Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News

[printed in Plymouth.]

1899

Transcribed by Lindsey Withers

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

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

Names Included:  Abel; Adams; Arthurs; Ashton; Axworthy; Backwell; Bacon; Barbes; Barcock; Bartlett; Beer(2); Beesley; Bennett; Berry; Best; Binmore; Bird; Bissett; Bonney; Borrow; Bounty; Bradbury; Bragg; Broad; Brown(3); Browning; Bryant; Buchan; Buckingham; Bunclark; Burgess; Burrows; Butter; Callaway; Caslden; Chaill; Coe; Cole; Coleman; Coniam; Coram; Cordery; Cornelius; Crawford; Cridge; Crispin; Crute; Davies; Davis(2); Davy; Dayman; Daymond; Dean; Denley; Doble; Douggan; Drake; Drew(2); Dunn; Eastwood; Eddy; Elliott(3); Ellis; Elsip; Emmett; Evens; Fice; Field; Finn; Finner; Fryer; Full; Gage; Gale(2); Gardner; Gibbons(2); Gill(2); Gosling; Gould; Green; Greening; Gribble; Griffiths; Gulley; Gurling; Hacker; Hammond; Hanger; Harcombe; Harding(2); Hare; Harris(2); Harrison; Harvey(2); Hassett; Hatch; Hayman; Head(2); Heard; Heath; Heawood; Higgins; Hill(3); Hingston; Hockaday; Hodge; Honey; Hooper; Hopkins(2); Horn; Horton; Hoskins; Hurley; Hurman; Hutchings; Jago; James(2); Jeffery; Jefford; Jerrold; Johns; Johnson; Jones(2); Jordan; Kingdon; Kirkwood; Knapman; Knight; Laing; Langdon(2); Langford; Laskey; Leach; Lillicrap; Lind; Lucas; Lucraft; Luppage; Lynch; Matthews(3); May; McSweeney; Medhurst; Middlewick; Miller; Mitch; Moore; Morgan; Morrish; Murch; Mutton; Nott; Oxland; Parr; Parsons; Pate; Pawley; Payne; Pengilley; Penny; Pepperell; Perkins(2); Phillips(2); Pinches; Pither; Polgreen; Pollard; Potter; Powell; Prowse; Pye; Pyle; Pyther; Quinton; Rattenbury; Reed; Revill; Rice; Rich(2); Ridge; Ridgeway; Rouffignac; Rowe(3); Rundle(3); Sampson; Scanes; Schafer; Searle; Sellick; Shears; Sheldron; Shillabeer; Shilson; Short; Sievewright; Skelly; Skidmore; Sleeman(2); Smith(6); Snawdon; Squire; Stabb; Stacey; Steer; Stewart; Stone(2); Stuckey; Symons; Tapp(2); Tatham; Tawton; Taylor(2); Thomas(3); Tolcher; Towan; Trace; Tremeer; Trigger; Tucker(2); Tuckett; Uglow; Urry; Varcoe; Venton; Vercoe; Vickary; Vivian; Wakley; Walters; Warden; Warren; Watcher; Webber; West; Westcott; Western; Weston; Whelan; Whitaker; White; Williams(3); Wills(2); Wilson; Wilton; Wood; Workman; Wotton; Wright; Yabsley.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 January 1899
ST BUDEAUX - At St. Budeaux yesterday Mr Albert Gard, Deputy Coroner for Devonport, held an Inquest respecting the death of THOMAS SHEARS (76), of 17 Coldrennick-terrace. Deceased, a superannuated labourer from the Dockyard, was in his usual health up t Friday night. On Saturday morning his daughter went to the room and he wished her "Good morning." Shortly afterwards she returned with a cup of tea, but could not get an answer from him. Dr Gard was sent for and pronounced life extinct. Medical evidence shewed that death was due to long-standing disease of the lungs and a diseased heart. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

WOODBURY - The Salterton Fatality. - Mr C. Cox, County Coroner, held an Inquiry yesterday at the Cottage Hospital, Salterton, touching the death of GEORGE ROBERT PENGILLEY, a labourer in the employ of Mr J. C. Palmer, builder, killed last Saturday morning whilst at work on a scaffold in High-street. A sudden gust of wind ca\used a piece of felting to be blown against deceased, and he was hurled to the ground, fracturing his skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow.

TEIGNMOUTH - A Young Lady's Suicide. A Terrible Night's Search. - At Teignmouth yesterday Mr S. Hacker, and a Jury Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of MISS WINIFRED MERCER LIND, aged 22, daughter of the late COLONEL LIND, of 3 Cross-park, Teignmouth. - MISS ROSAMOND LIND, a younger sister of the deceased, said their father, COLONEL JAMES BURNE LIND, died two years ago. Only three members of the family lived at Cross-park, with a companion to MISS LIND, and two servants. On Saturday witness and the deceased started from home about two o'clock in the afternoon to walk to Dawlish. They were going to see their aunt, MRS LIPPINCOTT. After a walk on the sea wall at Dawlish, they arrived at their aunt's about 3.30. There they had tea, and a conversation about their mother. Their mother had been awfully trying for the last six months, and it tried deceased's mind frightfully. The trouble seemed to prey on her nerves. Their mother was not altogether quite well. - The Coroner: do you mean she was not compos mentis? - No, I do not think that. She suffers from mental depression more than anything else. It is trying to live with anyone like that. It preys on your nerves, especially if you are not very strong. It affected my sister greatly. When they were at their aunt's they were talking about their mother going away for a time to give them (the daughters) a rest. Deceased thought their mother was going sooner than they found she was. Deceased said she could not stand it any longer. She had talked about suicide before, but they did not think anything about it. - Did she speak about suicide to your aunt that afternoon? - No, she said she should go away and not live at home. - You were talking about having your mother removed? - Witness: About sending her away for a rest for a time. - Where to? - That was not settled. - Not to an asylum? - No, to a doctors house. - Why were you to be given a rest? - Don't you know how it preys on one's mind to stay always with a person mentally depressed. Mother's depression preyed on my sister more than on me. - Continuing the evidence, witness said their aunt promised to write that night about their mother's removal, but deceased was impatient. After leaving their aunt's deceased turned sharp into Adams's chemist shop and bought the stuff (poison). Witness went in with her. Deceased asked for two ounces of salts of lemon. Witness did not hear what she asked for, but deceased had said that would be the last night she would live on earth. She said that on leaving her aunt's house. Witness made no reply. She had made similar threats frequently before. On the previous Thursday, after a very trying morning, she said she would end in suicide. When she (witness) saw the chemist taking down some white stuff she went outside and cried. - You didn't think of telling the chemist she had just threatened to commit suicide? - No, I didn't think of it. I ought to have done so. I was thinking about it, but I didn't know what she would say or do. I thought, perhaps, she was only buying it to frighten us. I didn't think she would take it. I walked with her up the first hill from Dawlish and was crying most of the way. My sister said she would do it that night when she got home. When we got a little way up the hill I said to her "Is there not enough misery at home without your doing anything like that?" She didn't answer me. - You took it seriously then? - I hardly thought she would do it. I said it to stop her. when we got up near the entrance to Barton-villas, I asked her what she had bought. She replied, "Two ounces of voice lozenges," and laughed. It was a rather hard laugh. - You knew before that she had salts of lemon? - I thought it was poison, and I told her so. Then I turned into a lane and my feelings overcame me. I thought she would come back to me. She went on and a woman came along with some clothes for the wash. She asked me what was the matter and I told her I was in trouble and wanted my sister. She said deceased had gone on towards Teignmouth. Then the woman went to fetch deceased back, but returned to say she had disappeared over the hill. I thought she had gone home and I raced after her as hard as I could. When I got home I found she was not there. Then I thought she had "not done it," but had, perhaps, gone to Exeter to some friends or to one of my sisters. With Miss Henderson, I started back to Dawlish to look for her. We went to the Station but she had not been seen there, and I went to my aunt's. After visiting the chemist's shop, they bought a lantern, and then in a cab drove with their aunt to Lea Mount, thinking she might have gone there. They searched round Lea Mount, then went down to the bathing cove, and looked round the cliffs. Witness went there alone. When she came up her aunt was talking to a man, and he promised to look for deceased. Then they drove home. - Why didn't you go to the Police Station? - Because we hoped she had gone to some friends. My sister from Exeter arrived about midnight, and went out searching with her brother. - Had she ever threatened suicide before? - Three or four years ago when she was in a situation as lady's help, and the children were very trying, she got some poison, mixed it, and got it to her lips, after which she thought better of it. It was only recently that she told me that. I have told members of the family of her threats. - Didn't you think she was a fit subject for an asylum or to be put under some restraint? - No; we thought she was quick-tempered. - MR LIND: She always appeared perfectly sane to me. - The Coroner (to witness): Have you told the family doctor about it? - No. - Were you content to be the sole recipient of this responsibility? - Yes, because I did not think she meant it. I thought I should have stopped her that night. - You ought to have told your brother. - I thought she was joking. - But what she did four years ago was more than joking>? - Yes, but her life has changed since then. She has been more religious since. - Had she any other trouble beside what you have told us? - Not that I am aware of. A slight deafness worried her. We used to try to get out every day as long as possible. - Julia Lippincott, MRS LIND'S sister, and aunt of the deceased, described deceased's visit to her that afternoon. There was no doubt deceased was terribly tried. She did not threaten in her hearing to commit suicide. There was insanity in the family. Her mother, MRS LIND, had suffered, and had been in an asylum shortly before the birth of one of her children. When a girl, deceased's mother made an attempt on her life. She was exceedingly unhappy at the time. - A. H. Ware, of the Exeter Technical college, who was in charge of Adams' shop at Dawlish, sold the salts of lemon. there was nothing suspicious about deceased's appearance. - J. C. R. LIND, deceased's young brother, described his search for the deceased about the lanes and fields between Dawlish and Teignmouth. He had a bull's-eye lantern, and near a hayrick in a field close by the road he saw a person's feet. He stopped suddenly and his sister from Exeter, who was behind him, asked what it was. They went on, and found deceased lying with her face on her hands close by the rick. She was dead, but had been vomiting. His sister would stop by the corpse and eventually he went to the Country House Inn and obtained assistance. - J. R. Lamacraft, of Dawlish, driving along the road about six o'clock that night, saw a young lady in the field where the body was found. She appeared to be walking towards the gate. - Dr Lovely, of Dawlish, was called about four o'clock in the morning and said deceased had been dead some hours. Poison was the cause of death. - The Coroner said deceased apparently took the whole of the two ounces of salts of lemon. They could not understand a young girl killing herself in that way without some terrible reason. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 January 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatality At Keyham Factory. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham Factory yesterday respecting the death of SAMUEL RUNDLE (53), labourer, of 3 Alvington-terrace, Laira, Plymouth, who was drowned whilst working on H.M.S. Psyche in the south basin on Monday night. Mr J. J. E. Venning watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Evidence of identification was given by MAUD RUNDLE, deceased's daughter. - Staff-Surgeon J. Acheson, of H.M.S. Arrogant, who was called to see the body at 7.45 on Monday night, said death had taken place about two hours previously and in his opinion it was caused by drowning. - Mr F. W. Toms, foreman, said the deceased was assisting the shipwrights in the bunkers at the time of the accident and would have occasion to go backwards and forwards over the gangway to the side of the basin. The brow was of the regulation pattern and was lighted at both ends. It was about 2 feet 3 inches in width, and had life-lines fitted to it. A very strong wind was blowing towards the side of the basin from where the deceased was supposed to have fallen, but it was impossible for him to have been blown off the brow. - Mr C. T. Oliver, inspector of shipwrights, deposed to the surroundings of the ship being well lighted. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said the chains round the basin were properly fastened, with the exception of a small opening near the brow. Deceased would have no occasion to go close to this opening. - Walter Jones, rivet boy, said he heard a cry for help and saw a man struggling in the water, but the body disappeared before he could get assistance. - George Whitwell, fitter, who was lowered into the water, endeavoured to rescue the deceased, but without success. - P.C. J. Smith, Metropolitan Police, said the body was recovered at 7.30 by means of drags. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned," and added that no blame attached to anyone.

NORTH TAWTON - A Northtawton Incident. - Mr J. D. Prickman held an Inquest at Northtawton yesterday relative to the death of the illegitimate child of ELLEN WARDEN, a servant in the employ of Mr I. W. Day, aerated water manufacturer. Mrs Day stated that WARDEN had been in her employ for over seven months. On Christmas day WARDEN was ill and she told her she must see a doctor. On 29th she went to Dr Cutcliffe with her. WARDEN admitted having had a child, which she had buried in the garden. Two or three days later she said the body was in the wash-house wrapped in brown paper. She said she was confined on Christmas-eve. WARDEN was about 19 years old. She had previously had an illegitimate child, now in Okehampton Workhouse. It is about 1 year and 7 months old. Dr Cutcliffe stated that WARDEN consulted him on December 25th and in answer to him she said that there was not any chance of her being confined. He ordered her to bed. On January 2nd, he found she had recently been delivered of a child. Mrs Day found the child. I have made a post- mortem examination of the body, and consider the child not fully developed and possibly had been born seven or eight days. It was so decomposed that he could not say positively whether the child was born alive or not. There were no marks of violence and no evidence of any drugs or instrument having been used. The mother was not well enough to attend the Inquest. The Jury found that the child was Still-born.

EXETER - Found Drowned In A Mill Leat. - Mr H. W. Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday relative to the death of THOMAS HENRY PYE, 45, an Exmouth fisherman, whose body was found in an Exeter mill leat on Monday. - THOMAS RICHARD PYE, labourer, Exmouth, said he last saw deceased, his father, on Friday afternoon at Exmouth. He then appeared to be in his usual state of health, and was sober so far as witness could judge. They passed each other in the street, but did not speak, and on Monday morning he heard that he had been drowned. So far as he knew deceased, who was a widower, had nothing to trouble him. - In answer to the Jury, witness said deceased had been staying with his mother, but he did not reside with her. He had never heard his father threaten to take his life. He knew he was not a temperate man. - E. Weeks, engine-driver at the City Roller Mills, Exeter, said on Monday morning at 7.30 he went to the grating in front of the mill wheel to clear any rubbish that might have lodged there, and whilst using the crook he saw a man's hand rise above the water. He reported the matter to the foreman, and the wheel was at once stopped. The body of deceased was removed and taken to the mortuary. - Mr C. E. Bell, Surgeon, examined the body but could find no marks of violence. The body had not been in the water long, and death was evidently due to drowning. - The Coroner said on the evidence the Jury could do no other than return an open verdict. - The Jury took this view, and gave in their verdict as "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Friday 6 January 1899
TAMERTON FOLIOT - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Tamerton Foliot yesterday touching the death of JOHN HACKER, aged 61. Elizabeth Northcott said on Wednesday she found her brother in his bedroom semi-conscious, and before medical aid could be summoned he died. Dr T. Olver, of Crownhill, said death was due to chronic consumption and heart disease, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Knocked Down In Plymouth. Death Resulting. - At Devonport yesterday an Inquest was held relative to the death of JOHN STONE TOLCHER, aged 41, painter, 53 George-street, Stonehouse. The evidence of PHILIP TOLCHER and P.C. Patey shewed that on December 17th deceased was hurrying towards a tram-car in Bank of England-place, Plymouth and was knocked down by two women getting out of the way of a horse attached to a hansom. Neither of the women stopped after the occurrence and it was not known who they were. TOLCHER told P.C. Patey his leg was broken and he was conveyed to the Homeopathic Hospital, but, at his wish, was taken home. Later the same evening he was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Mr D. Brought, House Surgeon, stated that deceased's left thigh was broken. Shortly afterwards he shewed signs of weak circulation and congestion of the lungs, and also had an attack of gout. His constitution was completely undermined, and he was a man who could very easily be knocked over. He gradually got worse and died from congestion of the lungs, accelerated by the fractured thigh. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 January 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - SAMUEL ELLIOTT, aged 59, of 2 Beyrout-cottages, Devonport, painter in the Dockyard, complained of pains in the chest on Thursday morning and went to inform a friend that he would be unable to go to work. He returned home, went to bed, and died about noon. At the Inquest yesterday, Mr O. Hall, Surgeon, attributed death to the rupture of an aneurism and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

MODBURY - Sad Death At Modbury. "A Wicked Fraud." - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Modbury yesterday relative to the death of JAMES WOOD, aged 59, a quarryman of Modbury. - The widow said her husband, who died early on Wednesday morning, had been suffering for some months from diabetes and was attended by Dr Lakeman up to the end of September. Then he consulted Dr Fox, of the Plymouth Dispensary. Subsequently, from an advertisement, deceased consulted W. H. Roberts, of Plymouth, who, at the Noah's Ark Hotel, Plymouth, gave deceased several powders. Deceased did not see Mr Roberts again, but arranged to correspond with him. On December 29th deceased received a reply from Roberts stating that unless deceased wrote weekly he could not offer advice. He promised to forward more powders and said deceased need not fear weakness at first, as that would pass away if the treatment was carried out as directed. He desired a statement of his present habits, and said if deceased took spirits the treatment would be a failure. He also asked that the balance (£3 2s.) might be forwarded. Her husband paid Roberts £2 10s. at the first interview. Having following the treatment prescribed by Roberts for a short time, deceased said he felt better, but on Monday last he was taken much worse and witness sent for Dr Lakeman. The powders were dissolved in water and injected. Deceased had used about twenty-two powders. - William Henry Roberts, who described himself as a gentleman with no occupation, except that of an agent from Johannesburg, and residing at 2 Barton-crescent, Mutley, said he was not a qualified practitioner, although he advertised that he could cure cancer and diabetes. Deceased came to him because he had heard of the complete manner in which he (witness) had cured a lady whom witness named of a similar disease. he saw deceased in a public-house by arrangement, but did not examine him, nor did deceased make any statement to him relative to his disease except that he was suffering from diabetes. Witness gave him powders and told him to write and let him know his habits and mode of life. Deceased paid him £2 10s. on account, leaving a balance of £3 2s. Witness received a communication from deceased stating that he was weaker and suggesting a further interview. The powders he gave to deceased contained merely table salt for removing constipation, from which deceased also said he suffered. Had deceased lived he would have continued treating him, the amount demanded covering the whole treatment. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said he did not tell deceased not to see him for two months. Deceased told him a doctor in Plymouth said the disease was incurable. Did not treat nor prescribe for deceased, but merely sold him the powders. - Dr Thomas Lakeman, of Modbury, said up to September last he attended deceased for diabetes, and then, as he could not afford to pay his terms, advised him to go to the Hospital, where he would have more chance of recovery. Deceased was then able to do his work, although weak. When he saw deceased on Monday last he was in a state of collapse and almost pulseless, being extremely weak and cold, the brain being about the only active part of his body. Not knowing that Roberts was not a registered medical man, he advised MRS WOOD to wire for him and, at the same time, wrote asking him if he was prepared to give a certificate, and, if not, he (witness) would have to place the matter in the hands of the police in the usual way. In his reply Roberts stated that he did not treat deceased as he was careful not to treat any case, and he did not charge anything for an interview, but only to cover expenses he might incur. The post-mortem examination shewed that all the vital organs were practically natural, and that deceased might, and ought to have, lived for several years longer. He attributed death to coma caused by diabetes. If the powders were simply table salt it was not injurious and Roberts' treatment did not accelerate death. It was, however, probable that had deceased received proper medical attendance he would still be alive. - As the Jury wished to have one of the powders which Roberts gave to deceased on the first interview and one which he now produced analysed, the Inquiry was adjourned for a couple of hours. - On the Inquest being resumed Mr Nicholas F. Lakeman, analytical chemist, Modbury, said the two packets of white powder proved to be common table salt. - The Coroner remarked that the Inquiry had done good in exposing a wicked fraud practised on deceased and on the public. In view of the suddenness of WOOD'S death he hoped persons requiring medical aid would consult none but qualified medical practitioners. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and, through the Coroner, expressed themselves strongly that the treatment was absolutely useless and was nothing more than a fraud, and severely censured Roberts, warning him to be cautious as to his future actions.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 January 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - SERAPHIN HOPKINS, a naval pensioner, aged 66, of 24 George-street, Stonehouse, died shortly after a fit of coughing on Thursday night. At the Inquest on Saturday Dr Waterfield said death was due to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

