Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

1923

Taken from the Western Times 
and the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette

[Printed in Exeter]

Inquests

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.

Provided by Lindsey Withers

[No's in brackets indicate the number of times that name occurs]

Names Included:  Allan; Allen(2); Anderson; Baglow; Baigent; Baker; Ball; Barclay; Bastin; Batstone; Billett; Blatchford; Box; Boyes; Bradford; Breyley; Bromell; Burroughs; Butler; Callicott; Carew; Carnall; Carnell; Carter; Cheriton; Clare; Cobley; Cockram; Cole; Coles; Collins; Copp; Crocker(2); Davis; Down; Edwards(2); Elson; Evans(2); Farleigh; Farley; Fisher; Follett; Ford; Foster; Francis; Friend; Furze; Futer; Groom; Hall; Hamlyn; Harby; Harris(6); Harvey; Hawkins; Heal; Hearn; Hill; Hillman; Horne; Hoskins; Hunt; Hutchings; Jones; Judd; Kingwell; Lamacraft(2); Laurence; Lee(3); Lewis; Lovell; Lugg; Luxton(3); Macarthy; Mackie; Marsh; Marshall; Martin; May; Melhuish; Milford; Millington; Morgan; Nicholls; Norman(2); Oke; Palmer; Parkhouse; Parr(2); Parsons; Pearce; Peard; Peat; Perryman; Ponsford; Potter; Quick; Rattenbury; Redman; Reed; Rew(2); Reynolds; Richards; Roberts; Rooks; Rowe(2); Sampson; Sanders; Squire; Staddon; Stentiford; Stevens(2); Surridge; Talbot; Tallyn; Thomas; Thresher; Tincombe; Tope; Tozer; Tregale; Treloar; Tucker(3); Warren; Webster; Weeks(2); Wellaway; Wellington; Western; White; Whitfield; Wilkin; Williams; Wood; Woodhouse; Wright; Wyatt.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 January 1923
EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" at an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of MARK REW, a farm labourer, aged 78, who died at the house of his daughter, 20 Clifton-street, Exeter, on January 1st. Dr Lovely attributed death to apoplexy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 5 January 1823
TEIGNMOUTH - MRS KITTY KINGWELL, who resided with her son-in-law and daughter, MR and MRS G. HEALTH, at Northumberland Place, fell over the table while getting up to have her supper, knocked her head and died the following day. Dr F. W. Morton Palmer considered that the blow hastened her death, and at the Inquest held by Mr T. Edmonds, a verdict was recorded that deceased, who was 76 years of age, died from heart failure, accelerated by the fall.

Western Times, Friday 5 January 1923
LONDON - Bideford Man Dies Under Anaesthetic In London. - News has been received of the death in a Nursing Home in London, where he went to undergo an operation, of MR W. B. PICKARD, a well known and highly respected resident of Bideford, where for many years he carried on the business of painter and decorator in High-street. MR PICKARD, who was 64 years of age, was the head of a family of talented instrumentalists and was for a long period a prominent figure in local musical circles, conducting many concerts for charitable causes in the district and on many occasions providing a complete orchestra from his own household. He was also up to the outbreak of the war one of the leading pigeon fanciers in the country, making a speciality of short-faced tumblers. He was a judge at the Crystal Palace and Dairy Shows, and had been appointed specialist judge for this year's Olympic Show. He was S.W. of the Bideford Lodge of Freemasons. MR PICKARD, who had been in failing health for some years, leaves a widow, three sons (two of whom are prominently identified with North Devon Association football) and two daughters. MR RALPH PICKARD, Chairman of the Devon and Cornwall and Kingsley District Leagues, and of the J. H. Reed Cup Competition, a member of the Council of the Devon County Football Association and the North Devon Area Committee and Mr Wilfred Pickard (Hon Secretary of the Devon and Cornwall League). A fourth son, Percy, died in August last. - A verdict of "Death by Misadventure" was recorded at the inquest, held on Monday. Death occurred after MR PICKARD had been under ether and stovaine for thirteen minutes and was ascribed to syncope from fatty degeneration of the heart, following the shock of the operation.

PLYMOUTH - Pathetic Farewell Message Of A Newton Abbot Suicide. - A last message of a pathetic character was read at an Inquest held at Plymouth, on Tuesday, on the body of FRANK PERRYMAN, depot manager of the Shell Mex Oil Company, Plymouth, who was discovered on Saturday morning lying face downward in the scullery of his house in a pool of blood, with a blood-stained razor by his side. Deceased was formerly of Newton Abbot, where he was well-known. The farewell message read, "I can't stand the strain any longer. My depot work is all wrong and the climax must come. I can't write anything else. Forgive daddy for what he is doing." It was stated that deceased had been in the employ of the Company for seven years. Since the tragedy it had been discovered that there were defalcations in deceased's accounts, amounting to more than £100. - A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 10 January 1923
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned by the Exeter Coroner at an Inquest at 5 High-street, Exeter, yesterday, on MRS ELLEN PEDWICK PONSFORD, aged 70, of that address. Dr E. S. Pollock, whose patient deceased had been for 22 years, attributed death to syncope, caused by the inefficiency of the lungs and kidneys.

EXETER - Tradesman's Suicide. 12 Gas Jets Turned On. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Exeter Coroner (Mr W. Linford Brown) at an Inquest yesterday, on REGINALD WALLACE ROBERTS, aged 43, boot and shoe maker of 83 Paris-street, Exeter, who was found dead in his workroom by an employee at 7.10 a.m. on Monday. - LESLIE C. G. PHIPPEN, of 83 Paris-street, stepson, said deceased had been in ill-health for some time, presumably from haemorrhage. He had been depressed for the past fortnight. Deceased had some financial troubles, but never threatened to take his life. He followed his usual habits on Sunday, and, as far as witness knew, had no drink that day, although he used to take a lot of drink. - Edwin Loosemore, an employee of deceased, who had worked in the business for many years, said he had heard deceased threaten to take his life, but that was three years ago. When witness went into the workshop on Monday morning he saw MR ROBERTS lying on the floor and, thinking he was asleep, said "Hullo REG; what are you doing now?" He received no reply, and concluded that his employer was dead. Deceased was lying on his stomach, with a coat over his head. Witness also found a piece of gas tubing, near the body, and there was a strong smell of gas. - MRS ROBERTS said she had been married about ten years. Deceased was a very bright man, but he had suffered from haemorrhage during the past four months. He had business worries, but nothing that he could not overcome. She endorsed the evidence of the two previous witnesses. - P.C. Graham deposed to finding deceased lying on the floor with a coat over his head and a piece of tubing which was attached to a gas jet, lying about six inches from deceased's mouth. He found 12 gas jets turned on. - Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to coal gas poisoning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 16 January 1923
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, conducted an Inquest at St Thomas Poor-Law Institution, Exeter, yesterday, relative to the death of ALICE REDMAN, a single woman, aged 55, who had been an inmate for 15 years. The evidence showed that on December 17th last deceased, when sitting in a chair in front of the fire, had a fit to which she had been subject, and, falling, broke both bones of her right leg. She was seen by Dr Black, and appeared to progress favourably until the 5th inst., when she lapsed into a state of semi-consciousness and died last Saturday. Death was attributed to epileptic coma hastened by the fracture of the leg. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Times, Friday 19 January 1923
SOURTON - Worried By Ill Health. Son Shoots Himself During Mother's Absence. Sourton Farm Tragedy. - A verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned at the Inquest held at Sourton on HERBER JAMES HILL, aged 26, son of MR and MRS W. J. HILL, of Tor Farm, and late of Hay Farm, Ashwater. - It appears that the deceased, who had been a semi-invalid for many years, developed tubercular trouble, and this preyed on his mind. - On Tuesday, MRS HILL left the house to welcome home her married daughter at the Courtelage and during her and during her absence deceased made a determined and successful attempt on his life. - P.C. Collins, of Bridestowe, told the Coroner that he found deceased sitting in an armchair in the kitchen. The top of his head was completely blown away, and a single-barrelled gun was between his legs. A poker, 18 inches long, on the floor, was covered with blood. - Dr Jameson, of Okehampton, said that deceased suffered from a weak heart, as well as from tuberculosis.

CLIFTON, GLOUCESTERSHIRE - Death In Bathroom. Westward Ho! Boy's Sad End: The Geyser Criticised. - GEORGE TETLEY JEFFERSON, aged 16, late under-graduate at Bristol University, whose home was at Hill Top, Westward Ho! was found dead in the bathroom at Mortimer House, Clifton, on Sunday morning, death having resulted from carbon monoxide poisoning. When found in the bathroom, it was discovered that the pilot tap of the geyser was alight and the window shut. A plumber, who gave evidence at Tuesday's Inquest, said he had never heard of anyone having a bath without ventilation. - Mr James Garnett, uncle of the deceased, said he considered it a senseless thing to install a geyser that either poisoned one with a closed window, or gave one pneumonia when open. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to Carbon Monoxide, and added a rider that cards of instruction on the use of the geyser should have been nailed to the walls of the bathroom at the University Hostel. - Arising out of the inquest, Dr Davie, Medical Officer of Health, has made strong representations to the Health Committee. He pointed out that deaths frequently arose from this cause and until it was made a penal offence for any tradesman to fix any such apparatus without proper and efficient flue to take off the products of combustion, these deaths would continue. This gas, he pointed out, was one of the most dangerous of poison gases. It was high time it was made illegal to install these heaters without proper supervision and ventilation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 January 1923
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest on SARAH LEE, aged 78, of 13 Atwills Almshouses, Exeter, held there by the City Coroner yesterday. Dr H. T. Depree attributed death to heart failure, accelerated by gastric trouble.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 26 January 1923
YARCOMBE - Nurse Censured At Yarcombe. - At an Inquest on the body of LAVINIA LOUISA RATTENBURY, wife of a Yarcombe blacksmith, who died from puerperal sepsis and peritonitis twelve days after the birth of her child, the Coroner (Dr Tweed) censured an unregistered nurse for not sending for a doctor. - According to the evidence, in November the deceased consulted Mrs Bowdage, an unregistered nurse, who had attended her during two previous confinements. Mrs Bowdage told her that she did not intend to go out again on these cases. The deceased thereupon engaged Mrs Cousins, another unregistered nurse, but as she was at Brendon, in North Devon, on the day of the confinement, MR RATTENBURY called Mrs Bowdage. Mrs Cousins arrived the following day. Dr Jameson of Churchingford, was not called until two days after the birth. - Mrs Bowdage, in evidence, said deceased objected to a doctor being called. Pressed by the Coroner, witness said she did not remember having been warned by Miss Booker, Superintendent of Midwives for the County, against attending such cases without a doctor. - Dr Jameson said a month previous deceased had a septic finger and he noticed one of the children with septic spots on the head. - The Coroner, after censuring Mrs Bowdage, said the county authorities would probably take the matter up.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 31 January 1923
EXETER - Dazzle Lights. Inquest Story. Exeter Motor Fatality. - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Exeter Coroner, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, last evening, relative to the death of a shop porter, GEORGE FOSTER, aged 62, of 5 Rackfield-place, Alphington-street, Exeter, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Sunday following injuries received the previous evening in a motor accident at Exeter. - Mr H. T. Michelmore represented the employers of deceased (Messrs. Smith and Wilcocks, Exeter) and the relatives, while Mr M. J. McGahey appeared for the driver of the car, Mr A. Burgess, of the Castle Hotel, Bradninch. - ROBERT FOSTER, Chapel House, Magdalen-road, Exeter, labourer, identified the body. - Edwin Hawkins, Alma-place, Heavitree, deposed that he was below the tram terminus in Pinhoe-road about 20 minutes to 7 on Saturday evening, when he saw a car coming up the road at about twelve miles an hour. He thought it had one headlight and two sidelights. Another car was coming down the hill. The latter had rather bright lights and he thought both cars gave warning of their approach. In front of witness was a man with a hand-barrow. The up-coming car appeared to strike the side of the barrow, which was pointing across the road. Witness helped to pick up the barrow driver, who was unconscious. He was lying a few yards away from the barrow. - By Mr P. S. Telling (Foreman of the Jury): The car had quite sufficient light to see deceased. - A boy of 14 years, Reginald Donald Cole, 224 Pinhoe-road, gave evidence to the effect that he saw a man pushing a barrow on his left-hand side, fairly close to the hedge. The lights on the car proceeding up the hill were not very bright, but those of the other were much stronger. They were just about to pass when the up-coming car hit the man and the barrow. It seemed to him that the man was walking straight. - "Dazzled Me." - James Garfield Alford, Whipton Barton, Whipton, said he drove a Bean car, with fairly bright lights, down Pinhoe-road last Saturday at a speed of 15 miles per hour. He saw the other car coming towards him, but could not judge its speed. He saw nothing else in the road until the other car got to something which he could not clearly see. The lights of his car did not light up the object in the road. The up-coming car, as it struck the object, swerved to the right and nearly collided with witness. The driver of the other car afterwards said to him, "Your lights dazzled me," or words to that effect. There was no light on the barrow. - By Mr McGahey: It was a strange fact that with his powerful lights he did not "pick up" the man and barrow. He agreed that very bright headlights were very bad on the road. - Mrs Jessie Osborne, Little West, Bradninch, an occupant of the car driven by Mr Burgess, said that after passing beneath the railway bridge in Pinhoe-road she saw the other car coming, but nothing else until there came a "crash." Witness screamed. She heard no shout. - Arthur Burgess, the driver of the car, having been warned, elected to give evidence and stated that when he started from Bradninch he had burning two side-lights and two headlights. He was travelling about 15 miles an hour when he passed under the bridge, but slowed down when he saw the other car approaching him. He noticed nothing in front of him and when the collision occurred he did not know what he had bumped into. The left lamp was smashed by the impact. It was a mystery to him where the man came from, but witness thought he must have come from the hedge. He could pull up his car in six feet. He denied saying to Alford that he was dazzled by the latter's lights. - By Mr Michelmore: The lights did dazzle him, but he could see the road ahead of him. - P.S. Bishop deposed to examining the road and tracing where the surface had been torn about six feet from the hedge. - Mrs L. Hawkes, of Bradninch, another occupant of the car, who was sitting in the front with Burgess, also gave evidence that she saw nothing on the road in front of them prior to the accident. The lights of the other car dazzled her eyes very much. - Dr J. H. Dick, House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased never regained consciousness. He was badly bruised, had concussion and a broken collar-bone and died the next morning. A fracture at the base of the skull was the cause of death. - The Coroner remarked that he thought it a great pity that everyone on the road was not bound to have a light, as if this poor unfortunate man had had one he must have been seen. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from all blame. They thought the accident was partly due to the dazzling headlights of the down-coming car.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 February 1923
EXETER - Citizen's Sudden Death. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, yesterday, on MR ALFRED M. LAURENCE, aged 78, pianoforte tuner, 18 Pennsylvania-road, who died suddenly in the booking hall of Queen-street, Station on Thursday morning. - MR A. E. LAURENCE, deceased's son, residing at Liverpool, said he had not seen his father for three years, but he knew his heart was weak. - A porter in the employ of the Southern Railway Company, Mr A. G. Newberry, said MR LAURENCE collapsed and died without saying anything. - William Elliot gave evidence that he tried artificial respiration without success. - Dr P. Gray attributed death to heart failure. - A verdict of "Death from natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 14 February 1923
NEWTON POPPLEFORD - Motor Fatality. Driver Censured. - Mr C. N. Tweed, East Devon Coroner, held an Inquest at the Drill Hall, Newton Poppleford, yesterday, on the body of DANIEL JOSEPH CLARE, 24, a clerk, who resided with his widowed mother at the Council Cottages, Newton Poppleford, and who was knocked down by a motor car on Saturday evening and died as a result of the injuries he sustained. - Mr M. J. McGahey (Messrs. Dunn and Baker, Exeter) represented Mr Ernest Hermon Sampson, commission agent, of 56 Elmside, Bath-road, Exeter, the driver of the car, while Mr W. F. Thomas, Ottery St Mary, appeared for the relatives of the dead man. Inspector J. Bastin and Sergt. Bugler watched the proceedings on behalf of the Police. - WILLIAM PHILIP CLARE, Buddle-lane, Exeter, gave evidence of identification and said his brother was in the habit of cycling daily to work at Sidmouth. - Mrs Tryphena Ponsford, Harpford, said that last Saturday evening, between 9 and 9.30, she was standing at the corner by the Turk's Head Inn, Newton Poppleford, with three other women; when a car came along, proceeding in the direction of Exeter. Its speed was fast, and she heard no hooter sounded. It seemed to swerve to the right, and touched witness's arm as it passed. Witness said "That was a narrow shave." - Crash And Bang. - The car then seemed to swerve again and collided with a wall. She heard a crash and a bang. One of the women screamed. Witness saw the latter was all right and then ran to the car. She saw deceased lying against the wall. His bicycle was resting on him. Witness saw that he was dead. He had been hit on the head and his brain was protruding. The right front wheel of the car was against the wall and the car itself was facing Sidmouth. Witness ran for the Police, and asked someone to go for a nurse. Witness did not see anyone in the car. - By Mr McGahey: It was a dark night. She never saw the cyclist until after the accident. One of the car tyres might have burst. It was all over in an instant. She no sooner saw the car than it was into the wall. - In answer to Inspector Bastin, Mrs Ponsford said one of the women with her had a light. - By the Foreman of the Jury (Mr Cox): She could not remember whether the car slackened speed after brushing her arm. - Mrs Ada Louise Roberts, wife of the landlord of the Turk's Head Inn, one of the women with the last witness, said she saw CLARE riding his bicycle from the bar corner to get to the left side of the road leading to Exeter. He had a light. He crossed the road and wished her "Good night." Deceased was riding steadily. A car "whizzed past," and the next thing she heard was the smashing of glass. She turned and saw the car against the wall. Witness thought the car was going too fast around the corner. this did not strike her as being unusual, as cars went at such a rate. She did not hear a hooter sounded. - By Mr Thomas: If a hooter had been sounded she would have heard it. There was a gas lamp on the bicycle. There had been continued complaints as to the speed of cars through the village and especially round that particular corner. - Reg. Charles William Roberts, landlord of the Turk's Head Inn, said deceased came into his bar on Saturday night to call for his football paper, as was his custom. He had nothing to drink, but stayed about ten minutes talking to witness and the company. Almost as soon as he had gone out of the front door witness heard his wife scream. He ran out into the passage and his wife said to him "A car has gone into Mrs Bray's house." Witness said, "That's the best place for him to go if he hasn't got any sense." Witness went to the scene. - "Steering Gear Gone Wrong." - Frederick Greenaway said he heard someone, whom he thought to be the driver of the car, say "The steering gear is gone wrong". Several people were moving the car away from the wall. - Reginald Tozer, gardener, said he heard a car come up the road from the direction of Sidmouth, a tyre burst and a crash. He ran out and saw the car outside the door of Mrs Bray's house. The right-hand front wheel was against the wall. Deceased was jammed between his bicycle and the wall. The driver was out of the car, but he said nothing to witness. - By Mr McGahey: Witness saw the driver take off the brake after the accident and change a gear. - Mrs F. Tozer also deposed to hearing no hooter sounded. - Sidney Holmes, postman at Ottery St Mary, spoke of hearing brakes being applied to an approaching car and the bang of a tyre bursting and to seeing a car swerving across the road. As the lights flashed towards the left he saw a man on a bicycle in front of the car. The latter shot forward and carried the man and the cycle with it against the wall. - By Mr McGahey: It was the right-hand rear-wheel tyre that had burst. The car then swung round. - In answer to Inspector Bastin, witness said he heard no hooter sounded. He did not see the cyclist until after the car had turned round. - Mrs Holmes corroborated the evidence given by Mrs Ponsford and added that she had a lantern in her hand. - P.S. Bugler said it should be explained that it was quite possible the driver of the car saw the light of the lantern and that it might have made him go to the other side. - "Quite a Mystery." - P.C. Endicott said he was called to the scene of the accident by Mrs Ponsford, and found deceased dead. The owner and driver of the car were perfectly sober. He said to witness, "I can't understand how the accident happened. The cyclist seemed to cut right in front of me, but I never touched a man. It is quite a mystery, but I would bet a thousand pounds that my car never touched a man". He repeated this later to P.S. Bugler when he arrived. Witness examined the car and found that the glass of the off side head-lamp had been broken, and on the off front wheel was blood, human hair and brains. The driver's attention was called to this, and he said "I can't understand it." He had no driver's license on him at the time, but one was produced the next day. - By Mr McGahey: The driver told him (witness) he could do what he liked with the car, as he shouldn't want it any more. Witness thought the car passed a pot-hole when the tyre burst and there was a mark on the macadam towards the wall where the rim had scraped the road. - Dr W. C. Campbell (Sidmouth) said death was caused by fracture of the skull and must have been instantaneous. - P.S. Bugler said he had examined the road. The off front wheel mark was in the centre, showing that the car must have been on the left side of the road at the Turk's Head Inn. Then it seemed to bear to the right until the spot where the women were standing, where it was five feet from the right-hand side. Then the marks bore to the left again, until it came to a pot-hole. Here it seemed as though the tyre had burst and traces were left of a naked rim. This hole was 8ft. 6in. from the near side of the road. The width of the road was 15ft. - Ernest Hermon Sampson said he had been driving a car for twelve months. He had a perfectly clean license. On the day in question he had one drink at Sidmouth during the afternoon. His car was a two-seater 1911 Argyle. At about 9.15 p.m. on Saturday he came down the long hill leading to Newton Poppleford in third gear. This was not changed until after the accident. As he came towards the corner he was on his left side. He sounded his hooter three times. When he passed the corner he saw the cyclist bearing towards the middle of the road. Witness's impression was that the deceased was trying to cross to the other side - from left to right. Witness applied both brakes immediately as hard as he could and pulled to the right to avoid the cyclist. Witness bore to the left again and thought he had passed the cyclist. The tyre of his right-hand back wheel burst and the car swung round. - Mr McGahey: Did you know at the moment that anyone had hit you. - Witness: No. - Witness, in reply to further questions, said the accident would not have happened if the tyre had not burst. - Jury's Verdict. - Leonard Stamp, motor mechanic, Cowick-street, Exeter, who was in the car with Mr Sansom at the time of the accident, agreed with the previous witness that the car approached the village at about 12 miles per hour. Mr Sansom sounded the horn more than once. The cyclist was between 4ft. and 6ft. in front of the car and more to his left than right. Mr Sansom swerved to the right to pass him. Witness then caught sight of some people standing on the right side of the road. To avoid these Mr Sansom swerved to the left and at the same time put on his brakes furiously. The right-hand back wheel had evidently caught in a rut. - Cross-examined: The effect of a tyre bursting was to pin the other tyre to the road, and cause the car to turn. Mr Sansom did everything he possibly could to avoid an accident. Mr Sansom was a very cautious driver. Witness would have done exactly as he had done in similar circumstances. - Inspector Bastin said he could not understand why Mr Sansom applied the brakes for 48 yards, after it had passed the women, if he was only travelling at 12 miles an hour. - The Coroner, reviewing the evidence, referred to its conflicting nature and said the Jury would have to determine whether there was any negligence on the part of the driver of the car, and whether the accident was entirely due to the unforeseen circumstances of there being a pot-hole in the road which caused the car to swerve and turn round. They would also have to consider whether the fact that the brakes had to be applied as they were, was consistent with the driver going at 12 miles per hour. If the driver was so negligent as to be the cause of the cyclist's death, it would be a case of manslaughter. - The Jury, after a lengthy consultation in private, returned a verdict as follows:- "We find that the deceased met his death as the result of being knocked from his bicycle by the car. We are of opinion that the driver of the car did not take sufficient care to avoid an accident, but are not prepared to say that his negligence was sufficient to return a verdict of manslaughter. We recommend that the driver be severely censured. We express our sympathy with the relatives of the deceased." - The Coroner, addressing the driver, said he must be fully alive to the serious nature of his negligence. Drivers of motor cars could not be too careful in driving through villages, and especially by corners such as the one referred to. The Jury had come to the conclusion that sufficient care had not been exercised.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 19 February 1923
EXETER - Farm Hand's Terrible Injuries. Honiton Clyst Fatality. - The terrible injuries received by a waggoner at Honiton Clyst, as a result of falling from his waggon and being kicked by a horse, were described at an Inquest conducted at Exeter, on Saturday afternoon, by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr Hamilton Brown, on the body of JAMES TUCKER, aged 57, widower, of Farringdon, who succumbed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital last Thursday. - Francis Tucker, of Denbow Farm, Farringdon, deceased's employer, but not a relative, stated that they were returning from Broadclyst Station with a ton of cake in a waggon drawn by two horses, of which deceased had had charge for nearly five years. Both men were standing on the shaft or cross-piece which runs in front of the waggon and connects the forward shafts. Deceased, on the near side, was driving. Soon after turning from the main road into Watery-lane, Honiton Clyst, they were passed by another waggon coming from the opposite direction. A few yards after the vehicles had passed witness missed deceased and then saw that he had fallen on the cross-piece with leg down each side. Witness did not see deceased fall, but he supposed that, in falling, he touched the shaft horse which he saw give about two kicks. Witness pulled up the horses and, with the help of the driver of the other waggon, removed the horses to enable them to lift deceased out. Witness did not think the man was badly injured. His held him in his arms while the other waggoner - named Roberts - went to the main road and stopped a motor car driven by Major Tyler, of West Hill, Ottery St Mary, who fetched a motor ambulance from Exeter. There was no telephone at Honiton Clyst. Deceased was conscious and handed witness his watch, but he did not say much. - John Petherick Roberts, of Northfield Cottage, Farringdon, who was driving the other waggon, said he looked round and saw deceased's hat fall off and that the shaft horse was kicking. He did not see deceased fall. The horse was kicking high. - Dr A. A. Eager, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted about 1.30 p.m. He had a lacerated scalp and face on the left side, injury to the left hand and arm, serious abdominal injury with internal haemorrhage, a fractured left thigh and both legs broken below the knee. He died at 3 o'clock. The injuries were consistent with his having been kicked by a horse. Death was due to shock and internal abdominal haemorrhage. Witness thought deceased must have been kicked more than twice. From the face injury it looked as if he had been dragged on the ground a little way. The skin was torn off. - The Coroner: The evidence is that he was not kicked more than twice. If his head came into violent contact with a buckle on the harness might that have caused the laceration? - Witness: Yes, with movement. It looked rather like the scrape of a wheel, I thought. - To Mr Tucker, who was recalled, the Coroner said he could not understand how in the circumstances related deceased received such serious abdominal injuries. - Some very close questioning followed and witness eventually explained, "I expect the horse's heels came above the shaft." This witness also stated that Major Tyler's car was found not to be big enough to convey deceased to Exeter. - The Coroner found that the deceased was Accidentally Killed through slipping on the waggon and being kicked by a horse.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 February 1923
LYMPSTONE - Butler's Death. Inquest At Lympstone. - Mr Cyril N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, yesterday morning held an Inquest at Highcliffe House, Lympstone, touching the death of TOM FISHER, 65, butler, who died suddenly at the house on the previous Friday morning. - JANET FISHER, the widow, gave evidence of identification and said she last saw deceased alive at Portsmouth last April. He had never complained and had not been attended by a doctor for nine years. - Flora Tapscott, housemaid, said she went to deceased's bedroom at about 9.45 on Friday morning, and saw him on the bed. Deceased was almost unconscious and appeared to be choking. She loosened his collar and obtained assistance. - William Henry Woodhead said deceased was butler to the Misses Cox, from whom witness rented the house furnished and took over the household staff. On Friday morning deceased appeared in good health and brought witness his breakfast as usual. Deceased was a sober man, an efficient butler and was generally liked. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smyth of Exmouth, said when he arrived life was extinct, and he was unable to account for death. He had since held an autopsy, which revealed an abnormal condition of the heart. Death was due to angina pectoris. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly

