under treatment at Greenbank Infirmary. She explained that she left her husband smoking in the kitchen when she went to bed and that she remembered nothing more until finding herself in the Infirmary. - Apparently, said the Coroner, the husband accidentally turned on the gas tap. Having regard to MRS WHENMOUTH'S statement, and the evidence already given, he recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Collision With 'Bus. Jury And Lighting Of Plymouth Road. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on CLIFFORD JOHN CLARKE, a grocer's assistant, aged 19, of 52 Wolseley-road, Swilly, who while riding a bicycle came into collision with a Corporation 'bus and died before reaching Hospital. - The Jury expressed the opinion that the part of Wolseley-road where the accident occurred was inadequately lighted. They exonerated the driver of the 'bus from blame. - William Hector Gurney of 12 Whittington-street, a Corporation driver-conductor, said he first saw CLARKE when he cycled past the near headlight of the 'bus and crossed in front. Witness applied his brakes and stopped the 'bus within a yard. There was another driver named Tazewell on the 'bus, and the 'bus was really in Tazewell's charge, but witness was fully qualified as a conductor-driver. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce: Why were you driving and not Tazewell? - I was kind of getting my hand in, as you might say. - Were you detailed for duty on this 'bus? - I was allowed to by permit. - Speed Misjudged? - William John Tazewell, 58 Lisson-grove, said Gurney was driving in accordance with the regulations. He did all that was possible to avert the accident. The cyclist was overtaking the 'bus on the wrong side, and, witness thought, misjudged the speed of the 'bus, which was accelerating. - William Joseph Catton, 14 Myrtle-view, Swilly, and Arthur George Eggleton, 20 Briardale-road, Swilly, passengers in the 'bus, agreed that the driver did all he could in the circumstances. - Mr F. G. Ford, traffic superintendent of the City transport undertaking, said Gurney was fully qualified and would have been driving since the early part of December had a 'bus been available. - Dr D. Preiskel, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased, who was dead when he reached the Institution, died from a fractured skull. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated Gurney from blame. They expressed the opinion that the part of the road where the fatality occurred was inadequately lighted. - Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, represented the Corporation, Detective-Inspector Lucas the Police, Mr A. R. Hamilton Akaster the parents of the deceased and Mr Jasper Richards the Transport and General Workers' Union.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 February 1929
PLYMOUTH - An Open Verdict. Cattewater Drowning Mystery Unsolved. - "Found Drowned" was recorded at an Inquest held yesterday by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, relative to the death of PHILIPPA BARRETT, aged 53, a widow, who resided at Julian-street. - Evidence was given to the effect that she had been in ill-health for some time, and for three weeks was very strange in her manner. She left home after midnight last Thursday and was found wandering in Cattedown-road in her night attire. - On Sunday she disappeared, and her body was subsequently found in the Cattewater. - Her son-in-law, MR CORNELIUS CARROLL, thanked the Police for their efforts to trace her after her disappearance had been reported.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 February 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. Suicide Verdict On Retired Restaurant Keeper.- "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday at the Inquest on ALBERT JOHN NICHOLAS, a retired restaurant-keeper, of Frankfort-street, Plymouth. It was stated that deceased had been in business for many years, and that he had had considerable business worries. He had been obliged to keep to his bed for several months and had continually been imagining that he had all sorts of complaints. - MRS ANNIE NICHOLAS, his wife, giving evidence of the tragedy, stated that she had gone out that day, and on returning found her husband on the bed, partly dressed and noticed that leading to his mouth was a rubber tube connected to the gas bracket. - Police-Constable S. G. Fellowes stated that he was called to give assistance. There was a strong smell of gas as he entered the room, and deceased was lying unconscious on the bed. He tried artificial respiration with Sergt. Bright, but their efforts were unavailing. Corporal Parr, of the St. John Ambulance, applied oxygen without effect. - Dr Gourley declared that when the deceased was brought to him he was dead. A post-mortem examination confirmed the fact that death was due to coal-gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 February 1929
TAVISTOCK - Fatal End To Talk In Roadway. Driver Exonerated At Tavistock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest at Tavistock yesterday on JAS. NANKIVELL, 38, a stonemason, of Taviton Mill, Tavistock, who died as the result of injuries received when knocked down by a car while he was talking to another man in the road on January 28. - Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, of Tavistock, represented Mr J. Backwell and Mr W. Y. Hawken the owner and driver respectively of one of the cars involved. - Dr Charles Spencer Anderson, of Tavistock, stated that on January 28 he saw NANKIVELL at the Tavistock Hospital as soon as he arrived. He was then suffering from a fracture of the base of the skull, from the effects of which he died on January 30. - William Young Hawken, of Fitzford-cottages, Tavistock, motor driver, in the employ of Mr Backwell, said that on Monday, January 28 about a quarter past eight, he was driving a car from Parkwood to Tavistock. The night was very wet and foggy. - Dazzled By Lights. - He noticed a car with very bright lights approaching, and was dazzled by the lights. He slowed down, applying his brakes and closing the throttle. He did not see anyone in the road. The first intimation he had that anything was wrong was when he felt the car bump. He pulled up, got out of the car, and found MR NANKIVELL lying on the ground. Witness's car did not go more than two yards after the bump. The other car went straight on. He sounded his horn when approaching the entrance to the back of the market. - Replying to Supt. Joslin witness did not think the dazzling headlights caused him to change his direction. - Frederick Dodd, of Tavistock, said he passed along the street just before the accident and saw NANKIVELL and Creber (who was injured) standing in the road talking. They were about 12 or 13 ft. from the pavement. - In Earnest Conversation. - Charles Creber, labourer, Pym-street, Tavistock, said he stopped with MR NANKIVELL and had a conversation with him. He did not know how far it was from the kerb. He did not hear any horn and knew nothing about any cars coming until he was struck on the head and knocked over. He was engaged in a very earnest conversation about the weather with MR NANKIVELL at the time. - The Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, said if people would chose to stand in the middle of the road holding a conversation instead of on the pavement, they were asking for trouble. They must accept Mr Hawken's statement that the lights of the approaching car were so brilliant that they dazzled him, and that he was unable to see anyone standing in the road.- Mr W. B. Alger (Foreman of the Jury), said the Jury exonerated the driver of the car from all blame. - The Coroner returned a verdict "That the deceased died at Tavistock Hospital from a fractured skull, caused through being knocked down by a motor car, and that no blame was attributable to Mr Hawken."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 February 1929
CHUDLEIGH - Jury Censures Mother. Child's Death From Want Of Food. Chudleigh Inquest Story. - The mother of a six-weeks-old child was censured by the Jury and Coroner at the Inquest at Chudleigh on Tuesday on CECIL FRANK WHITE, the child of MR and MRS C. W. WHITE, of Victoria-row, Chudleigh, whose death took place in the early hours of the preceding morning. - Dr H. B. Walters, of Chudleigh, stated in his evidence that the child's death was due to starvation. The mother, who wept bitterly, declined to give evidence. The Inquest lasted for two and a half hours. - CECIL WILLIAM WHITE, father of the child, said both doctor and nurse saw the child after it was born, and the latter continued to attend it for ten days, when the little one did not show any signs of being ill. Some two or three days after the nurse had left the child was taken ill. It was fed on milk food, and apparently did well. Witness noticed something wrong on Sunday night about 12.30, and went for the doctor. Both the nurse and the doctor came, but the child died at 3.30. - Medical Evidence. - Nurse Coombs, District Nurse at Chudleigh, said when it was born the child was perfectly healthy, and weighed 6 ½ lb. When she was called on the Monday morning about 1.15 she found the child very weak and with convulsions. The child was very emaciated. - Dr H. B. Walters, Chudleigh, said he attended the child after birth. No preparations had been made, the mother saying she did not know she was going to have a baby. He continued to see the child, which was healthy. Witness was called about 1.15 on Monday morning and found the child very weak and emaciated. - A post-mortem examination showed the organs perfectly healthy, but there was a little congestion at the base of the lungs. There was no food whatever in the stomach or intestines, and the child weighed only 5 ½ lb. The cause of death was want of food, in other words, starvation. - Mother's Tears. - The mother of the child was invited to give evidence by the Coroner, but refused, crying bitterly. - Nurse Walters, Health Visitor, of Newton Abbot, said she called at the house on Friday, when the mother said the child was going on all right. - The mother again refused to give evidence. - The Jury expressed the opinion that death was due to carelessness on the part of the mother owing to ignorance and that she was deserving of censure. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, said it was monstrous to think that a person of her age should be so ignorant. The Jury had taken a merciful view of the matter, and he hoped it would be a warning to her in the future. - The verdict would be that death was due to "Inanition, caused by Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 February 1929
BIRMINGHAM - Gas Tragedy. Plymouth Woman's Suicide At Birmingham. - The story of a Plymouth woman's suicide through sleeplessness while on a visit to her son was related at a Birmingham Inquest on CAROLINE CREEDY, aged 69, of Thornbury Park-avenue, Peverell, Plymouth. - The son, who lives at Small Heath, Birmingham, said his mother arrived a short while ago quite suddenly on a visit from Plymouth, but although she had suffered much from sleeplessness, she persistently declined to see a doctor. On the night before her death they went to bed as usual and during the night his mother came to his room and complained of being unable to sleep. He heard her go back to her own room, but on the following morning she was found dead in the kitchen with her head in the gas oven. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 February 1929
LYDFORD - Convicts As Bearers. Fellow-Prisoner Buried At Princetown. - Amid rigorous winter conditions and the falling snowflakes WALTER GEORGE CHERRY, a convict from Dartmoor Prison was buried at St Michael's, Princetown, yesterday afternoon. He was borne to his resting-place by eight fellow-prisoners, and a service in the church and at the graveside was conducted by the Prison Chaplain, Rev. T. H. Green. - There were two wreaths, one from the Prison officials and the other from the Deputy Governor, Major Grew, and Mrs Grew. - At an Inquest conducted by Mr H. C. Browne, (Okehampton) a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned, medical evidence showing that CHERRY had died from pneumonia. It was stated that the man had been in Hospital since January 22, suffering from general debility, and his health showed an improvement until February 2, when he developed pneumonia from which he died on Monday. - CHERRY, who was 52 years of age, was well behaved and very respectful in Prison. He had been at Dartmoor since October 1925. So far as is known he had no relatives, and during the time he had been at Princetown had not either written or received a letter from anyone.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 February 1929
PLYMPTON - Farm Tragedy. Man Found Hanging In Plympton Cowshed. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, returned a verdict of "Death by Hanging" at the Inquest at Plympton yesterday on ERNEST JOHN HALLING, aged 50, of Greenbank-cottages, Underwood, Plympton, who was found hanging in a cowshed by his employer, Mr R. Revell, a butcher, of Ridgeway. - Mr Revell said he sent HALLING, who was working at the farm, into the field for some hay. Later witness went into the field and found the door of the cowshed fastened on the inside. He forced his way in and saw deceased hanging from a beam of the roof. With assistance, he cut the body down. He thought HALLING was dead when first found. Dr Sampford was called and the body was taken to the Mortuary. - Mr HALLING, of the Old Priory Cottage, Plympton, said his brother was a bachelor. During the past week he had complained of influenza, but would not consult a doctor. - Mr Revell expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, who, he said, had been a faithful employee for over 29 years.

Western Morning News, Monday 25 February 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Yard Tragedy Inquest. Mystery Of Man's Death Still Unsolved. - The mystery of how RICHARD DAWE, 49, skilled labourer, employed in Devonport Dockyard, fell into the No. 5 Basin at the North Dockyard from the battleship Iron Duke and was drowned was investigated by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, sitting with a Jury at the South Dockyard on Saturday. - After hearing several witnesses the mystery remained unsolved, and the Jury brought in a verdict that deceased was Drowned after falling into the water from the Iron Duke. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden was present on behalf of the Admiralty, Mr A. N. F. Goodman represented the relatives, Commander W. D. Strachen-Smith, the Engineer-Manager Mr H. Clarke, Inspector of Factories. - Workmen's Evidence. - Evidence of identification was given by THOMAS HENRY DAWE, who said deceased was his brother, and lived at 4 Newport-street, Millbrook. - Edgar Frederick Evans, skilled labourer, who was working in the ship, said he heard a splash and saw deceased in the water. He gave the alarm. There were no other men on the upper deck. He did not know what happened. All he heard was the splash. It might have been that deceased looked over the side of the ship to see if it was clear to train a gun they were scraping inboard. - Frederick Ernest Taylor, labourer, 29 Clifton-street, Plymouth, said about 3.30 on Thursday afternoon he heard the shout that DAWE was in the water and he hurried through the gun shield. - Vain Rescue Attempt.- He at once took off his coat and dived into the basin. On rising to the surface he saw DAWE. He could not reach him and then someone shouted that he had gone down and it was no use diving again. Witness swam about for nearly ten minutes hoping that deceased might rise again. But he did not, and witness was eventually hauled on board by a rope. - Walter Holland Skinner, 86 Alcester-street, chargeman of engine fitters, said deceased, who was in charge of a gang of labourers, had been working on No. 3 gun, and he gave instructions to deceased that No. 4 gun should be drawn inboard. For that he would have to go into the casemate. He would not have to go out on the staging. The only thing he could account for him going on to the staging was to see that everything was clear for the gun to be drawn in. - Wire Rope Cast Off. - George Henry Scull, 127 Victory-street, Keyham, chargeman of labourers, said he had been responsible for the erection of the staging from which it was presumed deceased had fallen. It had been inconstant use for three weeks. He was satisfied that it was properly erected. - The staging comprised two spars, which were made fast to the deck of the ship by two spars and across the spars were placed planks. Those planks were simply laid across and not fastened. In the morning, as he passed, he gave a casual inspection and the staging was then apparently in order. - When he arrived on the scene a quarter of an hour after the accident they found one of the spars was hanging down. It looked as though the wire rope securing it had been cast off. It had not parted, but looked as though someone had undone it at the ship end. - He could not suggest any reason for the wire having been cast off. The three planks had dropped into the water. No instructions had been given for the wire securing the staging to be undone and anyone doing so would have been unauthorized. - "Seizing" Cut. - The Coroner: It would not have been necessary for any extra weight to have been put on the stage for it to have collapsed after the wire had been released. The wire was so fastened that it would have been impossible for it to have come undone on its own. - The Foreman: The wire rope must have been cast off. If the wire had become "kinked" it may have held up the staging, but not when the weight of a man came on it. The "seizing" which secured the wire rope at the deck end had been cut. - Mr Goodman: It looks as though this unfortunate accident has been brought about by the carelessness of someone, and they will not own up to it. - The Coroner: We are only assuming someone undid the rope, but we have no evidence. - Mr Goodman: I am merely suggesting it, because from the evidence of this witness the rope could not have become undone by itself. - Inquiries Fruitless. - The Coroner: It must have been done by someone. - Mr Goodman: And that person could quite easily have come forward without taking any blame for deceased's death.- The Coroner (to witness): You have made all possible inquiries, but you are unable to find out who did it? - Yes.- Mr Goodman: If any person did say they did it and you found out now, would it affect his position in the Dockyard? - It would be doing unauthorized work. - Witness: He had no right to do it. I am certain he would be punished. - Alfred Jones, shipwright, said he and another man were working on the staging up to dinner-time and it was quite in order. - Surgeon-Comdr. R. K. Shaw attributed death to drowning. - The Coroner said the evidence was to some extent unsatisfactory, because they could not find out if anyone actually did undo the rope or who did it. As far as he could see the only verdict they could bring in would be one of "Accidental Death." - The Jury brought in a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - A Child's Death. "Inattention" Verdict At Plymouth. - "Death due to lack of Attention at Birth" was recorded by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on DOREEN PARNELL. - The father, MR S. PARNELL, said that he left his wife, who was suffering from pleurisy, in bed when he went to work. When he returned he found that his wife had given birth to a child, which was, however, dead. - Dr Bertram Hooper Stribling said that a post-mortem examination indicated that the child was in normal condition and he thought that if skilful attention had been given the child would have lived.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Girl Victim Of Gas Poisoning. Plymouth Jury's Verdict. - A verdict of "Suicide" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on DORIS ANNIE PARTRIDGE, aged 17, assistant in a tobacconist's shop, who was the victim of gas poisoning at her home, 9 Bayswater-terrace, Plymouth, on Saturday. - The Jury expressed the opinion that there was not sufficient evidence to show the state of the girl's mind and expressed sympathy with the parents. - MRS PARTRIDGE stated that she was absent from the house for a few hours shopping on Saturday evening, leaving the deceased at home sewing. On returning at 10.30 witness was told by her son that DORIS had been gassed and was dead. - Her daughter was always happy at home, and witness knew of no cause why she should have taken her life. She had never threatened to do so. - Brother's Discovery. - CYRIL PARTRIDGE, an apprentice, said he returned home shortly after 9 p.m., and noticed a smell of gas. He attempted to open the door of the scullery, but was unable to do so. He went to a neighbouring shop and told the shopkeeper there was an escape of gas in his house. They went back together, and after unsuccessfully trying to force the scullery door they reported the matter to a Constable. - Police Constable Williams said he entered the scullery through the window from the garden, after failing to open the door, and found the room full of gas. The gas bracket jet and the tap of the gas oven were turned on fully, but not lit. He turned them off, and saw that the girl was on the floor resting with her shoulders against the door. Attempts were made to resuscitate her, but without avail, and Dr Blades pronounced her to be dead. - Near the gas oven a tablecloth was spread upon the floor, and underneath it was a pillow, which appeared to have been rested upon. The oven door was open and the pillow was partly inside it. - Dr Blades said the girl had been dead for some time when he reached the house just before 11. Death was due to coal gas poisoning. He thought the girl tried to get away from the oven and fell at the door. - After a short absence the Jury expressed a wish that the girl's father should be called. - In reply to the Coroner, he said his daughter was apparently quite happy, and on Saturday evening, when he last saw her alive, she was very cheerful. He had not admonished her, and had no cause to complain of her conduct. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 March 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Fatal Fall. Story Of Newton Man's Death.- Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" yesterday on THOMAS BRINNICOMBE, labourer, aged 59, of 12 Union-street, Newton Abbot, who was found dead at the bottom of the stairs at his home on Friday night. - Dr G. M. Tanner said deceased died from shock consequent on the fall. It was not a case of the fall resulting from seizure. - MRS BRINNICOMBE, the widow, said her husband had his supper about 10.15 and an hour later she heard him on the stairs with the dog before the fall occurred. - Constable Palmer said he applied artificial respiration, but without effect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Window. Royal Marine Pensioner's Fate. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth on JOHN HENRY PATERSON, aged 35, employed by the Lidstone Billposting Co., who was found dead on Sunday morning in the courtyard of 11 Octagon-street. - MRS ETHEL MANDRY, wife of an unemployed labourer, living at 15 Manor-gardens, said deceased, her brother, was a pensioner from the Royal Marines, and was employed as a "sandwich" man. - Frank Smith, deputy of a common lodging-housing at 11 Octagon-street, said PATERSON came into the house shortly after ten o'clock drunk. Frederick Joseph Richards, who occupied the adjoining bed to the deceased, said when he went to bed PATERSON was lying dressed on his bed. He was unable to undress himself. The window was slightly open, overnight, but in the morning it was wide open and PATERSON was missing. As he left the day-room he said he hoped that when he went to bed he would never wake any more. He seemed desperate because of the position he was in, and frequently wished that "something would happen to him." - Henry James Ellis, 11 Octagon-street, said he saw the body lying in the courtyard at 7 o'clock on Sunday morning and informed the Police. - Detective-Inspector W. T. Hutchings stated that he examined the body at 7.30 a.m. in the yard of the house. It was fully dressed. There was a large wound on the left side of the temple and apparently a fracture of the base of the skull. Death had taken place some hours previously. There was cement dust on the clothing and on the sill of the open window, which was 35 ft. above the courtyard. Witness thought that PATERSON went to open the window and fell out. - Dr McKee said death was due to haemorrhage and laceration of the brain, caused by fracture of the skull.- A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Warning To Parents. Plymouth Baby's Death After Tea Scalds. - A baby's death resulting from the over-turning of a pot of tea was investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday. - The child was ROY ERNEST WENGRADT, aged 14 months, of 118 Exeter-street, Plymouth, son of IDA MARIAN LOUISE WENGRADT, wife of a merchant seaman. - Evidence showed that on February 21 the mother made a pot of tea, leaving it on the gas stove. While she turned to get the cover of the pot from the table the baby upset the contents of the teapot over his head and face, then fell and sat in the scalding tea. - MRS WENGRADT called her mother-in-law, MRS DYER, who lives in the same house and who applied castor oil to the burns and wrapped the child in a sheet. The father and mother took him to the Hospital, where he died on March 2. - Dr Richardson said the child when admitted, was suffering from severe shock owing to scalds on the face, top of the head, and just above the right hip. Under treatment the condition of the baby was perfectly satisfactory for about a week, when acute broncho-pneumonia developed and caused death. - A verdict to that effect was recorded. - Expressing sympathy with the parents, the Coroner said the case showed how constantly little children needed watching.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 March 1929
AT SEA - Buried At Sea. Naval Honours For Hood's Bookstall Manager. - MR W. CONNOR, manager of the Hood bookstall and a correspondent of "The Western Morning News" who died suddenly on February 26, was buried at sea with full naval honours on the following day.- Rear-Adml. (now Vic-Adml.) F. C. Dreyer (commanding the Battle-Cruiser Squadron), the captain, officers and as many of the ship's company as were not actually engaged on sea watch-keeping duties, attended the last rites of one of their most popular shipmates. The Roman Catholic chaplain (Father Dewey), late of Devonport, and formerly Roman Catholic chaplain at Mutton Cove, officiated. - The from the time of his death until his burial, CONNOR was guarded by a seaman guard. A wreath was made by one of the ship's company out of some lilies, which had been presented to Father Dewey, prior to the ship sailing from Gibraltar, by the sisters of the convent. - CONNOR was the sports secretary for the Hood and was largely concerned in the selection of the famous West-country ship's football team. By his much-valued advice, he also helped the Hood to victory in the past three years' regattas. He started the bookstall when the ship first commissioned in 1920, and thanks to his untiring efforts it is now one of the best managed bookstalls afloat. - At the Inquest it was recorded that death was due to heart failure.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 March 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Widow's Death. - Falling in her room at 4 John-street, Morice Town, Devonport, on February 13, MRS ALBERTA FRANCES DUNN, a widow, aged 63, sustained a fractured thigh. - She was taken to Ford House Infirmary, and progressed favourably until a week ago, when she suddenly developed acute bronchitis, which caused her death. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Coroner And Cyclists. How Accidents Are Caused. Plymouth Tragedy's Sad Feature. - Careless driving by young cyclists was the subject of strong comment by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, when he held an Inquest on ERNEST HARRY WARD, 32, a labourer, of 16 Gifford Park-terrace, Mutley, who died as the result of a collision with another cyclist on Monday. - "We keep our eyes open and we constantly see cyclists riding at a reckless pace. Young men of between 18 and 21 are the chief culprits, and they are generally the cause of the street accidents I am called on to investigate," he said. - Deceased was cycling down Swilly-road; Ralph Archer, 20, of 37 Woodhey, Swilly, was cycling down Milehouse-hill in the opposite direction, and at the junction of the roads they collided. After a lengthy hearing the Jury returned a verdict that "Deceased met his death through colliding with another cyclist, Ralph Archer, who was driving negligently, but the negligence was not culpable." - A sad feature of the tragedy is that deceased, who leaves a widow and one child, had only started work that day after having been unemployed. He was returning from his first day's work when the collision occurred. - HENRY JOHN WARD, father of the deceased, said his son had had a bicycle since he was 11 years old. He had served in the Cyclist Corps. - No Hope Of Recovery. - Dr John Gourley said deceased was brought to the Central Hospital suffering from shock and injury below the left ear. A post mortem examination revealed that the skull was fractured and the brain injured. This was the cause of death. There was no hope of his recovery. - William George King, Plymouth, a labourer in the employ of the same firm as deceased, said he was walking down Swilly-road from work, and saw "a cyclist coming down Milehouse-hill. He was on his proper side, but to my idea he was going a bit too fast." "Just as he passed me I heard a bump, and on looking round saw two men lying on the ground." - Questioned by a Juryman, witness said the rider had his head well down over his cycle. He estimated his speed to have been between 25 and 30 miles an hour. - Replying to Detective-Sergt. Cloke, who represented the Plymouth Police, witness said there was nothing to prevent the two cyclists seeing each other. There was no other traffic. - Eye-Witness's Story. - Albert Ernest Lamerton, Ivydale-road, Mutley, a labourer, in the same employ, said he was cycling home behind deceased. "I saw the other cyclist crossing the tramlines at the bottom of Swilly-road," he said. "He cut sharp across, keeping well in on his wrong side. When he collided with deceased he was about six feet from the kerb. Before the collision deceased pulled out in an endeavour to let the other rider pass on his wrong side, but the other man pulled out at the same time and they collided." - Witness added that he had known deceased for several years. He was a very careful rider. At the time of the collision they were travelling about 7 or 8 miles an hour. - "The other cyclist was coming at a terrific speed. He was altogether too fast, and pulled across too sharp," he said in reply to a question by a Juryman. - Ralph Archer, living at Woodhey, Swilly, the other cyclist involved, said he was 20 years of age. He was riding home on Monday from his work, and had to go down Milehouse-hill. He pedalled down, as his machine had a fixed gear and he kept his brake on. - "On getting to the bottom I looked behind, expecting a 'bus to be coming along, but it had stopped some way back. Seeing it was safe to cross I passed over the tramlines. I saw no traffic at all on any of the roads. I remember getting to the bottom of the hill and that was all, until I came to my senses in Hospital," he said. - Other Cyclist's Denial. - Witness reiterated that he was not going fast, and estimated his speed to have been 10 to 12 miles an hour. - He had been driving a bicycle for five years, and had had only one accident. That was last summer, when he had a slight collision in Wolseley-road, but no one was injured. - Constable Blandford said he found deceased lying on the footpath and Archer leaning against the wall in a dazed condition. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said there were some pointes beyond doubt. "We must all agree that Archer was riding too fast, and it was on account of his driving so fast that he was unable to get over to his proper side. Of course, if the road was quite clear there was no reason why he should not take a short cut. It all rests upon whether Archer was driving recklessly, without any regard to what might occur, or whether he was driving moderately and safely. - After a retirement of 20 minutes, the Jury intimated that they considered that Archer had driven negligently, but that the negligence was not culpable. - Addressing Archer, the Coroner said: "You have had a narrow escape from a verdict of manslaughter being brought against you. There can be no doubt you were driving quite negligently, if not recklessly, on this occasion. It must be a terrible thing for you to remember, that through your negligence you have caused the death of a man. I hope it will be a warning to you."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Loss To Labour. Plymouth Inquest On MR HENRY WALKER. - The death of a patient at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital after the administration of an anaesthetic was Inquired into by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. It was stated that the anaesthetist had administered anaesthetics in 20,000 cases and only twice had there been fatal results. - MR HENRY WALKER, well known in the Plymouth Labour Party in Plymouth, was 59 years of age, a french polisher by profession, and lived at 36 Westbourne-road, Peverell. He died in the Hospital on Saturday. - Evidence was given by the son, MR FREDERICK WALKER, a postal clerk of 24 Sylvan-road, Exeter, who said his father was taken ill suddenly and was admitted to the Hospital on February 11. - Dr Leo A. Richardson, Resident Surgical Officer at the Hospital, said MR WALKER'S condition was bad when he was admitted. A small and simple operation was immediately performed under a local anaesthetic and his condition improved so much that five days later the more serious operation was performed. Satisfactory progress was made until a week before he died, when owing to the septic condition of the wound of the second operation it was judged essential to close that wound because of haemorrhage. - With that object the anaesthetic was administered last Saturday. Under the anaesthetic the patient collapsed and witness with another doctor were immediately called; artificial respiration was tried without success, oxygen was administered and injections and stimulants were given. Death was due to heart failure. - The Coroner said everything was done for MR WALKER. - Death was not caused by the anaesthetic, but by heart failure and a verdict to that effect would be recorded. - MR WALKER said he wished to thank the Hospital staff for the wonderful attention given to his father.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Road Mishap. Plymouth Man Slips And Dies In Infirmary. - A man's death following a fall in the snow was Inquired into by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held at Greenbank Infirmary yesterday on MATTHEW THOMAS TUCKER, aged 77, of 26a Clarence-street, Plymouth. - Mrs Jesse M. Vernon, John-street, Plymouth, said it was on Sunday, February 17, when the streets were frozen, that MR TUCKER slipped and broke his right arm. - Dr Millicent Fox said when admitted to the Infirmary MR TUCKER was suffering from a fracture of the arm. Four days later he became paralysed on the right side following a seizure and died. Death was due to apoplexy, accelerated by shock following the fracture. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was recorded.

Western Morning News, Friday 15 March 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest on ELIZABETH WHITE, 61, of Rodney-street, Devonport, yesterday. - Evidence was given that the woman fell from a window which she was cleaning. - Dr A. Logan (Senior House Surgeon)said deceased had a fracture of the skull and other head injuries.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy Of Ill-Health. Story Of Plymouth Woman's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest yesterday on MRS EDITH JESSIE WIDGER, of 24 Devon-place, Plymouth, widow of MR GEORGE WILFRED WIDGER. - MR ROBERT WILFRED WIDGER, of Devon-terrace, Plymouth, said his mother had been in ill-health for four months, suffering from a nervous breakdown. It was on the advice of Dr Kelly that he engaged a woman to remain with her and look after her. On Sunday morning, at about 2.30, he was called by the attendant and, going down to the kitchen, found his mother lying on the scullery floor near the gas oven, apparently dead. - Mrs Bertha Lincoln, of Albany-place, Plymouth, a nurse attendant, stated that waking up for some reason at about 2.30 a.m. she noticed that MRS WIDGER'S bed was unoccupied. Going downstairs, she noticed a smell of gas. She found MRS WIDGER lying with her head near the oven, apparently dead. The gas tap had been turned full on. - Dr Price stated that when he arrived MRS WIDGER was dead.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 March 1929
TEIGNMOUTH - A Gas Tragedy. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict recorded at the Inquest at Teignmouth last night, on THOMAS MANSON COTGRAVE, aged 82, of Teign Lawn, Landscore-road. - MISS LEILA SCOTT COTGRAVE, daughter, said her father told her he was going to the hairdresser. Later she looked for him in the house and garden and some of the rooms, but could not find him, and the maid told her that the study door was locked from the inside. - She climbed up and looked into the study window and saw her father crouching down near the gas fireplace. She broke the window with a stick and with a hatchet forced the window open and went in. There was a strong smell of gas, and an overcoat was pushed up the chimney. Her father recently had influenza, but had never threatened to do any harm to himself. - Dr Morton Paler said he had been attending MR COTGRAVE for influenza for three weeks and this had left him depressed, but quite sane and clear. On account of his age it had left him in a low condition, but he was making progress.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fall In Bedroom. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Plymouth. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest at Greenbank Infirmary yesterday, on ELIZABETH LOWDEN, aged 75, widow, of King-street, Plymouth. - Mrs Emma Parry, wife of a pavior, living at 64 Neswick-street, Plymouth, said that on January 18 MRS LOWDEN fell when getting out of bed, breaking her left leg. She was later removed to the Infirmary. - Mrs Louisa Pengelly, Chapel-street, Plymouth, said after the fall MRS LOWDEN said there was nothing wrong with her, and the fracture of the leg was not discovered until the following day.

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Roborough Fatality. Inquest Story Of Motor Cycle Accident. - "Accidental Death, with no blame attached to the rider of the motorcycle," was the verdict returned at the Inquest held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, on FREDERICK JOSEPH YELLAND, 63, of Haroldsleigh-terrace, Crownhill, groundsman at Roborough Polo Club. - Richard Bartlett Sleep, motor driver, of Marsh Gate, St Juliott, Boscastle, said just before 7 p.m. on March 9 he was riding a motor cycle from Yelverton towards Crownhill. Accompanying him was his brother (Charles),also on a motor cycle, 20 yards in the rear. He saw a motor cyclist coming from the direction of Plymouth, and thought the rider intended to cross his path. Witness's speed then was 20 to 25 miles an hour. He eased up to 10 to 12 miles per hour. When he was about to pass a 'bus that was standing outside the George Hotel, Roborough, he noticed a man on his left. The left handlebar of the cycle struck the man. Witness had no chance to swerve, the man being practically at the handlebar before he noticed him. Witness was thrown off, and when he got up he saw the man lying in the near-side gutter. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said YELLAND did not blame him for the accident. - Robert P. Evans, Neath-road, Plymouth, 'bus driver, said the speed of the cycle was moderate - anything from 10 to 16 miles an hour. It looked as if YELLAND came from the George Hotel. He seemed to walk across the road in front of the 'bus and straight into the motor cycle. Witness could not see that the cyclist had any chance to avoid an accident. - Miss Freda Harris, Plymbridge-lane, Eggbuckland, said she was standing on the footpath opposite the George Hotel, and saw YELLAND cross in front of the 'bus on the other side of the road. He turned to speak to her, when she saw the motor cycle strike him and he fell. Within witness's hearing he did not say it was anyone's fault. - Dr F. Blackwood, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said YELLAND was admitted with a fracture of the left leg on March 9, and died on the 18th. A post-mortem examination showed that the heart was in a very poor condition. The actual cause of death was broncho-pneumonia, with septicaemia, following the fracture. While in Hospital, YELLAND said nothing attributing blame to anybody.- Mr H. Lawrence Spear represented the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 March 1929
PLYMOUTH - Petty Officer's Back Broken. Motor Fatality Near Plymouth. - A suggestion by the Jury that the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, should get into touch with the authorities with regard to the erection of a danger notice on the spot, was made at the Inquest held yesterday concerning the death of JAMES ARNOLD ALLEN, a chief petty officer, stationed at Plymouth, a native of Lancashire, who was found with a broken back on the Modbury-Plymouth road, and who died six days later in the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth. - Evidence of identification having been given by Richard Barker, of Levisholme, Manchester, John Wilson Hurrell, a farm labourer, of Modbury, told the Jury that on March 16 at 1.45 p.m. he found a motor cycle and combination overturned in the road, and beneath was deceased seriously injured. When witness went to move him, he said: - "Don't move me. I have broken my back. Rush me away to the Plymouth Naval Hospital. I am C.P.O. ALLEN. - The witness borrowed a horse, intending to ride for assistance, but in the meantime a motor cyclist had been sent to Modbury. - Deceased's statement. - Sidney Stevens, motor engineer, stated that whilst he was bringing the deceased to Hospital, ALLEN said "I only took the bend too fast, there being no danger sign to warn me." It was, said witness, a very dangerous corner and a safe speed would not be more than ten miles an hour. - Surg.-Lieut. A. Donell, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said that though the deceased was conscious when admitted to Hospital the lower part of the body was paralysed. X-ray examination revealed fracture and dislocation of the spinal column, and that was the cause of death on March 22. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" the Jury suggested that the Coroner might approach the authorities with a view to having a danger notice erected on the "S" bend where the accident occurred. - Mr Isaac Foot appeared for the Admiralty, on whose behalf he expressed sympathy, the Coroner and the Jury also expressing condolences with the deceased's relations.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 March 1929
SIDMOUTH - Death Follows Fall. Sidmouth Brewery Employee's Severe Injuries. - Following an accident at Sidmouth Railway Station, MR T. LAWRENCE, aged 57, an employee for 40 years of Messrs. Valance and Son, brewers, Sidmouth, died at Sidmouth Hospital. - At the Inquest, at which a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, it was disclosed that LAWRENCE fell from a lorry when unloading coal. Pneumonia followed severe chest injuries.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 March 1929
YELVERTON - Tragedy At Inn On Dartmoor. Licensee Found Shot In Bar. Dramatic Story At The Inquest. - The tragic death of WILLIAM TOOP STEPHENS, licensee of the Warren House Inn, a well-known hostelry on the Moretonhampstead road, about eight miles from Princetown, was Inquired into yesterday by Mr H. C. Brown, the County Coroner, of Okehampton. - The Inquest took place at the Inn, where on Friday evening MR STEPHENS died from terrible injuries to his head caused by a shot discharged from a double-barrelled sporting gun. - After hearing the evidence the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity." - Widow's Conversation. - MRS MARY ANNE STEPHENS, widow of the deceased, identified the body, and said her husband was aged 58. On Friday witness and her family had a meal at about 6 p.m., and later they gathered in the bar. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said her husband had been drinking. He was behind the bar counter and she saw him take down the gun from where it was kept on a nail. She said, "You don't want the gun," and he replied, "It is all right. It has been cleaned." She went towards him to take away the gun, but as it was pointed towards her, though she thought not deliberately, she went out. As she closed the door she heard the report of the discharge of the gun and the crash of bottles breaking. She did not think her husband had intended to kill himself. - No Apparent Reason. - Witness said there had been no trouble and her husband had never threatened to take his life. She had searched for any trace of papers or letters which would throw light on the tragedy, but could find nothing. - ALFRED STEPHENS, son of the deceased, described what occurred in the bar. When he heard the gun discharged he went behind the counter and saw his father on the floor with his head under the supports of the beer barrel. Witness knew of no reason why his father should have taken down the gun. He himself cleaned the gun the previous day, and put it away unloaded. When his father took it down from the nail witness did not see him put a cartridge in it, and he did not know how the gun became loaded. - One Spent Cartridge. - Constable Charles S. Tucker, stationed at Princetown, gave evidence that he arrived at the Warren House Inn, at 7.45 p.m. in response to a telephone call. He was told the deceased was in the bar, the door of which was closed. Deceased was on his back dead, with the top right portion of his head blown away. By his side and pointing towards the door was a double-barrelled sporting gun. On examining it witness found both hammers were locked. In the right barrel was a spent cartridge; the left barrel was empty. The locking piece of the gun was loose and had fallen off. There was no sign of any struggle having taken place in the bar.- Dr Bruce, of Chagford, said he reached the house at 8.15 and found the body as described. The injuries were sufficient to cause instant death, and the muzzle of the gun must have been held close to the head. - The verdict as stated above was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 March 1929
TORQUAY - In Gas Filled Room. Doctor's Suicide At Torquay. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Chelston, Torquay, yesterday, on Dr Frederick Durnford Atkins, aged 49, who died on Monday while staying with his sister at Chelston Manor, Rousdon-road, Chelston. - MISS MAUD EDGERTON ATKINS, said DR ATKINS, her brother, had been staying with her, and had been suffering from a nervous breakdown. He retired about 11.45 on Sunday night, and the following morning there was no response to a knock at the bedroom door, which was subsequently forced open. Her brother was found lying on the floor, and there was a strong smell of gas in the room. - The Coroner handed MISS ATKINS a letter, and asked her whether she thought the dread expressed in a paragraph would be due to deceased's low condition. MISS ATKINS thought it would be. - Dr E. Catford said when he entered the room on Monday morning the gas fire was on, but unlighted. The windows were closed, and the chimney was blocked. The room was full of gas. DR ATKINS had been dead some hours. When witness had visited him he was depressed and apprehensive. The letter was shown by the Coroner to Dr Catford, who observed that he had not seen any sign of mental trouble which could be described as certifiable. - The Coroner, recording "Death from Gas poisoning, administered when Temporarily Mentally Deranged," said DR ATKINS was obviously in a very low condition and was obsessed by a fear which he (the Coroner) did not intend to make public. It was not of any importance to anyone what deceased left behind him, and he (the Coroner) was not going to allow Inquests to pry into private affairs.