ST LEVAN, CORNWALL - Sad Fatality At Porthcurnow. An Exeter Lad Drowned. - HOWARD LAING, 16 years of age, from Exeter, one of the probationers at the Eastern Telegraph Company's station, Porthcurnow, near the Land's End, yesterday morning, accompanied by three other lads, went to Po[?] Vou[?]der Cove to bathe in the surf which after the recent gales was very heavy. All four were in the water and LAING'S three companions seeing he was getting out of his depth and that a big sea was rolling in, shouted to him. He apparently did not hear and was caught by the wave and hurled in against a rock. Assistance was obtained very promptly and his body was recovered. It was found badly bruised, especially about the head, and life was extinct. Coastguard Bucknell made every effort to restore animation, but without effect, and the body was removed to Porthcurnow House. Drs. Nesbitt and Beck summoned, examined the body and expressed the opinion that the first contact with the rocks must have completely stunned the lad. All four boys were good swimmers. LAING had only been at Porthcurnow a fortnight.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 January 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - At South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, last evening, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of ALBERT JOHNSON, 130 King-street, 33 years of age. Inspector W. Morman and Detective Palmer of the Metropolitan Police, were present. - ARTHUR JOHNSON, a twin brother of deceased, said they lived together in the house of Mrs George. On Friday morning his brother had breakfast in bed and talked rationally. At 10.30 witness went downstairs. On returning within a few minutes he was horrified to see deceased outside the bedroom door with his throat cut. Deceased rushed back to the bedroom and witness raised an alarm, the Police and Dr Pearse being sent for. He never expected his brother to do such a thing, as he appeared quite well. The act must have been committed on the impulse of the moment. Deceased had served in the King's Royal Rifles, and was discharged from Netley. - In answer to the coroner, witness said on the Thursday deceased was seen by Detective-Sergeant Palmer, of the Metropolitan Police, with reference to clothing he had purchased from some sailors. His brother also went to Inspector Morman, sub-divisional inspector, Metropolitan Police, and made a couple of statements to him with reference to the clothing. Did not know if deceased was threatened with prosecution. On Thursday night his brother was certainly upset about the matter, but on Friday appeared to be calm and as well as usual. Witness was so horrified at the act of his brother that he fainted away. - Mrs Jane George, the landlady, gave evidence to seeing deceased with his throat cut and informing the Police. - P.C. Moulding informed of the occurrence at the Octagon Police Station, at 11.10, immediately went to the house. On the table near the bed was a razor covered with blood. Deceased was conscious, but could not speak owing to the condition of the wound. Mr John Dill Russell, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted at noon suffering from a transverse wound in the throat, the result of a cut which opened into the mouth and windpipe. The wound had injured the internal jugular vein and deceased was so bad that no hope was entertained of his recovery. Deceased could not speak. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

BUCKLAND MONACHORUM - Gruesome Discovery At Buckland Monachorum. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Buckland Monachorum yesterday relative to the death of ELIZABETH BEER, aged 56 years, of Buckland Monachorum, who committed suicide on Saturday night. - WILLIAM BEER, agricultural labourer, said when he went to work on Saturday morning the deceased, his wife, was in her usual health, but when he returned about ten o'clock the same evening all the doors were locked, nor could he see any light in any of the windows. As he expected his son from Plymouth that night, he decided to wait for him. When his son arrived he (the son) got into the house through the window and unlocked the front door. They both went upstairs and on breaking open deceased's bedroom door found the room full of smoke and deceased lying on the bed with her throat cut. Witness's son carried deceased out of the room, but all efforts to restore life were fruitless. All the bed-clothes were on fire, and it was with much difficulty that the flames were extinguished. Deceased had been occasionally queer in her ways since she met with an accident some years ago. The razor found by deceased's bed belonged to his son. - WILLIAM JAMES BEER, son, said he used the razor on Saturday morning before going to Plymouth. - William Joseph Baker, schoolmaster, Buckland Monachorum, proved helping to extinguish the fire, and said he had known the deceased and her husband for many years, and they all seemed to live on the most friendly terms. - Dr Liddell said deceased was burnt almost beyond recognition. She also had a deep wound in her throat, severing the windpipe. The wound was the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 18 January 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - PERCY PEARCE STEER, aged three years, died suddenly at 2 Townshend-avenue, Keyham Barton, Devonport. At the Inquest yesterday it was stated that the child had been delicate from birth and since Christmas there had been an enlargement of the stomach. A change for the worse commenced on Sunday and next morning the child died whilst asleep. Dr G. A. Rae attributed death to abdominal consumption and the exhaustion resulting therefrom. The child also suffered from catarrh. A verdict according to the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 21 January 1899
EXETER - The Topsham Lamp Fatalities. - Mr H. W. Hooper, Coroner, held an Inquest at Devon and Exeter Hospital yesterday relative to the death of WILLIAM BURGESS, who died in that Institution on Wednesday. Joseph Gliddon, nephew, said deceased, 71 years old, lived at Topsham. He had no family and his wife died from injuries received about ten days ago. On January 17th witness was called to see his uncle and aunt, who had been burnt. His aunt was shockingly injured, and died the next morning. Deceased was dreadfully burnt and was unconscious. Dr McArthur having dressed the wounds, MR BURGESS was removed in a cab to the Hospital. He said to witness later "I have had this by trying t save your aunt." He tried to catch his wife up in his arms when her clothes were burning from a lamp explosion, and in doing so caught his own clothing alight. Witness could not tell how the accident happened. The lamp, a glass one, was picked up under the grate. - Frederick Hooper, gardener, said when deceased called him into the house he found MRS BURGESS lying on the floor moaning and unconscious. MR BURGESS'S flannel shirt was burning about his body. Deceased did not know how the accident happened, but said he came in and found his wife in flames. Witness thought the lamp must have fallen on to the floor. Mr P. H. Stark, House Surgeon, said deceased was considerably burned about the body, and head and was suffering severely from these when admitted to the Hospital. He gradually sank and died on Wednesday. The Coroner said it was a most melancholy case, and all must sympathise with the relatives. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 January 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Stonehouse Workhouse yesterday, relative to the death of GLADYS COE, aged four months, of 2 High-street. SARAH MARY COE, the mother, said the child had been unwell lately. On Saturday she took it to Dr Waterfield, who prescribed for it. Shortly after returning home the child died. Dr Waterfield said he had made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to congestion of the lungs. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 28 January 1899
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, at Plymouth yesterday, touching the death of ELIZA JANE GAGE, aged 25, of 32 Kinterbury-street, Plymouth. Mrs Elizabeth Green of 2 North-street, midwife, said deceased gave birth to twins on 19th inst. She progressed favourably until 21st inst. Dr Cooke was sent for, but she died on Wednesday. Deceased refused to see a doctor. Dr Cooke said when sent for on Monday he was out. Dr Wilkinson went in his stead, and found deceased very weak. Dr Cooke ultimately saw her, but she was too far gone to hope for recovery. He attributed death to peritonitis and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of RICHARD HATCH, aged 23, residing at Laira, a labourer in the employ of Burnard and Alger at their Cattedown Chemical Works. - William Cox said on Thursday morning deceased and himself and several men were fixing a barrow-road and to make it more safe added two additional bearings. To fix the second bearing HATCH had to get on to the planking. Having completed his work HATCH started to walk back and slipping fell about 17ft. on a concrete flooring. When picked up he was unconscious. Dr Wilkinson was soon in attendance. - A Juryman thought it would be safer to use a ladder when constructing these barrow-roads. - Edward James Rockey gave corroborative evidence. - Dr Wilkinson said when he saw deceased on Thursday morning he was dead. The base of the skull was fractured. The Foreman of the Jury asked if there was not a similar accident at the works seven years ago. - Mr Burnard replied that there had been two accidents, separated, however, by many years, but not of a serious character. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and thought more caution ought to be exercised in constructing barrow-roads. Mr Burnard said the firm would be only too pleased to do anything to add to their workmen's safety.

ST BUDEAUX - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at King's Tamerton yesterday concerning the death of JOHN BONNEY, 74, a cordwainer. Deceased made a cup of tea on Thursday morning and took it to his wife's bedroom. He was found shortly afterwards dead in a crouching position on the kitchen floor. Dr C. Festing Smith attributed death to syncope. The left lung was congested and there were symptoms of longstanding pleurisy. The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The Barnpool Fatality. Remarkable Accident. - Mr R. R. Rodd (County Coroner) held an Inquiry at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, last evening into the circumstances attending the death of ROBERT ALBERT BEER, aged 41, of Keyham Barton, who died on Thursday, as the result of injuries sustained while engaged with a party of men in recovering a buoy in Barnpool. Mr Venning (law agent to the Admiralty) and Staff-Captain R. G. Rowe (Keyham) were present. - Samuel Loveridge, chargeman of riggers at Devonport Dockyard, said on the previous day he was in charge of a party of mooring-men in Barnpool recovering a buoy. In consequence of the Collingwood colliding with the Curacao two days before the Curacoa let go two bridles and that caused the buoy to sink. The Queen's Harbourmaster having located the position of the buoy, they took a 3in. steel wire hawser, swept it round the position and brought both ends on the mooring lighter. One end was attached to the steam capstan and the other to the steam winch. Then they hove up about ten fathoms off the bottom, and a diver went down and attached a 3in. wire to the shackle of the buoy. By that means they hoisted the buoy above water, disconnected the two bridles and got them inboard. The buoy then floated, but was attached to moorings on the bottom. After the chains were off witness took all the weight off the sweep wire and took the end of the hawser off the winch. He then placed a 2in wire on the end of the hawser for casing down, took four turns round the bollard, and veered on the small wire while they hove on the capstan to get the hawser up. While the small wire was slack there suddenly came a heavy weight on the hawser, causing it to run round the bollard. the men could not hold it, and the end of the 2in. wire, of which there were six or seven fathoms, struck deceased. From the time the hawser took charge until deceased was struck was only about three seconds. The only explanation he could give was that in sweeping they swept up a lost anchor and this falling, caused a sudden run. - Captain Rowe said a link in the pennant might have become displaced and jammed the wire, and when the slack was lifted this might have gone. - Loveridge said Messrs. Hill and Lister, who were carrying out dredging operations, had reported to him that they had lost anchors in the same spot. Nothing broke, but the hawser took charge. Deceased had been at this work for three years. - Captain Rowe said deceased, a pensioned petty officer, was a skilled labourer and a splendid man. - Mr J. Wills (a Juryman) suggested the use of "jiggers" might have prevented the accident. - Captain Rowe: There was no strain on it. - Mr Wills: The strain came after. - Captain Rowe, replying to the Coroner, said the men were doing the work correctly. No strain ought to have come on the wire. If a rope had been used instead of the 2in. wire the end would have struck the deceased without hurting him. A "jigger" would have been worse than useless. All that was needed was to prevent the hawser choking its "luff." - Mr Wills: If you get any strain on, it is bound to run through the men's hands. - William John Weeks, rigger, corroborated Loveridge's evidence. - Captain Rowe said the men were a special party and were employed on no other work than moorings. - The Coroner asked how such an occurrence could be prevented in future. - A Juryman suggested a longer 2in. wire. - Captain Rowe: that is unnecessary. Such a thing may not occur again in a hundred years. With a longer wire the men might have had their legs entangled. A bit of ropeyarn would have been better. - Dr W. Hackett said deceased was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital on Thursday suffering from a compound fracture across the top of the head, the bones being smashed and splintered. Deceased lived for three-quarters of an hour, but did not recover consciousness. - Captain Rowe, sworn, said the men were skilled in such work, and had been under his supervision for four years. The accident was due either to the slack of the pennant being hove off the bottom by the sweeping hawser suddenly clearing itself and causing a strain on the veering end, or to an anchor or some heavy weight coming up with the sweeping hawser slipping off and falling on the veering end. The work was being done in a proper and seamanlike manner. The accident could not have been foreseen, and no precaution could have been taken other than was taken. If they had expected a strain they would have put the winch wire on, but no strain ought to have been upon it. He had had considerable experience, and had never come across a similar case. He did not know anything that could be done to prevent such an accident, except the use of a small rope. It was unnecessary to have had the men there at the time, but they were there as an additional precaution. - A Juryman, who said he had been a seafaring man for many years, said it was a pure accident that might never occur again. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Foreman (Mr Barnes) hoped the case would be recommended to the Admiralty for consideration. - Mr Venning: I do not think there will be any difficulty about that. - Captain Rowe said no man in the Dockyard was thought more highly of than deceased. - A Juryman said deceased left a widow and four children, and the youngest child was seven years old and a cripple. Mr Venning promised that a proper representation should be made to the Admiralty. The Jury gave their fees to the widow and expressed the deepest sympathy with her.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 January 1899
BERE FERRERS - The Gawton Mine Accident. Opening Of The Inquest. - On Saturday afternoon Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, opened an Inquiry in the account house at Gawton Mine into the circumstances attending the death of THOMAS STACEY and ERNEST CONIAM, who were killed through a piece of ground falling away in a stope at the bottom of the 90 fathom level of the mine on Friday morning. Mr Moses Bawden, manager of the mine; Rev. H. M. Petty, vicar of Gulworthy; Dr Bowhay, of Gunnislake; Mr Superintendent Nicholls and Mr Hubert James were present. - The Coroner said they all deeply sympathised with the relatives of the deceased in the heavy loss that had fallen upon them, as with the men who had been injured and who they hoped would soon recovery. He should merely take evidence of identification that day, and the doctor's evidence as to the injuries and then adjourn the Inquest to meet the convenience of the Inspector of Mines, who had telegraphed that he proposed making his inspection on Monday. - THOMASINE STACEY stated that her late husband had lived at St. Ann's Chapel, was 37 years of age, and had been employed as a miner at Gawton Mine. - WILLIAM CONIAM, general labourer at the Coombe Arsenic Works, stated that he resided at St Ann's Chapel. His son, the other deceased, resided with him and had been employed as a miner at Gawton Mine. - Dr Saunders, of Calstock, assistant to Dr Bowhay, stated that he saw CONIAM about 10.30 on Friday morning. He was suffering from extensive injuries, including a compound fracture of the right arm, a severe scalp wound, and his chest was crushed and the ribs fractured. He was conscious up to within a short time of his death at 5.15 p.m. The body of THOMAS STACEY was recovered later in the day. His skull was fractured and he was dead. - The Inquiry was then adjourned until Saturday morning next, when it will be resumed at the Temperance Hotel, Bere Alston.

TAVISTOCK - An Inquest was held by Mr Rodd at Gulworthy on Saturday relative to the death of ROBERT PARSONS. Deceased, who was a cripple, was employed on Friday by George Frederick Cutts grubbing land. He complained of giddiness and Cutts sent for a horse and cart to take him home, but he died in the meantime. Dr Bowhay of Gunnislake, stated that the cause of death was effusion of blood on the brain, no doubt accelerated by the diseased condition of the heart. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 31 January 1899
YEALMPTON - Sad Fatality At Yealmpton. - Yealmpton heard on Sunday afternoon with some consternation and much pain of the death of MR HY. SNAWDON, of the firm of SNAWDON BROS., of Yealmbridge and Plymouth, wholesale cabinetmakers. MR SNAWDON returning on Saturday evening from Plymouth, called to see Mr Cross, and afterwards attended a committee meeting relative to a dance arranged for next week. Then he went home in company with some friends. On retiring to bed he fell backwards whilst going upstairs to bed, and received injuries to his head, from which he died about five o'clock on Sunday afternoon, not gaining consciousness. MR SNAWDON was a member of the Parish Council, and he is the second member of that body who has been removed by death within one month. The Inquest was held by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, last evening. - FRANCIS W. SNAWDON, deceased's nephew, said his uncle was 47 years of age. On Saturday night, about 25 minutes past ten he was going upstairs to bed, and when he had reached about the fifth step he fell back, injuring his head. When picked up he was unconscious, and so remained until death. - There was a lamp hanging in the passage. - Morley Carter, an apprentice in the employ of Snawdon Brothers, said the deceased in turning to take a candle from him slipped and fell. The wound at the back of the head bled very much. - Dr Langworthy, of Yealmpton, said on being called to Yealmbridge he found MR SNAWDON unconscious and suffering from a wound at the base of the skull causing concussion. Blood was flowing from his ears. With him he remained some hours. Finding next morning his condition was not improved, he called in Mr Paul Swain, of Plymouth, who operated on deceased. MR SNAWDON, however, gradually sank,. - The Jury, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed sympathy with the relatives.

PLYMOUTH - MARGARET C. M. KIRKWOOD, aged four weeks, 26 High-street, Plymouth, died suddenly on Sunday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Cooke attributed death to convulsions, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - The same Jury returned a similar verdict in the case of STANLEY J. H. NOTT, aged nine weeks, St Andrew's-street, Plymouth, who also died from convulsions.

HOLBETON - SIMOLINA NOTLEY, the twin daughter, aged three months, of MR HENRY MARWOOD HARDING, a gentleman residing at Holbeton, was placed in the cradle with her sister on Friday night. On Saturday morning at four o'clock the mother saw both were all right, but four hours later SIMOLINA was found dead. At the Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd, yesterday, the mother said the child had been healthy from birth. Dr Grenfell, of Modbury, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

TIVERTON - Fatal Accident At Bradninch. Alleged Shocking Neglect. - An Inquest was held at Tiverton Workhouse last night touching the death of SUSAN DREW, aged 74, Bradninch, in receipt of out relief. On December 28th she was crossing the street at Bradninch and was knocked down by some cows. The drover picked her up and conveyed her home, where she was attended by her daughter. Neither the drover nor the daughter called in medical assistance until January 8th, when Dr Duncan found the old woman suffering from a broken thigh. The daughter said they had been trying to make her stand, but failed. - Dr Duncan stated that before he could make his examination he had to get heaps of vermin swept out of the bed. Difficulty was experienced in obtaining a trap and deceased was not conveyed to Tiverton Workhouse until January 9th, where her case in the infirmary ward was found hopeless from the first. When admitted to the House deceased was still covered with vermin. The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider that there had been culpable neglect by somebody.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 February 1899
PLYMOUTH - BRUCE RUNDLE, 48, stonemason, 3 Higher Stert-place, Plymouth, died suddenly on Sunday evening. Dr Dutton was called, but death had taken place before his arrival. He attended deceased six months ago for heart disease. At the Inquest yesterday, held by Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, at the Laira Hotel, the verdict was "Death from Natural Causes."

TAVISTOCK - Sad Railway Fatality Near Tavistock. Somnambulism A Probable Cause. - The accident which we reported yesterday as having occurred to MR WILLIAM HENRY BACKWELL near Tavistock, late on Monday night, unfortunately terminated fatally. The deceased, who was single, lived with his parents at 2 Abbey-mead, Tavistock. He was a coachbuilder and was associated with his father and brother in running circular coach trips to Lydford and Princetown in connection with the London and South-Western Railway Company. He was an expert whip and generally drove one of the coaches. In that character he had become well known and was much respected. MR BACKWELL on Saturday left home to spend Sunday, it is said, with the young lady to whom he was about to be married, and it was whilst he was returning he met with shocking injuries that resulted in his death. Deceased travelled from Exeter by the 5.50 p.m. express from Waterloo due at Tavistock at 11.21. When the train left Okehampton he was noticed to be asleep in a compartment by himself. On the arrival of the express at Tavistock the door of the compartment was found open, and that the passenger was missing. Search parties were sent out from Okehampton and Tavistock, and also from Bridestowe, Lydford, and Brentor, in both directions. From Tavistock a goods engine proceeded with two men on the look out. A little over a mile out and near the Wallabrook Viaduct, MR BACKWELL was found lying in the "six-foot way" between the two lines of rails. At this point the express would be going at nearly its highest speed. MR BACKWELL was found terribly injured, the wheels of the guard's van having passed over one of his legs. A signalman with his flags promptly tied up the limb, with a skill that won the praise of the doctor and the Coroner's Jury. MR BACKWELL, who was nearly prostrate from loss of blood and shock to the system, was taken back on the engine to Tavistock Station. There Dr Smyth had him removed to the Cottage Hospital, where he arrived about two hours after his accident. In another two hours he passed away. Tavistock heard of the sad affair with much regret. In all probability the deceased in his sleep opened the door of the carriage and fell out. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest last evening. Mr H. Tonkin was Foreman of the Jury. Inspector Percival, of Exeter, and Mr Pearce, station-master, represented the London and South-Western Railway Company. - JOHN BACKWELL, coach proprietor, Tavistock, said deceased, his brother, was 29 years of age. He was a master coachbuilder. He died that morning at quarter-past four. He left home on Saturday last for Exeter, and was returning to Tavistock in the London and South Western late express on Monday night. At the Hospital deceased said to him, "Oh, JOHN, I got into the train at Exeter and went to sleep, and did not know anything more until I found myself on the line." About three months ago his mother found deceased in his bedroom walking in his sleep and just coming out at the door. On awaking him he was much frightened. - John Kingdon, signalman, L. and S.W.R. Co., at Okehampton, said on Monday night he saw a gentleman asleep in the rear compartment of a second class carriage next to the guard's van, with his back to the engine and covered with a rug. There was no one else in the compartment when the train left Okehampton. The doors were closed at that time. The occupant was facing the lavatory door. - George Hill, signalman, Tavistock Station, said on the arrival of the express at 11.20 p.m. he noticed the carriage door referred to by the last witness open and swinging. In the compartment he found a rug folded up on the seat, a silk hat, and stick. The lock of the door was all right. did not think that any slight pressure would open it. - Mr Yelland, a Juror, expressed the opinion that the patent locks were very dangerous to passengers, as some of them opened very easily. - John Milford, a ganger, London and South-Western Railway, deposed that he went up the line after the arrival of the late express at Tavistock and found the deceased about 200 yards from Wallabrook Viaduct in the six-foot way, between the up and down lines, about a mile from Tavistock. When he heard him, deceased exclaimed, "For God's sake come on." He was bleeding in the left leg and he (witness) tied up the leg tightly as well as he could with the flags he had, and took deceased into Tavistock on an engine as quickly as possible. Dr Smyth saw the deceased at the Station. Deceased told witness he did not know how he got on the line. He appeared by his voice to be very weak, and got more so as he neared the Station. Deceased asked witness if his father and mother knew it, and asked that Dr Smyth might be sent for. Witness thought deceased rolled about 17 yards after dropping from the carriage. - Geo. Eveleigh, Police Sergeant at Tavistock, said that morning, about eight, in company with the last witness, he went to Wallabrook Viaduct and in the six-foot way, about 200 yards from the viaduct, found a large pool of blood. Two yards further on he found some flesh and blood on the metal, and for twenty yards beyond that the ballast had been disturbed. There was clear evidence of someone having been dragged along. - Dr T. E. Smyth stated that he examined the deceased superficially at the Railway Station. All haemorrhage had been stopped by the application of the flags mentioned by Milford. Witness had deceased removed to the Hospital and dressed the wound. He found a compound comminuted complicated fracture of the left leg just below the knee, extending to four inches above the ankle. The patient was suffering much from shock and loss of blood. He never rallied for an operation to be performed. there was a slight wound at the top of the head. There might have been some internal abdominal injury, as there was slight discharge from the bowels before he died. Deceased would probably have been brought to the Station dead, but for the action of Milford in tying up the wounded leg with the flags, which he did in a most efficient manner, although not a member of St. John Ambulance Society. Deceased told him he did not know anything after leaving Exeter until he found himself on the line, and mentioned something casually about walking in his sleep. - The Jury found the deceased died from injuries sustained by falling out of a second-class carriage on the South-Western Railway between Brentor and Tavistock Stations, but there was not sufficient evidence to satisfy them as to the cause of his falling out. The expressed their sympathy with the friends of the deceased, and commended Milford for the able way in which he had treated the wound.