EXMOUTH - Sad Story. Exmouth Dealer's Death. Depression And Illness. - The circumstances attending the death of HENRY SANDERS, butcher and dealer of 1 Church-street, Exmouth, were investigated by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, at Exmouth Court House yesterday. There was no Jury. - HENRY ALFRED SANDERS, son of the deceased ,said he last saw his father alive at about 8 a.m. on Saturday. Deceased was then about to leave the house, as he usually did about that time, for the purpose of feeding his fowls at Withycombe. He then appeared quite normal and gave some ordinary instructions about household matters. He had boiled and eaten two eggs for his breakfast. Later in the morning, when witness was returning from a walk, he saw P.S. Chaffe, who informed him that his father's body had been found. Deceased had suffered a good deal of pain, particularly during the past two months, and had been unable to sleep at nights. He had been attended by Dr Gray for a fortnight. The pain had worried him a good deal. About twelve months ago deceased was kicked by a horse and sustained injuries to his head and side. Stitches were put into the head wound at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, but deceased would not remain in the Institution and came home. He had been a teetotaller for about thirty years, but a few days ago asked witness to procure him some brandy, at the same time commenting he had been told that if he took a little brandy before going to bed he would be able to sleep. Later, witness found that deceased had taken about half the contents of the bottle. He had never heard his father threaten to take his life. Deceased was a butcher by trade and was about 72 years of age. Since 1919, when he had a severe attack of influenza, he had not carried on business as a butcher, but had been engaged in dealing. He was fairly well off and did not owe a half-penny to anyone. Deceased had his money on current account at the bank and on Friday witness, on the instructions of his father, drew the whole of it, about £400. The reason given by his father was that he was going to a relative at Southampton, where he intended to have a nurse and be thoroughly treated for his illness. Deceased was brought home wet on Friday evening and witness, who, on account of war disability, was unable to lift any heavy weight, went for Mr Kelly, who put deceased to bed. - George Cutcliff Boyle, schoolmaster, of Swansea, said he was staying at Exmouth for the benefit of his health and on Saturday morning, at about 11 o'clock, was walking along the sands in the direction of Orcombe Point. He was about to climb the rocks, but found the tide was still too high, so he turned to make for the Marine Drive. He then saw the body of deceased under a rock, with his head facing towards the sea. The head was partially buried in the sand and there was no overcoat or hat on the body. Witness hurried to the Coastguard Station and gave information. - Henry Edward House, Petty Officer of Coastguards, said when he received information from the previous witness, at about 11.15 a.m., he immediately went out with two Coastguardsmen and found the body with the head half turned towards the sea and buried in the sand, as if washed up by the tide. Witness produced a chart showing the position in which the body was found, fairly close to an iron ladder at the eastern end of the Marine Drive and among a lot of little rocks that were dotted about the beach. Deceased was not wearing a hat or coat. Witness and the other two men moved the body a few yards away to a dry place and applied artificial respiration, which they continued until the arrival of Dr Smith about an hour later. High Water was at 7.40 that morning, and at 10 o'clock there would have been about 4ft. of water at the spot where the body was found. - P.S. Chaffe said that at about 11.15 a.m. on Saturday he received a telephone message from the last witness and proceeded to Orcombe Point on his bicycle, taking a stretcher with him. He there saw P.O. House and two other Coastguardsmen applying artificial respiration to a man lying on the beach. The Surveyor was going to fetch a doctor, and, as there were enough men to continue with artificial respiration, witness made a search of the cliff. Directly above the spot where the body lay he found an overcoat and a bowler hat, which were later identified by the son as belonging to deceased. The distance from the sea wall to where the body lay was about 40 yards, and the cliff was about 70ft. at the point. On witness's instructions the body was removed to the Mortuary on a motor lorry. When witness went to the top of the cliffs, he was able to trace footprints along the pathway. These suddenly turned in to the right towards the edge of the cliff and a few yards from the path he found the overcoat and hat. From that point to the edge of the cliff the footprints appeared as if made by a person who had gone deliberately to jump off the edge. They were nearly 3ft. apart, and the impression was deep. There were no return footprints. On Sunday another bowler hat found on the beach was brought to the Police Station, and this probably accounted for the fact that the deceased returned home hatless on the Friday night. - The hats were shown to deceased's son, who said he was unable to identify them. He added that they were of the style usually worn by his father, who sometimes bought a number of hats second-hand. - P.S. Chaffe produced from the inside of one of the hats a number of market weight tickets, which he said were of the kind a man engaged in deceased's business would have in his possession. - Henry Ernest Channon, baker, of Bicton-street, Exmouth, stated that at 6.30 on Friday evening he was walking on the sea front, close to the Beach Gardens, when he passed the deceased, who was reeling about, and apparently drunk. Witness went on to the bowling greens in the outer Beach Gardens, and, as he was returning, saw deceased turn into the entrance to the beach at the foot of Carlton-hill. He stopped and watched deceased walking towards the water and then met a man named Pidgeon, and asked if he would accompany him to the beach to see what had become of deceased. When they went to the beach at first they could see nothing of deceased,, but as a wave receded they saw him in the water and immediately pulled him out. Deceased then appeared ill and witness went for a Coastguard. When the Coastguard arrived, Pidgeon and witness had got deceased on to the pavement. He then seemed better and, on the advice of the Coastguard, they took him home. By the time they arrived in Church-street deceased appeared to have recovered, though he was still far from right. He said "Thank you very much, friends," wanted to pay them for their trouble and then went indoors. He gave no explanation as to why he was in the water, and witness asked for none. There was no doubt deceased would have drowned had he not been pulled out of the water. When witness first passed him on the sea front he was wearing a bowler hat, but witness did not remember seeing the hat afterwards. Deceased was certainly not wearing it on the way home. Deceased complained of pain and said he wished he could have remained where he was. He said, "Oh, the pain! I wish you had let me lie." After deceased went indoors, Pidgeon proceeded to the Conservative Club to see if deceased's son was there. When the latter arrived witness left. - Deceased's son said it was the first he had heard that his father was found in the water. He was told deceased was found on the beach on the Friday evening. - William Frederick Godfrey Pidgeon, labourer, of Fore-street, Exmouth, said that on the way home deceased said, "I am bad. If you knew the pain you would have let me lie there." When they arrived at Bicton-street, deceased seemed better. He recognised the Bicton Inn and appeared quite cheerful. After they got deceased indoors witness went to the Conservative Club and informed deceased's son. He did not report the matter to the Police. - William Kelly, butcher, of Chapel-street, said he knew deceased well and last saw him alive on Saturday morning. On Friday, at 7 p.m., deceased's son asked witness if he would come and help deceased, who was at home on the floor. Witness found deceased in a sitting position on the floor, with his head resting against a chair. He was very cold and wet and appeared in great pain. Witness sent for Dr Gray, who came almost immediately and ordered deceased to bed. Deceased seemed better after he was in bed and when witness returned at 9.30 deceased had been sleeping and was easier. Dr Gray came again while witness was there and said he would pay another visit in the morning. Witness went to see deceased again at 8.30 on SAturday morning. He was then in bed, but refused an offer by witness to bring him some breakfast. He said, "I am going to get up in a few minutes and boil myself a couple of eggs. Then I shall be all right again." In reply to the Deputy Coroner, witness said on Friday night he did not think anything about deceased being drunk, as he knew deceased had touched no drink for thirty years. Deceased was wet and there was sand on his trousers. When witness asked him how he got into such a state deceased replied that he had missed his way. - Deceased's son, recalled, said he purchased the brandy at his father's request. He did not see his father take any, but when he saw the bottle again half the brandy was gone. In consequence, witness stayed up all night on Friday. During the night his father got better and asked witness how he got wet. On Saturday morning witness went to the back of the house and deceased then left. Witness almost immediately went to the front door, but could see nothing of his father. He did not dream of the possibility of deceased taking his life, as he was told nothing about the water, but only that his father had been found on the beach drunk. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smyth said he was summoned by telephone from the Hospital at about 11.45 and when he arrived found Coastguards applying Schafer's method of artificial respiration. Witness injected strychnine but neither that nor the artificial respiration had any effect and witness found there was no sign of respiration or heartbeat. there was a slight bruise over the right eyebrow and a slight graze of the skin - not deep, as the skin was not broken. Witness had conducted an autopsy, and found death was due to drowning. Deceased was also suffering from a well-marked stage of cancer, which would have produced excessive pain, while the knowledge of it would bring about tremendous depression. - The Coroner said the evidence was quite clear that death was due to drowning and it was also clear that deceased intended to commit suicide and could not have been in a normal state of mind. The verdict would be that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 February 1923
EXETER - Sudden Death Of MR J. J. QUICK At Exeter. - The Deputy City Coroner, Mr Hamilton Linford Brown, conducted an Inquiry at No. 38 Polsloe-road, Exeter, yesterday, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MR JOHN JOSLIN QUICK, of that address, who died suddenly on Monday afternoon. - MR G. L. QUICK, son, stated that in November last his father met with an accident, but prior to that he had enjoyed good health. - George Teed, of No. 5 Radford-road, Exeter, gardener, said he had been employed by deceased for the past ten years. On November 9th last they were together in the garden and later deceased went into the conservatory. Witness heard him call and when witness went to see what was the matter deceased said, "Teed, I believe I have broken my leg." Witness took his employer into a back room where he remained until a doctor arrived. - Arthur Pemberthy, of No. 16 School-road, St Thomas, Exeter, manager at deceased 's business establishment, said he had frequently visited MR QUICK since the accident. On Monday he paid a visit at 4.15 p.m. Deceased was in bed and while they were conversing MR QUICK died. He suddenly closed his eyes and gave a few gasps. There was no struggle whatever, and the throat was not affected. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, said he had attended the deceased for the past 20 years. On November 9th he was called, and, he found deceased on the floor. MR QUICK said "I am in dreadful pain in my leg; I think it is broken." This proved to be correct and Dr Bell ordered his removal to a Nursing Home. Owing to the broken limb, some of the veins in the leg became choked. After having been in the Home seven weeks deceased returned to his residence and he went on very well until Saturday, February 10th, when deceased was taken with pains in the chest. Witness was called and he found a clot of blood from one of the veins had gone to the heart. With treatment deceased recovered, but witness warned him it was likely to recur. This happened on Monday, but when witness arrived MR QUICK was dead. Death was due to the injury to the veins caused by the accident. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 February 1923
NORTHAM - Last evening, at Durrant Farm, Northam, an Inquest was held by the Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, touching the death of MRS LOUISA JANE HARRIS, wife of MR ERNEST HARRIS, farmer and dairyman, of Northam. MR HARRIS said deceased was 45 years of age. On January 10th she was assisting with the refreshments at a ball at the National Schoolroom when she fell and broke her right kneecap. Witness went to her assistance and she stated that she had hurt herself and he and others carried her to the chemist and telephoned to Dr Francis, who came at once and ordered her removal home, and he had attended her since the accident. She suffered from nothing before. Mrs Ellen Kelly, of Northam, who was present at the time of the accident, said MRS HARRIS slipped, caught her foot in one of the desks and fell. Dr Francis stated that the right kneecap was broken; he put it in splints, etc., and ordered her removal home. The clot of blood separated from the veins and touched the heart, which caused death. Verdict accordingly.

Western Times, Friday 23 February 1923
NORTHAM - Fatal Fall At Appledore. - At the Inquest held at Appledore respecting the death of JOHN RICHARD BERRY, 59, seaman, it was stated that on February 5th he slipped and fell on the rocks while walking near the lifeboat station at West Appledore. He was treated for the resulting bruises by Dr Valentine, who, for some time, had been attending him for neurasthenia and affection of the eyes, which rendered him almost blind at times. Death took place on February 17th from cerebral celerosis following the accident. In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Coroner, Mr Geo. Brown, said he would call the attention of the Northam Urban Council to the need for protecting the dangerous spot where the accident happened.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 February 1923
CHAGFORD - Mr H. C. Brown has held an Inquest at Yeo Mills on the body of MARGARET ELIZABETH PERRYMAN, the two-year-old daughter of MR WALLACE JOHN PERRYMAN of that place, who was found dead in the Upper Teign river on Monday afternoon last. MRS PERRYMAN said the child accompanied her to a field close by the house, where she went to hang out clothes - the mill leat passed through the field. When she had finished hanging the clothes she missed the child and, not finding her indoors, raised an alarm. She had known the child throw the cat into the stream and she believed the deceased must have got into the leat at the place where the cat had gone in previously. George Dart said he found the dead body about 12 land yards from Yeo Bridge in the river Teign; it was caught under a rock. Dr Hughes (Chagford) said from an examination of the body he was satisfied death was due to drowning and the Coroner recorded a verdict of "Death from Drowning Accidentally Caused."

EXETER - "On The Impulse." Exeter Resident's Act. Poor-Law Difficulty. - Mr H. L. Brown held an Inquest at St Thomas (Exeter) Poor-law Institution yesterday on the body of CHARLIE LAMACRAFT, aged 60, of 101 Okehampton-road, who died the previous day from a wound in the throat. A brother identified the body and said deceased lived alone. He last saw him a few days before Christmas, and he then seemed in his usual good health. He was often despondent. - Mr C. Tozer, 35 Albion-street, dairyman, said he was in the habit of serving deceased with milk. On Sunday witness went to the door as usual, but no one answered. While he was serving at the next door MR LAMACRAFT tapped at the window, pulled aside the curtain and showed him a cut in his throat. Witness did not go in as the door was locked. - William Staceys said he went to the rear of the house and got in through a window. In an upstair room he saw deceased lying on the bed with a nasty gash in his throat, and the front of his shirt covered with dry blood. Deceased asked for a piece of paper which witness gave him and he wrote something down. Witness sent for the Police. - The Coroner read from the card as follows:- "I done it on the impulse of the moment, but before I got so far I came back to my senses and stopped." - Mr Bert Durgess said deceased handed him his watch and chain and made motions for him to look after it together with a letter to give to his niece. - P.C. Russell said deceased was sent to the Hospital, but they refused to take him in, and the Police then took him to the Exeter Poor-law Institution, but they refused him. An official informed them that as the man was a resident of St Thomas he should be taken to that Institution. He was taken there and admitted. - Detective-Constable Rowsell said he had made inquiries at the Hospital and found there was a definite rule whereby such cases were not admitted. He was, however, given treatment, and had 12 stitches put in his throat. Dr Eager, the House Surgeon, told him that had it been a case of immediate danger he should have broken this rule, but it was not regarded as such. Deceased was then taken to the Exeter Poor-law Institution, but the officers there could not take him in, as he was not a man without abode or means. - P.C. Russell, in answer to Mr W. B. Trick (Clerk to St. Thomas Board of Guardians), said deceased had on him £55 17s. of which the Police had taken charge. - Mr Trick pointed out that they were in a difficulty. Here was a man of independent means who was brought to the Workhouse, and the regulations provided that he should not be admitted. Their officer had admitted the man on his own initiative; it was a pity a message had not been sent apprising them of his coming. The Guardians thought he ought not to have been removed so soon after having had 12 stitches in his throat. - The Coroner: That is a matter for the Hospital authorities. - Dr A. P. Black, Medical Officer to the St. Thomas Union, said there was a large wound in the lower part of the throat, which might have been self-inflicted. There was one stitch actually in the wind-pipe. - The Coroner said he was sorry Mr Trick was in any difficulty. Mr Trick replied that, perhaps, the complaint ought not to have been brought to the Coroner. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Times, Monday 26 February 1923
BITTADON - Bittadon Rector's Sudden Death. - We regret to announce the death of REV. WILLIAM TEAGUE JONES, Rector of Bittadon, near Barnstaple, who passed away suddenly on Sunday. Deceased, aged 69, lived alone and on Friday last, feeling unwell, he consulted a doctor. On Sunday, though ill, he left his bed and arranged with the churchwarden for the church to be prepared for service. On the churchwarden returning the rev. gentleman rose from his chair and expired almost immediately. At the Inquest yesterday, held by Mr G. W. F. Brown, the evidence of Dr Manning went to show that death resulted from heart failure following bronchitis, and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes " was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 February 1923
KENTON - "Worried To Death." Kenton Tragedy. Ex-Service Man's End. - "I am worried to death; I can't sleep or eat. Good-bye." This note was left by JOSEPH LAMACRAFT, grocer, aged 44, an ex-Service man of Kenton, an Inquest on whose body was conducted by the Deputy District Coroner, Mr Gilbert H. Stephens, at South Town House, Kenton, on Saturday morning. Deceased was found hanging from a beam in a shed at the back of his house on Friday morning. - Evidence was given by the widow to the effect that her husband was invalided out of the Army before the war ended suffering from an affection of the heart. He had suffered from it ever since, especially at night. It prevented him from sleeping. He had been to the Medical Board up to the time of his death. His nerves had been affected. On Friday morning, after having had a sleepless night, he got up about 7 o'clock. Witness arose about an hour later, and called him. As he did not answer, she opened the door of the shed and saw him there. She called Miss Pike, a neighbour. - Charles Pike, Police Pensioner, a neighbour, who was also called by MRS LAMACRAFT, said he saw the deceased in a stooping position. A string around his neck suspended him from a beam. Witness's daughter cut the rope while he held the deceased up. Deceased used to brood over his troubles and health. - Dr J. H. Iles, Starcross, said death was the result of hanging, but whether by actual strangulation or by shock, he could not say. - P.C. Potter, Kenton, said he found the note referred to by the wife in deceased's pocket. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 1 March 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple's Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary last evening concerning the death of MARJORIE J. SQUIRE, infant daughter of MR and MRS WM. A. V. SQUIRE, of 1 Clifto-terrace, Barnstaple, and who until recently resided at Bickington. Evidence called was to the effect that the child was born on January 3rd and had always been delicate and sickly. Last week it caught a cold and the mother intended taking it to a doctor on Tuesday afternoon. In the morning, however, it passed away in its sleep. Dr E. M. Jenkins, House Surgeon at the Infirmary, who made a post-mortem examination, said the cause of death was exhaustion due to malnutrition and debility. The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" emphasised the advisability of medical advice being obtained in the case of small children when ill.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 3 March 1923
ALPHINGTON - "Going Mad." Pinhoe Man's Sad End. - The District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, held an Inquest at Brooklands, Alphington, yesterday, touching the death of GEORGE SURRIDGE, 50, gardener, of Station-road, Pinhoe, whose body was found in the Exeter Canal on Thursday afternoon. - Fredk. James White, of 4 Danes-road, Exeter, brother-in-law, gave evidence of identification. - Percy Corbett of Fairfield House, St. Thomas, Exeter, said on Thursday he saw deceased standing on the drawbridge over the Canal near the Salmon Pool. He noticed nothing unusual about deceased. Witness walked on to Double Locks and when he returned at 1 p.m. saw a coat and cap on the bank of the Canal about 50 yards below the drawbridge. - P.C. Hurford, of Alphington, deposed to recovering the body from the Canal and to finding several articles and some letters. He had made inquiries and had ascertained that deceased left his home at 10 a.m. on Thursday. Witness was informed that proceedings were being taken against deceased to eject him from his house and he was very worried about it. He was also in arrears with his rent. - Dr E. Corbett, of Exeter, said death was due to drowning. The body had not been in the water long. - The letters found on deceased, in his own handwriting, stated he was going mad and could not bear the trouble of having to leave his house and not being able to get work. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 March 1923
KINGSTEIGNTON - Flannelette Peril. Kingsteignton Warning. - At an Inquest at Kingsteignton, the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, gave the oft-repeated warning as to the dangers of flannelette. BESSIE HUNT, aged three of Church-street, was fatally burned through playing with matches while wearing a flannelette nightdress. Accidents of this sort, said Mr Edmonds, were far too frequent. People did not realise the extreme danger of flannelette. - The evidence of the mother was that when she got up she left the child asleep in her cot. Subsequently, hearing a scream, she found her in flames and witness's husband, who had been sleeping in the same room, was wrapping her in a rug. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Times, Friday 9 March 1923
TOTNES - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned yesterday afternoon at an Inquest held on SARAH JANE SEARLE, a spinster, aged 77 years, who died at Totnes Union Infirmary on Wednesday morning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 March 1923
CHERITON BISHOP - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, has conducted an Inquest at Crosse Farm, on GILBERT TALBOT, aged 59, bachelor, who assisted his brother, JAMES, on the farm. JAMES TALBOT said deceased suffered from stomach trouble and succumbed after some vomiting. Dr L. Powne, of Crediton, stated that a post-mortem examination revealed cerebral haemorrhage as the cause of death. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 March 1923
STOCKLAND - Farmer's Suicide. - AMOS WOOD REED, aged 71, retired farmer, of Stockland, left home about 10.30 last Saturday morning and his non-appearance at dinner-time caused anxiety among his family. A search party, under P.C. Reed, scoured the neighbourhood until nightfall, but without success. At 11.30 p.m. the river Yarly was dragged and the body of the missing man found near Long Bridge. Deceased, who was a cripple, was fully dressed and his stick was found lying on the bank. He had complained of pains in the head, for which he had been treated for years by Dr Langley of Axminster. Some years ago he sustained an injury to one of his thighs. At an Inquest conducted by the Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity" was returned.

TEMPLETON - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Higher Southcombe Farm, Templeton, on ELIZABETH LOVELL, aged 85, who lived there with her daughter. The latter, AMY HOWE, said deceased had suffered from heart trouble and occasionally got faint. On Friday witness left the house for a few minutes, and on her return found deceased lying on the floor in her bedroom. The wash-stand basin was broken on the floor, partly under deceased, other ware was also on the floor. There were bruises over deceased's eye and on her neck. Deceased was unconscious and remained so until the Saturday evening when she died. Dr Thomas P. Seymour of Tiverton, said he was called on the Friday evening and found an abrasion over the right eye and one on the cheek. Deceased was breathing heavily and her heart was irregular in action. Witness attended MRS LOVELL in 1921 and her heart was bad then. He attributed death to shock, resulting from a fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 March 1923
OKEHAMPTON - Octogenarian's Fatal Burns. - MRS GRACE ANN BALL, aged 86, of No. 1, Highland View, Okehampton Hamlets, wife of MR WILLIAM BALL, sen., mason, died there early on Saturday morning. The deceased, who was an invalid, accidentally set a cushion alight and some of her clothing also became ignited, on March 16, with the result that she received some severe burns on the legs and body. Dr Wright had attended her from that time down to her death. Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner, held an Inquest on Saturday evening, when he recorded a verdict of "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 March 1923
EXETER HEAVITREE - Sudden Death At Heavitree. - At the Heavitree Council Rooms, yesterday, Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, conducted an Inquest on ARTHUR HARRIS, accountants' clerk, aged 54, of 7 Shelton Place, who died the previous day. Evidence was given to the effect that at 6 a.m. on Monday deceased woke up, complaining of pain in his chest. A doctor was called, but death occurred before his arrival. Dr A. Hipwell said death was due to heart failure, caused by the fattiness and dilation of that organ. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 29 March 1923
AXMINSTER - The Deputy Coroner, Mr C. N. Tweed, held an Inquest relative to the death of BENJAMIN BATSTONE, mason, of 19 Alexandra-road, which occurred as the result of injuries sustained on March 13th. AGNES SARAH BATSTONE, widow (for whom Mr C. Forward appeared), stated that up to the time of the accident her husband had enjoyed good health. After hearing the evidence, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. There was no negligence on the part of anyone.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 31 March 1923
TIVERTON - Tiverton Railway Fatality. Inquest Story. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict at Thursday's Inquest on HUGH ALLAN, 43, of Gold-street, Tiverton, who was killed on the line near Cowley Moor Bridge on the previous day. - Frank Gregory Eastmond, draper, Tiverton, stated that deceased had been in his employ as manager for two years. His traveller having left, deceased temporarily did the work, but as things were not quite satisfactory witness gave him notice on Friday. - MRS GERTRUDE ALLAN stated that on Friday evening her husband told her he had received notice and added, "I must see Mr Eastmond in the morning." He then left the house and did not return till Monday evening. Next morning deceased had no breakfast, but put on his hat and went out. Witness asked where he was going, but he made no reply. - Arthur Edward Lee, lace hand, Tiverton, said that he saw deceased between the railway bridge and Horsdon about 0 minutes before his death. He looked dejected and witness asked how he was getting on. Deceased replied, "A bit rough." Witness also asked where he was going, and he replied, "Into the moors to get out of the way." - Arthur John Webb, of Union-street, Exeter, driver of the engine, said that when the train had passed Cowley Moor Bridge he felt the engine "lift" a little, as if it had run over something. He pulled up and deceased's body was found about 50 yards back, lying parallel with the left metal. Deceased must have concealed himself until the train came along and then thrown himself in front of it. If he had been lying on the metals witness would have seen him.

STOODLEIGH - Sudden Death At Stoodleigh. A Rare Complaint. - Mr H. W. Gould, the District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Rifton Barton, Stoodleigh, touching the death of CHARLES ROWE, aged 20, labourer, of Stoodleigh, who fell dead when working in a field on Tuesday. The Coroner sat with a Jury. - JAMES ROWE, father of deceased, said his son had never suffered ill-health. He had not been attended to by a doctor in connection with a swelling in his throat and neck, and deceased never complained of the swelling or suffered from shortness of breath. - Lewis Palfrey, of Rifton Barton, Stoodleigh, said deceased was in his employ. They were working together in the field when suddenly he saw deceased lying on his back. He breathed a few times and then died. - Dr George Nicholson, of Tiverton, said at first he could not find the cause of death, but in a post-mortem examination found the thyroid gland, situate at the roof of the neck, was the only affected organ. The heart was slightly enlarged, this being customary in some cases of goitre. Death was due to asphyxia caused by a sudden enlargement of the thyroid gland due to haemorrhage. The cause was an uncommon one. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 April 1923
TOPSHAM - "Found Drowned." Exeter Labourer's Mysterious End. - At the Vestry Room, Topsham, on Saturday, the District Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens, conducted an Inquest on JAMES FRANCIS, aged 60, general labourer of 32 West-street, Exeter, whose body was found in the Exe the previous Thursday. - SARAH FRANCIS, 22 Holland Park Avenue, London, wife of deceased, gave evidence of identification. She had not been living with her husband for the past six or seven years, and had not seen him for three. - Mrs E. E. Isaac, of 29 West-street, said deceased lived in a room alone three doors away. He used to come to witness's house, and she cooked his meals and did his washing. She last saw him on Tuesday, February 13th. He was a very jovial man, and then seemed happy. The previous Sunday deceased told her that, sometimes, his eyesight was so bad that he could not see his hand up in front of his face and for that reason he had given up drinking. Up to about three weeks before that time, FRANCIS had been out of work, but he had obtained employment with Mr Oliver, of Diamond-road, Haven-road, Exeter. He had never given witness the slightest reason to believe he would take his life. - William Henry Walkey, Royal Oak Inn, Exeter, said that, during the dinner hour on February 13th, deceased came into his house. He was wet through. He had a pint of cider and took away another pint with him. Witness saw him again in the evening. He had then changed his clothes. Deceased left to go to the pictures, and came back again at 8.20 when he sat down by the fire. Witness noticed deceased's face was blue and that he was shivering. He advised deceased to go home to bed. FRANCIS said he would, but witness understood he had to go and see his employer first. The nearest way to his employer's would be by the river, which was swollen and nearly level with the banks. The night was very rough. When deceased left the Inn he was sober. - Samuel George Edworthy, fisherman, Topsham, deposed that on Thursday, 29th March, he recovered the body from the water. - Dr R. C. Worsley, Topsham, said there were some abrasions on the body, which had, probably been caused after death, which he considered was due to drowning. He should judge that the body had been in the water from four to eight weeks. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 6 April 1923
ASHBURTON - GEORGE HENRY HAMLYN, aged 13 years, son of WILLIAM HENRY HAMLYN, of Hannaford's Court, was knocked down and fatally injured by a motor car in East-street. The owner of the car, which was going in the direction of Exeter, immediately stopped, and conveyed the boy to the local Cottage Hospital, where life was found to be extinct. An Inquest was held by Mr T. Edmonds. James Henry Foot, of East-street, said he saw the deceased run out of the court in front of the car, which was proceeding at a slow pace. The driver rendered every assistance. It was difficult for anyone, not knowing the court, to see the entrance to it until nearly opposite. A motor lorry, passing at the time no doubt prevented the boy hearing the car. Dr W. O. Sankey said the base of the skull was fractured, this being the cause of death. The owner of the car, Mr John William Hargraves Stokes, of 9 Carlisle Avenue, Plymouth, gave evidence, and the Coroner recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the father. Mr Elliott Square, of Plymouth (representing Mr Stokes) also expressed his client's deep regret.