Western Morning News, Monday 1 April 1929
TOTNES - Revealed By Field Glasses. Devonport Pensioner Found Hanging. - JOHN COSTELLO, aged 48, an Army pensioner, who was missed from his home at 34 Catherine-street, Devonport, last Thursday night, was seen by a young woman hanging from a tree at Longcombe, near Totnes, on Saturday morning. At the Inquest later in the day a verdict of "Suicide by Strangulation while Temporarily Insane" was recorded by Mr E. Hutchings. - MRS M. C. DENNEHY, deceased's sister, said some months ago her brother was in the Mental Institution at Bittaford, and on being discharged returned to live with her. He left home on Thursday morning, saying that he would not be long. From time to time he had acted strangely. - Richard P. D. Brook, Totnes, a County Council roadman, stated that while going to work at 7.45 a.m. on Saturday he saw a young woman looking through field glasses near Longcombe Cross. He asked her what she was looking at, and she said, "Go over and look." He went across a field and found deceased hanging from a tree, his toes touching the ground. - Dr R. Howarth stated that the deceased had been dead at least 20 hours. Death was due to strangulation by hanging. - Constable Hawkins said identification was established by articles in deceased's clothes. On Friday he received complaints of a man loitering around Longcombe for several hours, and had ascertained that the deceased was there at 8 a.m. that day.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Kick Or Heart Attack? Warbstow Septuagenarian's Death. - An Inquest was held concerning the death of JOHN BOLT, 71, old-age pensioner, of Greylake, Warbstow, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital after being kicked by a horse. - William John Smeath Drakes, Penwenham Farm, Warbstow, said deceased had worked for him occasionally. Last Monday week BOLT left the farmyard leading a horse, and about 20 minutes later was brought back to the farmhouse in a very bad condition. The horse was five years old and very quiet. - Thomas Yeo, farmer, East Roose, near Camelford, farmer, said he found deceased sitting down. He complained that his nose kept bleeding. Witness asked him if the horse had done it, and he definitely said it had not. Deceased did not appear to know what he was saying. Witness could only attribute the injury to a horse kick. - Dr Richardson, Resident Surgical Officer, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when admitted deceased was suffering from a scalp wound and skull fracture. Death four days later was due to septic meningitis, following the fracture. The injury was quite compatible with a kick from a horse. It was possible that deceased might have had a heart attack, fell to the ground, and was kicked whilst there.- The Coroner said all the circumstances pointed to deceased having been kicked by the horse. There was no evidence that deceased had previously experienced any heart trouble. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Caught In Shafting. Fatal Accident To Londoner At Plymouth Laundry. - No blame was attached to anyone in connection with the death of JOHN JAMES DIXON, drying machine fitter, of London, who died from injuries sustained through falling into some shafting whilst erecting a drying machine at the Millbay Laundry. - Mr Mayburne Pearce represented the Millbay Laundry; Mr Elliot Square appeared for Messrs. Wardle and Sons, deceased's employers; and also present was Mr H. Clarke, Inspector of Factories. - ROBERT JOB BURDETT, London, said deceased was his father-in-law, 59 years of age. In Hospital deceased told him definitely that he was descending from the drying machine and got caught in the shafting of the laundry machinery. The steps or ladder by which he descended deceased declared, had not been placed in position by himself. Deceased remarked upon the fact that if the shafting had been effectively guarded the accident could not have happened. He was engaged in completing the erection of a drying machine. - Conflicting Evidence. - The Coroner here read a letter from Percy Harold Payne, foreman fitter of Messrs. Wardle and Sons, in which he said deceased was working at his mate. Deceased was passing boards up to him over the front of the drying machine. He heard him shout and found he was entangled in the machinery shafting. Deceased placed the ladder there himself. It was, he said, a silly thing for him to descend the ladder as he did. He could have approached through an aperture in front of the machine, which was on the ground level and free from danger. The way deceased approached was quite usual, and if the shafting had not been so close nothing would have happened. - The witness, Burdett, again questioned, said deceased was most emphatic that he had not placed the ladder there himself. He repeated that several times whilst in Hospital. He understood the shafting had since been fenced in. - Wilfred Henry Couch, electrician, said he was working in the drying-room when deceased became caught in the shafting, and was suspended by his coat. Witness cut him down. He did not know who placed the ladder in position. If necessary the motor which was driving the shafting could have been stopped whilst deceased was ascending or descending the ladder. Witness said he would have done just the same as deceased had done. - Dr F. A. Blackwood, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said bronchial pneumonia set in and deceased died from that, following fracture and dislocation of the vertebrae. - Warned By Chief Engineer. - Cecil Richard John Roberts, manager of Millbay Laundry, said the drying machine was in course of erection. Witness understood that all shafting within reach had to be guarded, and it was guarded. The shafting in which deceased got caught was not within reach. Witness contended that deceased ought not to have gone up the way he did. Their instructions to the engineers were that they were not to take any risks. The shafting was about ten feet from the ground. - Deceased had been warned by the chief engineer that the shafting was there. He could have gone up by the back of the machine. In the past twelve months they had had only one minor accident with their 470 employees. For two years they had had no accident with the machinery. The shafting in which deceased got caught had been guarded since the accident. - Mr Clarke pointed out that the shafting would be within reach where it could be reached from a ladder. It was very definitely laid down that shafting must either be fenced or else in such a position as to be as safe as if it was fenced. - Mr Roberts: Our point is the man ought not to have been there. He should have gone up on the other side of the machine. - Mr Burdett: But it is a fact that if the casing had been over the shafting this accident would not have happened. - The Coroner said: "It seems to be one of those cases where experienced men will run risks which they themselves would not allow other people to do."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plympton Collision. "Impossible To Say Whether Anyone To Blame." - Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday afternoon conducted an Inquest into the death of LANCE-BOMBARDIER HORACE GEORGE LEVENS, 3rd Heavy Battery, Royal Artillery, stationed at the Royal Citadel, Plymouth, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, following a collision on his motor cycle near Plympton on 22nd ult. Sergt.-Maj. Leslie Campbell said deceased's home was near Birmingham. He was a non-smoker and abstainer. He was a careful and competent motor driver. - Charles Arnold Jones, lorry-man, Deer Park Farm, Laira, said Frederick George Allen, a friend, gave him a lift to Plympton, on the pillion of his motor cycle. They were travelling at from 15 to 20 miles an hour. When they got to Skew Bridge the accident occurred but witness remembered nothing of it. - The Coroner remarked that the road where the accident happened was in a shocking condition. - Mary Georgina Lindley, 17, domestic help, 13 Stoke-road, Plymouth, said she was riding on the back of LEVENS'S motor cycle. Before reaching Plympton they turned back. "We were coming back all right," she said, "and that is all I remember until I came round and saw two men lying in the road." Deceased was groaning. She had never ridden pillion with deceased before. He seemed to be driving carefully. - Albert Henry Valentine, 'bus driver, 1 Wembury-street, Plymouth, said when approaching Skew Bridge he saw two motor cycles and four people lying in the road. The machines were on the top of them. - Dr Richardson, resident Surgical Officer, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when LEVENS was admitted his condition was extremely grave. There was a compound fracture of the skull and a fracture of the base of the skull.- The Coroner said the evidence was very indefinite. It was impossible to say whether anyone was to blame. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - The Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday following the death of ROY COURTENAY DAVEY, aged 9, son of a sapper in the Royal Engineers, who died from injuries caused through being knocked down by a motor car on Mutley-plain on Friday. The Jury added a rider to their verdict of "Accidental Death" suggesting that the 'bus stop on the Plain should be changed. - VIOLET BEATRICE WRIGHT, aunt, 34 Westeria-terrace, Peverell, said deceased lived with her. After dinner at her sister's house the boy was given sixpence to go to the pictures. When she got home at 10 p.m. she found he was not there, and subsequently discovered he was lying dead at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. Deceased had been to the pictures many times by himself, and was quite capable of looking after himself in the streets. - John Russell, draper, a director of Messrs. John Yeo and Co., said he was driving an open touring car up Alexandra-road from Lipson about 1 p.m. on Good Friday. He was proceeding slowly and became almost stationary, as he had to wait for the "all clear" signal from the Constable. - When he received the signal he moved across in the direction of North-hill and as he was passing a stationary 'bus the boy walked right in front of the car. He swerved to the right to avoid him, but the near wing knocked the boy down, his head striking the ground heavily. The car swerved into the electric standard. - At the time his speed was considerably less than ten miles an hour. He had been driving for three years, and had had no accident involving injury. Everything possible was done to avoid the boy. Witness expressed the opinion that to have a 'bus stop at that point was most dangerous. - Constable L. Page said the car was approaching at not more than ten miles an hour. "In my opinion it was a pure accident," remarked the Constable, when asked whether he thought there was any blame attaching to the driver. - Constable Complimented. - A Juror: I think the Constable is to be complimented on the fairness of his evidence, and on the sketch he had prepared. - Mrs Hosking, 1 Mutley-plain, said she was sitting at her drawing-room window and saw the boy walk across the road with his hands in his pockets. He was looking in the opposite direction, and it was obvious he did not see the car. The car was travelling very slowly, and she did not think the driver was to blame. - Ralph Clemoes, Fairhaven, St Budeaux, who was in Mr Russell's car, considered that if the 'bus had not been at the spot the accident would not have happened. Mr Russell was driving very slowly. - Dr A. Richmond, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said deceased died from a fracture of the base of the skull.- The Jury exonerated Mr Russell from blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Naval Seaman's Death. - An Inquiry was opened into the death of ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER NEIL, aged 20, able seaman, H.M.S. Defiance, Devonport, who died from injuries sustained whilst riding pillion on a motor cycle near Plymouth. - Ldg.-Smn. D. V. Elson said deceased was a native of Abergavenny, Mon. - The Coroner said the chief witness in the case, the driver of the motor cycle, was in the Royal Naval Hospital suffering from injuries, including a broken leg. It was hoped he would be able to give evidence in a fortnight's time. The Inquest was adjourned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Road Fatality. Jury Exonerate Naval Officer.- "Death from Pneumonia, accelerated by being Accidentally knocked down by a motor car," was the verdict at the Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr W. E. J. Major, and a Jury on MRS ROSA DREW, aged 80 years, of St Mary-street, Plymouth. - The car was driven by Lieut. Robert Terence Grogan, R.N., who said he was driving from Devonport to Plymouth, and had crossed the bridge intending to go through Union-street. He was driving at about 10 miles an hour. - A woman appeared from behind a tram car and walked across the road a little toward him. He was then about seven or eight yards away from her. He sounded the horn, but she appeared to take no notice. He swerved to the left and sounded the horn loudly again and applied his brakes. The mudguard struck her. - Unavoidable Mishap. - Albert James Pudner, of High-street, Stonehouse, said Lieut. Grogan did everything possible to avoid the accident. - Constable Holt said he arrived about five minutes after the accident. MRS DREW was very deaf and they had great difficulty in getting to know her name. She made no statement and did not seem to realize what had happened. - Dr Waterfield said death was due to bronchial pneumonia, following a fractured ankle and bruises. - The Jury expressed the view that the driver of the car was in no way to blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Wall Disaster At Plymouth. Jury Find "Error Of Judgment." Foundation Weakened By Excavation. - After an exhaustive Inquiry into the circumstances of the deaths of the five men who were killed by the collapse of a wall at the junction of Elm-road and Townsend-hill, Mannamead, on Friday last during the digging of a trench for the laying of an electric cable, the Jury found that there was an error of judgment on the part of the electrical engineer and his staff in not shoring up the wall before digging the trench. - They also found that no blame attached to the owner, and that the foundation of the wall was weakened by the trench excavation. - Evidence went to show that no suspicion was entertained by anyone on the work as to the stability of the wall, but after the accident inspection disclosed that there was no foundation to the wall, which was built upon shillet and clay. Owing to obstruction in the path the trench had to be cut to within a few inches of the wall at one point. The wall and the soil were inspected during the progress of the work, and were not considered to be dangerous. - The victims of the disaster were: ARTHUR WILLIAM TURFREY, labourer, 2 Cecil-street, aged 36. ALFRED GEORGE WILLANS, labourer, 21 Cambridge-lane East, aged 27. RICHARD SHAPCOTT, labourer, 6 How-street, aged 51. ALFRED GEORGE WEATHERDON GILES, labourer, 5 Willow Plot, aged 58. HARRY THOMAS HARVEY, labourer, rear of 3 Wyndham-street West, aged 49. The Town Clerk at the Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, declared "The City Council and the committee will do everything in their power to help and assist those who have been bereaved." - Important Evidence. Why The Line Of Trench Was Changed. - Mrs Bessie Pearse, wife of Mr Hedley Pearse, of Elm Villa, said she was the owner of the house, in which she had resided for over 30 years. She had never had any complaint from any official or any other person in regard to the condition of the boundary wall, nor had she been aware that it was in any way dangerous. Seven or eight years ago the wall was examined by Mr Tellam, builder, at her request, and he reported it was quite all right. - She was not informed that it was intended to lay an electric cable on the footpath close to the wall. - In reply to Mr Wilcocks, Mrs Pearse said she could not say whether there were drainpipes laid in the garden. - She told Mr Square that 18 months ago a single cable was laid in the same path and a large square water gauge was placed on the footpath about 18 inches from the wall, so that there must have been a certain amount of excavations near the wall. - Mr Samuel Tellam, College-avenue, builder, said about seven years ago he examined the retaining wall and considered it to be in a safe condition. He could not say whether the wall had any foundation, as he did not look for it. - By the Foreman: He was given no reason by the owner for examining the wall. The wall was about 12 ft. high from the pavement and three feet inside. It was three inches out of perpendicular when he examined it. - Digging Near The Wall. - Mr Ernest Gordon Okell, City Electrical Engineer, stated that it was decided to lay the conduit in Elm-road about six to eight months ago. The conduits were always laid in the footpath, other, of course, than at road crossings. On this particular job he saw the work in progress further down, but not when it was opened at the corner. He paid that visit there about ten days ago. It did not strike him that the trench was close to the wall, but the footpath was narrow. The near edge of the trench was about a foot from the wall. At the bend it varied from two or three inches to a foot from the wall. "I did not know," he said, "it was intended to cut the trench so near to the wall at that particular spot. If I had thought there was any risk, I should have considered it my duty to see it was not done." - On the occasion of his visit he saw no risk of danger from the wall. There was a water-box and other obstructions which prevented the trench being cut a foot from the wall all the way. Work of the kind was constantly going on, and the men had been employed by the department for long periods. - By the Jury: There was an officer in the department who had a knowledge of the construction of walls, and any case of danger would be reported to him. The mains superintendent was responsible for the line of the trench. He had never heard it suggested that after the work had been in hand for some time the man felt somewhat nervous regarding the condition of the wall. - By the Town Clerk: About 18 months ago he laid a cable along precisely the same route in Elm-road and nothing untoward happened then. Having regard to those circumstances, he thought it was quite safe to proceed along the same lines. The deviation of the line from its normal course would have been made by the mains superintendent. - By Mr Square: Witness made a visit to the scene in the early part of last week, and he saw nothing in the manner in which the excavation was being made to indicate danger. - By Mr Wolferstan: The mains superintendent or his assistant would be responsible for inspecting the wall. The excavation for the previous trench was 18 in., and for the present trench 2 ft. 6 in. - Mr Woolland: If you had known it was being carried within a few inches of the wall it would have caused you serious doubts as to its safety? - I should want to investigate the foundations closely. - Witness said the trench was nearest to the wall at the water-box and the distance increased slightly for eight feet, and the line of trench there turned and ran at a tangent, so that in the main it ran closer than a foot for a length of 17 ft.7 in.- Built On Shillet And Clay. - Mr John Wibberley, (City Engineer and Surveyor) was asked by the Coroner if he had ever received any complaint or report respecting the wall, and replied "No." - He knew the wall very well, passing there every day, and if there had been any patent danger there he would have noticed it. - On examination since the accident he found there was no foundation, but that the wall was built on the shillet. The strata consisted of a mixture of shillet and clay, and the angle of rupture which followed was about 80 degrees. - The Coroner: If you had been asked your opinion as to whether it would be safe to cut a trench a foot from the wall, judging from external observation, would you have said it would be quite safe? - Mr Wibberley: That depends on the nature of the ground supporting the wall. It might be all right if there was a foundation of rock, but if the foundation was of soft material it would be quite a different matter. - Would not the excavation from the lower part of the road show it was of soft material? - To me it looks like a mixture of shillet and clay. - Would you say there was any danger from the fact that the wall is a little narrower at the base than at the centre?- I do not think so. I think the three inches that it bulges in the middle was built to fill in and follow the contour of the surface of the shillet. It is not a wall one would build nowadays as a retainer. - Asked as to whether he could express any opinion as to the contributory causes for the collapse of the wall, Mr Wibberly said there might be several contributory causes. One source of danger to buildings nowadays was the danger from vibration arising from heavy traffic. Another source of danger might be the effect of trees growing on top of the wall. Another factor might be that shillet decomposed under atmospheric influences and where walls were built many years ago simply as facing walls and not as retaining walls the change in the strata might have put certain pressure which the walls were not designed to take. - "I do not quite know, and I cannot say, what the effects have been on this particular wall, especially the last-mentioned possible cause, because the earth at the back of the wall is still standing up at a very sharp angle of inclination. The angle of slope or the angle of rupture which one has to take for calculating the strength of the retaining wall has to be taken into calculation at a very much lower slope than that. Consequently, there is more earth resting on the wall and the wall has to be thicker. In this particular case the angle or rupture is about 80 degrees, so you can see what apparently is the small amount of earth that the wall was keeping up. - "It may be easy to come to the conclusion that that is the only piece of ground that the wall was supporting, but there may be other influences operating. There are trees growing on the top. Those tree roots have grown right through the material, right down underneath the wall. When you take in your calculations that the angle of slope is 80 degrees and then the fact that trees are planted at the top, years afterwards those tree roots have spread out all over the place, and instead of putting a pressure on the earth the tree roots grow and may press against the wall and force it away from its position, away from the rest of the material, but at the same time the roots grip the earth and hold the earth in position. Supposing the wall is standing in its right position and is only inclining back from the road three inches, and supposing owing to the growth of the tree roots and compression the front part of the wall gives way, a small portion of the earth falls with it, but the tree roots are still holding on to the rest. So that although the wall is apparently strong enough to carry the weight of earth that you can see it carried by the sharp angle of rupture, which did not put very much pressure on the wall, a new wall designed to take the place of the old one could not be built of the same thickness, because we could not accept such a sharp angle of rupture." - Have you noticed the effect of passing heavy motor traffic? - Yes. - What occurred? - I was standing by the gap when a rubber-tyred lorry went down the road, and pieces of shillet started falling off the bank. One could feel the vibration of the road. - Do you think that recent frost had an effect on the stability of the wall? - I cannot say whether it was so in this case. - Asked if he considered it safe to put the trench in this case three inches from the wall, witness repeated that it would depend on the strength of the material. Probably it would have been better to have shored it up, as one could not be too careful. Basing the calculations upon the amount of earth outside the line of rupture, he thought there was little danger from the three inches overhanging. - By Mr Wolferstan: The chances were that he would have had the wall shored up if he had been in charge of the work. - Trench Divided To Pass Obstacles. - Fredk. George Jones, mains superintendent of the Corporation electricity undertaking, said that in this particular job Mr Drury, one of his assistants, was in charge up to about 30 feet east of the water box. At that point it was referred to witness owing to the difficulty of the water box being indirect line of the trench. The conclusion he came to was that it was impossible to go out into the road owing to further obstructions, making it impossible to reach the objective in the main road. - He considered it necessary to take the conduit within three inches of the wall behind the water box. He looked at the wall, from the point of view of safety, and it appeared to be in good order. - He saw close to the water pit the shillet showing where the trench had been cut down about 18 inches and the face of the shillet seemed to be sound and not slipping. - He considered the wall was sufficiently sound for the trench to be dug. He did not think it necessary to go into the garden to see what it was like inside the wall, which appeared to be fairly vertical.- By Mr Wilcocks: It was the general practice to lay a bare cable 18 inches out from the building line and 18 inches deep.- Have you ever authorized a trench so close to the wall as this one? - I am afraid at times we are forced to, owing to obstructions. - You might have been forced out of the route, but did you consider it was a dangerous proceeding? - Not after inspecting the wall and the shillet it was standing on. - Mr Square; Has the foundation or base of the wall been in any way undermined?- No. I examined the shillet at the point opposite the water-box and it appeared to be quite hard and safe. - By Mr Wolferstan: The particular piece of trench was open about 24 hours before the accident occurred. In that short time it was improbable that the shillet would be affected by exposure. - Have you ever received any warning about this particular wall? - No. - Have you ever received any warning about laying trenches close to walls? - Not to my knowledge. - Did the idea of shoring up that wall for safety ever occur to you? - No. It appeared to be safe in the section I was dealing with. - Silas Chas. Smale, ganger, Clifton-street, Plymouth, said he was in charge of the excavating in Elm-road. The ground at the corner was hard shillet, but seeing the difficulty of getting through on account of the water box, instructions were given to excavate close to the wall. - It was not possible to go outside the water box to reach the objective, and he did not sense any danger by going inside. Up to Thursday night the trench had been dug about 1 ft. 6 in., and on the following morning he restarted the men to dig to a depth of 2 ft. 6 in. He then went away for the wages and on returning he spoke about the progress made, and immediately there was a crash. There were about ten men working in the 28 feet trench at the time. - By the Jury: None of the men demurred or expressed any doubt as to the safety of working in the trench. - By the Town Clerk: TURFEY did not say anything to him on Friday morning about being afraid to work in the trench, nor did any of the other men. - When The Crash Came. - Percy Underhay, labourer, Adelaide-place, Stonehouse, said he was working on the trench, filling in. HARVEY and SHAPCOTT were excavating a few feet from him. He heard a shout, "Look out! The Wall!" and glancing at it he jumped clear. The wall was falling and fell into the trench. The foreman at once came and together they laboured to remove those who were buried. None of the men had complained of the wall. - Reginald Jos. Parsons, Union-place, Stonehouse, Corporation labourer, gave evidence that he was attending to the cooking of the men's dinners when he heard a crash and saw Underhay running for the foreman. He saw no danger in the condition of the wall himself, and had never heard any comment or remark passed by any of the men employed on the job. - Cyril G. Jarvis, 'bus driver in the employ of the Corporation, said he was driving from Hartley, and had reached the stopping place at the end of Elm-road. Glancing towards the men working at the corner, he saw the wall fall in "one great lump," and it did not appear to break until it got on top of the men. - William James Rodda, Beatrice-avenue, Plymouth, a mains assistant in the electricity department, said he and the mains superintendent arrived on the scene of the accident at 12.45. In trying to get out some of the men he noticed that the masonry was on its face. There were hollow places in the trench, bridged by masonry. In no place was the trench full of masonry. He formed the opinion that the wall had fallen over as described by the previous witness, and that there was considerable pressure due to soil on either side of the breach. - By Mr Square: He felt that the pressure of trees and soil caused the wall to topple over from the top. - Mr Woolland: Do you say that the trench had nothing to do with causing the wall to fall? - It had very little to do with it, if anything. - Do you come here to tell us this is a coincidence? - I do. - Stanley George Nells, Penrose-street, Corporation labourer, said he had no suspicion of any danger in working on the job, and never heard any suggestion of the sort made. He was shovelling from the trench when he heard a crash, and "something like a mass whizzed by me and I realized that the wall was down." - Question Of Liability. Coroner's Direction To The Jury. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said they would bear in mind only the facts adduced before them that day, and not pay any attention to rumours which had been spread about. The Jury had to say, first of all, what they considered was the cause of death in each of those cases, and then to say, if they thought it necessary or advisable, whether there was any blame attached to anyone in connection with the sad deaths of the men. - Explaining the legal aspects of the Inquiry, Mr Pearce pointed out that if there had been complaints to the owner about the wall, and the owner had paid no attention to them, and allowed the wall to fall down and do some injury, the owner would be liable, but in this case they had heard that the owner had no suspicion whatever there was anything wrong with the wall. Bearing in mind also that most of the witnesses said that in their opinion the wall was safe, he did not think they could attach blame or responsibility to the wall with regard to that unfortunate occurrence. - Then they had to consider what was the liability or responsibility of the Corporation or their officials in regard to the wall. If the officials of the Electricity Department who commenced this work, or the official in charge knew or suspected that the structure was in a very dangerous condition and that some injury might probably happen to the men if he put them working there without taking some steps to protect them, that official would be responsible for any damage that ensued. - Reviewing what happened, the Coroner said that normally the conduit was laid about 12 inches from the wall. When they got to the end of Elm-road the foreman found an obstruction in the shape of a water meter. He saw he had to go inside or outside it, and he sought the advice of Mr Jones. It was impossible to go outside, owing to obstacles in the way, and ultimately Mr Jones, after examining the wall, considered it safe to go inside, which meant that the trench in some instances had to be dug within three inches of the wall and he gave orders accordingly. - "It was this unfortunate digging of the trench which, it was alleged, had some effect on the wall falling," observed the Coroner. One witness had told them that the digging of the trench had little to do with the collapse, but that it was the pressure of the soil behind which caused it. He thought the Jury would consider that evidence was rather biased. At any rate, the trench was dug within three inches of the wall, which had no real foundation, and it came down. Mr Jones told them that he had had considerable experience in regard to work of the kind, that he took every precaution, and he would not have allowed the trench to have been dug if he had the slightest idea there was any danger in doing it. If the excavating of that trench so near to the wall really brought about the disaster, it would amount probably to an error of judgment on the part of Mr Jones. He did not think there was any evidence sufficient to impute Mr Jones any negligent performance of his work, that was, any substantial negligence. - Was There An Error Of Judgment? - At the utmost it might have been an error of judgment in going so near to the wall, but it was for the Jury to say whether in their opinion there was any neglect on his part, and whether that negligence contributed to the disaster. - He thought they could easily dismiss from their minds any question of criminal responsibility. To impute any criminal negligence to any of the persons concerned in that affair they must find reckless and callous negligence and indifference as to whether there was any danger to life or any other damage. They could dismiss that from their minds. - The only point for them to consider, after saying what they thought was the cause of death - which, he suggested, should be that the men were crushed by the fall of earth into the trench - was whether there was any civil negligence on the part of any person connected with the job. Did Mr Jones, the official in charge, take every care and precaution to see that the men working under him were working under safe conditions, or did he commit an error of judgment in thinking they were working under safe conditions when as a matter of fact they were not when the trench had to be excavated so near to the wall? - The Jury had to consider whether the occurrence was a purely accidental one, that it could not have been helped, and was not the fault of any person; whether it was due to an error of judgment on the part of any person; or whether it was due to negligence on the part of any person, other than criminal negligence. - Jury's Verdict. - The Jury retired, and were absent for 12 minutes. On their return the Foreman said their unanimous verdict was that the men were Accidentally Killed by being crushed by a Falling Wall; that no blame could be attached to the owner of the property; that the foundation of the wall was weakened by the trench excavation; and that there was an error of judgment on the part of the electrical engineer and his staff in not shoring up the wall before digging the trench. - Mr Underhill added that the Jury wished to associate themselves with the remarks of the Coroner in expressing his sympathy with the widows, families and relatives of the unfortunate men. - Mr Elliot Square, on behalf of his clients, joined in the expression of sympathy, and Mr Wolferstan did so on behalf of the Workers' Union. - It was stated that the fees due to the Jurymen would be given to the Mayor's Fund for the dependants of the men. - Council's Sympathy. - Before the proceedings opened the Coroner said he felt he could not commence without saying how much they must all deplore the terrible calamity which occurred on Friday last, and which must have been the greatest of its kind which the city had suffered for many years. "Our hearts must go out in deep sympathy to those left behind, who have to mourn the loss of those near and dear to them, including in one case a widow and nine children, and in another case a widow and five children." - The Town Clerk expressed the very great sorrow of the City Council and the Electricity Committee at the regrettable occurrence and their deepest sympathy with the widows, the relatives and families of the poor unfortunate men. - "I can assure you," added Mr Fittall, "that the Council and the committee will do everything in their power to help and assist those who have been bereaved." - On the suggestion of the Coroner, those present stood in silence for a moment as a mark of sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. - The Funeral Arrangements.- The Mayor and Corporation will officially represent the city at the funeral, which has been fixed for Thursday morning. - In respect of two of the victims, services will be held at St Peter's Church, and George-street Baptist Church, according to arrangements made by the families. The burial rites for the other three men will be performed at Plymouth (Old) Cemetery. - The two coffins will be conveyed from the places of worship to Guildhall-square, there to join the remaining three, forming one cortege from the Square to the cemetery at 11 a.m. - Outside the Guildhall the Mayor and Corporation will pay their tribute to the dead, and the Square is to be closed to the public for a period. The Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Mr L. R. Dunstan and Town Clerk will accompany the funeral procession to the cemetery.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 April 1929
TOTNES - Dramatic Evidence At Totnes Inquest. The Farm Tragedy Verdict. Pathetic Note Left By The Deceased. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. E. Windeatt, at the Inquest at the Totnes Guildhall yesterday, concerning the death of ALFRED GEORGE RICKETTS, who was found hanging to a beam after he had fired a gun at Miss Winnifred Hill, of Windmilldown Farm, Totnes. - A dramatic scene was described by Mrs Hill, who said RICKETTS had been paying unwanted attention to her daughter. - In RICKETTS'S pocket was found a note stating, "I love Winnie. I do not know what made me do it." - Evidence of identification was given by RICKETTS'S father, a farm labourer of Ermington, who said deceased was 25 years of age. His son, he said, had no troubles as far as he knew, and had never threatened to take his life. - Mr C. J. Hill, farmer, of Windmilldown Farm, Totnes, said he engaged RICKETTS in November last. He was well-behaved and a good workman, but at times was strange in his manner. About a month ago his wife told him that his daughter was nervous about the deceased, and they never left her alone in the house. He spoke to RICKETTS about it, and he became abusive. Witness told him to leave the premises. Deceased afterwards apologized and asked to be kept on, and to this he agreed. - On Monday morning RICKETTS helped to milk the cows and witness left the farm with the milk for Totnes. His daughter was in the separating house separating the surplus milk. He had a message while at Totnes and returned home to find that his daughter had been shot. The gun (produced) he recognized as his property, also the cartridge in it. He was not aware that the deceased knew where the gun was kept.- Mrs Hill's Evidence. - Mrs Hill, wife of the previous witness, said she was dressing about 8.15 and heard her daughter, Winifred, coming upstairs. She told witness she had come to fetch something for RICKETTS, after which she went down again. Soon after she heard an unusual sound downstairs and very shortly Winifred rushed up to her. She was bleeding profusely from the neck and mouth. She exclaimed, "What has he done?" and fell across the bed. She attended to her daughter and then heard someone coming up the stairs. - She saw RICKETTS outside the bedroom door with a gun, and said, "What have you done? You have shot my daughter." RICKETTS replied, "Yes, and I am going to do myself in." He also muttered something she did not understand. She said, "Don't be a fool. Go down to your work." He was then handling the gun and she saw danger. She shut the door and locked it. RICKETTS went downstairs, and after giving her daughter attention, witness locked up the house and proceeded for assistance. She met a tramp on the road, and he went to the Police Station. - Unwelcome Attentions. - About a month ago her daughter told her of a statement RICKETTS had made to her. He had said, "I have a good home here, and after I leave I shall want victory." She asked what he meant and he replied, "You will know later on." Her daughter told witness that RICKETTS was trying to pay attention to her and she refused it. - Police-Sergt. Marshall said he rendered first-aid to Miss Hill. She was afterwards taken to the Cottage Hospital. He asked her what had happened, and she replied, "He tried to drag me into the stable." Witness said, "Who?" and she said "Our man." He asked what he did and she replied that she did not know. - With other Constables he searched the premises for RICKETTS. They found the empty cartridge on the ground just inside the trap-house and saw a double-barrelled gun, the right barrel having in it a spent cartridge. The left barrel was empty. There was a piece of cord, about three feet long, attached to the trigger. - Pathetic Note. - They found the stable door bolted and on forcing it found RICKETTS suspended from the beam. He was cut down, and the body was removed to the Mortuary. - In a pocket they found a note addressed to the deceased's father as follows: "Good-bye all. Forgive me for what I have done. I am fed up and I love Winnie. I don't know what made me do it. Good-bye all. - From A. G. RICKETTS."