KINGSWEAR - Singular Death At Kingswear - At Kingswear yesterday, an Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker touching the death of ERNEST PEPPERELL, aged 13. Deceased, who was in the employ of Mr Bailey, a farmer, of Brownstone Farm, came home on January 19th, and complained of having a bad leg. He would not tell his father how he got it, but he told his grandmother it was caused by a turnip-cutter. - Dr Davson, Dartmouth, said there was a suppurating wound on the leg, which induced meningitis on the brain, from which the deceased died. There was no mark of violence on the body, except the wound on the leg. Thomas Bulley, deceased's employer, said so far as he was aware, deceased had not been at the turnip-cutters. He saw the deceased limping the day he went home and deceased told him he had a chilblain on his foot. - The Coroner: Evidently, from the doctor's evidence, that was a lie. Was he afraid of you? - Witness: No. He was a very reserved boy. - The Coroner said in the absence of anything to the contrary, the Jury would be justified in presuming that the occurrence was accidental. A verdict to this effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 February 1899
TEIGNMOUTH - An Inquest was held at McBryde's London Hotel, Teignmouth, last evening, touching the death of RICHARD WARREN, a stone sawyer, found dead in bed at his lodgings. Deceased's wife stated that he was 57 years of age and a native of Exeter. He had complained of pains over his heart, but they did not interfere with his work. Dr Piggott, who had made a post-mortem examination, stated that deceased suffered from valvular disease of the heart, and death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday Dr Dutton attributed the sudden death of CHARLES E. MURCH, aged 11 months, of 9 Moon-street, Plymouth, on Monday night, to convulsions, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 February 1899
SOUTH TAWTON - Quarry Accident At South Tawton. - Mr J. D. Johnstone (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest at South Zeal yesterday, relative to the death of JOHN MAY by the falling of rock at Southtawton Quarries on Monday. Mr Stokes, assistant Government Inspector of mines and quarries, attended. - Robert Cooper said he was working with deceased and Robert Holman on a ledge about 20 feet from the bottom. Four men were working above them. About 4.15, noticing a little stuff falling, he shouted to the other men, and ran off. He heard a great noise as of a mass of rock falling, and looking back saw Holman standing by himself. MAY was missed and a search made. A portion of deceased's coat was seen between large rocks. When the body was recovered life was extinct. He considered the slip was due not to the weather, but to a cross-course and the smooth bottom. About 50 tons of stuff fell. He had worked in the quarry for 32 years, and had never known of an accident there before. Robert Holman said when he hard Cooper shout he looked up and saw a large mass of rock slipping. He ran to where MAY was standing, but the deceased went in an opposite direction. The last time witness examined the top of the quarry whence the rock fell was about a fortnight ago. Nobody could tell anything was wrong with the cross-course by merely sounding it with a crowbar. - George Gillard, who was working on the top of the quarry, said the fall of rock was due to the cross-course. He had never in an experience of 30 years seen such a perpendicular cross-course as that one. - John Jope Knapman, manager of the quarry, said that on Monday last he examined the piece of ground which had slipped away and could see nothing wrong with it. - S.P.B. Newcombe, Okehampton, the lessee of the quarry, said he always urged the men to be very careful. All the men were experienced quarrymen, and he had never had any complaints from them. - Dr Passmore, Okehampton, said he had examined the body. Several of the bones were broken, and the injury to the head must have caused instantaneous death. - The Jury (Mr Joseph Labon, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," but suggesting that steps be taken for the safer working of the quarry. Those in charge were exonerated from all blame. The Jury gave their fees to the widow, and passed a vote of condolence with the family. The funeral took place later in the day at Southtawton, a large number of people being present. Rev. J. Portman, of Sampford Courtenay, officiated, in the absence of the vicar, Rev. J. F. Clarke.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 February 1899
TAVISTOCK - FANNY MATTHEWS, of Tavistock, aged 73, widow of a miner, was found by Mrs Mary Harvey, a neighbour, on Saturday morning in a wash-house sitting in a bath, into which she had apparently fallen, with a cabbage in her hand. On being lifted up the deceased at once expired. At the Inquest held by Mr R. R. Rodd, Dr Snowden Smith attributed death to valvular disease of the heart, and the Jury (Mr W. H. Mallet, Foreman) returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport on Saturday, an Inquest was held concerning the death of SAMUEL JAMES PAYNE, aged 29, of 41 Johnstone-terrace, Keyham, first class petty officer. Deceased was invalided from the navy last February for phthisis, and had been very unwell since. On Friday he was taken worse and haemorrhage set in. Mr J. H. Kenrick, Surgeon, said deceased must have ruptured an artery. Death was due to asphyxia, consequent upon the haemorrhage. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

BERE FERRERS - Gawton Mine Disaster. Adjourned Inquest. - At Bere Alston on Saturday Mr R. R. Rodd conducted the adjourned Inquest relative to the deaths of THOMAS STACEY and ERNEST CONIAM, the two miners who, with another named Lampin, were the victims of a disaster at Gawton Mine on January 28th. At the previous Inquiry evidence of identification and medical testimony were given. Mr E. E. V. Stokes, H.M. Inspector of Mines; Mr Moses Bawden, manager of the mine; and Superintendent Nicholls were present. - Thomas Cox, miner, Calstock, said on Friday, January 27th, he, with the deceased STACEY and CONIAM and three others, formed a party and went underground at Gawton Mine to work the 95-fathom level on the mundic lode. Working commenced about 6.45 with the boring of a hole at the foot of the hanging wall, which subsequently fell. The wall was examined before the boring commenced by means of hammers and they were satisfied as to its safety. About a fortnight before this a substantial piece of timber was put up against a slight defect which had been detected in the overhanging wall. If more timber had been required there was plenty available. The hole, 18 inches deep, was charged with dynamite and fired, but the shot could not have disturbed the timber. They all waited about 15 minutes before going back to the hole. Four of the men returned to the slope and about a minute later the overhanging wall - about 30 tons of rock - fell, burying STACEY and partially CONIAM, whilst two other men, named Lampin and Honey, were also caught by the debris. About nine ton of the rock fell where witness and another were standing, but they were able to step out of the way in time. To have examined the top of the hanging wall would have required a ladder. There was a ladder suitable for the purpose in the stope had it been thought necessary to use it. The shot would cause concussion, but owing to the lightness of the charge it was slight in this instance. The hole was charged with 1 ½ cartridges, and witness charged and fired. The concussion must have loosened the hanging wall. Lampin, who was the taker of the pare, was a practical miner, with about thirty years' experience in Gawton Mine. witness had worked in the mine for twelve years. STACEY and CONIAM had only worked there a short time. - The Inspector emphasised the importance of such walls as the one in question being examined from top to bottom. Men should thoroughly examine every part of the locality in which they were working. If there had been an error in this case it had been an error of judgment on the part of the workmen themselves. - Witness added that it was the practice for men to examine overhanging walls after as well as before firing a charge, and it was thought that the deceased men were about to do this when the rock fell. He admitted that according to the rules they ought to have examined the wall right up, but they did not. - A Juror said miners were apt to put off precautionary measures for the sake of getting more work done. In this mine there should be more timber used for the sake of the men's lives. - The Inspector said the men in this instance trusted too much to their long experience with the lode, which was a firm-looking piece of rock. - Witness said the piece of timber was not the only support, there was an arch of ground left. - Several Jurymen expressed the opinion that it was not possible to adequately judge of the security of such a large mass of rock by merely sounding it with hammers. No man could have foreseen such an accident. - Benjamin Craddick, pitman and underground superintendent at Gawton Mine, said the day before the accident he examined the wall in question and found it apparently safe. The accident happened before he got to the place on that morning. He only examined as far as he could reach, from the floor of the stope; it was his custom to make a daily examination. In future he thought it would be advisable to use ladders for examining such places. - Replying to the Inspector, Mr Bawden said the owners of the mine were quite prepared to adopt the special rules for the prevention of accidents, but it should be remembered that they would operate against the men. They were optional rules. - The Inspector said he could not attribute any culpable negligence to anyone, and if these rules had been adopted there would not have been any infringement of them in this case. - The Coroner said the only practical suggestion which arose out of that Inquiry was that examination ladders should be supplied and the men ordered to use them. - A verdict of Accidental Death was returned, and the Jury agreed with the Coroner and strongly recommended that more timber and ladders should be used in future. - Mr Bawden read the following letter from Mr Peter Watson, managing director of the mine:- Dear Mr Bawden. - As you will be attending the Inquest tomorrow on the two poor fellows who unfortunately lost their lives, and as you attended the Board meeting yesterday and heard my remarks on the subject and the deep sympathy and condolence I expressed for them and their relatives, I beg you will convey an expression of the regret felt by my colleagues and myself at the lamentable occurrence, and our sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. Associated as you and I have been in the management of mines for something like half a century, it is always most distressing to both of us to hear of such a sad occurrence at this or any other mine in Cornwall or Devon, or indeed, elsewhere. - Peter Watson. - Mr Bawden added an expression of his personal sorrow at the occurrence and said he would see that the recommendations of the Jury were duly considered.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 February 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Inquest. Husband And Mother-In-Law Censured. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday into the circumstances attending the death of FREDERICK EAGLES MATTHEWS, the infant son of THOMAS MATTHEWS, 32 John-street, an engine fitter in the Dockyard. The child died immediately after birth on Saturday morning. The father said there was no doctor at the confinement, his wife being attended by her mother. His wife had given birth to five children, of whom two were living, and they had always had a doctor before. He heard on Thursday or Friday no doctor had been ordered. - The Coroner: There was time for you to insist upon a doctor being in attendance. - Witness: I thought it was more a female's business. - The Coroner: You were the husband and you left the mother there. - Margaret Gellard, widow, of Pentewan, the mother of MRS MATTHEWS, said her daughter thought as she had done so well before she need not have a doctor. Witness had been engaged in midwifery for 27 years, and had undertaken scores of cases with doctors and without, but had never undertaken her daughter's cases before. Two of her daughter's children had been born dead when doctors were attending her. - The Coroner said a medical man would not attend his own daughter or wife. It was very wrong for witness to undertake her own daughter's case. - Witness said she tried to persuade her daughter to have a doctor. The child only just breathed. She did not hold a midwife's certificate. - Dr McIlwaine said when he was called he found the child dead. After a post-mortem examination he attributed death to inability to keep up respiration. There were no marks of external violence and all the organs appeared to be healthy. He could not say there was any want of attention, but if a medical man had been there the child would have had a better chance. - The Coroner said it was a pity a doctor was not engaged, and a greater pity that the uncertificated midwife was MRS MATTHEWS'S own mother. That way of doing things might make people think all sorts of things that might have no foundation. there might be suspicion owing to a mother being in attendance, but it did not appear to be so in this case, as there did not seem to be any neglect. When a man with several children was getting about £1 a week he might not think he could afford a doctor's fee, but in this case the man was getting regular wages (34s. a week) at the Dockyard. It was too bad. - Mr Ledley concurred. It was very wrong that an uncertificated midwife should attempt to attend such cases, apart from the fact that in this case the woman was attending her own daughter. He hoped MRS GELLARD would never take upon herself that work again. - The Jury endorsed these remarks and returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

TAVISTOCK - Shocking Case At Tavistock. A Relative Censured. - At Tavistock Workhouse last evening Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest on the body of ANN PERKINS, widow of DAVID PERKINS, a labourer, aged 80 years. - Elizabeth Mabel Coaker, nurse at the Workhouse, stated that deceased was admitted into that Institution on Saturday morning in a dying condition. She was in a very dirty state: her clothing was filthy. She had apparently not been washed for weeks. She was not conscious from the time of admission until about 6.30 p.m., when she died. Witness had never seen a room in such a bad state as deceased's. She was cleaned on the ambulance in the presence of the doctor. - Louisa Kellaway, a widow, spoke to the dirty condition of the floor of the room in which deceased lived. Witness often offered to clean the room, but deceased refused to allow her to do so. Others also offered her assistance. About three months ago deceased's daughter, Mrs Alford, and a gentleman visited the deceased. The daughter had not been since as far as witness knew. Deceased would lie on the ground instead of in her bed. On Saturday morning witness took deceased a cup of tea as usual, and found her lying on the floor. She appeared very poorly and witness called the Police. - Rebecca Craze said deceased's room was always in a dirty condition, and she slept on the floor. Her daughter visited her about three months ago. Mrs Alford then brought the deceased a clean blind, a table cloth and some bedding. She put up the blind, but directly she had left deceased pulled it down. Mr Bennett, the landlord, came with Mrs Alford and put the room tidy. Mr Bennett brought her things and two months ago witness heard deceased say to him, "Where is my money?" She would holloa down, "Craze bring me something to eat; I am starving." Witness believed she died of want. She was very peculiar and suspected people. Witness believed she had been in want for some time. She thought deceased had money, but did not care to spend it, as she wanted everything on the cheap. - Sergeant Eveleigh, who deposed to finding deceased lying unconscious on the floor in front of the fireplace of her room in Bannawell-street, covered with blankets, all very dirty, said he had never seen a room in such a filthy condition. He made a careful search, with Supt. Nicholls, of the rubbish in the room and found £7 2s. 11d., including five sovereigns and 4 ½d., was found on the deceased's body. Witness served an ejectment notice upon the deceased about six weeks ago. She was then very dirty. He found in the room on Saturday last about half a pound of bread, very hard, and less than a teaspoonful of tea. Mrs Alford, deceased's daughter, lived at Whitchurch, and her husband carried on an extensive business as a poulterer in East-street, Plymouth. - Mr Richard Lindon, surveyor and sanitary inspector of Tavistock, stated that he made an inspection of deceased's room on October 24th, and found it in a very filthy condition. He notified the fact to Dr Brodrick, medical officer of health, who visited the room and afterwards said deceased had better be removed to the Workhouse. Witness spoke to the relieving officer, but was informed that he could not act unless the deceased was destitute, or unless two medical men gave a certificate stating she was insane. The ejectment order obtained by the landlord would have taken effect, had deceased lived, on 11th inst. Witness informed Mr Alford within a fortnight, of the condition of the room and the deceased. Mr Alford wished she wee in the Workhouse and expressed his willingness to contribute to her maintenance. - John Bennett said deceased had been his tenant at 1s. 3d. a week for about three years. He had repeatedly tried to get her to leave and at last obtained an ejectment order. She was not fit to live by herself. He was afraid she would be burnt to death. Witness did not know that there was any ill-feeling between the deceased and her daughter. The deceased was a very cross old woman. - The Coroner: yes; but I don't think any gentleman present would like to allow his mother to remain in such a state. - Dr Snowden Smith deposed to having the deceased removed to the Workhouse. Brandy and milk were given her. she was very emaciated. There were other symptoms of starvation. Death was due to senile decay, accelerated by want of proper food and attention. With proper care and attention she would very probably have been living. She could not have had any food for 48 hours and probably considerably longer. - The Coroner said it was hardly conceivable that such a case could have happened in the present day. In his judgment grave reflection rested on Mrs Alford for not seeing her parent properly cared for, and the improper way in which she had treated the gentlemen of the Jury by not attending the Inquest when asked to do so, or by not being represented, was a confirmation, he thought, of her indifferent treatment of her mother. - The Jury (Mr G. Coles, Foreman) found that death was due to Senile Decay, accelerated by Neglect, and added that they considered that grave reflection rested on Mrs Alford for not seeing that her mother was provided with food and attention and kept clean.

EAST BUDLEIGH - Shocking Fatality At Salterton. A Man Roasted To Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon at Budleigh Salterton, touching the death of ABRAHAM FINNER, aged 68, a gardener, found burnt to death in his house in Queen-street, late on Saturday night. The body was quite beyond recognition. - Edward Burch, the landlord of the house, said he was called about 10.30, and found smoke issuing from the bedroom window. He burst open the front door, but could see nothing, bur the volumes of smoke and the heat was intense. He eventually got out through the front window, being unable to reach the upstair room where deceased was lying. Members of the fire brigade arrived and succeeded in finding the body. He saw deceased at 5 p.m., and he was then perfectly sober. - Robert Cooper, foreman of the fire brigade, said he effected an entrance through the bedroom window, but the heat was so intense that he was compelled to retreat. He tried a second time and succeeded in reaching the bed, and felt the body, which was across the bed with the feet on the floor. Deceased was quite dead. He tried to drag the body towards the window, but the smoke was too dense and he was obliged to relinquish his object. There was no fire in the bedroom and he saw nothing to indicate the origin of the fire. - P.C. George Bond could not say how the fire originated. On Sunday he found among the plastering a small oil lamp. - Richard Anniss, member of the Fire Brigade, deposed to endeavouring to get upstairs to rescue the deceased, but the heat was so intense that he was compelled to desist. - Dr Evans said the body was extensively charred and blistered, and the hair partially destroyed. Deceased was roasted to death. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr W. H. Gould) said there was strong presumptive evidence that the lamp was the cause of the fire. For the suggestion that valuable time was lost by the fire brigade he saw no ground. The members of the brigade appeared to have done all that they could. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and, at the suggestion of the Foreman (Mr Kempson), who referred to the horrible sight they had been compelled to witness in viewing the body, appended the following rider:- "That the need for Coroner's Juries viewing a corpse no longer exist, and that the usage should be abolished, except in special cases, when the Coroner may deem it advisable."

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 February 1899
MORETONHAMPSTEAD - A Moreton Stepfather Censured. A Rare Disease. - An Inquest held at Moretonhampstead on Tuesday evening relative to the death of EMILY BUNCLARK, aged four, excited much interest. EMMA FRENCH said the deceased was her daughter by a former marriage. Last Wednesday she went to school quite well and returned to dinner all right. In the afternoon she was sent to her grandmother's as witness attended a funeral. Beatrice Garrish about five o'clock brought her home. She complained that her right arm and side were sore. There was nothing to be seen. As the pain increased Dr Middlemist was sent for, and hot flannels were applied. She got no better and on Friday the doctor was again sent for and came with Dr Laurie. About midnight her husband said to the child, "If you keep on holloaing I will give you the strap," and he struck her on the head with the strap he wears. The child continued in great pain, and died on Sunday morning. About three months ago her husband slapped the child. - The child's brother, ROBERT, aged 12, Beatrice Garrish, aged 10 and Miss Lydia Blair, the schoolmistress, were called, but could give no cause for the child's illness. - Mr G. E. Middlemist, Surgeon, said the child complained of pain in the right shoulder and down that side. On Friday the shoulder began to swell. There were no marks or bruises. He and Dr Laurie came to the conclusion there was an injury like a sprain. The child gave no history of it, and there seemed no cause to be found. On Saturday the grandmother spoke of ill-treatment. At a post-mortem examination he found the body well nourished and no bruises or marks evident. On the head was a small abrasion of skin on the left side, with a small clot of dry blood exuded, and under it a more or less circular scalp bruise, 1 ½ inches in diameter, recent and on the left side a small bruise, ½ inch in diameter, with no corresponding abrasion exterior. These bruises did not cause or accelerate death. On cutting into the swollen shoulder about an inch of matter exuded from a cavity around the bone, shewing inflammation of covering of the bone of arm, forming an abscess. There was no dislocation. It was a definite disease - acute pereostatis - supposed to be due to a definite micro-organism or germ. There was no sign of an injury. A blow or injury may possibly start such a thing, but a germ is supposed to be the origin. It is in children it is usually found, but rarely occurs at all. It is rapid in its action and probably begins before any pain is felt. There were abscesses on the lungs and inflammation around the heart; resultant blood-poisoning ensued and caused death. - JOHN FRENCH, the stepfather of the child, was told by the Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) he could give evidence on oath if he wished. He began to speak and on being told if he said anything it must be on oath he said he would say nothing. - The Jury (Mr W. Woolland, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," and they also unanimously thought FRENCH deserving of censure for beating the child in a dying state. The Coroner called FRENCH forward, and censured him, remarking that he may yet have to answer for his conduct in another court.