EXMOUTH - Motor Fatality. Inquest At Exmouth. Driver Exonerated. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner for East Devon, yesterday held an Inquiry at Exmouth Court House into the death of HENRY HILL, who was knocked down and killed by a motor car driven by Miss A. W. Snow, of Cleve, Exeter. The accident happened on Monday evening at the cross-roads formed by the junction of North-street, and New North-road, with Exeter-road, Exmouth. Mr Albert Hayman was chosen Foreman of the Jury. Miss Snow was represented by Mr J. C. M. Dyke. Inspector Bastin, of the Exmouth Police, handed in a rough sketch plan of the scene of the accident. - HAROLD G. HILL, eldest son of deceased, said he last saw his father alive at noon on the day of the accident. Deceased was then in good health. He was 62 years of age and a gardener. - Walter James Abbott, motor proprietor, of Victoria Road, Exmouth, said he was driving his motor 'bus in Exeter-road towards Exmouth at about 5.10 p.m. on Monday when he met a motor car. The car was on the proper side of the road and going at about twelve miles an hour. The road was clear except for the car. When witness had driven about 20 yards farther, he heard a scream and, on looking round, saw a body underneath the other car. The car was then about six feet from the footpath. Questioned by Mr Dyke, witness said the car was going quietly and well on its proper side. The road was clear, but there were a lot of people on the pavements. He passed the car after he had passed the cross-road where the accident occurred. - Frederick William Lacey, carpenter, Park-road, Exmouth, said the accident was all over in a flash. Deceased seemed to step off the path without giving a thought to the traffic. Witness estimated the speed of the car at about eight to ten miles an hour. - Mrs Amy Davey, of Diamond Cottages, Exmouth and Miss Audrey Snow of Cleve, Exwick, Exeter (the driver of the car) also described the accident. Miss Snow said the man stepped off the path right in front of the wing of the car. Witness pulled up in about a length and a half. - Dr Hanna said death was due to shock, several ribs and a collar-bone being fractured. - The Foreman said the Jury considered deceased met with his death in a purely accidental manner and that no blame attached to the driver of the car. They would like to add that the time had fully come when some speed limit should be imposed on motor traffic in the district. - Inspector Bastin said it was a difficult matter to get a speed limit on a main road; and the Deputy Coroner remarked that if the evidence was correct, the car was travelling well inside any speed limit that would be imposed. - The Foreman replied that the observation did not apply to the present case, but, in general, there should be a speed limit. - Mr Dyke said he was instructed by Miss Snow to say she extremely regretted being the innocent cause of the accident and to express the sympathy of herself and her father and family, with the relatives of deceased. The Deputy Coroner and Jury concurred in the expression of sympathy. - MR H. G. HILL expressed thanks for the sympathy and said he wished to express to Miss Snow the opinion his mother and family had formed that she was in no way to blame for the accident. - The Deputy Coroner, at the request of the Jury, undertook to write the Exmouth Urban Council on the matter of the speed limit.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 9 April 1923
EXETER - Child And Car. Heavitree Fatality. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, on Saturday, on FREDA IRIS BAIGENT, aged seven, of 3 Lower Stafford-terrace, Heavitree, who died in the Hospital two days previously from injuries received through being knocked down by a motor-car driven by Mr Douglas McPherson Scott, of London. Mr M. J. Mcgahey (Messrs. Dunn and Baker), represented the driver of the car. - The child's father, MR W. H. BAIGENT, gave evidence of identification. He knew nothing of the accident. - Mr McGahey tendered to the witness, on behalf of his client, deep regret for what had occurred, and said that any expenses for the funeral he would be willing to pay. - Mrs F. Dummett, 5 Butts-road, said that, between 11 and 11.30 on Tuesday morning last, she was walking down Heavitree-hill when she saw deceased playing on the kerb. When near Regents'-square, deceased at first seemed to hesitate and then ran across the road in front of an approaching car, which was going at moderate speed down the hill. The car then obscured witness's vision but, hearing the grating of brakes she looked again and saw the child lying on the tram lines. The car stopped in about its own length. Witness did not know if the hooter was sounded, but the vehicle did swerve towards the near kerb in an endeavour to avoid the child. By Mr McGahey: Witness did not consider the driver could have done anything more than he did to avoid the collision. - Mr S. Chard, Fore-street, Heavitree, said he was in his shop when his attention was attracted to the street by the sound of brakes being applied to a car. He then saw deceased standing near the tram-lines in front of the car which was, at the time, pulling up. She ran against the wing of the car, which knocked her down, but did not run over her. The car was on the slant, nearly touching the kerb. - Dr K. S. Dick, Assistant House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, deposed that deceased was admitted on Tuesday suffering from a fractured skull. She died two days later. The patient was unconscious on admission and remained so up to the time of her death. - Mr Frank Langdon, Blue Ball, Topsham, deposed that on the day of the accident he was driving a horse attached to a cart up Heavitree-hill when he saw a car approaching him on its proper side. A little girl (the deceased) then crossed the road in front of the car, the driver of which seeing her, made an effort to avoid her by swerving, but came in contact with the kerb and the off wing struck deceased. The car, which was proceeding at a moderate speed, pulled up in six yards. - Miss B. Essery said she saw the child when about half way across the road. There was a car coming. Witness looked away, and when she turned again deceased was rolling over in the road. The car's speed was very moderate and a lot slower than many that passed that way. - Albert Simons, Monk's-road, who was in a "Fiat" motor car driven by Mr Scott, said the latter's speed was from 10 to 12 miles per hour. Witness did not see the accident. - P.C. Wood, who was standing near Regents;-square, also said the car was proceeding at an "easy" pace on its proper side of the road. After the accident he took the child to the Hospital. - The driver of the car, Mr Douglas McPherson Scott, 5 Stanley Mansions, Park Walk, Chelsea, London, S.W., next gave evidence. He said he was going down Heavitree-hill with two friends in a touring car on the day in question when he noticed the little girl in the centre of the road about 12 feet away. He saw it was useless to only put on his brakes and swerved into the kerb, but his off wing caught her. Witness did not sound his horn as his hands were occupied with the brakes and swerving. He had driven in five years a distance of about 20,000 miles and had never had an accident before this. - The Coroner, having reviewed the evidence and addressed the Jury, the latter returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," attached no blame to the driver and expressed sympathy with the child's relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 10 April 1923
TOTNES - Farmer's Death. Coroner's View. - Yesterday afternoon Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of HAROLD WILLIAM EDWARDS, farmer, Uphempston, Totnes. Miss Grace Evans said her brother-in-law was 31 years of age. She had nursed him since the accident. He said he thought the cow he was milking gave a sudden plunge. - Frederick W. T. Pate, farmer, Shadrack, stated he was at Uphempston on Easter Monday and went to the shippen to which deceased had gone to milk a new-calved cow. He found him lying on his back in front of the animal. Witness asked him where he was hurt, and the deceased said "The cow has broken my neck." There was plenty of room in the stall and the deceased had chained up the cow. - Dr W. Chapman (Totnes) said he saw deceased with his partner (Dr Bowes) and found him suffering from fracture of the lower part of the neck, causing paralysis of the lower part of the body. Deceased told witness that he went to milk a cow and leant against the stall with his head against the flank of the animal. The cow reared and he fell forward. He considered the deceased being between the stall and the cow. When it moved the vertebrae was fractured. The case was hopeless from the start. In dealing with cattle it was almost fatal for a milker to have his back against anything, because the weight of a cow if it moved, was quite sufficient to snap the vertebrae. - The Coroner said it was a very clear but very painful case. It was a pure accident, for which nobody was responsible. He expressed his sincere sympathy with the widow and family and said it was one of the saddest cases with which he had had to do.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 13 April 1923
ASHTON - Shooting Tragedy. - An Inquest was held at Ashton yesterday, on FREDERICK SAMUEL FURZE, 17, farm labourer, who was found shot on Wednesday. Deceased took a gun out with the avowed intention of shooting magpies. As he did not return search was made, and he was found lying in a hedge a quarter of a mile from Cowley Farm, where he was employed by Mr and Mrs J. T. Wills. P.C. West said he searched the deceased's clothes, but found nothing to suggest that he had intended taking his life. Dr H. Blanchard, of Chudleigh, expressed the opinion that a gunshot wound in the left side was self-inflicted. A verdict of "Suicide" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 April 1923
EXMOUTH - A Sudden Impulse. Hotel Keeper's Death. Question Of Bromide Tablets. - Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Exmouth Court House yesterday, on HENRY STEPHENSON COLES, 55, proprietor of the Queen's Hotel, Exmouth, who was found in an upstairs lavatory in the Hotel with a wound in his throat in the early hours of Tuesday morning. - MRS FLORENCE COLES said she last saw her husband alive just before 2.30 on Tuesday morning. He then got up and went out of the bedroom. He went to bed at about 10.30 on Monday night and was restless, though he, apparently, slept part of the time. Soon after he went to bed deceased took some tablets for sleeplessness, from which he had suffered for several nights. Witness handed the Deputy Coroner a small box with the remainder of the tablets and said they were not prescribed by a doctor. Deceased, she added, said nothing unusual, with the exception of a remark that he was worried about Income-tax papers. The fact that deceased left the room did not surprise witness, who was not suspicious that anything untoward was going to happen. She was worried about deceased, however, on account of the sleeplessness and so remained awake. About five minutes later witness's daughter called out "I think daddy's bad; he is making a noise." Witness rushed at once to the lavatory and tried to get in, but found the door fastened. Deceased was groaning and witness, finding it impossible to burst open the door, went downstairs and called assistance, while her daughter telephoned to Dr Smyth. Three or four fishermen came and got a ladder. She did not know how they effected an entrance to the lavatory, but subsequently found the door was broken. As soon as the door was opened witness went in and saw deceased on the floor. He was in a sitting position and apparently alive, and the men were holding him up. Witness tried to administer brandy. Deceased at Christmas had a touch of influenza, and had recently shown signs of depression. She believed he had no financial worries and he had received no bad news. He was quiet in manner of late, but not at all strange, and was quite temperate. - Mr J. W. Orchard said he would like to clear up the matter of the tablets. They were recommended to deceased by a friend, and only two were taken. These were taken during Monday night. Mr Orchard added that he had made inquiries as to what the tablets contained. He handed a prescription to the Deputy Coroner, who passed it on to Dr Smyth. - Dr Smyth said it was a certain form of bromide, quite a well-known thing and frequently given in cases of sleeplessness. - MRS COLES, in reply to Inspector Bastin, said she did not know where her husband kept his razors. He did not use ordinary razors, and she did not know he had any. He used a safety razor, which he kept on his desk. - Mr Orchard said that, from his personal knowledge, there could have been no question of any financial difficulty. - Ernest Knight, fisherman of 8 Ann-street, Exmouth, said he was going home from fishing at about 2.30 on Tuesday morning in company with three other men, and when just past the Queen's Hotel, heard the sound of crying. Witness went back with his friends and MRS COLES told him her husband was ill in the lavatory. Witness got a ladder and attempted to enter by the lavatory window, as the door was locked. The window, however, was too small for his body, so he lit a match and saw deceased in a kneeling position on the floor. As soon as he saw what had happened witness shouted to his mates to get a doctor. Deceased was then, apparently, just alive and groaning very little. Witness came down the ladder and one of his mates, Mr W. Newcombe, burst open the door of the lavatory. They found a razor on the floor of the lavatory, and saw there was a severe wound in deceased's throat. Witness all his life had known deceased, and had not recently noticed any change in him. - William Newcombe, fisherman of 14 North-street, Exmouth, gave corroborative evidence. - P.C. Saunders of Exmouth, said that at about 2.45 on Tuesday he was summoned to the Queen's Hotel and found the body of deceased in an upstairs lavatory. He was half kneeling and half sitting, and there was a wound in the throat. Dr Smyth arrived about a minute later and pronounced life extinct. Witness produced a razor which he said was found on the lavatory floor, with blood-stains on it, and a blood-stained case, which he found near the razor. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said the wound was about four inches long and on the left side of the throat. - Inspector Basin, of Exmouth, gave similar evidence. He added that he subsequently searched deceased's clothing, as well as the bar and the dining-room, but was unable to find anything that pointed to an act of the kind being contemplated by deceased. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smyth said he was rung up on the telephone in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and asked to go to the Queen's Hotel, as MR COLES had fastened himself in the lavatory and was groaning. A few minutes later he received another message asking him to inform the Police, and he passed this on to the telephone operator at the exchange. He found the body of deceased in an upstairs lavatory. There was a gash on the left side of the neck about four to six inches long, and witness presumed the wound was self-inflicted. - The Deputy Coroner: About these tablets. If they consist, as alleged, of this bromide powder, are they the proper things to take for sleeplessness? - Dr Smyth: Yes; they are freely prescribed. In further reply, witness said the ordinary dose was from 10 to 20 grains. If deceased took 20 grains it would not be an abnormal dose, but for a man taking the drug for the first time it would be a large dose. - The Deputy Coroner said there was no doubt deceased died from a wound in the neck which was self-inflicted. As to the motive, there was a certain amount of doubt in his mind, but he was not going to bring in a verdict of felo de se, because he thought, though the temptation must have been very sudden, there must have been some impulse for deceased to take his life at a time when he was suffering from depression. He could not get anyone to say that deceased was at all abnormal and he had not seen a doctor for two years. There appeared to be nothing at all abnormal in his behaviour, except that he was suffering from sleeplessness. One need not think it strange that he was worried about Income-tax papers. Anyone might be worried about Income-tax papers, but it was rather surprising that it should have had such an effect as this. - Dr Smyth, in reply to the Deputy Coroner at this point, said it was quite possible bromide might cause depression in a person fresh to it. - The Deputy Coroner: Would it act as quickly as that? - Dr Smyth: Sometimes it has quite extraordinary effects on people strange to the drug. - The Deputy Coroner: Would you say it might have such an effect as to produce an abnormal state of mind? - Dr Smyth: It is possible. It is not at all usual, but it is possible. - The Deputy Coroner: I have not sufficient evidence to enable me to come to the conclusion his state of mind was caused by these tablets. I feel sure deceased was not, at the time he took his life, in his normal state of mind, and I shall find that he Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane. I wish there was more satisfactory evidence leading up to that state of mind, but it is not forthcoming. Apparently deceased was in no financial difficulty and the fact that he worried excessively over Income-tax papers shows he was suffering from a certain amount of nervous depression.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 April 1923
OTTERY ST MARY - Tipton St. John. The Deputy Coroner has held an Inquest on SYLVIA MARGARET, infant child of MRS M. ROOKS. Evidence was given by Mrs Ireland, of West Hill, who had the care of it, to the effect that the child, which was three months old, had a fit of convulsions. Medical aid was summoned, but the child expired before the doctor could arrive. Dr Sidebottom, of Ottery, gave evidence of a post-mortem examination and expressed the opinion that the child died during a fit. The body was well nourished. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. Much sympathy is felt for MRS ROOKS.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 24 April 1923
ASHPRINGTON - Bedpost Suicide At Ashprington. - MISS MARY COBLEY of Standcombe Cottage, Ashprington, has been found by Miss Lutley, who resided with her, lying dead on the bedroom floor, with a towel around her neck which had been attached to the bedpost. Dr G. J. Gibson found that death was the result of strangulation. At the Inquest yesterday, conducted by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, a verdict was returned that "Deceased Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 27 April 1923
HOLSWORTHY - Mr H. C. Brown conducted an Inquest on the body of JOHN MERVYN MARTIN, the nine-year-old son of MR JOHN ALFRED MARTIN, of Chapel-street, who was knocked down by a car near Keephill Bridge. The Jury, of which Mr W. H. Badcock was Foreman, after hearing the evidence considered no blame was attached to the driver of the car, Wm. Isaac, of Renson Farm, Ashwater, and a verdict was returned that death resulted from the fracture of the skull, received by being Accidentally knocked down by a motor car.

HOLSWORTHY - The death of MR JOHN BROMELL, of The Beacon, was investigated by Mr H. C. Brown. Mr Daniel Heard, farmer, of the Beacon, said he found deceased in a pond of water, near his out-buildings, laying face downwards. The pond was only about six inches deep at the spot and the back of his head was above water. Questioned by the Coroner, witness did not think deceased was the sort of person who would destroy himself. Dr Kingdon was of opinion death was not due to drowning. Deceased had a seizure about four years ago, and thought it was probably a recurrence, and that he fell forward on his face. Death was, in his opinion, due to suffocation. The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 2 May 1923
DAWLISH - Housemaid's Death At Starcross. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Institution, Starcross, yesterday, on the body of ANNIE EVANS, a housemaid employed there. Evidence was given to the effect that on Sunday night deceased retired to rest as usual, and at 5.30 the next morning was discovered lying over the side of the bed dead. Dr J. H. Iles deposed to making a post-mortem examination and finding that deceased had an inflammatory stomach. The heart was fatty and the lungs congested, but no signs of poison. He attributed death to syncope, as a result of the vomiting produced by gastritis. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 3 May 1923
EXETER - Coroner's Tribute To Exeter Worker. A Pathetic Case. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, sitting with a Jury, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on WALTER JAMES WOOD, aged 54, yardsman, of 15 Little Silver, who died on April 30th from injuries received on February 19th as the result of falling from a loft. - Mr T. J. W. Templeman represented the widow and dependants and Mr J. C. M. Dyke the employers, Messrs. R. W. and F. C. Sharp, of Queen-street. Captain M. K. Pedler, H.M. Inspector of Factories, watched the proceedings. Mr A. R. Jerman was elected Foreman of the Jury. - ALFRED WOOD, 55 Sidwell-street, brother, identified the body. Deceased had worked at Messrs. Sharp's for nearly 30 years. Witness heard of his brother's accident in February and when he went to see him deceased told him he slipped off a plank while taking timber from a truck to a loft. Deceased said his back was hurt and he also complained about his legs. Witness last saw deceased alive about three weeks ago by the Buller Statue, and thought he started to work again a few days later. On April 17th witness saw deceased, who said he was going to Dr P. Gray. He went with him. On top of Northernhay deceased again complained of his back. The doctor told witness his brother was ill and that he must go home and keep quiet. - Alfred Webster, yardsman, also employed by Messrs. Sharp, said that on the day of the accident he was carrying timber from a truck to a shed with deceased. They were doing this by means of a slanted plank. After they had been working for about half an hour witness had just reached the shed with a load and deceased was following him with his. Witness heard deceased's timber strike the roof of the shed, and saw him fall to the ground. This happened when deceased was stepping from the plank to the shed. Deceased said he had hurt his back and went home. He came back to work the following Monday. - By the Foreman of the Jury: The height deceased fell was 11 feet. - In answer to Mr Templeman, witness said deceased fell because the timber he was carrying caught in the building and pushed him back. The width of the plank on which they had to walk was 11 inches. - Wm. Henry Ousley, another employee, who was in the truck, said deceased was carrying two pieces of wood. Witness saw him roll off the staging on to the ground. When picked up, deceased said, "I've hurt my back. Rub my back." The distance from the shed to the truck was, roughly, six or seven feet. - CHARLIE JAMES WOOD, son of deceased, said his father told him the top of his wood caught the beam of the loft and that he fell off. - Dr Pereira Gray said there were no broken bones, or bruises that he could see. This was on the Wednesday. On the Saturday deceased said he would like to go to work. As witness thought he would like to find out what was really the matter with deceased he again examined him, but again found no trace of a bruise. On April 17th deceased came to him looking very ill, much thinner and suffering from loss of memory. He attended him until his death. Witness had made a post-mortem examination and found all the organs were healthy, but that below the liver, all down the right side, there was an extravasation of bile. The cause of death was loss of strength owing to this escape. There was also rupture of the liver. - Witness, in answer to the coroner, said a minute and difficult operation might have saved deceased's life, but he doubted it. He must have gone to work in great pain. The primary cause of death was the fall. - The Coroner remarked that it seemed a great pity the deceased had gone to work, especially as men of that temperament were not too often found. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to anyone.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 5 May 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - "Tired Of Life." Newton Inquest Story. - At the Inquest on the body of LEWIS DAVID HARRIS, 56, of Kingskerswell-road, Newton, whose body was found in the Stover Canal, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. A message found in a small bottle by the river bank at Hackney was: "I am tired of life, so here it ends. Good-bye everybody." Deceased's housekeeper could not recognise the writing as his.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 10 May 1923
CHELSEA, LONDON - Death. LADY BLANCHE FOLLETT. A Christian Scientist. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Chelsea, yesterday, into the death of LADY BLANCHE FOLLETT, widow of SIR CHARLES FOLLETT, of Hemyock, Devon, who died on Saturday at her house in Pont-street, London. The Coroner said the Inquest was held at the instigation of the relatives. The deceased was a follower of the tenets of a Christian Science practitioner and had not been attended by a doctor. At the time of her death, presumably, she was a lady of sound mind, and, of course, of years of discretion, and she had the right to have a doctor or not, as she wished. - MISS JOAN THEODORA FOLLETT, daughter, said her mother had no objection to the attendance of medical men, but she preferred Christian Science. She had been told her mother had diabetes, but not by a doctor. Three times witness suggested she should see a doctor, and each time she refused. On Friday afternoon Miss Lindsay, a Christian Scientist practitioner, saw her mother at the latter's request. She was almost unconscious. On Friday night Miss Lindsay sent for a doctor. Her mother was nearly blind and could not read or write. Witness said she was a Christian Scientist. Her mother was at one time in the hands of Mr Morley Fletcher, a Christian Scientist. Mr Fletcher, she said, had advised her mother to have a doctor. - LADY MABEL TEYNHAM, sister of the deceased, said she told Mr Morley Fletcher he had killed her sister. She was extremely angry and told him he knew she had diabetes. "I was extremely angry," she added. "I was not sent for until my sister was absolutely dying." - The Coroner: Your sister could have had a doctor had she wished. - Mr Bernard Morley Fletcher said LADY FOLLETT emphatically refused to see a doctor from first to last. "I did not persuade her not to see a doctor," he said, "That is not my business." At no time did he use any influence over her to prevent her from seeing a doctor. "We give," he said, "what we call Christian Science Treatment." Witness sometimes charged ten shillings a visit, but never more. - When do you call in a doctor? I do not call in a doctor. There may be cases in which I should recommend to the relatives that they should have a doctor, not so much that it would be any help, but that it would ease the minds of the relatives. - Dr Barcroft, who was called on Friday evening, said he came to the conclusion death was due to diabetic coma. - Summing up, the coroner remarked that nothing had been done illegally or improperly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 14 May 1923
HONITON - Tramp's Death At Honiton. - Dr Tweed held an Inquest at Honiton Poor-law Institution, on HARRY WEBSTER, aged 63, labourer, on tramp, who was taken suddenly ill on the main road, near the Rectory, in the morning of the 10th inst. Deceased's companion informed the Police. P.S. Hannaford went to the man's assistance and he was removed in a passing motor car to the Institution, where he died 20 minutes after admission. Deceased received every possible care and attention and Dr Steele Perkins (Medical Officer of Health) attributed death to rupture of the heart, due to fatty degeneration.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 25 May 1923
WEST OGWELL - Ogwell Tragedy. Dog's Intuition. - At an Inquest yesterday on ROBERT PARR, retired farmer, of Coronation-road, Newton Abbot, John Isaacs junr., farmer, West Ogwell Barton, said deceased, his uncle, came on Saturday to stay for a few days. A dog which had accompanied the deceased when he went out came running up, "moaning and groaning like anything." He followed the dog and found deceased was lying dead, with his throat cut. He had been in poor health. The Coroner found that deceased Committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 28 May 1923
EXETER - Broken Neck. Motor And Boy. The Alphington Tragedy. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, on Saturday on CLIFFORD IDRIS MAY, aged 10 of 2 Leat-terrace, Commercial-road. - WALTER JAMES MAY, father, said deceased would have been 11 years old on June 2nd. His hearing and sight were good. - Dr A. E. Eugger, Assistant House Surgeon, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said deceased was admitted about 12.5 p.m. on Friday. He was then unconscious and died about three minutes later. The boy was badly grazed about the body and limbs and his neck was broken. The injuries were consistent with his having been struck on the point of the chin and the head forced back. - Sidney Greenaway, aged 14, Coombe-street, a companion of deceased, said that, with another boy, they went out for a walk on Friday. They started at 9 in the morning. About 12.30 they were coming back to Exeter and were near the railway bridge at Alphington Cross. Proceeding in the same direction as themselves were a char-a-banc and a lorry. Witness was in front of deceased and the other boy and did not see either step off the footpath. Witness heard a "sort of a bump," and, looking round, saw MAY on the ground. He did not see a motor car pass him. Deceased was against the path. Witness heard no horn sounded. - By the Foreman of the Jury (Mr F. W. Peters): He did not think deceased was going to have a ride on the back of the lorry and did not see him run into the road. - Reginald Franklin, aged 10, West-street (the other boy with deceased), said he heard the last witness say, "Here's a lorry coming," but they did not try to have a ride on it. He did not see MAY go into the road or knocked down. MAY was walking behind him. - Lilian Radford, aged 15, Alphington, deposed that she was on the road near the railway bridge. On the pavement were three boys going towards Exeter. Witness saw a motor lorry coming. Two of the boys ran towards it and then returned to the path. The other boy (who was deceased) ran right across the road and was knocked down by the mud guard of an approaching car. The horn was sounded twice. The driver swerved in trying to avoid the boy and pulled up quickly. It looked as if the boys intended trying to get on the back of the lorry. - Albert Edward Westcott, York-place, motor mechanic, said he was testing a car on the Alphington-road. His speed was from 12 to 15 miles per hour and he was about 2- yards behind a Ford car. When near Alphington Cross, he saw an engine pass, and when he got round the bend, observed the Ford pulled up and the boy being assisted to his feet. He saw nothing of the accident. - P.C. Brewer, Devon Constabulary, said the width of the road was 23 feet 5 inches. There was a pathway of seven feet. There were drag marks on the surface for a distance of 20 feet and these showed that the car, on the application of brakes, had swerved to the right. - Detective-constable Rowsell, said the driver of the car that knocked down deceased told him the accident happened just beyond the bridge as he was turning the corner. The boy came off the path right on to his mudguard. He was going at 15 miles per hour. Witness examined the car and found the left mudguard and light were damaged. - Reginald Harry Saunders, the driver of the Ford car, residing at 4 St James's-road, Upton, Torquay, said he wished to give evidence. When he reached the railway bridge, deceased ran off the path, and, although witness swerved, the boy came right on to the mudguard. His speed was about 15 miles per hour and he sounded his horn all the way round the corner. The boys were on the Alphington side of the bridge. - The Coroner said he was afraid they could not rely on the evidence of the two boys, who might have a glimmering at the backs of their minds that they were doing something wrong in riding behind a motor lorry. Having regard to the present state of traffic, he did not think Mr Saunders was going too fast. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and attached no blame to Mr Saunders. They expressed sympathy with the relatives of deceased.