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 April 1929
BICKINGTON -Worried Man's Death. "Suicide While Insane" Verdict At Bickington. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, recorded "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at the Inquest at Bickington yesterday on GEORGE ELIAS CORNISH, aged 31, insurance agent, of Chipley-cottages, who died from throat wounds. - The widow, MRS MARGARET CORNISH, said on Tuesday morning her husband left to do his usual insurance round. - He appeared to be a little depressed. Twenty minutes later she saw the bicycle lying against the back door, and when she went to draw some water she found her husband lying on the floor indoors; with his throat cut. - Constable Tolley, Ilsington, said he understood that MR CORNISH had been worried. A razor was found near the body. - Death was attributed by Dr G. M. Tanner, Newton Abbot, to haemorrhage.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Dock Fatality At Plymouth. Workman Struck By Bag Of Cement. Accident Witnessed By Victim's Brother. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN GILBURY NORTHMORE, aged 32, dock labourer, of 79 Cattedown-road, Plymouth, who died following an accident which occurred in unloading a ship. - NORTHMORE'S brother met with a similar fate some time ago. Another brother was working with him at the time. - William John Streeter, dock labourer, Guildford-street, Plymouth, said with NORTHMORE he was in the hold of the steamer Tirydale, at Shepherd's Wharf, Coxside, unloading 2 cwt. bags of cement. NORTHMORE was placing the sling around a bag ready for hoisting, when the bag of cement that witness had previously slung slipped through the sling and fell on NORTHMORE'S shoulders, knocking him down. He was seriously injured, and was removed to Hospital, where he died a fortnight later. - Replying to the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, witness said he had previously known bags of cement to slip and fall in the holds of ships. This bag, when near the top, slipped and fell without warning. There was no jolt and witness could offer no theory as to the cause of the accident. - Albert E. Horne, dock labourer, Mainstone-avenue, Plymouth, said he was on the staging of the steamer waiting to receive the bag of cement which fell on NORTHMORE, but before the bag reached him it slipped from the sling. Witness called to the men on shore for assistance. - Brother's Evidence. - JOHN NORTHMORE, brother of deceased, living at Higher-street, said he was "brow-man," and had the runner in his hand. From the bottom to the top witness had the bag in view, and he never saw it slip suddenly. - Dr Richardson, Hospital Surgeon, said at first NORTHMORE was thought to be dying from fracture of the spine, but subsequent X-ray examination revealed no actual fracture. Except for one or two setbacks, he gradually improved, and was making an almost miraculous recovery until septicaemia set in. Cause of death was septicaemia from an abscess in the rib, following the injury received.- Mr H. Clarke, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present; Mr Jasper Richards, of the Transport and General Workers' Union, watched the case for the widow and family; and Mr F. W. Murray represented Messrs. Henry Ede and Son, owners of the wharf.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Woman's Pathetic Letter. Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - "I have no interest in life, so it is best to get out of it. I want it to appear like an accident. I have waited long to be taken. I have prayed long and earnestly to be taken. I am ill and shaking all over and I do not know what it is to feel well." - This pathetic letter was left by CLARA MARTIN, aged 58, who was found dead in bed on April 13 at her home, Federation-road, Laira, and on whom an Inquest was held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. - A verdict of "Suicide by Coal Gas Poisoning whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned. - GUY JETHRO JAMES MARTIN, the widower, a hairdresser, residing at 68 Marlborough-buildings, Walton-street, Chelsea, said the last time he saw his wife was on Monday, April 1, when he left home for London at 11 p.m. She was then in poor health. As he did not receive the usual letter on Wednesday, April 10, he sent a postcard to his wife on the following day and telegraphed to her on the Friday. The wire was returned with the words "House closed, wife visited Tavistock road on Easter Monday, no trace since." He to Plymouth and went to the Central Police Station. - Constable Alford, who accompanied MR MARTIN to the house at Laira, stated that they found the door locked. He forced the catch of the window and found MRS MARTIN dead in bed in her own bedroom. There was a faint smell of gas in the room, and the tap of the wall bracket was half turned on. The meter was a shilling-in-the-slot kind, and the gas had run out. On inquiry he found that the last time MRS MARTIN had been seen alive was on Monday, April 8, when she was seen and spoken to by a little girl, Doreen Hanaford, aged eight years, of 37 Federation-road, Laira. She was then shaking mats in the lane. - Dr H. G. Ludolf said death was due to coal gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 April 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Girl A Mass Of Flames. Plymouth Hotel Maid's Evidence. - A girl's tragic death from burns was described at Newton Abbot last evening at an Inquest on EVELYN PORTER, aged 17, who was employed as a chambermaid at the Globe Hotel, Chagford. - William Leeson, manager of the Hotel, said on January 2 at 8 a.m., when he was in his bedroom, he heard screams coming from the direction of the kitchen. "I rushed out on to the landing," continued witness, "and, looking through a window, I saw the girl outside the building running along a passage with her clothes a mass of flames. I secured a rug and ran after her., I wrapped it round her and extinguished the flames, but her clothing was practically burnt off her. She was put to bed and a doctor and nurse were summoned." - A fellow employee, Olive Trumbell, of Stonehouse, Plymouth, said, "I passed through the kitchen about 8 o'clock, and saw EVELYN leaning over the table, reading a newspaper, with her back towards the fire, which was a few feet away. When I was cleaning the brass in another room I heard her call "Dolly" in quite an ordinary voice and then noticed something burning pass the frosted glass window. I thought she was carrying a burning duster or something in her hand. I went out and saw her standing in the yard in flames. I tried to put them out with a mat, the only thing at hand; but she slipped out of it and ran away. She did not scream until she reached the stable yard, where I endeavoured to pull her burning clothes off." - A Falling Spark. - Miss Louisa Taylor, superintendent nurse of the Newton Abbot infirmary, said the girl was admitted to the Infirmary on February 22 from Moretonhampstead Cottage Hospital suffering from extensive burns. The girl told witness she got up from bed rather early, and, feeling cold, stood with her back to the fire, from which she thought a spark must have fallen, setting her clothes alight. The girl died on Friday night.- The Coroner, Mr George Windeatt: Did she stand the journey from Moretonhampstead Hospital all right? - Witness: Yes, quite all right. - Coroner's Questions. - Do you think that she was in quite a fit state to be moved? - Yes, but she must have been in very great pain. - Dr J. J. Scrase said that when the girl was admitted to the Infirmary she was suffering from extensive ulceration of the skin, extending from the shoulder blade bones to the back of the knees. She was very weak and exhausted, but improved on stimulating treatment being applied for several weeks. April 12, however, she died from blood poisoning, due to the burns. - The Coroner: It was all right for her to have been moved?- Witness: Yes. I think it was the best thing that could have been done for her. - The Coroner said he asked the question because there were times when removals were questioned by certain authorities. - Mr F. Horner, clerk to Newton Abbot Guardians, said that a certificate as to fitness for removal was obtained from the doctor at Moretonhampstead before the girl was taken from the Infirmary. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Sailors Found Unconscious. Pillion Rider At Inquest. Plymouth Jury And Drivers Speed. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by a Jury at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday conducted by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on ARTHUR CHRISTOPHER NEIL, of Abergavenny, who was killed when his motor cycle collided with a telegraph pole at Crabtree, near Plymouth, on March 28. The Jury expressed the view that NEIL must have been driving at an excessive speed. Mr Isaac Foot appeared on behalf of the Admiralty. - Frederick Penhall, of Eggbuckland, a gardener, said he saw two sailors on a motor cycle; one was riding pillion. They were proceeding towards Plymouth. He estimated their speed at about 10 miles per hour. - Mr J. H. Williams said while he was working in a garden adjoining the road he heard a crash, and saw a cap rise into the air. He found two men lying unconscious beneath a motor cycle. - There was a mark in the wall at the scene of the accident where the cycle must have scraped before hitting a telegraph pole. - Survivor's Story. - William Gilbert Adams, seaman, of H.M.S. Defiance, the survivor of the accident, said he left the ship and was going ashore, when NEIL came to him and asked if he would like to go for a ride on the pillion of his motor cycle. He consented, but said he must not go too far as he had to go to Bere Alston that night. - They started from the Defiance, and caught the 5.30 p.m. ferry for Plymouth. They proceeded to Laira, but from that point he could not remember another fact until he recovered consciousness in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. He could remember nothing about the accident. He did not know if NEIL was an expert rider, but the cycle they rode had been loaned by another man. - Mr Foot said since they had left Saltash at about 5.30 p.m. they must have gone further than witness had remembered, for not only were they proceeding toward Plymouth when the accident occurred, but they had taken about three-quarters of an hour to do a journey which could be made in about ten minutes. - Constable Jarman said lying by the wall was a motor cycle, with the front badly damaged, and he noticed that on the hub of the front wheel were pieces of wood, which must have been torn from the telegraph pole. The bicycle was in top gear. The pole was situated on the left of the road, which was 30 ft. wide at that point, and formed an "S" bend. There was a mark on the wall about ten yards from the pole, which had evidently been made by the footrest of the cycle grazing against it. He thought the cycle must have been driven at a considerable speed. - Evidence of identification was given by JAMES TREVANION NEIL, a stoker on H.M.S. Rodney, brother. - Medical evidence was given by Surg.-Com. Bertram Raleigh Bickford that the cause of death was meningitis resulting from the injuries. - The Coroner expressed appreciation of the manner in which the evidence had been supplied by Constable Jarman.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 April 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Death Follows Play. Sequel To Little Boy's Fall At Plymouth. - At the Inquest on SIDNEY GEORGE WILLIAMS, aged 3, son of MR CHARLES HENRY WILLIAMS, of Queen-street, Devonport, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital after falling from steps on the beach at Northcorner, Devonport, Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, returned a verdict of "Death due to Cerebro-spinal Meningitis." - MRS LILIAN BEATRICE WILLIAMS, the lad's mother, said the child was playing on the beach at Northcorner with his sisters, who were both under 8 years of age, when he fell from some steps. When she returned home that afternoon she heard that he had fallen, and that his sisters had put him to bed. When her husband came home from work in the Dockyard she sent for Dr Bradshaw, who prescribed medicine for the child and told them to keep him in bed in a darkened room, with hot-water bottles at his feet. After a restless night he was removed to Hospital. - Dr Alexander Logan, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said when the boy was brought to the Hospital he was suffering from meningitis, and was treated for it. He died the next evening. It was possible that cerebro-spinal meningitis was aggravated by the fall, but it could not be definitely ascertained.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Employee's Fall To Death. Roadside Tragedy Near Salcombe. Plymouth Man's Sad Fate. - A verdict of "Accidental Death, due to fracture of the skull and cerebral injuries caused by falling from a pole on which he was working," was returned by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at the Inquest held on GEORGE HENRY SMITH, aged 66, 2 Hollywood-terrace, Wyndham-street, Plymouth, who died as the result of injuries received in falling from a telegraph pole at Kingsbridge on April 15. - Thomas Battman, foreman, employed by the Post Office engineering department, said he was in charge of a gang of men outside Malborough, near Salcombe. They were removing a pole and he gave instructions to SMITH to unbind the wires from the insulators. To do so he had to climb to the top of the pole, 22 feet from the ground. - When he had let all the wires clear of the pole witness told SMITH to come done. He went about 60 yards away to clear some wires, and as he turned to comeback he saw that SMITH and the pole were on the ground and that SMITH was seriously injured. - With assistance he unstrapped the injured man from the pole and placed him on a passing motor car, in which he was conveyed to Kingsbridge Cottage Hospital. - Deceased was a practical man and had been engaged on this kind of work for years. - Coroner's Questions. - The Coroner: How far away from the pole was a trench being dug? - Witness: About 2 ft. 6 in. away, and about 18 in. deep.- Was this trench dug before SMITH had mounted the pole? - No. I do not think that the digging of the trench had anything to do with the falling of the pole. The pole was sunk about 4 ft. 1 in., as I gathered from the soil marks. We usually sink them about 4 ft. 6 in. This pole had been there several years. If I were putting the pole up I should have put it down 4 ft. 6 in., as the soil is soft. The regulation is that the pole must be put down at a depth not less than 4 ft. - Replying to Mr Wolferstan (representing the foreman), witness said: "I think it fell because it was not sufficiently sunk, having regard to the soft nature of the soil." - Mr Elliot Square (representing deceased's family): Did you allow a person to dig a trench near the pole when you were engaged on other work of this kind? - No.- Depth Of The Pole. - This is the only time on which you started to dig a trench when someone was at the top of the pole? - Yes. - Do you suggest that SMITH was up the pole about eight or nine minutes after you told him to come down, and had any of this soil been removed in some way by children climbing the bank? - He was up the pole about that time and the soil had been removed by road widening. - How much? - I think about 1 ft. 6 in. had been taken away. - The Coroner: How much soil was then around the pole when you started digging? - I think it was about 3 ft. of the pole which was imbedded in the soil. - Mr Square: And you say the soil marks show 4 ft. 1 in. The facts show that there was but 1 ft. of the earth to keep the pole erect, and without any supporting wire. Is that safe? - If I had had any idea that someone was still on the pole I should not have issued the order to start digging the trench. - Mr Mayburne Pearce (for the General Post Office): You know that the regulations are that nobody should start digging a trench whilst there is still someone on the pole? You say the wires were free, you told SMITH to come down and then issued the order for the other man to start digging the trench? - Yes. - Mr Wolferstan: Before the digging had started had you any indication how far the pole was in the ground? - I had no indication. I assumed it would be 4 ft. 6 in. I considered it a sound pole. It fell parallel to the road, in the same direction that the trench was being dug. - Taken For Granted. - John Cowling, labourer, corroborated the evidence up to the point where the order to come down was given SMITH. He said that he did not commence digging until this order had been given. He started to dig about 3 ft. 6 in. from the pole, and was clear 1 ft. when he finished. - The Coroner: You took it for granted that SMITH had come down on the order? - I took it for granted that he was not at the top of the pole. I should not have started digging otherwise. - Mr Wolferstan: When the pole fell did it touch you?- It hit my right shoulder. SMITH fell on top of the pole. From the time I started digging to the time the pole fell was about five to eight minutes. There were signs that the belt was about to be undone, as the first of the two buckles had been unfastened. This showed that SMITH was about to come down. - Dr F. Blackwood, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when admitted to the Hospital deceased was suffering from a compound decompression and fracture of the frontal bone, and compound fracture of the skull and cerebral injuries. The removal of the injured man to Plymouth from Kingsbridge would not have affected the ultimate result. - Returning the verdict, the Coroner recommended that Mr Pearce, as representing the General Post Office, might bring the circumstances of the accident before them, with a view that any further digging of trenches whilst a person was on a pole might be prevented.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Death After Meal Of Mackerel. Remarkable Case At Billacombe. - Blood poisoning, due to food poisoning bacilli, was stated to have been the cause of the death of JOSEPH HENRY WADMORE, 54, painter and decorator, of Fernleigh, Billacombe, upon whom Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday. It was disclosed that MR WADMORE ate mackerel for tea on the 11th inst., and afterwards felt unwell and went to bed. The remainder of the family partook of the fish, but were not affected. - A verdict was given in accordance with the medical evidence of toxaemia being the cause of death. - According to Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the Hospital, deceased was admitted on April 15 on the advice of Dr Bradbury of Oreston, who seemed in doubt as to the reason for the man's sickness. The man died last Wednesday and witness had made a post-mortem examination, in the course of which he found the chief abnormality was inflammation and haemorrhage throughout the intestines. - Unusual Bacillus. - Cultures were made and a bacillus not usually found to be present was isolated. There was no evidence of any irritant poisoning. - The balance of evidence was in favour of acute intestinal infection rather than of irritant, and death was due to toxaemia through food poisoning bacilli.- JOSEPH JOHN NELSON WADMORE, son, said on April 11 his father partook of mackerel for his tea with the rest of the family. He afterwards complained of feeling unwell and went to bed. Dr Bradbury was called in, and ordered deceased's removal to Hospital, where he was admitted on April 15, after the doctor had called twice on the Sunday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 April 1929
EAST STONEHOUSE - P.O.'s 50-Feet Fall. Inquest Story Of Dry Dock Accident. A Sick Patient In H.M.S. Eagle. - A verdict of "Death from Shock caused by multiple injuries received by falling from the deck of H.M.S. Eagle" was returned by the Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, Mr W. E. J. Major, at the Inquest yesterday on HERBERT GEORGE YEELES, 33, first class petty officer, of the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. Eagle. - Mr Isaac Foot watched the proceedings for the Admiralty. - MRS ELSIE LAVINIA YEELES said she last saw her husband on April 16, when he left home to go on board his ship. Since that time he had been in the sick bay. He had been away on a commission for just over two years, and only returned on April 6. He had no private worries, and there were no domestic troubles to her knowledge. - Surg.-Com. Jas. G. Danson, of the Royal Naval Hospital, stated that YEELES was admitted on the evening of April 19 and died just as he was entering the Hospital. From a post-mortem examination witness attributed death to shock from multiple injuries and haemorrhage from ruptured internal organs and fractures. - James Henry Williams, leading sick bay attendant, serving in H.M.S. Eagle, said P.O. YEELES had been sick for two days, but got up about 12 o'clock on the 19th. Witness saw him during the afternoon playing draughts with another inmate and he appeared normal. Just after seven o'clock he left, saying he was going to get his supper. Within a couple of minutes witness was informed that an accident had occurred, the man having fallen to the bottom of the dock. - Witness proceeded there and YEELES shouted, "Oh, my leg" when it was touched. Medical assistance was procured and the man was subsequently removed to Hospital. - Eye Witness's Story. - Albert John Fricker, chief petty officer stoker, of H.M.S. Eagle, recalled coming up the hatch from the Air Force deck to the forecastle deck on Friday evening. He heard a shuffling of feet and saw the lower part of a man's legs. Witness then saw the man drop his cap on the deck and get between the guard wires, disappearing from view. - Witness rushed to the side of the ship and saw YEELES hanging by his right hand from the beading around the gun stand. Just as witness got to the side the man appeared to release his grip and drop to the bottom of the dry dock. Witness informed the quartermaster at once and sent a message to the sick bay. The height from the deck to the bottom of the dock was between 50 and 60 feet. - John Henry Stokes, able seaman, serving in H.M.S. Eagle, stated that on the afternoon of the 19th he was in the sick bay with YEELES, who seemed quite normal. During the evening they played draughts together.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. Major, on WILLIAM CHARLES TOWNSEND, 45, a naval pensioner, of Church-lane, Torre, Torquay, who received fatal injuries in a collision at Bittaford. - The widow, MRS EMILY TOWNSEND, said that the day of the accident her husband left home on his motor cycle at 8.45 a.m. to proceed to Ivybridge, where he had taken a situation as a temporary cook. At one o'clock she was informed by the Police that her husband had met with an accident. Her husband had been riding his motor cycle for four or five years and had never had an accident. - Herbert Alexander John Burry, farmer, of Newton House, Sea-road, High Cliff, Hants, said that about 8.55 that morning he left Devonport in his car. When he reached the viaduct at Bittaford he slowed down to take the bend to about 15 to 20 miles an hour. When he was about eight yards from the corner he saw a motor cyclist coming towards him in the centre of the road, and at a fast pace. Seeing the risk of an accident he applied his brakes and tried to turn the car a little further into the left side of the road. Just as he pulled up there was a collision. The engine of the motor cycle struck the right-hand side of the car, bending the dumb iron inwards. - Cyclist's Speed. - In replying to questions by members of the Jury, witness said anyone taking the bend from Bittaford towards Plymouth at a fast speed was practically bound to get on the wrong side of the road. - Frank Hector Roach, a retired Army captain, corroborated MR BURRY'S evidence and said he could have done nothing to avoid the accident. At the speed the cyclist was travelling it was impossible for him to get round the bend on his own side. - Constable McCrae, stationed at Ugborough, said the collision occurred 15 ft. 7 in. from the cyclist's proper side of the road. The car was 5 ft from the wall on its proper side of the road. There were danger signals about 150 yards on either side of the bend. He took a statement from a man who was driving a car behind Mr Burry's to the effect that he saw the motor cyclist coming on at a fast rate round the corner in a wide sweep. He appeared to be coming too fast to allow him to negotiate the corner and collided with the car. There was, in his opinion, no blame attached to the driver of the car. - Dr Sam Bridgeman, Surgeon, said the cyclist was admitted to the Hospital with a fractured skull and a fractured femur. - Mr Elliot Square, solicitor, was present on behalf of Mr Burry. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal End To Cycle Collision. - At the Inquest on FRANK WOODLEY SHILLABEER, 20, farmer's assistant, of Wordswell Farm, Newton Ferrers, the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - FRANK SHILLABEER, photographer, of Kesthill Lodge, Elburton, said on Monday his son told him that he had met with an accident when motor cycling and that he had collided with another motor cyclist between Bridgend and Newton Ferrers. He expressed no opinion as to whose fault it was. He was brought home in a motor car, after having been attended on the scene of the accident by Dr Bentley Smith, and was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth. - George Hockaday, 24, a labourer, of Newton Ferrers, said he was riding a solo motor cycle about quarter-past 8 on Monday evening down Bridgend Hill, and he had a pillion passenger. The collision occurred just after he had passed the bend about half-way down the hill. He saw SHILLABEER, who was coming up the hill, just as he had got round the bend. He was travelling at least 20 miles an hour, and practically in the middle of the road. Witness swerved to the left, expecting the other to swerve also. Instead, SHILLABEER swerved to his right towards him (Hockaday). He thought the other cyclist had apparently lost control of his cycle. - Miss Myrtle Vera Northcott, housekeeper at Bridgend, the pillion passenger, corroborated the previous witness's evidence. - Dr L. A. Richardson said SHILLABEER was admitted to the Hospital at 10.30 p.m. with a compound fracture of the knee cap, which extended into the knee joint. An operation was commenced almost immediately. The operation was concluded and the patient was returned to the ward in the charge of a sister. In about five minutes he was summoned, as the patient had collapsed. Artificial respiration was tried, but the man died about three minutes after witness reached the ward. He had since made a post-mortem examination and found that death was due to cardiac failure. The cause of death was cardiac failure and status lymphaticus. The person suffering from status lymphaticus was liable to cardiac failure from possibly trivial causes, such as fright, shock or an anaesthetic. He was satisfied he was not suffering from shock. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, death being due to an operation following an accidental collision, the Jury adding that they considered that everything possible had been done at the Hospital to save MR SHILLABEER'S life.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 April 1929
PLYMOUTH - Young Wife's Death. Coroner's Sympathy At Plymouth Inquest. - "I can only express my deepest sympathy and return a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, said the City Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest held at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on GLADYS BLANCHE HILL, aged 21, wife of FRANK HILL, aged 19, living at Embankment-road, Plymouth. MRS HILL died at the Royal Albert Hospital on Tuesday following the birth of a child. - The husband said on April 4 his wife was admitted to the Alexandra Nursing Home, Stoke, Devonport. She remained in the Home until April 12, when she was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where she died on Tuesday. - Olive Grace Howlett, sister in charge of the Nursing Home, said the child was born on April 4 at about 11.45 a.m., Dr Lander being present. She did not see the doctor until the evening of the fourth day. On the morning of the fifth day the doctor came and examined the patient. - Dr Lander: I was informed of the circumstances on the evening of the fourth day. - Witness said she did not remember taking any steps to inform Dr Lander of certain circumstances which she suspected until the fourth day. She agreed that it would be proper to inform the doctor. At the Home it was left to the sister in charge to use her own discretion as to communicating with the doctor. - The Coroner: Can you tell me why you did not take any steps to inform the doctor? - The Coroner: Can you tell me why you did not take any steps to inform the doctor? - Witness: I did not take any steps, as I thought Dr Lander would have some suspicion like I had. I would not take the same course again; I would make quite sure that the doctor knew of my suspicion. - Dr C. Lander said he was called to the Alexandra Nursing Home on April 4 and attended MRS HILL. It was an abnormal case. He visited the patient next day and on April 7 received a report of her condition. On Monday evening he received a telephone message, and that was the first indication he had of the trouble. On Tuesday, April 9, he examined the patient and operated on her, but on Thursday, her progress not being satisfactory, she was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital on his advice. Here he attended her until she died. - "I do not think that any blame attaches to the treatment the patient received in the Alexandra Nursing Home," said Dr Lander. "I am prepared to accept full responsibility for the case throughout. I have had an unusually large experience of maternity work, and have dealt with over 5,000 cases." - Dr A. Logan, of the Royal Albert Hospital, said that death was due to puerperal septicaemia, post-partum haemorrhage and adherent placenta. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 April 1929
PLYMOUTH -City Gas Tragedy. Inquest Story Of Tailor's Fate. - A verdict of "Carbon monoxide poisoning, without sufficient evidence to show whether death was accidental or otherwise," was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, who conducted an Inquest at the Vauxhall-street Mortuary, Plymouth, yesterday on ALEXANDER DUDLEY ROXBURGH, aged 67, a tailor of 12 St James-terrace, Citadel-road, Plymouth, who was found dead, sitting in his workshop at St James-terrace. - Mrs Winifred Gladys Rennells, of 12 St James-terrace, stated that at about 8 a.m. on Saturday she was told by a maid that there was gas escaping in the house. She went downstairs and saw the deceased sitting, apparently dead, in his workshop. - Gas was escaping from two taps in the oven, and she turned them off, sending for the doctor and Police. Deceased had rented the workshop for about six or seven months, and had apparently no worries. She was of the opinion that he had left the two taps on accidentally, for she had had to turn them off previously for him. - Dr Samuel McKee stated that when he arrived MR ROXBURGH was dead. Death was due to carbon monoxide poisoning, caused by the inhalation of coal gas. He saw no evidence to show that the deceased had taken his life, and, in any case, it was not a very thorough way to commit suicide by simply sitting in his chair. - Constable Lansley stated that when he arrived, he turned off two more taps which had been left on. He tried artificial respiration without success. There was no evidence to show whether death was accidental or suicidal. - The wife of the deceased, MRS ELLEN ELIZA ROXBURGH, of Inhedge, Dudley, Worcestershire, declared that she had known nothing which would have caused him to take his life. - Mr Cyril A. L. Briggs of 18 Endsleigh Park-road, Peverell, said he had been a friend of the deceased for about a year, and during that time the deceased had seemed to be perfectly happy in disposition. He had procured MR ROXBURGH employment, which would have ensured his comfort. [ Note: Messrs W. Roxburgh and Son, 6 Athenaeum-street, Plymouth, wish us to point out that they were not related nor had they any business connection with the late MR A. ROXBURGH, 12 St James-terrace, Plymouth.]

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 May 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Widow's Death. - The Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, held an Inquest at Ford House yesterday concerning the death of MARY PRISCILLA VINCENT, a widow, aged 77, who had resided at 52 Princes-street, Devonport. - According to the evidence, the deceased apparently fell on January 3, fracturing her left wrist and also injuring her forehead. She was admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital and on January 17 was transferred to Ford House, where Dr G. C. Sandford, the Medical Officer, found her suffering from cardiac debility, consequent on her injuries. Against medical advice she returned home on March 20, but went back to Ford House on April 10, when she then had bronchitis, in addition to heart trouble, from which she died on Saturday. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 May 1929
GOSPORT, HAMPSHIRE - Admiral's Tragic End. Former Devonport Officer And Deputy Mayor Of Gosport. - An officer well known in the Westcountry, Engr.-Rear Adml. W. G. MOGG, C.B.(ret.), was found dead under tragic circumstances at Gosport on Wednesday night. A beach attendant at Stokes Bay found the admiral's body lying by the side of a partially-filled bottle of disinfectant. A doctor was summoned, but the admiral was beyond aid. He had left his home at Alverstoke before lunch the same day and had not returned. - Engr.-Rear-Adml. MOGG, who belonged to a Devonport family, had resided in the Portsmouth district for 12 years. On retiring from the Navy, in which his last appointment was on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Portsmouth, in 1918-19 he entered public life at Gosport and was Mayor of the Borough in 1926-27. - For the past two years he had served as Deputy Mayor. He was 68 years of age, and leaves a widow and three married daughters. - Rear-Adml. MOGG was born in Devon and received his naval engineering education at R.N.E. College, Keyham. After serving in Devonport Dockyard he was raised to the rank of engineer-captain in 1911 and was appointed to the staff of the Rear-Admiral commanding the Third Cruiser Squadron. In the following year he was made rear-admiral of the home fleets. - At the Inquest last evening, Paymr.-Com. D. E. Smith, son-in-law, said he did not know until after the Admiral's death that he was in any financial difficulty. Two years ago the Admiral had some monetary trouble, but witness thought that was in process of being overcome. The Admiral was extremely sensitive to suffering, and the night before his death had a severe shock in seeing his wife's mother extremely ill. - Verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 May 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Ran Into Motor 'Bus. Story Of Accident To Plymouth Boy. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest on COLIN KILVINGTON, a six-years-old boy, of Dingle-road, Swilly, who died as the result of being knocked down by a Corporation motor 'bus on April 30, the Jury desired that the attention of the authorities should be brought to a sloping bank near the scene of the accident. - The Inquest was conducted by the City Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at the Royal Albert Hospital. Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, represented the Plymouth Corporation Transport. - JOHN THOMAS KILVINGTON said that his son was playing in Dingle-road about 5.30 p.m. on April 30. He was near his home at the time, and he saw some people picking a child from underneath a 'bus. The boy died at the Royal Albert Hospital the same evening. - Mr Harlan Williams, Rosedown-avenue, Swilly, a Corporation tram driver, said he was standing at the bottom of Dingle-road, and saw a Corporation 'bus approaching. It was about 3 ft. from the pavement and was being driven at about 6-7 miles per hour. He saw the boy run off the pavement. It was impossible for the driver to do anything to avoid the accident. - Mrs W. Whitefield, Rosedown-avenue, Swilly, said she saw the child leave the pavement and run into the road after a ball. He stopped, as if deciding whether to go back or go forward. A man shouted to the child and, as he turned, the 'bus hit him. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said the boy went across the front of the 'bus, and was struck by the front right-hand mudguard. The driver could not have possibly avoided the accident. - Witness referred to the piece of waste ground at a spot near the 'bus stop, which she considered was very dangerous for the children. They ran down the slope, and, being unable to stop themselves, they ran into the road. - George F. Gloyne said he was driving his 'bus from Beacon Park down Dingle-road at about eight to ten miles per hour. He was slowing down, because of the 'bus stop near by, and the turning into the Swilly-road. He saw the child leave the pavement. He did not see any ball. The boy ran from the near side right in front of the 'bus. There was nothing that he could have done to avoid the accident. - In reply to the Jury witness said if he had seen the ball he would have expected something like a child running out and have been prepared for it. - Dr John Gurley, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death was due to shock from the multiple injuries received. The lower part of the body was badly injured.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Mason's Fatal Fall. - An Inquest was held yesterday on CHARLES LAPTHORN, 62, mason, of Embankment-road, Plymouth, employed by Messrs. J. Cockerel, Richmond-walk, Devonport, who fell while unlashing two ladders at the Kingsbridge Inn, Richmond-street, Plymouth, on May 1, and was killed. - The City Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death due to fracture of the base of the skull and laceration of the brain, caused by falling from a ladder while working in Richmond-street, Plymouth." - Henry E. Renton, Desborough-road, Plymouth, foreman, said he thought that LAPTHORN had missed his footing and in an endeavour to regain his balance, clutched at the top and partially unfastened the ladder, with fatal results. - John S. Mallett, Cumberland-street, Devonport, the labourer who was at the foot of the ladder said that when LAPTHORN was about twenty rungs from the bottom of the leading ladder he felt it shake and LAPTHORN fell on to his (witness's) shoulder.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatal Accident. - An Inquest was conducted at the Greenbank Infirmary, Plymouth, yesterday on MRS SUSAN JAGGERS, aged 68, of 35 Anstis-street, Plymouth, who died at the Greenbank Infirmary on Friday as the result of slipping on a piece of orange peel outside her home. The Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, returned a verdict of "Death in accordance with the medical evidence." - Dr Millicent Fox said death was due to hypostatic pneumonia following fracture of the thigh.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 May 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Inquest Adjourned. Plymouth Accident Witnesses To Attend. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, opened an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday afternoon, on JOHN THOMAS THEODORE HONEY, 44, licensed victualler, of the Penrose Inn, Penrose-street, Plymouth, who died following injuries received in an accident in Union-street last month.- After calling evidence of identification and the House Surgeon of the Hospital, the Coroner, who sat with a Jury, adjourned the Inquest sine die, so that at the next hearing important witnesses who are serving in the Royal Navy would be able to attend. He said death had followed the injuries received in collision with a vehicle, and the driver and other witnesses were not now in Plymouth. - Dr Alexander Logan, House Surgeon, said when admitted on April 16, deceased was unconscious and suffering from shock as the result of multiple injuries. There was a severe wound to the scalp, which went to the bone, but the skull was not fractured. The jaw was broken on both sides and the fingers looked as though they had been jammed. There was also a fracture of the bones of the left leg above the ankle. Death was due to septic pneumonia caused by the compound fracture of the jaw. - Replying to Mr D. F. Nash, who appeared for the widow, Dr Logan said it must have been a severe collision, and the machine which struck deceased must have been going at some speed. If he struck the tram standard it must have been with considerable force.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 May 1929
PAIGNTON - Scalding Fatality. Mother's Evidence At Inquest At Paignton. - At Paignton yesterday Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquest on HENRY HAMLYN, the three-years-old son of MABEL EMILY HAMLYN, of Totnes-road, Paignton. - The mother said the child was in the kitchen with her little girl, when she left a bath of warm water in the scullery. The lad was playing with his sister and had a towel over his head. He was walking backwards and fell into the bath.- Dr H. C. Adams said when called to the house he found the child suffering from extensive scalds on the back, and he ordered his removal to Hospital. The boy died from shock caused by extensive scalding. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Adams said the application of butter or any greasy substance was not good in practice. Clean linen wrapping was much more preferable. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Tragedy Of Worry. Plymouth Man Who Was Out Of Work. - How an old man worried himself to death was described on Saturday at an Inquest on WILLIAM ROWE, 69, of 24 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, who was found lying dead with a gas ring on his chest. - Evidence was given to the effect that deceased had been out of work for 18 months and had worried about it a great deal, being afraid that he was too old ever to get work again. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 May 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest on HENRIETTA HARVEY, 63, of 38 Pembroke-street, Devonport, who fell down when she got out of bed. - Evidence was given that deceased had been bedridden for 18 months and that death was due to shock.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 May 1929
DARTMOUTH - Naval College Tragedy. Inquest On Young Officer. Mystery Of Impulse To Take His Life. - Mr A. M. Davson, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmouth Guildhall yesterday into the death of LIEUT (E) REGINALD WILMOUNT LAUGHTON, R.N., aged 25 years, an inspector at the Naval Workshop, Sandquay, who was found dead in his cabin at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth on Saturday. - LIEUT. LAUGHTON'S step-father is Capt. CLIFT, of Mount Wise, Newquay. - Lieut. Anthony Martin Kimmins, R.N., stationed at the Royal Naval College, said LIEUT. LAUGHTON came to the college last term and witness saw him every day, and he appeared to be in good spirits. He got on well with the staff. - Lieut. Ian Sanderson, R.N., attached to the Naval College, said he had known deceased since he came to the College last January. Deceased was quite happy and appeared to get on well. On Friday night witness left LIEUT. LAUGHTON about 11.45 at his staircase, and deceased said "Good night" and that he was going to write letters. He was perfectly sober and normal. - Instructor-Lieut. Stanley Walter Pack, R.N., said he came to the College on May 1, and had seen a good deal of the deceased since that date. He could not account for his death. - By Mr Edgar Bowden (for the Admiralty): Deceased had never made any complaints against anyone. - William John Fairall, of Victoria-road, Dartmouth, said he had been servant to the deceased. Witness was in the cabin on May 10 when deceased dressed for dinner. He was happy and cheerful. At 7.15 on Saturday morning witness called at the cabin and found the door locked. He reported this to the Chief of Staff and asked him to bring his master key. The door was opened at a quarter to eight by the carpenter's mate, who had to cut around the lock. - Replying to Police-Sergt. Willcocks, witness said the key must have been in the lock inside, as the Chief of Staff could not insert his master key. - Locked Door. - Surg. Lieut.-Com. Murdoch Brown, R.N., said deceased was always most cheerful. On Saturday morning he was told about the door being locked and was present when it was opened. He went into the room and saw the body of deceased on the floor by the wash-stand. Two rubber-lined bags, produced were over his head, the tapes of the bags were pulled tight and over the tapes was a lanyard around his neck, drawn very tightly. He removed the bags. He considered death was due to suffocation.- Police-Sergt. Willcocks said he went to the Royal Naval College on Saturday morning in response to a message, and proceeded to the officer's cabin on the third floor. The key was on the inside of the door and the body on the floor, the left hand clasping one end of the lanyard. He saw Surgeon Brown remove the cord from the neck and the bags from the head. It seemed that deceased had put water in the bags. Deceased's bed had not been occupied, and the room was in perfect order. He searched the room, but could find nothing that would refer to the tragedy. - There was one letter, but it contained nothing relating to the tragedy. It was a perfectly cheerful letter. - The Coroner said he did not propose to read the letter. He found that the cause of death was suffocation and that deceased killed himself while Temporarily Insane.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 May 1929
ST MARYCHURCH - A Dangerous Spot. Coroner's Observation At Torquay. - "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest conducted by Mr E. Hutchings at St Marychurch Townhall, Torquay, yesterday, on MRS ETHEL HANNAFORD, aged 25, of Hele-road, St Marychurch, whose body was discovered on Tuesday in Terrace-walk, Rock-walk, at the foot of a cliff in Torbay-road. - Mr John Henry H. Owen of Hele House, Torquay, said he heard children shouting: "Something has fallen down the cliff. We think it is a dummy, but we don't know." He then saw a body lying close to the foot of the cliff on a flower bed. The woman was absolutely lifeless; in fact, he thought it was a dummy figure. The cliff at that point was perpendicular. - Constable Pearce said MRS HANNAFORD must either have entered by a gateway or scrambled underneath or over the railings at the top of the cliff, which is 70 or 80 ft. high. - "A child could climb under these railings, then?" asked the Coroner. - Witness: Yes. - The Coroner: There is not much point in having railings to protect the cliff if children can crawl underneath them. - Dr Bernard Sayers said death was instantaneous and due to a fractured skull. There were only a few superficial scratches and bruises. - The Coroner said: "I do not want it to be thought that I am making any criticism of anyone, but the safety of this place is a matter for the authorities to inquire into. But according to the evidence, it would appear as though it were possible for children to climb underneath this fence to a most dangerous place, and it is also possible for children and others to enter by a gateway and get to a dangerous place." - "The authorities should consider whether or not some obstruction could be placed at this point for further protection."

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Unusual Incident At Inquest. Plymouth Witness Disowns Statement. - An unusual situation arose at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN HONEY, aged 44 of Penrose-street, Plymouth, who died as the result of a motor cycle accident in Union-street, Plymouth, on April 16. - After Albert Victor Charlick, of Mainstone-avenue, Plymouth, had stated that there was the usual number of people in the street at the time, but that he did not see the accident, Constable Thompson said Mr Charlick had made a statement to him describing the accident and blaming deceased. - When asked why he had told the Jury that he had not seen the accident, he replied that he suffered badly from nerve trouble and could not remember having made the statement to the Constable. - Alfred Wheetley, Welton-avenue, Bristol, said as he was walking past the Castle Hotel, Union-street, he noticed a motor cycle proceeding in the direction of Devonport. The cycle was driven by a sailor, with another sailor on the pillion. The motor cycle was being driven at a speed of between 30 and 35 miles per hour. - A few moments later he heard a crash and looking around saw deceased on the ground. Witness helped to carry him into the Hotel. - Constable's Evidence. - Constable Thompson stated that about 9.30 on April 16 he saw deceased in the Castle Hotel with members of the St John Ambulance attending to him. Mr Charlick said to him (witness): "The motor cyclists were travelling at about 10 miles per hour. HONEY stepped out into the road in front of the cyclists and hesitated and was knocked down, the impact taking him about a yard. He then struck an electric standard. In my opinion deceased was entirely to blame." - The driver of the cycle, Arthur Henry Hollister, said deceased stepped from the pavement and commenced to cross the road. When he saw the motor cycle he hesitated, and then commenced to return to the pavement. - "At the moment he hesitated I swerved to the right, but hit his left shoulder. I did all I could to avoid the accident. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, said that the evidence was unsatisfactory and there was a discrepancy as to the speed of the cycle. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and stated that there was no evidence of negligence on the part of the driver, and exonerated him from all blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 May 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Widow's Fatal Fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, at an Inquiry at Ford House on Saturday respecting the death of MARY JANE GOUTERAIS (88), widow of a merchant seaman, who fell down stairs at her home, 32 Balmoral-avenue, Devonport, on April 18. - She was attended by Dr Wagner and removed a week later to Ford House, where she died from shock on Thursday.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 May 1929
PAIGNTON -Paignton Tragedy. Woman Found Dead Clasping Husband's Photograph. - Mr G. E. Windeatt, of Totnes, the Deputy District Coroner, held an Inquest at Paignton on Saturday into the death of MRS EMILY KATE LETHBRIDGE, wife of MR WILLIAM LETHBRIDGE, of The Link, Orient-road, Preston, who was found dead in a gas-filled room at her home on Friday. - MR WILLIAM HENRY HOCKADAY LETHBRIDGE, the widower, told the Coroner that his wife was 37 years of age. Witness last saw her alive on Friday morning when she seemed in a better state of mind than for some days previously, when she had been worrying. - He had never been afraid she would take her life. - MISS LILY READ, of Watchett, Somerset, said she went to Paignton to stay with her sister in consequence of the latter's state of health. She was worrying about her condition. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said she had never given her the impression of suicidal tendencies, but added that she was afraid of childbirth.- Witness informed the Coroner that at MRS LETHBRIDGE'S request, on Friday afternoon she went to Torquay. On returning she found the front and the back doors locked and could smell gas. A neighbour was called and an entry forced through a window. - Mr George Lee, a neighbour, said he was called to The Link about 5.30 on Friday. All the doors were locked. An entry was forced through the window of the kitchen. The woman was lying on the floor with her head toward the gas oven, all five taps of which were turned on. In her hand was her husband's photograph. - "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 May 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Lovers' Tragic Parting. Young Newton Abbot Man Drowned. - "I have not any doubt at all in my mind about this; obviously the verdict is 'Found Drowned,' said Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, at Newton Abbot on Saturday, where he conducted an Inquiry into the discovery of the body in the Stover Canal on Friday of IVOR RODEN JOHNSON, aged 20, of Western-road, Newton Abbot. - JOHNSON, it was stated, had had a "tiff" with his sweetheart the previous evening near the spot where his body was found, but Mr Hutchings said he thought it was only fair to say there was no suggestion of his having desired or attempted to take his life. - The facts were consistent with his going across the lock, slipped and fallen in. He thought that could be the only explanation. It occurred in broad daylight and nobody saw him. - "The incident that occurred just before," he added, "is too trivial for words. The young lady has given her evidence very clearly and very straightforwardly." - Father's Evidence. - GEORGE JOHNSON, the father, said he discovered on Friday morning that his son had not returned home, because the gas was still on in the kitchen, and his bed had not been slept in. He went to the Hospital to see if he had been involved in an accident, and then informed the Police. - On Thursday evening he was quite lively, and was always even tempered. Witness believed his son slipped when going across the locks. It was very dangerous there. - Girl's Story. - Miss Muriel Mary Gill, of 34 Hillman-road, said she was 18 years of age and had known JOHNSON for three years and was accustomed to go out with him practically every evening since she had known him. - On Thursday she met him by appointment at 6.30 p.m. "At the bottom of Knowles Hill," she continued, "he said, 'Where shall we go now?' and I replied, 'I don't mind.' He said, 'Why don't you decide? You always leave me to decide.' - "I did not answer him and we proceeded towards the canal without any conversation at all. When we reached the canal he said, "Why are you so quiet? Another evening spoilt I suppose," and I replied, "Not unless you make it so." - "We crossed the locks and walked a few yards on the towpath, when he said, 'I am going back.' I said, 'No, let's walk to the end,' but he said, 'No,' and I walked alone by the canal. I expected him to follow me, and I sat under a tree, but he did not come back and later I returned to the town without seeing him. - "I take it you had just a little "tiff," asked the Coroner. - Witness replied, "Yes," and added that JOHNSON was quite as usual when she met him. He could not swim. - Mr Smale, a clayworker, found the body.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Carman's Death. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by Mr J. A. Pearce, the City Coroner, at an Inquest held yesterday on CHARLES ROBERT CAWSE, aged 67, carman, in the employ of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, living at Glanville-street, Plymouth, who was found in his room by his wife lying on the rug with gas escaping near him. - According to the evidence his wife had been out shopping during the morning and returned at 11.30 to find her husband lying on the rug.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Unloading Tragedy. Plymouth Inquest Verdict And Jury Rider. - At an Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday on WILLIAM JAMES BRIGGS, aged 66, labourer, of 79 South View-terrace, Plymouth, who met with a fatal accident while unloading a barge on May 15, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, a rider being added that not sufficient care was taken in placing a plank in a safe position. - It appeared that in unloading planks from the barge at Timber Company's works, one plank placed against the gangway slipped and hit BRIGGS on the head and knocked him on to the beach. - He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, but died before arrival. Dr Samuel Bridgeman declared that death was due to a broken neck.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 May 1929
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Tragedy. Inquest On Sailor Motor Cyclist. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, held an inquiry at the Townhall, Ashburton, on Monday into the death of BERNARD RICHARD SCARLETT, aged 24 years, a sailor, of H.M.S. Eagle, who lost his life as the result of a motor cycle accident at Ashburton on Friday last. - Arthur Percy Turle, of Boscombe, at present staying at the Anchor Cafe, Ashburton, stated that deceased arrived at the cafe at about 5.20 p.m. on Friday and left for Plymouth about 8.40 p.m. He was quite normal when he left. - Gladys Gertrude Pitts, of Ashburton, said that she, with her sister and a friend, were walking towards Ashburton about 8.45 p.m. on Friday and saw a sailor on a motor cycle, on the bend by the Kingsley Hotel, travelling towards Buckfastleigh at a very fast rate. She passed a remark to her sister as to the rate he was going. Just after he passed they heard a crash and looking round, saw the cycle skidding across the road. They ran back and found the cyclist lying in the road. Deceased was not conscious during the time witness was there. - Constable Gould, of Ashburton, described marks he found on the road and an adjoining wall and damage to the motor cycle and stated that he prepared the sketch of the site produced. The Coroner complimented witness on the sketch, which he said had been of great assistance to him and to the Jury. - Dr E. A. Ellis of Ashburton, described the injuries to deceased, which consisted of a severe fracture to the left side of the skull, together with severe injury to the left foot, and other minor injuries. The fractured skull undoubtedly caused death and nothing could be done for deceased from the first. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Coroner and Jury expressing their sympathy with the relatives. Mr Edgar Bowden (Plymouth) associated himself with the expression of sympathy, on behalf of the Admiralty, as also did an officer from the ship, on behalf of the captain, offices and ship's company.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Mortuary on HENRY EDWARD ROSE, 71, old-age pensioner, 2 Devonshire-street, Plymouth. Emily Caroline Parker, his landlady, said she detected a strong smell of gas coming from the direction of deceased's room. She went there and found deceased lying on the floor. Gas was issuing from a gas bracket over the mantelpiece. - Edward Gillesby Livermore, manager of the Westminster Bank, Orpington, said deceased was his cousin, and was once a scholar at Keble College, Oxford. He broke down early in life through over-study and had done no work since being maintained by witness and his family. - Emily Caroline Parker said although usually reserved, he was often very cheerful. He had a quarterly gas meter and paid for his own gas. She did not believe for a moment that he intentionally turned the gas on to cause death. He was the last person to do that. In her opinion he went to turn the gas on and fell backwards to the floor and was unable to get up. He fell when in the street the week before. - Dr Edgar R. Gould said he was called in on Monday morning to see deceased. There was a strong smell of gas in the room. He had made a post-mortem examination of the body. It was probable that he had had a fall as the previous witness suggested. The actual cause of death, however, was coal gas poisoning. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was due to Coal Gas Poisoning, but there was no evidence to show whether it was Accidental or otherwise.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Child's Death. - Mr J. A. Pearce, the City Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the City Mortuary into the circumstances attending the death of KATHLEEN VIRGINIA VINGOE, aged 4 years and 8 months, daughter of SIDNEY GORDON VINGOE, able seaman, 25 Market-street, Stonehouse. - The mother said that four weeks ago the child complained of pains in the head. She took her to a chemist, who gave her a powder, which eased the pain for a time. She got worse and Dr Wood was called in. He visited the child three times and sent a nurse to give her an injection. He said she was poisoned, and that that was the cause of pains in the head. Later, Dr Wood being unable to come, she called in Dr A. S. Bradlaugh, who said the child had inflammation in the stomach, but was afraid he was too late. The child died the next day, Monday. - The Coroner: The doctor says the child died of meningitis, due to a blow on the head. Do you know of any such occurrence? - No, sir. - She might have fallen and knocked her head? - She may have done, but I don't know. I asked Dr Wood when he first came if it was meningitis and he said there were no signs of it. She was always very quiet and wanted to be by herself. - Dr Albert Stanley Bradlaugh said he was called in to see the child on Sunday morning. She was practically dying. At that time he did not know what was the matter with her. Next morning he found the child dead. He made a post-mortem examination. Death was due to cerebral spinal meningitis, following an injury to the head. It would be difficult to see any sign of bruising on the head. The discolouration was small and was hidden under the hair. The fact of her being quiet and not wanting to play with other children was not, in his opinion, abnormal. - The verdict returned was "Death from Spinal Meningitis, following an injury to the head, but when, or how received there was no evidence to indicate."