EGG BUCKLAND - Fatal Fall At Egg Buckland - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Egg Buckland yesterday relative to the death of PHILIP RICH, 80 years, retired shoemaker. On the evening of 8th January deceased went upstairs to get a handkerchief, and fell from the top to the second landing. He was put to bed and only complained of pain in his left arm. Neither he nor his wife thought it necessary to send for a doctor, as he was able to get up each day. He became worse on Friday and on the following morning Dr Thomas Olver, who was sent for, found his left shoulder was dislocated and his left arm fractured. Deceased died at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, death being due to senile decay, accelerated by the injuries. - The Jury found a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner told MRS RICH she acted in a thoughtless manner in not sending for a doctor earlier.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 February 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Burns At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday respecting the death of LEONARD JAMES SMITH, aged 4, of 71 Tavistock-road. - The mother, the wife of a gunner serving on H.M.S. Widgeon, on the West Coast of Africa, said on Tuesday morning she left the child in bed with a baby and went out to get some milk. She had frequently done so before. On the way out she stayed to have a cup of tea with a neighbour and then went to an adjoining shop. Whilst she was there someone told her the deceased had been burnt. Dr Rolston advised the child to be taken to the Hospital after the burns had been dressed. There were two fire-guards in the room, but on the morning in question neither of them was in front of the grate, because there was scarcely any fire. She had never known the deceased to attempt to play with the fire. - Mrs Barrett said her attention was called to a child's screams, and going upstairs she found the deceased on the landing with his guernsey and night-dress on fire. the guernsey was burnt to above the waist. Witness extinguished the smouldering fire with the assistance of Mrs Hake. A piece of burnt rag was found near the bed. - Mr Daniel Brough, House Surgeon, said the feet were the only part of the body which had escaped being burnt, and there was no hope of recovery from the first. The Jury (Foreman, Mr J. Ledley) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner said it had been his misfortune to inquire into several deaths resulting from burns, and he had always advocated the use of fire-guards. It was very unfortunate that although there were two fireguards in the room, neither was in use. The Jury expressed their sympathy with the mother.

CORNWOOD - The Cornwood Fatality. - At Cornwood yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest on the body of SAMUEL SKIDMORE, aged 75, who was killed the previous day at Headon Clay Works, Cornwood. Mr E. E. V. Stokes, H.M. Inspector of Mines, and Major Bearne (representing the lessees of the works) were present. Deceased's son, WILLIAM HENRY SKIDMORE, said his father had acted for 25 years as senior overlooker at the works. He and witness the previous day were sheltering themselves from the rain under a bank of overburden when about 15cwt. of earth gave way, and deceased was struck in the back. He was killed on the spot. - Dr Randle proved that deceased's back was broken. - Richard Willlis, clay labourer, said that morning he had worked at the base of the bank, and in his opinion the cause of the fall was the severe frost, followed by heavy rains. The stuff fell from a soapy joint, which could not have been detected earlier. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and condolences were expressed with the bereaved friends.

LYDFORD - Death Of A Noted Burglar. - Mr J. D. Prickman, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Dartmoor Prison on THOMAS JONES, aged 63, who died on 5th inst. Mr James, Governor's Clerk, produced the records, shewing that JONES was, at Liverpool Assizes, on 9th March, 1894 sentenced to seven years' penal servitude for burglary. He had been previously convicted as follows:- Liverpool, 10th August, 1859, burglary, 4 years; Kirkdale, 10th April, 1864, stealing, 18 months; Liverpool, 7th August, 1866, burglary, 7 years; Liverpool 22nd March, 1872, burglary, 10 years and 2 years' police supervision; Liverpool, 12th November 1881, burglary, one year and licence revoked; Liverpool, 30th July 1883, burglary, five years; Liverpool, 10th November 1889, burglary, seven years; besides four summary convictions. Whilst in gaol his conduct had been good, and he had received no punishments. - Dr W. S. Frew, Medical Officer, stated that he carefully examined deceased on his reception at Dartmoor Prison from Portland on the 19th January, and found his heart enlarged and the blood vessels hard. Otherwise he seemed to be in fairly good health. Owing to his age and infirmity, he was excused ordinary labour and only put to very light work. On the 4th inst. he complained to Dr Mander of pains in the stomach and shortness of breath. He was taken to the Association Ward and prescribed for. At nine p.m. he was given brandy and poulticed. At 10.30 Dr Mander found him dying. His medical sheet from other prisons shewed he had always suffered from heart disease. Dr Percy Mander, Assistant Surgeon, corroborated. - Convict Orderly Charles Coaffee deposed that he helped to wait on deceased, and was with him for a couple of hours before his death. He made no complaints. Assistant Warder Cole, who was in charge of deceased, said he seemed very patient under his suffering. The Jury (Mr James Scoble, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 February 1899
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday relative to the death of LOUISA BERRY, eight years of age. Deceased left her home in the city to go and visit her brother at St. Thomas and did not return. She went to play with another child near the river, and fell into the water. The spot was not fenced in any way. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury decided that the St. Thomas Council should protect the spot where the accident occurred.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 February 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday relative to the death of THOMAS CHARLES HASSETT, aged 55, of 16 Garden-crescent, West Hoe, Plymouth, who cut his throat on the 2nd instant. GEORGE W. HASSETT, sugar-boiler, 16 Garden-crescent, said shortly after tea-time on 2nd instant, he heard a gurgling sound in the sitting-room, and on going in saw his father (the deceased) standing up with blood flowing from his throat. A razor was in his hand. He, with the assistance of his brother, bound up the wound, and sent for Dr Parsloe, who, having attended deceased, sent him to the Hospital. Deceased had been out of work for some time, and lately had been very depressed. - Dr Russell, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased's case was hopeless from the first, and he died on Sunday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 February 1899
CHUDLEIGH - A Case Of Want At Chudleigh. - An Inquest was held at Chudleigh yesterday relative to the death of MISS MARY PARR. - The Coroner (Mr S. Hacker) referred to the necessity of a mortuary being provided by the parish authority, and said the matter had been brought before its notice. - Mrs Mary Ann Warren said deceased was about 70 years of age. She lived in Fletcher's Court, and formerly was a worker of Honiton lace. Her father was a gardener, and she had a sister living in America. Mr Stow, traveller for a chemist in Newton Abbot, said on Saturday deceased bought of him a box of pills. She said she had indigestion, but otherwise appeared in ordinary health. - Mrs Potter, a neighbour, said deceased was out on Thursday and active. She complained on Saturday of pains in her chest. On Sunday morning she opened the door of deceased's house to take her a cup of tea, and she saw a bundle of clothes as she thought at the bottom of the stairs. Getting nearer, she saw it was the deceased, her head lying downwards and her feet up the stairs. She was dead. - Dr Patch said deceased had been dead probably for twelve hours. Her death was due to heart disease and she had died before she fell. From internal appearances it was a case of want, but not of starvation. The stairs had nothing to do with the cause of death. A verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - FREDERICK H. LANGFORD, an infant, was found dead n bed at 27 Bridewell-terrace, Camel's Head, Devonport. At the Inquest yesterday the mother stated that the baby slept on the outside of the bed. the head was uncovered when she awoke and found the child dead. Mr J. H. Kenrick, Surgeon, attributed death to asphyxia. All the organs were healthy and the body was well nourished. The Jury returned a verdict that the child was "Accidentally Suffocated whilst in bed with its parents."

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Burns At Devonport. Died On Her Birthday. - MAY ANN MUTTON, of 9 St Stephen-street, Devonport, who received burns on Monday night whilst undressing, succumbed to her injuries yesterday. At the Inquest held last evening by Mr J. A. Pearce, the husband, a Corporation workman, said that his wife was 44 years of age that day. He was on his way home the previous night when someone told him that his wife was on fire. He found her on the landing and put his coat around her to extinguish the fire. His wife was not addicted to drink, and she was perfectly sober when he left home about half-past nine. - ROSINA MUTTON said her mother was undoing her stays near a table where there was a lighted candle. She screamed out, and witness then noticed that her mother's staylace and chemise were on fire. - James Lympanny, hearing screams, went to MRS MUTTON'S room, and found her on fire. He was unable to extinguish the flames. - Chas. H. Power deposed to rendering assistance, and Mr A. R. Rendle, Surgeon, who was sent for immediately the accident occurred, said the woman was burnt over the whole of the body except the legs, which were protected by the stockings. He dressed the burns and heard during the night that she was sleeping, but death ensued at six o'clock. The Coroner spoke of the agony which the deceased must have endured, and said everything pointed to the burns having been accidental. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Shock, due to Accidental Burns," and expressed their sympathy with the husband and children.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 February 1899
EXETER - An Inquest was held at Exeter yesterday relative to the death of SUSAN WESTCOTT, aged 65. Deceased's husband said on Monday morning his wife called out "CHARLEY, catch me." He placed her on the bed and blood began to issue from her mouth. She died soon afterwards. Dr Brash said death was due to natural causes, most likely to the rupture of a blood vessel on the lungs.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 February 1899
EXMOUTH - At an Inquest at Exmouth on Friday evening relative to an infant, named EASTWOOD, aged three months, the Coroner (Mr Gould) elicited from the parents that the boy slept with them, and that the father went to bed drunk. The mother woke up and found the child dead. The verdict was "Accidental Death by Overlaying," and we consider that having regard to the condition of the father both parents are deserving of severe censure for allowing the child to sleep in the position in which it did. The coroner severely reprimanded the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 February 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the London Inn, Richmond-street, Plymouth, last evening, relative to the death of WILLIAM JAMES PHILLIPS, a barman, aged 35, of the Welcome Inn. For the last three months the deceased had been subject to fits of depression. He was apparently well at eleven o'clock on Sunday morning, but when his brother endeavoured to enter the sitting-room at quarter to one he found the door locked. Being unable to get an answer he broke open the door and found the deceased dead with a bottle containing cyanide of potassium close by. Years ago deceased dabbled in photography. A post-mortem examination by Dr Parsloe shewed that deceased drank enough of the poison to have killed a thousand people. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 February 1899
MALBOROUGH - The Sad Fatality At Salcombe. Strong Remarks By The Coroner. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Salcombe yesterday relative to the death of ROSE PROWSE. - STEPHEN PROWSE, a boatbuilder, said deceased, his daughter, was eleven years of age last birthday. On Monday he was called from his work and found her at home. She died in a few minutes. There were no marks except a slight scratch on the nose and a little dirt on her face. She had that morning gone with Mrs Langmead to help in some light work. - W. A. Hannaford, butcher, said on Monday morning a horse and cart passed his shop window, apparently running away. Two barrels fell out of the cart and then the horse broke into a gallop. He rushed after it. Going down Stallycombe-hill, he saw ROSE PROWSE being carried home. He had, about five minutes before, served the child with meat for Mrs Langmead. previous to running away the horse appeared perfectly quiet. - William Budd, labourer, said on running after the horse he saw ROSE PROWSE in the road about a foot from the wall. She had apparently turned round to see what was coming. The off-wheel of the cart struck her and threw her down on one side. When he reached her she was just living but unconscious. The reins were tied to the cart. The horse was galloping furiously down the road. When picked up the child did not speak, but cried a little. - Thomas Foale, a labourer, in the employ of Robert Brown, of Horsecombe, said on Monday morning he took two barrels of cider to Salcombe. He backed the horse down Chapel-end to unload. He took the funnel to a back cellar a short distance away, where he was to pour his cider into another cask. He was not absent two minutes. Just as he was returning he heard the horse make a spring and trot. The barrels then fell out, and the horse went off at a great pace. He ran after it, and in Shallycoombe-road met the little girl PROWSE being taken home. He had driven the horse for eleven months, and had never known it to attempt to run away before. It was five years old. - The Coroner: Could you see the horse from the cellar? - No. I could just see the back of the cart. - do you know it is illegal to leave a horse in the highway? Have you been in the habit of doing this kind of thing? - Not often. This was a quiet place, and I thought the horse would be all right. I have no idea what frightened the horse. - Dr Vincent Twining said he found the deceased almost pulseless, cold and dying. There were no external injuries or any trace of a blow, except a slight abrasion on the nose. There was a confused mark of mud on the apron, but not like a wheel mark. Death was due to shock. - Robert Brown, owner of the horse, said Foale was sent alone to take the cider from the cart to the cellar. he was aware it was illegal to leave a horse n the highway with no one in charge. - The Coroner: It amounts to this: You gave the man orders to commit a breach of the law. Is it your custom to send a boy while the man is unloading the cart? - If it is a dangerous place we should send someone. I thought nothing would be likely to startle the horse there. I have had the horse about 18 months and it has never shewn any tendency to run away. - The Coroner said the state of things they had just heard ought not to be allowed. He did not mean to say a man must stand at a horse's head all the time, but he must certainly not go so far away that he could not at once have it under control. There was a shadow of excuse in that the horse had hitherto been perfectly quiet. There was certainly great negligence, but it would be rather straining to say there was culpable negligence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," the Foreman (Mr Fairweather) remarking that no doubt the Coroner's remarks would have a beneficial effect in the neighbourhood.

BRENTOR - The Brentor Fatality. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at Cross Trees Farm, Brentor, yesterday, relating to the death of WILLIAM THOMAS SQUIRE, aged 20. Deceased, a nephew of MR JOHN SQUIRE, of the Bedford Hotel, Tavistock, acted as bailiff for his uncle. On Monday, MR SQUIRE went to the farm and was told that his nephew had gone into the meadows to cut firewood. He went to the meadows and saw his nephew's collie on the hedge. Directly the dog saw him she barked. MR SQUIRE called for "BILLY," his nephew, but receiving no answer, he mounted the hedge. Then he saw deceased on the other side, face downwards in a stream of water about two feet wide and two inches deep. MR SQUIRE pulled the deceased out of the water and endeavoured to restore animation, but found that his nephew was dead. His watch, into which the water had made its way, was stopped at twenty minutes to three. It was then half-past four. Deceased had partially cut through a large branch and a saw was found close by. Ten years ago deceased had an attack of scarlet fever which left him subject to fits of epilepsy, which lasted from ten minutes to an hour. - Dr Brodrick, who had attended him, said deceased must have had a fit whilst at work and fallen face downwards in the water, causing suffocation. A verdict of "Accidental Death from Suffocation" was returned, and the Jury expressed sympathy with the family of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 February 1899
PLYMOUTH - GRACE HARRIS, 50, of 14 Commercial-street, Coxside, Plymouth, died suddenly on Wednesday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr T. B. P. Wilkinson, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to a ruptured blood-vessel in the brain.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr R. B. Johns relative to the death of MARY VIOLET MILLER, of 5 Martin-lane. LUCY MILLER said deceased, her baby, was two months old. Early on Wednesday morning when she woke up she found it dead by her side. Death was undoubtedly due to accidental suffocation. Dr H. Pearse had made a post-mortem examination and a verdict of "Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 February 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that ERNEST MATTHEWS, aged one year and ten months, died at 42 Ker-street, from convulsions, due to teething. Deceased was one of twins.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 February 1899
TOPSHAM - Disappearance Of A Heavitree Man. - Mr Burrow, Coroner, held an Inquest at Countess Weir on Saturday evening relative to the death of RICHARD SELLICK, 42, of Heavitree, who had been missing from his home since January 18th and whose body was found in the river on Friday. MRS SELLICK said her husband was discharged from the Hospital on January 18th, and left the house about five o'clock to go for a short walk. He had never threatened to destroy himself, but he had cut his throat and that was the cause of his being in the Hospital. He had been strange in his manner ever since he had the influenza, about twelve months since. RICHARD SELLICK, deceased's father, said his son was very depressed after he left the Hospital. - Henry Brownson saw deceased going down Barrack-lane in the direction of the river on the evening of January 18th, and remarked to him that it was late for him to be out. - Fredk. Pratt, a boy, and William Crook recovered the body from the Exe on Friday. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 February 1899
PLYMOUTH - ALLEN LUCRAFT, aged 69, of 2 Clarence-street, Plymouth, died suddenly on Saturday morning and at the Inquest yesterday Dr Hamilton attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart.

PLYMOUTH - On waking up on Saturday morning last, WM. BISSETT, of 52 Well-street, Plymouth, found his six weeks' old child dead by his side. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Wagner said deceased had been accidentally overlain and suffocated and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - A Sad Ending At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth yesterday, relative to the death of MINNIE EVENS, aged 27, of 5 Norley-street, Plymouth. P.C. Palmer said he found deceased drunk and incapable at the back of Stonehouse-lane on the afternoon of the 22nd inst., and with the assistance of P.C. Allan conveyed her to the Octagon Station on a handcart. As deceased had a bruise on the nose, he bathed it with cold water. She appeared to revive and he placed her in the cell with a pillow to lie on and visited her every hour. Early in the evening, she had a fit and acting under the instructions of the Chief Constable (Mr J. D. Sowerby), sent for Dr Pearse, who said the woman had been drinking heavily, but he did not think there was any danger. Shortly afterwards, she was taken to the Central Station on an ambulance and there placed near the fire propped up with pillows. - The Chief Constable said as deceased did not regain consciousness on Thursday morning he sent for Dr Cooke, who ordered her removal to the Hospital. Dr Hamilton said deceased was unconscious when admitted, and only regained her sense for a few minutes on Friday afternoon last. She died on Saturday morning and as the result of a post-mortem examination he attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage, which undoubtedly was the cause of the unconsciousness. In returning a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes," several Jurymen expressed their pleasure at the kind treatment deceased received from the Police.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 March 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - JOHN E. TREMEER, a Dockyard pensioner, aged 64, of 28 George-street, Stonehouse, died at his residence on Tuesday evening. At an Inquest yesterday Dr Waterfield attributed death to syncope.

TAVISTOCK - Concealment Of Birth At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Tavistock last evening concerning the death of the infant son of EDITH RICE. - Mary Jane Skinner, wife of George Skinner, butcher, stated that EDITH RICE was a single woman, in her employ as domestic servant. Noticing an unpleasant smell in her house, 15 Higher Market-street, on the previous day, she called in Sergeant Eveleigh, who searched the premises and found, in a tin box in the room occupied by RICE, the body of an infant. No preparations had apparently been made for the birth. After the discovery of the body, EDITH RICE told her that the child was born on the night of February 1st, when witness and her husband went to a dance at Dousland. She also said if Mrs Skinner had been at home at the time she might have told her. - Sergeant Eveleigh proved finding the body wrapped in a flannel petticoat and a linen bodice in RICE'S box. It was very much decomposed. Subsequently witness took the girl RICE into custody and charged her with concealing the birth of the deceased child. - Dr J. Snowden Smith, as the result of a post-mortem examination, stated that the child was fully developed. There were no external marks of violence beyond those set up by decomposition. The lungs had been inflated and floated in water. There was no doubt that the child had breathed, but he could not say it had had a separate existence. If properly attended to at birth it ought to have lived. In his opinion death was due to inattention at birth. - The Coroner, in summing up, advised the Jury that if they thought the mother intentionally destroyed the child's life it would be their duty to return a verdict of wilful murder. If, on the other hand, they considered it died through culpable negligence, it would be a case of manslaughter, but if, having regard to all the circumstances, they came to the conclusion that death was caused by inattention at birth, it would not amount to manslaughter. - After private consultation, the Jury found that the child died from Neglect at Birth, but such neglect did not amount to culpable negligence. RICE was present at the Inquest in custody and will be brought before the magistrates today on the charge of concealment of birth.

Western Morning News, Friday 3 March 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Burns At Devonport. Another Warning To Parents. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, respecting the death of JOHN EMMETT, aged two years, of 32 Mount-street, which occurred as the result of burns. - MRS EMMETT, the wife of a shipwright, stated that on Tuesday afternoon she went on an errand, and left the deceased and another child in the bedroom, where there was no fire. The room communicated with the living apartment, and in her absence the children had gained access to the room, where there was a fire. On returning she found the room full of smoke and the deceased under the bed. In rolling on the floor he had extinguished the fire, but was exhausted. The door separating the two rooms was fastened with a screwdriver, which the children pushed away. She was most particular in preventing the children from getting to the fire, but had no fire guard. She had been unable to ascertain from the other child (aged three years) how the accident happened. - Ellen Welmshurst, a neighbour, said she went to four doctors' houses, but they were all out. - P.C. Lucas deposed to seeing smoke coming from a window at 32 Mount-street, and found the deceased lying on the bed extensively burnt. He sent for some oil and lime water, and afterwards took the child to the Hospital. The clothing was almost completely burnt off the body. - Mr D. Brough, House Surgeon, said there was scarcely a single inch of skin which was not burnt. Death was due to shock. - The Coroner said the conduct of P.C. Lucas was deserving of commendation. If there had been a fire guard the accident would probably not have occurred; but no blame attached to the mother, because she shut the children in an adjoining room and secured the door. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and were promised by the parents that a fire guard should be provided. The Jury also thanked the Constable for the manner in which he acted, and suggested that his conduct should be brought under the notice of the Chief of Police.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday touching the death of RICHARD JORDAN, aged 75. - John Pine, who lived with deceased at 13 Lower-street, said on 19th ult. he left him in the bedroom to go downstairs, and on returning found him bleeding from a wound in the throat. Dr Jackson ordered his removal to the Hospital. P.C. Edward Hutchings said he put deceased to bed until medical aid arrived. Two knives and a razor were lying on a box close to the bed. - Dr J. D. Russell, House Surgeon, said he treated the deceased for a skin wound in the throat. The actual cause of death was blood poisoning resulting from abscesses of the kidney. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Soldier Drowned At Plymouth. - Plymouth Borough Coroner, Mr R. B. Johns, held an Inquiry yesterday relative to the death of GUNNER WILLIAM HAMMOND, R.A., stationed at Mount Wise. - Ernest Oxland, of 28 Vauxhall-street, said late on the night of February 28th he heard a movement in the water and going to the edge of North Quay saw deceased struggling. Calling for help he got a rope and let himself down the side and held deceased's head up until assistance arrived. - P.C. R. Menhinick said hearing the cries for help he ran to Sutton Wharf and found Oxland holding deceased up. When he got hold of the rope to go down to their assistance it gave way and they were all three in the water. They managed to keep afloat until a boat arrived. They started artificial respiration on the deceased, and kept it up for an hour. Dr Cooke arrived and had deceased removed to the S.D. and E.C. Hospital. Dr J. D. Russell said deceased when admitted was unconscious and remained in that condition until death on Wednesday. the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning."