ASHPRINGTON - At the Inquest held by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, at Ashprington, on the body of MRS HUTCHINGS, who broke her neck as the result of a fall from her garden into a paved yard, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 6 June 1923
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, last evening on EDMUND BEARD TINCOMBE, whose body was recovered from the City Basin the previous afternoon. WILLIAM TINCOMBE, brother, said deceased was 54. He left the Army about September last and had been living with witness. He had been in the habit of taking walks by the river. Witness had never heard him threaten to take his life. On the day he was missed - May 23rd - he left witness at the corner of Queen-street and said he was going to the Labour Exchange. William Gregory described the finding of the body and sending for the Police. Dr Pereira Gray said death was due to drowning. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 7 June 1923
EXETER - Bickleigh Rector's Sudden Death. The Inquest. - An Inquiry was held at Exeter yesterday by Mr W. Linford Brown into the circumstances surrounding the death of the REV. WALTER GAWEN CAREW, Rector of Bickleigh, who died suddenly while travelling on a tram-car at Exeter the previous day. - Dr Robert burgess, of Tiverton, identified the body and said deceased's age was 58. He had known him for 13 years and had professionally attended him during that time. Three years ago deceased strained his heart and had ever since been under treatment. On June 1st, when he examined MR CAREW, his heart was enlarged. He was also suffering from muscular cardiac trouble. - Leonard Vicary, Sidwell-street, Exeter, said deceased entered the train at Cadeleigh Station. He appeared to be quite well and was conversing with people. At St David's Station MR CAREW took a seat on the top of a tram-car. When the car was near Hele-road, MR CAREW leaned over and witness assisted him back and unfastened his collar and shirt. With the assistance of another person, he then laid deceased out on the tram, but after uttering a slight groan he expired. - Mr Bell, Surgeon, said death was attributable to syncope, due to dilated heart, probably caused by hurrying up the steps of the tram-car. - The Coroner returned a verdict of Sudden Death, and expressed sympathy with the family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 14 June 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Resident's Bereavement. - MRS ANN ELIZABETH MARSHALL, wife of MR BEN MARSHALL, a well-known Barnstaple wine and spirit merchant (of the firm of Messrs. Marshall and Nicholls), was found hanging at her residence, No 1 Fortescue-road, Barnstaple, early yesterday morning. She was 77 years of age. - At the Inquest yesterday afternoon, MR BEN MARSHALL said his wife had been ill with a nervous breakdown for about five years. The previous evening she seemed somewhat better, but on his awaking about 7 o'clock that morning she was missing and he found her hanging in a downstairs room with a rope suspended from a beam. He immediately released the rope, but life was extinct. She had nothing in the world to worry her and normally was of the happiest disposition, and always trying to do good to other people. He had made arrangements to take her to Ilfracombe for a change. - Dr A. J. Kendrew gave evidence and said deceased had been suffering from melancholia for some years. - The Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and said he was sure all deeply sympathised with MR MARSHALL and his family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 15 June 1923
EXETER - At the Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK VERDUN WELLAWAY, aged 5, of Tuckett's-court, Alphington-street, Exeter, who died in the Hospital after being run over by a motor car in Cowick-street on Wednesday, the Jury found that Syndham Williams (an Exonian living at Chagford), the driver of the car, was in no way to blame. Saturday 16 June 1923 - Particularly sad was the fatality in Cowick-street, Exeter, whereby a five-year old boy ran straight in front of a motor car and sustained injuries which resulted in his death. It transpired at the Inquest that the driver of the car was proceeding carefully at the time of the accident and the Jury exonerated him from any blame in the matter. It appears that the little boy ran into the road, as youngsters will, without giving a thought to danger and it was impossible for the driver of the car to avert running over him. Such tragic happenings - occurring so suddenly as they do - serve as reminders that the streets of Exeter call for much care on the part of pedestrians as well as people in charge of vehicular traffic, if such accidents are to be avoided. In the case under notice the little boy himself appears to have been the only person at fault.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 18 June 1923
BARNSTAPLE - The Barnstaple Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, has conducted an Inquest concerning the death of EMMA JANE MACKIE, wife of ROBERT H. MACKIE, of Lovering's-court, Barnstaple. The deceased, who was 58 years of age, had just got over an attack of influenza. She was about as usual until Wednesday, when she complained of feeling unwell and an attack of indigestion. Her daughter, MRS HILDA LOTTIE THOMAS, called to see her mother, and shortly after entering her bedroom her mother passed away. ROBERT H. MACKIE, husband of deceased, said his wife had refused to have a doctor. Dr S. R. Gibbs said when called to the house he found MRS MACKIE dead. She died from heart failure. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 20 June 1923
UFFCULME - Inquest Story Of Uffculme Tragedy. - A verdict that "Death was due to a Gunshot Wound, Self-inflicted," was returned at an Inquest held on the body of JAMES STEVENS, landlord of the Lamb Inn, near Uffculme. Deceased was found shot in a root-house. - MRS STEVENS, widow, said of late her husband had suffered from fits of depression. He had always been fond of liquor, but was not a heavy drinker, though at times he drank to excess and intoxicants had a peculiar effect on him, especially of late years. He was addicted to fits of silence and would refuse to answer questions. Although she had not seen him take it, she assumed he drank about half a bottle of whisky a day. There were two children, aged 12 and 6 years. She did not know of any enemy deceased had. Only two minutes elapsed from the time STEVENS was first seen in the root-shed and his being found shot. - The Coroner said deceased was suffering from great mental depression caused by intemperate alcoholic habits.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from natural Causes" was returned yesterday by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at an Inquest held on the body of MRS ELLEN HILLMAN at her residence, 47 West Grove-road, Exeter. Evidence was given by Dr Hudson that death was due to heart failure, caused by indigestion.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 21 June 1923
TEIGNMOUTH - At Teignmouth Town Hall yesterday, Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on a person who died at the Hospital. THOMAS BUTLER, 79, a Royal Marine pensioner, was admitted to the Institution on 22nd May. He was going to rest for the afternoon at the residence of his daughter, in Teign-street, when he fell by the side of his bed. His leg was under him and he fractured his thigh. Dr Ross Kilpatrick was of opinion that death was due to heart failure accelerated by the accident and an affection of the lungs. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Teignmouth Town Hall yesterday by Mr T. Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, on the very sad case of a motherless baby sent to England from Canada by the Patriotic Commission, which died in the Hospital. It was SARAH NOREEN MILLINGTON, whose mother died in Canada when the little girl was a few weeks old and the father, being a sailor, MRS MAGILL, of Mulberry-street, Teignmouth, the grandmother, promised to look after her. On Friday last the baby's aunt, a girl of 13, made a cup of tea and poured out for her mother. The baby was sitting on the hearth-rug and after the aunt, HELLEN MAGILL, had poured out a cup of tea for herself and was returning to the table carrying the tea in her hand, the baby caught hold of her by the dress. The aunt held the cup up because the baby should not knock it out of her hand when the little one again pulled her dress and the cup capsized throwing the tea over the child. The grandmother undressed her and covered the scald, which extended from the head to the waist, with olive oil. Dr Stanley Piggott was sent for and he ordered the child's removal to the Hospital. Dr Piggott said the baby's back was blistered in parts and death was due to shock. The Deputy Coroner said it was one of those unfortunate accidents that will happen where there are children. It was a pure accident and he entered a verdict that deceased died from shock in consequence of a cup of tea falling over her.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 29 June 1923
CHULMLEIGH - Chulmleigh Man's Sad End. Troubled And Depressed. - Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquiry at the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, concerning the death of JOSEPH OKE, timber feller, of Great Shute, Chulmleigh, who was admitted to the Institution suffering from severe injuries to the throat, from which he succumbed the following day. - ARTHUR OKE, timber cutter, Chulmleigh, gave evidence of identification, and said deceased had been depressed and worried on account of his wife's illness and also because he had been home 16 weeks. Deceased had five children - two in service and five dependent upon him. He was receiving 32s. from various sources, including 15s. from State insurance per week, and local friends had been kind to him. - By the Coroner: Deceased was a very good worker, and had been known to walk to and fro 16 miles per day altogether, besides doing a day's work, so that he was by no means a lazy man. - John Bater, employed by Mr Sanders, corn merchant, East-street, Chulmleigh, stated that about 8 o'clock on Friday morning last he saw the deceased lying down in a shed belonging to witness's employer. Thinking he was asleep and knowing his wife was ill, witness immediately informed a neighbour. Deceased's face was downwards and witness could not see that there was anything amiss with him, as he was lying down in a corner. - Mrs Edithy Jane Vodden, next-door neighbour, said at 3 a.m. on Friday deceased called at her house and asked someone to fetch the doctor for his wife. Witness went into him and found OKE lighting the fire. He seemed very agitated and depressed and "was going about the house scratching his head and did not seem to know what he was about." Witness fetched the doctor and the latter told OKE his wife was seriously ill. About 8.10 a.m. Bater called witness, and, without stopping for anything, she went to the shed and recognised deceased by his clothes. There was blood all over the wall and on deceased's clothing. She did not stop to see what his injuries were, but went at once for the doctor and sent her husband for the Police. Deceased had been depressed for some days. "In fact," added witness, "I have known him sit down there and cry for half an hour at a time, because I can hear it quite plain in my house." - P.S. Disney, of Chulmleigh, said he assisted Dr Olphert (locum tenens for Dr Tucker) in first aid treatment for deceased, life not being extinct when they arrived in the shed. Deceased had a deep wound in the throat, the windpipe being severed, and there was a gash on his forehead and another on the top of his head, as if he had struck a sharp point in the wall in falling down. There was a considerable amount of blood about. Deceased was removed to the Cottage Hospital at Chulmleigh, and witness remained in attendance upon him until the doctor, in the afternoon, ordered his removal to the North Devon Infirmary, Barnstaple, where he was taken by motor ambulance. Everything possible was done for him at Chulmleigh. Witness added that a blood-stained razor was found lying on deceased's right-hand side. Deceased was a quiet, unassuming man and a good worker. - Dr E. M. Jenkins, House Surgeon at the North Devon Infirmary, said Dr Shaw and himself saw deceased in the operating theatre. Deceased had been properly attended to at Chulmleigh. There was an extensive cut in the throat, severing the windpipe right through to the vertebrae. They had a certain amount of hope of saving deceased, but he passed away the following morning, the shock and the loss of a large amount of blood causing his death. He considered deceased was in a condition of melancholia amounting to a state of unsound mind when he committed the act. - The Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," said deceased's circumstances had preyed upon his mind, with the terrible results they had seen. It was satisfactory to know the man was not destitute, and that friends had been kind to him. He expressed the deepest sympathy with the relatives in their sad bereavement.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 2 July 1923
TAVISTOCK - Motor Fatality Near Tavistock. Witness Commended. - An Inquest was held at Tavistock on Saturday by the District Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, concerning the death of WILLIAM ROBERT PEAT, a commercial traveller, of Weston-super-Mare, who met his death as the result of injuries received in a motor accident near Two Bridges. - Emma Egerton, a friend, gave evidence of identification and William Henry W. Birchall, of Postbridge, said he found the car upset on the road and the deceased and a companion beside it. The left front tyre was burst. - Francis Henry Jennings, a steam roller driver, said he made the men as comfortable as possible until a car came up that happened to contain a doctor. - Dr William West Linington, of Folkestone, said that the injured men could speak, but not coherently. Deceased was suffering from shock, concussion and compression of the brain, due to a scalp wound, and fracture of the skull. There was considerable haemorrhage. The left collar-bone was broken and there were injuries to the ribs. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said that a boulder of the culvert encroached upon the road. he was of the opinion that the burst tyre caused the driver to take a wide sweep round the bend and collide with it. Witness commended Jennings on his assistance. - Dr Edward Fyfe Griffith of Tavistock, said that an operation was performed on deceased the same evening by Dr Vellacott of Plymouth. It was successful in relieving compression, but the patient passed away. His companion, Lieut.-Col Hill-Whitson, of the In and Out Club, Piccadilly, had, on regaining consciousness, no recollection of what had occurred. - The Coroner, returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," commended Jennings for the assistance he had rendered and said he would draw the attention of the County Council to the state of the road with the hope that it would be improved.

NEWTON ST CYRES - Sudden Death. MR S. NICHOLLS At Newton St. Cyres. - The inhabitants of Newton St. Cyres and district were deeply grieved to hear of the sudden death of MR STEPHEN NICHOLLS, who had been for 38 years the respected gamekeeper on the Newton estate. He came to the village, apparently in his usual health, and, when returning, collapsed on the road. Almost immediately after, men returning from harvesting operations discovered him. Medical aid was sought, but before the arrival of the doctor life was extinct. Examination revealed the fact that death occurred through the congested condition of the lungs. Deceased leaves a widow and one daughter - (the only son having died on war service) - with whom the utmost sympathy is felt. MR NICHOLLS was well known over a wide area, and widely respected by a large circle of friends, among whom were the followers of the Cheriton Ottery hounds, the Silverton Hunt, and many anglers of the district. He was a member of the local Parish Council. - The Inquest was held on Saturday at the keeper's cottage, by the Deputy Coroner, Mr G. H. Stephens. - The widow said deceased left home to go to Newton House. He had just had tea, and he went away cheerfully. For some time past her husband had suffered from pains in the chest, which had lately got worse. - Arthur Parker, farmer, said he passed deceased about 10.30 p.m., between Whitton Cottages and Treehill. He was then carrying a parcel over his back, on the barrel of a gun. he wished witness "Good night." - William Braunton, farm labourer, stated that about 10.30 p.m., on Thursday, he was going to his home, at Whitton Cottage, when he saw a body on the ground. Witness was riding in a hay cart. He jumped down and saw it was deceased. Witness lifted him up, but after breathing three times the man died. MR NICHOLLS was always lively and cheerful and did not complain. - Dr Sidney Arthur Thomas Ware, of Crediton, said he knew deceased, having attended him on one occasion about three months ago. Witness had examined the body and found no marks of violence. He made a post-mortem examination and found that the brain, heart and both the lungs showed congestion. The left lung also showed several haemorrhages. This condition would cause syncope, to which he attributed death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 4 July 1923
EGGESFORD - Accident At Eggesford. Youth Killed in The Hay Field. - Yesterday Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy County Coroner, conducted an Inquest at the Barton Farm, Eggesford, on SIMON RICHARD STEVENS, aged 16, late of that address. - Evidence of identification was given by the father, RICHARD HENRY STEVENS, who said on Saturday last about 7.30 in the evening deceased was helping to collect hay for the forks of an elevator, which was fastened to the ground by four ropes attached to wires connected with the elevator pole. Witness's other son was leading the horse. About the time mentioned he was called, and saw deceased and the pole lying on the ground. Witness saw that his son was much hurt and he sent for a doctor. He had had the elevator in use for the past 20 years. On a previous occasion he had known the rope to break, but as soon as he saw they were wearing he put in new ones. He had not done this during the present year, as he considered the ones in use were all right. The elevator pole rested on the ground, but it was not dug in. - Deceased's brother, CHARLES EDGAR STEVENS, aged 14, said the horse he was leading was attached to the elevator. Witness was walking the horse in the ordinary way at 7.30 on Saturday when the pole fell, knocking his brother down. - Dr W. H. Bush, of Chulmleigh, said he found the boy lying on a hurdle close to the house. He was unconscious and had a severe contusion of the left temple, extending over the left eye and cheek. There was no superficial cut, but there was a lot of blood about the face and clothes that had evidently come from the nose. A fracture at the base of the skull caused death. - Mrs C. A. Easton, an aunt, said her nephew died about 1.30 on Sunday morning. He did not regain consciousness. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BISHOPS TAWTON - Tragedy At Bishopstawton. Coroner And Schoolmaster. - An Inquiry was conducted yesterday by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, concerning the death of MRS FANNY ELIZABETH HEAL, widow, aged 50 years, living with her sisters at Little Pill House, Bishopstawton, and a verdict of "Suicide by Drowning" was returned. - RICHARD HEAL, uncle of deceased, said she left the house at 7.15 on Monday morning, as he thought, to pick some flowers and gooseberries in the garden, and seemed quite as usual. She failed to return to breakfast, and he made a search for her, but without success. He thought she might have gone to her brother, MR HOLLAND, of Barnstaple, as she had done before. - George Ash, of Barnstaple, said he was working on the water main at Bishopstawton on Monday afternoon, when, just after 4 o'clock he was attracted to the river by some children running there. He went over and saw the body of a woman lying on the river bed, where the tide had receded. Her clothes were over her head and she was resting on her arms, face downward. There were no footmarks on the ground. - Dr J. R. Harper, of Barnstaple, said he examined the body, and found a quantity of sand in the mouth. Death was due to drowning. - Clifford Passmore, of Bishopstawton, schoolboy, said that at 1.30 p.m. he went on the river bank with other boys and saw what he thought to be a body of a man. He told Mr Taylor, the Schoolmaster, at 2 o'clock, but the latter did not do anything. With other boys, he went down to the river at 4 o'clock and found the body in the same position. They then told the previous witness. - This statement was borne out by another boy, named Charles Avery. - P.C. Challice said he had seen Mr Taylor, who attached no importance to the boys' statement as he thought they must have been mistaken in assuming that bags or rubbish sometimes seen in the river were a body. - The Coroner, in summing up, said he thought it very remiss of Mr Taylor to have taken no notice of what the boys said. He should have sent an older boy to verify their statement, or should have sent a message to the Policeman's house.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 5 July 1923
BERE FERRERS - A Bere Alston labourer named JAMES TRELOAR, collapsed while picking strawberries. At the Inquest, conducted by Mr K. G. Johnstone, Dr Vivian Colmer stated that a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to heart failure. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 11 July 1923
ALDERSHOT, HAMPSHIRE - Aldershot Corporal's Death. - A verdict of "Manslaughter" against Corporals Charles Ives and David Buglass was returned at the adjourned Inquest at Aldershot yesterday, on Corporal WILLIAM JOHNS, 18th Hussars, who died from a gunshot wound on June 13th. According to the evidence, the three corporals were the "best of pals," but on this occasion all were under the influence of drink, and JOHNS, in the barrack-room, split some stout over the others. After some larking JOHNS went to bed. Ives loaded a rifle which Buglass took and, kneeling behind a bed on which he rested the weapon, pointed it at JOHNS. The latter balanced a boot on his head and said to Buglass "Knock it off." A few minutes later JOHNS was seen running across the room with the boot in his hand, a shot rang out and he fell. JOHNS had associations with the Exeter district. Friday, 13 July 1923 - The adjourned inquest touching the death of Corporal WILLIAM JOHNS, 18th Hussars, who was buried in Pinhoe churchyard last week, he having close ties with the village, took place on Tuesday at Aldershot, when a verdict of "Manslaughter" was returned against Corporals Charles Ives and David Buglass. According to the evidence, the three corporals were the "best of pals," but on this occasion all were under the influence of drink.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 16 July 1923
TOTNES - At an Inquest at Totnes on GEORGE TOPE, of St John's-terrace, labourer, evidence showed he was killed by lightning while working at Yarner Farm, Dartington. His dog was dead beside him under a tree.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 17 July 1923
CREDITON - Sudden Death At Crediton. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Crediton, yesterday, with reference to the death of MRS LUCY BRADFORD, widow, aged 71, of 12 High-street, Crediton, who was found dead in her bedroom on Saturday morning. ERNEST BRADFORD, son of deceased, said his mother went to bed on Friday evening at 7 o'clock. There was nothing unusual in this, as she always retired early. No one went in to see her after, as she did not like being disturbed. She was in good health and had not been attended by a doctor for 12 months. - Dr Pound, of Crediton, was of the opinion deceased died on Friday evening. He attributed death to heart failure. - Arthur Whittaker, of Stockleigh Pomeroy, son-in-law of deceased, said he went in to MRS BRADFORD'S bedroom early on Saturday morning and found her in a kneeling position beside the bed. She wore a nightdress and stockings. The bed had not the appearance of having been slept on, but that the clothes had been drawn back in readiness for the deceased to get in. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EAST BUDLEIGH - Fatal Worry. East Budleigh Suicide. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was the verdict at an Inquest conducted by Mr C. N. Tweed on the body of an old age pensioner, HENRY DAVIS, of East Budleigh, who, becoming worried over an operation that he had to undergo for his eyes, cut his throat with a razor.

EXETER - The City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of the two days' old child of MR and MRS CALLICOTT of 28 West-street, Exeter, which died on the 14th inst. Dr A. Hipwell said the child was undersized and premature born. The cause of death was convulsions due to premature birth. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 18 July 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - The Inquest on GORDON MORGAN, who was drowned in the river Teign, as recorded in another column, was conducted yesterday by Mr T. Edmonds, who returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." He complimented George Gribble on the effort he made to save the life of his friend. A place like Newton Abbot, he said, ought to have a public bathing-place. The matter should be carefully considered by the public authority with a view to providing proper bathing accommodation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 19 July 1923
EXETER - Suicide Of Inmate At Devon County Mental Hospital. - In returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" at an Inquest on WILLIAM GROOM, an inmate of the Devon County Mental Hospital, yesterday, Mr H. W. Gould said in institutions of that kind there were bound to be periodical cases of that character. He found from his records, however, that there had not been a suicide at that institution for 15 years. That, he considered, a good record, and one which showed the care and attention the patients received. - Dr R. A. G. Penny, Assistant Medical Officer, said GROOM, who was aged 41, was admitted to the Institution in 1910. His last place of abode was Moretonhampstead, where he was employed as a farm labourer. He was admitted suffering from melancholia, but improved as time went on, and his last fit of depression was some time ago. In the summer of 1914, however, he suffered from delusions. At 10.40 a.m. on Monday witness was called to No. 8 Ward (male block), where there were 54 patients. At the time of the death there were three attendants in the ward. He found GROOM lying on a bed, while one of the attendants was trying to restore animation by artificial respiration. The man was dead and a post-mortem examination disclosed that the brain and kidneys were congested, while there was also some congestion at the base of each lung. Death was due to syncope caused by asphyxia. - Henry Winson, charge male nurse of the ward, said at 9 a.m. GROOM, together with other patients who were regarded as trustworthy, began to make the beds in the dormitory. Afterwards GROOM had luncheon, and at 10.15 returned. When witness went to lock up at 10.40 he found GROOM lying on the floor against the wall. There was a piece of tape round his neck, but when witness found him it was fairly loose. There was no one else in the dormitory when he found the man. - Samuel Soper, who was in charge of the male block, said GROOM was fairly cheerful in the morning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 20 July 1923
STOODLEIGH - Killed By Lightning. Stoodleigh Farmer's Death. - The District Coroner, Mr W. H. Gould, conducted an Inquest at Stonelands Farm, Stoodleigh, on the body of GEORGE HENRY LUXTON, 78, who was killed by lightning in a hayfield at Stoneland during a storm on Saturday evening. - GEORGE PEARCE LUXTON identified the body as that of his father, who was a farmer. On Saturday they were engaged in the hayfield, when just before 6 p.m. there came a storm of thunder and lightning. Witness hurried to leave the field to shelter and the others followed him. Just as he got outside he heard a shout and on looking round saw deceased on the ground. He went back and found his father lying dead on his face and hands. - William John Vellacott of Middlecott, Rackenford, rabbit trapper, said on Saturday evening last he was helping in the hayfield. About 6 p.m. he was leaving the field with the deceased in consequence of a storm, "when suddenly," said witness, "I was felled to the ground. I served in the war and I can only liken it to a shell bursting and it smelt just the same. On getting up I saw MR LUXTON on the ground and I shouted to the last witness." On going to deceased he found him dead. Witness had a hayfork in his hand. Deceased also had one, but he could not remember whether he was carrying it on his shoulder or in his hand. - Dr R. B. Cullen, Tiverton, said he examined deceased and found bruises on the left side and on the shoulder. Deceased's face was also blackened. The marks were consistent with being struck by lightning. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was Accidental and due to lightning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 21 July 1923
PINHOE - Another Sensation At Pinhoe. - Another sensation was caused at Pinhoe yesterday morning when it became known that MR ANDREW CHERITON of Pinn Hill View, had been found dead in a brook in his orchard. He appears to have left his house about 1 o'clock in the morning, dressed only in his nightshirt. The assistance of Mr Bannock was requisitioned and a search instituted with the result that the body of the deceased was found as stated. Information was given to P.C. Holman, who took the necessary steps for the holding of a Coroner's Inquest, which was held last evening. - The Inquest was conducted by Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner. Evidence was given by deceased's wife to the effect that her husband had had a nervous breakdown some time ago, and that his health had not been good since. He had suffered from indigestion and had also been much depressed. On Thursday night he was able to sleep very little and slipped out of the house early on Friday morning, only partly dressed. She summoned a neighbour and after a search, found deceased at the bottom of the orchard, lying face downwards in a pool of water. Dr Orchard gave evidence that he had been attending deceased for the past fortnight. He was suffering from nervous depression, sleeplessness and chronic indigestion. A verdict was returned that deceased was found dead, there being no evidence to show how he got into the water.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, relative to the sudden death on Thursday of MRS DOROTHY ETHEL LEE, wife of MR THOMAS LEE, of 32 Park-road, Exeter. Medical evidence, given by Dr F. H. Hudson, was to the effect that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXMINSTER - Septuagenarian's Fatal Cycle Accident. - The circumstances surrounding the death of JOHN REW, 72, of The Barton, Exminster, who died as a result of injuries sustained through a cycling accident at Alphington on June 10th, were Inquired into by Mr H. W. Gould, Exeter District Coroner, yesterday. The evidence went to show that deceased, who was in the habit of cycling, apparently lost control of his machine on Pengelly's-hill, Alphington, and collided with a waggon proceeding in the opposite direction, and which had been pulled close to the hedge to allow deceased more room to pass, as he was, according to one witness, "coming down the middle of the road at a terrific speed." First aid was rendered by Herbert Lewis Jones, Alphington, (who was in charge of the horse an waggon), and David Leach, Lower Shillingford, and deceased was taken to his home, where he died on Thursday from congestion of the lungs, supervening on a fractured rib and bronchitis. A verdict that death was due to shock and injuries received through the accident was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 26 July 1923
EXETER - The death has occurred at his residence, No. 5 Elm Grove-road, Exeter, of MR CHARLES EDWARD HARBY, at the age of 68 years. He was formerly for many years a collector of Customs and Excise in Exeter, from which office he retired in 1916. At the Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, a verdict of "Death from Syncope" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 31 July 1923
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Motor Lorry Fatality. Council Workman Killed. - A motor lorry, belonging to Mr J. H. Trenaman of Hatherleigh (hired by the contractors for the North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway in drawing some steel girders for use in construction of the railway) through the driving chains breaking, got out of control shortly after leaving the military siding near the Okehampton Railway Station yesterday morning, and ran to the bottom of the Station-road at Okehampton at a terrific pace. It crashed into the railings and wall abutting on the garden in Fair-place, adjoining the Police Station, and was completely wrecked. Unfortunately, MR WILLIAM JAMES WEEKS, aged 63, a roadman in the employ of the Okehampton Town Council, who was at work close by the garden, was knocked down and instantly killed, while two men on the lorry were seriously hurt. One was Frederick Northcott, a native of Bovey Tracey, who was acting as driver and working for Mr Trenaman, and the other, William Bachelor, a labourer, of no fixed abode, employed by the railway contractors. Five other men, who were in the lorry when it started to run away, jumped clear and so escaped injury. Deceased was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary and the two injured men were also taken there in the motor ambulance, receiving first aid from the Police and the doctor from the Artillery camp who was fetched. Neither of the three resident doctors of Okehampton were within call. The driver sustained a fracture of the skull. - At the Infirmary last evening, Mr H. C. Brown opened an Inquest concerning the death of WILLIAM JAMES WEEKS, and after taking medical evidence, adjourned the Inquiry until Monday, August 27th, by which time, it was hoped, the two injured men would have sufficiently recovered to be able to attend and give evidence. - Dr Wright, of Okehampton, said he saw the body after he had been brought to the Mortuary, and, upon examination, found the right side of the head smashed in and the brain protruding. The injuries were sufficient to account for instantaneous death, and they were consistent with his having been thrown violently against a wall. There were only minor abrasions on the rest of the body. - Deceased, who lived in North-street, Okehampton, was a widower and had no children dependent upon him. He had been for many years past in the employ of the Town Council as one of the roadmen.

TAVISTOCK - Worried About His Ponies. Tavistock Tragedy. - At Heathfield, near Tavistock, the District Coroner, Mr A. K.G. Johnstone, conducted an Inquiry, with Jury, into the death of MR THOMAS PALMER, a well-known cattle dealer of the district, who was found in the kitchen of the Sportsman's Arms, Heathfield, on Saturday afternoon, lying dead in a pool of blood with his throat cut. - REGINALD PALMER, son of the deceased, said that the latter, who was 64 years of age, had been worried about some ponies belonging to him in Cornwall, which were suffering from mange, and which he feared would stray among the animals of other people and implicate him into trouble with the Police. So far as he knew his father was not in financial difficulties, but worry about the ponies made him depressed and unable to sleep at nights. - Michael Davey, of the Sportsman's Arms, said that deceased seemed strange in his behaviour at dinner that day. Later, witness found him dead in the kitchen with his throat cut, and blood all over the room. - Dr C. C. Brodrick, of Tavistock, deposed to giving deceased's wife a week ago something to quiet her husband's nerves. He thought deceased highly nervous and inclined to worry over nothing. - P.C. Ash, of Lamerton, said there was £36 in notes on the body. - Herbert Charles Folley Peake, accountant of Launceston, said he had assisted deceased in preparing his Income-tax returns, dating from 1919 to 1922. They involved the payment of a considerable sum of money to the Inland Revenue authorities. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said deceased was not over assessed, but his papers were involved owing to mortgages. He frequently spoke of his worry about the ponies. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind," and the Coroner on their behalf extended sympathy with the relatives, referring to the loss sustained also by the agricultural community.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 1 August 1923
STOKE CANON - Young Exonian's Death At Railway Crossing. - The inquest on ARTHUR BILLETT, who was found dead by the side of the Great Western line near Stoke Canon on Monday, was held at the Jubilee Hall, Stoke Canon, last evening, by the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould. Chief-Inspector Mapledoram, of Exeter, represented the Traffic Department of the Company. - MR SAMUEL BILLETT, colliery representative, said his son was 22 and a commercial traveller. Witness last saw him alive at Shaldon on Monday morning. Deceased was fairly healthy, but had suffered from a spinal complaint from birth. This acted on the nervous system, and, although he had not said so, witness was sure this sometimes made him feel depressed. - The Coroner: Have you ever heard him speak of suicide? - Never. - Mr M. J. Westaway, of 34 Haldon-road, said he saw deceased on Monday at 1 o'clock in Haldon-road. He was then riding his bicycle, and wished witness good morning. Witness did not notice anything unusual about him then. - Wm. James Manley, ganger, said he found the body of deceased on the down line near Stafford's Bridge at Nix's Crossing. Deceased's bicycle was leaning against the crossing gates. it was quite easy for anyone to get to the spot from the main road by means of a footpath across the fields. - Inspector W. J. Cook, of Newton Abbot, said hair, blood and bone were found on the left life guard of the wheels of the engine which worked the 10.30 express between Paddington and Plymouth. This train was due at Exeter about 1.30, and witness had been told by the driver that it was a minute or two late. The driver saw nothing of the occurrence. It would take the express about a minute to get to Exeter from the spot where the body was found. - P.C. Wakeley said deceased's watch had stopped at 1.30. - Dr C. C. Connock, of Thorverton, said the top of deceased's skull had been smashed, the scalp cut through and the brain damaged. Death would have been instantaneous. - The Coroner found that deceased "Committed Suicide while of Unsound Mind." It was a very regrettable thing, and he expressed his sympathy with MR BILLETT and family.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 2 August 1923 EXMOUTH - Exmouth Lad Found Drowned. Inquest Story. - At the Inquest on ARTHUR FRANCIS FARLEY, of 2 Diamond Cottages, Exmouth, who was found drowned at the Warren, the Deputy Coroner, Mr T. Edmonds, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned." - The father said his son had resided for the past five years with his uncle at Cockwood. - Dr J. H. Iles said the condition of the body was consistent with death from drowning. There was a slight bruise over the right eye, caused by a fall either before or at the time of the accident. No other mark was on the body. - William Westlake, yachtsman of the White Owl, anchored in Exmouth Bight, deposed that he rowed his boat to the slip-way near the viaduct, and saw the deceased lad get into a large boat and throw a piece of wood into the water. He told him he ought not to have done it. As he was proceeding to Starcross for provisions he saw the boy walking towards the viaduct without shoes or stockings. On his return an hour later he noticed a boat adrift outside and found it contained a shirt and a pair of shoes, with socks tucked in them. He inquired of a lad if he had seen the boy and was told probably he was home at tea. Witness took the lad to the boat and told him to pull ashore and make inquiries about the clothes and later saw a crowd and was told a lad was missing. - Charles Rabbage, Cofton, said deceased was his nephew and was residing with him. He was not accustomed to bathe. He left home between 4 and 5 o'clock presumably to play and was not seen again. Later witness recognised the clothing found in the boat as the property of deceased. A search was made during the night and continued next day. On Sunday afternoon witness found at low tide the lad's knickers and jersey among the seaweed. - Peter M. Smith, of Exeter, said that while at the Warren on Sunday he saw the body and brought it ashore. - The Coroner, in summing up, said there was no evidence to show how the accident happened, but he was convinced it was an accident. Friday 3 August 1923 - The deceased was buried on Wednesday afternoon in Kenton Churchyard by the side of h is mother, who died about five years ago. The Rev. W. H. Carter (Vicar of Cofton) officiated. The coffin bore the inscription: "ARTHUR FARLEY, died July 28th, 1923, aged six years." The immediate mourners were: Mr and Mrs F. Farley (father and stepmother), Mr and Mrs C. Rabbage, Mrs Hellier, Mr A. Rabbage, Mrs Evans (uncles and aunts), Mr E. Rabbage, the Misses F. B. and Ida Rabbage (cousins), Mr H. Kingshott, Sidney and Joyce Bradford, and Gwennie Savage.