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 May 1929
PLYMOUTH - Found Hanging From Beam. - Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the City Mortuary into the circumstances attending the death of WILLIAM HENRY VINCENT, 52, of Cobourg-street, Plymouth, general labourer. - JOHN RICHARD BEALE, of Notte-street, collector in the employ of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, said deceased was his step-father, who worked for Messrs. Fox, Elliott and Co., Ltd. He was informed by Mrs Spink, a neighbour, that she had not seen his stepfather for some time and suspected something had happened. He, in company with a Policeman, went to the deceased's room and there found him hanging from a beam. - In September last his stepfather attempted to take his life by cutting his throat. He worried a good deal over the death of his wife, which occurred about eighteen months previously. He had lived alone since his wife died. - Constable Hingston, who cut down the body, said deceased must have been dead some time. - Dr H. Ludolf said death was due to suffocation from hanging. - A verdict was given in accordance with the medical evidence, the Coroner adding that deceased took his life whilst in an Unsound State of Mind.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 May 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Inquest Adjourned. Devonport Porter's Death After Newton Abbot Accident. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at Newton Abbot yesterday adjourned until next Monday the Inquest on FREDERICK GRIFFITHS WARREN, aged 35, of Wordsworth-road, North Prospect, Devonport, a railway porter, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital on Tuesday, after having been injured on April 20 in an accident on the Bovey Tracey road. - Capt. F. M. J. Watts appeared for the driver of the car involved, Mr G. F. C. Hunter, of Manor-road, Camborne, and Mr J. Mason for the relatives. - The only evidence given was of identification, the witness being FRANK L. WARREN, of Browhill, Heathfield.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 May 1929
BRISTOL, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Inquest On Plymouth Woman. - An Inquest was held at Bristol yesterday on MRS NINA PORTER, St Leonard's-road, Prince Rock, Plymouth, who succumbed in Bristol General Hospital to injuries received in a motor cycle smash last week. She was riding pillion when a motor 'bus collided with the cycle and she was violently thrown. - Her husband stated that he was riding the cycle in Wells-road at 15 to 20 miles an hour, and turned a corner and pulled up to read a signpost, putting his right arm out. He was stationary, and the 'bus struck the machine behind, striking the foot rest of the pillion rider and handle bar. He was thrown off, and when he got up found his wife under the back wheel of the 'bus, which he had previously passed. He imagined it was 100 yards away when he stopped, from the speed he was going. He suggested that the 'bus had opportunity to pull round him and the fact that it did not was the cause of the accident. - Eye Witnesses' Evidence. - In reply to Mr Metcalfe, his solicitor, witness said he heard no horn sounded. In answer to Mr Cox, solicitor for the 'bus driver, he denied that he was in the act of passing the 'bus when the accident happened. - Dr Griffiths said deceased died five days after admission to Hospital from hypostatic pneumonia following a fracture of the pelvis and rupture of the bladder. - Frederick Champion, who witnessed the accident, said he saw the cyclist dart out from the back of the 'bus and in trying to evade it the cycle struck the middle of the 'bus. The cycle was not stationary at the time it struck the 'bus. - The Coroner: What do you think caused the accident? - Witness: The motor cyclist being in too close proximity to the 'bus as he overtook it and darted out from the rear. - In answer to other questions, witness said that the cyclist seemed to lose his head and could not right himself. Had he taken a bigger circuit when he came from the back of the 'bus the accident could have been avoided. - Henry Sleep corroborated, but said deceased was under the cycle, and not the 'bus. He never saw the motorcycle in front of the 'bus at any time. - After hearing two other witnesses the Jury said they did not desire to hear the driver or any other witnesses. They returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr Cox expressed the Greyhound Motor Company's sympathy with MR PORTER. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 June 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - "Accidental Death" was the verdict at an Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening on FREDERICK GRIFFITHS WARREN, a railway porter of 2 Wordsworth-road, North Prospect, Devonport, who died in the Newton Abbot Hospital after he had been knocked down by a car driven by Geoffrey Frederick Collymore Hunter, aged 24, an agent for a petrol firm of 2 Manor-road, Camborne. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, in his summing up remarked that it was as much the duty of pedestrians when they heard warning of the approach of a vehicle to get out of its way, as it was the duty of the motorist to avoid them. - Struck By Car. Newton Story Of Devonport Man's End. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot on WARREN, FREDERICK WARREN, of Browhill, Heathfield, deceased's brother, said with another man they left the Star Inn, Liverton, about 9.55 p.m., on April 20, to go to Heathfield, walking abreast in the roadway. Witness's brother was on the extreme right. It was a moonlight night. "All of a sudden," continued witness, "there was a rush and a thud. I looked round and saw that my brother was missing. We did not hear any sound or see any light until the car flashed pat us. I shouted, 'Stop, you have got my brother,' and the car pulled up." - The Coroner: Do you remember seeing Constable Cole on the scene of the accident when you got back from taking your brother to the Newton Abbot Hospital? What would you say if he said you were under the influence of drink? - Witness: I had had a drink, but I was not under the influence of drink. - Was your brother perfectly sober? - Yes. - Dr J. J. Brown said when the injured man was admitted to the Hospital he was semi-conscious, suffering from a wound to the right wrist, a fracture of both bones of the right arm, and a compound fracture of the right leg. Later his legs had to be amputated, and he died on May 28 from exhaustion following septicaemic poisoning. - Witness did not think it possible to say whether the injured man had been drinking when he was admitted. - Sister Grimes said when the brother of deceased came to the Hospital with him she could not say he was under the influence of drink. His excited condition was more from shock than anything else. - Harry R. Harwood, Browhill, Heathfield, the other of the three men, said he heard no warning of approach and saw no reflection of lights. After the accident the lights of the car could not be switched on. - Mr Almy: Do you suggest that the absence of headlights was the cause of the accident? - Quite possibly. - Why did you not walk on the footpath? - It was not fit to walk on. - Charles Henry Beer, Telegraph View, Liverton, said he was walking about a mile from the scene of the accident, when a car passed at 25 to 30 miles an hour, with no rear light, but with two headlights on. - William Lang, Shute Park, Liverton, who was with Beer, said that the car had on its sidelights, which gave a dull light. - Constable Cole, Bovey Tracey, said that the brother of the injured man was under the influence of drink, but was not drunk. - The driver of the car said he was travelling along the road, which he knew well, when he saw three men, about 30 yards in front. They were occupying about ten feet from the near side. Witness blew his horn and just before he was about to pass a man stepped across the road. "I swerved, endeavouring to avoid him, but hit him with my near side wing. I had on the two headlights, two sidelights, and, as far as I knew, the tail light. The force of the impact made all the lights go out, and the wind screen was so shattered that I could not see. I pulled up as soon as I could right matters on the road." - The Coroner: What speed were you doing? - Certainly not more than 25 miles an hour.- Mr Seager: What did you suggest happened in your statement to the Police?- That the man lurched out. - What did you intend to convey? - I was of opinion that he was under the influence of alcohol. I am still of the opinion that he was drunk. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 June 1929
PAIGNTON - No Negligence. Coroner's View Of Paignton Fatality. - Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Paignton on MARK WILLIAM GEORGE BABBAGE, jeweller, of Ellacombe-road, Torquay, who died in Paignton Hospital, as a result of coming into contact with a motor car driven by Mr H. J. Deakin, of Totnes-road, Paignton, at the junction of Torbay-road and Esplanade-road, Paignton, on Friday night. Mr F. P. Cottey, Exeter, represented the driver of the car. - Harry John Deakin, a coal merchant, of Westeria, Totnes-road, Paignton, said he was driving a four-seater car at 10.30 p.m. along Esplanade-road. Near a bandstand a car approached him with bright lights, which dazzled him. He slowed down to eight to 12 miles per hour, switched on his headlights and soon afterwards turned the lights off again. He did this to convey to the other driver that he wanted the lights dimmed. He felt a slight bump and pulled up. A young lady shouted, "Don't go back, the man is underneath." That was the first knowledge he had of anyone being knocked down. - Mrs Wicksteed, wife of Rev. J. F. A. Wicksteed, of Christ Church Vicarage, Paignton, the driver of the other car, said she switched on her headlights as it appeared too dark on the Esplanade to travel safely without. Deakin's car was on its own side of the road. Witness did not notice the other car's lights go on and off. - Dr H. C. Adams said the cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull and contusion of the head. The injuries might have been caused by a direct blow or a fall on the ground. - The Coroner said there was apparently no question of negligence on the part of Mr Deakin, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", but expressed their doubt as to whether deceased was lying in the road at the time the car went over him, or whether he was knocked down. - The Coroner said the verdict in that case would be "Accidental Death from Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 June 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Swilly Child's Death. Skull Fractured While Playing Near A Lorry. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was no blame attaching to the driver, was returned at an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, respecting the death from a fractured skull of the four-years-old son of THOMAS HENRY CLEMENTS of 65 Wordsworth-crescent, Swilly. - According to the evidence, Cecil Alexander Gendle, of 44 Camperdown-street, was delivering coal near CLEMENTS' house on Friday. On returning to his motor lorry he saw the deceased and another child standing near the back of the vehicle. He put them on the pavement and told them to go away, so as to avoid any accident. Getting into the lorry, he backed it, but realising somebody had been knocked down, stopped immediately. He found the deceased lying on the ground with his head against a back wheel. He took the child to its parents, and it was afterwards conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 June 1929
TOTNES - Warning To Motor Cyclists. Torquay Man Killed On Totnes Road. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" yesterday at the Inquest on WILLIAM WALTER JAMES AUSTIN, 33, jeweller, 24 Victoria-road, Torquay, who was killed whilst motor cycling with a pillion passenger on the Totnes-Paignton road on Sunday, the Jury exonerated the driver of a 'bus with which deceased collided and also the driver of a motor car. They recommended that the road should be widened, and that at least the corner about 70 yards from Highlands should be removed. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr G. E. Windeatt, made an appeal to motor cyclists, and particularly those with pillion riders, to be most careful as to the way they rode. No doubt the Jury had often witnessed risks being taken. - Cautious Rider. - ERNEST JOHN AUSTIN, 20 St Levan-road, Devonport, solicitor's clerk, identified the body as that of his youngest brother. Deceased was a despatch rider during the war, and since his discharge from the Army he had been riding regularly. He was discharged from the Army because of a fractured skull, but he did not think it affected his riding. He was a very experienced and cautious rider. - Dr S. C. Jellicoe, Totnes, said deceased's skull was fractured and both legs were broken, and the right leg was severely bruised. He ordered deceased to be removed to the Hospital, but by the time he had arrived there he had expired. The cause of death was fracture of the skull. - Cyril Henry Painter, Western National 'Bus, 36, driver, 14 Addiston-road, Paignton, stated that when about 200 yards from Highlands, at the top of Bridgetown Hill, he saw a small private car approaching him at about 10 miles an hour. Witness was travelling at about the same speed, and did not see anything else on the road. He was in the act of passing the car and his radiator was practically level with the back of the private car, when the motor cycle seemed to appear from nowhere, and came into collision with the front of the 'bus. - Witness was driving a 24-seater 'bus, in which there were two passengers. He heard no warning given, and it was impossible to avoid the accident. - By the Coroner: There had been rain, but the road had dried and was not greasy.- Mrs E. L. Burnett, wife of Mr A. G. Burnett, of Wolseley-road, Plymouth, said she was driving to Torquay and just beyond the top of Bridgetown Hill she saw the 'bus coming towards her, being driven very slowly. Just as she passed it she heard a crash. - She went to the assistance of the girl, and helped to take the motor cycle off the man. She thought the road was inclined to be greasy. - Pillion Rider's Story. - Winnie Ellen Barnes, domestic servant, of Sea Lawn, Torbay-road, Paignton, stated that on Sunday she left Paignton about 2.45 p.m. with MR AUSTIN, riding pillion on his motor cycle. They ascended the hill out of Totnes, and on the top noticed a small car going towards Paignton. She was looking to the side and could not say how near they got to the car. She felt the cycle swerve, and the next thing she knew was that she was on the road. - She had often ridden with MR AUSTIN before, and found he was a skilled and careful driver. She was not talking to him at the time of the collision. The motor cycle was being driven slowly. The road was very damp. - The Coroner said they had evidence that the 'bus and car were being driven in a reasonable way. The road was in a greasy state, and there was evidence that deceased was a careful driver. - Even the most careful drivers were apt to make mistakes and he thought AUSTIN committed an error of judgment in, for some reason, pulling out from behind the car without considering there may be other traffic coming, when he was unable to see the 'bus because he was so well in on his own side of the road.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 June 1929
PLYMOUTH - Mysterious Death. No Evidence Of Suicide At Plymouth Inquest. - An Inquest was held yesterday on MRS EMMA MARIA BOWDEN, aged 74, widow of RICHARD BOWDEN, of 10 Harwell-street, Plymouth, who was found lying unconscious in a gas-filled room on May 28, and who died in the Greenbank Infirmary on Tuesday. - A plan of the room in which deceased was found was made by Constable Martin, and the Deputy Coroner remarked appreciatively that it enabled him to ascertain precisely what the position was. - Beatrice Retallick said MRS BOWDEN occupied a room at 10 Harwell-street. On May 28 Mrs Halston called to see her, but got no reply when she knocked on the door. Witness, with Mrs Membury, then burst open the door and found deceased lying unconscious on the floor, the room smelling strongly of gas. One ring on the top of the gas stove was fully turned on. Deceased had not been in good health, but was not unduly depressed. - Constable Martin said when he was called he applied artificial respiration and afterwards a member of the St John Ambulance Brigade administered oxygen. Deceased was then taken to the Central Hospital. There was nothing to indicate whether the gas had been turned on accidentally or otherwise. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer, Greenbank Infirmary, said death was caused by carbon monoxide poisoning due to the inhalation of coal gas. - Recording a verdict in accordance with medical evidence showing that the gas had been turned on by accident.

Western Morning News, Monday 10 June 1929
ST MINVER, CORNWALL - City Clerk's Death. Drowned While On Staff Outing. Companion's Story At Inquest. - The opening of Cornwall's - season was marked by a tragedy on Saturday, the victim being MR WILLIAM RICHARD SCREECH, aged 24, of 37 Kingswood Park-avenue, Plymouth. - He was a clerk in the Plymouth offices of Shell-Mex Ltd., and was one of a motor coach party who visited Polzeath for the staff holiday. - MR SCREECH took a sea bathe with Mr W. E. Butland, of 6 Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, shortly after the arrival of the party at Polzeath about midday. The breakers were very strong, but the bathers had no intention of going beyond their depth. - Before entering the water they were informed by a bystander, in answer to their inquiry, that the sea in front of them was perfectly safe, but around the bay there would be danger. MR SCREECH, when several yards ahead of Mr Butland disappeared. - Mr Butland also got into difficulties, being carried out of his depth, but ultimately reached the shore. Half an hour elapsed before MR SCREECH was brought in and the efforts of three doctors failed to restore him. - Mr Butland, who narrowly escaped drowning, told the story at the Inquest held by Mr F. Edyvean, Coroner for the district. - "MR SCREECH," he said, "questioned whether it would be safe for bathing, and we agreed to search for a notice. Finding none, we asked an elderly man on the beach whether it was safe to bathe. He said it would be quite safe for the whole stretch in front of us, but dangerous around the bay." - "We bathed until we found one breaker which was a good distance from another. MR SCREECH was then ten to twelve yards ahead of me, and he commenced swimming, as I thought, strongly." - Forced Off His Feet. - "I also commenced swimming, as I had been taken off my feet. No sooner had I swam about three strokes than I found myself out of my depth and kept going round and round about a dozen times. I cannot say what it was, but something forced me off my feet. Seeing a large breaker, I shot out my hands and kept going to and fro about a dozen times." - "Eventually I managed to touch bottom, and, on getting ashore, I turned round to find MR SCREECH, but could not see him." - "I told the man standing close to the water that I had been bathing with a friend, whom I could not now see. He said he would keep a look-out and I ran to tell other members of the party. They went to look for MR SCREECH, who was found and brought ashore about half an hour later." - "I know nothing of his swimming ability. The breakers were very strong, and we did not intend to go out of our depth. I cannot swim more than ten strokes. I did not then know what was the state of the tide, but have since heard it was at its lowest, and a spring tide." - Dr E. G. Andrew, of St Austell, who was at Polzeath at the time, said he found two other doctors, on holiday from Weymouth, applying artificial respiration to MR SCREECH. It was continued for a further twenty minutes, but without result. - The Coroner, recording "Accidentally Drowned while bathing," suggested a notice stating that bathing was not safe at low water.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 June 1929
DREWSTEIGNTON -Motor Cyclist Killed. Exonian's Collision Near Okehampton. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held at Whiddon Down last night on the body of JAMES WALTER BRADING, aged 43, a foreman mechanic, of 2 Albion-street, Exeter, who met his death on Saturday afternoon by coming into collision with a motorcar at Whiddon Down. - The Coroner conducting the Inquiry was Mr H. C. Brown, Okehampton. - Dr Wright, Okehampton, said he was called to the scene of the accident and found the skull was fractured and there were compound fractures in both bones of the left leg. Death was instantaneous. - Frederick Ching, motor salesman of 45 Manston-road, Exeter, said he was driving his car from Exeter to Okehampton. After passing through the village of Whiddon Down and reaching the top of the hill he saw a motor cyclist approaching from the opposite direction and riding on the wrong side of the road. He was travelling at a tremendous speed, and could not regain his proper side. Witness applied his brakes, but deceased crashed into the near side of the car. The force of the impact took the near wheel and footboard off witness's car. - Defect In Machine? - Francis Richard Rickard, carpenter, of Grove Bridge, Yeolmbridge, Launceston, who was riding his motor cycle behind deceased, said on approaching the scene of the accident he heard the sound of a horn and deceased passed him. Witness could not estimate his speed, although he himself was travelling at 30 miles per hour. Witness saw him strike the car and dismounted to render assistance. - The Coroner: Was it in your opinion the speed at which this man was travelling that caused the accident? - Witness: I could not say, but I should think there might have been some defect in the machine that would not allow him to turn. - The Coroner said the Jury could come to no other conclusion than that deceased's death was an accident. - The Jury exonerated the driver of the car from all blame.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 June 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Suicide. - At an Inquest yesterday by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on RUSSELL FORD SELMON, aged 59, corn merchant, Barton-crescent, Mannamead, the widow stated that on Friday she found her husband hanging in the hall from the stair banister. - For two years he had been under medical treatment for severe nervous depression. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 June 1929
PLYMOUTH - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, sat with a Jury at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday to Inquire into the death of WALTER SAMUEL KINGDOM, a carpenter, employed at the Tar Distillery Works at Cattedown and who lived at 77 Beaumont-road, Plymouth. - Deceased was concerned with an accident which occurred on May 20 at Venn Cross, near Bittaford, on the Plymouth-Ivybridge road. - He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and died about three weeks later. - Mr Elliot Square was for the widow and Mr J. Woolland was present on behalf of the driver of the two-seater motor car. - LILY IRENE KINGDOM, widow, said she was in the sidecar attached to her husband's motor cycle, returning from Slapton Sands to Plymouth. When near Bittaford they were proceeding slowly, when a lady driving a two-seater motor car on the main road ran into their motor cycle. A doctor from Salcombe, who arrived on the scene, put her husband's leg in splints, and another gentleman conveyed him to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died on Saturday June 8. - The driver of the car, Florence Annie Allen, wife of Frank Humphrey Allen, retired Army officer, of Spring Cottage, Ermington, said she was travelling about 10 to 15 miles an hour when she reached Venn Cross, near Bittaford. A motor cycle and sidecar came from a side road at a fast pace across her path, no horn being sounded. - She at once applied her brakes, but the cyclist ran across her car before she could pull up. Deceased's right leg was caught and she had to reverse the car to release him. She had been driving a car for three years and had never had a serious accident or been cautioned by the Police. - The Unexpected. - Ernest Henry Barons, farmer, of Okenbury Farm, Ringmore, said he considered it was a pure accident on the part of the lady, who pulled up within the length of the car. - P.C. McCray, stationed at Ugborough, said Mrs Allen was a very careful driver. - Replying to the Coroner, Mrs Allen said she did not sound her horn because there was no traffic about and she did not expect to see any vehicle emerge from the side road or lane. - The Coroner: It is the unexpected that happens. - Replying to Mr Square, witness said the cars met so suddenly that there was no time for her to swerve to avoid the accident. - Dr Leo E. Richardson, House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the deceased had a fractured ankle. He progressed favourably for fourteen days and then developed blood poisoning, from which he subsequently died. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but considered there was a certain amount of negligence on the part of the driver of the motor car in not sounding her horn when approaching the cross-roads. The negligence was not regarded as criminal. 

Western Morning News, Friday 14 June 1929
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of ROY EDGAR LE COUNT, a child 4 years of age, who lived with his parents at 39 Tresillian-street, Plymouth. - Dr Samuel Bridgeman described the injuries when the child was brought to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital at 6 p.m. on June 11, and from which he died almost immediately on admittance to the Hospital. - WALTER LE COUNT, father of the deceased, said the boy left home at a few minutes to 6 p.m. to play. He had never strayed from his home before. - The Coroner asked witness if he thought it was wise to allow his four-years-old child to wander away from home into a busy road where there was plenty of traffic. He considered it was carelessness. - J. Hocking, 'bus driver, in the employ of the City Corporation, said on Tuesday last, on approaching Julian-street, he was slowing down to stop. A mail van was proceeding in the opposite direction. Suddenly the child came out from behind the mail van in front of his 'bus. - He applied his brakes, but the near front wheel struck the boy and knocked him down. The wheel was on the boy when the 'bus was stopped. Witness put the boy in the 'bus, and conveyed him to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - The driver of the 'bus said the effort to avoid children caused him more anxiety than all the traffic, and the Coroner said he could quite appreciate that statement. - William John Morrison, of Princess-street, Plymouth, said he was standing at the stopping place. In his opinion, no due to the driver of the 'bus. - The father, recalled, said on a previous occasion a child of his had met with an accident in the street. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the driver was exonerated from all blame. The father was sympathized with.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 June 1929
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth into the death of WILFRID TRETHEWEY, 31, of Cross Park, Saltash. Deceased received very severe injuries to his head and legs as the result of a motor cycle accident at Cowdey Hill, Saltash, on May 30, while engaged in General Election polling-day work. - Dr Leo E. Richardson, said that the deceased was admitted to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on the day following the accident, and died from multiple injuries on June 10. - WILLIAM JOHN TRETHEWEY, father of the deceased, said that his son had been taking people to the poll from 6.30 onwards. It was during this time that the accident occurred. - William Henry Chiswell, butcher, of Beatrice-avenue, St Stephens, Saltash, said he saw the deceased at 8 p.m. travelling along the middle of the road at a fast pace. He endeavoured to negotiate the corner of Cowdey Hill, Saltash, but was travelling much too fast and his machine crashed into a gate-post and he was thrown heavily on to the roadway. - At the time he was returning from taking a voter to the poll. There was no one in the sidecar at the time. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and both the Coroner and the Jury expressed sympathy with the father of the deceased. Western Morning News, Thursday 20 June 1929 PLYMPTON - Found Dead In A Wood. Bigbury-On-Sea Man Traced After Ten Days. - The finding of the body of CHARLES SMALE, retired butcher, aged 56, of Ringmore, Bigbury-on-Sea, in Hardwick Woods, Plympton, on Monday, after it had been in the wood about ten days, led to Mr A. K. G. Johnstone holding an Inquest at Plympton yesterday. The manager of the Ring of Bells Hotel, Plympton, Alfred Theodore Paddon, said on the evening of June 6, between six and eight o'clock, deceased purchased a quarter bottle of whisky, which he took away with him. They had quite a long conversation and deceased seemed quite all right. - Charles John Palmer, gamekeeper, employed on the Saltram Estate, said that about 10.45 a.m. on Monday he found the dead body of a man in Hardwick Woods, lying backwards beside a tree. The spot where he found the deceased was some distance from the public road. - Sergt. W. Hammacott (Plympton) said deceased appeared to have been in the wood some ten days. He examined the body, but could find no marks of a struggle or violence. There was a half-empty bottle of whisky by him. - Dr William Stamp, of Plympton, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said the evidence given bore out his deduction that the body had been in the wood for some ten days. The examination showed that deceased died of Bright's Disease, and dilation of the heart, following a heavy meal. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the doctor's report.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 June 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Cyclist Takes Fatal Risk. Inquest At Plymouth On Callington Man. - "I am going to let rip and chance it," were the last words heard spoken by ERNEST EDWARD ALBERT MEAD, aged 25, blacksmith, of Well-street, Callington, before he crashed at the bottom of Voss-hill while cycling from Trematon to Trevollard on Thursday, sustaining injuries from which he died. - "It is a tremendously sad affair; the life of a young married man absolutely thrown away, leaving a widow and four little children to suffer," observed Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, at the close of an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday. - Sister's Warning. - MRS DOROTHY KITT, of Trematon, Saltash, sister of ERNEST EDWARD ALBERT MEAD, stated that she and her brother left Trematon on Thursday about 5.30 to cycle to Trevollard. When they reached the top of Voss-hill she advised him to be careful as there was a dangerous corner at the bottom. He replied, "I am going to let rip and chance it," and went on in advance of her. She saw him go round the corner at a tremendous speed. When she turned the corner she saw him lying on the grass on his back by the side of the road, unconscious, and with the bicycle partly on him. - Her brother was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he died on the following day. - The brakes of his cycle were in a defective condition and just before he cycled away from her on Thursday afternoon he said his back brake was not very good, and if he pulled up on the front brake he would go over the handlebars. They were going to visit her sister-in-law at Trevollard, who had sustained a broken thigh in a cycle accident on the previous Monday. - Constable Roseveare, stationed at Burraton, said the foot of Voss-hill was very steep and the corner extremely dangerous. The machine was not damaged in any way by the accident. - Dr J. Gourley, House Surgeon, said death was due to the skull being fractured on the left side. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 June 1929
At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, and a Jury Inquired into the death of JOHN EDWARD JAMES LACEY, aged seven, son of THOMAS JOHN LACEY, fisherman of 10 Moon-street, the victim of a motor accident. - John Foot, retired outfitter, 9 Freedom Park-villas, stated that he was standing at the junction of Regent-street and Lipson-road, facing Beaumont Park, when he saw a horse-drawn lorry coming down Lipson-road on its proper side and a taxi approaching from Regent-street on its proper side. The speed of the vehicles was very steady indeed. Suddenly he saw a boy run from behind the lorry in front of the taxi, which knocked him down, the off front wheel passing over him. - The driver pulled up in an instant and the rear wheels of the car had not touched the boy. In the view of the witness, there was no blame attached to the driver, who probably could not have seen the lad. - Harold Courtenay Willcocks, postman, said the taxi driver did all he could to avoid the boy, but he fell on his right side, and the off front wheel passed over his head. - The driver of the taxi, Arthur Reginald Denniford Bolt, 23, Wyndham-street West, Plymouth, employed by G. W. Saunders, Cambridge=mews, said he had been driving constantly for five years, and this was the first accident he had ever had. - When he saw the horse and wagon approaching him he was travelling at about 12 to 15 miles an hour. After he had partly passed the wagon he saw the boy run from behind it and strike the radiator of the car, under which he fell. The accident could not have been avoided. - Constable Screech was complimented by the Coroner upon the photographs of the scene, which he produced. - Dr S. Bridgeman, Casualty House Surgeon, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, stated that the cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. The boy died a few minutes after admission. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, who exonerated the motor driver from all blame, and commended him for his conduct at the moment of the accident, and for the frank and straight-forward manner in which he had given his evidence. The Jury also endorsed the Coroner's commendation of Constable Screech. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared for Mr Saunders.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 June 1929
BODMIN, CORNWALL - Third Victim Of Motor Smash. Plymouth Man Dies From His Injuries. - MR W. H. PRESTON, of Wesley-terrace, Keyham, a retired warrant officer of the Navy, who was seriously injured in the motor collision near Lostwithiel on Sunday, when the other two occupants of the car were killed, succumbed to his injuries in the East Cornwall Hospital, Bodmin, last night. - It will be recalled that about noon on Sunday a car driven by Mr Wm. Lawrey Jenkin, 19, son of Mr A. W. Jenkin, schoolmaster of St Dennis, and containing his sister, Miss Edna Gertrude Jenkin, 16, and MR PRESTON, was proceeding towards Plymouth when it came into collision with a Western National omnibus proceeding towards St Blazey, at Trevorrey-hill, about two miles from Lostwithiel. The force of the impact was such that the car became a mass of twisted wreckage and the front wheels of the 'bus were forced back under the fore-carriage. - Mr Jenkin, jun., was so badly injured that he died within a few minutes and his sister passed away in Hospital at Bodmin during the afternoon. MR PRESTON was also removed to Hospital, but despite every attention, he succumbed to his injuries yesterday. - The Deputy Coroner for Cornwall, Mr E. W. Gill, yesterday opened the Inquest on Mr and Miss Jenkin and adjourned it sine die, owing to the serious condition of MR PRESTON. - Mr Jenkin, sen., stated that his son, accompanied by his sister, left home on Sunday morning in the car to fetch MR PRESTON, who was at Holmbush, to lunch, but later 'phoned him up to say that MR PRESTON was going on to Plymouth and asking his permission to go to Plymouth with him which, after some hesitation, he gave.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 June 1929
EAST STONEHOUSE - Caught In Lathe. Inquest Story Of Dockyard Worker's Death. - At the Inquest held yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on WILLIAM ALFRED SWEET, aged 37, fitter and turner, who died at the Naval Hospital on Saturday following injuries received through being caught in a lathe in one of the Dockyard workshops on Wednesday, Surgeon W. J. Colborne said when the man was admitted to the Hospital he was suffering from a small wound in the neck and multiple contusions and abrasions. Both shoulder blades were fractured and also one rib on the left side and six on the right side. - Evidence was given by George Alfred Dunnavan, fitter, Thomas Barber, fitter and Herbert George Varney, fitter, working in the same shop at the time of the accident. No one actually saw what happened. A shout was heard and SWEET was seen caught in the lathe, with his clothing wrapped tightly around the steel bar. The motor was at once shut off, and the clothing was cut away. When freed SWEET was lying on the bed of the machine with his legs in the air. - John Henry Hancock, chargeman, gave his theory that, in reaching across, deceased caught his sleeve in the end of the revolving steel bar. - Mr Clarke, Inspector of Factories, emphasized the necessity for men engaged in such work wearing tight-fitting overalls. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and concurred in the suggestion regarding the overalls.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 June 1929
PAIGNTON - Paignton Lad's Fatal Bathe. Believed To Be Victim Of Cramp. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the County Coroner at Paignton yesterday at the Inquest held on THOMAS HUTCHINGS, 16, of Merritt's Flats, Totnes-road, Paignton, who lost his life while bathing at Goodrington Sands. - JOHN MORETON HUTCHINGS said his son was accustomed to go bathing and was a moderate swimmer. - Dr H. C. Adams, who was called to Goodrington Sands about half past seven on Tuesday evening, said the lad was then dead. Death appeared to be due to drowning. - William Frederick King, York-road, Paignton, a friend of the lad, said they had bathed together several times this season. HUTCHINGS was not a powerful swimmer, and witness only learnt to swim last year. The sea was quite calm when witness, his brother, and HUTCHINGS went in the water. Witness heard someone shout, and, looking back, found that HUTCHINGS had disappeared. When he reached the shore he heard a girl say, "Someone is drowning out there." Witness was exhausted and could not go out again, as he was not a strong swimmer. HUTCHINGS had never complained of cramp. - Unsuccessful Rescue Attempts. - Archibald Allan Harris, of Collingwood-road, Paignton, said he was on the north end of the beach on Tuesday evening watching some boys swimming. HUTCHINGS and another boy dived from a raft fifty yards out and commenced to swim to the shore. He heard someone call out twice and realized that one of the lads was in difficulty. Witness took off his coat and rushed into the sea. He had some idea where the lad was, but he misjudged the exact spot. Witness dived twice into 10 or 12 feet of water, his clothes becoming heavy. Others also tried to find the lad. - In witness's opinion cramp was the cause of the lad getting into difficulties. - The Coroner said witness had acted very bravely, and it was unfortunate his efforts were not successful. - Harry Yeoman Jackman, an employee of the Paignton Council water department, of Littlegate-road, Paignton, who was on the beach, said a little boy told him a lad had dived into the water and had not been seen since. Witness went to the spot in a boat with Harry Hannaford Hill and Sidney John Hill, and they found the body in clear water at a depth of about seven feet. He brought the body ashore and tried artificial respiration. The body was about 40 yards from the shore. - The Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death," said it was extremely important that boys who had only recently learned to swim should not venture out of their depth until they were fully proficient in the art. They had a lot to learn, as he knew from personal experience. Mr Harris had acted with great promptitude and he should bring the matter before the Royal Humane Society. The Coroner also expressed admiration of the assistance rendered by Messrs. Jackman, Hannaford and Hill and Sidney John Hill, and Constable Hancocks. All acted with great promptitude. 

Western Morning News, Friday 28 June 1929
ASHBURTON - Crushed To Death. Lorry Driver's Fate Near Ashburton. Unusual Theory In Starcross Accident. - Remarkable evidence of the results of a dispute between two lorry drivers was given at the resumed Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on BILLIE CHARLES HARRINGTON MARSDEN, aged 42, of 14 Holland-road, Brixton, London.- MARSDEN was killed near Ashburton last Saturday, when he was driving and another lorry belonging to his own employers, Messrs. A. W. Meteyard, Langdale-road, Thornton Heath. - The second lorry was driven by Clifford Ridley, Birchanger-road, Woodside Green, London, who was exonerated from blame. - It was stated that deceased and another driver were under the influence of drink. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, conducted the Inquiry, and Mr R. J. McGahey represented the employer and Col. R. E. Tucker the widow. - Walter Rowland, Dean Prior, said he was sitting in his house when he saw a lorry stop on the wrong side of the road, another following. The driver of the second lorry, who was in court, leaned out and asked witness's children for some flowers, which they gave him. The deceased, alighting from his vehicle, picked up a bucket, filled it with water, staggered across the road and threw it over the steering wheel and the driver of the other lorry, who did not even speak. - Threatened to Fight. - William Steer, of Wrangaton, a steam roller driver, said at the Kingsbridge Road Hotel the two drivers offered him a drink, and he was invited to go for a ride. He accepted, and rode with deceased. - When they arrived at the Half Moon Inn, Ashburton, outside which the driver was killed deceased said that he was going to fight the other lorry driver and took off his coat. - The Coroner: Why did you not tell the Police in your statement that the man wanted to fight? In your statement you give the impression that he was perfectly sober. Were you trying to hide anything? - Witness: I don't want to hide anything. - Dr S. W. Williams said that death was due to internal injuries and took place on the way to Hospital. - Ridley said he was returning from Plymouth to London. - Witness saw deceased at Dean Prior and when the pail of water was thrown over him, rather than take offence, he drove away. The lorries also stopped near Bourne Bridge, Dean Prior and the next witness saw of the other lorry was when it was stationary outside the Half Moon Inn. - Deceased was leaning against the rear. Witness, in applying his hand brake, slightly released his foot clutch, which moved the lorry about 3 feet farther than he intended, thus crushing deceased. - No other fellow-employee of deceased would go out with him, owing to his quarrelsome nature. - The Jury considered that the witness William Steer's conduct was highly reprehensible. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 June 1929
PAR, CORNWALL - Triple Road Tragedy. Inquest Story Of 'Bus And Car. Cause Of Cornwall Collision Unsolved. - The Inquest on the three victims of the Lostwithiel road crash was resumed at Par yesterday. The three persons killed were:- Mr W. L. Jenkin, St Dennis; Miss Edna Jenkin, his sister; and MR W. H. PRESTON, of Keyham, a retired warrant officer. - As reported in "The Western Morning News," the Jenkin's car came into collision with an omnibus. The force of the impact was such that the car became a mass of wreckage and the front wheels of the 'bus were bent. - Mr W. J. Wherry, of Lanlivery, said he saw the 'bus going toward St Blazey, and also saw the car approaching. The small car went in front of the 'bus, and the driver either lost control or applied his brakes, and it swerved toward the 'bus. When the vehicles came together there was "a terrible noise, like an explosion." - The Coroner: You think the hind wheel of the 'bus went over a portion of the car? - Yes. - Witness said the 'bus was travelling at an ordinary rate, but the car was going much faster. - Replying to Mr A. Jones, for the 'bus company, witness said the 'bus took the corner properly and as near to the bank as possible. - "Rounding" Bend. - Replying to Mr Hubbard, for the driver of the 'bus, witness said the corner was not a sharp one, but a rounding one. - In reply to Mr Dobell, for the father of the dead man Jenkin, witness said the car went down on the proper side of the road until it came to a few yards of the 'bus and then it swerved inward, and that, in his opinion, was the sole cause of the accident. - The Coroner: Did the 'bus seem to accelerate immediately after the accident? - I cannot say. - A Juror: Were the victims taken out of the car or were they thrown out? - They were thrown out. - Mr E. Cocks, of Lanlivery, said he was standing in the road near where the accident happened. The 'bus was going at a fair pace. - Arthur Holman, a passenger in the 'bus, said on Sunday last the 'bus left Liskeard about 11 a.m. From Liskeard to the scene of the accident the 'bus travelled at a normal speed. He had never been over the road before, but the 'bus was going along comfortably. Some cars overtook them on the road. - The Coroner: Was the car approaching at a very fast speed? - It was going at a terrific speed at the top of the hill, and I estimated it at from 35 to 40 miles an hour. T he bus's speed was about 15 miles an hour. - Raymond Dawe, a passenger in the 'bus said just before the accident the car turned right into the 'bus. - Passengers Called. - Gwendoline Stephens, Truro; Elsie Rowse, Lostwithiel; Beatrice Daniel, Lostwithiel; William J. C. Carne; Ethel Carne, Lostwithiel; Sarah Sleep and Blanche Walkham, of Lostwithiel, passengers in the 'bus, gave evidence as to seeing nothing unusual before the time of the accident. - Constable Penhaligon, Lostwithiel, said he was informed by an A.A. Scout that there had been an accident. He found the victims lying on the bank. - Alfred Barbery, of Truro, the driver of the 'bus said he saw the car coming toward him, and it was on its left side of the road, but there was enough room for another vehicle to pass. When he saw the car first, it was a good way away, and he pulled in "tight" and looked down to see his actual position. - He looked up again and saw the car much nearer to him, and all at once it swerved right into the front wheels of the 'bus. It turned in when it was about three yards away. - A Juror: Do you consider this is a dangerous bend? - I do not think so, if one drives carefully. - Replying to Mr Jones, witness said he was going a normal safe speed. - Mr Hubbard: What was the first thing you did after the accident? - I at once applied my foot brake and tried to put my handbrake on, but I lost my position. - Mr Hubbard: Did you change your course when you knew there was going to be an accident?- I cannot say. - There was nothing you could do to avoid an accident? - Absolutely nothing. - Mr A. W. Jenkin, father, said his son had driven a car for about two years. He had had no previous accident. He was an exceptionally careful driver.- Evidence of injuries having been given, the Coroner, in addressing the Jury, said he did not think from the time-table of the Company that the 'bus was travelling at an excessive speed. - The Jury found that the deaths were due to the collision, but that there was no evidence to show the cause of the collision. - They asked the Coroner to call the the county road authorities to the necessity of taking off the projecting point in the road. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Workman's Death In Hospital. Plymouth Coroner And A Suggestion. - At an Inquest on ALEXANDER WILSON, aged 54, labourer, in the employ of Plymouth Corporation, and whose home was at 19 Rendle-street, Plymouth, it was suggested that he might have strained himself while lifting bags of cement. Medical evidence was given to the effect that nothing had come to light to suggest that pneumonia, which was the primary cause of death, could have had any connection with any strain. - In the circumstances, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, which attributed death to degeneration of the heart muscle following acute pneumonia. - Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, attended the Inquiry on behalf of the City Corporation, and Mr E. A. Chambers (organizer of the National Union of Municipal and General Workers, was present for the dependants. - MRS ANNIE HAYES, wife of an able seaman in the Royal Navy, said on June 5, her father returned from work and said he felt as if he had strained his inside by lifting cement. Dr Perry was called in, and subsequently advised his removal to the Hospital. - Her father had enjoyed good health and had not previously seen a doctor for eight years. - Ganger's Evidence. - Ernest Baker Smethurst, ganger, in the employ of the City Corporation, said he was superintending excavating, concreting, and relaying of sett-paving in Sutton-road. On June 5 WILSON asked witness if he might go home as he was feeling ill. Witness asked what was the matter and he said he thought he had a touch of influenza. During the morning he was excavating and mixing concrete. - The Coroner: Would he have to lift bags of cement? - Witness: He would assist, there being two men to do that. The bags would be lifted on to a barrow, and then wheeled a short distance. - Dr Leo Aylwin Richardson, resident surgical officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said WILSON was admitted on June 6. He was noted to be suffering from acute pneumonia. An abscess of the right shoulder joint developed early in the week before death. - A minor operation was decided upon, and he was taken to the operating theatre on June 27. The operation was performed, but death ensued just afterwards. - From a post mortem witness attributed death to degeneration of the heart muscle following acute pneumonia. - The Coroner: There is a suggestion he might have had a strain while lifting a bag of cement. - Witness: No evidence has come to light that this pneumonia, which was the primary cause of death, could have had any connection with any strain.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 July 1929
PLYMPTON - Plympton Man's Death. - An Inquest was conducted at Underwood House, Plympton, yesterday, on PHILLIP TAYLOR, farm labourer, aged 66, who died at the Institution on June 27. - George Dawe, master at Underwood House, said TAYLOR was admitted on June 8 suffering from advanced heart failure. On June 17 the Nursing Sister went to witness and said that TAYLOR had stabbed his throat with a pocket knife. Witness then went to the Infirmary, where the Sister was bathing the wound. - Dr William Stamp stated that he saw TAYLOR in the receiving ward and found him suffering from advanced heart disease and admitted him to the Infirmary. His condition improved until he inflicted the wound in his throat, which, witness stated, was not sufficient to cause his death, which was due to heart failure, accelerated by the wound. - A verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was entered.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 July 1929
HENDON, MIDDLESEX - Devon Airman Killed. Inquest Story Of Spinning Dive. Mishap During Hendon Rehearsal. (From Our Own Correspondent.). Hendon, Monday. - A Plymouth airman's dive to death was described at the Inquest here today on Flying Officer VICKERS OSBORNE EYRE, R.A.F., who was killed in a rehearsal for the Hendon display. - The officer was 23 years of age. He was attached to the 56th Fighter Squadron, and was the son of MRS EYRE, of Trevarthian-terrace, Stoke, Devonport, and the late Eng.-Com. C. V. EYRE. - Flight-Lieut. Jones, of Hendon, said the machines were flying in "V" formation, EYRE flying a single-seater Siskin on the tail of the left flank. - "EYRE had to pretend that he was shot down, and go into a spinning nosedive," he said. "The machine was supposed to be under control the whole time. The 'planes were flying at about 11,000 feet, and EYRE'S machine went into a spin down to a height of 300 feet. He tried to right it, but had left it a little too late, and just as the machine was beginning to right itself, it struck the ground." - Error Of Judgment. - He thought the accident was due to an error of judgment on the part of the pilot, who did not commence to pull the machine up to an even keel until it was just too late. - Flight-Lieut. Plenderleith said that Flying Officer EYRE was a very experienced pilot. He had put in 731 actual flying hours, which were a considerable number. He had several times rehearsed the "spinning nose-dive"; in fact, he was doing it almost every day. - Frederick Parker, an R.A.F. fitter, said that the engine was in perfect order; and John Coles, a rigger, said that the fabric was perfect when the machine set out. - The Coroner, in recording "Accidental Death" said that it was plain the tragedy was due to a most unfortunate error of judgment on the part of an exceptionally experienced officer. It was a sad case. - Flying Officer EYRE received his education at Cranborne, afterwards specially devoting his studies to aerial work in the flying school. In 1923 he was chief cadet captain and was later appointed to flying officer. - Escape Last Year. - Only last year he had a remarkable escape from death while flying. By some means he fell from his machine, but in doing so was able to release the parachute and made a safe descent when in the neighbourhood of Reading. MR EYRE had been connected with the Air Force for about five years. - A brother, MR NEVILLE EYRE, is ain business as an accountant at Princess-square, Plymouth. - The body was brought to Plymouth from London last night for interment at Weston Mill Cemetery today, the arrangements for the funeral being carried out by the Royal Air Force from Cattewater Station. [Note: Picture of V. O. Eyre in newspaper.]