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 March 1899
DARTMOUTH - The Death Of A Dartmouth Artist. - At Dartmouth yesterday, Mr R. W. Prideaux held an Inquest touching the death of MR A. W. HAYMAN, artist, of Harbour View, Above Town, Dartmouth. - John Dodd, in the employ of the deceased, said his master had complained lately of having a cold, though otherwise he had been in fair health. During Wednesday night he continually heard him coughing. Deceased usually came down to breakfast at half-past nine, but on Thursday he did not do so, and at half-past ten witness went to his bedroom. Being unable to get any answer to repeated knocks, he went in and found deceased sitting down, quite dead. He was fully dressed. - Wm. Henry Head, retired naval officer, a friend of the deceased's, said MR HAYMAN was about 66 years of age. He had been laid up with swollen legs for some weeks, but would not call in a doctor, though witness tried to induce him to do so. - Dr A. K. Crossfield ascribed death to natural causes, probably heart disease, and a verdict in accordance with this was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 6 March 1899
NEWTON TRACEY - Suicide In North Devon. - THOMAS SAMPSON, 64, labourer, of Newton Tracey, shouted to Thomas Shambrooke, a neighbour, on Friday, from his door. Shambrooke, seeing something was wrong, asked "What have you done?" and SAMPSON replied "I have done for myself," and fell down. Shambrooke then saw that the unfortunate man had cut his throat. Assistance was obtained and the wound bandaged, but death shortly took place. At an Inquest held by Mr J. F. Bromham on Saturday it was stated that SAMPSON had for some time suffered from pains in the head, and had been in a despondent state. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

TORQUAY - Suicide At Torquay. A Pathetic Letter. - Early on Saturday morning Thomas Andrews, the gardener at Chapel-hill Pleasure Grounds, Torquay, was passing along one of the picturesque paths on the hill-side when he discovered a man hanging by the neck from a rustic bridge near the Shiphay end of the plantation. Andrews immediately hurried to the hill-top, where Mr Alfred Chandler, F.R. Met. Soc., the Borough meteorologist, was at work in the observatory. Mr Chandler accompanied Andrews to the bridge, from which the man was hanging over a little gorge in the hillside. On the way they had met another man named Hawkins, and acting on Mr Chandler's instructions the two men went under the body and held it while he cut it down. The body was cold and lifeless. Having covered the corpse with a flag from the observatory, Mr Chandler left the two men in charge while he telephoned for the Police. Detective Thomas and P.C. Burrow removed the body to the mortuary, where the deceased was identified as THOMAS SEARLE, aged 43, of Pettifer-terrace, Upton. Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest in the afternoon and it was stated that deceased had been out of work and depressed for some time. There was, however, no immediate need for him to worry, as he had £$80 in the bank. Several years ago he fell off a house he was painting at Tor, and injured his head. Since then he had frequently complained of headache. A serious attack of influenza had also left him weak. On him was found a letter addressed to his sister. It was as follows:- "My dear Nellie, - I feel so bad that I have got no work I think I shall go mad. My poor wife and children, and poor mother. I pray that God will look after them, for I have tried my best and I have had the best of wives. God bless her; and dear Nellie, in my box you will find a bank-book. It is ----. As the money is entered in my name, I want Bill to see that my wife's name is transferred in place of mine, so that she can draw it. See that she gets it all right. God bless you. I hope you will forgive me. - From your unhappy brother, THOMAS SEARLE. " - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 March 1899
TAVISTOCK - At an Inquest held at Tavistock by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, last evening, relative to the death of the four-days-old child of ARTHUR HEARD, coach painter's labourer, the father said he, his wife and baby (their first) slept in the same bed. On Sunday morning he found the child dead in its mother's arms. Dr Brodrick, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to suffocation through being overlaid, but it would probably have died otherwise, as it was very small and weakly. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated."

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that ESTHER WATCHER, aged 61, of 6 Jackson-place, Stoke, died suddenly from syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart. Deceased was the wife of a superannuated rigger.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 8 March 1899
PLYMOUTH - JOHN REVILL, 52, of 46 South Milton-street, died suddenly yesterday morning at Messrs. Sparrow and Bros. quarries at Cattedown. Dr T. B P. Wilkinson, on making a post-mortem examination, found death due to heart disease. Verdict of Natural Causes was returned.

PLYMOUTH - DOROTHY POLGREEN, aged 1 year, of 10 Notte-street, died suddenly yesterday. At the Inquest THOMAS POLGREEN said his daughter had suffered from whooping-cough for a considerable time. Dr Cooke was satisfied that death was due to convulsions. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 March 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Keyham yesterday touching the death of EDWARD FOOT SMITH, aged 22, a labourer on the Extension Works. The deceased, who resided at 13 Essex-street, Plymouth, was the son of EDWARD WARREN SMITH, a carriage proprietor of St Leonard's-terrace, Newton Abbot. Deceased, a baker by trade, had recently been working upon the Extension Works. He was with a gang about 12.30 on Wednesday morning on one of the jetties alongside which a hopper was discharging gravel. Deceased had been asked by a mate to make some tea, but that could not be done until the hopper was empty. He walked towards the hopper apparently to see how nearly empty it was, and fell down between the jetty and the hopper. The electric light on at the time was very good. A cry of "Man overboard!" was at once raised, and Thomas Coombstock at once went down a ladder, but was unable to reach the deceased, though he might have done so with a boat-hook. A lifebuoy attached to a line was then thrown to the deceased and drawn towards him. Before it reached him, however, he uttered an inarticulate sound, threw up his arms and sank. A diver, sent for at two o'clock, recovered the body in sixteen feet of water. Dr Hanham an hour later found that deceased's neck, face and ears were slightly lacerated. He seemed to have struck himself when falling. Mr G. Bacon, night foreman at the Works, thought everything was done to make the working of the men as safe as possible. There were boat-hooks in the hopper. There was no need for the deceased to have gone near the hopper except to find how nearly empty it was. - A Juryman suggested that a potable rail should be placed as a protection along the side of the jetty. - The Coroner said there was no doubt everything that was possible was done to save the deceased's life, and, perhaps, Mr Brooks, on behalf of Sir John Jackson, would consider the suggestion as to the erection of a rail at night. He was sure Sir John Jackson would do anything possible for the safety of the lives of his men. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed sympathy with the family and the father, who, deeply affected, said his lad was always a total abstainer.

EXMOUTH - An Exmouth Midwife Censured. - An Inquest was held at Exmouth yesterday, relative to the death of EDWARD RIDGE, an infant. - The father said the child was born on Thursday last week and died on the Sunday. No doctor was sent for, the midwife saying it was not necessary, as they had not a lot of money to throw away. The midwife also said the child could not possibly live. It could not take any nourishment. - The Coroner: And yet you did not send for a doctor to see what could be done. It is very unsatisfactory. - Mrs Treyburn, certificated midwife, said when the child was born it scarcely breathed. She did not advise the parents to send for a doctor. - The Coroner: It was very remiss of you as a midwife not to have done so. - Mrs Treyburn: I consider I have done my duty. - The Coroner: In a dangerous case it is your duty to send for a doctor. - Bessie Ridler deposed that Mrs Treyburn said if the child was baptised there was no necessity for a doctor to be called in. - The Coroner: Did you really make use of that expression? - Mrs Treyburn: I said I thought the child should be baptised privately. I did not think a doctor was required just then. - The Coroner: You advised the parents not to send for a doctor. - Mrs Treyburn: No, I did not advise them not to do so. - Dr Hodgson said the child died from malformation of the heart. The child could not have lived and medical assistance would not have been of any service. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the doctor's evidence, and said they considered there had been great neglect on the part of the midwife in not sending for a medical man. The Coroner hoped this would be a warning to her. - Mrs Treyburn said it would be.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 March 1899
REVELSTOKE - Inquest At Noss. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Noss Mayo yesterday touching the death of the illegitimate child of SARAH MARY GULLEY, a widow. - Mrs Clarke, a midwife, was the only witness. She said she was called about nine o'clock on Wednesday morning by MRS GULLEY'S boy. When she reached the house, half an hour later, she found MRS GULLEY in bed. She said the child had just been born. The baby was in bed, lying on its back and partly under the mother. The child was dead, and MRS GULLEY said she had no idea that that was so. Mrs Clarke then communicated with the Police. No arrangements had been made for the attendance of Mrs Clarke, who had, however, attended MRS GULLEY when other of her children were born. In answer to P.S. Frood, Mrs Clarke said the position she found the child in was a most unusual one. - The Inquest was adjourned to 22nd inst., when MRS GULLEY will be well enough to be called.

KINGSBRIDGE - A Miserable Life Miserably Ended. - Mr G. F. Kellock last evening held an Inquest relative to the death of ISAAC YABSLEY, seaman, of Salcombe, found in the water at the shipwrights' yard, Kingsbridge, on Thursday morning. Mr George Hooper was Foreman of the Jury. - Jacob Trout deposed to finding the body lying across a stake used in launching vessels. There was no light used in the yard, but a steamer was there for repairs, with a plank connecting with the shore. - P.S. Howard said YABSLEY had no home, and lay about a great deal at night, occasionally staying at farmhouses when employed. He sometimes slept on board vessels, and he had turned him off more than once. All the contents of his pockets were one penny and some bits of orange peel. On Wednesday he appeared to have been drinking. The Kingsbridge Packet was moored by the quay with a plank across, about two feet from the boat, so that if deceased had tried to get on board he would walk into the water, as it was very dark and the weather rough. - Francis Phillips said he saw deceased at the New Quay Inn at nine o'clock on Wednesday evening. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Coroner observing that deceased appeared to have lived a miserable life, but the evidence did no shew how he got into the water.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 March 1899
NEWTON ABBOT - Sad Death Of A Newton Local Preacher. - MR JOSEPH MARDEN GRIBBLE, a builder of Newton Abbot, 53 years of age, on Sunday walked to Chudleigh and preached twice there. His wife drove to Chudleigh Bridge in the evening and returned with him. After supper he read to her. Yesterday morning Mr Perris found him hanging, quite dead, in a loft at the rear of his premises. At the Inquest last evening, it was shewn that although he had been in financial difficulties for many years, MR GRIBBLE'S position lately had very much improved. Recently he engaged an artisan, and he was worried by a fear that he would not be able to find him full employment. In a drawer was found the following note in deceased's handwriting:- " I don't know how I was such a fool as to let the man leave his work. Don't be too hard on me." A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned. MR GRIBBLE was a hardworking tradesman, and the manner of his death was deeply regretted.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 March 1899
BOVEY TRACEY - Suicide At Bovey Tracey. - Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Bovey Tracey last evening relative to the death of FREDERICK DAYMOND, found dead by his wife on Sunday last. Evidence was given by JOHN DAYMOND, brother of deceased; the widow; Walter Lethbridge, next-door neighbour; Dr Stewart, and Mr Turner, for whom deceased worked; and the Jury (Mr Bond, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Suicide while suffering from Temporary Insanity."

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday, a Coroner's Jury found that HETTY JANE TOWAN, the infant daughter of MR TOWAN, chemist of 64 Johnston-terrace, died from convulsions during Sunday night, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 March 1899
KINGSTEIGNTON - Sad Death Of DR W. W. QUINTON. Result Of Mental Depression. - At Kingsteignton yesterday, Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquiry relative to the death of MR W. W. QUINTON, formerly a surgeon in the army, and well-known in the Mid-Devon Division as the hon. treasurer for the Conservative Association. Deceased was brother of the ill-fated Commissioner QUINTON, who, with a small force, was massacred in 1890 while on an expedition to Manipur. he had resided at Kingsteignton for several years, and had thrown himself actively into all kinds of parochial work, winning for himself many friends in the district. - Evidence of identification was given by DR. R. C. QUINTON, brother, who is medical officer at Parkhurst Convict Prison. Deceased, he said, had been subject to fits of depression since his return from India in 1884, when he left the army owing to ill-health. Deceased used to think life scarcely worth living, and in 1884 made a serious attempt on his life by cutting his throat with a surgical knife. Beyond the fact that he suffered from kidney disease, he had absolutely nothing to worry him. - Elizabeth Hayman said she found the deceased shortly after noon on Monday as shew as out picking violets in a field about 200 yards from deceased's house. Looking through a hedge, she saw deceased on his back with his arms under his head. His coat was off and had also been placed under his head. Thinking he was asleep she called to him, but got no reply. Then, looking closer and seeing something was wrong, she sent for assistance. - P.C. Sharland found nothing on deceased to throw any light on his death. There was a strong smell of carbolic acid on deceased's handkerchief. He had received from the nurse a bottle containing carbolic acid. It was found in the house. - Bertha Clarke, cook at deceased's house, said DR QUINTON left the house about 10.30. He read prayers, as usual, about 8.30, and had breakfast alone, MRS QUINTON being unwell. Nothing unusual occurred during the morning. - Dr Malcolm Margrave, Newton Abbot, who in conjunction with Dr MacLeroy made the post-mortem examination, found deceased's throat extensively corroded by carbolic acid poison. Death was due to shock, the result of taking carbolic acid. There were no marks of poison on the lips, which indicated that he tossed the fluid right down his throat. He could not have walked from his house to where he was found after taking the poison. Kidney disease would produce great mental depression. - Rev. Percival Jackson, vicar, said MRS QUINTON had told him that DR QUINTON read the Psalms and lessons with her in her bedroom after breakfast on Monday morning. Afterwards deceased went into the garden and gave the gardener orders as usual. They had known deceased had been "low" for a fortnight or three weeks. Deceased had three and a half bright years, and would not have taken the church-wardenship four years ago if he had not brightened considerably. From that time until last autumn he was as bright as possible, and he (witness) thought the cloud had entirely passed. When it came on again last autumn he went away for a change. His relatives had carefully watched him and done all that was possible. He was better when he returned. - The Coroner: It was known he had to be watched? - Rev. P. Jackson: Not watched; but we were all exceedingly attentive and careful. He came down to me almost every morning and we worked together. I have lived with him like a brother and found him so throughout. He was one of the best men I have ever known. - Examined further, the Vicar said deceased complained of being a burden to him (witness). Instead of that he was the greatest help he had ever had. When depressed he complained of being utterly unable to read or work. On Sunday he did his work as usual in Sunday-school and church. One of his worries was that he had nothing to trouble him and yet that he was always troubling. - Major Bearne said deceased went for a drive with him last Friday. Deceased said he was thoroughly tired and weary, and was looking forward to a change. - The Jury found that deceased died as a result of taking poison while suffering from mental depression. - Mr F. W. Snow, on behalf of the Jury, expressed sympathy with the relatives, and said the parish had lost an earnest worker and true friend. All who knew him esteemed him highly. (Hear, hear.)

Western Morning News, Friday 17 March 1899
PLYMOUTH - HARRIET BARCOCK, aged 9 months of 24 St John's-road, Plymouth, died in the arms of Mary Jane Damerell at Dr Williams' waiting-room, Gibbon-street, on Tuesday. The deceased had been brought to be treated for a complaint on the chest. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Williams, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to congestion of the lungs. A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Singular Death At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday relative to the death of RICHARD WILTON, 45, of 8 Finewell-street, Plymouth, which occurred at the Hospital on Tuesday. - Thomas Brunton said he resided in the same house as deceased, and on Monday night he heard someone fall over the stairs. On going out he saw deceased lying at the bottom of the stairs in a semi-conscious condition. He called for aid but got no response, so went out and fetched assistance and then put deceased to bed. He soon came to his senses, but on Tuesday witness thought it advisable to employ medical assistance, so Dr Cooke was summoned, and ordered deceased's removal to the Hospital. - Dr Russell, House Surgeon, said he saw deceased when he was admitted on Tuesday afternoon, but he was unconscious, and remained so until his death the same evening. he had made a post-mortem examination, and attributed death to cerebral haemorrhage, due to Bright's disease. In witness's opinion the fall had nothing to do with the cause of death. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 March 1899
PLYMOUTH - A Woman's Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of MRS BESSIE THOMAS, 38, of 9 Neswick-street. - GEORGE THOMAS, her husband, said on Thursday night he saw his wife outside the Co-operative Stores. She appeared all right. Later on Mr Clark called him and on going into the backyard he found her hanging by a rope to the clothes post. She had been very despondent of late. They were about to take another house, as they had to quit the one they were at present living in, but before they had a chance of taking it, some other person took it, and that preyed upon her mind. - Robert Clark, who lodged in the same house as deceased, said on going into the backyard on Thursday night, he found deceased hanging by a rope from the clothes pulley. He cut her down, called her husband, and ran for Dr Cooke. Dr C. J. Cooke said he tried artificial respiration for half an hour, without any effect. Deceased had a dark red mark extending across the throat, apparently caused by the rope. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Blasting Accident At Devonport. Naval Authorities Thanked. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce opened the Inquest concerning the death of MARY ELIZABETH GREENING (59), of 22 Park-street, Plymouth, who was killed by a piece of rock from some blasting works on the Great Western Railway near the Keyham Barton Estate, on Wednesday evening. Mr T. Canniford was appointed Foreman of the Jury. Mr P. T. Pearce appeared on behalf of Mr J. C. Lang, contractor for the railway works, and Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented the relatives of the deceased. - Evidence of identification was given by MR S. G. GREENING, of 35 Keyham-street, St Budeaux, who said the deceased (his mother) was the widow of a naval pensioner. The coroner said it was necessary to adjourn the Inquiry in order to give notice to the Home Office for the attendance of an inspector from the Explosives Department. The Inquest was accordingly adjourned until Tuesday week, 28th inst., at 11 a.m., and the Jury afterwards proceeded to the scene of the accident. - The Coroner said the naval authorities at the Royal Naval Barracks were very kind and prompt in rendering assistance and in placing an ambulance at the disposal of the Police, and if the Jury thought fit he would convey an expression of thanks to Flag-Captain H. T. Grenfell. The Jury acquiesced in the suggestion. Before leaving the Guildhall they were shewn the piece of bloodstained rock, which weighs 32lb. and received some useful information from Mr Lang, of Liskeard, respecting the amount of dynamite used and the precautions adopted for preventing stones flying from the blasting. Mr Pearce informed the Jury that Mr Lang was desirous of placing all possible information before the Jury, and of assisting them in every way.