LANDKEY - Landkey Sudden Death. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, County Coroner, conducted an Inquest yesterday afternoon, at Wellesleigh Cottages, Landkey, concerning the death of FRED HAWKINS, 57, a farm bailiff, late of Algburth, Liverpool. MRS HAWKINS said that, with her husband, she came on a visit to his brother at Wellesleigh. After a walk to Goodleigh village and back her husband complained of a pain in his chest, sat down in a chair and expired immediately. Dr Shaw, of Barnstaple, who had a post-mortem examination, said his opinion was that death was due to heart failure, arising from valvular disease. The Coroner entered a verdict to that effect.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 4 August 1923
EXETER - An Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on FREDERICK WOODHOUSE, 55, labourer, Pancras-lane, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, had to be postponed until Monday, as the body had been screwed down without having been viewed by the Deputy Coroner.

EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest held by the Deputy City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, yesterday, on the 12-hours-old child of MR and MRS TREGALE of 79 Okehampton-road, Exeter.

BRAUNTON - The North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, conducted an Inquest at Braunton concerning the death of PERCY W. ANDERSON, 42, a cashier at Lloyds Bank, Cirencester, who died suddenly in a train between Mortehoe and Braunton on the homeward journey with his wife and family after spending a holiday at Woolacombe. Dr F. R. E. Wright said heart trouble was the cause of death and the Coroner returned a verdict accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 6 August 1923
EXETER - The adjourned Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK WOODHOUSE, 55, flower seller, of Pancras-lane, Exeter, was resumed on Saturday. Deceased on May 9th was knocked down by a cyclist (William Thorne of Fore-street, Exeter) when trying to avoid a motor lorry between the Arcade and the Post-office. When picked up WOODHOUSE said he was not hurt except that his stiff leg had been wrenched. He was taken to his home in a motor car and subsequently conveyed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital where he died. Evidence was given that deceased had previously collapsed in the street owing to heart trouble. Dr Eagger, House Physician at the Hospital, said death was attributable to chronic nephritis and fatty degeneration of the heart, which were not affected by the accident. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was recorded.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 7 August 1923
BROADCLYST - Motor Cycle Fatality At Broadclyst. Char-A-Banc Driver's Story. - Mr H. W. Gould held an Inquest last evening at the Victory Hall, Broadclyst, on the body of LESLIE WILLIAM THOMAS, who, as was reported in yesterday's issue, met his death under tragic circumstances at Broadclyst on Saturday evening while proceeding to Paignton to visit his parents. - Evidence of identification was given by Selina Maude Rigby, 88 Holly-road, Handsworth, Birmingham. Deceased was her nephew and a tool-maker in the employ of Gay Bros., of Birmingham. He was the son of MR and MRS W. A. THOMAS and aged 20 years. He left Birmingham at five o'clock on Saturday morning on a motor cycle for Paignton, where his parents were staying. - "Was deceased a skilful rider?" asked the Coroner. "Yes," replied witness, "he was a careful and very clever rider." The motor cycle, she added, was his property and the one he was accustomed to ride to and from his work. - Leonard Edwin Smith, of 20 St Augustine-street, Taunton, coachbuilder and char-a-banc driver, said on Saturday last he was driving a char-a-banc on the Cullompton road from Exeter to Taunton. It contained 19 passengers, three short of his proper complement. - The Coroner: Were any of them sitting beside you? Yes, sir, Mr John Moore, of Taunton. "I came through Broadclyst," continued the witness, "and it was just 6.55 p.m. by the church clock. When I got about two miles out, I was just turning a very slight bend in the road - in fact, I had turned it - when I noticed the deceased on a motor cycle come round another bend about 200 yards ahead of me. When I first spotted him he was on his correct side and the more he came towards me the more on my side of the road he seemed to come." - The Coroner: Were you on the near side of the road? Yes, sir. Continuing, witness said:- From the time he turned the corner to the time he struck me I could not see his face whatever; he was riding with his head down. - The Coroner: What? Was he riding with his face down over the handle bars? - It seemed to me, sir, as if he was looking down at his petrol tank. At the time the sun was very bright. - Did you sound your hooter? asked the Coroner. yes, sir when quite a long way from him. I should think I blew it a dozen times without his taking any notice. - The Coroner: Did he ride into you, then? - Yes, sir; he came right into my radiator. I blew my horn, thinking every minute he would look up and spot me and get on his right side of the road. I was pulling in all the time until at last I got where I could go no further; and with the same he struck me. I pulled up as quick as I could. - The Coroner: Was he struck himself by the radiator? - Oh, no, sir; he was quite free from the bike and the car. It seemed to me as if his head caught my head lamp and that the force of the blow hit him backwards into the road. I immediately went to the deceased. - The Coroner: In what distance did you pull up after striking deceased? - I should say I pulled up within half the length of the car, sir; I dragged the wheel for two feet. When I went to the deceased I found he was bleeding from the mouth. He was not then dead, and I should say he died within a minute of the accident. - The Coroner: Was there plenty of room on the side of the road opposite to you? - Yes, sir, plenty of room for another char-a-banc to pass. - The Coroner: At what rate do you estimate deceased was riding at the time? - I could not say, sir; he was coming very fast, but I could not say the speed to be correct. - The Coroner: You were expecting him to pass on his right side of the road? - yes, sir; I quite thought he would have looked up and spotted me, and then got out of the way of me. - The Coroner: What pace do you estimate you were travelling at the time? - About ten miles an hour, sir. - And you have been driving regularly? - Yes, sir. - How long? - I have been constantly on the char-a-banc since the war and for two or three years previous to that, sir. - John Moore, of the Westgate Inn, Taunton, said he was sitting next to the driver of the char-a-banc. Deceased came round the bend on his right side and when he got within a few yards of the char-a-banc came right across the road and ran into it. His head was very near the handle bars. - The Coroner: Was there any wind at the time? - No, sir; it was quite calm. There was nothing in the road at the time to interfere. There was plenty of room for deceased to have passed; another char-a-banc could have done so. The last witness sounded his horn several times. - The Coroner: Did the deceased appear to be in any difficulty with his cycle? - Not at all, sir, until he turned right away. I did not see anything wrong with him until he came across the road. Whether he became giddy, or whether there was anything the matter with his machine, I could not say. There must have been something very funny for him to turn his wheel to come across the road as he did, after running on the straight. - P.C. Alfred White (Broadclyst) said he went to the spot at 8.10 p.m. Deceased was lying with his head near the left-hand hedge and his feet towards the front wheels of the char-a-banc. He was quite dead. Witness produced a plan of the road, and in answer to the Coroner said he could not say when deceased commenced to cross the road; he had partly crossed when he began to trace the marks. The distance from the bend to where he ran into the char-a-banc was 55 yards. - The Coroner: Then he had a clear view of 165 feet before he ran into the char-a-banc? - Yes, sir; he had even a clearer view than that, as he could look 80 yards from bend to bend. Answering further questions, witness said the char-a-banc was on its correct side and as tight to the hedge as it could get. The motor cycle was in an upright position, the front wheel being jammed under the protection bar in front of the bonnet of the char-a-banc. - The Coroner: Was there plenty of room for the deceased to have passed? - Witness: There was 11ft. 3in. clear space between the char-a-banc and the opposite hedge. - The Coroner: You are a motor cyclist, Constable. Tell me, do you think if deceased had come very fast round this bend that it would have necessitated taking him in that direction? - Witness: I should not, sir. - The Coroner: But if a person comes round a bend such as this one very fast he is carried more or less across the road, isn't he? - Witness: I don't know, sir; I don't ride very fast. - The Coroner: No, of course not; you are a Policeman. - Dr Orr-Ewing: There is the tendency, as you say, sir, to draw you out. - Dr Archibald Orr-Ewing said he was called to the scene of the accident and found deceased lying dead as described by the last witness. He had sustained a compound fracture of the skull, his neck was dislocated and his right wrist fractured. Death must have been instantaneous; any movement seen must have been a reflex. - Answering a question, witness said he frequently passed the spot and knew the bends in the road well. The particular place in question was a very dangerous part of the road. "You come," he said, "from a wide road into a narrower road, and even if you are going slowly, there is the tendency to carry you into the middle of the road when you go round that first bend. - The Coroner: Then what is your theory, doctor, as to what actually happened? - Witness said he should imagine when deceased came round the bend, not necessarily very fast, with the sun in his eyes, he without realising it got into the centre of the road. As Mr Smith had said, he was looking down, probably to attend to something on his machine and did not realise that the road was slightly narrower until the moment of the impact. The injuries coincided with what Mr Smith had said. - The Coroner: Then you think that immediately before he got to the char-a-banc deceased realised that he was close and attempted to get out of the way? - Witness: Yes; that would account for him being thrown off in the direction he was. - The Coroner: Then your theory is that deceased came round the bend thinking that the road was actually wider than it is? - Witness: Yes, sir. I have only once before seen an injury of a similar character, and that was the case that happened at Sowton. - The Coroner: Then from the position of the body and the motor cycle you are of opinion that deceased realised it when he made the attempt to get out of the way? - Witness: Yes, sir; I think it shows it from the direction in which he was thrown and also the twisting of the handle bars. - The Coroner (to the Police Constable): Have you tested the steering gear of the motor cycle? - P.C. White: The steering gear is bent all to pieces, sir. - The Coroner: Then any test now would not be a true test? - P.C. White: No, sir. - The Coroner: It is a very sad case indeed, and I wish to express my sympathy with the parents and friends of the deceased. How the accident happened it is very difficult to say. It is perfectly clear, however, that the deceased came round the bend at what the driver had said was rather a fast rate, and evidently not realising that the char-a-banc was in front of him he ran into it and was unfortunately killed. I am glad to say, however, that there is no blame whatever attaching to the char-a-banc driver and I completely exonerate him. I return a verdict that deceased was Accidentally Killed. - P.C. Holman said Major Halford Thompson, who was unable to attend the Inquest wished to extend his deep sympathy with the relatives of the deceased in their sad bereavement. - The Coroner: I am quite sure of that; we all know his kind heart.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 8 August 1923
PAIGNTON - Tragedy In South Devon. Coroner's Advice. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by Mr E. Hutchings (the newly appointed Coroner for the District) at an Inquest on SAMUEL JOHN LEWIS, butcher, of Galmpton, who was killed through his motor cycle colliding with a Devon General omnibus at Paignton. The driver of the car was exonerated from blame. The evidence showed that LEWIS, who leaves a widow and five children, ran into the side of the 'bus, one of the back wheels of which passed over his head and shoulder. It was stated that the 'bus pulled up within three yards, and that the cycle had only one brake, which did not appear to be effective. - The Coroner said it might help towards the safety of the public if the fact were emphasised that, in these days when roads were practically unsignalled railways, it was the undoubted duty of anyone coming from a secondary road into a main road to exercise the utmost caution, and that it was also the duty of those on the main road to drive with circumspection and be prepared for any sudden emergency.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 10 August 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Fatality. Axminster Motorist Exonerated From Blame. - An Inquest was held at Newton Abbot, on FRANK HENRY VENTON TUCKER, aged 29, employed by the Great Western Railway Company as a packer, a single man living with his parents at Chudleigh Knighton, who was fatally injured through being knocked down by a car in Courtenay-street, Newton Abbot, late on Saturday evening. Mr E. Hutchings, the Coroner, was assisted by a Jury. - Evidence of identification having been given by deceased's mother, Dr J. Culross said the cause of death was severe shock and internal injuries. - John Jackson, King-street, Newton Abbot, who was standing at the corner of Queen-street and Courtenay-street, about 10.30 on Saturday night, said he noticed a car approaching from Kingsteignton into Courtenay-street. It was travelling at the rate of about six or eight miles an hour. As it passed witness he noticed a man stumbling in the middle of the road. The driver altered the direction of the car, and the man stumbled in front of it. Answering the Coroner, witness said the man hesitated and stepped backwards and forwards. he did not think the man was capable of looking after himself. No driver could have done more to avoid the accident. The car pulled up before the back wheels reached the man. - William Uren, Union-street, Newton Abbot, another eye-witness, corroborated, and said he thought it was an accident that could not have been avoided. - Stanley Wm. Moon, grocer, West-street, Axminster, said he was driving his wife and daughter in a Clement Talbot 8 h.p. car from Axminster to Kingsbridge. he had electric lights and an electric horn and powerful brakes. On approaching the Drum Clock corner at Newton Abbot he slowed down, because he knew it was a dangerous cross-road, and was not travelling more than eight miles an hour. As he was passing the cross-roads he noticed a crowd of people standing on the footpath on the left and drew away slightly from the kerb in case any of them stepped off the path. Two men ran across, and then two more started. He thought one man went back, but the other stopped. Witness swerved the car to the right, but just as he was passing, deceased stepped forward again right in front of the car, hitting the left wing of the car. - Questioned by members of the Jury, witness said he kept off from the kerb because people often stepped off the path and then waited for a car to pass before crossing. There was nothing to give any indication that the man was the worse for drink until he halted and then started again. - The Coroner: A man perfectly sober can lose his head and hesitate. We must not be unjust to anyone especially to a dead man. - After further questioning witness on the point, the Coroner said he did not think it mattered very much whether the man was drunk or not. This was still a free country, and even a drunken man had a right to the King's highway. - Mrs Elizabeth Moon, wife of the last witness, corroborated and said she was sure the man saw the car. - Samuel Tuckitt, Mary-street, Bovey Tracey, said he met the deceased at 10.10 p.m. at the Tower and they walked down on the right-hand side of Courtenay-street towards the starting place of the 'bus for Bovey. When near the Drum Clock they left the pavement together to cross the road, walking side by side, the deceased being on his left. When half-way across, witness saw the light of a car 3ft or 4 ft. from him and halted. The car went close to him and knocked the deceased down. He could not say how fast it was travelling; he hardly saw it. Deceased did not seem the worse for drink. He did not hear a horn sounded, but the roundabouts in the Market were making a noise. As deceased was on the left of witness, it was quite possible he did not see the car. - P.C. Bawden said the road was 40 ft. wide at the scene of the accident. The front wheels of the car were 2 ft. from the right-hand kerb and the back wheels 4 ft. or 5 ft. It appeared as if the car had swerved right across the road. - The Coroner, having summed up, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from any blame. They thought he did his best to avoid the accident and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 16 August 1923
KENTISBEARE - Kentisbeare Tragedy. Inquest Story. - At an Inquest held at Kentisbeare last night Dr Tweed (Honiton) found that HENRY MORISH WRIGHT, 29, farmer's assistant, took his life while Temporarily Insane. - Deceased was brought up by his uncle, MR S. MORISH at Court Barton, Kentisbeare. He served in the war at Salonika, and had since had severe malaria. As he did not come into supper on Monday night search was made with a lantern and deceased was found in a linhay in the orchard behind the house with the top of his head blown off, a shot-gun by his side. - Dr Alleyne (Cullompton) said depression often accompanied severe malaria. The relatives who gave evidence said deceased had been very quiet of late, but they could not say there was definite depression. A relative from London, spending a holiday at the farm, said, however, that he had formed the opinion deceased was depressed. Last year in London he had a severe attack of malaria and was unconscious for some time. - The witnesses said there were no money worries. Deceased was engaged and there had been certain rumours, but deceased had not said anything about this and there were no letters. - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 17 August 1923
MINEHEAD, SOMERSET - Sad Ending To Bradninch Outing. Sailor Drowned. - On Saturday a gloom was cast over Bradninch on learning, when the char-a-banc returned from the outing of the Free and Easy Club to Minehead, that one of the party had passed away while bathing on the sea front. Deceased, who was a stoker on H.M.S. King George, was 32 years of age, having completed his 12 years in the Navy and taken on for a further term to finish his 21 years. He was the youngest son of MRS COPP and the late MR COPP, Cullompton Hill, Bradninch, and was well known. The mother was prostrated with grief when the news was made known to her. - An Inquest was conducted at Minehead Hospital by Mr T. Foster Barham, O.B.E., Coroner for West Somerset. FRANCIS JAMES COPP, a paper maker, living at Bradninch, gave evidence of identification, and said his brother, AMBROSE COPP, left the party in order to have a swim. He underwent an operation about four years ago for heart trouble. - May James, a bathing attendant, said she did not see deceased enter the sea, but while on the sands with her children she noticed what appeared to be a body in the water. Some women were paddling near by, and she asked one of them to help her get the body out. No one appeared to have previously noticed deceased. The water was shallow at the spot, it being a neap-tide, and also quiet. The body was floating face downwards. On getting it ashore witness sent for a doctor and also made an attempt at artificial respiration. Some men afterwards tried, but without success. No other members were with the deceased at the time. - Dr A. V. Bazall said there were no marks of violence on the body. Deceased was, h, suffering from valvular disease and enlargement of the heart, otherwise his organs were normal. Probably he had a heart attack in the water, and, falling forward, was drowned, the lungs and other organs being full of water. There was a considerable amount of undigested food in the stomach. He added that the effort of bathing to a man in deceased's condition would be quite sufficient to cause a heart attack. - The Coroner returned a verdict accordingly. - The body was brought home for interment, the coffin being draped with the Union Jack and borne to the grave by six of deceased's mates from the King George, viz.: Stokers G. Kent, E. Crossman, Brooks, and Wheat, Able-Seaman Hookway and Pte. Middleton. The Rev. E. E. E. Heathcote (Silverton) officiated in the absence of the Vicar. There was a large crowd of sympathisers at the graveside. The mourners were Mrs and Mr W. Copp (mother and brother), Mr J. Copp and Mrs W. Pepperell (brother and sister), Mr W. Bird and Mrs J. Copp (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr W. Warren and Mrs H. Pyne, Mr W. Pepperell and Mrs F. Hooper (brothers-in-law and cousin). Mr and Mrs B. Bowles, Mrs Vicary and Mrs Pratt, the Misses F. Pratt and Dolly Neads (cousins), Mr Smith and Mrs Salter, Mr and Mrs Drew, Mr T. Drew, Mrs Tainbird, Miss Lena Broom, Miss May Voisey, Mrs and Miss Hawkins, Mrs Wicks, Mrs Wyatt, Mr and Mrs S. Bale, and Able-Seamen Morgan and Dann. Many floral tributes were sent, including offerings from the officers of H.M.S. King George, the ship's mates and comrades at Bradninch.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 18 August 1923
DULVERTON, SOMERSET - Fatal Accident At Dulverton. Exmothian's Shocking Death. - Deep sympathy is expressed with MR H. BASTIN, of Pound-street, Exmouth, in the death of his youngest brother, MR THOMAS BASTIN, which occurred at Sanridge Farm, Dulverton, as the result of an accident on the previous day. MR BASTIN was on Friday instructed by his employer to roll a field. He took two horses for the work and as he was hitching them to the roller, one of the animals, a fresh colt, apparently turned and kicked him in the face, inflicting severe injuries. The two horses then bolted and dragged the heavy iron roller over MR BASTIN'S body, causing chest injuries and fractured ribs, from which he succumbed 24 hours later. - At the Inquest held at Sanridge Farm, MRS SANDERS (mother-in-law of deceased) spoke to witnessing the accident, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." The funeral took place at Dulverton parish churchyard, when the chief mourners were MRS T. BASTIN (widow), Mr H. Bastin (brother), Mrs Sanders (mother-in-law), Miss Sanders (niece), Mr W. Murch, R.N. (Exmouth) Mr Summers (deceased's employer), and Mrs Summers. - Deceased was formerly in the 9th Lancers and served in the South African War and the Great War, possessing the Queen's and King's South African medals, the 1914 Star, general service medal and victory medal. After leaving the Service he was for a time in the employ of Exmouth Urban Council, and also worked on the sea-wall extension in connection with the construction of the Marine Drive. He was a native of Exmouth and both he and his wife were well-known in the town. He was 44 years of age and leaves no family. A man of fine physique, he was 5 ft. 2 in. in height and a splendid horseman. For some time after the outbreak of the Great War, he was engaged in the transport of remounts from Ireland.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 20 August 1923
OKEHAMPTON - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest at Okehampton, on WILLIAM FRIEND, aged 62, a naval pensioner of Plymouth. The evidence went to show that deceased, who was spending a holiday with his sister, Mrs H. Kent, of Little Cranford, Bridestowe, proceeded on Thursday to Great Links Tor for the purpose of gathering whortleberries. He was accompanied by his nephew, who noticed his uncle fall forward. On going to him the lad found deceased could not speak and by the time help came he was dead. A doctor said death was due to heart failure.