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 July 1929
EAST STONEHOUSE - Polbathic Fatality. Inquest On Victim Of Collision. - The Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, opened an Inquest yesterday afternoon at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, on REGINALD CHARLES NAUDE, aged 19, naval sick berth steward, who died from injuries sustained on Saturday evening in a collision at Polbathic between a motor cycle he was riding and a motor car. - Evidence of identification was given by Sick Berth Steward Henry Maxwell Lean, who said deceased's home was at Newport, Mon. The motor cycle which deceased was riding at the time belonged to Lean, and he was on his way to Bodmin to visit Lean's people. - The Inquest was then adjourned to enable the driver of the motor car, Mr W. Harrison, of Torpoint, who sustained slight injuries and shock, to attend.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Coroner's Comments. Baby Drowned From Military Wharf. - Comments were made by the Coroner on the danger to children at the wharf, used by the military, near Elphinstone Flats, formerly the barracks, at the Inquest held yesterday on the body of DENNIS GORDON HICKS, a two-years-old child, which was recovered from the rocks at the foot of Teat's-hill. - The child was the son of THOMAS HICKS, a labourer in H.M. Dockyard, living at Elphinstone Barracks, Plymouth. - MRS JANE ANNA BEER, of Looe-street, said she last saw her grandchild alive at 11.30 on July 5, when he was with his brother and sister, aged 6 and 4 respectively. She had been to see her daughter, who had given birth to another child the previous evening, and that morning had warned the children not to go away. - Fifteen minutes later DENNIS was missing; his brother and sister said they did not know where he was.- The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce: Did you not think it was rather risky for these three children to be wandering about by themselves? - Witness: No, other little children are about. - Mrs Rebecca Dew said she saw the children inside the gates leading to the waterside at 11.20. She sent them away, telling them it was dangerous and shut the gates. - Mrs Ellen Sweet, Elphinstone Barracks, said during dinner she asked her four-years-old son where DENNIS was. At first he replied, "Gone to the 'bus," but later added, "DENNIS is overboard." She had previously informed the Police that the child was missing and she then went to the steps leading to the water with the Police and neighbours to make search. - The body was found by George H. Briggs, of Lambhay-hill, on the rocks at the foot of Teat's-hill, and he informed the police. The wind, he said, was strong, and in the right direction to blow the child down over the steps. - Railings Not High Enough. - Constable Williams said the spot was dangerous at all times. Railings had been erected by the Corporation, but were not sufficiently high to prevent children from climbing them.- Nathaniel Tremayne, caretaker of the Elphinstone Flats, formerly Elphinstone Barracks, said two fences had been erected and destroyed prior to the erection of the present railings. The military authorities had a right of way through the gateway to the water, but he opened the gate for them. - The Coroner: It seems extraordinary that the military have not the key to their own property. I think there should be a more satisfactory arrangement regarding this gate. - Tremayne added that there were 470 people living in the flats, including 370 children. - The Coroner: It is very important that more stringent regulations should be maintained regarding this gate. - Dr R. H. Wagner said the child's right thigh was broken, and death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, recording a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," said that at this spot there was a danger. This was, apparently, a wharf exclusively used by the military and the military's key to the gateway not being available the Corporation caretaker had undertaken the duty of opening the gates. "I think there should be more stringent regulations and I shall communicate with Capt. Ward and ask him the position."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Nail Causes Death. Plymouth Husband's Tribute To Hospital. - How a woman's death was caused by a rusty nail which penetrated her heel was described to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday at the Inquest on MRS LUCY FLORENCE MUTTON, aged 56, wife of WILLIAM GEORGE MUTTON of 2 Sunnyside-road, Prince Rock, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on July 5. - MR MUTTON told the Coroner that on June 22 his wife stepped on a nail which was attached to a lath he had taken down from the ceiling. The nail penetrated her left heel and she bathed it. - On the Sunday the heel was sore and the next evening she complained of severe pain in her leg. On the Friday she was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - "She was treated very kindly at the Hospital, and I am thankful for what the doctors and nurses did for my wife," said MR MUTTON. - Dr W. A. Richardson, House Surgeon, said death was due to tetanus (lockjaw) following the puncturing of the heel. - The Coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Roborough Fatality. Inquest Story Of Plymouth Motorist's Death. - A verdict of Death from a Fracture of the Skull, caused by Accidentally colliding with a pedestrian while motor cycling on the main Tavistock road, was recorded by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, at the Inquest on MR HARRY DOUGLAS PERCY, a cabinet maker, of Willow-street, Plymouth. - Mr Perring stated that on Saturday he drew up opposite the George Hotel, and got down from his lorry on the side nearest the hedge. He came round in front of his lorry and waited for some traffic to pass before crossing the road. He looked right and left and the road was clear. As he started to cross over to the Hotel he heard a buzz, and turning, saw a motor cycle and was immediately struck and twirled round. He saw the motor cyclist lying in the road with his cycle on top of him. - Edward John Mitchell, Wellington-street, a 'bus driver, said he saw Perring get down from the lorry and saw two motor cycles coming very fast towards Plymouth, with a third motor cycle about 50 yards behind them coming at a very fast speed as if he were trying to catch the two in front. He should estimate the speed of the third cycle at well over 40 miles an hour. Just as the motor cycle was level with the back of the lorry Mr Perring stepped out. The motor cyclist jammed on his brakes, he struck Perring, and was thrown over the handlebars, striking the ground with his head. He did not see Mr Perring look either up or down the road, but he might have done so. In his opinion there was blame attached to both sides. - Evidence was given also by Constable J. Bright, Mr Albert Finch, Union-street, Plymouth, Charles Sylvester and Dr Sam. Bridgeman, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Death After Lockjaw. Plymouth Inquest On Modbury Woman. - Mr J. A. Pearce conducted an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on FLORENCE SUSAN HANNAFORD, wife of WALTER HANNAFORD, naval pensioner, of Back-street, Modbury. - GEORGE HANNAFORD said his mother had not been very well for some time, but had not been attended by a doctor. On Monday last she complained of stiffness of the jaw and was unable to close her mouth. On Tuesday Dr Miles, of Modbury, was sent for and advised her removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. She was taken to the Hospital in the evening and died on Thursday morning. Witness could not recall her having received a knock or bruise at any time. - Dr John F. D. Hart, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the woman was admitted on Tuesday evening with 36 hours' history of inability to unclench her jaw. There was a stiffness in the muscles of the neck and back. She died on Thursday. A post-mortem examination was made, but no signs of a bruise or knock could be found. Death was due to exhaustion following lockjaw. - The Coroner gave a verdict in accordance with the House Surgeon's evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Cattewater Tragedy. Young Deck Hand Drowned Accidentally. - "Accidentally Drowned through falling from a yacht while washing the deck" was the verdict recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest at Vauxhall-street yesterday on JOSEPH ERNEST HUCKLE, aged 17, who was employed as a deck hand on a yacht owned by Mr Harvey, ships chandler, of Southside-street, Plymouth. - Mr John Penzer of 89 Marlborough-road, Bowes Park, London, said he was in his yacht which was lying in the Cattewater on Saturday morning. The yacht Florence, owned by Mr Harvey, was lying about 40 yards away on his starboard bow. He saw a man washing the deck of the Florence. Soon afterwards he heard a splash and glancing up saw no one on the deck of the Florence. - About five seconds later he heard a faint shout for help and saw white water near the Florence. He shouted to his companion and they both tumbled into the dingy and rowed hard across. They were only five yards from their own yacht when the man went down.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 July 1929
EAST STONEHOUSE - Motor Cyclist Killed. Torpoint Man's Evidence. Jury Commend Three Witnesses. - Having been adjourned in order to enable Mr William Harrison, who was injured at the same time, to recover sufficiently to give evidence, the Inquest on REGINALD CHARLES NAUDE, R.N., aged 19, a sick berth attendant at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, who met with an accident while motor cycling near Polbathic on June 29, and died from injuries on July 2, was resumed at Plymouth yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, with a Jury. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict, the Jury adding that none of the persons concerned was to blame. They commended Messrs. Harrison and Jones and the Constable on the manner in which they had given their evidence. - William Harrison, of Fore-street, Torpoint, taxi-cab owner, said he was returning to Torpoint from Polbathic, on the Sconnor road, when he saw approaching him a saloon car and also a man in naval uniform on a motor cycle. - The cyclist apparently got frightened when he saw his car approaching and developed a wobble. - Asked by the Coroner what speed he was travelling, Mr Harrison replied that he was just "ambling along quietly." - Alleged Admission - The collision was all over in a very short time, but he immediately cut his engine and applied his emergency brake which was full on when the car was righted after the accident. He had been driving for four years and had a clean licence. He had never been involved in any accident before. - The motor cyclist, said witness, admitted that it was his fault. There was plenty of room for the motor cyclist to have passed between the two cars. Witness was thrown out of the car. - Kenneth Jones, of Egerton-crescent, motor engineer, who was proceeding toward Liskeard from Torpoint on a motor cycle, first saw MR NAUDE in front, and when he was approaching Sconnor House, near Polbathic, he noticed him. The naval man on the motor cycle was travelling faster than the car, with, he thought, the intention of passing it. - Mr Jones said he saw a car coming in the opposite direction, and when the cars were nearly level the naval man attempted to pull in on his proper side. - He must have misjudged his speed and his front wheel grazed the rear of one car. This turned his steering in the opposite direction, causing him to collide with the other car. - The motor cyclist appeared to go through the windscreen of the car and land on the road several yards on. - A Good Driver. - Mr Jones added he drove to Polbathic and telephoned for Police and ambulance. - Henry Maxwell Lean, sick berth attendant, whose home is at Bodmin, said he loaned NAUDE the motor cycle. NAUDE was a very good driver and always cool. - Constable Miners said he was called to the scene of the accident. - The car of the other injured man was on its proper side of the road. He assisted a doctor to treat NAUDE and used his field dressing for the purpose. He took no statement from NAUDE, on the doctor's advice. The car was badly damaged and must have been struck with tremendous force. - Later he found splinters of glass 72 yards down the road toward Polbathic. The front of the cycle was just crumpled iron. - Mr T. A. Pawlyn, jun., of Quarry Close, Mevagissey, said he felt no shock of the motor cyclist striking the rear of his car. The accident happened just as he passed the other car. - Surgeon-Com. J. B. Crawford, Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, said NAUDE was suffering from multiple injuries. He was conscious when he was admitted, but made no statement other than to ask him not to let his mother know, as it would upset her. He became unconscious three days later and died. - Death was due to cardiac failure from shock, due to his injuries.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 July 1929
SOUTH BRENT - Road Death Inquiry. Coroner And Condition Of A South Brent Street. - On Monday evening the death of MRS MARY JANE COLLINS, aged 84, of Nelson-place, South Brent, widow of MR THOMAS COLLINS, coach-builder, Plymouth, was Inquired into at South Brent by Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner. - Aubrey Andrews, van driver, said on June 19 he went to the garage in Station-road to take out a van. He saw nobody in the street near the garage when he backed it out. He heard a shout and saw MRS COLLINS on the ground. - Amos Cott, garage proprietor, said he saw MRS COLLINS lying in the gutter. From the position of the van it would have been impossible for it to have struck her. At the spot both the pavement and road sloped. - Dr F. W. Stoyle said she had a fracture of the right thigh. She told him the van just touched her and she slipped. She had an attack of cerebral haemorrhage and died on Saturday. - The Coroner found a verdict that MRS COLLINS died of Cerebral Haemorrhage, following shock, the result of the injury due to the fall. - He said there was no evidence that the van driver was in any way negligent. He did not think MRS COLLINS would have fallen but for the condition of the pavement and road, and he proposed to call the attention of the proper authorities to it.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Drug Addict's Death. Inhaled Gas Poison At Plymouth. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on BESSIE BAWDEN, aged 45, the wife of JAMES BAWDEN, carpenter and undertaker, of Carr's House, Tamerton Foliot, who was found dead in a gas-filled room at 142 Alexandra-road, Mutley.- The evidence disclosed that the woman was a drug addict, was deeply in debt, and had separated from her husband in February last, her husband having the custody of the two children, aged five and two years. - John Parnell, of the City Police Force, Constable in charge of Mutley Police Station, said he was called to 142 Alexandra-road, Mutley, on Friday evening and found MRS BAWDEN lying on the bed in a back room apparently dead. There was a strong smell of gas, although the window was open. In the room he found only threepence farthing in money and 49 pawn tickets. He also found four empty bottles which had contained chlorodyne. - MR JAMES BAWDEN, a master carpenter and undertaker, of Carr's House, Tamerton Foliot, said BESSIE BAWDEN was his wife. He had not seen her since the 28th of 29th of February last, when they had separated. The separation order had given him the custody of his two daughters. - His wife did not drink, but was a drug taker and had got in debt. That was the only trouble between them. His wife was never ill. They were married in December 1921. He had put his wife's debts right when they had separated, and had made her a weekly allowance. - Mrs E. M. Perry, of 142 Alexandra-road, said MRS BAWDEN had rented a bed-sitting room in her house. She was a very nice, kind woman, and seemed very bright and happy. While she was with her she kept very good hours. - MRS BAWDEN had told her that she was a widow with no children and that her husband had left her six cottages, which the solicitor had sold and invested the money for her. She had paid her first week's rent (13s) all right, but the second week she was short of money. - Evidence was given that MRS BAWDEN when found had a flexible tube in her mouth, the tube connecting with the gas bracket. - Dr George Hooper Rains, of 91 Alexandra-road, said when he saw MRS BAWDEN she was lying on the bed and had apparently been dead a couple of hours. On making a superficial examination he was satisfied that death was due to gas poisoning. The bottles in MRS BAWDEN'S room were Dr. ..... Chlorodyne, a patent medicine. - A verdict was returned that MRS BAWDEN died through inhaling gas poison while of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 17 July 1929
TORQUAY - Plucky Fisherman. Frenchman Drowned In Torquay Cove. - Patrick P. Passmore, a fisherman, of Stentiford's-hill, Torquay, was commended for a plucky attempt to save a man from drowning by the Coroner Mr G. E. Windeatt, at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on JOSEPH NEDELEC, aged 24, a farm labourer, of St Paul-de-Leon, Finisterre, who was drowned whilst bathing at Peaked Tor, Torquay, on Sunday. - Henri Laot, a farmer, of Roscoff, France, said he was in Torquay to sell the produce of his farm, and NEDELEC, who was employed to help him, had been living in Lower Union-lane since June 9. Francois Pewrrone, of St Paul-de-Leon, an onion seller, who was on the beach with NEDELEC, said deceased borrowed a bathing costume and went to have a swim. He had only been in the water for two minutes when witness heard him shout for help, and saw him raise his arm before he disappeared. Nether witness nor his four companions could swim. NEDELEC sunk about 10 yards from the shore. - Similar evidence was given by other Frenchmen. - Patrick P. Passmore, a fisherman, of Stentiford's-hill, Torquay, said he was on the cliffs near Peaked Tor, when he heard a shout. He looked below and saw a man in the water. - Dash To The Rescue. - Witness rushed about 200 yards to the beach, where there were three men in bathing costumes, who, in reply to witness, said they had heard no shouts for help. Witness swam, fully dressed, to the spot where he had seen the man, climbed a rock, and searched the bottom. He shouted for the bathing attendant at Beacon Cove, who came very quickly in his boat, and from it witness located the body entangled in weeds. He called to a whaler from H.M.S. Wakeful, from which he obtained a boathook, and was able to raise the body. - Peaked Tor was not a recognized bathing-place. It was dangerous. On one side there were iron railings, which formerly supported an old bathing platform, and on the other there was a great deal of bootlace seaweed. There should, witness thought, be a notice that the cove was not suitable for bathing. - Dr H. K. Griffiths said he was called and found deceased on the beach. Artificial respiration was condition for 55 minutes by Police and Coastguards. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death from Drowning," commended Passmore for his plucky attempt at rescue. A note of what he had done would be passed on to the proper quarters for recognition. - He proposed to communicate with the Torquay Corporation with regard to the dangers of that particular cove, with a view of getting a notice placed there.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 July 1929
KINGSBRIDGE - Motor Car Overturns. Accident At Cross-Roads Near Kingsbridge. - One of the most tragic accidents that has occurred for some years in the Kingsbridge district took place on Sunday evening. COM. ERNALD GILBERT HOSKINS MASTER, R.N., retired, 42 years of age, who resided at 12 Leigham-street, Plymouth, and his friend, Capt. R. P. Aldersey, residing at Holyrood-terrace, Plymouth, had been on a visit to Kingsbridge and were returning home at about 8.30 p.m. - COM. MASTER was driving the car, it being a two-seater. As he approached Offield Cross, Churchstow, about two miles from Kingsbridge, he apparently made a mistake, thinking his road was straight through the crossroads. When partly through he seems to have discovered that he should have turned sharply to the right and endeavoured to bring his car round whilst travelling, with the result the car turned over, throwing both occupants out clear of the machine. - COM. MASTER received very serious injuries to the chest and head, but Capt. Aldersey was not so seriously injured. - Assistance Of Motorists. - The accident was witnessed by a young girl, but in a few minutes several motorists were on the spot, and rendered what assistance they could. - The St John motor ambulance from Kingsbridge was called and both men were removed to the South Hams Cottage Hospital, where COM. MASTER died shortly after admission. - Capt. Aldersey, who is not so seriously injured, was detained and it is hoped in a few days he will have recovered sufficiently to be able to attend the Inquest. - MRS MASTER, with her children and friends, also visited Kingsbridge with the commander, but she left with her family in another car about half an hour before her husband.- Yesterday afternoon an Inquest was formally opened by Mr G. Windeatt at the Hospital, and adjourned until Capt. Aldersey is in a condition to attend. - Distinguished Career. - News of the shocking death of COMMANDER MASTER caused a painful sensation among his many friends in the Plymouth district, where he was well known and popular with a wide circle of service and civilian acquaintances. He had resided at 12 Leigham-street and leaves a widow and two young sons. - COM. MASTER was 42 years of age. He had a distinguished service career, and for his services in submarines and destroyers during the war he was awarded the D.S.O. - It was only a matter of two months ago that he retired from the Royal Navy and since then had been associated with a motor firm. - Capt. Aldersey is also well known in Plymouth. He is a former Army officer. He was last night reported to be making satisfactory progress.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Fatal Slip. Working On Signal At Lostwithiel. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner at Plymouth yesterday on AUGUSTUS MATTHEW PURDEN, aged 46, a wireman in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, who resided at 109 North Down-crescent, Swilly. - The widow stated that her husband was working at Lostwithiel on June 6, and when he returned home on the following day he told her that he had slipped on an iron when working on a signal. He was in great pain, and eleven days later, during which time he remained in bed under medical treatment, he was removed to the Central Hospital, where he died. - Henry William Gardner, 27 Well-street, labourer in the Great Western Railway telegraph department, said deceased was working on a signal near Lostwithiel Railway Station some height from the ground. On the following day, when the working party were at Grampound Road, witness observed that PURDEN was limping and on asking him the reason he said he had a slip at Lostwithiel, but did not take much notice of it. He got worse during the day, and when they returned to Plymouth in the evening he had to be assisted home. - James Cridford, foreman of the party, explained that deceased was assisting in putting overhead wires from one signal to another. He was apparently standing on a ring which was reached by an iron ladder, when his foot slipped, causing an injury to his right thigh. - Dr T. A. Carr, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, expressed the opinion that death was due to an injury accidentally received and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly. - Mr G. W. Brown, organizing secretary, South-Western District, National Union of Railwaymen, was present on behalf of the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 July 1929
BRIXHAM - Woman's Body On Beach. Tragic Discovery At Brixham. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily insane" was returned by Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, at the Inquest at Brixham yesterday on MRS GRACE KATHLEEN KELLY, aged 57, wife of MR JOHN KELLY, retired stationmaster, of Arlington-terrace, King-street, Brixham, whose body was found at Shoalstone Beach on Monday by Mr G. Williams, accountant to Brixham Urban Council. - The husband said he last saw his wife alive on Sunday night, when he said good-night to her and retired to bed. On Monday morning he went to her bedroom about 8.30 and found the room empty, and the bed did not appear to have been slept in. He found a note, which read: "Dear JOHN,- I am jus raving in pain. Forgive me." His wife had been ill since March. - George Williams said he was at Shoalstone Beach about 11.15 on Monday morning in company with Mr F. G. Godfrey, sanitary inspector, when he saw what he thought was a woman asleep on the beach. He went up to her and found she was dead. It was then half-tide, and the sea appeared to have gone out and left her on the beach. - Dr R. B. Thompson said the cause of death was drowning.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 July 1929 STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on the body of SUSAN FOSTER, 87, of Clyde-street, Ford, who was found dead in her bed on Tuesday morning, came to the conclusion that she died through accidentally leaving the gas tap of her cooking stove turned on, the actual cause of death being coal-gas poisoning. - Deceased was an old-age pensioner, the widow of JOHN FOSTER, a naval pensioner. - Charlotte Maud Webber, a neighbour, who lived in the same house as deceased, said the old lady was always very cheerful and happy and absolutely the past person who would think of taking her life. Her hand, however, was very shaky, and she thought that when deceased turned the gas off at the stove she must have immediately, and without knowing it, turned it on again. When she took her a cup of tea, as usual, on Tuesday morning, she found both window and door open, but there was a strong smell of gas, and the tap at the stove was almost full on. She turned it off and sent for a doctor.- Dr Charles Layton Balkwill said when he was called he noticed a smell of gas in the room. A very small volume of gas was sufficient to kill deceased, who was old and feeble.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 July 1929
HERSHAM, SURREY - Tragic Story Of Overwork. Inquest On Former Plymothian. - A tragedy of overwork was described at the Inquest at Hersham (Surrey) yesterday on MR ALFRED HENRY LISTER, a London architect, formerly of Plymouth, who was found dead at his Walton-on-Thames apartments with a revolver by his side. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - MR LISTER'S secretary, Miss May Isobel Dalrymple Currie, said that overwork was the trouble. Deceased had half a dozen jobs on hand at a time, and that went on for years. He would never cease He was not in a position to employ a draughtsman at a good salary, and he would not employ anyone unless he could pay him honestly and fairly. - An exceptionally brilliant man, he was most conscientious - "the straightest, whitest man that ever trod the earth." - Financially he was absolutely all right, but his brain was worn out. He was mad, she was certain. His handwriting was the terrible trouble. Last Wednesday he went into the office and said: "I am done. I am done. It is the handwriting - I cannot write rapidly enough." - A doctor in evidence said there was a physical degeneration of the nerves. "I think the trouble started in France. He was suffering from what we call auto-intoxication set up by enteritis." - At the time of his death he was standing in front of a looking-glass.

Western Morning News, Friday 26 July 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Drowned At The Dockyard. Coroner And System Of Embarkation. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest on Leading Seaman GEORGE HENRY REED, aged 36, single, of Newton St Cyres, who was drowned through falling off a ladder when going aboard his ship, the drifter Whirlpool, at Devonport Dockyard, on June 30, congratulated Midshipman G. A. L. Woods on his pluck in lowering himself into the water and remaining about five minutes endeavouring to find deceased. - In returning a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," the Coroner said he did not wish to criticize what had been done. It was stated by Commander S. E. Thomas, Assistant-Captain of the Dockyard, that the arrangements for embarking in and disembarking from ships in the Dockyard had been found satisfactory for over 20 years, but since the accident other ladders had been fitted. - Seaman E. Atkinson, of the Whirlpool, said he returned with deceased to the ship about 10.20 p.m. The Whirlpool was in No. 4 Basin, and there were four lighters between the ship and the wall. When they got to the wall they proceeded down the ladder into the first lighter. - Ladders Not Fixed To Wall. - It was a wooden ladder and was not fixed to the wall. Witness descended first and had his back turned as deceased went down. He heard a rumbling sound and a splash. Looking around he saw REED was missing. - Witness got down to the water's edge, but could see no trace of deceased, only his cap, which he took from the water. There were between two and three feet between the lighter and the wall. - They had had a few drinks, but were quite sober. - An officer from the ship here explained that there was no brow from the lighter to the jetty. Instead there was a wooden ladder hanging from the Dockyard wall by a little wire strap. It was hanging sideways and very rickety. - When the lighters lay off from the wall as they did at high tide they could not reach it. - We take a ladder we always use and place against the wall in order to leave the lighter. - Iron Ladder Out of Reach. - The Coroner: But there seems to be something wrong in the arrangement. Supposing you did not carry this ladder? - The Officer: We always carry a ladder of our own for the purpose. But there was no brow. - The Coroner: There is an iron ladder there now? - The Officer: There was an iron ladder, but it was out of reach. - Midshipman G. A. L. Woods said shortly before 11 o'clock the fact that a man had fallen into the basin was reported to him. He took off his trousers and shirt, and tying a line around his waist lowered himself into the water, but was unable to find the missing man. After five minutes he came up to recover and Lieut. Grant, of the drifter Shower, came and took charge of the operations.- Coroner's Congratulations. - The Coroner: I must say I think your conduct is to be very highly commended. I congratulate you upon the pluck you showed at the time. - The Coroner expressed the hope that the action of Midshipman Woods would be reported to the Commander-in-Chief. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden (for the Admiralty): I certainly will do so. It is in my report to the Admiralty. - Midshipman R. T. Tripp said the light was not very good and the Dockyard light was about fifty to a hundred yards away. Witness had used the ladder to go ashore. - The Coroner: Is there any reason why there should not be a brow here? - Lieut. A. C. Stanford, who commands the Whirlpool, replied that the number of men did not warrant the moving of a big structure like a brow, which needed a crane to move it. - The Coroner: Seeing the Dockyard are responsible for disembarkation of men, what arrangements were there here for disembarkation? - Lieut. Stanford: They had the iron ladder going up the wall and the wooden ladder slung by a piece of wire, but they were not accessible at certain states of the tide. Thus they had to make their own arrangements for disembarking, and found it convenient to use a movable ladder as they frequently did. - Mr Bawden: There was nothing unusual about this way of getting ashore? - Lieut. Stanford: No, it is what we are used to. - Thought REED Tripped. - The ladder was found to be quite secure after the accident. He thought perhaps deceased caught his mackintosh and tripped as he came down the ladder. Deceased bore an excellent character. - Police Constable G. H. Elliott, Metropolitan Police, said he recovered the body from the basin. It was covered with a mackintosh. - Com. S. E. Thomas, assistant captain of the Dockyard, explained the arrangements for embarkation and disembarkation for which the Dockyard were responsible. The difficulty of using a brow with such a small ship was that when the tide was low the brow might hang perpendicular. A ladder was easier. Since the accident, other ladders had been fitted and arrangements were made to keep ships close alongside. - The Coroner: It means this case will ensure better arrangements for the future? - Com. Thomas: Yes, but I should like to say these arrangements have been going on for some twenty odd years and have always been found satisfactory. There has never been an accident or question about it. It is an ordinary ladder and one which you would expect people to be able to go up and down. It simply means that the arrangements which hitherto were satisfactory, are now being improved upon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 July 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Cycle Fatality. Sidecar Overturns After Swerve. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. Major, who sat with a Jury yesterday afternoon at Plymouth to Inquire into the death of MR SYDNEY DAW HARRIS, aged 49, of Exeter-street, Plymouth, a cellarman in the employ of Messrs. Hawker and Co., Ltd., who died on Sunday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital from a fractured skull, caused by his head striking the pavement kerb on the previous day, when a motor cycle combination on which he was a pillion passenger overturned. - MRS MURIEL HARRIS, daughter of deceased, said that she, her father, and her fiancé were proceeding from Plymouth to Plympton in a motor cycle combination and when passing the tram terminus a motor cycle and sidecar came out from Florence-place. - Her fiancé, who was driving, swerved to the right to avoid it, and their motor cycle and sidecar overturned. They were all three thrown into the road. The St John Ambulance took them all to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where her father, who was unconscious, was detained. - Sounded Horn. - John Henry Turnbull, of Radford-place, Plymouth, said he was travelling at just over 20 miles an hour before he got to the turning. He sounded his own horn, but did not hear another. - He thought the sharp turn, the weight of the machine, the speed at which he was travelling, and the contour of the road were all contributing factors in the overturning of his combination. If he had not swerved to the right he would have hit the other cycle. - George Richard John Dennison, of Knighton-road, Plymouth, a motor driver in the employ of Messrs. J. J. Gerry and Co., said he was proceeding up Florence-place in a motor cycle combination with his mother in the sidecar and a little girl, aged eight years, on the pillion, at a speed of between seven and eight miles an hour. As he approached the main road he saw a motor cycle combination coming down Embankment-road. He thought it was going rather fast, and he immediately stopped. - It was not necessary for Mr Turnbull to have taken such a violent swerve. - Drivers Exonerated. - Stanley Symons of Cotehele-avenue, Plymouth, said the cause of the upset, in his opinion, was the swerve the driver had to make to avoid the other combination and the dip in the road. The driver of the combination coming from Plymouth sounded his horn, but he did not hear the other. In his opinion the driver of the combination which came out from Florence-place should have stopped before entering the main road. - Dr S. Bridgeman, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to a fracture of the vault of the skull. - The Jury exonerated both drivers from all blame, and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Friday 2 August 1929
KINGSBRIDGE - Car's Somersault Near Churchstow. Retired Plymouth Officer Killed. - Mr G. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquiry at Kingsbridge on Wednesday into the death of Lieut-Com. GILBERT HOSKINGS MASTER, R.N. (retired), of Plymouth, which took place at the South Hams Cottage Hospital following a motor accident at Offield's Cross, Churchstow, on July 21. - The Inquest was opened on July 22 to enable the Coroner to give the necessary order for burial. - Evidence showed that the car deceased was driving swerved at the cross-roads, turned a complete somersault, and righted itself again, the two occupants being thrown through the windscreen. - No Evidence Of Alcohol. - Dr W. G. Verniquet, Kingsbridge, stated he passed the scene of the accident soon after it occurred and ordered the men to be removed to the Hospital, where the deceased died two hours later. The injuries were haemorrhage of the brain due to concussion, double fracture of the ribs of the left side, and haemorrhage of the lungs. - Any one of those injuries was sufficient to cause death, but he thought deceased died from concussion of the brain. - Mr W. R. Beer, representing the insurance company, asked if there was any question of the deceased being under the influence of alcohol at the time. - Witness replied there was no evidence to show it was the case. - Capt. Ralph Pomeroy Aldersey, of 2 Holyrood-terrace, Plymouth, who was in the car with deceased at the time of the accident, stated they were travelling at a steady 30 to 35 miles per hour. Neither of them knew the road very well, and they were practically across the cross roads before they realized they should have turned to the right. - Deceased said, "We must go to the right," and he must have temporarily lost his head and turned to the right. The next thing he (witness) remembered was seeing the five bars of a gate. He thought deceased had been used to a heavier car, and did not realize the car he was driving was so light. - Witness could not swear if the deceased applied his brakes, or if they were flung through the screen. - Error Of Judgment. - Annie Crocker, a domestic servant, Aveton Gifford, said she was standing at the cross-roads when she saw the car coming towards them. When it got to the cross-roads, it seemed as if it was going right across to Bantham, then it suddenly swerved towards the Plymouth road, turned a complete somersault and righted itself again. - The two men were thrown right through the windscreen and fell on the road with their faces downwards. She went to their assistance. - Constable Stevens said the surface of the road was tarred and in good condition. There was a signpost, which was visible for a distance of 105 yards. The lettering on the signpost was so small that the driver of a car had to get within ten yards to read it. - The Jury returned the verdict that deceased met his death Accidentally through an error of judgment in taking the corner.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 August 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Baby Suffocated. - Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Death due to Accidental Suffocation while in bed with its parents" at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GORDON PATRICK WALLER, aged three days, who died at the Granby Barracks, Devonport. - He said that death would probably not have occurred had the child been sleeping in a separate cot by itself.

Western Morning News, Monday 5 August 1929
IVYBRIDGE - Ivybridge Fatality. Plymouth Man's 50-Feet Fall In Paper Mills. - Terrible head injuries from which he succumbed almost immediately were received by JOHN FRY, aged 38, a jobbing mason, of 10 Union-terrace, Plymouth, who fell down a hoist at the Paper Mills at Ivybridge on Friday. - Evidence of identification only was taken at the Inquest which was opened by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, on Saturday, and the hearing was adjourned until Wednesday. - The mills, it is stated, were being repaired. Materials were being hoisted up the four storeys through the hatchway, which runs from the top of the building to the ground. - While this was being done the rope slipped from the hoist and FRY'S employer, who was standing near by, said he would replace it. FRY walked away and said he would do it. To replace the rope it was necessary for him to stretch over the opening, and he apparently held on to a piece of joist while fixing the hoist. Without warning it gave way and FRY fell to the floor about 50 feet below and was killed almost at once.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 August 1929
IVYBRIDGE - Fatal Fall Down A Hatchway. Ivybridge Inquest On Plymouth Mason. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at the resumed Inquest yesterday at Ivybridge on JOHN FRY, aged 38, a jobbing mason in the employ of Mr Richard Roberts, a Plymouth builder, whose home was at Union-terrace, Plymouth. - By some means FRY fell 50 feet down a hatchway at the Old Paper Mills, known as the Lower Factory, Ivybridge, through which materials were being hoisted in connection with some repairs last Friday. - At the Inquest Mr H. J. W. Ruse (Messrs. Gard and Ruse, Devonport) represented the insurance company. - Dr William Arthur Trumper, of Ivybridge, stated that he was called to what is known as the Lower Factory at about 4.20 p.m. last Friday. He formed the opinion that the man had been dead a few minutes. There were severe injuries to the head and neck and the skull was probably fractured. - By Mr Ruse: The cause of death was probably fracture of the skull with haemorrhage into the brain. - Employer's Evidence. - Richard Roberts, of Boon's-place, Plymouth, a builder, who gave evidence of identification when the Inquest was opened on Saturday, said at the time of the accident FRY was engaged in hoisting timber up a hatchway at the old factory. On the top storey there was a "jinney" wheel for hauling up material from below. The wheel was run between two wooden beams and there was a piece of "lay" timber across the beams over the staircase. FRY was fixing the hoist and had got the rope over the first wheel, but said he could not get it over the second. Witness replied, "Well, let me do it." He turned to "carry on," and deceased moved away.- Just after witness looked down the hoist and saw FRY lying on the floor about 50 feet below. Witness hastened down and sent for medical assistance and the Police. When he went back to see if he could ascertain what had happened he found the "lay" timber in two pieces, one on the top of the landing and the other part way down the stairs. - Witness heard no noise; he accounted for this by the fact that the mill was working. - Mr Ruse: When FRY said he could not put the rope over the wheel, did he move out of your way to let you do it? - Yes. - He could have stepped into the mill itself or have walked down the stairs? - He could. - Witness could advance no reason why FRY moved behind him. - In reply to further questions, witness did not think FRY had suffered from giddiness. He had never complained. - Police Sergt. Derges said on his arrival at the mill he examined FRY and found he had a fractured skull. He found two pieces of timber on the landing underneath the two beams.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - Death In Hospital. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Seaman. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, was occupied for some time yesterday investigating the death of CHARLES ROBERT SELLICK, aged 55, of 4 Well-street, who died on Monday morning shortly after admission to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - SELLICK had made a trip in the steamer Vitruvia, of Glasgow, and was paid off at Tilbury on July 31, returning to Plymouth the following day. - Charles Casley, of 12 Higher-street, who was a fireman in the Vitruvia during the voyage said SELLICK was not feeling too well during the trip, and went sick three days before they reached London. On the way to Plymouth he was doubled up in the train, but he was able to walk, assisted by a man on each side of him. "I heard him say that he nearly fell from the top of the engine-room to the bottom," added witness. - Evidence was given by Dr J. F. V. Lart, House Surgeon at the Hospital, who said SELLICK was admitted about 6 a.m. on Monday after his doctor had rung up and asked them if they could take in a case of intestinal obstruction. - The man's condition was such that an immediate operation was necessary and the operation was commenced. He vomited, became unconscious and died later. - In his opinion death was due to paralysis of the small intestine, the immediate cause being vomited material entering the lungs and causing suffocation. - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from Suffocation due to Vomiting."

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Man's Fatal Injuries. Inquest Story Of Bank-Holiday Accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest held yesterday on HENRY HOCKING, 45, a skilled Dockyard labourer, residing at West Hoe-road, Plymouth, who died as the result of a collision with a motor car on August Bank Holiday. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared for the driver of the car, and Mr D. F. Nash for the relatives. - ADELAIDE HOCKING said that on Monday her husband left home at 6 p.m. to meet a friend on the Barbican. As her husband did not return, she made inquiries, and the next morning her neighbour, Mrs Bennett, went to the Police Station, where she was informed that there was an unidentified man at the Central Hospital. Mrs Bennett went to the Hospital, and there recognized witness' husband, who was unconscious. Witness went to the Hospital, and her husband died just after 9 on Wednesday morning without regaining consciousness. - Driver's Story. - Arthur William Arundell Kettle, a lieutenant in H.M.S. Valhalla, stationed at Devonport, residing at Hole Cottage, Exbourne, North Devon, said on the Bank Holiday evening he was driving down Citadel-road about 10 p.m. at fifteen miles per hour. It was a very dark night and raining heavily. As he passed the island in Citadel-road his attention was attracted by another motor car coming towards him with both headlights on. Suddenly a man appeared on his left-hand side. He was about three feet in front of him and seemed to walk right into the car. - He was apparently crossing the road, but the left wing struck him and he fell forward on to the bonnet of the car. Witness had applied the brakes on seeing the man, but chiefly owing to the slippery nature of the road the influence was not quite sufficient to absolutely stop the car. He thought, however, that he pulled up within twenty feet. As soon as the car stopped he got out and lifted the man up. He had not touched the road. Three men came along and gave assistance. The injured man was then unconscious. He went to Derry's Clock for a Policeman, and a tramways inspector directed him to the Central Hospital. He then rang up the Police and after seeing the injured man in the care of the Hospital Officials he took the Policeman back to the scene of the accident. - In reply to the Jury, witness said he was some four or five feet away from the kerb, but could not swerve to the right away from the man because of the approaching car. - Mr Nash: Do you think that you were dazzled by the approaching headlights? - Witness: No. I distinctly saw the road in front of me, and saw the man take one pace forward, which put him right into my car. - William James Cook, storeman, in the employ of Messrs. Carr and Quick, residing at New-street, Plymouth, said he met HOCKING at the Golden Fleece in Notte-street, and remained there from 6.40 until 9.30 p.m. HOCKING usually went home by the Hoe-street route. Asked by the Coroner what they had to drink during the evening, witness said three pints of cider. HOCKING was quite sober when he left witness. - Thomas H. Carr. House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, gave evidence as to the condition of the man when brought to the Hospital, and said that he appeared to be suffered from head injuries. He was unconscious. Death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull. - In returning their verdict the Jury exonerated Lieut. Kettle from any blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest on ELIZABETH ANNE HOLMAN, aged 73, of 53 Hele's-terrace, Prince Rock, conducted by the Deputy Plymouth Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at Greenbank Infirmary on Saturday, a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - George Gerry said when he called at the house on December 3 he found MR and MRS HOLMAN in bed, unconscious. There was a strong smell of gas in the room, and witness found a tap turned on. MR HOLMAN subsequently died in the Infirmary. - Dr Gladys Kay, acting Medical Officer at the Infirmary, said MRS HOLMAN recovered entirely from the effects of the coal-gas poisoning, but the illness which proved fatal was accelerated by coal-gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest on CECILIA M. PARKER, aged 88, widow of THOMAS PARKER, a railwayman, of 40 Desborough-road, Plymouth, who fell down in her scullery on July 13.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - Inquest Reference To A Hero. Blood Transfusions At Plymouth. - Mr Sam Bridgeman, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, giving evidence at an Inquest at Vauxhall-street yesterday, said he thought that if it had been possible to give a blood transfusion before the operation, the operation would have been successful. - It was extremely difficult to find persons who were willing to give their blood for transfusion. The gentleman whom they had called upon, and who unfortunately arrived too late, was a last resort, as he had recently given two transfusions, and had been so glad that by so doing he had saved the patient's life that he was willing to offer again. - The Inquest was held on WILLIAM HERBERT HOOPER, aged 19, of 37 Ford-hill, Stoke, an employee of Messrs. Mumford and Co., who collided with a pony and trap in Venn-lane while cycling to his work last Thursday and died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital the same evening. - Driver's Story. - George Nicholas Furzeland, general labourer, of Woodbine-villas, Plympton, driver of the pony and trap, said he was proceeding up Venn-lane at a walking pace to Home Park, was keeping close to the left hedge, and had just reached a sharp bend in the road opposite Pounds House, when a cyclist came down the hill and struck the right-hand shaft. The cyclist went on about 12 ft. and fell off his machine. - Mr Furzeland said he said to the cyclist, "You were silly. Whatever made you ride so fast round the corner?" and the cyclist replied that he knew it was his fault. - Asked by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, if the cyclist appeared to be injured, witness said no, because he replied to every question which he put to him. If he had known that he was injured he would not have left him, adding that he had boys and girls of his own. Had he known that he was seriously hurt he would have taken him to Hospital in his pony and trap. - George Henry Hancock, Edgcumbe-street, Stonehouse, said in company with Edward Mitchell he was proceeding down Venn-lane from Milehouse. Near the bottom of the hill, opposite Pounds House, he saw a young man lying on the left side of the road, with a pony and trap in the centre of the road. Mr Furzeland was kneeling down talking to the young man. - He asked what had happened and Mr Furzeland replied that the young man was coming down the hill fast, and had run into his pony's head. - Mr Mitchell asked the lad if he should fetch the ambulance and the lad said "Yes." The right side of his coat was torn. After witness went to telephone for the ambulance, Mr Furzeland got into his trap and left. The ambulance arrived in about six minutes. - Jury's Verdict. - Dr Bridgeman said death was due to a ruptured kidney and subsequent haemorrhage. When he was admitted MR HOOPER did not appear to be in a serious condition. He was detained for observation. Within an hour and a half of admission a diagnosis was possible. The operation was performed by Mr Pinker. The patient rallied for about three hours after the operation, then sank, and died at 7.50 p.m. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." They appreciated the way in which Mr Furzeland had given his evidence and considered that had he known MR HOOPER was seriously injured he would have stayed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 20 August 1929
PLYMOUTH -Story Of Woman's Delusions. Plymouth Coroner And A £200 Gift. - A verdict of "Suicide while insane and under a Delusion that she was suffering from a cancer" was returned by the Jury at Plymouth yesterday at the Inquest on MRS ELIZABETH RYDER of Prospect-street, Plymouth, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Friday from a wound in the throat. - It was stated that on August 2 MRS RYDER drew £200 from the bank, and the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said the question of the money would have to be dealt with later. - Joseph Haydon, a retired postman of 25 Southern-terrace, Mutley, said MRS RYDER was the widow of WILLIAM SAMUEL RYDER, an ironmonger. His wife visited her at 11 Prospect-street, where she lived, very frequently. One day she had found her crying and in "a terrible state of mind." She asked her if she would like to go into the Workhouse and she had replied that she would like to go and live with them. - He had known her all his life. She was 65 years of age. He did not know she had any money. They used to think it was a mystery how she lived, but she led them to think she was in a state of complete poverty. She went to live with them about eight weeks ago. One day she said she wanted to go to the bank, and when she returned she handed them a large sum of money. - "I Have Got Cancer." - She was alone in the house last Thursday from about 9 to 9.30 p.m. They had supper together and she went to bed as usual. On Friday morning about 8 o'clock he found her bleeding from a wound in the throat. She was conscious and whispered to him, repeating it twice, "Joe, I have got a cancer." He called neighbours and sent for a doctor, the Police and the ambulance. She was removed to Hospital very quickly.- Mrs Mary Haydon corroborated her husband's evidence and said MRS RYDER had a good home at 11 Prospect-street. She could hardly walk, except with the aid of a stick. She had the reputation of being very poor. They had practically kept her for months. She was a very old friend, and she had been visiting her two and sometimes three times a day, and had taken her food. She had also paid her rent for several months. - They thought she had some money, but had no idea how much it was. Mr Haydon was trying to get the old-age pension for her. They had taken her to live with them for life. - On August 2 she had no money whatever, and said she wanted to go to the bank. Witness went with her in a taxi, but did not see her bank-book, nor know how much she had in it, nor did she know how much she drew out. - Witness did not know why she drew out such a large sum as £200. MRS RYDER gave her the £200 as a gift. - The Coroner said it was extraordinary that she had drawn nothing out of her bank since September 1916 and then on August 2 drew out £200 and gave it to Mrs Haydon. The whole situation required a full explanation. - Would Pay Back. - Mrs Haydon said she had never questioned MRS RYDER about anything. She had paid her rent for months and bought food and taken it to her. MRS RYDER had said she would pay her back some day. - In summing up, the Coroner said the evidence had taken longer than usual, because there were peculiar circumstances in the case demanding the fullest inquiry. - It was peculiar that MRS RYDER had been able to obtain the razor so easily. The Jury had heard the explanation which had been given of the withdrawal of the £200 which was that it was for her keep, and that Mr and Mrs Haydon intended to keep her for life. The question of the money would have to be dealt with later.

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 August 1929
LISKEARD, CORNWALL - Fall From Window. Plymouth Woman Killed On Visit to Liskeard. - Dr E. S. Toogood, Coroner, and a Jury, at Liskeard, yesterday, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death through falling from the bedroom window" at an Inquest on MRS BLENDENA LIDSTONE, of 24 Briardale-road, North Prospect, Plymouth. - The daughter of MR and MRS FRED BARRETT, of Castle-gardens, Liskeard, she had been on a visit to her parents, and on Monday night was found seriously injured on the ground beneath her bedroom window. She died in the Cottage Hospital two days later. - The husband said his wife, who was 31 years of age, was convalescing at her parents' home after an attack of pneumonia. She was never excitable, but often melancholy, grieving over the loss of two children. - MRS BARRETT said she shared a bedroom with her daughter. At 3 o'clock on Tuesday morning she awoke and noticed that the window was open at the bottom and her daughter's bed was empty. Looking out, she saw her lying on the ground, 12 feet below. For some days previously her daughter had complained that her head was bad. "She told me she was going mad; and once she said that she would rather be out of it." - Dr Hearle said the cause of death was a fractured dislocation of the neck and a verdict was returned as stated.