Western Morning News, Monday 20 March 1899
TOTNES - Totnes Poisoning Case. A Mysterious Affair. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Totnes by Mr S. Hacker, Coroner, on the body of HARRIET STABB, of Totnes, aged 58, who died on Thursday night after eating some oatmeal porridge prepared by herself, as already reported. RICHARD STABB, husband of the deceased, said that on Thursday he was called to Potter's house, where his wife had been attending Mrs Potter. he found her on the sofa very ill and almost unconscious. She died about 10.20 that night. Only Potter and his wife lived there. - Ann Edgcombe, wife of Edward Edgcombe, living near the Potters, said she was passing the house about 7.40 on Thursday morning and went in to inquire for Mrs Potter. MRS STABB was quite well then and cooking the breakfast and said she was going washing after breakfast. About 9.30 she was passing again and heard someone vomiting a great deal and apparently in considerable pain. She went in and saw deceased sitting by the fire vomiting. She said she had made some oatmeal for Mrs Potter and had eaten a little herself and it had upset her. She added that finding she was upset by it she went up to Mrs Potter's room and brought away the oatmeal before Mrs Potter had taken any of it. Witness gave her some brandy. She was very cold and witness sent for deceased's daughter. When Dr Gibson came to see Mrs Potter she asked him to see MRS STABB, which he did. Deceased pointed out to witness the tin on the shelf from which she had used the oatmeal. Witness did not like the smell or the look of it, and asked deceased's daughter to throw it away, which she did in the ash-heap. Afterwards witness went out and took up a little from the ash-heap and put it in the tin again in order that it might be seen if there was anything wrong with it. The tin (produced) was about three-parts full when she looked at it. About enough to make a basin full had been taken out of it. - Dr J. G. Gibson, Totnes, said he was attending Mrs Potter and on going there on Thursday about twelve o'clock, he was asked to see MRS STABB. She was looking very pale, but did not complain of much pain. He prescribed for her. About 4.30 he was sent for again, and found her in a state of collapse. There was nothing said about her having taken the oatmeal until his second visit, when he was informed that she had taken some oatmeal in which was some pig powder for killing worms. He tried to revive her, and she did revive a little, but went off again. He then treated her for poison. He saw her again at eight o'clock and again at ten o'clock, when she was still unconscious. He had since made a post-mortem examination. there was a great deal of inflammation in the stomach (which was empty) and part of the intestines, which pointed to arsenic poisoning. He was of opinion that she died from arsenic poisoning. He examined the contents of the tin, and found a large quantity of arsenic, a great portion of which was mixed with meal. Two grains were enough to cause death. - Ada Horswell deposed to seeing the tin on the shelf several weeks ago. - Henry Stephens Potter said he saw a tin on the table about two months ago. He asked his wife where the tin came from and she said some stranger brought it. He had been talking with a man named Sims about powder for killing worms in pigs. He did not know if he sent it, but as a stranger brought it hew would have nothing to do with it. - The Coroner said it was very unlikely that anyone would have sent it without being asked for it. - Witness replied that he did not ask anybody for it. - The Coroner: You must give some account of it. It was found in your house. - Witness answered that he could not. There must have been some mistake by somebody. It must have been brought thee in error. - P.S. Webber said he saw Mrs Potter on Friday, and tried to get some information from her, but he could not understand her. He saw her again that morning, when she said she had the powder from some man. Potter had told him he had pig powder from Sims. - Potter, recalled, adhered to his former statement that he knew nothing about it, and denied that he had stated he had pig powder from Sims. If it was rat poison, his wife stated she had it from a strange man, and he did not know where it came from. - The Coroner asked Dr Gibson if Mrs Potter could be asked any questions in order to give some explanation about the powder. - Dr Gibson replied that she was too ill, and that she could not answer a simple question. - The Coroner asked W. Sims, a jobbing butcher, if he had anything to say about the matter. He (the Coroner) had no questions to ask him. - Sims replied that he knew nothing about it. He had never supplied any powder to Mrs Potter. - The Coroner said there was no evidence to shew how the poison got into the house. From the rambling manner in which Potter gave his evidence he did not think he knew what he did say. It was highly culpable for anyone knowing that there was dangerous poison in the house not to have it properly labelled, but Potter absolutely swore he knew nothing of it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Misadventure," and were of opinion that it was through the neglect of some person or persons unknown.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 21 March 1899
TAVISTOCK - At an Inquest yesterday by Mr R. R. Rodd relative to the death of JOHN TAWTON, billposter, Tavistock, evidence was given that he was 94 years of age, and Dr Snowden Smith said death was due to syncope, the result of old age.

CORNWOOD - Suicide At Lutton. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Lutton, near Cornwood, yesterday relative to the death of MATTHEW F. N. HORTON, aged 36 years, a mason. MARY JANE HORTON, the widow, said deceased got up on Saturday morning to light the fire. Not hearing him stirring for a short time she went down and found him hanging by a rope attached to a shelf above the back door. James Barkwell said he heard the last witness shouting for help and went and cut deceased down. He did not think deceased jumped off a stool. Deceased had been depressed of late. Dr Rendle said he had been attending deceased for some time for heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

UPTON PYNE - Sad Death Of A Rector Near Exeter. - References were made in several churches n Exeter and district on Sunday t the death by drowning of REV. W. H. GIBBONS, rector of Upton Pyne. - At the Inquest held yesterday, at Upton Pyne, JOHN GIBBONS said deceased, his brother, 43 years of age, had always been near-sighted. Emma Oliver, wife of Edwin Oliver, of Pynes Lodge, said she was at Cowley Bridge on Friday evening, when the deceased passed her. He said "Good evening." - John Pyle, blacksmith, of Upton Pyne, said on Saturday morning he heard deceased was missing, and he went down by the Exe. By the fender on Mr J. Osmond's property was deceased's hat. Word was sent the Earl of Iddesleigh that REV. W. H. GIBBONS was missing. They made a search, and found the body further up the river. By a Juror: His reason for searching the river was that he knew deceased was going to the Reformatory the previous evening. - P.C. Johns, stationed at Heavitree, deposed that he found the bicycle in the water by Safford Bridge. Witness traced the marks of the wheels over the bank and into the river. - Dr E. J. Domville said he had known the deceased for some years. His sight was near, and he had to use two varieties of spectacles. Death was due to drowning. - The Coroner, in summing up, said it was a sad thing for those who lived in that parish to be called there that day upon this Inquest on the body of their rector. He was quite sure their sympathy would be extended to his widow and family in their sad bereavement. The facts, it seemed, were that deceased was going to the Reformatory on his bicycle, and by some means got into the river. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the family. - The Coroner concurred, and the brother of the deceased promised to convey the message to the widow. - The Jury gave their fees to the Nursing Fund of the parish, in which deceased took a great interest. - The funeral will take place at Upton Pyne tomorrow afternoon. The choir will act as bearers.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 March 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that FLORENCE CRAWFORD, aged 22 months, of 14 Brunswick-place, died from congestion of the lungs.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 March 1899
DOLTON - Singular Suicide In North Devon. - Evidence given at the Inquest relative to the death at Dolton of HARRY TRIGGER, aged 30, was of a remarkable character. RICHARD TRIGGER said the deceased, his son, had lived with him rather over twelve months. When he went to bed his son was in bed apparently asleep. Deceased got up once and went downstairs, and after staying about ten minutes came up again and got into bed. Just after that they heard one of the horses neigh several times. Deceased said "The horse is out," dressed, and went downstairs. His other son, who slept in the next room, also went down. Very shortly afterwards his son JAMES shouted up "Come down at once." He rushed down and JAMES said "HARRY has cut his throat." When asked what he had done, HARRY made no reply. Dr Rouson came within ten minutes. Deceased was not quite right in his mind, and had been away nine or ten years, and witness had never known where he had been. - By the Foreman (Mr J. S. Friend): Deceased, he believed, had been in a lunatic asylum. - JAMES TRIGGER, brother of deceased, said when he went downstairs, HARRY said, "JIMMY, there's somebody in the yard." HARRY went out. Witness stopped to put on his boots, and then went into the yard, but no one was there. He returned indoors, and on going out again to make sure all was right he hard HARRY shout "JIM." Witness replied, "Where are you?" and HARRY said, "Good-bye JIM." Witness went into the garden and found his brother in a stooping position, blood flowing from his neck. Deceased died in about fifteen minutes. - By the Coroner: His brother was often funny, but probably owing to drinking. - Dr Trouson said deceased had two cuts, extending two-thirds round his neck. While tying up the artery he noticed that the man died. The Jury expressed sympathy with deceased's family, and returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

REVELSTOKE - Inquest At Noss. - Mr Rodd, at Noss Mayo yesterday, resumed the Inquest relative to the death of the illegitimate child of SARAH MARY GULLY, a widow. At the first Inquiry, Mrs Clarke, a midwife, stated that after having been called by MRS GULLY'S boy, she went to the house and found his mother in bed. A child which had just been born was lying on his back and partly under the mother. It was dead, and MRS GULLY said she had no idea that this was so. The midwife said the position in which she found the child was a most unusual one. The Inquest was adjourned for the attendance of the mother, who was present yesterday. - Mr John Ottley, surgeon, Newton Ferrers, who saw the child on March 8th, said it was full grown and well nourished, and had no external marks of violence. From a post-mortem examination he formed the opinion that the child had breathed, and had had a separate existence. The home was a poor one and there being no food in the house he gave the midwife money to buy milk. He could not say that the child was deliberately placed in the position in which it was found, although the position was a very unusual one The chest did not shew any marks of pressure, but suffocation was the cause of death. - MRS GULLY said she did not expect to be confined until early in April. She was taken ill very suddenly and sent for the midwife at once. She was very faint and ill and could not tell how the child got in the position in which it was found. She had applied to the Union for relief, but she was refused help, and told she must go to the Workhouse. She earned 5s. per week and her son 8s. out of which she paid 1s. for rent. She did not make arrangements for a doctor or a midwife as she had not the means. The Jury returned a verdict that the child died from Suffocation caused by neglect at birth, but that such neglect was not culpable. They nevertheless desired the Coroner to censure the mother severely for want of attention to the child at its birth, especially for not previously engaging a midwife. The Coroner censured the woman accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 March 1899
DARTMOUTH - Fatal Accident At Sea. - At Dartmouth yesterday Mr R. W Prideaux held an Inquest touching the death of RICHARD RALPH WILLS, aged 55, a native of Penzance, and chief officer of the West Hartlepool steamer Falka. - Dr R. W. Soper said he was called on board the Falka in the harbour on Tuesday to the deceased, who had difficulty in speaking and breathing. The captain told him deceased, during a heavy gale in the Gulf of Mexico, was in the chart-room, and caught hold of a drawer to steady himself. It was a large drawer and he pulled it right on top of himself. It struck him in the side with its sharp edge. About two days after leaving Pensacola for home, deceased began to swell. This gradually increased right up to the time of arrival at Dartmouth. Witness directed his removal to the Cottage Hospital, and found that general oedema had set in. The face and neck were very blue and both lungs more or less affected. In his opinion, the accident caused injury to a vein, producing venous obstruction, or a clot of blood in the vein. Alfred Dennis, cashier to Messrs. Collins and Co., agents for the Falka, said the vessel had sailed for Hull. - The Coroner said it was for the Jury to say whether there was any necessity for an adjournment for additional evidence; he thought not. - One of the Jurymen asked why an Inquest was necessary, and the Coroner replied that if death took place within twelve months and one day of an accident it was necessary that an Inquiry should be held. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 March 1899
OKEHAMPTON - The Okehampton Fatality. Jury's Verdict And Coroner's Criticism. - Mr J. D. Prickman yesterday resumed the Inquiry concerning the death of THOMAS SLEEMAN who was knocked down by a horse in North-road on Tuesday night and died early the following morning. Mr A. E. Dunn (Exeter) again watched the proceedings on behalf of deceased's family. - The evidence taken on Thursday went to shew that as the deceased was walking home on the night of the 21st in company of Rev. G. J. whiting (Baptist Minister) he was knocked down by a horse ridden by one of two men who were racing down North-road. The two men were Sam Southcombe, jun. (farmer), of Wood, Sampford Courtenay, and Thomas Friend, of Okehampton, who were riding for a bet of 10s., a side made by Southcombe and John Powlesland, of Okehampton, Joseph Trenouth being stakeholder. - P.C. Cooper corroborated the evidence of P.C. Bidgood as to seeing the men on horseback go quietly across Fore-street and turn the corner of North-street about 10.20 p.m. - Thomas Friend, refreshment-room keeper, after being cautioned, said he was in the bar of the Red Lion Hotel on the evening of the 21st. There was some conversation about horses, and eventually a bet was made by Mr Southcombe that his pony would reach Wood Farm before Mr Powlesland's horse. Mr Powlesland covered the half-sovereign put down by Mr Southcombe, and the stakes were taken up by Mr Trenouth, who offered to stand in halves with Mr Southcombe. He did not remember whether he offered to ride Mr Powlesland's horse or whether he was asked to do so. He suggested the race should be postponed until the next day, but eventually agreed to ride that night. The horses were walked along Fore-street, and after they had turned the corner of North-street, he and Southcombe cantered off. Southcombe went first and was out of sight of witness when he got to the bottom of the street. The next time witness saw Southcombe he was dismounted. there was a hat in the road which he thought was Southcombe's. He saw someone on the right of the road and heard him say something, but thought it was to keep out of Southcombe's way. He pulled up, but hearing horses footsteps following he went on and got to Wood first. On returning to Okehampton, he met Southcombe, who said he thought he had knocked down a man and in reply to a question of witness stated that he had stopped to see the man get up. The returned to Okehampton at 10.45. Witness said he had no interest in the stakes and had not ridden a horse for three years previously. - The Coroner, in summing up, said the first question the Jury would have to consider was whether Southcombe and Friend were riding furiously. If they were they were committing an illegal act. From the evidence, it was clear the Police were not to blame, as it appeared that nothing was done in their sight to lead them to believe a race was about to be run. Whatever the verdict of the Jury might be, he hoped it would put a stop to the furious riding of horses and bicycles with which their town was familiar. In the case of Reg. v. Swindall it was held that if two persons drove carts furiously on the highway, and they had invited each other to drive at a dangerous rate each of the persons would be guilty of manslaughter, if by reason of their so driving a man had been run over and killed. If the Jury substituted riding for driving, he thought from the evidence given they must find both Friend and Southcombe guilty of manslaughter. the other points he dealt with were, did Trenouth, as stakeholder, incite the men to race, and did Powlesland say or do anything to induce the men to run the horses. He quoted the case of Reg. v. Wm. Taylor to shew how far a stakeholder was liable. If the Jury found that Trenouth and Powlesland had incited or done anything to further the racing, they would have to be charged with being accessories to a charge of manslaughter. - The Jury returned at 12.30 and after being in consultation for five hours returned the verdict:- "That the deceased came by his death through injuries received in the collision with the pony ridden by Samuel Southcombe, jun.; that the pony was being ridden on the highway in a race with a horse belonging to Mr John Powlesland, of the Red Lion Hoel, which was being ridden by Thomas Friend, for a stake of 10s. on either side; that Joseph Trenouth held the stakes, and that he and John Powlesland assisted in bringing about the race; that the said Samuel Southcombe, jun., by racing with Thomas Friend in the manner aforesaid, did accidentally and without intent, and by misadventure cause the death of the said THOMAS SLEEMAN." - The Coroner asked the Foreman (Mr Robert Brealy) if that was the Jury's full verdict, and the latter replied that was the only one the Jury could agree to. - The Coroner stated that he entirely dissented from the Jury's verdict, which he thought must be one more from the heart than the head. In his opinion the Jury had tried to shirk their responsibilities and to place them on his and other people's shoulders. He had, of course, to accept their verdict, but he should consider as to taking further steps in the matter. He would like, in conclusion, to express his deep sympathy with the widow and family of deceased in their great bereavement. - The Foreman said on behalf of the Jury he wished to also tender their sympathies with the family, and would be glad if the Coroner would kindly give the Jury's fees to the widow. - This Mr Prickman agreed to do. - The funeral of deceased yesterday was very largely attended. A preliminary service was held in the Baptist Chapel, of which deceased was a prominent member. Rev. G. J. Whiting officiated.

Western Morning News, Monday 27 March 1899
EXETER - Burning Fatality At Exeter. - Mr H. W. Hooper, City Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday relative to the death of LENA DENLEY, aged 31, for some time an inmate of the Institution suffering from burns. JAMES DENLEY, labourer, husband of the deceased, said one of his children told him his wife was standing in front of the fire and burnt herself. He left the children in charge of a neighbour and went to his work. There was nothing else burnt in the house, excepting the apron of the little child, which had just caught a little. - George Reeves said he heard screams, and going into the house, found MRS DENLEY on fire. Before he could pull a sheet off the bed to extinguish the flames, she rushed into the street. Deceased said nothing as to how the accident happened. A son of the woman, who was too young to be sworn, said his mother was standing with her back to the fire, when her clothes caught alight. - Mr Percy Stirk, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said MRS DENLEY, when admitted to that Institution, was suffering from shock. She was deeply burnt about the legs and back and there was no hope of her recovery from the first. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 March 1899
PAIGNTON - Fatal Fall At Paignton - At Paignton last evening Mr Hacker County Coroner, held an Inquest concerning the death of MR THOMAS KING TOZER, aged 75, retired auctioneer. He was a widower and lived alone, his family having left Paignton for some time. He did all his own cooking, &c., and had no one t assist him, and for some years had been nearly blind. He was last seen alive on Friday evening. On Saturday a daughter arrived from Dublin, and could make no one hear at his house, which was shut up. Mr Richard Wans, a next-door neighbour, and his man, forced one of the windows about five o'clock Saturday afternoon and on entering the house found MR TOZER lying dead at the bottom of the stairs and all doubled up. The front door was barred. Deceased was dressed and in his overcoat. His hat was at the top of the stairs, and his stick at the bottom, and it was evident he had fallen down the stairs. Mr Atkins, Surgeon, said the neck was broken and there was a wound at the top of the head from which blood flowed, so that the skull was probably fractured. He probably died on Friday night. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 March 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Blasting Fatality. Recommendations By The Jury. No Local Jurisdiction. - A Coroner's Jury sat for four hours at Devonport Guildhall yesterday investigating the circumstances attending the death of MARY ELIZABETH GREENING, of 22 Park-street, Plymouth, killed by a piece of rock from some blasting operations on the Great Western Railway, near the Royal Naval Barracks, Keyham, on 15th int. Mr T. Canniford was Foreman of the Jury. Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the proceedings on behalf of the relatives of the deceased, and Mr P. T. Pearce represented Mr J. C. Lang of Liskeard, contractor for the railway works. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) said since the adjournment he had communicated with Mr Martin, Inspector of Mines, who replied that as the accident occurred in a railway cutting it did not come within the provisions of the Quarries Act, and he, therefore, had no jurisdiction in the matter. He (the Coroner) also reported the circumstances to the Home Office, and had received a letter from Captain J. H. Thomson, her Majesty's Inspector of Explosives, stating that it was inconvenient for an inspector to attend, and adding, "The nature of the accident is such that it is doubtful whether the evidence of one of the inspectors would be of much assistance. We regard accidents of this description as so far remote from the actual explosive which was being employed as not to come within the scope of the Explosives Department of the Home Office. - FLORENCE MARY THOMAS, who was with her mother (the deceased) at the time of the accident, stated that after leaving 37 Fleet-street, to go to Ford Station, they went along Admiralty-street and got on to a bank and thence through some wire netting into a field adjoining the railway. they heard a bugle sound, and were told by some people the warning was for a passing train. The bugle again sounded and they were then told to get out of the field. Witness and her mother then hurried on and got into another field. Whilst crossing this field witness was slightly ahead of her mother. As she was turning round towards her mother a stone struck her (witness's) hat and fell against her arm, breaking it and knocking her down. When she got up some gentlemen, pointing to the deceased, said "The poor woman is dead." witness and her mother had been the same way three or four times. Some children were playing close to where the piece of rock fell. - Mr W. J. James, postmaster at Devonport, said he was in a field above the Keyham Barton Estate, when he heard one or two loud explosions and saw some pieces of rock in the air. He noticed four women hurrying away from the direction of the explosion, and when they had arrived within fifteen yards of the spot where witness was standing one of the women was struck by a piece of rock and fell to the ground. Finding that the woman's brains were scattered about the field, witness hastened to the Royal Naval Barracks for medical assistance. Heard no bugle sound before the explosion or any other note of warning. Should probably not have noticed the bugle as the field was near the Naval Barracks. - By the Jury: Saw no danger flags exhibited. The path was generally regarded as a public way, and was used by the postmen who delivered letters at "Klondike," otherwise Keyham Barracks. - By Mr Goldsmith: Witness was in danger of being struck by the pieces of rock, one of which went over his head. About a thousand people a day passed through the field. The piece of rock struck the deceased from behind. When it came in contact with the woman's head a piece of it flew off and struck the daughter on the arm. The remainder (weighing 32lb) struck the ground and then rebounded some yards. - Surgeon T. F. S. Hartley, R.N. Barracks, deposed to responding to the call for assistance. On arriving at the scene of the accident he found a woman on the ground with a compound fracture of the skull and her brain quite destroyed. Life was extinct. - The Coroner thanked Dr Hartley and Mr James for the promptness with which they acted. - John Taggett, naval pensioner, saw several stones fly into the air from the railway cutting. One piece, larger than the rest, took a very wide range, and he shouted to some children to warn them of it. Had been accustomed to pass through the field, and whenever an explosion occurred it was preceded by the blowing of a horn. Stones from blasting works had dropped on roofs in Spencer-avenue, but he could not say where they came from as two or three blasting operations were going on in the neighbourhood. - Detective Sergeant Down said just before the fatality he saw a man at the end of the railway bridge blowing a horn and he believed a red flag was also shewn. A series of explosions followed, and hearing that a woman had been killed by a piece of rock witness went to the scene of the fatality. He found a woman lying on the ground, and sitting by the side of the deceased was her daughter with a broken arm. At the foot of the deceased was a cavity in the ground, apparently caused by a piece of rock. The stone which struck the deceased was about ten yards further on, and several pieces of rock were lying about the field. From the hole which was blasted to the top of the railway cutting was about 30 yards, and from the top of the cutting to where the deceased was struck was about 100 yards, which shewed that the stone travelled 130 yards. Had previously been in the locality when blasting was going on and always heard a horn blown; also at the St Levan-road end of the cutting. The horn was very distinct from a bugle sound. - By Mr Goldsmith: The field was used as a common thoroughfare, and witness had crossed it many times without being cautioned. - Samuel Endacott, labourer, who was charging holes for blasting, said 4.30 p.m. was a regular time for the afternoon explosion. On the date in question six holes were charged with dynamite of various quantities. The biggest charge inserted was two pills and a primer in a hole nearly 3ft. in depth. The hole from which the stone came that struck the deceased was charged with one pill and a half and a primer. He did not regard the charges which he used as excessive. The holes were charged with chains and sleepers, and the hole from which the 32lb. stone came was covered with seven chains and five sleepers. He was surprised that such a heavy stone should have forced its way above the chains and timber. Particular care was taken with the blasting, knowing that there was a recreation ground near the railway embankment. - By Mr Goldsmith: Always consulted the ganger before charging holes. Could only account for the 32lb. stone flying such a distance by the presence of a fissure in the rock. Had frequently been cautioned to exercise every care. A pill of dynamite consisted of an ounce and a half. - Wm. John Sigmore said he was always warned off about ten minutes before explosions took place to see that everything was clear. At the firing in question he went across the field and sounded the bugle several times until the firing ceased. Witness did not carry a flag. He saw some women in the field and called to them to get away and followed them for some distance. Had never used a flag as a signal of danger. The women had ample time to get clear if they had hurried off when first warned. - By Mr Goldsmith: The women when warned ran across the field they were in, but after getting over the fence they only walked. - By Mr Pearce: Four men were sent out with bugles and two with flags. - William Warden, ganger, said all the holes were properly covered with chains, rails and timber, and were not excessively charged. In witness's experience, a horn answered better than a bell. - Mr R. W. Stephens, a Juror, asked whether there was any local jurisdiction over the use of dynamite. It seemed strange that no authority having to do with the control of dynamite was represented on that occasion. - Superintendent Matters (Chief Constable) expressed surprise that the inspector of quarries could not have seen his way to attend. there was no local jurisdiction over the use of dynamite. All that the police had to do was to see that people who held licences for dynamite had proper places in which to store it. - Mr Stephens said his object in raising the question was because the blasting would go on for some time. They could not help what had happened, but it was their duty to see whether a similar occurrence could be prevented in the future by the exercise of some supervision. - The Coroner replied that there was no local authority. - The Jury, after a lengthy deliberation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added the following rider:- "That having regard to the fact that these blasting operations are being carried on in a populous neighbourhood, the Jury wish to impress upon the contractor the necessity of using every possible precaution to prevent danger to human life, and they suggest particularly that warning notice boards be placed on the railway bridge and on the accommodation road, if practicable, and that the warning bugle be sounded a longer time previous to each explosion, and that a red flag of sufficient size be hoisted on a pole on the highest point of the adjacent land fifteen minutes before blasting." - Mr Pearce, on behalf of the contractor, promised that their recommendations should, if possible, be carried out.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 March 1899
PLYMOUTH - GEORGE WILLIAM ADAMS, aged three weeks of 9 Plym-street, Plymouth, was found dead in bed by his mother yesterday morning. At the Inquest Dr Webber attributed death to imperfect digestion.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of FRANCIS WHITAKER, aged about 38 years, a fish curer of 33 Notte-street, Plymouth. JAMES WHITAKER said he saw the deceased, his brother, early on Tuesday afternoon, when he seemed quite in his usual health. Later in the day he went into the store in Vauxhall Quay and found his brother hanging from a beam quite dead. His brother had been depressed lately through loss of money. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 April 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on Thursday relative to the death of JACOB HENRY PHILLIPS, 49, a plumber of 9 Richmond-street, Plymouth, who committed suicide by hanging early on Thursday morning. - Mr E. R. Hilson, who identified the deceased, said he spoke to him on Wednesday, when he appeared to be in his usual spirits. Since his brother's suicide, some six weeks ago, he had seemed sadly depressed. Witness was called on Thursday morning and on going to 9 Richmond-street, found the deceased hanging by a cord in the wash-house. Witness went for assistance and cut him down. He tried artificial respiration, but without effect. - Police-Sergeant Stevens said on going to 9 Richmond-street, on Thursday he found the deceased in the wash-house. Witness had him removed upstairs and on searching the body found a bunch of keys and a letter, which stated "He could not stand it any longer," apparently meaning the effect his brother's suicide had on him. Witness called Dr Brenton, who on arrival pronounced life extinct. A verdict of "Suicide whilst in a state of Unsound Mind" was returned, and the Jury passed a vote of condolence with the relatives of the deceased.