SOUTH MOLTON - Depression. South Molton Resident Commits Suicide. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, of Barnstaple (District Coroner), held an Inquest at the Town Hall, Southmolton, on Saturday, on MRS EDITH MELHUISH, wife of MR HENRY JOHN MELHUISH of 5 Parsonage-lane, Southmolton. - The husband said his wife had been depressed for over 12 months, but lately had been somewhat better. On the morning of Friday she seemed to be as usual, but remarked that she did not want him to go to his work that day. When he returned about 1 o'clock she was sitting in the kitchen. She talked in an ordinary way and said there was no dinner ready as she had not felt well enough to prepare it. He left the house at about half-past two and was fetched an hour later. He returned at once and found his wife hanging in a back kitchen. Her toes were touching the ground, and the head inclining forward. She was dead. Her age was 48. At the time of the occurrence there was no one else in the house, but access could be had to a house quite close through a doorway leading to a garden. Witness added that his sister-in-law and an uncle had done all they could to assist while he was away at work and had visited his wife four or five times a day. She had never threatened to take her life, and was not regarded as having suicidal tendencies. The only thing she said was "You won't go away this afternoon?" He replied he had a job to finish and must go away. He had not been able to put in full time for a year owing to his wife's health. - Mr William Henry Hawkes, 4 Alfred-place, Southmolton, said he was uncle to the husband. At a quarter past three on Friday Mrs Fred Melhuish came and asked him to go to Parsonage-lane, saying "EDITH is looking very funny." The doors were locked and he went through a garden to the window of the back kitchen He spoke to MRS MELHUISH. She did not reply or move a muscle. He could not see that she was hanging and thought she was standing up. - The Coroner: Did you break open the door? - Witness: No; I told MRS MELHUISH I thought it was a bad job and fetched the husband. - Why did you not get in through the window? - I was taken on the spur of the moment and did not know quite what to do. I did not think she was hanging. - The Coroner: It was curious to see a person standing still, not answering questions and not go to her. - P.S. Venton: It may assist you, sir, if I say that the witness has very bad sight. - Mrs Fred R. Melhuish said that when she went to the window she thought the deceased looked strange and appeared to be standing up. The door was locked and witness thereupon fetched Mr Hawkes. - The Coroner: Could you not see what had happened? - Witness: She was strange and her head dropped, but I could not see much of her. - Why not break open the window? - I couldn't see much of her. - Did you see any rope? - No. - She was not moving? - No. I spoke and she did not answer. - The Coroner: Under the circumstances, she might have been living, you see. - Dr Seal, Southmolton, said he had been attending deceased on and off for several months, but had not seen her recently, the last time having been in April. She had been in a very low-spirited condition. She was not suffering from any incurable ailment. Her condition was due largely to her time of life. He was called on Friday at 6.30. She had been dead three or four hours. The cause of death was strangulation by hanging. There was a deep mark under her chin, extending half way round the neck behind each ear. There were no other marks. The weight of deceased's body had been on the rope and her feet touched the ground. - P.C. Stratton produced the rope for the Coroner's inspection and said there was no sign of a struggle. He had searched the house but could find no note. In reply to the Coroner, the husband said that the rope was kept outside the kitchen door. - The Coroner said it was a very sad affair. It would have been better if Mr Hawkes had broken open the door, because deceased would not have stood still all that time after being spoken to unless there was something amiss. People got nervous when things happened. There was no alternative but to return a verdict of "Suicide by Hanging while of Unsound Mind."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 23 August 1923
HIGHAMPTON - Head Blown Off. Highampton Tragedy. - Mr G. J. Atkinson, District Coroner, has held an Inquest at Highampton on RICHARD BLATCHFORD CROCKER, farmer, of Harralane Farm, Highampton, who was found on Saturday evening with the top of his head blown off. George Victor Wilson, staying at Harralane Farm on holiday, said on Saturday afternoon deceased was in a happy frame of mind. He was a man of cheerful temperament and enjoyed good health. Witness referred to some hay that had been burning at Beara, and deceased said it was nearly finished. When the body was found a gun was resting in the hedge, the barrel pointing a bit downwards. It was clear of the ground and supported by twigs of the hedge. Selina Mary Wilson, wife of the previous witness, said deceased came in from outdoors and said, "I see a rabbit in the field. I'll take the gun and see if I can get it." P.C. Chilcott, Black Torrington, said there was nothing to suggest it was a case of suicide. Dr W. F. Mitchell, Hatherleigh, said he was strongly of opinion from the nature of the wound that death was due to accident. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Much sympathy is felt with the relatives. Deceased was highly respected and had a large circle of friends. Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 24 August 1923 - Highampton - Quite a gloom was cast throughout the district when it became known that MR R. B. CROCKER, of Horm-lane, was found dead in a field near his home. Deceased was widely known among agriculturists and must respected. The deepest sympathy is extended to the widow, son, and daughter in their sad bereavement. The Inquest was held by Mr Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, and a Jury (of whom Mr James Balsdon was Foreman). MRS SELINA WILSON (daughter) said MR CROCKER went out as usual to shoot a rabbit. Not returning, a search was made. George Wilson (son-in-law), proved finding the body with a gun shot in the head. After the evidence of Dr Mitchell and P.C. Chillcot, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The funeral of MR R. B. CROCKER has taken place at the United Methodist Chapel-yard amid many manifestations of regret. Prior to leaving the house, the hymn "Jesu lover of my soul" was sung. Relays of men carried the body to the little wayside chapel (the altar rails of which were draped in black.) The Rev. R. James (Superintendent minister) officiated. The hymns sung were "O God, our help in ages past" and "Rock of ages." Miss Alice Sanders presided at the organ and played the Dead March from "Saul" as the cortege left the chapel. The chief mourners were the widow, Mr Hedley Crocker (son), Mr and Mrs Maurice Bater (son-in-law and daughter), Mr and Mrs George Wilson (son-in-law and daughter), Mrs J. Dennis, Mr S. Crocker, Mr Anthony Crocker, Mrs N. Brooking, Mr Charles Crocker, Mrs W. Brooking, Mr George Crocker and Mrs Crossman (brothers and sisters), Messrs. W. Brooking, N. Brooking, J. Collings, R. Collings, Albert Collings, Mrs T. King, Mrs S. Crocker and Mr Soper (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), Mr and Mrs J. Dennis, Mr and Mrs G. Dennis, Mrs K. Luxton, Mr H. Brocking, Mr C. Brooking, Mr H. Crocker, Mrs J. Pope, Mr and Mrs W. Pedrick, Mr S. Crocker, Mr and Mrs E. Crocker, Mr Stanley Letheren, Mr and Mrs S. Letheren, and Mr and Miss Crocker (nephews and nieces), Mr George Blatchford and Mr and Mrs Palmer (cousins). The bearers were six nephews of deceased - Messrs. H. and E. Crocker, H. and C. Brooking, S. Letheren and G. Dennis. The coffin was of polished oak, with brass mountings and bore the inscription:- "RICHARD BLATCHFORD CROCKER, died August 18th, 1923, aged 55 years." After the committal "Lead kindly light" was sung by the choir. Beautiful floral tributes were placed on the grave.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 27 August 1923
BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Girl's Death. - Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, conducted an Inquest at the North Devon Infirmary, on Saturday, on KATHLEEN NANCY BAGLOW, the seven-year-old daughter of a farm labourer, living at Raleigh. MRS BAGLOW stated that her daughter, on July 26th, fell from the back of a moving lorry to which she had been hanging and, as a result of the fall, had a bruise over the left eye. She went to school, but a few days later complained of feeling unwell. Dr Kendrew was sent for. Dr Kendrew said the girl died a natural death. The accident had nothing to do with it. A post-mortem revealed tubercular meningitis. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 3 September 1923
OKEHAMPTON - MRS ELLEN COLLINS, 70, of Okehampton, who was found dead in her house, was at the Inquest stated to have succumbed to heart failure.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 September 1923
MOREBATH - Fatal Tennis. Morebath Manager's Death. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Crooner, has conducted an Inquest at Morebath on NORMAN BAYLISS MARSH, 48, timber merchants' manager, of Exe Vale House, Exebridge, Morebath, who died suddenly in bed on the 1st inst. Evidence was given to the effect that on 25th June last, deceased had a fall while playing tennis and, as a result, was confined to bed. - Dr Francis Sydenham, of Dulverton, said he attended deceased on the 26th June and found a deal of tenderness and swelling of the whole of one of the thighs. Everything went on all right for two or three weeks and deceased once went for a motor ride. Then it was found the leg was much more swollen, and there was definite evidence of phlebitis in the main vein of the leg. Three weeks ago a specialist was called in. Witness was of the opinion that phlebitis was caused by a rupture of the muscles and veins due to the fall. Deceased died through a clot becoming loosened and getting carried to the heart, which in itself, was sound - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 September 1923
SEATON AND BEER - Seaton Resident's Death. - The death has taken place of MR GEORGE A. BARCLAY, retired engineer, of Clovelly, Seaton, at the age of 70. Deceased, it appears, had complained of a pain round the heart and on his son reaching home an hour later he found him unconscious. Dr Kirkman who was immediately sent for, could only pronounce life extinct. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy Coroner. Dr Kirkman stated that death was due to valvular disease of the heart and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned. - The late MR BARCLAY, who had resided in the town for some time, was greatly respected by all classes and his death is much regretted.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 8 September 1923
DAWLISH - Dawlish Inquest. Warren Halt Accident. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of FREDERICK JAMES PEARCE, who died at the Cottage Hospital from injuries received at the Warren Halt Station on Tuesday. - Ernest Ireland said he was engaged with deceased in unloading wooden poles about 32ft. long. It was not necessary to enter the truck until nearly all the poles had been unloaded. When only three poles remained, both climbed into the truck. Witness took up the usual position behind the poles, but, unfortunately, deceased stood in front. He put his hand on the small end of one of the poles, which then began to move. He gripped the pole and the heavy end fell clear, causing the small end, to which deceased was clinging, to tilt into the air. PEARCE released his hold, and in falling, the back of his head came into contact with a pole on the ground. He was also struck on the face by the falling pole. - Harry Crispen, brother-in-law, of Starcross, gave evidence of identification. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. Mr F. S. Cole represented the employers (the Dawlish Electric Light Co.) and Detective-Inspector T. Squires attended on behalf of the G.W.R.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 September 1923
OKEHAMPTON - "Accidental Death." Okehampton Motor Lorry Smash. - After two adjournments, the Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM JAMES WEEKS, an employee of the Okehampton Town Council, who was killed by a runaway motor lorry at Okehampton, on July 20th, was concluded by Mr H. C. Brown, District Coroner, at Okehampton, last evening. The lorry, loaded with material for the new Halwill Junction - Torrington Light Railway, ran away at the top of Station Hill and crashed into a garden adjoining the Police Station at the bottom, just outside where WEEKS was at work. - Mr J. J. Newcombe appeared on behalf of the Town Council, while Mr W. G. G. Seager represented the owner of the lorry. - Frederick Northcott, of Bovey Tracey, driver of the lorry, deposed that on Monday, July 20th, he came from Hatherleigh to Okehampton Railway Station with a load of timber, but experienced no trouble with the lorry en route. The lorry was emptied at Okehampton Station and re-loaded for the return journey. After witness had reached the end of the military siding to proceed down Station Hill he switched off the engine of the lorry and applied the side and foot brakes. At the same moment he heard a distinct snap and the lorry made a jump forward. He realised there was danger and told those in the lorry to jump clear. - The Coroner: Why didn't you run into the hedge? - Witness: That hadn't occurred to me at the moment. Continuing, witness said the hand brake was on all the time. When he realised what was happening he thought he might have been able to turn the lorry at the bottom of the Station-road, but found the bend was too sharp for this. He saw a man in front of him and shouted. Whether the man heard or not witness could not say. He knew the man was struck, but knew nothing more. - The Coroner: What is your custom? Don't you go over the lorry? - Witness: I have a general run round the lorry - engine and all parts, petrol, water, etc. - Can you express an opinion as to the cause of the chain snapping? - No, I can't; I can give no explanation. - Did the chain jump? - Everything was running smoothly. The chains seemed to be in very good condition, and not long before they were washed off with paraffin. But why it should snap I cannot explain. - There was no system of overhaul at Mr Trenaman's own premises so far as you know? - There's no overhauling. - If you knew there was anything wrong? - I should have brought my employer's attention to it. - But you start out in the usual way this morning with possibly some defect, and you chanced it? - Oh, no; my lorry was seen to every morning. - Engine "Tuned." - Questioned by Mr Newcombe, witness said the lorry had practically given no trouble. A fortnight or so before the accident the lorry was brought in to Messrs. Day and Sons, Okehampton, to have the engine "tuned up." - Mr Newcombe: It has been suggested that your side-brake was never on. Witness: The side-brake was on all the time. - Answering Mr Seager, witness said he examined the chains on the morning of the accident and it was his custom to do so from morning to morning. - Cecil Horne, Hatherleigh, who accompanied the lorry from Hatherleigh to Okehampton, deposed that 10 or 15 yards after the left-hand chain snapped the other broke. - Ernest Howard, Okehampton, said he saw the lorry coming down the incline at a terrific speed and shouted to WEEKS to get out of the way, but that apparently, owing to the noise, WEEKS did not hear him, and was struck by the motor. - Answering Mr Seager, witness said anyone could have heard the lorry approaching. He shouted to WEEKS, but the latter did not seem to have heard him. - Norman Horne, Okehampton, agreed that the lorry came along at such a speed that WEEKS had no time to get clear of it. - Thomas Day, managing director of Messrs. T. Day and Sons, motor engineers, Okehampton, stated that about three weeks before the accident he had the lorry at his firm's premises for engine repairs and also examined it after the accident. He found the hand brake in the off position, but in good working order. The only defect he found was in the chain, which evidently broke first. One of the links was soft and had been "pulled through." A minute examination, however, would have been necessary to detect that defect. The second chain was broken through being caught up and twisted. - The Coroner: Would you say that the hand brake was off at the moment of the impact? - Witness: I should say it was. - Answering Mr Newcombe, witness gave it as his opinion that the side brake should have been sufficient to hold the lorry with an ordinary load. - By Mr Seager: The impact against the wall would not have thrown the brake off unless someone interfered with it. He did not see the lorry until about an hour and a half after the accident. - John Henry Trenaman, Hatherleigh, owner of the lorry, questioned as to the weight of the load, said it would not exceed three and half tons, exclusive of the five men who were on the lorry. - Crying Need. - P.C. Vernon gave evidence to the effect that he had to move one of the levers to extricate the driver, and that the hand brake had been tried by one or two people. - Northcott, recalled, was positive that the hand brake was hard on when he came down the hill. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the Jury had to consider whether due care had been taken by the driver. It was not suggested there was any culpable negligence, but they might think there was negligence in the sense that the driver lost his head when the first snap took place. They would agree with him that Northcott was not only to be congratulated upon being alive, but commended for the part he took. - After a brief retirement the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that no blame attached to the driver, who was to be complimented on the way in which he had endeavoured to avoid a more serious accident. - The Coroner commented on the absence of suitable accommodation in cases of the kind. Both the living and the dead had to be taken to the Workhouse. He thought it was high time the local authority or authorities should do something in the way of providing a Hospital for the living and a mortuary for the dead. A Workhouse was not, he was perfectly certain, an agreeable or proper place for a doctor to make a post mortem examination or for cases of accident to be treated in. Those were two crying needs - the one for the living and the other for the dead. - The Jury concurred. - Mr Seager, on behalf of the owner, expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased and Mr Newcombe said that the Mayor, Mr J. Fugler, had already tendered the Council's regret at the death of its oldest employee.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 September 1923
SHELDON - Horse bolts. Sheldon Farmer Killed In Uffculme Lane. - An Inquest was held at Sheldon Grange, on Saturday evening, by Mr C. N. Tweed, Deputy District Coroner, on ROBERT BURROUGHS, 51, farmer, who was killed in Goodleigh-lane, parish of Uffculme, on Thursday, through, it is supposed, the bolting of a horse he was driving. - There was no direct evidence as to what actually happened. Deceased went to Goodleigh, a neighbouring farm, to see Mr Alford about purchasing some reed. Mr Alford was not at home and deceased, after drinking a glass of cider, drove back down the lane (about 300 yards long). That was about 4.30 p.m. A dairyman, named Gater, said that, from higher ground, he could see the top of the trap in the deep lane (which has straight sided banks). Suddenly, about half way down the horse accelerated its pace, and witness saw the trap turn over. Deceased was sent flying over the splash board, and, when witness got there, deceased had ceased to breathe. Dr Laidlaw (Uffculme) said deceased's neck was broken and his skull fractured. Death must have been instantaneous. - The Deputy Coroner found that death was Accidental and that everything possible under the circumstances was done.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 September 1923
EXETER - Mr W. Linford Brown, the Exeter Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at the Court House, Exeter, concerning the death of WILLIAM BLATCHFORD, who died at his home, 21 Radford-road, on September 14th. Deceased, who worked for Messrs. Wippell Bros, and Row, tripped over a piece of iron on the 4th inst., and sprained his ankle, but Dr E. J. A. Dodd, who gave evidence, said BLATCHFORD died from heart failure, which had neither been caused nor accelerated by the sprain. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 September 1923
ASHWATER - Tragedy Near Ashwater. Cob Knocks Over Cyclist. ERNEST COLE, 17, of Ashmill, railway messenger, after delivering a telegram at Tree Down Farm, Broadwoodwidger, was returning home on his bicycle to Ashwater Railway Station, when he met Frederick John Rockey, riding a cob. Just as he was about to pass, COLE put up his right hand and said, "Hello, Rockey." In doing this, it is presumed the cob was frightened. It swerved round to the right and knocked COLE from his bicycle. The animal bolted a short distance along the road and when Rockey got back with it to where COLE had fallen off he found him unconscious. Rockey rendered all the assistance he could and also summoned help, but COLE, who had several ribs broken, succumbed before he could be taken home. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved mother, brothers and sisters. The accident happened between Thorndon Farm and Westmanton Farm. - Mr H. C. Brown, District Coroner, conducted the Inquest on Wednesday afternoon. He returned a verdict of "Accidental Death through being knocked down by a horse." He attached no blame to Frederick Rockey, but was not quite satisfied how the imprint of the horse's shoe got on deceased's coat. In his (the Coroner's) opinion the horse must have kicked out. The Coroner expressed deep sympathy with the relatives; so also did Mr Rockey (father of the principal witness) on behalf of himself and son.

EXETER - Exeter Child's Death From Scalds. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, recorded a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on WILLIAM LANDELL WHITFIELD, the 19-months-old son of MR and MRS WHITFIELD, of 14 Frog-street, Exeter, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Tuesday as a result of scalds received through falling into a pail of hot water in the kitchen of his parents' house on September 12th. The father stated his wife had brought the water into the kitchen while he had gone upstairs to shave. He heard the child screaming and found it sitting in the pail. Dr McKane, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the child had scalds about the back and on the right side of the chest. The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 24 September 1923
NEW YORK, U.S.A. - Exmothian Killed. New York Accident. - MRS FANNIE HORNE, wife of MR BEN HORNE, formerly full-back of Exmouth Rugby Football Club, has been knocked down and killed by a motor car in Yonkers, New York. Deceased, who was 43 years of age, went to New York with her husband about 17 years ago and the couple were in Exmouth on holiday two years since. MRS HORNE was a daughter of the late MR and MRS F. WEBBER, of Exmouth, and a niece of Mr Edwin Webber of Imperial-road, Exmouth. She is survived by her husband, three sons, and two daughters. - The accident occurred at Wells-avenue, North Broadway. MR and MRS HORNE were walking in the roadway, when a car approached them at a good speed, the driver, William E. White, a salesman, apparently endeavouring to go up a hill in top gear. White tried to avoid MR and MRS HORNE by swerving to the left, in order to pass at the rear. The car, however, grazed MR HORNE'S arm and knocked MRS HORNE to the pavement. She was picked up and driven in the car to St John's Hospital, Yonkers, where she succumbed an hour and a half later. Her skull was fractured, her right leg broken, and she also sustained a four-inch laceration of the scalp, and internal injuries. White was placed under arrest on a charge of homicide, but witnesses in statements to the Police and Coroner, exonerated the driver on the grounds that MRS HORNE had passed in front of the car, and that when White sounded the horn she stepped backward and was hit. The funeral has taken place in Oakland Cemetery, Yonkers.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 25 September 1923
TIVERTON - Tiverton Lace Factory Fatality. Inquest Story. - Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at Tiverton Hospital, last evening, concerning the death of WILLIAM LEE, aged 28, of Water-lane, which occurred at the Institution the previous evening from injuries received through falling into a trough of boiling shumack at the Lace Factory on September 13th. Mr W. Newton was Foreman of the Jury, and Mr C. G. Gates (H.M. Inspector of Factories, Home Office) of Exeter, was present. Mr Home C. Smith represented the firm of Messrs. J. Heathcoat and Co. - Wm. Bray, father-in-law, having given evidence of identification, Ernest Albert Stone, of Bolham, foreman of the finishing department at the Factory, said deceased was a lace dyer and his duty was dyeing silk and cotton nets. He had just boiled up a trough of shumack and put the pieces of net into the liquid, when he saw a piece of the net hitched in a corner of the trough. Bending over to unhitch the lace, he slipped and fell into the boiling liquid. This was what LEE explained to witness at the Hospital on Friday. When the accident happened deceased was working by himself. There was a platform about the shumack bath (or trough), and LEE must have been standing on this. - The Inspector: What was the state of the platform? - Witness: Wet. - Then he could easily have slipped. - Yes. - Was it necessary for LEE to bend over the trough to unhitch the lace? - No; it was the easier way. Witness added that he had done it scores of times himself. - Mr Dymond (a Juror): There was no caution notice up? - Witness: No. - Henry Olden, millwright, of the Factory, spoke to passing the door leading into the dye department when LEE called out to him. Witness saw he was in difficulties and, with the help of others, they got his clothes off. He did not say what had happened. Witness saw he was badly scalded. Mr Stone got some olive oil and a doctor was sent for. - Dr Seymour said on being called to the Factory he found deceased on a table, having been previously attended and well wrapped up. He had him removed to the Hospital. Deceased had a severe scald on the left side from the foot to the buttocks. Both buttocks were involved, on the right side from the foot to the knee. The nature of the liquid caused no more injury than water would have done. LEE progressed favourably at the Hospital until two days ago, when he developed unsatisfactory symptoms which affected his heart and he died on Sunday evening. - The Coroner having briefly summed up the evidence, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - A vote of sympathy was passed with the mother and orphan daughter. Deceased's wife, MABEL LEE, died about 12 months ago.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 26 September 1923
MARYLEBONE, LONDON - "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at Marylebone, concerning the death of ARTHUR HERBERT WILKIN, aged 50 of Rockwood, Teignmouth, retired superintendent of the Indian Police. It was stated that deceased's illness, which turned out to be degeneration of the heart muscles and thrombosis of the coronary artery, had baffled four London doctors.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 28 September 1923
WEST DOWN - An Inquest was held yesterday at Fullaford Farm, by Mr G. W. F. Brown, North Devon Coroner, on the death of ELIZABETH TALLYN, widow, aged 74. Mr J. Gill, farmer, said deceased was his mother-in-law and resided with him. When she went to bed about 10 p.m. on the 22nd inst. she appeared perfectly well. He went up to her room at 9 a.m. the next morning, and found her lying across the bed partly dressed and quite dead. Deceased had not complained of being ill, nor had she been attended by a doctor for a long time. Bessie Gear, domestic servant, said she last saw deceased alive at 7 a.m., when she took her up a cup of tea. She then appeared well and cheerful. Dr Shaw, Barnstaple, who made a post mortem examination, said death was due to rupture of the auricle of the heart. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 3 October 1923
TORQUAY - Torquay Lady's Fatal Fall. - The death has occurred at Torquay of MISS FRANCES MARY PEARD at the age of 88 years. MISS PEARD, who was an aunt of Sir Trehawke Kekewich of Peamore, was a well-known novelist, whose work attracted the attention of Bulwer Lytten. She had written thirty-three novels, many of which were well-known and highly popular. She had resided at Torquay for nearly fifty years, and for the past ten years had been a helpless invalid as the result of an acute form of rheumatism which made her practically blind, but she retained her mental faculties up to the last, and took a keen interest in current affairs. Her death followed an accident which took place on Monday morning. When she was being assisted out of bed she slipped and fell and struck her head. At the Inquest yesterday morning it was stated that death was due to heart failure following concussion. The funeral will take place at Exminster tomorrow.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 6 October 1923
EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, on MICHAEL JOHN MACARTHY, aged 3 months, who was found dead in his bed. Both parents gave evidence and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 8 October 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - Kingsteignton Octogenarian's Lonely Death. - An Inquest was held by Mr E. Hutchings, at Newton Abbot, on Saturday morning, on SAMUEL ROWE, 81, of Berry-lane, Kingsteignton, who was found dead in bed on Thursday morning. Deceased, who lived alone, complained of feeling unwell on Tuesday. As he was not seen about on Wednesday, P.C. Friendship forced an entrance to the house on Thursday. Dr Whiteway-Wilkinson said deceased had pleurisy and heart disease. The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

NEWTON ABBOT - South Devon Tragedy Inquiry. Coroner and Letter. - At Newton Abbot, on Saturday, Mr E. Hutchings, District Coroner, conducted an Inquiry into circumstances attending the death of MR ALBERT VICTOR JUDD, of Allar Mills, Kingskerswell, who was found shot, with a revolver by his side, on Wednesday. Deceased, aged 47, was Secretary and Manager of the Devon Hide, Skin and Manure Company, and was a valued member of the Newton Abbot Board of Guardians and Rural Council, on which he represented Abbotskerswell. He was President of the Newton Abbot Bowling Club and an accomplished musician, taking a great interest in the Newton Congregational Choir. - Evidence of identification was given by the widow, who said her husband was a Director of the Company. On the 3rd inst. (Wednesday), a little before 5 p.m., she heard the report of a firearm. She ran out of the house and went to the stables, where her husband was in a sitting position. Deceased had an illness last May, and had not been able to sleep very well of late. He seemed to have been rather worried. Deceased left a note addressed to witness and her daughter. - Dr J. R. Hatfield, of Kingskerswell, deposed to being called to the Aller Mills about 4.45 p.m. on October 3rd. On arrival, he found the deceased in a sitting position in the stables, with his back against the wall. Deceased was bleeding from two wounds in the head, one of which was in the region of the right temple and the other marked the exit of a bullet above and behind the left ear. Witness bound up the wounds, but deceased passed away very soon. The cause of death was laceration of the brain due to a bullet wound. It was obvious the wound was self-inflicted. Witness had known deceased for many years. Ordinarily, he was of cheery disposition and had assisted witness in the organization of several concerts. - The Coroner handed witness a letter for perusal. - "In your opinion is that the letter of a man who was temporarily mentally deranged?" asked the Coroner. Witness replied in the affirmative. - Thomas Tucker, of 5 West Hill-terrace, Kingskerswell, foreman at Aller Mills, stated that, about 4.30 p.m. on the 3rd inst., MRS JUDD and her daughter came to him in a depressed condition. Witness went to the stables where he found deceased in a sitting position. He had evidently been shot. Witness sent for the doctor. He last saw his master alive about 4.20 the same day. Deceased did not speak to witness on that occasion, an unusual occurrence. Witness had been associated with MR JUDD for over six years and had always found him a jovial man. For a few days before his death, however, MR JUDD had been quiet in his manner. Witness had never seen him with a revolver. - John Dart, of Aller Vale Cottages, Abbotskerswell, lorry driver for the Devon Hide, Skin and Manure Company, said he was with the previous witness when he found deceased in the stables. Witness fetched the doctor. He had known MR JUDD for 15 years, and agreed that he was usually a man of cheerful disposition. During the last few weeks MR JUDD had seemed worried and strange. - P.C. Rayner, of Newton Abbot, deposed to going to Aller Mills. He was handed a revolver by Dr Hatfield. He examined it, and found two cartridges in it, one of which was a live one and the other spent. Witness conveyed deceased to Newton Abbot Mortuary. There was a letter on deceased's writing desk, addressed to his wife and daughter. - The Coroner said he had conducted the Inquiry without a Jury, as he was entitled to do. The verdict he was going to return, however, was one that he was quite certain any Jury of reasonable-minded men would return, namely, that "Deceased died as a result of a Gunshot Wound, inflicted by himself, at a time when he was not responsible for his actions." The principal reason why he found that verdict was that deceased left a letter addressed to his wife and daughter, a letter that he (the Coroner), sitting as a Jury, had seen, but which, in his discretion, he thought ought not to be read in open Court. When one conducted inquiries such as this, one had to have some regard for the feelings of those people who were bereaved and who, in addition to that bereavement, had to go through the pain and agony of proceedings such as this. Therefore, the contents of the letter referred to had not been made public. He was satisfied, however, that when deceased wrote the extremely pathetic letter he could not have been in his right mind. Dr Hatfield, who had also seen the letter, was of the same opinion. - It must not be understood that in every case where a person took his own life a verdict to the effect that he did so while temporarily insane would be returned. That would not be right. But, in this case, the evidence all pointed to one thing. A man, usually of a cheerful and happy disposition, had become morose and had not slept well latterly. On top of that was the letter written just before he took his life. As to the cause of the tragedy, that was no business of the court. The Coroner, in expressing his deep sympathy - as he was sure everybody in Newton Abbot would like to do - with the widow and daughter, said he had known MR JUDD for many years. They were schoolboys together. Mr Hutchings showed signs of suppressed emotion when he remarked that MR JUDD was, in his opinion, a nice, kind, cheery type of Englishman. It had been a great sorrow to him to conduct these proceedings. He was sure all would extend to the widow and daughter their heartfelt sympathy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 9 October 1923
EXMOUTH - Tragic Exmouth Discovery. The Inquest. - The circumstances surrounding the discovery, at the foot of the stairs of his house, of the body of WILLIAM THOMAS HALL, aged 77, retired gardener, of 10 Clarence-road, Exmouth, were Inquired into at an Inquest held at Exmouth Police Court, yesterday, by the Deputy Coroner for East Devon, Mr C. N. Tweed. - MISS FANNY ANN HALL, sister, said she last saw her brother alive on Friday night. He had not been well for a fortnight and was, apparently, suffering from a bad cough and complained of pains in his back. She suggested several times that he should send for a doctor, but he said that if he did so he would be taken to Hospital and did not want to leave his own house. He would rather die there as the rest of his family had before him. The following morning, about 9 o'clock, Mrs Abbott, a neighbour, told witness she had heard a noise in deceased's house. They went to the door and found it locked. They subsequently tried the back door, which was also fastened. A youth who was passing tried to open the door as did another gentleman. Then Mrs Densham, another neighbour, found the scullery window was open. The youth climbed through and unbolted the back door. The others went inside but witness did not go in herself. She had not seen the body as she always wanted to think of her brother alive. - Mrs Faith Litten, wife of Alfred Litten, bricklayer of 14 Exeter-road, Exmouth, gave evidence of identification, and said she was sent for by MISS HALL about quarter to ten on Saturday morning. Upon arriving at the house she found both doors open and that Dr Gray was just leaving. Witness sent for a Policeman, and, going inside, found deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs, with his head against the wall in a position that suggested he was going into the back sitting-room and had fallen backwards. - Dr G. R. Gray said deceased was dead when he arrived. There was a slight wound on the back of the head caused, presumably, by a fall. A post mortem examination showed that the heart was diseased, and that there were patches of pneumonia on the lungs. There were no external wounds with the exception of the one mentioned. The cause of death was heart failure brought about by deceased's pneumonic condition. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 12 October 1923
LAUNCESTON, CORNWALL - Cycle Accident. Two Deaths. - A terrible cycle accident occurred late on Saturday night, at Lewdown, about 13 miles from Launceston. It appears that MR ERNEST LUXTON, of Lewdown, riding a motor-cycle, was returning to his home from Launceston when, from some unknown cause, he ran into MR H. WHITE, who was in the road talking to another man. - The impact, it is said, was of such severity that MR WHITE was carried many yards on the motor-cycle, while MR LUXTON fell heavily to the ground. At once assistance was obtained and Dr Benson, who lives near, was quickly on the spot. - At his suggestion, telephonic communication was made with Launceston for the motor ambulance, and on the latter's arrival both men were removed to Launceston Hospital. MR LUXTON, however, died shortly afterwards, while MR WHITE, after lingering until Sunday afternoon, also succumbed. - Dr Thompson, Cornwall County Coroner, in whose district the deaths took place, was at once advised of the occurrence and held an Inquest. - RICHARD LUXTON, Bratton Clovelly, identified the body of LUXTON as his son, who was aged 33 years and single. He carried on business as a builder at Lewdown. - WILFRID WHITE, of Downpark, Lewdown, said WHITE was his brother and 35 years of age and single. At 10 p.m. on Saturday he saw him near where the accident occurred talking to Mr William White. He was sober. Witness went to his support and later was called by William White, who told him of the accident. He went out and found his brother lying on the left-hand side of the road, while LUXTON was being supported by a man named Gimblett on the right-hand side and in a sitting position. About a couple of feet from him was a motor-cycle. Dr Benson was summoned and later the deceased were removed in the ambulance to Launceston Hospital. It was a dark night. - William Barton White said HARRY WHITE was his cousin and he last saw him alive at 10.20 p.m. on Saturday at Lewdown. He was sober and standing in the waster-table on the left-hand side of the road. As witness was going into his house he saw a motor cycle approaching. Deceased had then turned in the direction of Launceston, where he lodged. Suddenly, witness heard an awful crash, and ran up the road. He found his cousin lying in the gutter on the left-hand side. Witness could give no idea as to how the accident happened. No one saw it, as it was a dark night. LUXTON, witness added, was on his proper side. - Wilfrid Gimblett said he left Launceston on Saturday at about 9.30 p.m. with LUXTON, both riding motor cycles. When they got to Twelve Acres, LUXTON'S lamp went out. they then got as far as the Royal Exchange, when the petrol in witness's machine gave out. LUXTON then went on ahead and subsequently he heard him stop. That was where the accident occurred. He judged the speed at from 15 to 20 miles per hour. They were both sober. - P.C. Southwood (Lewdown) gave particulars as to the road, and said the extension on LUXTON'S mud-guard was bent, as was also the number-plate. The lamp was smashed. - Dr Budd spoke to being called to the Hospital on Sunday morning. LUXTON was dead, the cause being a fracture of the base of the skull. WHITE was lying unconscious and suffering from concussion of the brain and injuries to the left leg. He died at 3.30 p.m. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 17 October 1923
CLAYHANGER - Clayhanger Inquest. Farmer's Wife's Sad End. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, held an Inquest at North Bulcombe Farm, Clayhanger, yesterday, on MRS SELINA GRACE NORMAN, wife of HENRY ALFRED NORMAN, farmer, of that address. - The widower identified the body as that of his wife, and said she was 66 years of age. Deceased had been a bed-lier for about three years, although she got up at intervals and dressed herself. On the morning of the 10th inst., when he got up at 6.45 a.m., witness thought his wife was asleep, but seeing no signs of movement or breathing, he touched her forehead and found it was cold. He slept in the same bed and heard nothing during the night. Deceased had not seen a doctor for years. There did not seem to be anything serious the matter with her, but she was almost blind, and for that reason did not care to get up from bed. The deceased drunk freely of cider and sometimes spirit. It was quite possible she had helped herself without his knowing it. - Dr W. Pemberthy, of Wiveliscombe, said he had known deceased for over 20 years, but had not seen her for 10. He had made a post mortem examination and found deceased had cirrhosis of the liver of long standing. This was the cause of death. He was satisfied that the condition of the liver was brought about by excessive drinking. - The Coroner returned a verdict to the effect that deceased died from Syncope following Cirrhosis of the liver, the result of extreme drinking.