Western Morning News, Monday 26 August 1929
TORQUAY - A Dangerous Bend. Coroner And Torquay Town Council. - At the Inquest on ROY BRIDLE, 6 years, who died at Torbay Hospital on Friday from injuries received the previous evening through coming into collision with a motor car in Torbay-road, Torquay, the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, commented upon the inaction of the Torquay Town Council in dealing with a dangerous bend in the road. - Percy Valentine White, staying at the Hotel Regina, Victoria-parade, said that about 6.25 p.m. on Thursday he was on the Torbay-road, watching children diving from the rocks for pennies. Suddenly he saw a little boy, who seemed to appear from nowhere, in front of a car proceeding towards Paignton. The car was on its proper side, and was going at a slow pace, and passed completely over the child. - In reply to Mr Leaman, a Juror, witness said he thought the boy came from the beach side. - The Coroner: I understand he came up the slipway from the beach, and was knocked down immediately he stepped into the road. - William George Lear, newsagent of 2 Falk-crescent, Walthamstow. stated that on Thursday evening he was driving a car along the Torbay-road towards Paignton. He kept as far from the kerb as possible and travelled at a slow pace. Just before reaching the bend a boy shot out from the sands side, right in front of the car, waving his hands to some children on the pavement. Witness swerved to the right to avoid him, but the wheels passed over him. - Mr Hutchings said that he was not going to close the inquest, although all the available evidence had been given. Three years ago a woman had stepped off the same spot and been killed instantly, as anyone was bound to be who stepped into the line of traffic. On that occasion he sent a communication to the Local Authority suggesting that steps should be taken to protect the public, and although they practically promised to do something nothing had been done. He thought a railing should be run alongside the road, and although he would not summon anyone, he would invite someone to represent the Town Council. He added: "In crossing the Torbay-road you take your life in your hands. Child life must be protected." - The Inquest was adjourned until next Thursday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - Docks Tragedy. Inquest On Plymouth Schoolboy. - "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on WALTER HILL, aged nine, of Granby-place, Plymouth, who fell through the sky-light on the flat roof of a building at the Great Western Docks on Friday. - Dr Carr, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, stated that when the boy was admitted about 5.30 on Friday evening, he was unconscious and showed evidence of severe fracture of the skull. He died from the injury within an hour after admission. - John Collison, of Hobart-street, Stonehouse, branch manager in the employ of the Associated Biscuit Manufacturers, Drummond-road, London, said that at 5.15 when working in his office at the Great Western Docks, he heard the breaking of glass, and onrushing into the warehouse he saw a boy lying on the floor, bleeding from the ears. He had evidently fallen through a skylight in the flat roof, from a height of about 20 ft. - Boys' Evidence. - Percy William Snell Turner, schoolboy of Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, stated that HILL, who had been fishing at Rusty Anchor, ran away after some stone-throwing and climbed on the roof of the warehouse. Witness heard the breaking of glass and climbed up a lamp-post, but could see nothing of HILL. - Two other boys, Frederick Huet, of Rendle-street, and Kenneth Widger of Wotton-cottages, Rendle-street, gave similar evidence. They said the roof was protected by barbed wire, but could be reached by means of the lamp-post. - Constable Thomas was complimented by the Coroner upon the sketch which he had made of the scene of the accident. The Constable said he had heard no complaints of trespassing on the roof of the store by boys. - Inspector Woodcock, G.W.R., suggested that the lamp should be removed to another position so as not to make the roof accessible by its means.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 August 1929
PLYMOUTH - Drowned Keeper Of Lighthouse. Story Of Eddystone Tragedy. - The circumstances of the death of ARTHUR EDWARD DAVIES, 32, assistant keeper at the Eddystone Lighthouse, who was drowned off the Eddystone three weeks ago, were related at the Coroner's Court, Plymouth Court, Plymouth, yesterday, when the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death." - WALTER DAVIES, retired principal lighthouse keeper, of Cleveland-road, Plymouth, identified the body. - Charles Cherrett, of Bradley-road, Plymouth, principal keeper at the Eddystone, said deceased, who was a very capable man, missed his grip in climbing to the lighthouse entrance, after receiving some fish from a passing fishing-boat. He landed on the set-off on his feet, but unbalanced and fell into the water after apparently having struck the side of the set-off. Witness threw a lifebuoy to him, but deceased was unable to grasp it. The tide was running fast and deceased was carried out to sea. He was unable to swim. - George Francis Bunce, of Looe-street, Plymouth, said he gave DAVIES some fish. When witness was boarding his vessel again he heard shouts from the set-off and saw Mr Cherrett throw a lifebuoy to deceased, who, however, disappeared before he could be reached. - Sydney Edward Norsworthy, of Breakwater House, Oreston, deposed to recovering the body from the sea while working on the Breakwater on Tuesday.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 September 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Man's Fortitude. Yachting Accident Causes Death. - The remarkable fortitude of a Devonport yachtsman who, after having broken two ribs during a race, insisted on remaining at the tiller until the race was finished, was described at the Inquest on GORDON BENNETT HARVEY, aged 45, of 11 Tamar-terrace, Devonport, who died as the result of injuries sustained when yachting under the Royal South-Western Yacht Club on August 23. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Death from Yellow Atrophy of the Liver, following the fracture of the seventh and eighth ribs caused by accidentally falling and striking himself against the tiller seat." - MR HARVEY was the son of MR S. B. HARVEY, a well-known Plymouth citizen, and owner of the yacht Florence, in which the accident occurred. The Coroner expressed his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased, and said it was all the more unfortunate since it was only a few weeks ago that MR HARVEY was giving evidence regarding the death of a youth who fell from the Florence in harbour and was drowned. - Dr T. Y. Simpson, Plymouth, said, on the day of the race, he was told by HARVEY that he had hurt his chest. Witness examined him and found he had broken two ribs. Witness advised him to go home to bed and his chest was strapped up. - Influence Of Life Abroad. - The following day he seemed to have an exceptional amount of pain. Witness was called urgently, and found the patient had developed bronchitis. On the Sunday the pain had intensified. With the consent of the relatives he was removed in an ambulance under an anaesthetic to the Charlton Nursing Home. After this he improved for two days, but on August 27 he began to vomit very severely, and on the 29th his temperature had reached 106 or thereabouts. - He was delirious most days after the 25th, and he died at 12.55 a.m. on the 30th. Witness was of the opinion that he died of yellow atrophy of the liver, following the accident in the boat. In its particular form which deceased had it was a very rare disease. - The Coroner: Would living abroad have any influence in this disease? - Dr Simpson: Yes, people abroad suffer from this. - MISS P. HARVEY, Spencer-terrace, Plymouth, said her brother was an instructor, employed by the Eastern Telegraph Co., of Calcutta. He came home on leave in June. He was last in England about four years ago. - Albert S. Stokes, seaman, Commercial Wharf, The Barbican, Plymouth, said he had been the skipper of the Florence for six years. On the race day in question he was acting skipper and the yacht competed in the race for boats over 12 tons. Deceased was wholly in charge of the boat and was at the tiller. - The accident occurred half-way between the Mewstone and the Draystone about 1.30. Deceased was changing his position from one side of the boat to the other. In doing so he stepped on one of the tiller ropes. This caused him to fall and as he did so he struck his right side against the seat in the well of the boat. - A Collapse. - A little later witness noticed that HARVEY was not looking up to the mark, and asked what the matter was. HARVEY said: "I have slipped and do not know whether I have bursted my ribs or not." Witness asked him if he should take the tiller, but HARVEY would not let him, and said he would carry on. He then collapsed. However, after he came around, he took the tiller again, and carried on, as he said he would, until the race was finished. - Deceased was, in witness's opinion, a very capable yachtsman. - Mr S. G. Phillips, The Tower, Hartley, Plymouth, one of the crew, said he went on the boat to work in the race at the invitation of the deceased. They were members of the same club. He was near HARVEY most of the time. When between the Mewstone and the Draystone they tacked. HARVEY was pressing his foot down on the lee side, and apparently looked for a foothold against one of the rests provided for this purpose. He then appeared to slip, and, of course, the weight being taken off the tiller, it swung round and pushed him, so that he fell on his right side against the seat in the corner of the boat. HARVEY was a little stunned, but recovered quickly and took the tiller again.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 September 1929
CHUDLEIGH - Devon Road Death. Inquest Story Of Stationary Car. Verdict On Plymouth Motor Cyclist. - Suggestions that there was no rear light on a stationary car and that for a period of four or five minutes two victims of a collision were left unattended in the roadway were made at Chudleigh yesterday, when Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, resumed the Inquest on LEONARD CLAUDE JONES, aged 17, of 11 Portland-square, Plymouth, who was involved in a collision with a car while motor cycling near Haldon Racecourse on the night of August 24, and died as the result of injuries. Both suggestions were refuted. - The Inquest had been adjourned a week earlier. It was then stated that riding pillion on JONES'S machine was another Plymouth youth, Roy Gorvin, also of Portland-square, who had been taken to the Devon and Exeter Hospital suffering from concussion and other body injuries. - It was stated yesterday that Gorvin was still unable to be present, and the Jury agreed that they would be able to arrive at a verdict without further adjournment. They found that death was Accidental and attached no blame to the driver of the stationary car.- Mr T. J. W. Templeman, of Exeter, represented Mr W. T. Finch, of Princetown, the owner of the car. - Tramwayman's Story. - John S. Scoble, Portland-square, Plymouth, tram conductor, said on August 24 he left Exeter in a motor car, about 8.45 p.m., for Plymouth. JONES, who had been with him during the afternoon, also left Exeter on his motor cycle for Plymouth, with Roy Gorvin riding pillion. JONES led the way as far as Kennford, where they all stopped to purchase carbide and light up the lamps of the cycle. The lamp of the motor cycle gave a very bright light. On the top of Haldon witness was asked to stop, because there had been an accident. By the time the car pulled up it was in line with the rear of another car on its correct side of the road, and he discovered two men lying in the roadway. - The motor cycle was on top of them. Witness heard a woman say, "We have been here for an hour trying to get our lights, and the poor fellow dashed into the back of us." - Thomas George Gorvin, Portland-square, Plymouth, who drove the car in which was the previous witness, added that the light of JONES'S cycle would not throw a beam any more than from 12 to 15 yards. Witness did not see the stationary car in the road. His lights did not pick it up as he came around the bend. - Mr Templeman: Did you know this accident happened only a moment before you arrived? - Witness: The blood that was in the road must have taken some minutes to have accumulated. - Witness said he must have been some minutes behind the cyclist, because he had taken a wrong road just previously, and had had to reverse to his right road again. - In reply to Inspector Willcocks, Gorvin said the stationary car was well on its correct side; that was probably the reason why he did not see it. - "What I am sore about," he said, "is that those boys were lying in the road some minutes before anybody attended to them." - He also suggested that somebody should have been behind the stationary car to warn oncoming traffic. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said Mr Gorvin had got the impression that the youths were lying unattended. If that were so it would be inhuman and callous conduct, but in this country they did not pass opinion until they had heard the other side, and he hoped the Jury would keep an open mind on the matter. - Mr Templeman asked witness if he would be surprised to learn that one of the men was behind the car and actually called to the two youths to be careful. - Witness: Then why didn't they attend to the boy? - Mr Templeman: There was no light until your car came on the scene. - Lights Died Down. - Peter Francis Jackson, of Mansfield-road, Exeter, 'bus driver, who arrived on the scene on his way from Chudleigh to Exeter, said he examined the lights of the stationary car. The battery was in good order, but it contained no electricity, and he came to the conclusion that the dynamo had not been charging. When the lights were switched on they gave a red light and then died down. - William Thomas Finch, of The Square, Princetown, car driver, said he stopped on Haldon because he could get no satisfactory headlights. He discovered eventually that the self-starter had stuck and was wasting the current. While he was attending to the switchboard he heard his father shout, "Stop, stop," and after feeling a crash saw the motor cycle turning over. - The Coroner: How long was it before the other car came along?- Four or five minutes. - The Coroner: How long?- Four or five minutes; but in the meantime somebody had been out and undone the collar of one of the cyclists. When the other people came up in the car they took away their own boy but left the other in the road. He was there for about a quarter of an hour. - Witness added that he saw his rear and side lights were burning when he got out of the car. - Mr Templeman: Do you mean you stood doing nothing in the road for four or five minutes, or was it four or five minutes before the boy was lifted up? - Robert Walter Finch, father of the previous witness, said he saw the motor cycle coming towards his car, and he shouted "Stop, stop." He was going toward the cyclists when he saw the other cars coming and ran toward it to stop it. The car arrived almost immediately after the impact. - Advice To Jury. - The Coroner said it had been suggested that some sort of blame attached to the driver of the standing car, because he was stationary with no tail lights. Assuming that this was so, was it in any way responsible for the occurrence? - Allegations of this nature must not be lightly made, nor must they be lightly treated. - It had also been suggested that the people concerned with the stationary car were callous and allowed the two people to lie in the road without going to their assistance. Again, those sort of charges ought not to be lightly passed by. - Had all the doctors in the world suddenly appeared when the accident happened they could have done nothing for the lad who died, but if he were left unattended the Jury would come to the conclusion that it was callous, inhuman, and brutal conduct. But might it not be that people sometimes used figures of speech about times without thinking? - A few moments' retirement sufficed for the Jury to be unanimous on a verdict of "Accidental Death" and deciding that no blame attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 September 1929
ST MARYCHURCH - Hanging On Cliff. Suicide Of A Torquay Porter. - The County Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, recorded a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging whilst Temporarily Insane" at the Inquest on GEORGE RUSSELL, aged 55, hotel porter, of Dower-cottages, Chatto-road, St Marychurch, Torquay at St Marychurch Townhall yesterday. Deceased was found hanging from a tree on the cliff at Plantation Cove, Stokeinteignhead, on Sunday. - The Coroner commended Mr J. Pratt and Constable Connett for cutting the man down with considerable difficulty. - SYDNEY RUSSELL of Windmill-avenue, painter, said he last saw his brother alive on August 25, when he was slightly under the influence of alcohol. He drank rather heavily. About two years ago he attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat. Witness had never heard him threaten to commit suicide. So far as witness knew, he had nothing to worry about.- Jesse Pratt, of Paddon's-cottages, Stokeinteignhead, gardener, said he was walking along the top of the cliff at Common's Fields, near Labrador, on Sunday, when he saw a man hanging from a tree on the edge of the cliff. The body was practically hanging over the cliff. The man was dead. - Witness returned to Stoke and arranged for a telephone message to be sent to the Police at Shaldon. With a Policeman he met he went to the slope where the man was hanging and cut down the body. - Hanging From Hawthorn. - Constable Connett, Shaldon, stated that deceased was hanging from a hawthorn tree over the cliff, and apparently had been dead several hours. - The rope was secured over a handkerchief around the man's neck. - In his clothing was a note, which read, "If any of you would like my ring, the price, 3s.6d., can be advanced to me. As an act of charity write to the following ....." The address of someone at Teignmouth was given. Deceased had called there on the previous Thursday. There were also two Shaldon ferry tickets in his clothing. These had been issued late on Friday. - The Coroner: You must have had a difficult task to cut the man down, hanging six feet over the cliff. - Witness: Fortunately I had assistance. I could not have done it alone. - The Coroner: Well, it is quite a risky job. - Constable Commended. - MR RUSSELL said in reply to the Coroner that his brother had not been in good health and had not been following his usual employment. - The Coroner told Constable Connett that he thought the prompt way in which he acted was worthy of commendation. "I know the place well," said the Coroner, "and I should quite imagine the risky job you had." - The Coroner also thanked Mr Pratt for his assistance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 September 1929
TORQUAY - Leap From Hotel Window. Tragic Sequel To Torquay Holiday. - "Suicide during a moment of Mental Lapse," was the unusual wording of the verdict returned by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at the Inquest at the Torbay Hospital yesterday on LEONARD GOLLANTZ, aged 35, a metal merchant, of Bickenhall-mansions, London, who died on Saturday at the Hospital, where he was admitted suffering from injuries received in a fall from the window of an hotel in Torquay. - MR GOLLANTZ was staying at the hotel with his mother, LADY GOLLANTZ. LADY GOLLANTZ is now lying seriously ill at the Hospital, suffering from shock following her son's death. SIR HERMAN GOLLANTZ is seriously ill in London, and does not know the cause of his son's death. - Dr Griffith said MR GOLLANTZ, when admitted to the Hospital, was suffering from shock, concussion and injuries. The cause of death was shock, due to injuries received. During the time MR GOLLANTZ was at the Hospital he was at times quite conscious, but said nothing as to how he had received his injuries. - BRONSBY GOLLANTZ said his brother left home on August 30 for Torquay to look after their mother. - Nellie Tindell, chambermaid at the Imperial Hotel, said she was in the corridor and saw deceased run across a bedroom, jump on to the window-sill and jump out. Witness reported the matter to the hall porter. - Arthur Smith, porter at the Hotel, said he received a 'phone message from the last witness, saying that a gentleman had jumped out of a window. He rushed up to the room, looked out of the window and saw someone lying on the corner of the roof. MR GOLLANTZ was lying on his back and bleeding, but was conscious. He did not say anything intelligible. - Police Constable West said the window was about 32 ft. from the roof on which MR GOLLANTZ fell. - Announcing his verdict, the Coroner said, "I find that deceased died from shock, following injuries received caused by jumping from a window in this hotel in a moment of sudden impulse. It is very difficult to describe these things. I don't use certain words used in these cases, as they often cause misunderstanding and unnecessary pain. It was a sudden impulse, caused by a nervous strain. The verdict I formally return is 'Suicide during a moment of Mental Lapse.'"

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 September 1929
PLYMOUTH - "Let Me Die." Plymouth Man's Appeal After Cutting Throat. - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK AVERY LEWARN, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital after his throat had been cut, his landlady, Mrs Ann Blythe, of 42 Gibbon-street, described how she went to his room and found him lying partly dressed across the bed. He was conscious and said "Let me die." There was a razor on the chair beside the bed. - HENRY LEWARN, of Lydford, said his brother, aged 64, was a meat salesman in Plymouth Market. He used to drink heavily, but he had never threatened to take his life. - Francis Edwin Woodger, 15 Broad Park-road, Plymouth, said he had employed LEWARN for 17 years. He had good health and was regular at his work. On Tuesday he complained of pains in the stomach, and was absent from work on Wednesday. He was a heavy drinker. - Dr S. Bridgeman, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the cut in the throat was not very deep. Stitches were inserted, but on Saturday abdominal trouble set in, followed by delirium tremens. The man died two days later. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce.

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 September 1929
PLYMOUTH - Straying Ponies On The Moor. Coroner's Warning At Plymouth Inquest. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, on CHARLES WILLIAM RUSE, aged 56, a pensioned Royal Navy petty officer, of Beaumont-road, Plymouth, who was killed at Roborough on Wednesday when thrown from the pillion seat of a motor cycle driven by his son. The cyclist was exonerated from blame. - WILLIAM CHARLES RUSE said he had left home on Wednesday morning at 10 a.m. with his father on the pillion seat. They intended to go for a short trip on the moor. They had proceeded about half a mile along the downs when he saw a motor lorry proceeding in the same direction. It was on its proper side, and he was about to overtake it when he saw a pony ahead of him on the left-hand side of the road. - He saw it was useless to try and keep to the road, for he could not have stopped in time to avoid a collision and so decided to turn the cycle on to the grass at the side of the road. His father, at the same time, realizing the danger, said "Get on the grass." He managed to get on to the grass, but a mound caused him to swerve back on to the road. He regained the grass again, where the bicycle stopped and turned over on to its right side. He jumped off, turning off the petrol tap as he did so, and expected to see his father on the grass near him. Looking back, he saw him lying in the road near the large mound. He had not noticed his father fall off when he was driving the cycle. Assisted by the driver of the lorry, which had stopped, he lifted his father, who was unconscious, on to the grass and soon afterwards into a passing motor car which took him to the Hospital.- Replying to a query of the Coroner, the witness said he was travelling about 15 miles per hour when he commenced to overtake the lorry. - Pony Blocked The Road. - Alfred Edward Waye, of Radford-road, Plymouth, a motor driver, stated that he was driving his van along Roborough Downs when he noticed three ponies on the edge of the road. One of them suddenly started to cross the road slowly and he put on his foot brake and dropped into low gear. He had passed the animals and was proceeding when he heard a sound, which he could not describe very well, of "a motor cycle jumping about." - Stopping his van, he looked back and saw a man lying in the road with a motor cycle in front of him. The man was unconscious, and appeared to be seriously injured. The motor cyclist could not have passed him, as the pony entirely filled the other half of the road. - William G. Foot, of Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, said he took the injured man to Plymouth in his car. He tried to find a doctor in Crownhill, but did not succeed. He had, therefore, to take him straight into Plymouth, to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he was examined and found to be dead. - Dr Maurice Axford declared that the man was dead when brought to the Hospital. Death was due to laceration and haemorrhage of the brain due to an extensive fracture of the base of the skull. - The Coroner observed that at this time of the year the ponies obstructed the roads continually, making it necessary for great care to be exercised by motorists driving across the moor. - The Foreman of the Jury asked if some restriction could not be placed on the movement of the ponies. He noticed that charges were being made by the commoners for parking cars on the commons. Sergt. Potter replied that it would be impossible to fence the moor, because if they fenced the ponies in, they fenced the public out.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 September 1929
PLYMSTOCK - Collapse In Lane. Staddiscombe Man's Death While Walking. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, returned a verdict of "Natural Causes" at an Inquest at Turnchapel yesterday on RICHARD EDWARDS, aged 67, an old-age pensioner, of Staddiscombe, near Plymouth. - On Sunday evening, when walking through Bovisland-lane, with his daughter, MRS FLORENCE TAYLOR, Staddiscombe, and his grand-daughter, MRS IVY KATHLEEN PETHICK, Steer Point, Brixton, EDWARDS collapsed and died shortly after he was removed to his home. - Dr J. W. Bradbury, Oreston, who made a post-mortem examination, stated that death was due to haemorrhage of the left lung and cardiac failure. Witness had medically attended MR EDWARDS for five years until a few months ago.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 September 1929
TORQUAY - Killed By Tram Car. Torquay Inquest Adjourned For Driver's Evidence. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquest at Torbay Hospital yesterday on a 21-months-old child, JAMES HERBERT BODLEY, who died after being run over by a tramcar in Higher Union-street, Torquay on Saturday. - Dr R. H. Robinson, House Physician at Torbay Hospital, said the child was brought there suffering from almost complete amputation of both legs below the knees. He died a few hours afterwards from haemorrhage and shock. - Richard Stoyle, of Brunswick-terrace, Torre, who was on the tram that ran over the child, said the tram was not going fast. When he had alighted he saw the child run across the road. He heard screams and saw the child under the front wheel of the car. - The ambulance car arrived in ten minutes; witness was informed it had been delayed by traffic. - It was stated that witness released the boy, but found the legs both amputated. He then took him from the main road and sent for the doctor and ambulance. - The Coroner (to Mr Stoyle): I think you acted with commendable promptitude and humanity. - Redvers Adams, of Kingsteignton, driver, Devon General Motor Omnibus Company, said he was driving into Torquay along Higher Union-street, and saw a tramcar coming toward him. Witness pulled in to the loop to allow the tram to pass. It was travelling from eight to ten miles per hour. Witness did not see a child, but the driver applied his brakes and the car stopped very suddenly. - Witness heard a scream and seeing that attention was being given to the child under the wheel of the tram, witness went on to Castle Circus and informed a Policeman there of the occurrence. - William Charles Pillage, of Westbourne-road, Torquay, the conductor of the tram, said he was at the front doorway on the inside of the car. He was not talking to the driver. A child ran off the footpath within a yard of the tram. When it got to the centre of the tram the tram was right on top of it, and he lost all view. The driver shouted as soon as he saw the child come off the kerb, and he applied his emergency brake, and the car pulled up within half its own length. - The Coroner said the driver's evidence was material, and he was ill - possibly suffering from shock - and the doctor had told the Police he could not be interviewed. - The Inquest was therefore adjourned next Monday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 September 1929
TOTNES - Captain's Suicide Near Totnes. Terrible End On Railway Line. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest yesterday on CAPT. A. F. BONE (retired), Indian Army, who was killed by an engine on the Great Western Railway line between Totnes and Tigley signal-box on Thursday. - The Inquest was conducted at Totnes Guildhall by Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, yesterday. - The Great Western Railway Company was represented by Inspector Henwood, traffic department, and Inspector Heath, of the locomotive department, Newton Abbot. - William Harold Foss, of Tennaton Farm, Diptford, a farmer, identified the body as that of ARCHIBALD FREDERICK BONE. He had been residing with witness for nearly seven years. Deceased was in pretty good health. He did not have any delusions, but at times was very vacant. CAPT. BONE had a wife living, but she was in a mental institution. He had been drinking to excess recently. - Driver's Evidence.- Dr Howarth, of Totnes, said that in his opinion the injuries of the deceased were consistent with the deceased having been struck while in a stooping or crouching position. In his opinion the cause of death was haemorrhage and shock following the injuries he had detailed. Having heard the evidence given as to the previous health of deceased, he considered that he might have at the time of the fatality been of unsound mind. - Leonard George Courtier, of 57 Addison-road, Milber, Newton Abbot, engine-driver in the employ of the G.W.R., stated that at about 9.30 a.m. he was driving an engine from Rattery to Totnes, running tender first. He came to Bighill Bridge and something caught his eye on the left-hand side under the bridge. He did not feel any bump. He stopped the engine at once and got off. About 60 yards back he found the body of a man. - Requestioning the driver, the Coroner elicited the fact that he would have been able to see any man standing on the line. If deceased had been standing up he would have struck the buffers of the engine, but there were no signs on them. - The Coroner said that death was caused by deceased being struck by the engine. It was very plainly shown in the evidence that deceased had committed suicide, and he returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily of Unsound Mind

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 September 1929
TORQUAY - Jury Censure Conductor. "Unsatisfactory" Evidence. Torquay Child's Death On Tramway. - At the resumed Inquest on the one year and nine-months-old boy, JAMES HERBERT BODLEY, of 195a. Union-street, Torquay, who was killed through being knocked down by a tramcar near his home on Saturday week, at the Torbay Hospital yesterday, the Jury censured the conductor for the unsatisfactory way in which he had given his evidence. - They attached no blame to the driver, and returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, remarked that possibly some slight injustice might be done to the driver by the "very stupid way" in which the conductor gave his evidence. The conductor, he said, was most positive in saying there was no other person in the car, giving the impression that there was nobody else who could come forward to deny what he had said. - There was no direct evidence, added Mr Hutchings, that just before the occurrence the conductor and driver were talking together. - The statement by the driver that the lifeguard on the tramcar, which was within 3 ½ in. of the rails, could not have touched the child, drew from Mr P. H. W. Almy (for the child's parents) the remark: "If a lifeguard is ineffective to save a child, it does not seem to me to be of any particular value." - Mr S. Hylton represented the Torquay Tramways Co. - The conductor of the car, William Pillage, was recalled, and in answer to the Coroner said he was inside the front door of the car when the accident happened. The door was open. There was no passenger in the car. He did not come down to the lower part of the car by the steps by the driver. If anyone said there were five or six passengers inside the car it would be incorrect. - The Coroner: For what purpose were you at the door of the car? - None whatever.- There is an object in doing everything? - There was none whatever. - Did you go there to fetch anything?- No.- Were you talking to the driver? - No.- W ell, why not? - I had been talking to the driver, but not at the time of the accident. - Mrs Willoughby Larke, of Hazelwood Cottage, Lower Warbery-road, Torquay, a passenger in the car, said she and a crippled lady got in at Castle-circus. There were quite half a dozen people in the car at the time of the accident. When near Lloyds Bank she heard a child scream. The conductor was at the front of the car near the door, which was open. She could not say whether he was on the outside of the door. The car was going very slowly. It stopped and then she heard a scream, the two things happening almost together. Witness got out and saw the child underneath the wheel. His head was towards the pavement. - The Coroner: Can you say whether at the time the conductor was talking to the driver?- No. - Had they been talking? - Yes. - Questioned by Mr Almy, witness said it was not true that after the conductor finished his conversation he returned to the back of the car and went up again. - Driver's Story. - The driver of the car, Arthur Green, said that the Policeman on point duty at Market-corner, said something to him which he could not hear. Witness was about opposite Upton Church when he unbolted the door and signalled to the conductor to come to him, and then asked him what the Constable had said at Market-corner. The conductor said he did not know. - "Six or seven yards before I came to Wills's cake shop," said witness, "I noticed the little child prancing about in the gutter on my right hand side. Three to four yards before I got to the child it ran across. I did not touch the child with the front of my car, nor did the lifeguard drop. I immediately applied my electric brake and I should think it brought the car up within half its own length. I thought the child had got clear across, when all of a sudden I heard a scream." - The Coroner: What is your theory as to how the child got under the wheel? - Witness: My theory is that after the child passed me it must have slipped and something must have dragged the child under. - The Coroner: There is a suggestion that you and the conductor were talking. - Witness: No, sir. - My Almy: You had been talking? - Yes. - Value Of Lifeguard. - Witness said the lifeguard, which was within 3 ½ inches of the rails, could not have touched the child. - Mr Almy: If a lifeguard is ineffective to save a child, it does not seem to me to be of any particular value. - The Coroner, addressing the Jury, said possibly some slight injustice might have been done the driver by the very stupid way in which the conductor had given his evidence. He (the Coroner) told him on the last occasion that he was giving his evidence as if he were trying to screen someone. The conductor was most positive in saying there was no other person in the car, giving the impression that there was nobody else who could come forward to deny what he had said. The Jury were not to be prejudiced against the driver by anything the conductor said in that way. There was no direct evidence that just before the occurrence they were talking together. - The verdict was "Accidental Death" and no blame was attached to the driver. The Jury, however, censured the conductor for the unsatisfactory way in which he gave his evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 September 1929
PLYMPTON - Upset Saucepan. Death From Scalding Near Plympton. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone yesterday at the Inquest at Wotter, near Plympton, on JOYCE EDNA HONEY, aged 4, who died following scalds received through a saucepan of boiling water upsetting over her. - OLIVE DOROTHY HONEY, 13 Dartmoor-cottages, Wotter, who said the child had been adopted by her, stated that on Thursday, September 19 she left JOYCE in the kitchen, where there was a saucepan of boiling water on the stove fire.- Saucepan On The Floor. - Witness was in the wash-house when she heard a scream. When she went into the kitchen the child advanced towards her. The saucepan was on the floor and a chair had been upset. She sent for the District Nurse. - Agnes Maud Stuart, District Nurse, said when she arrived, the child was wrapped up and sitting in a chair. Witness immediately put the child to bed. Her back and right arm were scalded. - Dr Evan Jones, Plympton, said he found the girl suffering from superficial burns extending from the top of the head down the back. On Friday she revealed signs of collapse and shock and died in the evening. [Note: Western Morning News, Friday 27 September 1929 - With reference to the Inquest at Wotter on JOYCE EDNA HONEY, aged four, who died following scalds, we are asked to state that deceased was adopted by MR and MRS W. G. LILLICRAP of 13 Dartmoor Cottages.]