PAIGNTON - Sensational Suicide At Paignton. 'Bewitched By A Woman.' - At Paignton yesterday Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquiry relative to the death of MRS SARAH HURMAN, wife of a gentleman of independent means, residing at Eblana-villa, Dartmouth-road, who committed suicide on Thursday evening. - THOMAS SMERDON HURMAN, the husband, who was greatly distressed, said deceased had lately complained of biliousness, and had been unable to sleep well. In the ordinary way she enjoyed good health, but suffered at intervals from neuralgia. On Thursday morning she complained of headache, and she was in bed when he left for Torquay at nine o'clock in the morning. He returned about 5.35. As he was coming up Dartmouth-road someone told him a murder had been committed in his house, and he ran indoors. On going upstairs he found his wife in a pool of blood. No one else was in the house. Deceased was only partially dressed. On the dressing-table he found a note addressed to him. It was in deceased's handwriting, and was as follows:- "Private: My dear husband, TOM. - Forgive me for everything. I am most unhappy. My poor brain is dreadful. Let Susie (her sister) come and look after Nena (her daughter). Do this. she said she would bewitch my poor brain, but do not say her name. I am so miserable. Look after your dear mother all her life, and may Nena and you forgive your poor, miserable, unhappy wife. You have been a good husband in many ways. - Your loving wife, ANNIE. P.S. - Your going to work at Torquay has been such a worry to me. - The Coroner: Can you give any explanation of this? - Witness: None. I know nothing about it. She has made no complaint to me. All she has complained of has been neuralgia. We always lived happily together. What is the meaning of the statement that her brain was bewitched? Was she at all superstitious? - Perhaps she was rather, but she never said anything about being bewitched. It must have been a delusion. One of her brothers shot himself eight or nine years ago. - Has she ever complained about your working at Torquay? - No. - Louie Meyer, general servant, said deceased came downstairs about ten o'clock on Thursday morning. All she had to eat all day was a crust of dry bread. Deceased said she could not do anything because of the pains in her head. She was up on the bed most of the day. Several times she came down, and once, owing to her groans, witness went up to her. About 5.30 she came down in her dressing-gown and seemed strange. About five minutes after she had gone back upstairs her little girl came in with some sponge cakes for tea, and ran upstairs to show them to her mother. From the top of the stairs the child called out that her mother was lying in a pool of blood. Witness ran up and saw deceased as described by MR HURMAN. did not know deceased had any troubles. - Mrs Rodway, wife of the Rev. Mr Rodway, a neighbour, stated that some weeks ago deceased told her she was certainly bewitched. She said she knew witness would think it very silly, but a woman, whose daughter she had refused to take as servant, had bewitched her. - The Coroner: Had bewitched her with an evil eye? - Witness: Yes. She said she would never keep a servant because the woman told her so. She was quite serious about it, but witness did not think much of it. Deceased said she had so much worry with the change of servants, &c. - Rev. Mr Rodway said he was present when the conversation about the "witching" took place, and he did his best to disabuse her mind of such folly. - Dr C. H. Cozens said deceased's throat was cut from ear to ear. It would require an enormous amount of determination to inflict such a wound. Death must have been instantaneous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily of Unsound Mind," and expressed sympathy with MR HURMAN and his little child.

Western Morning News, Monday 3 April 1899
EXETER - Mysterious Death At Exeter. A Conflict Of Opinion. - Mr H. W. Hooper held an Inquest at Exeter on Saturday relative to the death of MISS SUSAN MARY HEAD, aged 46, who was found dead in her room on Wednesday night. - Alfred Baker said MISS HEAD had lodged at his house for four years, and for the past 18 months had seemed depressed and melancholy. She had had no regular medical attendant, but Dr Domville saw her about a year ago. Witness had complained of her dirty habits, and he and his wife were going to take steps to have her removed. On Wednesday Mrs Baker came home from church and found deceased had not been down for her milk, as usual. He went up to her room and called her. Receiving no answer, he went for Dr Perkins and a Policeman. The other day MISS HEAD sent a neighbour for some laudanum, but the chemist refused to serve her. - By the Jury: Deceased had made a will in favour of his niece, but that had been burnt. The last food she bought was on Wednesday week when she had a loaf of bread and a small cake. She had ample means. - Dr McKeith said he visited deceased on February 18th in consequence of a magisterial order, and, considering the fact that she had been in an asylum before, he had no hesitation in certifying that she was of unsound mind. He understood that Mr Jones, a magistrate, afterwards visited her, and was unable to confirm this opinion, and consequently MISS HEAD was not ordered to an asylum. Her room was in a very unsatisfactory condition. She was very despondent and was under the impression that people were going to do her harm. She sobbed bitterly on several occasions. Dr McKeith said he thought it was a serious thing for a magistrate to take upon himself the responsibility of refusing to take medical opinion in preference to his own. - The Coroner: One is skilled and the other is not. - Dr A. Perkins said when he was called in on Wednesday he found deceased lying on her back with her hands clenched and quite dead. The body was poorly and thinly clad, but fairly well nourished. The heart was slightly fatty, one lung shewed signs of old pleurisy and several of the organs were congested. There was nothing in the way of poison in the room, but on the stairs was a chocolate-like fluid, which he was sure was an irritant poison. There was an irritant in the stomach, which was not due to food. - The Coroner said it appeared that the deceased was a fit subject for a lunatic asylum, and it was very unwise for the magistrate to act as he had done. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Poisoning," but there was no evidence to show how the poison was obtained. They also expressed the opinion that the magistrate was wrong in refusing to grant the order for deceased's removal to the asylum.

STOKE DAMEREL - A Devonport Jury on Saturday found that JOHN VICKARY, tailor, of 3 Windsor-terrace, Stoke, died from "Natural Causes". Evidence of the suddenness with which the deceased expired was given by his daughter.

BARNSTAPLE - Suicide Near Barnstaple. A Threat And Fulfilment. - Mr R. I. Bencraft, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry at Barnstaple Infirmary on Saturday on the body of GEORGE MORRISH, 17, labourer, found drowned in the Taw, near Newbridge, on Friday morning. - WILLIAM MORRISH, the father, said deceased entered the service of Mr Joce, Charlacott Farm, Tawstock, on Monday, March 20th, at 2s. 6d. per week and his board. He returned on the Thursday evening and said Mr Joce had kicked and cuffed him and told him to go home and not come back. Witness told him not to think anything about it, but to return to his work. He left him taking his supper, and went out to the garden. Deceased made no reply when he told him to go back. - P.C. Cousins said the witness was not telling all that passed. - Questioned by the Coroner, witness admitted that his son told him he did not care to go back - that he would sooner go into the union, or make away with himself. - - P.C. Cousins requested the Coroner to ask if deceased did not say he would sooner drown himself, and witness said the remark was "go into the union or drown himself." They heard this so many times that they took no notice of it. - The Coroner: Has he threatened before? - Witness: Yes, many a time. - The Coroner: Did you turn him out? - Witness: I said, "You go back to your place. You won't stay here tonight." - The Coroner: Supposing he would not go back, would you have taken him in? - Witness: Yes. He did not call him any name. Deceased would not stop long in any place. - By the Foreman (Mr E. Lewis): He could not give any reason for the boy threatening to drown himself so many times. Never ill-treated him. Deceased was happy at home, and that was the reason he wanted not to go out to work. - Dr Penny, House Surgeon, deposed that the ligament keeping the bones of the neck in their places was broken and this of itself would have caused death. - The Coroner said the Jury complained that the body was perfectly naked in the mortuary. - Dr Penny thought it was customary to allow the body to lie so that the Jury could examine it. The clothes had to be cut away in order to permit of examination. - The Foreman: It is the first time I have seen a body uncovered. - Walter Joce said deceased left his work on Thursday week without any altercation. They were drawing wood, and MORRISH said he did not like the job. Witness replied that his little son could do the work, and deceased replied, "Well, you can have him to do it. I'll go at once." Deceased wanted to go to the plough, but he had no ploughing. There was no truth in the statement that he pulled deceased off the horse and kicked him. Witness himself was leading the horse. Witness said: Please yourself," and MORRISH wished him good-night. Deceased was of weak intellect. - Samuel Parkhouse said he met deceased about eight o'clock on Thursday week near Newbridge. MORRISH told him that Mr Joce had pulled him off the horse, kicked him and sent him home. He went home, he said, and his mother would have let him stay, but his father put him out. Witness asked him where he was going, and was informed to his uncle's at Chapelton. He had worked with deceased, and did not see much the matter with him. Never heard him threaten to drown himself. - Richard Stanbury deposed to finding the body in Kettle Pit, which was 10 feet deep at low water. There were a lot of stones about. - P.S. Edwards stated that the watch of deceased had stopped at 17 minutes past eight. - P.C. Cousins, called at the request of the Jury, did not consider the boy deficient in intellect. Thought he had harsh treatment by his father at times. When he made inquiries MR MORRISH said the father's words were, "Out you go; you shan't get any shelter here." The boy was badly clad and slovenly in appearance. - The Jury found that deceased committed Suicide but there was not sufficient evidence to shew the state of mind of deceased at the time. They considered that the father had no idea the son would commit suicide, and was justified in trying to get him to return to his employment.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 April 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of PETER GARDNER, aged 36, a fish packer of St. Andrew's-street, Plymouth. George Burrows said in Bellamy's stables, in Vauxhall-street that morning, he found deceased on the ground with his throat cut. Margaret Stidston, sister, said deceased had been depressed lately through being out of work. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

PLYMOUTH - Inquests were also held relative to the death of DAISY PYTHER, aged ten months, of 1 Higher-street, Plymouth, who died suddenly of inflammation of the lungs on Monday; and ALBERT J. SHELDRON, aged 20 months, of 7 Looe-place, Plymouth, who died in a fit early yesterday morning. In both cases verdicts of "Death from Natural Causes" were returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 April 1899
PLYMOUTH CHARLES THE MARTYR - ANN ROWE, 62, of 16 Gifford-place, Mutley, was found by her sister, JOHN ROWE, on Wednesday lying on the floor dead. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Mariette said he had made a post-mortem examination, and found that death was due to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Suffocation," but how caused there was no evidence to shew.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest respecting the death of THOMAS SKELLY (71), of 16 West-street, Millbrook, who died on the steamboat Cornubia between Millbrook and Mutton Cove. Mr A. R. Rendle, Surgeon, attributed death to syncope, due to heart and kidney disease of long standing. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 April 1899
EXETER - GEORGE PATE, 24, a porter, of Exeter, went to a fair on Tuesday and partook of drink, mussels and gingerbread. The following morning he was found dead in bed. Dr Duncan at the Inquest on Thursday attributed death to failure of the heart's action, brought on by excessive indulgence in indigestible articles of food and a verdict in accordance was returned.

NEWTON ST CYRES - The Fatal Accident At Newton St. Cyres. - An Inquest was held yesterday on the body of JAMES LEACH (11), who was killed on Wednesday morning by falling under a heavy farm roller. W. Bond, the farm labourer who was driving the roller, said he did not see him fall off, or feel any unusual jerking of the roller. Dr Powne was of opinion that the roller passed over the entire body. - The Coroner (Mr F. Burrow), in summing up, urged that all engaged in agricultural pursuits should endeavour to prevent lads from climbing upon carts, wagons, rollers, &c. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and gave their fees to the parents.

TORQUAY - Fatal Fall At Torquay. - An Inquest was held at Torquay last evening relative to the death of MARY JANE POTTER, aged 59, laundress, residing at Plainmoor. Mary Higgins, a neighbour, visited deceased's house on Wednesday, and found her lying at the bottom of the stairs quite dead, her head jammed against the wall. A neighbour who had been working with deceased that day said she was not the worse for drink. Her ankle which was injured in a previous fall was very weak, and would account for the fall. - P.C. Hill said there was a pool of blood where deceased fell against the skirting of the wall. - Dr Steele certified that death resulted from a broken neck. Deceased had evidently fallen downstairs. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 April 1899
BRAUNTON - The Wreck At Saunton. Alleged Negligence. - Mr J. F. Bromham, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Braunton relative to the finding of the body of FREDERICK DAVIS, 21, said to be a native of Liverpool, who was drowned by the wreck of the Joseph and Thomas of Bude, at Saunton Sands on Friday. Amongst those present were Mr A. L. Christie, lord of the manor of Saunton; and Mr W. W. Petherick (Bude) brother-in-law of Captain Shazell, who also perished on the occasion. John Couch, the survivor, stated that after their sails were carried away they endeavoured to make for Ilfracombe, but finding they could not weather Morte Point, they tried to make the Bar. The seas were too heavy, and off Down end they were struck by a terrific sea, which carried away the only sail they had, and deceased was washed overboard. About twenty minutes afterwards two very heavy seas struck the vessel, and she capsized on the sands, the captain being in the rigging. Witness did not remember anything after the captain bade him good-bye until he recovered consciousness at the Hotel. - Thomas Ley, labourer, deposed to finding the body on the sands near to the spot where the wreck took place. - At the request of the Foreman (Mr W. H. Howard), Captain Headon, Lloyd's agent at Croyde, was called. - The Coroner said there was a general idea that the men might have been saved if the lifeboats had been communicated with. Was there anything, as a practical man, that Captain Headon could find fault with? - Captain Headon: Certainly. The lifeboats all round to the south-west, likely to be of any assistance, should have been wired for by the coastguard. I remarked to my son, before starting with the coastguard, that the captain knew what he was doing in making for the lifeboat-house - that if the lifeboat men were out they would save the crew. When I came to the boathouse I did not see a soul, and was surprised. With clothing and refreshments in the lifeboat-house, we had to send to the Hotel. During my thirty years' experience I have never known such a thing happen. The lifeboat men should have been there, whether they could have been of use or not. Couch was washed in right in front of the lifeboat-house. - Replying to other questions, Mr Headon expressed the opinion that the coastguard system at Croyde was defective, as the house was situated too far away. - By Mr Christie: The key of the lifeboat-house should be in the possession of the coastguard in case of a casualty. - Asked if the Clovelly lifeboat could not have reached the wreck if called when the vessel was first seen at Croyde, Captain Headon said he could not say. The Corner said he had called sufficient evidence to ventilate the matter, and no doubt they would find it would be taken up. It was open to the Jury to add any rider they pleased. - To a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" the Jury added the following rider:- "That if, when the vessel was in distress of Baggy, and the adjoining coast, communication had been instantly made with the neighbouring lifeboats, the lives of the crew might possibly have been saved."

MORETONHAMPSTEAD - Fatal Accident At Moreton. - SIDNEY SCANES (38) of Cheriton Bishop was getting down from a wagon drawn by two horses he was driving at Clifford-hill, in the parish of Moreton, on Thursday, when his foot slipped from the shaft and he fell under the wheels of the vehicle, which passed over him. He was taken to a cottage near and medically attended, but it was seen from the first that his case was hopeless, and death ensued. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest yesterday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 April 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - The Death Of An Engineer Student. Inquest And Funeral. - At the Royal Naval Engineering College, Devonport, yesterday, Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest concerning the death of HARRIS HARDING BROWN (17), naval engineer student, who was killed at Keyham Factory on Saturday. Before hearing evidence, the Jury visited the students' fitting shop at the factory, and were shewn the machine at which the deceased was engaged when the accident occurred. Mr T. Earl was appointed Foreman of the Jury. Mr R. Mayston, chief engineer at Keyham Factory, attended the Inquiry, and Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the proceedings for the Admiralty. The college authorities were represented by Engineers J. A. Hibbard and Tom B. Huddy. - Evidence of identification was given by Mr J. A. Brown, of Wimbledon, brother of the deceased, a native of Scotland, and an orphan. - George Bevis, engineer student, stated that on Saturday morning he was engaged in planing off the bottom of the casting of a bilge pump. He was ordered to do the work, and was under the directions of his instructor, Mr McHardie. witness found it necessary to lower the table of the planing machine, but did not fully understand the mechanism. He loosened the three outer screws and then tried to lower the table. After moving it about six inches the table stuck, and witness assumed that it required oiling. Witness here explained that previous to the Easter leave deceased was working with him on this job, and after the holiday witness again had the deceased to assist him. Whilst witness was oiling the outer screws, the deceased was similarly attending to the screws under the table. Witness warned him not to get his head underneath the table, and he withdrew it. Deceased did more than he should have, and loosened some bolts which ought not to have been interfered with. It was not intended that deceased should have loosened any of the lower bolts. The result of his doing so was that the table gave way and fell on deceased, who was in a sitting position with his head under the table. witness and an instructor tried to lift the table, but failed and some fitters then came and extricated the deceased. Witness understood the mechanism of the machine sufficiently to know that if all the nuts were loosened the table would fall. He did not anticipate that the deceased would touch the lower bolts, as all that he was told to do was to oil the groove. Witness had previously worked on a shaping machine, which had a different kind of table to a planing machine, and he had to find out for himself how this particular machine worked. When witness found that the table would not act it did not occur to him to inform his instructor, as he thought it was only a temporary difficulty. Deceased asked for a spanner, but witness did not know what he wanted it for. He might have required it for various purposes. - Surgeon H. W. Finlayson said the only superficial injury was on the left side of the neck. Death was due to fracture of the base of the skull, and must have been instantaneous. - Samuel Heath, fitter and instructor to engineer students, who was passing the machine when the accident occurred, assisted in raising the table. The students to whom witness acted as instructor, had worked this particular machine without any mishap. In setting a student to work at a machine for the first time it would be the duty of instructors to explain the working of it. A student who had worked on a shaping machine would understand a planing machine. Although the construction was not exactly the same, both machines had tables which were lowered and raised by screws. Bevis had never been under witness as an instructor. When Bevis found that the machine would not act he should have informed his instructor, but doubtless he thought he could overcome the obstruction. - John McHardie, fitter and instructor, said he had eight students under his charge, including Bevis and the deceased. The former had been under witness for two months and the deceased for three or four months. About 8.30 last Saturday morning witness sent Bevis to see if anyone was working on the planing machine. He was given to understand that Bevis had not previously worked on this machine, and thought it would be some instruction for him. Bevis did not return and as witness had his attention at that time called to something else, it slipped his memory that he had sent Bevis to this workshop. If Bevis had returned to say that the machine was disengaged, witness would have instructed him how to lower and raise the table, but as he did not return no such instruction was given. Witness had other duties to attend to besides instructing the students, and on this occasion he was engaged in the testing-room. The eleven other instructors had no other duties to perform, besides looking after the students; but witness had for years attended to the testing machinery, and on leaving the workshop he generally asked one of the other instructors to give an eye to the students for whom he (witness) was responsible. The most expert workman might overlook the fact that the top screws were slack. - Mr Templeman, leading man of fitters and chargeman of students' instructors, said if an instructor had confidence in a student he would not of necessity accompany him to explain the working of a machine. If a student had worked on a shaping machine it would not be absolutely necessary for him to be instructed in the mechanism of a planing machine, as the two were somewhat similar. It was usual for a first year student to assist a third year student. This concluded the evidence. - Mr Mayston explained that the testing machine where McHardie, the instructor, was engaged when the fatality occurred was regarded as one of the most important parts of the instruction of engineer students. The testing machine was situated in the students' shop within a few yards of the planing machine. McHardie was told off periodically for this work, and instructed students in testing material and finding out fractures. - The Coroner asked whether it would not be better for a workman who was not an instructor to students to attend to the testing? - Mr Mayston replied that the testing work formed part of the instruction of students, and it was better that it should be done by a bona-fide instructor, so as to keep up his connection with the students. - The Coroner in concluding his summing up of the evidence, said this was the first fatal accident that had happened to an engineer student since the college was established in 1850. Further, he was informed that the last fatality to an engineer student happened at Portsmouth thirty-three years ago. - The Jury, without any hesitation, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame attached to anyone. They also expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased. [Details of the funeral at Plymouth Cemetery followed.]