DENBURY - Found by his wife hanging dead in a shed at the back of his house at Denbury, MICHAEL WILLIAMS was declared by the Coroner to have Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane. His father and step-brother had died in the same way He had worried over a rate summons.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 23 October 1923
BICKLEIGH (NEAR TIVERTON) - Bickleigh Baby's Death From Scalds. - At Burnhayes Farm, Bickleigh, yesterday, the District Coroner, Mr H. W. Gould, conducted an Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of WILLIAM JOHN ELSTON, aged 15 months, son of MR A. W. ELSTON, of that address. The father gave evidence that on the 18th inst., at about a quarter to 6 in the evening, deceased was in the kitchen with him. About that time a boy, William Lake, in witness's employ, was engaged in the next room preparing to separate milk. The next thing he heard was a jug fall to the ground and the deceased screaming. A doctor was sent for immediately, but the baby died the following evening. - William Lake said that on the evening of the 18th he was in the back kitchen preparing to separate milk. He put a jug of hot water on a table prior to using it on the separator. Witness never saw deceased come into the room. He was engaged with his work when he heard the baby fall to the ground behind him. He turned, and saw deceased lying with the jug close to him. - Dr O. A. Jones, of Silverton, said he found a scald on the left side of the face and head and left upper arm. Deceased was crying and throwing himself about. Witness dressed the wound and called again the following day, when he was told the child had had a fit, which was a very bad symptom. He was of opinion that deceased died as the result of the scalding and the shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 24 October 1923
EXETER - Suicide. Parody On Kipling. Londoner's Fate At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday on ROBERT D. JONES, single, of 42 Melody-road, Wandsworth, London, whose body was found on the Southern Railway between Lion's Holt Halt and Mount Pleasant Tunnel on Sunday. - Capt. A. D. W. Allen, Acris-street, Wandsworth, identified the body as that of his cousin, who, he said, was an Underground Railway clerk, but had been unemployed for about a month. Deceased served during the war in the Air Force, and was discharged as medically unfit at the conclusion of hostilities. He was in Hospital just before his discharge and treated for neurasthenia. Deceased gave his mother the impression that he intended going to Southampton, and left home on the 17th inst. No letters had been received from him, but a friend had had a telephone message from Teignmouth, asking him to pass on his best wishes to his mother and tell her he was in fairly good health and getting on all right. There had been a great change in deceased since he left the Service, and he had often been depressed. - Mrs Cooper, of 42 Melody-road, Wandsworth, said deceased had been unwell for some time and had complained of pains in the head. He had stated that he thought a change of air would do him good. - Harry Mortimore, carriage examiner, Southern Railway, said that on the 21st October, about 4 a.m., when on his way to the Junction, he found under the bridge at Lion's Holt Halt the body of a man. He was lying face downwards. The head and shoulders were on the down path, the trunk on the ballast, and the right foot was severed. Witness gave information to the Police. - Herbert Knight, another servant of the Southern Railway, said he found a hat on the down four-foot way on Saturday evening. - Arthur Edward Melhuish, shunter, said that on the 20th inst. (Saturday) about 7 o'clock, he was working in Queen-street Station yard, when he noticed a man walking towards Lion's Holt by the up-line. Witness asked him where he came from. The man replied that he came through a gate along a path, and down some steps, which he thought were a public highway. Witness told him he must go back the same way as he came and this the man did. - Harry Gillard, inspector of the permanent way, produced a plan of the scene of the accident and said deceased was trespassing there. - Fred Coombes, locomotive inspector, said all the engines that passed the place during Saturday evening and the night following had been carefully examined, but no marks indicating that one had struck anything were found. - P.C. Strawbridge gave evidence that he found on deceased three railway ticket. One was from London to Glasgow, dated October 17th, which did not appear to have been used; one from Bexhill to West Ham, dated September 29th; and the other from London Bridge to Hastings, dated September 24th. There was also a G.W.R. excess fare ticket from Bristol to Exeter on October 20th. In the pockets were also £2 15s. 10 ½d. in notes an cash and two poetry books, one of which was Shakespeare's "Hamlet," containing several marked passages. - Dr P. Gray attributed death to shock from injuries received. The body presented the appearance of a violent demise. The right side of the face and neck were crushed and the right foot was cut off and broken. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case, and one in which the deceased had been left in a bad state of health as a result of the war. There was evidence that he was depressed, and he seemed to have been wandering about. He was found on a part of the line where he had no right. He (the Coroner) had looked at the two books and found in "Hamlet" the following passage, marked among others - "Act 1. Scene 2. Hamlet: His canon 'gains self slaughter! Oh, God! God!" - Then there was the following parody on the poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling:- "If you lack hope, ideas, and intuition, And energy and grit to get things done, One thing alone can save you from perdition. And that is suicide, my son." - The word "suicide" had been inserted in place of "Pelmanism," in deceased's writing. Having regard to the whole of the facts, and to those marked passages, most of which dwelt on death and suicide, he could only come to the conclusion that deceased took his own life, but that he was not at the time of sound mind.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 27 October 1923
ASHREIGNEY - Farmer's Death. - At an Inquest concerning the death of JAMES PARKHOUSE, farmer, of Chichester's Farm, Riddlecombe, Ashreigney, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Dr J. Tucker, Chulmleigh, attributed death to suffocation while in a fit. - Deceased's father stated that about six years ago his son cycled to Barnstaple, and on the way home had an accident, sustaining concussion of the brain. He was unconscious for a fortnight and afterwards suffered from fits. On September 19th, 1922 he went to Barnstaple and was knocked down by a motor-car, being again laid up for about a fortnight. On Tuesday deceased went to a field to prepare a place for storing mangold. As he had not returned by 7 p.m., witness went to look for him, and found him lying on his face in the hedge trough, dead.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 30 October 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - At an Inquest held here relative to the death of ARTHUR HENRY BOYES, aged five years, who was killed by a falling elm tree near Baker's Park on Saturday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 6 November 1923
EXETER - Exwick Road Cemetery Tragedy. - An Inquest has been held at 17 Cowick-lane, by Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, on MRS JANE POTTER, who died in Exwick-road Cemetery after placing flowers on her husband's grave. - MR A. V. POTTER, son of deceased, identified the body and said his mother was 77 years of age. She had been suffering from heart trouble for some time and been attended by Dr Kelly. - Mr W. T. Baker, son-in-law, said deceased was in ordinary health when she went to the cemetery. - Mrs S. M. Wyke, of the Cemetery Lodge, said that MRS POTTER called her and said she was not feeling well. She asked if she could sit down and died almost at once. - Dr Kelly said death was due to heart disease and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 7 November 1923
ASHTON - Haldon Tragedy. Inquest On Victim. Accidental Death. - Mr G. H. Stephens, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at the Workmen's Club, Higher Ashton, yesterday, concerning the death of GEORGE FUTER, who was found dead on Haldon last Saturday. - Mr T. J. W. Templeman (of Exeter) appeared on behalf of the Treasury. - The widow said deceased was a forester in the employ of the Forestry Commissioners and was 47 years of age. On Saturday, when she left home to go to Exeter, she thought her husband was going about his ordinary work. He frequently did not come home in the middle of the day, and on this occasion said he should go rabbiting. In the afternoon he took the dogs with him when he went to work on Haldon, which was about three miles from his home. He had enjoyed good health, and she knew of nothing that would lead him to take his life. - Percival Short, a carpenter, of Bridgelands, Higher Ashton, deposed to seeing deceased about 2.45 on Saturday afternoon half a mile from where the body was found. He was carrying a double-barrelled gun. Witness spoke to deceased about this and deceased showed witness that it was empty. About 20 minutes later he heard a gunshot from the direction in which FUTER was going. - Robert George Knott, of the Manor Inn, Ashton, spoke to deceased visiting his place and having some drink, and to his leaving the Inn in quite a sober state. - John James Berry, of Exeter, stated that he held the shooting right over part of Middle Kiddens, and on Saturday afternoon was there shooting. About 3.45, when going along a lane leading from Belvedere to Trusham, he saw the body of deceased lying on the top of the hedge. He noticed a wound behind his right ear. On looking over the hedge, witness saw two dogs and a double-barrelled gun lying in the hedge about two feet from the ground. He went to Ashton and telephoned to the Police at Chudleigh. On returning later to the spot, he saw that the right trigger of the gun had been pulled, while the other was still cocked. - Dr H. B. Walters, of Chudleigh, said he examined the body, and found a gunshot wound in the head, which resulted in a fracture at the base of the skull. He had visited the spot and noticed some sprigs in the hedge which might easily have been caught by the trigger as FUTER was getting over the hedge. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

BARNSTAPLE - Barnstaple Borough Coroner, Mr T. A. R. Bencraft, held an Inquest concerning the death of KATE DOWN, one-month-old daughter of MR and MRS WILLIAM HENRY DOWN, of Union-street, Barnstaple. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 9 November 1923
STOCKLAND - Children's Tragic Discovery In East Devon. - An Inquest was held yesterday by Dr Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, at Newlands Cottage, Stockland, relative to the death of SOLOMON HARRIS, aged 57 years, who was found drowned in a pool of water near Yartyford, Membury, on Wednesday, by his two children - ALFRED JOHN, aged 13 years, and DOROTHY, 8 years - as they were going to school. Seeing their father lying in the water near a footbridge which crosses the pool where they had to pass over, they asked George Dudley, gardener at Yarty Farm, to go and tell their mother. Dudley and another man, named Albert Booker, foreman at Yarty Farm hurried to the pool, where they saw deceased lying face downwards in the water. They got the body to the bank and Booker told the Coroner that just as they did so a large stone fell from deceased's neck into the water. P.S. Taylor, of Axminster, on arrival, found another large stone, about 7lbs. weight, under the body, with a piece of string and a handkerchief attached. - SARAH ANN HARRIS, widow, said her husband got up at his usual time and ate some tea broth for breakfast, and went away in his usual manner. He had never threatened to commit suicide and had no financial worry. - George Dudley said he saw no stones on deceased's neck. - P.S. Taylor said he saw the body lying on the bank. Underneath deceased he found a large stone (produced), with a piece of string and a handkerchief attached. - He saw no signs of a struggle. Deceased's cap was on the bank about two feet away. - Major Alan Roderick Whittington, Yarty Farm, Membury, said deceased had been in his employ over four years and was a very good workman. He had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Dr Langran (Axminster) spoke to examining the body. At the back of the neck was a deep cord mark; it did not completely encircle the neck, but only at the back, as if the stones were tied together and one put each side of the neck to help keep the head under water. The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased Committed Suicide while Temporarily Insane.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 10 November 1923
EXETER - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at an Inquest held yesterday at 16 Thornton-hill, relative to the death of MRS COCKRAM. Evidence was given that deceased fractured her thigh in four places as the result of an accident at Rosebarn six weeks ago, and Dr Bradford attributed death to shock.

EXETER - Knocked Down. Exeter Drover's Death. A Curiosity In Christening. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, on WILLIAM HARRIS, cattle drover, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on November 6th. - Mrs E. Willis, niece of deceased, said her uncle was deaf, but could be made to hear by shouting. His walk was quite steady. He was 62 years of age. - The brother of deceased, who is also called WILLIAM HARRIS, explained that there was a mistake in his christening. He went to Budlake, Broadclyst, with his brother on November 2nd with some cattle and on the way back to Exeter left his brother near Gipsy's Corner as it was getting dark. They had only a half-pint of beer before they left Exeter and two cups of cider at their destination. - Edward Hibbs, licensee of the Red Lion Inn, Broadclyst, said deceased called at 8.15 p.m. on November 2nd and had one pint of beer. He left the house perfectly sober. At 9.10 he saw him on his return journey. He knew deceased, who had, he said, a very roving walk when on the road. - Mr G. Finnimore, engine driver, said he met deceased at 9.15 p.m. on the night in question between Dog and Broadclyst. He was wandering about the road and talking to himself. Witness could not say if deceased was sober or no. He next saw him after an accident had occurred. - Mr M. Duncan, of Wellington, said he was driving a motor cycle from Exeter to Wellington on November 2nd. When passing Dog at about 9.40 p.m., a man came out of the hedge on the left-hand side of the road. Witness had collided with him before he knew it and was himself thrown. He was travelling at about 15 to 20 miles per hour and had a headlight on his machine. The road was about 22ft. wide. - Evidence was given that deceased was admitted to the Hospital suffering from shock, a compound fracture of the right leg, and abrasions to the hands. He rallied next day, but pneumonia set in, from which HARRIS died on November 6th. The pneumonia was accelerated by the accident. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the motor cyclist was exonerated from blame.

EAST BUDLEIGH - Council Employee's Tragic Death. - Dr Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, sitting with a Jury, opened an Inquest yesterday at Budleigh Salterton Cottage Hospital concerning the death of JOHN LUGG, who died as the result of a motor cycle colliding with him at the foot of Coastguard-hill during a rush of people to see a hayrick which was on fire. Mr F. G. Hill, of Budleigh Salterton, appeared on behalf of the widow and Mr M. J. McGahey (Exeter) represented the rider of the motor cycle. The Coroner at the outset said that John Henry Parker, who was riding the motor cycle, was lying dangerously ill at the moment. - WILLIAM JOHN LUGG said his father was 50 years of age and a temperate man. He had been in the employ of the Budleigh Salterton Urban Council for a long time. - Dr H. F. Semple said deceased died an hour and a half after admission to the Hospital. Death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull and laceration of the brain. - William James Yeats, a painter, said he was going to the scene of the fire, accompanied by deceased. Hearing a motor cycle approaching, he looked around and saw it immediately behind his friend and himself. Shouting, "Look out, JACK!" witness jumped to the side of the road and just after the motor cycle dashed past and collided with LUGG. Witness was rather stunned for a moment at seeing LUGG stretched out in the road and the driver of the motor cycle underneath his machine. He shouted for help and a man named Vinnicombe helped him to get the motor cyclist free. - The Coroner, at this stage, adjourned the Inquest until December 6th. - Mr McGahey, on behalf of Parker's father, expressed deep regret at the accident, as did also Mr Hill, on behalf of the members and officials of the Council, at the loss of a valued workman. - Mr Barrett, Foreman of the Jury, said the Jury wished to be associated with all that had been said.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 12 November 1923
TIVERTON - Knocked Out And Robbed. Tiverton Soldier's Death. - The Borough Coroner of Tiverton, Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Hospital on Saturday afternoon, on CORPORAL PERCIVAL ROBERT WARE HARVEY, of the 17th - 21st Lancers, son of MRS HARVEY, of Wellbrook-street, Tiverton, who died in the Hospital the previous Wednesday. Mr Kirk was chosen Foreman of the Jury and Head-Constable Mercer was present. - Dr Burgess said that when he was called to Wellbrook-street, on Tuesday, he found HARVEY unconscious and suffering from some form of meningitis. He ordered removal to the Hospital, where HARVEY died next day. He was present at the post-mortem, when it was ascertained that the base of the skull was fractured. During life witness was unable to diagnose that there was a fracture of the skull. The injuries were sufficient to produce meningitis. In witness's opinion there was no doubt the meningitis was secondary to the fractured skull. Witness's impression was that deceased received a blow across the face and left temple and that the fracture on the right side was due to his head coming in contact with a stone when he fell. - Dr Solly, of Exeter, who carried out the post-mortem examination, gave deceased's injuries in detail. He had no doubt that the meningitis was set up by the injuries. It was difficult to form an opinion as to how the injuries were received, but he thought the previous witness's explanation might be correct. The fracture at the base of the skull might have been caused by a fall on a pavement, but he did not consider that a fall could have caused all the injuries. The blow must have been a violent one. - MRS HARVEY said her son was 38 years of age. He was in the Lancers and stationed at Tidworth. He had occasionally been home on leave, and had been in Hospital five weeks previous to his arriving home last Friday week in the evening about 7 o'clock. Witness noticed that his face was bruised and that one eye was very black. His nose was also injured. She asked what was the matter and he replied, "I had a knock-out blow last night. Someone knocked me out and stole my money, about £18." All that was left him was a ticket for a Christmas draw. He also added that he must have lain where he was knocked out for an hour before he was picked up, and taken back to barracks. he said he had no idea who had hit him, or who had carried him to the barracks. He then went to bed. Next morning he said he felt better and refused to see a doctor. On Sunday her son went out for a short while. He seemed to be progressing favourably until Tuesday, when he was sick and complained of pain in his head. He became worse and Dr Burgess was sent for. - MISS FRANCES HARVEY, sister of deceased, said she asked her brother several times who had struck him, but he said he did not know. He seemed more worried about his lost money than about his injuries. - Richard Bray, landlord of the Racehorse Inn, Tiverton, said deceased came into his bar on Saturday morning, November 3rd, about 11.30 and had a drop of whiskey. Witness noticed that his face was discoloured and asked him how it happened. He replied, "I was flopped out and they pinched all my money." He said he did not know who did it and had no idea, as it was dark at the time. - This was all the evidence available and the Inquest was adjourned for further inquiries to be made at the camp where deceased was supposed to have sustained his injuries. Deceased's father was formerly Stationmaster. His bloodstained tunic and trousers were produced and an underwear belt that had a leather purse sewn to it.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 13 November 1923
BUCKLAND BREWER - At an Inquest concerning the death of THOMAS HEARN, aged 85 years, retired farm labourer and old-age pensioner, of Bilsford Farm, Buckland Brewer, the North Devon Coroner, Mr G. W. F. Brown, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Dr J. S. Grose (Bideford) expressed the opinion that death was due to senile decay and valvular disease of the heart.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 16 November 1923
OKEHAMPTON - Okehampton Railway Tragedy. "Accidental Death." - An Inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of MR JOHN MILFORD, of Okehampton, whose body was found by the side of the Southern Railway line near Okehampton, on Wednesday, was conducted by the Okehampton Coroner, Mr H. C. Brown, at Okehampton, last evening. - PERCY MILFORD, postman, of Exmouth, son, said he had received a letter from his father on Tuesday morning in which he said he was looking forward to starting work. Deceased had complained of feeling "shaky" and had to rest after a long walk. Deceased had personal troubles, but, notwithstanding, these did not upset him and he was bright and cheerful. - Thos. Phear, labourer, Okehampton, stated he was informed by a little girl that a man's body was lying on the railway near the railway bridge on the Meldon viaduct side of Okehampton station and notified the Station Master of the discovery. - Sub-Inspector Pring, Southern Railway engineers' department, stated deceased and himself worked together on Wednesday. They trained to Lydford and walked back to Bridestowe, from where they returned to Okehampton by train. Deceased gave witness to understand he was going to dinner, and seemed to be in his usual spirits, but complained of feeling "shaky" just before going to dinner. Witness knew of no reason why deceased should have gone to the point where his body was found. - Railway-Detective Matthews said he had interviewed the driver and fireman of the train due at Okehampton at 1.12 p.m., but they stated they knew nothing of any accident having occurred. An examination of the engine and carriages revealed no traces of an accident. There was a slight curve on the line where the body was found and it was quite possible that had deceased emerged from behind a railway hut by the side of the line where the body was found neither the driver nor the fireman would have been able to see him. - P.C. Vernon said deceased's watch had stopped at 1.14. - Dr L. Gameson deposed to examining the body and finding deceased's skull fractured and the right forearm and foot smashed. Deceased had suffered from neurasthenia for some time and was on occasions "shaky," and subject to fits of depression. Deceased had referred in conversation with witness to personal troubles. Witness thought that during those fits of depression deceased might have suffered from absentmindedness and in that way had been wandering on the railway line without realising it at the time. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and sympathy with deceased's relatives expressed.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 17 November 1923
EXETER - Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner for Exeter held an Inquiry yesterday concerning the death of a one-day old child. The father, FREDERICK PARR, gave evidence and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - An Inquest was held relating to the death of MRS HARRIET WARREN, aged 79, which occurred suddenly in her home. "Death from Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

HONITON - An Inquest was held yesterday by Dr Tweed into the death of IRENE CLARA CARTER, aged 16 months, daughter of WALTER and CLARA CARTER of Silver-street, Honiton. After hearing the evidence of the parents and Dr Hope Gill, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 20 November 1923
EXETER - Mr H. Linford Brown held an Inquest at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, touching the death of HARRY CHARLES BRILL-EDWARDS, aged five months, which occurred on the 17th inst. MR EDWARDS, the father, said deceased appeared in good health until Thursday last. On Friday night he cried from about midnight until 3 a.m. He then went to sleep, but later in the morning was found dead. Dr Dodd, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to inflammation of the lungs. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 21 November 1923
PAIGNTON - Paignton Tragedy. Financial Worry And It's Terrible Result. - "That the wife was shot by her husband and that he then shot himself at a time when he was not responsible for his actions." This verdict was returned at an Inquest conducted by Mr E. W. Hutchings with the assistance of a Jury, at Paignton, into the circumstances attending the deaths of ROBERT JOHN GORDON HORNSVILLE ALLEN and his wife, DOROTHY WINIFRED ALLEN, who were found dead at their cottage, at Marldon, with bullet wounds in their heads. . Evidence was given to the effect that the man was a coal merchant and that he was in financial difficulties. Although the information had been kept from his father-in-law, he had filed his petition. A clerk in the Official Receiver's office stated that deceased was suffering from great mental worry. He produced a letter addressed to the male deceased from a firm called Wade and Co. of Cardiff, which ran:- "I have duly received your letter of the 23rd ult., and very much regret to know the position of things. I hope they will not turn out as disastrous as you anticipate." It was stated there were four partners in the firm, and that last February it was decided to dissolve, the Cardiff traders going out, and Messrs. Baldwin and Allen staying in. Mr Baldwin, it was stated, promised to find the capital. Subsequently they decided to dissolve on terms, one of which was that ALLEN was to accept liability of certain debts of £1,200 and take the Torre business. Two creditors, whom it was thought Mr Baldwin would pay, sued ALLEN, and obtained judgment for £550 and £27 ALLEN had the right to sue his partner under the terms of the partnership.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 22 November 1923
DAWLISH - At the Inquest on the body of BERTIE FORD, 6, of Park-street, Dawlish, who was knocked down and fatally injured by a motor lorry, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the driver being exonerated from blame.

NEWTON ABBOT - The Inquest at Newton Abbot on ERNEST TOZER of Woodway-street, Chudleigh, who fell 60ft. down a mine shaft, was adjourned for the attendance of an Inspector of Mines. The widow said her husband was 31 years of age and at the time of the accident he was working as a labourer for Messrs Whiteway Wilkinson and Co., Kingsteignton. She saw him at the Hospital but he was only able to tell her that he had slipped at his work. The inquiry was then adjourned for a week.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 23 November 1923
EXETER - Death Follows Operation. A Whitestone Accident. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, by Mr H. Linford Brown, Deputy Coroner, sitting with a Jury, relating to the death of MARJORIE ETHEL WELLINGTON, of Whitestone. - MR WELLINGTON, father, said deceased was aged 11 years. On October 27th he was in his house, when he heard a "crack" and, running out, saw his daughter pinned to the ground by a limb of an elm tree. He lifted the limb and carried his daughter indoors Three days after deceased was removed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. - Mrs S. Lewis said she saw the little girl after the accident. She told her that she was swinging and thought she heard thunder, and ran away. She could not open the gate easily and the limb fell on her The branch that fell was not that upon which the little girl was swinging. - Dr McKane said he saw deceased when she first came to the Hospital and she was suffering from severe bruises to the right shoulder, upper arm and side of the chest. On November 8th she was made an inpatient and her arm became more stiff, although the bruises had gone down. On the 13th she lost the use of her arm and he attributed this to a clot of blood which had formed in her armpit, and was pressing on the nerves. - Dr Dyball said on the 15th he decided to operate and remove the clot of blood. He considered deceased was fit for the operation. On the 16th he operated and deceased came round from the anaesthetic, but about half an hour later she died. He thought death was due to heart failure, owing to the amount of haemorrhage. He wished to convey his deep sympathy to the parents in the unforeseen result of the operation. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned and the Jury expressed their sympathy with the parents. The Coroner said he also wished to express his sympathy.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 26 November 1923
BAMPTON - War Victim. Bampton Labourer's Suicide. - Mr H. W. Gould, District Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Benshay Farm, Bampton, on Saturday, on THOMAS THRESHER, who was found hanging in a loft on November 22nd. - ALBERT THRESHER, of Birdville, Somerset, identified the body. He said deceased was 38 years of age and formerly served in the Somerset Light Infantry. He was afterwards in the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. Deceased suffered from shell shock and neurasthenia. - Edith Channin, of Benshay Farm, Bampton, said deceased was in her husband's employ. She last saw him alive at 1.45 p.m. on Thursday, November 22nd, in the back-house. She asked him if he would come to dinner and he replied he did not think he would then. Witness told him to come in when he would like some dinner. He had told her he felt depressed at times but she thought he had been better lately. Deceased said the war had caused his depression. - Montie Chanin, farmer of Benshay Farm, said deceased had been with him about two months. He could only remember deceased having one fit of depression and on that occasion sent for Dr Fisher. Apart from that, deceased seemed happy in his employment. About 5.40 p.m. on Thursday he went to the loft to get some hay and saw THRESHER hanging by a rope from a beam. He was dead. - Dr T. A. Fisher, of Bampton, said he was sent for on Thursday evening. Deceased when he arrived was dead, though the body was still warm. Death was due to strangulation. - A verdict of "Suicide while of an Unsound Mind" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 28 November 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - Chudleigh Man's Fatal Fall. - The adjourned inquest on ERNEST TOZER, clay miner, of Chudleigh, was conducted at Newton Abbot last evening by Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner. Deceased had fallen 60ft. down a mine shaft which was being boarded up. Dr H. I Pocock said the cause of death was rupture of the intestine, probably caused by deceased striking the side of the shaft in his fall. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 30 November 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - The County Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, opened an Inquest at Newton Abbot, on FRANCIS FARLEIGH, of Wickeridge, Kingsteignton, who died following a collision between his cycle and a motor-cycle combination driven by Mr Clifford Waddington of Queen-street, Newton Abbot. It was said Mr Waddington might be able to attend in about ten days time. The Inquiry was adjourned until December 10th.

EXETER - An Inquest was held at the Police-Court by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, concerning the death of HENRY ALLEN, of 12 Albion Place, Heavitree, who died in Fore-street, Heavitree. Mr Critchard, of 8 North-street, said he saw deceased lying, with his head against a gatepost Dr Hipwell said death was due to heart failure. A verdict of "Death from natural Causes," was returned.

EAST BUDLEIGH - Labourer's Death. Crushed By Roller. Salterton Inquest. - Dr E. R. Tweed, Coroner for East Devon, has conducted an Inquest on JOHN CARNELL, labourer in the employ of St. Thomas rural Council, who was killed at Tidwell Mount, East Budleigh, while sweeping in front of a steam roller. Mr W. A. Parkhouse (Exeter) was present on behalf of the widow and family, and Mr H. C. Mildon (Clerk) represented the Rural Council. - GEORGE CARNELL, brother of deceased, of Bicton Cottages, Aylesbeare, said he last saw his brother alive on Thursday evening of last week. Deceased was in good health and not subject to fits. He had been in the employ of the Rural Council for 12 months. - William Henry Sellek, driver of the roller, of Dryden Cottages, Aylesbeare, said he had been in the employ of the Rural Council for 17 years, and had been driving a roller for nine years. He had never previously caused injury to anyone while rolling. At about 11.30 a.m. on Friday he was driving steadily up Tidwell-hill and CARNELL was sweeping the road in front of the roller. The pace of the roller was about two miles an hour. Witness heard a shout from the front and immediately shut off steam and reversed the engine. - The Coroner: Before you reversed could you see anything at all? - Witness: No, sir. Witness added that he jumped off the engine and saw CARNELL lying in the road badly injured. He was lying face downward, with his head towards the top of the hill. Witness picked CARNELL up. Sidney Lobb, another sweeper, was behind the roller, and, with Cyril Gooding, came to witness's assistance. - The Coroner: There had been no fooling nor rough play? - Witness: No. - When you saw deceased lying there, what did you think? - In my opinion, the handle came off the broom. Witness explained that the roller did not go over the broom. The stem was out of the broom and lying beside CARNELL. The front roller caught CARNELL probably as he was attempting to recover the broom. Deceased was sweeping in the middle of the road. Replying to P.S. Willcocks, witness said that, from the appearance of CARNELL's boots, it would appear the roller caught the heel of them. - P.S. Willcocks explained that the handle of the broom was not nailed. His opinion was that the broom came off and CARNELL was trying to recover it when he was caught by the roller and fell. - Sellek added that he thought the affair was purely accidental. CARNELL was immediately taken in a car to Budleigh Salterton Cottage Hospital. The road was 16ft. wide at the spot. CARNELL was a splendid man at his work and perfectly sober. The accident happened in the middle of the hill. - Mr Made, Surveyor to the Rural Council, said the gradient of the hill was about one in 10. Witness was on the spot about half an hour before the accident happened. - Sellek, replying to P.S. Willcocks, said he had seen the handle of the broom come out on other occasions. There was no nail in it, because the broom lasted only a fortnight, and if it was nailed it would spoil the stem. - Sidney Lobb, another sweeper, and Cyril Gooding, driver of a steam waggon, also gave evidence. - Dr H. F. Semple, of Budleigh Salterton, described the terrible injuries sustained by the deceased. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure." - Mr Mildon expressed the sympathy of the Rural Council with the widow and children, and said deceased was an excellent workman while with the Council, and was liked by his fellow workmen.