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 September 1929
LEICESTER - A Dirt Track Tragedy. Torquay Rider's Fatal Wobble. Young Wife Breaks Down At Inquest. (From Our Own Correspondent). Leicester, Monday. - The Inquest on ROY SIMS REEVES, of Torquay, the dirt track rider, who was killed on the Merton-road speedway, Leicester, on Saturday, was held at the Townhall here this afternoon. - The young widow nearly broke down when describing how she saw her husband killed, but she bore up bravely till she reached the end of her story. Then she fell forward sobbing, with her head across the front of the witness-box. - Robert Walker Hallas, the track manager, describing the accident, said REEVES was travelling at 43 miles per hour round the bend when he over-broadsided, and got into a wobble. He slowed up considerably and at 10 miles per hour the machine fell over in one direction and REEVES fell towards the centre of the track. - Bowerman managed to avoid deceased, going between him and the machine, but Christian, who was the next rider behind had his view obscured by the cinders in Bowerman's wake and he ran into deceased as he lay on the ground. Christian was also thrown and sustained slight injuries. This, said Mr Hallas, was the first fatality or even serious accident on the track. The track was well lit. All the riders were fully covered by insurance by the owners of the track. - It transpired that there are no brakes on dirt track machines. REEVES was riding a borrowed machine at the time of the accident. - One Previous Accident. - Mr A. Talbot represented the Speedway authorities. - MRS DOROTHY ELSIE SIMS REEVES, of Moores-road, Leicester, the widow, said her husband had been a professional dirt track rider since August 1928. He had ridden at Exeter, Cardiff, London and other towns, and came to Leicester on August 3 last. Since September 14 he had been riding a borrowed machine owing to his own being out of order. - "My husband was at the top lap of the course in the second heat," she said, "when he fell. A rider about a length behind managed to avoid him, passing between him and the machine. But the next one, about five lengths behind, crashed into him." - Witness described her husband as an exceedingly fine rider, and said he had only had one serious accident before, when he broke a leg at Wimbledon some time ago.- "I was not informed of his death until later in the evening," added MRS REEVES, bursting into tears - "but I knew." - Dr Richard Taylor, of Syston, medical attendant of the Speedway, said he saw the accident and went at once to REEVES. When he got to him he found him to be dead. Death was due to shock and haemorrhage, following fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. - A Competent Rider. - The crash helmet, which the Coroner produced, the doctor said, would be of little use against a motor cycle going at 40 miles per hour. - The Track Manager said REEVES was a competent rider and did a lot of rather daring riding. He was a careful track rider, and had had considerable experience of riding since he came to Leicester. The Leicester super track was considered to be one of the safest in the country, for the bends were not acute. - John Henry Hartwell, Leicester, who lent the machine to REEVES, said it was difficult to control, and only the previous week he had an accident with it and had to have a finger amputated. It was this year's model, which he bought second-hand in London. It was in perfect running order. - Neville Wheeler, a motor salesman, of Titchborne-street, Leicester, said Merton-road track was one of the safest he had been on. There were no brakes on dirt track machines. - Alec Bowerman, electrical engineer, also a dirt track rider, said he saw deceased wobble in front of him and fall. Witness did not think he seemed to be hurt, and rolled over apparently to get out of the way of the machine. He agreed that Christian's view would be obscured by the dust of the cinders behind his, witness's, machine. - Richard M. Christian said he saw deceased's machine get into a wobble, but he had no clear recollection of what happened afterwards. Witness himself was rendered unconscious. - The verdict was "Accidental Death," and sympathy and regret were expressed on behalf of the Speedway authorities. - The Coroner, Mr E. B. Fowler, said he was satisfied that everything possible was done to prevent accidents. There was no blame attached to anyone. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 September 1929
TAVISTOCK - Inquest Adjourned. Plymouth Victim Of Two Bridges Motor Smash. - An Inquest on MR WILLIAM FREDERICK FIELDING, aged 24, residing at the Young Men's Christian Association Hostel, Lockyer-street, Plymouth, who died in Tavistock Hospital on Monday from injuries sustained in a motor accident near Two Bridges, Princetown on Sunday, was opened by the District Coroner, Mr A. Kenneth Johnstone, at Tavistock yesterday. - MR FIELDING'S motor cycle came into collision with a motor car driven by the Mayor of Launceston. MR FIELDING and his pillion passenger, Miss Margaret Enid Price, of Cecil-street, Plymouth, were conveyed to Tavistock Hospital in an ambulance. - The Coroner said he only intended to take evidence of identification. The Inquiry would have to be adjourned in order to make final arrangements for holding it. - FREDERICK JAMES FIELDING, accountant, of 223 Southby-road, Enfield, said his son was an inspector in the Sun and Life Assurance Office. He had been riding a motor bicycle for three or four years and was a very good and careful driver. - The Inquest was adjourned until Thursday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 October 1929
KINGSBRIDGE - A Terrible Death. Injuries From Detonator. Explosion In Mouth Of Loddiswell Man. - The explosion of a detonator in his mouth was the extraordinary cause of injuries which led to the death on Saturday of RICHARD HENRY SOPER, Loddiswell, aged 32, quarry worker. - At the Inquest at South Hams Cottage Hospital yesterday, the father of deceased said for several weeks his son had been unwell. Since his service all through the war with the Heavy Artillery he had not been in such good health as he enjoyed previous to 1914. - On Saturday, as his son was not feeling well, he advised him to go to see the doctor. Deceased said, "You are not going to put me away?" and witness replied, "Don't worry about that." - Trying Work. - In reply to the Coroner, Mr Windeatt, Totnes, witness said that in hot weather his son looked very strange at times, and complained of his nerves. He had never threatened to commit suicide. He was employed at the County Council quarry, and was engaged on very trying work with the compressed air drills. That affected him, as also did his sister's illness. - Witness kept detonators in a locked shed at the bottom of his yard, but the key was kept inside the kitchen door. His son knew where the key was and he knew how to use the detonators. - The usual method to explode a detonator was with a safety match and cap, but it could be exploded by a blow, or by means of a lighted match held at the bottom. He held a licence from the Police to use explosives for private purposes. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that witness kept the detonators in a satisfactory manner, although it would have been better had they been kept in a locked box in addition to the shed being kept locked. - Dr Cowper said he found deceased unconscious, suffering from severe wounds to the lower and upper jaws, and was bleeding badly. He was removed to the South Hams Hospital, where he died two hours later. Witness had conducted a post-mortem, and a piece of metal was removed from the floor of the mouth, which, he should say, had been part of a detonator, similar to that produced by the father. Death was due to haemorrhage and shock as the result of the injuries he had received. - Walked A Dozen Yards. - James Edward Middlewick, a neighbour, said he went to deceased in his garden, and found him leaning over a wall, having walked some dozen yards. Witness spoke to him, but he could not reply because of the condition of his face. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Shock and Haemorrhage, the result of the injuries to the face caused by the explosion of a detonator in deceased's mouth, deceased being Temporarily Insane at the time." - MR R. H. SOPER was one of the earliest volunteers in the Kingsbridge district and he served for five years in Kitchener's Army.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 October 1929
TORQUAY - Crushed By 'Bus In Torquay Street. Army Pensioner's Fatal Injuries. - A fatal accident in Union-street, Torquay, had its sequel in an Inquest held by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at the Torbay Hospital yesterday, on BENJAMIN JOHN EASTERBROOK, aged 48, an Army pensioner, who lodged at 25 Melville-street, Torquay. While crossing Union-street by Market-corner on Tuesday night, EASTERBROOK came in contact with a Devon General Omnibus, driven by Patrick Coyle, was knocked down and received fatal injuries.- HELEN EASTERBROOK, of St Edmund's-road, Babbacombe, said her brother was unmarried. She had never heard him complain of not being able to see well. - Winifred Baker, who owns 25 Melville-street, stated that she saw EASTERBROOK every night. He could see all right, but he was what was commonly known as "cross-eyed." - Cyril Rodgers of 43 Upton-hill, an eye-witness of the accident, said it appeared that EASTERBROOK did not see the 'bus and walked straight into it. - Dr Arthur J. Eddison, House Surgeon at Torbay Hospital, said EASTERBROOK died almost immediately on being brought to the Hospital. He was unconscious. Death was due to haemorrhage. - Arthur Terence Sopp of 5 Brunswick-terrace, who also saw the accident, said EASTERBROOK seemed to walk straight into the 'bus "as if he were blind." The bus did not travel a foot after hitting the man. - Constable Treloar said the off wheel of the 'bus, which rested on deceased, was nine feet from the path. The weight of the 'bus was five tons. - Patrick Coyle, of Daison Heights, driver of the 'bus, said when he saw the man he sounded his horn, and had EASTERBROOK stopped there would have been no accident. He walked right in front of the 'bus.- The Coroner said EASTERBROOK must have been either deep in thought or was in a hurry and failed to see the 'bus. The driver of the 'bus was driving in a proper manner, and he acted with commendable promptitude when he saw the man. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and said no blame attached to the driver. - Mr P. H. W. Almy watched the proceedings on behalf of the driver.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 October 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Inquest On Inmate Of Home For The Blind. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict recorded at an Inquest held by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, and a Jury at Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, yesterday on WILLIAM ALFRED ADAMS, an inmate of the Home for the Blind, Plymouth, who died following injuries received in a motor accident on September 27. - Wilfred Stephen Ollis, of Alfred-place, The Hoe, said on September 27 at 7.20 p.m., he was driving from Saltash to Plymouth. He was proceeding along the Saltash road at about 20 miles an hour, well in on his left-hand side, when he saw two men walking towards him in the centre of the road. Witness sounded his horn, and the men separated. One man ran to the pavement on his own left, and the other pedestrian turned to the right and proceeded a few steps. Witness thought they expected him to pass between them and pulled out towards the centre of the road. - Suddenly ADAMS, who had gone to the right, turned and ran towards the car. Witness applied his brakes and swerved to the right, but the left-hand front wing of the car struck the man. The car came to a standstill at the moment of impact, and witness got out and found ADAMS apparently unconscious. Dr Thomas was summoned and ordered his removal to Hospital. - Companion's Story. - George Jellett, an inmate of The Blind Home, said he had known deceased only for a brief period. They had often been out together.. At the time of the accident they were walking in the centre of the road - witness in the centre of one pair of tramlines, and ADAMS in the centre of the other. Witness said ADAMS would not walk close to him. When he saw the car approaching witness shouted to ADAMS, who was somewhat deaf. ADAMS apparently became suddenly alarmed and walked towards the oncoming car. - Witness said he could not see out of one eye only, while ADAMS' right eye had been taken out, and his sight in the other eye was not good. ADAMS was very sensitive and would not be led. - The Coroner stated that ADAMS had been previously knocked down by a tramcar on August 12 last. - Thomas Harrison Carr, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said when ADAMS was admitted to the Hospital he had severe head injuries. He died without regaining consciousness on September 29. Witness had since made a post-mortem examination. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull. - In returning their verdict, the Jury complimented Mr Ollis on the straightforward manner in which he had given his evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 October 1929
PLYMOUTH - Child's Body In Shed. Adjournment Of Plymouth Inquest. - Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on the death of a male child of MAY CROSSMAN, of 11 Hastings-street, Plymouth, at the Mortuary yesterday afternoon. - At the outset the Coroner said he proposed to call formal evidence only, after which the Inquest would be adjourned. - MAY CROSSMAN was cautioned by the Coroner, who said it was not necessary for her to give evidence unless she desired to do so. She said the body, which was found by a Mrs Bryant in a coal-shed at 11 Hastings-street, Plymouth, on September 27, was that of her child, which was born alive on January 16. She did not register the birth. - Dr Ludolf said on September 27 he made an examination of the body. - The Coroner: From your examination is it possible to say whether the child was born alive or not?- Dr Ludolf: No. - You are unable to state the cause of death? - Yes. - The Inquest was adjourned until November 18.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 October 1929
TORQUAY - Fourth Fatality In Ten Days. Coroner's Reminder At Torquay. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, held an Inquest at the Torbay Hospital yesterday on DENNIS WILLIAM BRADFORD MIDDLEWICK, aged 49, a mason's labourer, of St Edmund's-road, Torquay, who died late on Saturday night as the result of an accident. - Alfred Thomas White, Fore-street, St Marychurch, said he was a passenger in an omnibus bound for Torquay, and was seated on the front seat. It was blowing a gale at the time and raining hard. When the bus arrived at Westhill Cross, he saw a man on the pavement walking in the same direction as the 'bus, which was slowing down at the time, as it was approaching a regular stopping place. The driver, seeing there was no one waiting, increased his speed. - Driver Exonerated. - The man stepped off the pavement into the wing of the 'bus. Witness shouted to the driver to stop and he stopped "practically dead." Witness did not think the driver saw the man. - Witness added that he thought MIDDLEWICK stepped off the pavement facing the side of the 'bus. If he had looked he could not have failed to see the 'bus. - Dr J. B. Young, House Physician at the Torbay Hospital, said when admitted about 9.30 on Saturday night MIDDLEWICK was conscious but was suffering from severe bruises and swelling on the lower part of the back. He was treated for shock and detained. He died early in the morning. - The Coroner said he could not help noting the fact that this was the fourth fatality which had happened in Torquay in ten days. - "It wants to be impressed upon us how careful we must be in stepping off the pavement. It would impress us, because you or I might be the next victims." - That was a general observation, and in no particular way did it apply to that case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 October 1929
SOUTH HUISH - Whitsands Fatality. Identification Of Body Recovered From Sea. - "Found Drowned, due to an accident while Bathing," was the verdict returned by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. Windeatt, at an Inquest held yesterday on the body recovered from the sea at Hope Cove on Sunday. - Capt. S. B. Kington, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Devonport, identified the body as that of Lance-Corporal HARRY HUDSON, who was drowned whilst bathing at Whitsands on September 8. He was 21 years of age and his home was at Sheffield. - Dr D. O. Twining, of Salcombe, said the body was in a badly decomposed state, but he was satisfied that the cause of death was drowning. - Private Harry Williams, Duke of Wellington's Regiment, said that on September 8, about 3.30 p.m., deceased, himself and two other soldiers were bathing at Whitsands. Deceased, who was not a good swimmer, went out too far from the shore and was caught by the tide. They lost sight of him, though they made every effort to save him. - He identified the body by the remnant of blue shorts.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 October 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Killed By Lorry. Inquest Story Of Little Girl's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on PHYLLIS EVELINE WILKINSON, aged 4 years, daughter of a Corporation labourer of Pembroke-street, who died as a result of injuries received through being knocked down by a lorry, the driver of which was exonerated by the Jury. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared for Mr R. Westlake, of Morice Town, the owner of the lorry and the Police were represented by Detective-Inspector Lucas. - Francis Joseph Bishop, driver of the lorry, explained that about 12.45 p.m. on Wednesday he was driving along Pembroke-street at between 12 and 15 miles an hour. Some children dashed from a doorway and started to run across the road. He sounded his horn and somebody shouted, whereupon the children, except the little girl, ran back to the pavement. She hesitated, and witness thought she would follow the others, but she went on and the front of the lorry struck her. A wheel went over her head. - Why The Brake Pin Broke. - Mr Major: When was the first time you applied your brakes?- As soon as I saw she was not going back with the other children. - How far did your lorry travel after you put on the brakes/ - About half its length. - Had you any chance of avoiding the accident? - No chance at all. I swerved, but it was hopeless. - Was your brake in working order? - Yes. - And it acted at once?- Yes.- I believe after the accident the brake was found broken?- Yes. - What was that due to? - Jamming the brake so hard broke the pin. - Thomas John Bishop, brother of the last witness, who was riding in the lorry; Miss Florence Couldridge, Pembroke-street; and Miss Lilian Willis, Pembroke-street, also gave evidence. Miss Couldridge expressed the view that no blame could be attached to the driver, who did everything he could to avoid the accident. - Edward John Tuppen, motor mechanic, stated that the pin holding the foot brake pedal to the operating rod was sheared in three places, due to the sudden and violent application of the brake. The brake was in good order on Monday when he looked at the lorry. - Percy Osborne Davis, motor engineer, Plymouth, spoke to examining the brakes of the lorry after the accident. He agreed that the reason for the pin breaking was a severe and sudden strain on the brake. There was nothing to suggest that the brake mechanism was not in good order before the accident. - The brake linings were in good order. - Dr John Gurley, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that the child must have died almost instantaneously from a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 October 1929
SHAUGH PRIOR - Boy's Disappearance In Devon Claypit. - A drowning tragedy occurred at the Dartmoor China Clay Works, Wotter, Shaugh, yesterday morning. - At 11 o'clock a lad of 14 years, named HAROLD WILLIAM SKELLEY, a toolboy employed at the china clay works, while employed along the edge of the pit by some means fell into the water. His absence of a few minutes only was noticed by William John Nicholson, the engine driver, who, leaning out of the cab to speak to the boy, noticed a pair of hands sticking above the surface of the milky water of the pit. This particular pit is some 15 yards wide and Nicholson was unable to reach the lad. When assistance was obtained, the body was dragged ashore, and artificial respiration tried, without avail. - The lad was the son of WILLIAM HENRY SKELLEY, also a clay-worker of 14 Dartmoor-cottages, Wotter, Shaugh. It is presumed that when the boy fell into the water, which is 7 ft. deep in the pit, he was unable to struggle ashore, owing to his feet being embedded in the clay. - Drowned In Pool. Verdict At Inquest On Shaugh Boy. - "Accidentally Drowned" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner for the Tavistock District, Mr F. W. Chilcott, at Wotter, Shaugh, yesterday, at the Inquest on HAROLD WILLIAM SKELLEY, aged 14, of Dartmoor Cottages, who fell into a pool of water at Wotter, Shaugh, on Tuesday afternoon. - William John Nicholson, engine driver, said the boy went to the engine shed with a tin to get some grease for another engine which was at the works. The boy left the shop while the grease was being procured, and when witness went to the door to look for him he saw two hands appearing over the surface of a pit of water a few yards away. The pit was about 25 feet by 12 feet and about 7 feet deep. - He immediately ran to the pit, but when he got there the hands disappeared. He shouted for help and George Vincent and another man, named Tucker, came to his assistance. With a small iron bar they managed to locate and bring the body out of the water. They tried artificial respiration unsuccessfully. - Dr Jones said death was due to drowning. - Mr Elliot Square watched the proceedings on behalf of the company.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 October 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Trader's Suicide. Tragedy Of Melancholia At Devonport. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, yesterday on ARTHUR REGINALD RASHLEIGH VOSPER, aged 53, florist, of Marlborough-street, who had carried on business in Devonport for many years. - The widow explained that she got up at 6 o'clock yesterday morning leaving her husband in bed. He seemed to be in better health than usual. He declined to have a cup of tea, and she went to the market, returning about 7 o'clock. Remaining in the shop till 8 o'clock, she took her husband some breakfast. He was then lying on the floor, and thinking he had had a heart attack, she telephoned for Dr Morris, his medical attendant. When she tried to lift her husband she noticed a piece of thick cord, used for tying boxes, round his neck. The other end was fastened to the head of the bed. She cut the cord and tried to revive him, but without success. - Witness said her husband had been suffering from nervous trouble for some months and had been constantly attended by Dr Morris. She never suspected that he would take his life, but a long time ago when suffering from severe pains in the head he said that they were more than he could bear and that he wished the Lord would take him. There was no trouble, financial, domestic, or otherwise, which would lead him to commit suicide. - Dr J. N. Morris said he had been attending deceased for severe melancholia for some time. It was a border-line case, but, unfortunately, there was no Institution in the city where such cases could be sent for treatment. MR VOSPER could only have been treated in an Institution by being certified a lunatic, which he was not. - The Deputy Coroner: In the condition he was he would be the more liable to take his life? - Witness: You could not prevent it unless he were under constant supervision in an Institution. - The Doctor added that death was due to strangulation by hanging. - The Deputy Coroner: His condition was such that he would suddenly become of unsound mind and not be responsible for his actions? - Witness: I am perfectly certain that at the time he took his life he was not of sound mind. - Constable Blandford, who was called to the house, also gave evidence, and the Deputy Coroner and Jury expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 October 1929
TORQUAY - Torquay Mystery Of The Sea. Former Plymouth Man Drowned. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, yesterday opened an Inquest at Torquay on JAMES EARLE, son of MRS E. M. EARLE, licensee of the Exeter Hotel, Union-street, Torquay, whose body was found in the sea on Thursday. - Until a few years ago the late MR JAMES EARLE'S father, MR FREDERICK EARLE, who died recently at Torquay, was licensee of the Shakespeare Hotel, Devonport, which he took when he retired from the Metropolitan Police, with which he served at Devonport for many years. - Dr J. MacQueen of Torquay, said he examined the body when it was brought ashore. From its appearance the man might have been dead for any period between two and 14 hours. There were slight abrasions on the eyelids. A more detailed examination at the Mortuary revealed that death was due to drowning. There was not much water in the lungs, which, he thought, might show that there was no great struggle in the water. - Mr P. Almy, who appeared for the family, asked, "When you say that there were two slight abrasions does that mean in plain language that there were two black eyes?" - Dr MacQueen: No. - No Evidence Of Foul Play. - Mr Almy: Having regard to the fact that there had been no great struggle does that indicate that he might have been unconscious before entering the water? - Dr MacQueen: The man might have shown no sign of a struggle for various reasons. - Mr Almy: There is nothing to indicate that he was conscious when he went into the water? - All I can say is that he was alive when he went into the water. I cannot say whether he was conscious or not. - Supt. Martin: Was there any indication of a blow or foul play? - Dr MacQueen: Nothing whatever. - Supt. Martin: There was nothing in your post-mortem to indicate that he had received any serious injury prior to entering the water? - No. - The Coroner said it was obvious that when a person was found dead in the water with marks on his body the fullest inquiry should be made, and in order to allow this to be done he adjourned the Inquest until Tuesday. - Supt. Martin said he was in a position to give EARLE'S movements up to 11.15 p.m. on Wednesday, and if anyone saw him after that he would be pleased if they would communicate with the Police at Torquay.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 October 1929
TAVISTOCK - Drowning Mystery. - At Tavistock yesterday Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone, District Coroner, held an Inquest on ELIZA JANE MONAHAN, married, aged 54, of Exeter-street, Tavistock, whose body was found in the River Tavy at Bere Ferrers on October 6. - Dr H. P. Shanks, of Bere Alston, said he saw the body lying on the mud in the River Tavy, near Chuck's Ford, Bere Ferrers. The body was only clothed with stockings and shoes. - The cause of death was suffocation, due to drowning. - George Hill, Exeter-street, Tavistock, said MRS MONAHAN was separated from her husband. He did not hear her speak of any worries. - The Coroner: Would it be easy to get into the water at the bottom of Paull's-buildings? - No; the wall is about 4 ft. high and you could not fall in by accident. - MARY ANN SPEAR, sister, of Paull's-buildings, Tavistock, said on October 5 her sister went to her house sometime during the evening. As far as witness knew she was happy, and had never said anything about taking her life. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to show how the woman got into the river, and recorded a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - The Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, recorded a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on WILLIAM WALTER DRAKE, aged 19, of 81 Pembroke-street, Devonport. - GEORGE NORMAN DRAKE, fruiterer, the father, said he and his son left work and went home to tea. Later WILLIAM went out with his brother. On returning home about 9.30 p.m., witness went upstairs and smelt gas, and tried the door of the bathroom. The door was locked and witness heard the sound of gas escaping from the geyser. He burst open the door and found his son lying on a table with his head close to the geyser. Witness tried artificial respiration and sent for Dr Bradlaw. His son had been ill lately and was very depressed. - Dr Albert Bradlaw said death was to due to coal gas poisoning. DRAKE was very highly strung. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Mr Major, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest on FRANK GWYNNE, the three-months-old child of MRS VICTORIA GWYNNE, of 43 Ker-street, Devonport. The mother said she went to sleep with her child and awoke on Sunday to find him dead. - "Death from Suffocation" was recorded.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
ST MARYCHURCH - An Open Verdict. Torquay Mystery Unsolved At Resumed Inquest.- The County Coroner resumed the Inquest on JAMES MOORE EARLE, aged 37, an assistant at the Exeter Hotel, Union-street, Torquay, where he resided, at the St Marychurch Townhall yesterday. His body was found in the sea off Abbey Sands, Torquay, last Thursday morning. The Inquest was opened last Friday and adjourned. Mr P. H. W. Almy appeared for the relatives. - Harold French, 'bus conductor, said on Wednesday last he left Paignton at 10.54 p.m. At Christ Church EARLE entered the 'bus, and at Addison's Cafe, Torquay, witness found him asleep. Witness awakened him and he wanted to pay his fare a second time, and he was told he had already paid. EARLE then left the 'bus and stood still on the pavement. That would have been about 11.15 p.m. - The Coroner: Was there anything peculiar about him? - Witness: I thought he had been drinking. - Questioned by Mr Almy, witness said the man acted queerly when he entered the 'bus, but he was not "dead drunk." - Maurice A. Holland, proprietor of the Ginger Cat Cafe, Torquay, said about 11.25 p.m. he was walking along Torre Abbey-road in the direction of Abbey Sands Cafe, and heard a noise, a groan coming from the sea. It was dark and witness called out several times, but got no reply. The tide had turned, but was still high. He told two passers-by what he heard, and one of them said he would communicate with the Police. - No Foul Play. - Constable Braund said at 7.54 on Thursday morning he received information that the body of a man was floating in the sea near the Abbey Sands Cafe. Information was sent to a doctor and the ambulance station, and he then went to the sands. The body was about 50 yards from the slipway. - A bottle of whisky, 1s. 8 ½d. in cash, a 4d. 'bus ticket, and an advertising card were found in the clothing. - The brother, recalled, said drink never affected EARLE'S powers of self-control. - The Coroner observed that the obvious verdict was "Found Drowned." There was no evidence to suggest or prove how EARLE came to be drowned. The doctors who examined the body were satisfied that the marks found on the body were not caused before death but after, by coming into contact with something in the water. There was no possible suspicion of any foul play. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
TORQUAY - Death Four Years After. - The County Coroner also Inquired into the death of WILLIAM EWART TANNER, aged 33, of 150 Forest-road, Upton, Torquay, who died at that address on September 30. He was a miner and was injured by a fall of roof in a coal mine in Gilfach Goch, Glamorgan, in May 1925. He went to Torquay in July last. - Frederick Jinkins of 4 Wood-street, Gilfach Goch, Glamorgan, a collier, who was working near TANNER when the accident occurred, said the latter was buried from the waist down by the fall of stone, and with assistance was extricated and attended by a doctor. Every precaution had been taken for the safety of the men working there, and this was an unfortunate fall of stone. - Dr Cook said the man was suffering from paralysis caused by an injury to the spine. He also had paralysis of the leg. The immediate cause of death was the formation of an abscess and gastritis. This was brought about by the accident in May 1925. He had been discharged from Guy's Hospital as incurable. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
IPPLEPEN - Ipplepen Labourer Who Feared Unemployment. - It was stated at the Inquest at Ipplepen last night on THOMAS EDWARD ROGERS, aged 53, a labourer, employed at Green-hill Farm, Ipplepen, who was found shot dead on Monday, that he probably took his life because he was afraid he would be out of employment.- "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr George Windeatt, who said he had known ROGERS since his boyhood days, and he had always been cheerful. - A nephew, WILLIAM JORDAN ROGERS, of Liverton, said his uncle appeared quite normal when he last saw him and it was stated by Mark Hopkins Moor, farmer, of Ipplepen, that ROGERS was always cheerful, but no doubt "felt what was coming when he knew he was going to lose his job." - Jessie Anne Savery, who employed ROGERS for the last four years, said she heard him walking about at 5.30 a.m. on Monday, and a little later heard a noise. She went downstairs and finding that the cows had not been brought in, she went to the cowshed, where she noticed ROGERS'S gun was missing from its usual place. She made a search and found ROGERS in an orchard lying against some logs of wood.- Witness thought the face that she was giving up farming at the end of the week, which would consequently mean that ROGERS would have to leave, might have worried him, but he never mentioned anything about taking his life. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 October 1929
BRIXHAM - Brixham Fishpond Tragedy. - At the Inquest on MAY REDSTONE, the two-years-old daughter of FREDERICK REDSTONE, gardener, at King's Barton, Brixham, the Deputy Coroner, Mr J. Windeatt, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death by Drowning." - The mother's evidence showed that she missed her daughter at the back of the house and on searching the front garden found her floating in the goldfish pond.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 October 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Death Follows A Broken Arm. Inquest On Boatman At Newton Abbot. - A strange story was told to Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, at Newton Abbot last evening, when he held an Inquest on GEORGE HOOK, aged 74, a boatman, who had been living at Coombe Cellars and who died on Tuesday at Newton Abbot Hospital, where he was admitted the previous Friday suffering from a broken arm, for which he could give no account. - The Coroner, recording a verdict of "Death by Misadventure" said he was not bound to hold an Inquiry into such a case, but here it had a useful purpose in silencing any suggestion that the man was the victim of any violence from any person or vehicle. - Dr J. J. Brown said he saw HOOK at the Hospital suffering from shock and a compound fracture of the left arm. The bone was protruding and after setting gangrene set in, from which, together with exhaustion, HOOK died. - Reginald John Thorne, Teign View, Coombeinteignhead, said he was cycling towards Stokeinteignhead about 6.30 a.m, and noticed HOOK lying by the hedge near a ditch asleep. He woke him and ascertained that he was all right. Returning half an hour later he saw HOOK lying in the ditch, and he asked to be helped up. HOOK, who seemed dazed, walked off towards Stokeinteignhead. - Edward R. Wright, of Stokeinteignhead, said HOOK passed him at 7.30 and half an hour later witness saw him again in the care of some people. His coat was saturated with blood, and he was unable to answer questions or give any account of the injury, and was taken to Newton Abbot Hospital. - William Smyth said on October 10 he saw HOOK in the Country House Inn having some beer. They left practically together and witness heard him say "Show me the way to Coombe Cellars." Witness followed him, to see if he took the right turning, but he did not do so, and was re-crossing the road when he fell down. A 'bus came by, but HOOK was two feet away from it. - Mr Hutchings said the medical evidence showed there were no other marks or bruises, and he had no doubt that the man did sustained the injury by falling heavily.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 October 1929
PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was heard at Plymouth Coroner's Court into the death of RALPH JEFFERY, aged six years, who was killed by an express train on Saturday afternoon near Camel's Head Halt. - CHARLES JOHN JEFFERY of 66 Wordsworth-road, Devonport, said he last saw his son alive on Saturday afternoon when RALPH left the house in company with his twin brother and another boy. He told them to keep away from the railway line and the main roads and to play in a field near by. - Edward William Hoskin Membrey, of 21 Ferndale-avenue, ~Devonport, said he was in his allotment when he saw three boys crossing the line, and heard a train approach. It looked as if two of the boys had got clear, the third running along in front of the platform. - The train came into sight and it looked to him as if the wheels were stationary, and the train was sliding along. When he got to the bank he heard the dead boy's brother crying, "My brother's killed, my brother's killed." The boy was lying face down between the platform and the railway line nearest the platform. - Frequent Warnings. - Replying to Mr J. A. Pearce, the City Coroner, Mr Membrey said boys were always playing on the line. He had to get up from his dinner sometimes to drive them away. - William Perkins, of Prince Rock, driver of the train, said he was about 50 or 70 yards away when he first saw the boys. He immediately blew his whistle and applied the brakes, also letting sand on the line in order to do everything to assist in stopping the train. He stopped in about 150 to 200 yards. - One boy seemed to lose his head and instead of making for the side of the line as the others did he ran along the line in front of the train, as if he were trying to make the end of the platform before the train was upon him. - He apparently realized that the train was overtaking him and stepped over the line with the apparent intention of getting underneath the halt. It was then that the step of the engine caught him. - It was impossible to stop the train sooner. The brakes were very effective. - Mr Gourley, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death must have been instantaneous. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict the Jury expressing the view that the railway company should consider how to prevent trespassing on the line at this particular spot. They added that the train driver was in no way to blame.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 October 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Journeyman Tailor's Death. - SIDNEY HORACE REGINALD HEARD, 6 Paradise-place, Devonport, said GEORGE HEARD was his father, a journeyman tailor, in the employ of the Plymouth Co-operative Society. - His mother died in September last year, and his father had been very depressed since, and had been attended by a doctor. Owing to the state of his health he had been obliged to stand off from his work. About a week ago he put in an application for a pension, and a medical examination had been fixed for Monday. - His father did not like the idea of a medical examination, because he had never previously had an illness, and every time the doctor saw him he collapsed. After serving so many years with the same firm he thought his father felt having to go before a medical board. He rather feared the medical examination. - ALFRED HENRY HEARD, of 41 Headland-park, Plymouth, said his father had been very depressed recently, and had complained of pains in his head. The Co-operative Society's pension scheme did not come into operation until next March, and the medical examination was a general rule. - MISS LILIAN MAY BLOWER, Alexandra-road, Mutley, a school teacher, said MR HEARD was her mother's uncle. She met him on Sunday afternoon near St Augustine's Church, and asked him to go in and see her mother. He replied "No, no my dear; I don't want to see anyone. I just want to keep walking and walking. I don't know where I am, or where I am going." He seemed very depressed and strange. - Benjamin John Yate, Station-road, Millbay, a guard, said he went to Lipson Halt about 6.15 on Monday morning for the purpose of booking passengers for the 6.25 car, when a Mr Rogers of Chudleigh-road, went to him and said there was an umbrella and a hat on the platform and what looked like a body lying on the line. He found the body of GEORGE HEARD. - Dr Guy Ludolf said death was due to fractured ribs and multiple injuries and must have been instantaneous. - An Open Verdict was returned, the Jury being of opinion that there was no evidence to show whether the death was accidental or otherwise.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 October 1929
PAIGNTON - Shock Through Fall. Doctor's View Of Cause Of Torquay Baby's Death. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, sitting with a Jury, opened an Inquest at Paignton Police Court yesterday on the newly-born female child of MILDRED IVY OSBORNE, domestic servant, who is in Hospital and was unable to attend. - The mistress of the woman, whose name and address were suppressed, said OSBORNE had been in her employ since August 15 when she told her she was 36 years of age and a widow. She had excellent references. On Monday last she thought that the woman looked ill, but she said she was well. In the evening OSBORNE went to her room about 9.20 and said she felt a little faint, but would be all right in the morning. - Later she sent for Dr Muriel Morris, who said the woman had been confined and found the body of a newly-born child in a bucket partly full of water. In the kitchen witness found a parcel of baby's clothes. - Dr Muriel Morris said that when she found the body in the bucket she asked OSBORNE why she had put it there, and she replied, "I don't know, it was dead." The child's face was downward in the water and was submerged. - Dr W. A. D. King said he had held a post-mortem examination and found that the child had had a separate existence. Death was not due to suffocation and there was no water in the lungs. There was a bruise on the side of the head. The cause of death was shock following severe injury to the head, probably caused by a fall. There was no sign of the child having been drowned and he could see no other cause of death than that of shock. - Life had only existed for a matter of seconds. - By Supt. Martin: The blow on the child's head was consistent with a fall. - The Coroner adjourned the inquiry until Wednesday, November 6.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 October 1929
PLYMOUTH -The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the Coroner's Court, Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, yesterday on EDITH LAURA BLACKMAN, 58 years of age, of Notte-street, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed on Monday morning last by her daughter. A verdict that deceased died from cardiac failure and chronic rheumatoid arthritis was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 31 October 1929
PLYMOUTH - Gas Poisoning. Plymouth Widow Who Was Found Dead Near Stove. - At the Inquest yesterday on MARY JANE EDWARDS of 9 Clarence-street, Plymouth, 84 years of age, who was found sitting in front of a cooking stove, dead, with nine half-pennies in her hand, the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict that death was due to coal gas poisoning, but that there was not sufficient evidence to show whether it was accidental. He thought it probable that there had been an accident, but in the absence of evidence the verdict must be left open. Dr H. C. Reid said the cause of death was coal gas poisoning. - Mrs W. Pengelly of 9 Clarence-street, said that on Monday morning about 11 o'clock she took a cup of tea to MRS EDWARDS, but found the door locked on the inside. The deceased always locked the door, and witness attached no importance to the fact, except that the door was locked rather late in the day. She knocked several times and getting no answer, she called a neighbour, who forced the key out of the lock and opened the door with another key. - Deceased had been in the habit of sitting in front of a gas cooking stove for warmth. There was a gas meter there, and the deceased used to manipulate the putting in of a penny in the slot herself. She was not in the habit of turning the gas off at the main. - P.C. Westlake said he found the deceased in her room sitting in front of a gas cooking stove with the taps turned on. He immediately turned the gas off at the main. The deceased was sitting in a chair with her head leaning towards the gas stove. She had nine half-pennies in her hand. - The Coroner returned a verdict as stated above. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 November 1929
CHUDLEIGH - Runaway Lorry Fatality. Inquest On Chudleigh Man Adjourned. - A runaway lorry's dash after its brakes had failed to act was described at an Inquest at Chudleigh yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CHARLES HUMPHREYS, aged 54, of Old Exeter-street, Chudleigh, a motor cyclist. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, after hearing technical evidence to the effect that the brakes were ineffective, said, as the opinion had been expressed that the lorry and its load were too heavy for the brakes on the hill, he would adjourn the inquiry for the attendance of a representative of the employers. The case assumed a serious aspect in that in the interests of the public and drivers lorries should not be overloaded. It was only fair that the employers should be able to state their side. - Harry Taylor, of London, the lorry-driver, said when he almost stopped in the ~Square at Chudleigh to look at a sign-post, his hand brake functioned. He proceeded towards the Station, and saw a number of cows in the roadway and noticed that the hill was getting steeper. He changed into second gear from third, practically stopping to do so. He eased the hand brake to pass the cows, and immediately the lorry began to gather speed. He applied both brakes, but neither of them would function. - "A Terrifying Experience." - "I thought I could get past the cows on the off side and managed to do so," he proceeded, "but the lorry still gathered speed. I returned to my near side, but two private cars came towards me, and I avoided them, but struck an electric light post. I saw some men pushing cycles up the hill, and it appeared that the motor cyclist was there. The camber of the road threw the lorry to the off side, and it went close to the cyclists and the motor cyclist. The lorry continued on its way to the bottom of the hill, where it was brought to a standstill." - Witness added that he then went back to see whether he had done any damage, and found MR HUMPHREYS lying on the pavement. The lorry which weighed five tons, had a load of ten tons. - The Coroner said to him it was amazing that the lorry continued down the hill as it did without over-turning before reaching the bottom. - Witness: It was a terrifying experience. - Miss Dorothy Irene Jane White, of Palace Farm, Chudleigh, said on Wednesday afternoon, about five o'clock, she was driving some cows up the hill. She saw a lorry coming towards her; it did not slow down, but rather appeared to go faster. In passing it struck the kerb, and then disappeared out of her view. - The Coroner: Did it appear to you that the lorry was being driven either in an extraordinary manner, or that it was out of control? - Witness: When I first saw it, it seemed to be approaching in an ordinary manner, but its speed grew faster. - Arthur T. Burnett of New Exeter-street, Chudleigh, farm labourer, said he rode for a distance of a quarter of a mile behind the lorry in Clifford-street, Chudleigh, when it proceeded in a perfectly normal manner. Witness did not see the lorry go down the hill. - Eye-Witnesses Story.- Edgar Cyril Cann, of Old Exeter-street, said he was walking down the hill, when the lorry appeared around a bend. It was travelling very fast, and witness remarked to his companion: "Look out; it looks as if it has broken away." When the lorry passed he looked around and saw it come into collision with a motor cycle, the rider of which was thrown on the pavement. - The Coroner: Did the lorry look as if it had run away? - Witness: Yes. - Witness, continuing, said the motor cyclist was on his correct side when he was struck. - Dr F. Hopkins said death was due to shock, caused by multiple injury and haemorrhage of the brain. Deceased's injuries included a fractured skull, compound fracture of the right leg and a fracture of the right arm. - Mrs Leach said HUMPHREYS died at 5.15 a.m. on Thursday, without regaining consciousness. - The lorry driver's mate, Charles Thomas Stevens, said that day they had travelled from 20 miles the other side of Bristol. - The Inquest was adjourned to November 14.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 November 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Burns. Accident To A Plymouth Septuagenarian. - A verdict of "Death from Shock caused by extensive burns, Accidentally received through falling on to an open grate in which a fire was burning" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Major, at an Inquest held at Greenbank House, Plymouth, yesterday, on MARY ANN BAKER, aged 76, who resided at Summerland-place, Plymouth. - Last Sunday Ethel Locock, who lives in the same house, said she smelt burning about 11.55 a.m. and saw smoke coming up the stairs. She went down to MRS BAKER'S room and found her enveloped in flames. She called her husband, who came down and succeeded in putting out the flames. MRS BAKER told her that she felt giddy and had fallen on the fire. - MATILDA AGNES ANDREWS, of Neswick-street, Plymouth, said deceased was her sister. She had seen her on Tuesday, October 22 and had sent for Dr Pearce. She had two strokes many years ago. Her sister was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital by the St John Ambulance after the accident, and she accompanied her sister. Last Tuesday she was transferred to the Greenbank Infirmary. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer at Greenbank Infirmary, said the cause of death was shock, following burns.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 November 1929
TAVISTOCK - Story Of Crash On Dartmoor. Father's Questions To Motorist. Inquest Verdict At Tavistock. - After the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, had investigated a motor accident which took place on Dartmoor on Sunday, September 22, resulting in the death of a motor cyclist, FREDERICK WILLIAM FIELDING, 24, an insurance inspector, of Lockyer-street, Plymouth, the Jury at Tavistock yesterday returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - They exonerated the driver of the motor car involved, who was Mr E. Hicks, Mayor of Launceston. - Mr Mayburne Pearce, Plymouth, represented the Mayor of Launceston. - Mr Hicks, who explained he had been driving for over six years, said that on Sunday, September 22, he was driving his motor car in the direction of Princetown, and just after r passing through Postbridge went over a bridge. He was travelling between 20 miles an hour and noticed about an eighth of a mile away a motor cycle followed by a motor car approaching. - The Coroner: When you saw him, what position were you occupying? - I crossed the bridge on the crown of the road, and when I saw them I naturally steered towards the left. - Was the cyclist in the middle of the road when you first saw him? - Yes. - Did you notice what the cyclist did? - The cyclist seemed to come on the crown of the road and if he had kept on that line he would have missed my car, but when within a short distance he seemed to cut across and come into my car. - How far off was he from you when he apparently started changing direction? - About 30 ft. - Where did he strike the car? - The right-hand lamp and the right-hand side of the bonnet. The windscreen was smashed into a thousand bits. The engine was knocked out of place. - Can you form any opinion what speed the cyclist was travelling at? - It is difficult to say, but I should think it was a fast rate, because the way he struck me was terrific. - Witness added that he pulled his car to within 2 ft. 6 in. of the bank. - Do you think the cyclist saw you at all? - I don't know at all, but I do not think he did. I saw him and he should have seen me. - Was his head down? - It was down but I could not say how far.- Could you see his face? - I cannot say. It was all done in a flash. - Questions By Deceased's Father. - MR FIELDING, father of the deceased (to Mr Hicks): Are you quite sure you were travelling slowly at the time? Did you look at your speedometer? - No, I am prepared to swear I was not travelling more than 20 miles an hour. - How old are you? - Seventy-three. - So that you were 67 when you started driving. It is a good age to learn to drive a car, is it not? - Oh, no. I have driven about 30,000 miles, and have never had a scratch till this. I have driven to London, Bristol, Bournemouth and Brighton. - It is very difficult to say what does occur in these cases; but are you quite sure it is not the other way about, and that you got rather muddled when you saw the cyclist and swerved towards him instead of him swerving towards you? - I was in the middle and the measurements show I pulled in. - The measurements show the impact took place near the middle of the road? - I was within 2 ft. 6 in. of the bank, and it is only a small car. There was plenty of room for him to pass. - But not plenty of room if you swerved. I put it to you that you swerved as soon as you saw the cyclist? - No; I was in the centre of the road and I pulled to the left. I never served to the right. If I had I should have been on the right-hand side of the road. - Were your brakes in good order? - Yes. - You did not pull up very quickly, I understand? - My car did not go an inch after it was struck. - Cyclist And Passenger Thrown. - Leonard Percival Ralph, of Church-terrace, Heavitree, Exeter, who was motoring from Postbridge to Princetown, said he was between 200 and 300 yards behind Mr Hicks' car. He was travelling between 25 and 30 miles an hour and as he was over-taking Mr Hicks he slowed up on seeing the cyclist coming. Mr Hicks was driving slowly; not more than 20 miles an hour. He saw Mr Hicks pull to the left. At that moment he glanced at some ponies on the moor and he then heard a crash and saw the young lady riding pillion thrown over the car. The cyclist apparently was hurled through the windscreen. - The Coroner: Did Mr Hicks' car go any distance after the impact? - No, I should say not. I should think it stopped almost immediately. - In witness's judgment the motor cyclist was "travelling at a normal rate for motor cyclists." He had a straight road and, and witness estimated the speed at between 30 and 35 miles an hour. - George William Baker, chef at the Two Bridges Hotel, who was riding a pedal cycle from Two Bridges to Postbridge, said the cyclist passed him at a speed he estimated at about 40 miles an hour. The cyclist overtook a saloon car, but when near the bridge appeared to swerve to the right-hand side of the road. Witness saw the collision from the top of a hill 500 yards away and as he went down the hill the occupants of the saloon car ran to the scene. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness expressed the view that the motor cyclist was travelling at such a speed that he swerved to clear the left-hand side of the bridge. - Pillion Rider's Story. - Miss Margaret Enid Price of Cecil-street, Plymouth, who was riding pillion on deceased's cycle, said she had frequently travelled on the machine. - The Coroner: What sort of driver was he? - Splendid. You could not have driven with anyone better. - FIELDING, she added, had driven for a number of years and had owned several cycles. She saw Mr Hicks's car approaching them, and at that time MR FIELDING was driving at between 25 and 30 miles an hour. - The Coroner: Did the motor cyclist swerve at all? - No. We kept on our left side of the road, and the driver of the car seemed to come straight at us. I thought, naturally, he had lost his nerve. My friend had a strong nerve. - Had you a view of the car?- Absolutely. I was looking over my friend's shoulder at the time. - The next thing witness remembered was the crash. The driver of the car did not seem to know what to do. - Do you mean before the crash or after? - The driver of the car came right at us. There was a terrible crash and he did not draw up immediately. I am quite sure about that. He seemed to swerve. - Which way did he swerve? - I cannot tell. - "A Clever Driver. " - Mr Mayburne Pearce: What was there to cause the driver of the car to lose his nerve?- He was on his right side of the road, and you were on your proper side of the road? - Why should my friend, who was a clever driver lose his nerve? - You have heard the evidence. You know as a matter of fact that the car came to a standstill and was on the proper side of the road? - I say distinctly the car swerved. - Why should the driver of the car lose his nerve? - He is an elderly man. - You have heard how many miles he has travelled? - I daresay my friend had travelled more than that. - Answering MR FIELDING, Miss Price said deceased always drove at a moderate speed, and in cases of emergency did the correct thing. "I had absolute confidence in him." - Constable Tucker, of Princetown, stated that the near wheel of Mr Hicks's car was 2 ft. 6 in from the grass and the distance between the off front wheel and the other side of the road was 11 ft. 10 in. The motor cycle was lying between the front wheels of the car. - The road was dry, and witness saw no marks of skidding, but a part of either the cycle or the car had broken off and made a groove in the road. The car must have gone 12 ft. after the impact. The point of the collision seemed to be between the off mudguard and the radiator. The surface of the road contained potholes, two of which were half an inch deep.- Dr L. O. Lindsay of Tavistock, said the cyclist was conscious when he examined him at the Hospital. He was suffering from a compound fracture of one leg, and several gashes on the scalp and face. There was no sign of fracture of the skull. Witness attributed death to a rupture of the lung. - The Coroner: How was that likely to be caused? - By a sudden impact. - The other injuries were not the cause of death? - No.- The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and found that no blame was attributable to the driver of the car.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 November 1929
PLYMSTOCK - Turnchapel Inquest. Doctor Attributes Death To Odourless Gas. - An Inquest held by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone at Turnchapel yesterday on GEORGE HENRY READ, aged forty, employed by Mr G. F. Bone, Benhay, Plymstock was adjourned. - Deceased was found lying dead in a greenhouse by Mr Bone. There was an unlighted oil stove in the greenhouse, the container of which was open and it is thought that deceased had been cleaning this prior to lighting it. - Dr Bradbury, of Oreston, subsequently made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to carbon monoxide poisoning. He came to the conclusion that deceased put out the lamp prior to cleaning it, and inhaled some carbon monoxide, a small quantity of which would prove fatal. - The gas, which could be produced by the combustion of paraffin, was practically odourless. Apparently deceased had tried to get to the door of the greenhouse, but fell before he could reach it. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry so that he might inspect the lamp and take the evidence of the widow. - Mr Bone expressed his indebtedness to Constable Brewer for his courtesy and extreme tact when interviewing MRS READ, who was then in a state of collapse.- "Our Devon Police are a wonderful body of men," commented the Coroner.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 November 1929
PAIGNTON - Infant's Death. Jury's Verdict At Paignton Inquest. - The resumed Inquest on the newly-born child, whose body was found in a bucket of water at the house at which the mother was employed, was held by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at Paignton yesterday afternoon. Mr C. H. Taylor represented MILDRED IVY OSBORNE, a domestic servant, the mother of the child. - Electing to give evidence, MILDRED IVY OSBORNE said she was a widow. In October she was in employment in Paignton. The evidence given by her mistress at the previous Inquiry was true, and that of Dr Muriel Morris was also correct. On the evening of October 21 she gave birth to a child outside the house. She picked the baby up and put it on the floor. S he then fetched a pail from near the kitchen door, put the child in the pail and then went to bed; she was feeling very ill. She did not know if there was water in the pail, and she did not hear the child cry. She had not expected the birth for a fortnight or three weeks. When she put the child in the pail she thought it was dead. - Addressing the Jury, the Coroner said what that Court was concerned with was the cause of the child's death, and if the Jury was satisfied that the child's death was not due to the direct or indirect conduct of anybody else their duty was plain. In this case the medical evidence confirmed the mother's story. Her mistress gave her an excellent character as a servant and she had excellent references. The doctor expressed the opinion that the child died from shock caused by injuries to the head. - The Jury returned a verdict "That the child died from Shock caused by injuries Accidentally sustained in the process of birth."