TORRINGTON - Petrockstowe Fatality. - Mr G. W. F. Brown, District Coroner, held an inquiry at Torrington Cottage Hospital, yesterday, into the death of PHYLLIS MAY BOX, aged two years, who died the previous day as a result of scalds, caused through falling into a pan of boiling milk. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 4 December 1923
NORTH LEW - Northlew Fatality. The Inquest. - "Injuries received through Accidentally falling downstairs" was the verdict recorded by Mr H. C. Brown at an Inquest held by him at Luckroft Farm, Northlew, yesterday, on SARAH ANN BREYLEY, 92, widow, who died there on Friday. Dr E. O. Kingdon, of Holsworthy, said deceased broke her neck, but she might well have had a heart seizure on the stairs and died before falling.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 5 December 1923
EXETER - The Exeter Railway Fatality. A Faulty Brake. - Mr Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, sitting with a Jury, held an inquest yesterday on FRANCIS HENRY REYNOLDS, Albion-place, Old Tiverton-road, who was killed during shunting operations at Queen-street Station on Saturday night. Mr A. M. Scott (instructed by the National Union of Railwaymen) appeared on behalf of the relatives and Mr M. J. McGahey represented the Southern Railway. - HENRY REYNOLDS of St Columb Road, Cornwall, said his son had been a shunter for twenty years. - William Osborne, May-street, Exeter, acting foreman in the goods yard, said he saw REYNOLDS with his head and left shoulder in the four-foot way, and the rest of his body outside the metals. He was dead. Six trucks had been shunted on the road. The fourth was a London and North Western Railway van, and the brake on this was applied. It was clear that deceased had applied this brake. He considered deceased was pulled inwards by the moving trucks, since the brake on the London and North Western van, which he was supposed to have applied, was lower than most brakes. - Albert Edward Lake, Little Silver, first shunter at Queen-street Station, said it was plain deceased applied the brake to the London and North Western van. Witness had since seen the brake, and he thought it went down too far into the brake guard to be properly effective. He had had 23 years' experience on the railway. - James McMahon, Eastleigh, Hants, waggon inspector on the Southern Railway, said the brake was of a modern pattern, but was not of the latest type. There were thousands of them in use. - Dr Grey said the truck had passed over the deceased and death was due to shock. - William George Mills, shunter, Hoopern-street, said he considered that the brake lever dropping to the bottom of the guard, deceased's hand was jerked off, and he fell inwards between the trucks. - Robert Paskall, Hooper-street, carriage and waggon examiner, said he had since tried the brake and he considered it effective. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death, due to a faulty brake." - In the course of the proceedings Mr M. J. McGahey said the widow and child of the deceased would receive compensation.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 6 December 1923
EXETER - Exeter Child's Death. Inquest Adjourned. - Mr W. Linford Brown, Exeter Coroner, sitting with a Jury, held an Inquest at the Guildhall, Exeter, yesterday, on REGINALD ALFRED RICHARDS, aged eight months, who died on Saturday. The father, SAMUEL RICHARDS, who lives at 36 Mary Arches-street, said the child was in good health until a short time ago. VIOLET ELLEN RICHARDS, mother, said that about a fortnight ago the baby became flushed and had a cough, but she thought it was cutting teeth. Last Thursday it became brighter, but on Saturday it died in her arms about midday. She had applied camphorated oil and given castor oil and two bottles of medicine. Mrs Chamberlain, neighbour, gave corroborative evidence. Miss B. M. Knucky, Health Nurse, said that when she called at the house one day and asked to see the baby the mother said she was untidy then and could not let her in. The baby previously appeared to be perfectly healthy. The Inquest was adjourned until this morning to enable the doctor's evidence to be taken.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 7 December 1923
EXETER - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned at an Inquest conducted by the Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, at the Court House, Exeter, on MRS A. CARNALL, a widow of 55 Russell-street, yesterday. Dr J. Kingdon Frost attributed death to syncope, due to heart failure.

EXETER - At an Inquest on FRANK H. C. WESTERN, 1 Brooklands-place, aged 10 weeks, who died on Tuesday, a verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

EXETER - Raw Place Danger. Exeter Child's Death. - An Inquest on REGINALD ALFRED RICHARDS, of 36 Mary Arches-street, was resumed at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday. Dr R. K. Foulkes said he was called on Saturday and found the child dead. A post-mortem examination showed that the organs of the child were healthy. There was one area, however, that had a suggestion of a scald or friction by wet clothes. The child was fairly well nourished, but was debilitated somewhat by absorption of poisons through the raw area, from want of cleanliness. He attributed death to a convulsion following debilitation. Witness, in reply to a question by a Juryman, said poisons could get into the system quite easily through a raw place. It was possible that the mother, who had said she had never seen a child in convulsions, did not recognise it, though she said she had heard a rattle in the child's throat. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned, and the Jury requested that the mother be reprimanded for not availing herself of the assistance of the Health Nurse and for not sending earlier for a doctor.

EXETER - Railway Tragedy Near Sampford Courtenay. - An Inquest was held at Exeter, by Mr W. Linford Brown, City Coroner, sitting with a Jury, on EDWARD CROCKER, aged 51 of Sampford Courtenay, who died in the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 3rd as a result of injuries received on the Southern Railway near Sampford Courtenay on Sunday, November 25th. - Evidence was given that deceased called at an Inn in Sampford Courtenay for newspapers and went back to the farm, Higher Corscombe, where he worked, by way of the railway. It was a short cut to the farm to get on the line, walk some distance along it, and get out at a level crossing. Deceased left the Inn at about 2 p.m., after having two pints of beer and some rum. At 4.20 he was seen sitting on the end of a sleeper on the railway track. Later he was found near by badly injured, presumably by an express that had passed. He was removed to the Exeter Hospital, where he died on December 3rd from septic pneumonia, set up by his injuries. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury added that no one was to blame.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 11 December 1923
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Abbot Cycle Fatality. - At the Inquest at Newton Abbot, yesterday, on FRANCIS FARLEIGH, 55, of Wickeridge, Kingsteignton, who died 23rd as the result of injuries received by being knocked off his cycle by a motor-cyclist, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Ernest James Wilcocks, gardener, Linden-terrace, said deceased started to turn from Queen-street into The Avenue in front of the motor-cycle, which was coming in the opposite direction. Had he been in deceased's position he would have let the motor-cycle pass on before turning. He did not think the motor-cyclist could have pulled up in time to avoid an accident. - Clifford Hill Waddington of 75 Queen-street, Newton Abbot, on account of whose concussion the Inquiry had been adjourned, said he remembered going down Queen-street and speaking to some friends, but he had no recollection of the accident. At the speed he was travelling he could have pulled up within a few feet. - The Foreman, Mr A. W. Wareham, said the Jury hoped the case would be a warning to motorists to drive more carefully.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 12 December 1923
COLYTON - Sad Death Of Colyton Lady. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest conducted by Dr Tweed at Colyton relative to the death of MRS HOSKINS, wife of MR W. M. HOSKINS, of St Clements, King-street. Just over a week age. MRS HOSKINS, who was suffering from a severe cold and bad throat, advised her husband to sleep in a separate room, as she was afraid he might contract the complaint. Between 2 and 3 in the morning, MR HOSKINS, hearing moans, went into his wife's room and was horrified to find her night clothes and the bedding in flames. He immediately smothered the fire and Dr McMirland and Nurse Gibson were summoned. It was found that MRS HOSKINS was badly burnt on the left side, neck and face. Everything possible was done for the sufferer, but the case was considered hopeless from the first and she passed away on Sunday morning. The evidence at the Inquest showed that deceased, being in pain, lighted a candle and placed it on the side of the bed. The motion of massaging the body where the pain was, caused the bed-clothes to become ignited. The fire reached the cotton wool which she had wrapped round her throat; and it was considered that she must have fainted and suffered further injury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 13 December 1923
TEIGNMOUTH - Exeter Woman's Death At Teignmouth. "Found Drowned." - Mr Ernest Hutchings, Coroner for South Devon, conducted the first Inquest at Teignmouth since his appointment last night, when he Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of EDITH MARY SAMPSON, 52, who was found drowned on the beach on Monday. - Deceased's husband, a gas stoker of 14 Diamond-road, St Thomas, Exeter, said his wife left Exeter to go to Teignmouth on Monday evening. He was sitting by the fire at the time. Deceased did not say she was going to Teignmouth, but left the house to go to a dentist in Alphington-street for a top set of teeth and to a chemist in Cowick-street for ointment. As she was leaving the house she remarked, "I shan't be long." He did not see her again until he identified the body on Tuesday afternoon. As his wife did not come home on Monday he informed the Exeter Police at 11 p.m. Since June she had been under the care of the doctor more or less, and he had told her, her health was improving, and advised her to go out in the fresh air as much as possible. His wife had done nothing peculiar, and he had kept a daughter at home. Deceased did her shopping on Saturday all right. She had visited Teignmouth with him on a Bank Holiday, but knew nothing about the town. Her daughter was engaged in a house in Dawlish-road. - ROSE MARY NICHOLLS, daughter, who resided with her mother, said the latter was getting on so well that she had told witness that she could go out to work again. For nearly a fortnight her mother had been going out alone. On Monday afternoon she asked witness what time her daughter at Teignmouth usually went home when she came up for the half-day, and witness told her there was one train about 7 o'clock and another at 7.30. She asked witness the way to the daughter's house and she told her she could go along the Dawlish-road or on the beach by the cliffs. Deceased did not say definitely that she was going to Teignmouth. She was of opinion that her mother was not in a fit condition to travel to Teignmouth alone and she would have persuaded her not to go. When witness left the house her mother was trying to work out a missing word competition. She (witness) usually did the washing on Mondays, but her mother told her to leave it until Tuesday, when she would help her and then they could go to the Hospital in the afternoon to see her boy. - John Way, an employee of the Urban District Council, proved finding the body floating about 5ft. from the shore. Deceased's hat was on the beach full of sand about 3 ft. away. - Dr H. E. Goulden attributed death to drowning. there were no marks of violence. - P.C. Connett said it was high water at 8.4 on Monday night and 8.25 on Tuesday morning. - The witness, Way said the tide would be against the Promenade wall on Monday night, it being spring tides. - The Coroner said he would enter a verdict of "Found Drowned." How the affair occurred nobody knew, but he thought he could hazard an opinion - the poor woman came down to see her daughter, and fell over the Promenade wall into the water. Probably through shock and being stunned, she was unable to recover herself. It was a sad case. He expressed his sympathy with the relatives, and complimented Way on the prompt manner in which he acted after discovering the body.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 14 December 1923
TIVERTON - Shocking Clayhanger Case. Rats And Dead Baby. - Mr F. R. D. Clutsom, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Tiverton Poor-law Institution on the body of HARRIET NORMAN, aged 26, single woman, of North Bulcombe Farm, Clayhanger, who died at the Institution on December 5th, three days after child birth. Mr I. Nott was chosen Foreman of the Jury. - Mr H. Bowman, Master of the Institution, said that on Monday, December 3rd, the Rev. W. Lamplugh brought a letter, which asked that "as HARRIET NORMAN was very ill she should be brought to the Hospital." She was admitted about 6.30 and was hardly conscious. The nurse reported that the patient was in a very dirty condition. Witness went at once for Dr Hamilton, who came at 8.30 p.m. - Edith Kathleen Holley, nurse at the Tiverton Poor Law Institution, said she put the deceased to bed when she arrived on the 3rd inst. She was very dirty. Everything was done that could be done for her, but she passed away on Wednesday morning at 12.30. - Dr Hamilton said he found deceased in bed. She was very ill and semi-conscious. He did what he could that night and next morning she had slightly improved. In the evening she got worse and died from puerperal fever. Deceased had been cleaned, but there were signs of habitual dirtiness. - Dr Penberthy, of Wiveliscombe, said deceased was mentally deficient. He had known her for many years. He was called to North Bulcombe on December 3rd and found deceased was far advanced in labour. Deceased denied that there was anything the matter with her, and her father said he did not know of it. Witness sent for neighbours (Mrs Bale and Mrs Tottell), who came readily. Witness fetched a nurse from Huntsham. There was not a scrap of clothing in the house in readiness for the child, which was born dead. The woman progressed very well. On the Sunday deceased was taken with violent attacks of diarrhoea. Deceased's mother died in a strange manner about three months ago. Deceased did all the work of the farm. The farmhouse was in a very dirty condition. - The Coroner: Did you try and see if you could do anything to improve the conditions? - The doctor: I don't think that is my job; that should be the parson's job. - Nurse Edgecumbe, of Huntsham, said Clayhanger was in her district. On November 30th she was fetched by Dr Penberthey. When she got to the house she found deceased in bed very cold and only covered with a single blanket. Deceased said she had been ill since Tuesday. She said she had nothing to eat or drink since Tuesday and that was Friday. Deceased seemed mentally deficient. The baby was born dead the following day. They could find no clothes in the house and had to send out and borrow some. There were rats' holes all about the place and when she put the baby in the chair the rats jumped up at it and she had to move the body. - HENRY NORMAN, of North Balcombe Farm, Clayhanger, dairyman, said deceased was his daughter. She was 26. His wife died last October. His daughter acted as housekeeper, and his servant man also lived with him. She was a sensible girl and a wonderful scholar. She used to sing in the choir at Clayhanger Church. He did not know there was anything the matter with her except that she had a very bad cold. She stopped in bed all day on Wednesday, but she came down at intervals on the Thursday. He did not know if she had anything to eat, and when he carried up a cup of tea she refused to have anything to eat. He asked her if he should fetch her any help and she refused. He did not dream there was anything the matter with her. When the doctor told her what was the matter she denied it. Deceased said the father of the child was a "perfect stranger." Witness denied his house was in a filthy state. - A Juror said he had never seen a corpse in a worse state than the body they had just viewed. The dirt looked as if it had been accumulating for years. - The Coroner said the cause of death was Puerperal Fever, but the conditions in which the deceased lived were terrible. Her father did not seem to realise the state of affairs. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 17 December 1923
DAWLISH - At Dawlish, on Saturday, Mr Hutchings, Coroner, held an Inquest on MARY EVANS, 84, whose death occurred at the Cottage Hospital after an accident. John Lake, a neighbour, said he heard taps on the wall, and entering the house found that deceased had tripped over the stair carpet and was unable to rise. Dr Montague Cutcliffe said the cause of death was a broken thigh and shock. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Tuesday 18 December 1923
EXMOUTH - Exeter Mystery. Woman's Disappearance. Exmouth Inquest Story. - The mystery surrounding the disappearance and death of MRS ANN WYATT, of 13 Park-road, Longbrook-street, Exeter, was not cleared up at the Inquest held at Exmouth, yesterday, when Dr Tweed (Coroner for East Devon) returned an Open Verdict. MRS WYATT , who was the wife of a musician employed in London, left home on Saturday evening, November 17th and her body was found embedded in the sand, under Exmouth cliffs, on Sunday afternoon last. The Inquest was held, without a Jury, at Exmouth Police Station. - JOHN RICHARD WYATT, husband, having identified the body, said deceased was 46 years of age. Witness was employed in London, but his home was at 13 Park-road, Exeter. He and deceased were living together, except when witness was on business. He was last at home just before Christmas and deceased had not since been to London to visit him. It would be about the middle of December 1922 that he last saw deceased alive and she was then in her normal condition. She enjoyed good health and was mentally sound. On Monday, November 19th, witness received a wire: "Mother missing; come at once." The message was from his son, who was living at home with deceased, and was an only child. Witness and his wife lived the happiest of lives and never quarrelled. He could not account for deceased going out and not returning, but it was customary for her to go out on Saturday nights and finish her shopping. She did not tell anyone on the night of Saturday, November 17th that she was going shopping. He had heard that at times she was low-spirited, but, so far as he knew, she was not subject to fits of depression, and had no trouble, either financial or otherwise. In reply to Inspector Bastin, witness said there was no reason that he was aware of that would cause deceased to go down by the water's edge. - JOHN WYATT said he was living at home with his mother and had done for the past 13 years and up to the time of her disappearance. He had never heard her threaten to take her life, but she was subject to fits of depression. When she became moody it lasted about an hour, and she would then usually go out - sometimes to the Hippodrome. At other times she was quite cheerful. Witness last saw deceased alive at 7.30 p.m. on Saturday, November 17th, and she then appeared in her normal condition. Witness was then going to a dance at the Hippodrome and asked deceased if she was coming. She replied she might be up there about 9 o'clock, but as she did not appear witness went home at 11 o'clock, rather earlier than usual. Deceased was not at home, so witness waited up for a time and went to bed about 1.30. When he found she did not return next morning he made inquiries at the Hospital and the Police Station, and then wired to his father. It was usual for deceased to go shopping at about 7.30 on Saturday nights. Witness informed Inspector Bastin that the river was half-a-mile away from his home, and there would be no need for his mother to go near it. - Francis John Parsons, insurance agent, of 29 Mansfield-road, Exeter, said he was going up Fore-street-hill at about 7.45 p.m. on Saturday, November 17th and met MRS WYATT going down the hill in the direction of Exe Bridge. Witness raised his hat and said "Good night," and MRS WYATT replied. She appeared very happy. Witness called on deceased for the insurance premium every Tuesday and MRS WYATT always appeared cheerful and always paid. When witness saw deceased in Fore-street, she was a quarter of a mile from Exe Bridge. - Gordon Harris, carpenter, 1 Staples-buildings, Exmouth, said that at 3.15 p.m. on the previous day, he was taking his customary walk on the beach below the high land of Orcombe, when he noticed the upper portion of a body protruding from the sand, about 50 yards from the water's edge. It was low water at the time. Witness ascertained that it was the body of a woman, but was unable to say if it was fully dressed, as the body was lying on the left side, with only the head and right shoulder exposed. Witness notified the Police and went back with them and showed them where the body lay. All the ordinary tides flowed over the spot where the body was found. - P.C. Talbot of Exmouth, stated that at 3.40 p.m. on the previous day he accompanied P.S. Chaffe and Mr Harris to the spot o the beach below the high land of Orcombe, where the body was found as described by the last witness. It was lying between three rocks and must have been there some time, as it was so firmly embedded in sand that it took half an hour to get the body free. The body was fully dressed, with the exception of a hat and the hair was off the scalp and lying buried in the sand. In the evening about 9.15 the clothing, gold wedding ring and purse, found on the body, was identified by the husband. - Inspector Bastin produced latchkey found on the body and showed that it corresponded with latchkeys in the possession of deceased's husband and son. - P.C. Talbot added that the purse contained 11s. 7 ½d. - Dr W. J. Dobson Smith, of Exmouth, said a post-mortem examination revealed a superficial wound in the scalp, and another in the left leg below the knee. Both were probably post-mortem injuries, and there was no damage to the tissue beneath. There was no evidence of foul play and nothing abnormal about the internal organs. The body must have been in the water at least three weeks and probably a good deal longer; certainly much longer than the usual ten days in drowning cases. The cause of death was drowning. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and added there was not sufficient evidence to show how deceased got into the water.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Wednesday 19 December 1923
EXETER - The Exeter coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest at the Court House yesterday, relative to the death of HENRY L. PARSONS, of Ford's-road, Exeter. Mr Banks (son-in-law) said that in 1914 deceased had an accident, slipping off some furniture. When witness saw him he noticed his face was bruised and deceased said his shoulder was hurt. Arthur Whitton said he saw deceased in Fore-street, where he took two paces forward and fell. Witness went to his assistance and he was taken home in a motor car, unconscious. Dr Comins said he found that the organs were generally healthy for a man of 65 years. There was a clot of blood on deceased's brain. Witness attributed the fall as a result of cerebral haemorrhage. He did not think that the fall in 1914 was of any importance. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Friday 21 December 1923
IPPLEPEN - An Inquest was held by Mr Edmonds, Deputy Coroner, last evening on ALFRED ERNEST BAKER, 53, of Clarendon Farm, whose body was found hanging in a loft. The widow said that about two years ago deceased met with a serious accident while lifting a heavy calf and since that time had suffered considerably. He was to have undergone an operation, but dreaded the thought of it. A verdict of "Suicide during a period of Temporary Insanity" was returned.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 22 December 1923
EXETER - "Death by Misadventure" was the verdict returned at an Inquest held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr W. L. Brown, touching the death of SAMUEL JAMES LUXTON, painter, of 9 Cemetery-place, Exe-street. Mr C. G. Gates. H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present. - Chronic Lead Poisoning. Exeter Painter's Death. - An Inquest was held at the Court House, Exeter, yesterday, by the City Coroner, sitting with a Jury, on SAMUEL JAMES LUXTON, 43, of 9 Cemetery Place, who died at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on December 17th. - Evidence of identification was given by the brother of deceased, ARCHIE LUXTON, of Turk's Head Court, St Thomas. - MRS LUXTON, the widow, said her husband worked for many years for Messrs. Woodman and Sons, of Bartholomew-street, as a house painter. He had suffered from a weak heart and been attended by Dr Conway Gent. Deceased worked until nine or ten weeks ago.. He was taken to the Hospital on December 6th. - It was stated that deceased died of heart failure due to disease accelerated by chronic lead poisoning.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Thursday 27 December 1923
EXETER - Bad Light. Naval Steward's Tragic End At Exeter. - The Exeter Coroner, Mr W. Linford Brown, conducted an Inquest with a Jury, at the Court House, on Monday, on FREDERICK JAMES TUCKER, third-class steward, H.M.S. Alleppo, Devonport, Westaria Cottage, Dunsford-road, Exeter, who expired a few minutes after falling down the first flight of steps leading to a public convenience in Bedford-street, Exeter, on Friday evening. - Evidence was given by a gentleman who was ascending the lower flight of steps to the effect that, as he was at a turn between the two flights of steps, the body of a man shot past him and crashed into the wall on the far side. A hat and stick knocked him in the chest. Had witness been another step farther up he would have been knocked down. The lighting was so bad that he was unable to see the man's features. Witness spoke to deceased but got no reply. On picking him up, witness found deceased's head had been forced on to his chest by contact with the wall, and that, although TUCKER was not dead, his neck was dislocated. Witness could see that nobody had pushed deceased. A lad, who was looking over the railings at the top of the convenience, sent for assistance. Deceased expired a few minutes after the arrival of the Police, Ambulance men and Dr Pereira Gray. - The widow said deceased was assisting her in the house up to 6.20 and then went to the barber's. He met her at 7.15 and they came up the street together. He left her at Bedford-street and she waited. - The theory advanced by other witnesses was that deceased had walked over the first step and fallen headlong down the flight, missing them all. - Dr Gray said death was due to a dislocated neck and shock. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury added a rider that a lamp should be placed to throw light on the bend in the steps. - The funeral of deceased will take place this afternoon at Exwick-road Cemetery. All naval ratings on leave in Exeter are earnestly requested to assemble at the Guildhall, High-street, at 1.45 p.m.

EXETER - Riding Behind A Waggon Costs Boy His Life. - An Inquest was held at Exeter on Monday, on the body of CECIL FRANCIS STENTIFORD, aged 7, who succumbed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Saturday to injuries sustained through being knocked down by a motor lorry in Bonhay-road the previous day. - John W. Hanserg, of the Shakespeare Inn, Bonhay-road, stated that as a motor-lorry drew up sharply outside his premises he thought he heard a muffled cry. A man jumped out of the lorry and said he had either knocked down or run over a child. Witness looked back along the road and saw a boy in a semi-sitting position and went and picked him up. The boy's leg was badly cut, but did not appear to be broken. Witness advised the driver of the lorry to hurry to the Hospital with the lad. - Albert Potbury, 102 Pinhoe-road, spoke to seeing a pantechnicon travelling slowly along Bonhay-road and a boy in the roadway. Witness remarked to a companion that the boy appeared to have been hanging on to the lorry and to have fallen off. that was how it appeared to witness. - Ida Nellie May Parsons, aged 13, of 50 Bonhay-road, said she saw deceased clinging to the back of a horsed-van in Bonhay-road. Then she noticed a motor lorry proceeding slowly in the opposite direction. The next thing she saw was the little boy lying in the roadway moaning. She thought he had been caught by one of the wheels of the lorry. - George A. Taverner, driver of the horse and van, said he had no knowledge of a boy clinging to the back of his vehicle; neither did he recollect a lorry passing him. - P.C. Norman, who made a tourniquet to stop the bleeding, said it did not appear that any vehicle had gone over the boy's body, but that it had been badly squeezed. - Alfred J. Durges, driver of the motor lorry, said he had had four years' experience of motor work. He estimated his speed at the time of the accident at from four to five miles an hour. He had only gone a few yards from a standing start, and was on third gear. He did not notice any boy in the road until, hearing a scream, he looked back and saw the injured child. - The Coroner, having questioned the witness closely as to his speed, said it seemed very sad that the little boy should have been killed in this way. It was a story they had heard before. Little boys got behind these waggons and really one was surprised that more accidents did not happen. It was a very dangerous practice, the danger coming at the moment when the children dropped off. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman saying they thought it quite an accident and attached no blame to anybody. - The Coroner said he quite agreed with the Jury.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Saturday 29 December 1923
EXETER - Exeter Man's Fatal Fall. Sequel To Mental Trouble. - The Deputy District Coroner, Mr G. R. Stephens, conducted an Inquest at the City Mental Hospital, Digby's, yesterday, on FRANCIS STADDON, aged 73, described as a pensioned librarian. - EMILY STADDON of 14 Mount Radford Square, Exeter, identified the body as that of her brother, who was formerly a librarian at the Army and Navy Stores. Deceased had lived with her for 3 ½ years and enjoyed good health. Witness had noticed that for a long time her brother had been forgetful, and that he was inclined to suffer mentally. She consulted the Relieving-officer early in October, but he did not then think the case was one for the asylum. Deceased was very restless at night and sometimes refused to go to bed. He was also always getting ready to go out. On the morning of 20th October, when she was in bed, at about two or three o'clock, she was awakened by a neighbour, and, on going to the back, witness found deceased lying in the area of the next house. He was conveyed to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and she understood from the Ambulance men that he had broken a leg. On inquiry at the Hospital later, she was informed it was a mental case and that deceased would have to be removed to the Poor-law Infirmary. This was done, and later he was shifted to the City Mental Hospital. - Dr D. M. Reid, Medical Superintendent of the City Mental Hospital, said deceased was admitted on October 23rd. He examined him then, and found the right leg in splints. Witness was told that STADDON had fractured both bones of the right leg, one of them being compound. There were also abrasions on the back. Owing to the deceased's restlessness, the splints had to be re-applied several times, and deceased kept removing them. Three days later Dr A. L. Candler, of Exeter, was called in on account of the poor general condition of the patient, and he advised that the leg be put into plaster of paris. Witness had found the man was suffering from fibroid disease of the heart. His restlessness continued, and the sore in the back got deeper. He gradually became feebler, and died on December 26th. Witness considered the primary cause of death was the accident and that disease of the heart, prevented recovery from it. - A verdict was returned accordingly.

Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, Monday 31 December 1923
NORTH PETHERWIN. - Death On Road. Suffocated By Mud. - An Inquest has been held at Brazzacott Cottage, North Petherwin, by Mr G. J. Atkinson, Deputy Coroner, on BESSIE JANE HARRIS, aged 25, single, a domestic servant in the employ of Mr George Dennis, of Little Chilworthy, North Petherwin, who died on Thursday. - RICHARD HARRIS, deceased's father, said his daughter spent Wednesday night and part of Wednesday at home and left about 6.30 on Thursday morning to go back to work. She would have nothing to eat or drink before leaving, said "Good-bye father," to him when she went and then appeared in her usual health. She had about 1 ½ miles to go to Mr Dennis's. - William Rickard, farm labourer of Brazzacott, North Petherwin, said he was on the road near his house about 8.30 on Thursday morning, when he found deceased lying dead. She was flat on her face, which was right in the mud and water. Her arms were at her side. He at once informed his father and the deceased's parents. - Dr Arthur Budd, of Launceston, said he had treated deceased for epilepsy in the past and from what her parents had told him, and considering the fact that she left home on an empty stomach, and, possibly, was hurrying back to her work and a little excited, he thought it probable she had an attack of epilepsy and that she fell flat on her face with her mouth buried in the mud, which produced suffocation. There was a strain of epilepsy in the family and she was at any time liable to a seizure as a result of excitement. - The Deputy Coroner entered a verdict that Death was due to Suffocation, arising from deceased accidentally falling on her face during an attack of epilepsy.