Western Morning News, Friday 8 November 1929
TORQUAY - Torquay Mystery. Coroner And Case Of Man Found Drowned. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned at the Inquest at Torquay last evening on THOMAS J. NAYLOR, aged 59 years, independent, of Rydal, Wheatridge-lane, Chelston, Torquay, whose body was pulled out of the water by a fisherman in Torbay on Wednesday afternoon. - The County Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, said that in the absence of any evidence to show the intention on a person's part to take his or her life, he had no right whatever to jump to any conclusion. - Reginald John Bunch of Warborough-road, Torquay, a gardener, in the employ of the deceased, said he last saw his employer at Rydal on Wednesday morning when deceased went out by himself. - William Henry Roberts, of Meadfoot-lane, a fisherman, said he was fishing in Torbay and found the body of a man who appeared to be dead floating in an upright position. - Dr James McQueen, of Torquay, who examined the body, said deceased had been dead between four and twelve hours. Death was apparently due to drowning. - Dr Arthur Edward Carver, who had been attending deceased professionally for the last three weeks, said deceased was suffering from trifling ailments which worried him a good deal more than their medical value, and he had been troubled in this way for some months. - Constable Braund said that nothing was found on deceased that was likely to throw any light on the matter. A gold watch had stopped at ten o'clock. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 November 1929
PLYMOUTH - Blow From 4-Cwt. Plate. Plymouth Story Of Fatal Accident. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday on CHARLES HENRY EVENS, a naval pensioner, latterly employed by the Great Western Railway, who died on November 5, following an accident while engaged in his work on October 13. - SAMUEL EVENS, of Queen-street, Devonport, a retired carpenter, father of deceased, said his son was 46 years of age, and a single man. He had been in the Navy for 22 years, and had never had a day's illness. - William E. Butland, of Mount Gold-road, Plymouth, (inspector in the employ of the Great Western Railway), said that on October 13 at Holmbush Bridge, St Austell, deceased was assisting to remove a 4 cwt. ballast plate from a truck on the up-line. There were six men lifting the plate, and witness saw them rest it on the top of the truck. - Very Competent Man. - The plate suddenly fell back on them and he saw that one of the men was injured. He was immediately attended by ambulance men. Witness then noticed EVENS rubbing his side, and asked him if he was hurt. He had him examined and it was found that he had a wound on the thigh. Witness sent for a taxi and deceased was taken to Hospital and later was sent home by train. Deceased was a very competent man at his job. Witness could not account for the plate slipping. - Herbert Burley, of Chudleigh-road, Lipson Vale, employed by the Great Western Railway, said he was engaged in lifting the plate when it fell. - Reginald Maunder of Willow Plot, Plymouth, a smith on the Great Western Railway, also described the accident. - John Gourlay, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said he saw deceased on admission. He was suffering from a very severe cellulites of the right leg from just above the knee to the ankle. The wound was very septic. Deceased was prepared for an operation, which was performed the same night by witness. For two days his condition seemed satisfactory, and then he steadily got worse and died on November 5. Death was due to septicaemia, due to the injury. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 November 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - The Newton Fatality. - The fatal accident which occurred at the West Of England Saw Mills, Newton Abbot, during Monday's gale was Inquired into by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. K. Windeatt, at Newton Abbot last evening. The accident resulted in the death of FRED WALTER WYATT, aged 19, labourer, of Broadlands-avenue, Newton Abbot. - Charles Bunclark, labourer, said on Monday he and WYATT were working fixing girders in connection with the erection of a travelling crane. They had one girder bolted to two posts, the top of the posts being 12 ft. from the ground. One post had been concreted in but the other was fitted into a pit, with wooden struts around it to keep it upright. Witness noticed that the holes for the bolts were out of line and WYATT sat on the girder and went to ease the chain with his foot. - Witness then noticed that the hoop had become detached from the chain, and shouted to deceased to jump clear. Just at that moment there was a particularly strong gust of wind, and the whole structure collapsed, the outside post, girder and sheerlegs falling to the ground. WYATT was pinned underneath. - Alfred Burdell, foreman at the mills, said he was satisfied that the outside post was properly strutted when the work of hoisting the girder was started. Once the girder had been put up the men were practically bound to secure it in order to prevent an accident. - Dr J. Scrase stated that death was due to a fracture of the spine. - The Deputy Coroner said it seemed from the evidence that the work was being carried on in a proper manner. By an accident the chain became uncoupled, and what at that time was a fixture became a dangerous structure and unfortunately fell owing to a particularly strong gust of wind. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 November 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Octogenarian's Death After Fall. - The City Coroner, Mr J. Pearce, conducted an Inquest at Devonport yesterday on MRS JULIA DEVITTE, aged 88, of 11 Trafalgar-place, Plymouth, who died on Saturday as a result of an injury received from a fall on October 22 last. She was a daughter of the late MR WILLIAM EVANS, surgeon, of Devonport. - Anne May White of 17 Catherine-street, Devonport, said she had been acting as help to deceased, who was the wife of the late PATRICK DEVITTE, retired captain, since Easter last. On October 22 witness returned about 6.30 p.m.to find deceased sitting on the floor with her head against the bed. Witness helped her into bed. - Dr John Ingram said on October 23 he found MRS DEVITTE had sustained a fractured thigh. She gradually became weaker and died on Saturday. He attributed death to hypostatic congestion of the lungs caused by the fracture of the right thigh.- A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 November 1929
PLYMOUTH - Negligence, But Not Culpable. Jury's View Of Laira Bridge Fatality. - After an Inquiry lasting two and a half hours yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MATTHEW HENRY MATTHEWS, aged 45, of Mainstone, Pomphlett, who died as a result of injuries received through being knocked down by a motor lorry near Laira Bridge last Wednesday, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and expressed the opinion that the lorry was negligently driven, but that the negligence was not of a culpable nature.- Mr E. Elliot Square appeared for Mr F. Hancock, the driver of the lorry; and Mr J. Woolland was instructed by Messrs. Shelly and Johns to appear for the widow. - Frederick Hancock, Ellenwood House, Plympton, said he was driving from Plymouth to Kingsbridge, speed being about 10 miles an hour.- Skidding Lorry. - When he had passed over Laira Bridge and was going round the curve the lorry skidded and struck the gutter. Witness straightened its direction, but the back near wheel sunk into an open sink and caused the timber which he was carrying to turn into the wall there. Noticing the oncoming traffic he turned the lorry towards the pavement, but the vehicle was still affected by the skid, and it went over the pavement and up the bank. - Until he alighted he was unaware he had struck two men. He went to their assistance and awaited additional help. At the time of the accident the rain had just ceased, but the roads were greasy. - Witness added that he had been driving four years and had not had a previous accident. The car had only been on the road about a fortnight. The brakes were in good order. - Mr Woolland: Why did the lorry skid 45ft? - Witness: I did all I could. - Will you tell us why, after you had struck the sink, you skidded 45 ft? - I cannot account for it. - Mr Woolland: I consider you were travelling at 20 miles an hour. - I do not think it was that speed. - Do you consider 10 miles per hour a safe speed with a lorry laden with timber? - Yes. - You crossed the pavement before you struck the sink?- No. - Did you see the wheel-barrow? - No. - Swerve Towards Wall. - Francis Henry Harrison, 2 Cobourg-cottages, Plymouth, motor driver, in the employ of Messrs. Turpin and Sons, said he was driving a lorry from Plymouth to Plymstock, and following Hancock's lorry. Witness was travelling faster than Hancock - at about 20 miles per hour - and intended to overtake him, but decided to remain behind. - When they had passed the bridge witness saw the lorry in front swerve towards the wall, emerge again and make a sudden lurch. Then the lorry turned again, ran on the bank and went over. He did not see any men. - Witness did not consider Hancock was driving recklessly. He was well on his own side, and was travelling at about fifteen miles per hour. He did not think fifteen miles per hour was a dangerous speed for a lorry loaded with timber to travel. - In reply to Mr Woolland witness said he would not travel at fifteen miles per hour in view of the condition of the road. - Mr Square: Did you tell the Police that the lorry was travelling at a fair speed, and was being driven with ordinary care? - Witness: With ordinary care, yes. The corner is treacherous and several accidents have occurred there. - Dr Vincent Lart, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said MATTHEWS was unconscious when admitted and never regained consciousness. Death was due to injuries to the brain. An operation was performed on Thursday, but the man died the next day. - Constable Barry described finding MATTHEWS and Thomas Jarvis, of Plympton, the other injured man, and the lorry overturned. From the place where the near wheel commenced to skid to where it struck the gutter was 33 ft. The front wheels of the lorry were inclined towards the centre of the road. The lorry travelled 45ft. past the sink to its over-turning point.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 November 1929
CHUDLEIGH - Overloaded Lorry. Civil Negligence Of Contractors. Coroner "Amazed" At Chudleigh Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the resumed Inquest at Chudleigh yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY CHARLES HUMPHREYS, of Old Exeter-street, who died from injuries received in a collision with a runaway lorry on October 30. - The Jury exonerated the driver of the lorry, Harry Taylor, of London, from all blame, and expressed the opinion that his employers, Messrs. Goodchild, haulage contractors, London, were guilty of civil negligence, in that the lorry was overloaded. - At the previous hearing it was stated that the lorry got out of control owing to the brakes failing to act. - Mr E. Hutchings, the Coroner, said there was independent evidence to show that the driver of the lorry drove the vehicle through Chudleigh carefully and the more he (Mr Hutchings) thought of it the more he was amazed the driver was able to steer the vehicle down Chudleigh-hill without over-turning. - Commendable Pluck. - He acted with commendable pluck, courage, and skull in reaching the bottom of the hill, not knowing where he was going and it was a wonder that more people were not killed. If it were true that lorries were sent about the country with greater loads than they were made for it was time the practice was stopped, added the Coroner. - Mr E. Lloyd (Messrs. Harold Mitchelmore and Co.) appeared for the widow and the owners of the lorry were represented by Mr M. M. Pearce, Plymouth. - A garage proprietor, Mr Henry Taylor, Chudleigh, said he examined the lorry on November 1 and was of opinion that a load of ten tons was too heavy for the vehicle, as the brakes were not designed to carry that weight. - The Coroner: What would be the approximate weight of the correct load? - Witness: The lorry is made to carry 6 tons 2 cwt. - Would it be a great risk to load it with ten tons coming a long journey? - Certainly. It would mean excessive wearing of the brakes. - Constable Cookram said the load, which was of bags of red oxide, weighing a total of 10 tons 1 cwt. 3 qr. 2 lb., was being taken to the Torbay Paint Co., at Brixham, from the Golden Valley Ochre and Oxide Co., of Wicks, near Bristol. - Albert S. Simmonds, engineer, employed by Messrs. Goodchild, said the lorry was in perfect running order when it left London for Bristol. Its load was just over 5 tons. The foot-brake was relined about four days before, but during that period the vehicle had been one trip to Birmingham. - Mr Pearce: Would you have sanctioned a load of 10 tons? - Certainly. Witness added that the lorry driver had to take in a fresh load at Wick for Brixham. - Letter From Lorry Makers. - The Coroner mentioned he had received a letter from the makers of the vehicle to the effect that the legal weight of loads was 6 tons 2 cwt. - Mr Lloyd to witness: Had your firm allowed this lorry to go about knowing full well it might be called upon to carry 10 tons? - Yes. - A service superintendent of the manufacturers of the lorry expressed the opinion that although the vehicles were advertised as six to seven tons lorries, 10-ton loads were comparatively often carried. He would not sanction a load of that weight. - The driver, recalled, said the Golden Valley Ochre and Oxide Co., loaded the lorry at Bristol. He knew when he left London that the load would be about nine or ten tons. It was practically done everywhere to take a load bigger than that indicated on the axle of the lorry.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 November 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Rail Fatality. Inquest Story Of Linesman's Death. Run Over By A Goods Train. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on ELIAS JAMES PENNY, aged 59, of Albert-road, Newton Abbot, a Great Western Railway assistant linesman, who was killed on Saturday night by a goods train near Newton Abbot Station. - The opinion was expressed by the Jury that no one was to blame.- Walter George Mitchell, Silverwood-avenue, Newton Abbot, signalman, said he went on duty in the west box about 10 p.m. A locking bar of one of the facing points on the through "road" had gone wrong, and could not be moved, and PENNY, who was sent for specially to attend to it, was just leaving the box. The points were about 63 yards from the box. - PENNY returned within five minutes, and asked to be lent a mackintosh, as it was raining heavily and blowing hard. PENNY had a hand lamp and there was a certain amount of light from electric standards along the line from the platform. - PENNY went back to the points and then shouted to witness to endeavour to move the bar, but he could not do so. A coal train was proceeding towards the direction of Torquay, but the home signal was at danger, and the train was brought almost to a standstill about 16 yards away from the points. The train was not pulled up because PENNY was working there, but because it had to wait for a "banking engine" to assist it to Dainton. - When The Train Went On. - The Coroner, Mr G. Windeatt: If the traffic could get through without using these pointes, why was it necessary to have the man working on them then? - Witness: They are important for night traffic, and it was essential for them to be attended to. - Witness put the signal to "clear" after having seen PENNY standing away from the points. It was PENNY'S duty to look out for oncoming trains. - At the time witness was also engaged with five other trains. He heard PENNY shouting "Whoa," and rushed to the window, but by then the train had stopped. It had started up easily. The pointes were eventually made right by PENNY'S mate. Before this, trains could only have passed going in one direction. - Mr Gregory (A.S.L.E. and F., representing the driver and fireman of the train): Is it a regulation that any man working on the line had to provide for his own safety? - Witness: Yes. - If you are not informed of a particular danger, then you are not responsible? - No. - How many lever movements would you have in eight hours? - An average of 400 an hour. - Engine Driver's Evidence. - Cecil Richards of Plymouth, the engine driver, who was proceeding from Newton Abbot to Laira, said he had slowed down to five miles an hour when the danger signal was taken off. After passing the signal he felt something unusual under the wheel. He remarked to his mate, "Whatever is that?" and applied the brake and then heard a shout. The train stopped with 100 to 120 feet. - The Coroner: Did you see anything or anybody on the line? - Witness: Nothing at all. - Mr W. H. White (Foreman of the Jury): When you are stopped do you not blow a whistle when you move again? - It is not customary to give a warning when you are slowing down to a signal on a through road. - Mr White: Do engines usually wait for bankers there? - No, further outside the Station. - Mr Gregory: That is accounted for by the fact that one of the points was out of order.- The fireman would be on the look-out, provided he was not otherwise necessarily engaged. - Robert W. Perry, Lipson, Plymouth, the fireman, also gave evidence. - Dr William Howells said that death must have been instantaneous. The body was terribly injured, and the train must have passed over it. - Evidence of identification was given by a son, JOHN HENRY JAMES PENNY, who said his father had good hearing and eyesight.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 November 1929
PLYMOUTH - Mason's Fall From Scaffold. Death After Accident Two Years Ago. - The story of an accident to a Plymouth workman two years ago was related at the Inquest yesterday on HENRY JOHN DODD, aged 49, of Williams-avenue, Prince Rock, Plymouth, a mason, formerly in the employ of Messrs. A. N. Coles and Son, Ltd. - After hearing the evidence the Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - MARY LOUISE DODD, widow, stated that while her husband was at work he met with an accident, for which he was treated at the Hospital. He had done no work since. Previous to the accident he had been a healthy man. A fortnight ago he seemed to lose his speech and his strength went. - William Charles Roberts, of Longbrooke-street, Plympton, a carpenter, said that on August 30, 1927, he was employed by Messrs. A. N. Coles and Son, Ltd., as general foreman in charge of the rebuilding of an Hotel in Athenaeum-lane. As DODD was starting to work on a chimney-breast, he slipped from the scaffolding and fell across the joist and injured his right shoulder. Witness sent him to the Central Hospital. DODD did not return to work again. - Dr E. A. Travers Stubbs said he was called to attend DODD shortly after the accident. His right shoulder was injured and he was unable to move it. He had attended DODD from the time of the accident up to the date of his death. DODD had never recovered from the effect of the injury. On November 11 he found DODD had lost his speech and the use of the right arm and leg. There was a certain amount of paralysis. - From a post-mortem the heart appeared to be in a state of fatty degeneration. The cause of death was acute nephritis, while there was also a uraemic condition and aortitis. Either one of these conditions would be sufficient to cause death. The causes of death were indirectly accelerated by the accident. - Dr H. G. Ludolf said that he had examined DODD two years ago, when he met with the accident. DODD was of the type to which witness said he would not be surprised if he suffered from fatty degeneration of the heart. The verdict recorded was that DODD died from acute nephritis, uraemia and acute aortitis, indirectly accelerated by an injury to the right shoulder, due to having accidentally fallen from a scaffold on which he was working. - Mr Carlile Davis appeared on behalf of Messrs. A. N. Coles and Son and Mr G. H. Wyatt, secretary, on behalf of the National Federation of Building Trades Operatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 November 1929
PLYMOUTH - Kitchen Tragedy. Inquest On 15-Months-Old Child At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on BARBARA JOAN FOSTER, aged 15 months, daughter of ERNEST JOHN FOSTER, chief petty officer in the Royal Navy. - Mrs Louisa Knox said MRS BEATRICE FOSTER, the mother of the child, was her niece and lived with her at Manor-street. On Thursday last they were in the kitchen with the baby, which witness placed on a rug in front of the fire while she went to get things for the dinner from the shelf. To reach them she had to stand on a chair. Getting down from the chair witness touched something with her foot, and on looking round saw it was the baby, who had crawled from the rug and got underneath the table by the chair. - Witness realized that in order to avoid stepping on the child she would have to throw herself from the chair away from the baby. In doing so the chair fell on the baby, the back of the chair striking the child on the forehead. - Mrs Maud Mary Trewin, who was in the room at the time, gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Thomas Harrison Carr, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said that the child was unconscious when admitted and an operation was not deemed advisable. The cause of death was fracture of the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Widow Drowned. Torpoint Woman Who Was Depressed.- A sailor's home-coming, only to discover that his mother was dead, was described at an Inquest held by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who returned a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning whilst of Unsound Mind," yesterday on ROSINA ALICE GILBERT, widow of a naval pensioner, aged 62, who had lived at 6 Trelawny-terrace, Torpoint. - FREDERICK JAMES ELLIS GILBERT, leading seaman, H.M.S. Watchman, of the Atlantic Fleet, said that his ship arrived at Devonport on Sunday afternoon and he immediately proceeded to his home at Torpoint. - On reaching the house he found the front door locked, and he entered by the back door, which was unfastened. His mother was not there and he learnt from his brother-in-law, RALPH HUTCHINGS, who came just afterwards, that he had not seen her. - Found Drowned. - Mrs Snell, a neighbour, told him she had noticed the lights burning in his mother's house until midnight on Saturday, which was very unusual and he made inquiries of the Police, who informed him that a woman answering the description of MRS GILBERT had been found drowned, and the body was lying at the Devonport Mortuary. He subsequently identified the body. - He last saw his mother alive over two months ago. For three years she had suffered from frequent fits of depression and melancholia since her husband's death, and had been under medical care. - RALPH HUTCHINGS, postman, 44 Wilton-street, Stoke, said he visited his mother-in-law a fortnight ago, when she was in a low mental condition. - Body In Lake. - Mrs Edith Snell, Torpoint, stated that she had known MRS GILBERT to be very strange in her mind for some years. - William Coyte, licensed boatman, Mutton Cove, Devonport, said that at 9.30 on Sunday morning he was returning from H.M.S. Erebus when he saw the body of a woman in the water at the mouth of Millbrook Lake. He took it to Devonport, where it was removed by Constable Sture to the Mortuary. - Dr J. Mason deposed that death was due to drowning, and in returning the verdict stated, the Coroner declared there was clear evidence that the dead woman had been of unsound mind for many years. It was a very sad home-coming for the son.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 December 1929
PAIGNTON - Priest's Death On Beach. Torbay Mystery Unsolved. Coroner's Comment At Paignton Inquest. - Recording a verdict of "Found Drowned" at the Inquest at Paignton yesterday on REV. JAS. FREDERICK PERRY, a Roman Catholic priest, of Arcadia, Marine Gardens, Paignton, whose body was found on the sands at Preston on Saturday, the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, added that the deceased was probably drowned accidentally. - It was, he said, impossible to say how he came to be drowned. It was his custom to go to the beach to collect specimens, and it was not difficult to imagine that while doing this he had a sudden attack of giddiness, which might have come on without any organic disease. He might have fallen into the water in such a position that before he could recover he was drowned. - Henry Robert Hodgkinson, solicitor, of Birmingham, said deceased was aged about 63. He had been in Paignton about four years, had retired from active duty, but occasionally took a service. Witness last saw him on Saturday, October 12. Witness had known him intimately for 40 years, and was cognisant of his private affairs. - Capt. Percival Joseph Lillis, of Arcadia, Marine Gardens, Preston, said that deceased resided with him for several months. Previously he was in a Nursing Home in Paignton. He very often visited the seashore. He collected various specimens from the sea and examined them under a microscope in the house. Last week he appeared to be slightly upset. From his conversation witness gathered that this was due to money matters. Witness spent Friday afternoon and evening with him at the house and he was then most jocular. Witness saw him on Saturday morning. He left the house about ten minutes past eight, and returned at ten minutes to nine, as it was raining. Five minutes later he went out again as the rain had cleared. That was the last time witness saw him. - "Appeared To Be Troubled." - The Coroner: So that up to the time you last saw him there was nothing abnormal in his manner or talk? - No.- He was getting a little less sleep and was probably worrying about money? - Yes. - Replying to Mr Hodgkinson, Capt. Lillis said there was no need for FATHER PERRY to worry about money; there was no shortage. - Mrs Lillis, wife of the last witness, stated that FATHER PERRY was apparently troubled on Thursday and Friday about money matters. Witness called him for breakfast at 7.30 on Saturday morning, and he then appeared to be very shaky. When he had had breakfast he said he was going to the sea front. - Dr Adams, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to drowning. There was nothing to suggest why he should have fallen into the water. The lungs were expanded, which would suggest there had been resistance to the water. - By Mr Hodgkinson: He might have become giddy and fallen down. - Reginald S. Stent, an ex-Metropolitan Police Officer, stated that at 10 o'clock on Saturday morning he was walking along Preston sea front and saw a body in the water. The body was face downwards on the sands and the receding tide was washing over it. Witness dragged the body from the water and sent for a Police Officer. - The Coroner: It is extraordinary for a person to get in the water there and not be seen by anybody. If there is an open space it is Preston Beach. There is nothing to obscure vision. - By Mr Hodgkinson: The body was not floating.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Sequel To Kindly Act. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Greenbank House yesterday on MARY ANN DOYLE, aged 85, a widow. - The deceased lived at Albert Cottage, Bramley-road, Laira, and on November 4, while in the yard, saw some kittens on the roof. She went to lift them down, fearing they would fall, but herself slipped, fracturing her thigh. - She was taken to the Infirmary, where death subsequently took place from shock caused by the injury.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Widow's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, Plymouth City Coroner, at the Inquest yesterday on MARY WHEATON, a widow, aged 85, of 61 King-gardens, who died on Thursday following injuries received from a fall in her room. - FLORENCE WHEATON said her mother was sitting by the fire, and getting up from the chair she caught her foot in the rug and fell on her thigh. - Dr C. F. Hacker said death was due to hypostatic congestion of the lungs following a fracture of the thigh.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 December 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Scalds. Stonehouse Child's Fall Into Saucepan. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday at the Military Families' Hospital, Devonport, on MERVYN JOHN CHARMAN, aged 2 years, of East-street, Stonehouse, who died at the Hospital on Thursday as the result of scalds. - HELENA FREDA CHARMAN, wife of WILLIAM J. CHARMAN, private in the 2nd Dorset Regt., said on November 25 she was boiling some clothes in a large saucepan, and placed it on the floor. The child was playing in the room, and by some means fell backwards into the saucepan, while her back was turned and badly scalded his right thigh. He was conveyed to the Central Hospital, but the next morning, through a misunderstanding, he was brought home and seemed quite cheerful, and witness did not think, on account of his mood, he could have been so very bad. Later Dr Leah saw the child and advised Hospital treatment. - Dr Campbell McQueen said that when admitted deceased was found to be suffering from extensive scalds. He attributed the immediate cause of death to septic absorption due to scalding.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 December 1929
PLYMOUTH- Thrown Against Kerb. Plymouth Inquest Story Of A Street Fatality. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest held at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, on CELIA HODGES LUSCOMBE, aged 76, widow of HARRY LUSCOMBE, osier grower, Bridge-cottage, Laira, who died as the result of an accident when attempting to enter a moving omnibus. - Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, represented the Corporation. - MISS EDNA LUSCOMBE said that deceased, who was her great-aunt, was proceeding with witness to the 'bus stop, and when they were half-way down Marina-terrace a 'bus came into sight. - "My aunt, " continued witness, "let go my arm and rushed forward to catch the 'bus. In doing so she narrowly escaped being knocked over by a cycle. Having crossed the road she caught hold of the 'bus, which had just started, and was flung on the kerb. She was taken in the 'bus to her home. Before the 'bus started witness saw the conductor look up and down the road to see if there were any passengers coming. He did not appear to see MRS LUSCOMBE, because she came down behind the 'bus." - Graham J. White, the 'bus conductor, who resides at Austin-avenue, stated that he saw no one waiting, so he rang the bell for the driver to proceed, but then noticed two persons passing in a hurry behind the vehicle, apparently wanting to board it. Witness stopped the 'bus and heard a thud. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer at Greenbank Infirmary, said MRS LUSCOMBE was admitted suffering from fracture of the left thigh. Death occurred on December 6 from shock and heart failure as a result of the fracture. - The Jury, returning their verdict, attached no blame to anyone.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 10 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Victim Of Worry. Suicide Of Plymouth Woman. - At an Inquest held by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, at Plymouth yesterday, the Jury found that MARION ADELINE STAINES, aged 42, wife of CHARLES ALBERT EDWARD STAINES, postman, and formerly C.P.O. in the Navy, of 56 Glendower-road, Peverell, "Took her life by coal-gas poisoning, while of Unsound Mind." - The husband stated that MRS STAINES had suffered from nervous depression since 1918, and worried over comparatively small matters. For several weeks she had been very unwell, and medically attended, but appeared much brighter on Sunday morning. She again retired to bed, and witness's daughter went to the room to inquire if her mother would like supper. - Artificial Respiration Fails. - As the girl opened the door she saw that the flexible tube leading from the gas bracket in the wall was in the bed and her mother was covered over with the bed-clothes. Witness tried artificial respiration, which was continued for three-quarters of an hour and at once sent for Dr M. Aikman. - The doctor, who attributed death to coal-gas poisoning, stated that MRS STAINES worried about a variety of things, and it was more a case of worry than depression. - The Coroner remarked that the loss of an only boy at the age of 8 1.2 years undoubtedly affected the health of MRS STAINES.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Aged Plymouth Woman's Death After Fall. - An Inquest was held yesterday on SUSAN BISHOP of 8 Bickham Park-road, Peverell, aged 94, widow of LIEUT. EDWIN JAMES BISHOP, R.N. (ret.). - WILLIAM HENRY BISHOP, son of deceased, stated that his mother fell out of bed during the night of November 25 and dislocated her left hip. Dr Sagar was called and MRS BISHOP grew weaker and died yesterday morning. - Dr Sagar attributed death to senile decay, accentuated by dislocation of the left hip. The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 12 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Death After Operation. Inquest At Plymouth On Five-Years-Old Child. - The circumstances attending the death of JOYCE LILIAN HILL, aged five years eleven months, who died under an anaesthetic at the Central Hospital, Plymouth, on Tuesday, December 10, were Inquired into by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. - SYDNEY GUEST HILL, of Grenville-road, Plymouth, said deceased had been suffering from tonsillitis, and on Saturday last she was examined by the school clinic and later by Dr Stubbs, who advised the removal of her tonsils. She was taken to the Central Hospital for the operation. - Dr Henry Guy Ludolf deposed to having performed the operation. The anaesthetic, he said, was properly administered. After the operation had been completed he went into another theatre. When he returned he went over to the child ,and noticed that she was not breathing properly. He at once commenced artificial respiration and continued for half an hour, but the child did not recover. - Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said he made a post-mortem examination of the body of the child, found that the windpipe and lungs and all the air passages were free from obstruction. The liver, he said, was soft and fatty and the thymus thyroid spleen was somewhat enlarged, one of the thymus weighing 31 grams, the normal weight for a child of that age being from 20 to 22 grams. This enlargement, he added, was often the cause of a child dying suddenly for no apparent reason whilst under an anaesthetic. He attributed death to heart failure. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Unemployed Man's Suicide At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held yesterday at the Plymouth Mortuary on SYDNEY GEORGE PIPER, of Wyndham-square, who died as a result of coal-gas poisoning. - Mrs A. M. Rundle, landlady, said that PIPER had been unemployed since last July. She last saw him alive on Saturday when he appeared to be quite normal. On Sunday morning she tried to open the door of the room occupied by deceased, but it was locked on the inside. - P.C. Williams said he was called to the house by Mrs Rundle, and he broke open the door of the room occupied by PIPER. He found three gas jets turned on and the windows closed.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Ladder Fall. Inquest Story Of Ivybridge Roof-Repairing Accident. - At an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, at the Plymouth Mortuary, on JOHN TURNER, aged 49, who resided at 8 Costly-street, Ivybridge, and who died on December 13, following a fall from a ladder, due to the upper part of the ladder breaking, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury, of which Mr J. Leahy was Foreman. - Frank Stockman, mason's labourer, living at the Ivybridge Constitutional Club, said that on December 11 he was working with deceased repairing the roof at Dr Trumper's house in Western-road. They borrowed a ladder from Mrs Vincent, wife of a builder who had a yard practically opposite. Mrs Vincent did not say anything about the ladder being defective. Deceased was on a ladder against the wall, and was in the act of taking a short ladder on to the roof, when the ladder seemed to catch in a slate, and TURNER gave an extra push. The top part of the main ladder from the ground broke, and TURNER was thrown to the ground. - TURNER said "It's all right, Frank, I shall be all right in a minute," but Dr Trumper advised him to go home. - In reply to a question, witness said he estimated the fall about 30 feet. Witness added that the flaw in the ladder could not be seen before it broke. - Henry Blight, builder and undertaker, residing at Oakleigh Villa, Ivybridge, said it was TURNER'S duty to see what ladders would be required, and to make his selection. Witness did not know why he did not come back for another ladder when he found he wanted a longer one. He had no authority from witness to borrow the ladder from Mr Vincent. - Dr M. Axford, Residential Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said deceased was suffering severely from shock, cuts about the face, dislocation of the left shoulder, fracture of the left femur, fractured pelvis and a ruptured bladder. An operation was performed for the latter trouble, but he gradually became worse. Death was due to peritonitis and shock, caused by rupture of the bladder. - Mr H. Clarke. H.M. Inspector of Factories, watched the case, and Mr A. C. F. Windeatt appeared for Messrs. Sincock and Blight.

Western Morning News, Thursday 19 December 1929
PLYMPTON - Lee Moor Fatality. - An Inquest was opened at Plym Bridge yesterday by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone on SYDNEY JOHN CUNDY, of Common Wood Cottage, near Crownhill, who was killed whilst employed at the Lee Moor China Clay Works on Tuesday. - After receiving evidence of identification, the Coroner adjourned the Inquiry until Monday next.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Veteran's Death. - Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at 8 The Esplanade, Plymouth, yesterday on CAPT. WILLIAM SCOTT-WATSON, aged 74, who died on Wednesday, following a fall at his residence last November. - Medical evidence was to the effect that death was due to acute bronchitis and shock, following fracture of the ribs and the Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 December 1929
PLYMOUTH -Plymouth Widow's Death In Fire. Would-Be Rescuers Commended. - "Found Dead, severely burnt, but with no evidence to show the cause of death," was the verdict returned by the Jury yesterday at an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, on MRS MARY LOUISA HUTCHINGS, a widow, aged 79, who resided at 15 Clarence-street, Plymouth. - The fatality occurred on Sunday night just after 7 o'clock. A member of the St John Ambulance Brigade and the Fire Brigade superintendent, after donning special oxygen apparatus, entered one of the upper rooms of the house, where they discovered the body in a charred condition. - Dr Henry Guy Ludolf, Police Surgeon, said the body was burnt to such an extent that the features were quite unrecognizable, and it was impossible for him to say what was the cause of death. - MR RICHARD HARRIS HUTCHINGS, of 12 Tothill-avenue, Plymouth, a fruit and potato merchant, said the deceased was his mother. She lived at 15 Clarence-street, where she was looked after by Mrs Jeffery. He had seen his mother about a month ago. Her general health was good, but she suffered from fainting attacks. Dr Jamieson attended her off and on. - Called From Church. - Mrs Elizabeth Ann Jeffery said she was a widow, and lived in two attics at 15 Clarence-street. MRS HUTCHINGS had lived with her since Easter. She had her own room. MRS HUTCHINGS suffered from rheumatism in her left leg and was not able to move easily. She had had six fainting attacks since Easter. - Last night she (Mrs Jeffery) had left home to attend St Luke's Church. She had left MRS HUTCHINGS sitting in a chair in the middle of the sitting-room beside the table. There was a little fire burning in an open grate, and on the table an oil lamp. About 6.50 witness was called out of church and told that there had been a fire at her house. The first thing she asked was "Where is MRS HUTCHINGS?" - Mr William Henry Mead, superintendent of the City Fire Brigade, said that when informed that an old lady was in the room which was on fire he entered the house and found the attic a roaring furnace. The body was badly charred and she had apparently been dead for some time. - Three or four members of the fire brigade made several efforts to reach the woman, but were driven back by the intense heat and gases which were pouring from the room. As soon as it was possible Superintendent Miller, of the St John Ambulance Brigade, and himself brought her out and she was ultimately conveyed to the Mortuary. - Theory Of The Mishap. - He found no trace of a lamp, but there was a considerable quantity of broken crockery. The walls were not damaged, but all the furniture in the room was burnt. - His theory was that the old lady was sitting beside the table, which was an old fashioned round one, and would easily tip up and that she had been overcome and had leaned heavily on the table, upsetting the lamp which burst into flames. The floor on the spot on which deceased was lying was burnt right through into the ceiling of the room beneath. In returning their verdict, the Jury complimented the fire brigade on their promptness and endeavours to reach the woman. The fire brigade was on the scene three minutes after receiving the call. - Mr Lawrence Spear watched the Inquest on behalf of the owner of the house, Mr Edwin Frost. Sympathy with the three sons was expressed by the Coroner, the Jury, and Mr Spear, on behalf of Mr Frost.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth 'Bus Fatality. Jury And Lighting At Mount Gold Terminus. - The verdict returned by the Jury at the Inquest held at Vauxhall-street yesterday morning by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, to Inquire into the death of MR JAMES MARTIN, a commercial traveller, aged 62, of Sea View-avenue, Plymouth, who was killed in Mount Gold-road on Thursday evening last, was that he met his death by being Accidentally Knocked Down by a 'Bus. - The Jury cast no blame on either driver or conductor, but said that there might be better lighting at that spot, and also that a better administration of the 'buses at that terminus might be arranged, but that they would leave to the discretion of the authorities. - At the spot where the accident occurred the Corporation 'buses enter Archway-avenue, and, after discharging their passengers, back out into Mount Gold-road to make the return journey to Plymouth. A 'bus in backing on Thursday night knocked MR MARTIN down and he received fatal injuries. - The conductor of the 'bus, Mr Patrick John Horan of 10 Holly-grove, Peverell, said after all the passengers had alighted it was his duty to see that the road was clear for the driver to back the 'bus. He stood on the rear step of the 'bus and looked either way, but could see no one. - He gave the two bells signal to the driver that the road was clear for the 'bus to reverse. It was not his duty to remain on the step all the time, but he must remain in the back of the 'bus under all circumstances. On this occasion he was on the step all the time. The 'bus had gone about half its length when it stopped suddenly, nearly throwing him off the step. - Test By Coroner And Jury. - He went to the front of the 'bus to see what had caused the driver to stop so suddenly, and he heard someone shout: "My God, you have nearly killed the man." - Lying in the road about a foot away from the off front wheel was a man in a doubled-up position. There was a lamp at the entrance to the fever hospital. The back of the 'bus had a large pane of glass which gave him an extensive view. From his point of view the road was clear. - In reply to a question put by the Foreman of the Jury he said he thought that the fault was that it was very dark at that part of the road. - In reply to Mr Woolland, instructed by Messrs. Shelly and Johns and who appeared for the widow, witness asserted that he was looking all the time the 'bus was backing. The lights inside the 'bus had been turned off by the driver, but the rear lights were on and the number light. He had one foot on the platform of the 'bus and one on the step. - The Jury and Coroner then went to the 'bus, which was outside the Court, to see if it was possible for the conductor standing with one foot on the step to see through the rear window of the 'bus. It was found that he could see through the window, but that the corner pillars of the 'bus obscured part of his vision. - Mr Woolland asked the conductor why he did not get off the 'bus and go into the main road to see if there was anyone about, to which the conductor replied that he had been told not to leave the rear of the 'bus, and that was why he had not done so. - Death By Half An Inch. - The driver, Mr William Christopher Roper, gave corroborative evidence. He said that he turned off the lights and raised the curtain behind him. He could see the conductor standing on the step, and that he was looking through the window. He heard someone shout, "You have killed a man," and applied both his brakes, stopping dead. - Mr William Edward Stevens of 165 Mount Gold-road, a passenger on the 'bus, gave evidence of having seen MR MARTIN crossing behind the 'bus. He shouted, but it was almost instantaneous, and MR MARTIN was knocked down. It was very dark at that corner. - Evidence was also given by Mr William Light and Detective Denley, of the City Police Force. - Stating the cause of death Mr Maurice Axford, Resident Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to the rupture of the first large branch of the aorta, which had been pierced by a fractured rib. Although several of the deceased's ribs were fractured, that would not have caused death, only, unfortunately, one of the ribs broke immediately over the main artery. If the rib had broken half an inch further out MR MARTIN would not have been killed. The injury was, in his opinion, a crushing injury, though it might have been caused by a blow. - Sympathy was expressed by the Coroner and Jury with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 December 1929
PLYMPTON - Dangerous Track. Coroner Warns Public At Plympton Inquest. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Plympton yesterday on SIDNEY JOHN CUNDY, Commonwood Cottage, Crownhill, who was killed on the Cann Woods china clay tramway at Plym Bridge, on Tuesday, Mr A. K. Johnstone, the Coroner, said the track was a very dangerous one. People frequented the place in the summer, and he would like to issue a warning to the public generally to keep clear of this track. - One set of trucks ran one way and a similar number were drawn up in the opposite direction. Persons not used to the place might be deceived into thinking that they were safe when the trucks had passed down one way, but they would probably be unprepared for the trucks coming the other way. He wished it to be a warning to all and sundry that the track was dangerous. - Mr R. King, H.M. Inspector of Mines, Devonport; Mr W. E. J. Major, representing the relatives of the deceased, and Mr Meade King, works manager, attended. - Might Have Slipped. - SIDNEY JAMES CUNDY, son of the deceased, said his father was 54 years of age, and on the morning of the accident they were both engaged in plate-laying. His father, who was in his usual state of health and quite jovial, never suffered from giddiness. He had been accustomed to work on the track for over 20 years. Witness did not actually see the accident, but on hearing of it he went to the spot. The wheels of a truck had passed over his father's body long ways. - Replying to Mr King, witness said he could not account for deceased not leaving the track when he must have known the wagons were coming towards him. - Replying to Mr Major, witness said deceased might have slipped in his effort to get off the track. - Samuel James Penwill, of Collard-cottages, Shaugh, brakesman, employed by the company, calculated the total weight of the trucks which passed over deceased as 22 tons. Witness was 500 yards distant from the scene of the accident. Deceased had evidently been struck in the back. - By Mr Major: Deceased was a very careful man, and was always telling people to keep clear of the trucks. - Replying to Mr King, witness said it was a frosty morning, and the sleepers were slippery.

Western Morning News, Friday 27 December 1929
STOKE DAMEREL - Baby Girl's Fate. Devonport Coroner And Fire Danger. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Devonport on Tuesday on a 15-months-old child, which died after being burnt in the room in which it was playing, the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, emphasized the importance of safe-guarding fires in rooms where there were children. Nobody should leave a child in a room where there was an unprotected fire. Indeed, the law was very emphatic in saying that children must not be allowed in a room unattended where there is the slightest danger of catching fire. In this case it was a great pity the mother left the child alone if only for a moment, but, as she was very much distressed, he would say no more, except to offer his deepest sympathy with both her and her husband. - The child was ELIZABETH KATHERINE MCEWAN, daughter of JOHN FAULKNER MCEWAN, leading seaman, R.N., and MRS MCEWAN, of 4 Kemyll-place, Morice Town. According to the mother the child was playing in the room (a furnished room) and she was with it. There was no fire in the grate, but there was a gas ring, which stood inside the fender on the hearth and the gas was burning. The fire was laid and ready to be lit. - The mother left the room for a few moments to do something in the court when her attention was attracted by the screaming of a child. She ran to her room and on the stairs met the child of a neighbour, who was screaming with fright. Approaching her room she saw her baby girl coming towards her in a mass of flames. - She tried her hardest to put the fire out with her hands, but failed. She got a towel and wrapped it tight around the infant and this extinguished the flames. Then she tried to get the clothes off. A neighbour sent for a doctor. She covered the child in carron oil, and she was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital.- Dr Gourlay, House Surgeon, said the child died of shock as the result of burns all over the body. - Elsie Florence Manktelow, wife of a leading seaman, who lives in the same house, said she heard the cry of a baby and going towards MRS MCEWAN'S room, was shocked to see the baby walking towards her with her clothes all alight. The theory was that the child took some of the paper from the grate and lit it at the gas ring.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Skull Fracture. Plymouth Man's Fatal Fall Downstairs. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, after hearing the evidence of witnesses at an Inquest held at Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, yesterday, to Inquire into the death of ALFRED JAMES PARR, a dairyman, aged 54, of 191 Beaumont-road, Plymouth, who was killed by falling down 13 stairs at his residence on Monday, December 23. - Alma Ida Sherrell, a general dealer, of the same address, said that she last saw deceased alive at 7.20 p.m. on Monday, when he went to the bathroom to change his clothes. A few minutes later she heard a thud, and she and Miss Williams, an assistant in the shop, rushed out and found him lying face downwards at the bottom of the stairs. She asked him if he was all right, and he replied, "Don't worry, I shall be all right presently." - Mr Harwood, a neighbour, came and assisted them to put him into an armchair. For about 15 minutes he seemed better. Later she noticed a change in him and sent for Dr Gauld, who came at midnight and pronounced life extinct. - Dr Edgar Reuben Gauld said he arrived at 191 Beaumont-road at midnight on Monday, and found MR PARR dead. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage caused by a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 December 1929
NEWTON ABBOT - Motor Cycle Tragedy. Newton Inquest On Victim Of Kingsteignton Collision. - Mr George Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, yesterday opened an Inquest at Newton Abbot on LEWIS REGINALD HOLWILL, aged 17, of Golvers-hill, Kingsteignton, who died in Newton Abbot Hospital on Thursday where he was admitted after his motor cycle had come into collision at Kingsteignton with a motor car driven by Miss M. F. Hewlitt, of Hermonda Nursing Home, Landscore-road, Teignmouth, on December 1. - The only evidence taken was of identification, which was given by the father, GEORGE THOMAS HOLWILL. 

Western Morning News, Monday 30 December 1929
PLYMOUTH -Plymouth Tragedy. Man's Death Through Gas Poisoning. - JAMES ALFRED S. WARE, aged 48, single, horse driver, of Moon-street, Plymouth, was found dead in his bedroom at 5.30 on Saturday morning , and at an Inquest which was held later in the morning at the Mortuary, the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, recorded a verdict that death was due to coal-gas poisoning, without sufficient evidence to show whether the inhalation was accidental or otherwise. - ELIZABETH WARE, mother of the deceased, and who lived at the same address, said at 5.30 a.m. she went to her son's room and found him apparently dead. When she went to the room the door was ajar and the window open about three inches. There was a gas meter in the room and also a bracket. She noticed a smell of gas. She found the taps apparently turned off, but they might have been slightly turned on, and there might have been an escape of gas. - Her son had been depressed since he lost his brother about a fortnight ago. She had never heard him threaten to take his life, and so far as she knew he had nothing to worry about. - A detailed examination of the gas pipes and fittings by experts revealed no defects and there was no letter left by deceased which would indicate the state of his mind.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 December 1929
PLYMOUTH - Fall Down Stairs. Boxing-Day Fatality At Plymouth. - Details of a Boxing-day fatality were revealed at an Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at Greenbank House yesterday on WALTER SCOBLE, aged 81, an old-age pensioner and formerly a mason's labourer, of 51 Cotehele-avenue, Prince Rock, Plymouth. - Evidence showed that the deceased went to visit his son at 50 Embankment-road on Thursday afternoon. After entering the house he walked through the passage and fell down a flight of stairs. He was described as very active for his age. - Dr Millicent Fox said that when admitted to the Institution deceased was unconscious and had small lacerations of the scalp and left ear and was suffering from concussion. A post-mortem examination showed that death was caused by shock following cerebral haemorrhage. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.