STOKE DAMEREL - Overcrowding At Devonport. Forty-One Persons In A House. - At Devonport Guildhall yesterday an Inquest was held respecting the death of DAISY MAY SHILSON, of 10 Cornwall-street, aged 16 months. - The mother, a machinist, stated that deceased enjoyed good health until Saturday, when there were symptoms of bronchitis. A poultice was applied and the child was given brandy and milk. It got worse, but witness had not the money to send for a doctor. Ultimately she borrowed half-a-crown, and Mr Hinvest, Surgeon, was sent for, and said the child was suffering from congestion of the lungs, and was dying. It died shortly afterwards. Witness, a single woman, said she had two other children, and had been allowed 8s. a week by the father. Witness occupied two attics in Cornwall-street, but did not get regular work. Eight families lived in the house, numbering in all thirteen adults and twenty-eight children - a total of 41. The house consisted of a shop and eleven living rooms, and the owner was Mrs Thomas, of 22 Morice-square. Witness added that the rooms she rented on the third storey were sadly out of repair. - Mr J. Ledley (a Juror): The house from top to bottom is in a most wretched condition. - Mr J. Hinvest, Surgeon, attributed death to pneumonia. The body was well nourished, considering the mother's circumstances. The rooms which the SHILSONS occupied were in a most disreputable condition and practically uninhabitable. Several panes of glass were broken and the deceased might as well have been sleeping in the street. Death was accelerated by the condition of the rooms, it being a case of pneumonia requiring warmth. - The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) said he had taken some trouble to find out the number of families living in the house and the number of rooms. Such inquiries did not come within the scope of his duties as a Coroner, but he considered it was his place to make them in the hope that something might be done to remedy the condition of things. The premises were in a shocking condition, particularly the rooms which the SHILSONS occupied. It was disgraceful that the owner of a house should allow it to get into such a dilapidated condition. There was a responsibility on the owner to see that the families had proper accommodation. In this case it was anything but proper and if the Jury thought he ought to make some representation to the local authorities concerning the house he would do so. - The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence, and requested the Coroner to communicate with the town clerk.

WALKHAMPTON - The Swell Tor Fatality. - Mr Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Walkhampton yesterday concerning the death of SAMPSON GILL, aged 75, killed on Saturday at the Swell tor granite quarries of Pethick Bros. Mr C. L. Robinson, of Monmouth, Government Inspector of Mines attended. - Deceased was foreman of the quarries at Swell Tor, and John Greep , a carter, deposed to seeing him shortly before eleven o'clock on Saturday morning standing with Samuel Creber near a block of granite, weighing 15 tons, in the quarry. Creber was behind the block and GILL in front. Suddenly he heard Creber call out, "Look out, SAMPSON, the stone is coming," and the stone tilted over. Deceased endeavoured to get out of the way, but slipped and fell on his side and the end of the stone caught him. Within three minutes deceased was rescued from under the stone and was taken home badly injured. But for his right foot slipping he would have got out of the way. - Samuel Creber corroborated and added that the block of granite was blown out about a fortnight ago, and remained where it fell until Thursday last, when by means of a crane it was turned over to the spot where it was resting when it tilted and injured deceased. No one was touching the stone at the time, and he could not assign any reason for its tilting. - Dr Brodrick said GILL sustained a severe fracture of the skull. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 April 1899
BRISTOL - Sudden Death Of MR R. OXLAND. - The Bristol City Coroner held an Inquiry yesterday touching the death of ROBERT OXLAND, aged 79, formerly a resident of Tavistock. Mrs Alice Edith Richards, living at Ravenswood-road, Bristol, said the deceased, her father, was a retired analytical chemist. His health was fairly good, but some little while ago he had a fainting fit. Witness was at Redland Station on Tuesday morning, when he complained of a pain at his side. Shortly afterwards he staggered and fell against the bookstall. She caught him and with assistance he was taken to the waiting-room, and a doctor sent for. - Mr Howard Cory, M.R.C.S., said death took place almost immediately on his arrival, in spite of the injection of ether. In his opinion death was due to heart failure. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - The news of DR OXLAND'S death will be received at Plymouth with regret, for it was there he did his chief work, and his sterling character won for him high esteem. It was only recently he left the Borough on retiring from his profession. For very many years he was the analytical chemist at Norrington's manure manufactory, Cattedown. As a member of the Plymouth Institution he was prominent on the scientific side of its activities, and one year he filled the presidential chair. DR OXLAND'S chief public work was rendered as a member of the Court of Guardians, and he was ever a strenuous advocate of all reform for the amelioration of the condition of the poor, and especially of the children in the Workhouse.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death Of A Devonport Youth. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Guildhall yesterday into the death of ALBERT JOHN H. WRIGHT, 13, of 110a. Charlotte-street. The father stated that early on Monday morning the deceased was taken with vomiting and giddiness. This was attributed to a bilious attack and deceased was given medicine. As he did not improve, it was considered best to take him to a doctor. Witness was informed by deceased that whilst playing football on Saturday he fell and struck the back of his head, but would not say where this took place or with whom he was playing. - MRS WRIGHT said she took her son to Dr Wilson on Tuesday morning. He walked home leisurely and laid down, as he felt sleepy. Death took place about an hour afterwards. - Dr J. E. C. Wilson said deceased complained of pains in the stomach and head, and said he had a fall whilst playing football on Saturday. He showed signs of gastric disorder, and was prescribed for. A post-mortem examination revealed pleurisy and acute inflammation of the stomach. Having regard to what had been said about a fall, the brains were examined and found to be in a normal condition. Death was due to syncope, caused by gastric disorder. If the deceased had a recent fall it did not injure him, and was in no way connected with his death. - The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence, and expressed their sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 April 1899
BATTERSEA, LONDON - Fatal Accident To A Stonehouse Man. - At Battersea on Thursday an Inquest was held touching the death of GEORGE BARNABAS BUTTER, a butcher's agent, 2 Wyreton-road, Wandsworth. FANNIE BUTTER, Varna Cottage, Stonehouse, said deceased was her husband. She last saw him a fortnight ago, when he complained of a bad neck and leg. He said he had been thrown from a trap as he was driving on his butcher's round owing to the bolting of the horse. It was a very spirited animal. - P.C. Henry Fuller said on 23rd ult., in Kennington-road, he saw a crowd standing round deceased lying in the roadway. it was stated the horse had bolted, and the man had been thrown out. The horse was stopped at Newington Butts. Deceased afterwards got on his own vehicle and proceeded on his journey. The horse appeared quiet. - Adolph Klee, a harness maker, 22 Newington-causeway, said he saw the horse come up Kennington-lane and run into a coal cart. The horse did not appear high spirited, but seemed aged. - Frederick Miller, master butcher, of Wandsworth Common, said deceased was in his employ. When he returned he said he had met with an accident owing to the mare bolting. The cart, deceased told witness, passed over his ankles. witness insisted on his going to a doctor, and he was admitted to the Bolingbroke Hospital the following Monday. - Dr Lyster, Medical Superintendent, said deceased had a broken ankle. He became delirious and died on Monday. He had made a post-mortem examination and found the skull was fractured, probably caused by the fall, and that caused his death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Through Excessive Drinking At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday touching the death of EDWARD HIGGINS, army pensioner. Deceased, 65 years of age, came to Stonehouse from Jersey in October last, and resided at Mrs Lang's lodging-house, 10 High-street. On April 3rd, he drew his pension, and drank very heavily, principally whisky. Feeling unwell on Saturday deceased went to bed. Mrs Lang did not think it necessary to call in a medical man, as HIGGINS up to the time of his death drank plenty of milk and ate oatmeal and eggs. - Alfred John Peters, mason's labourer, said HIGGINS was out of bed at three o'clock that morning, but soon returned. At half-past six witness went to HIGGINS'S bed and found him dead. - By the Jury: HIGGINS got very unwell in consequence of the effects of alcohol. - Dr Corbett, who made a post-mortem examination, said the stomach was inflamed with gastritis, the effects of alcohol, and the liver was also affected by heavy drinking. The stomach was in such a condition that it could not assimilate the food taken. He had been told that deceased drank raw whisky, half a pint at a time. The immediate cause of death was syncope, accelerated by gastritis and excessive drinking. A verdict accordingly was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 17 April 1899
DARTMOUTH - Petty Officer Drowned At Dartmouth. A Steward's Narrow Escape. - At Dartmouth on Saturday Mr R. W. Prideaux, County Coroner, held an Inquest touching the death of First class Petty Officer, JOHN BROUGHTON HANGER, of H.M.S. Racer, tender to the cadet training ship Britannia. - Charles Thacker, ordinary seaman, said about 10.30 on Friday night he rowed in the Racer's skiff to the ferry slip on the Kingswear side to bring off liberty men belonging to the Racer. Deceased came running down the slip to get into the boat. He was accompanied by the steward, James Butland. Deceased jumped off the slip into the boat all right, but in turning to sit down fell back over the side. Butland endeavoured to save him, but deceased's leg came across the gunwale and Butland was thrown overboard as well. He clung to the side and scrambled on board again, while witness seized deceased by the collar until Butland was in a position to help him. They got deceased on board, but he was quite insensible. On reaching the Racer Dr Wood was summoned from the Britannia. - By the Coroner: Though deceased was running down the slip, he appeared perfectly sober. - James Butland corroborated. Dr J. C. Wood said he found deceased absolutely senseless. He tried artificial respiration for three hours, but without success. The cause of death was drowning. The only mark was a slight scratch across the bridge of the nose. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned. - The deceased petty officer was 36 years of age, unmarried, and had been in the Racer ever since she was sent to Dartmouth three years ago.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 April 1899
PLYMOUTH - A Wife's Suicide At Plymouth. Strictures On The Husband. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of MARY ELIZABETH BORROW, aged 44, of 1 Hoe Park-terrace, Plymouth. - JOSEPH BORROW, husband of deceased, a master cooper, said as he and deceased were about to retire on Saturday night she went downstairs. As she did not return in ten minutes he went down and fund her in the breakfast-room. As he entered she raised her hand to her mouth, and then threw a bottle on the floor. He did not see anything in her hand, nor did he hear the bottle fall. Having thrown herself on the sofa, he placed a cushion under her head and gave her some water to drink. After about an hour his wife seemed worse and he called his two daughters and the servant. Ultimately Dr Bean was sent for. - Cross-examined: He picked the bottle up immediately his wife threw it down, and noticed "poison" on it. He could give no reason for his wife's action. They had had no disagreement, nor had she been depressed lately. His wife never spoke to him while they were in the breakfast-room and he did not call for assistance because he was afraid to leave her alone. - The servant said she could give no reason for her mistress's action. She did not hear deceased have any disagreement with her husband. - Dr Bean said when he saw deceased about one o'clock on Sunday morning she was dying. He fetched a stomach pump, but she expired before he could use it. Judging by the smell of the bottle its contents corresponded with a prescription produced, the ingredients of which were highly poisonous. Deceased presented symptoms compatible with poisoning by these elements. There was also a vomit stain on her clothing which smelt of the liniment. - Cross-examined: Had a stomach pump been used shortly after deceased had taken the poison her life might have been saved. MR BORROW informed him that his wife committed suicide through jealousy, on account of his (MR BORROW) paying too much attention to deceased's daughter-in-law. MR BORROW was not excited, but quite calm on his arrival. He had known deceased for some time, and she was always a steady, business-like woman, a person who seemed most unlikely to commit suicide. MR BORROW, recalled, admitted Dr Bean's statement with regard to his wife being jealous but denied that she ever threatened to take her life before. She had never spoken to his son. - The Coroner said it was a most extraordinary thing that when MR BORROW found his wife had taken poison he should not have sent for assistance immediately. - A Juryman thought it peculiar that MR BORROW followed his wife downstairs so quickly on Saturday night unless he apprehended something. Having taken the poison, he seemed to have waited for her to die, and then sent for assistance. It was a most strange affair. - Dr Bean, recalled, said deceased could have spoken, had she so desired, for sometime after taking the poison. - A Juryman was of the opinion that MR BORROW had given his evidence in a most unsatisfactory manner. He could not understand deceased not speaking, and also her husband's lack of thought - to say the least of it - in not calling for assistance. It was a most remarkable case. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death through Poisoning."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 April 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of the female child of POLLY WHITE, domestic servant at 76 Union-street. P.C. Palmer repeated the evidence he gave on the previous day when the mother was charged with concealment of birth. Dr Cooke said the child had been dead about three months and had never had a separate existence. Verdict, "Found Dead."

Western Morning News, Friday 21 April 1899
SILVERTON - Sad Fatality At Silverton Paper Mills. - An Inquest was held at Bridge Paper Mills, Silverton, relative to HENRY GOULD, aged 49. - James Hackworthy said early on Wednesday morning he, with deceased, was feeding a paper machine when the belt of the driving pulley broke. In attempting to get it clear of the machinery, the belt again got on the wheels in motion, and deceased was drawn up by a crook which he wore on the right arm (which he lost when 13 years of age) catching in one of the rivet holes. Witness ran to the engine driver, the machinery was stopped and deceased disentangled and removed to one of the offices. He was breathing, but did not speak and died shortly afterwards. In reply to Mr Jones, H.M. Inspector of Factories, witness said they did not stop the engine before attempting to get the broken belt clear of the machinery, because they wanted to save time. - Dr Puddicombe said both deceased's legs were broken in several places, and one thigh was badly smashed. The larger blood vessels in the latter were also doubtless ruptured. Inspector Jones elicited from the manager that one of the rules posted up in the mills warned workmen against putting on or taking off belts without first stopping or slowing down the engine. The Inspector said the firm was always ready to carry out his suggestions. Verdict, "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 April 1899
SOUTH BRENT - Fatal Accident Near Brent. - Mr Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brent last evening relative to the death of MR BEABLE HINGSTON, aged 33, agent to the Prudential Assurance Company, found dead in the road, having fallen from his horse through the breaking of a stirrup leather at Avonwick on Wednesday evening. Mr W. F. Barter, landlord of the Avon Inn, said deceased's horse came into his yard unattended and he found deceased lying in the road about forty yards beyond his house, with the broken stirrup near by. Evidence having been given by Mr Conran, Mr J. Hodge, Sergeant Yendell and Dr Style, the Jury (Mr E. Luscombe, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - On December 19th last JOHN GOSLING, aged 52, a labourer, of 32 Clarence-street, Plymouth, was discharging stones from a cart at the top of Maristow-terrace, when the wind blew the covering from the horse's back, causing it to shy and whilst deceased was picking it up, he was knocked down and both wheels of the cart passed over his body. He died on Thursday. At the Inquest yesterday Dr E. B. Thomson attributed death to internal injuries and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death In Devonport Dockyard. - At Devonport Dockyard yesterday an Inquest was held respecting the death of PETER WAKLEY (72) of 26 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, pensioner from the Royal Marines, and a teamster for Messrs. J. Hitchin and Co. Soon after the deceased commenced work in the yard on Thursday morning he complained to G. W. Kervin, a smith, of feeling unwell and died before Surgeon Montague I. Rodd, R.N., arrived at the chain cable examining shed. J. Beer, a labourer, stated that on Wednesday morning deceased was in charge of a team of horses drawing some trucks and in pulling the horses aside to clear an approaching trolley the drag chain got round his leg, tearing his trousers. He said he was not hurt, and resumed his work. - Evidence was also given that deceased complained to his relatives of having received a shaking. - Medical evidence attributed death to fatty degeneration of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 April 1899
BISHOPS TAWTON - Sad Fatality Near Barnstaple. - A children's character party was given by MR TATHAM, farmer, Bishopstawton, near Barnstaple, on Wednesday evening, MR TATHAM'S son, aged three, being dressed in cotton wool, to resemble a cat. A lighted candle was placed near the stage for some of the children to blacken their faces, and the cotton wool took fire. The flames were at once extinguished and the child seemed to be progressing favourably under the care of Dr Cooper. On Friday, however, death took place, Dr Cooper attributing it to shock. At an Inquest held by Mr J. F. Bromham on Saturday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Jury expressing their deep sympathy with the parents.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 April 1899
PLYMSTOCK - Inquest At Turnchapel. The Need Of Telephonic Communication. - Mr R. R. Rodd (Coroner) held an Inquest at Turnchapel last evening concerning the death of ALFRED PERCY GEORGE DUNN, four months old, son of GEORGE HENRY DUNN, quarryman. The father stated that on the child being taken suddenly ill just before midnight on Friday he went for a doctor at Plymstock. Before he could come the child died. The child was well on the previous day, and out of doors. - Dr Noy Scott (Plymstock) said he attended the case immediately the father called him. There were no marks of violence, and death was due to pneumonia. - In answer to a Juror, it was stated that the distance from Turnchapel to Dr Noy Scott's house was three miles or over. - The Coroner expressed surprise that no telephonic or telegraphic communication existed between two such important places as Turnchapel and Plymstock. Considering that the parishes were three miles apart, there ought to be some means of communication to the doctor. The Jury unanimously concurred in the Coroner's opinion and a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 26 April 1899
EXETER - Motor-Tricycle Fatality At Exeter, A Sad Case. - Mr Hooper held an Inquest at Exeter yesterday relative to the death of GEORGE MORGAN, a single man, aged 37. - Deceased, who was a cripple, was a clerk in the office of St Thomas District council. He had recently purchased a motor-tricycle. He was seen to mount the cycle outside the St. Thomas Fire Station on February 11th last, and ride off in the direction of Dunsford. He steered all right until he got to St. Thomas Church, when the machine turned over and he fell to the ground. He was picked up and taken to the residence of Mr James, and after being seen by two doctors was driven home. - Dr Woodman said he had known MR MORGAN for nearly 30 years, and had operated on him for hip disease, from which he always suffered more or less. He was called to attend him a fortnight after the accident, and found him suffering from an alarming haemorrhage from a long-standing wound in the hip. The haemorrhage was caused by the accident. He was also suffering from a swelling of the left jaw, and had much difficulty in eating his food. Deceased rallied for a time, but died on Sunday last. It was a sad case, as deceased had saved up all he could in order to purchase the machine on which to ride to and from business and the first time he rode it he met with an accident resulting in his death. He was inclined to think MORGAN did not know how to manage the machine. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - MARY TAPP, aged 35, of 127 King-street, Plymouth, was taken ill on Sunday evening, and, though not thinking deceased's condition serious enough to warrant medical advice, her husband (SAMUEL TAPP) sent for Mrs Roberts. As deceased did not recover, Dr Wagner was sent for on Monday morning, but on his arrival she was dead. At the Inquest yesterday Dr R. H. Wagner attributed death to exhaustion following haemorrhage. He might have saved deceased's life had he been called earlier, but he did not think the relatives realised how seriously ill she was. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes"

EAST STONEHOUSE - Sad Neglect At Stonehouse. A Mysterious Doctor. - Mr R. R. Rodd opened an Inquiry at Stonehouse Workhouse last evening concerning the death of MARGARET GALE, 32, who died in the House from bronchitis on Monday. - Margaret Macnamara, widow, 70 Cecil-street, Plymouth, mother of deceased, the wife of JOHN GALE, fish hawker, from whom she had been separated several years, said deceased had been living in a common lodging-house and went out charing. She last visited witness a month since. - The Coroner: You took no interest in her? - Witness: She would not be ruled by me. - Catherine Lang, keeper of a common lodging-house, 10 High-street, Stonehouse, said deceased occasionally slept there during the last twelve months. On Saturday night, April 15th, deceased came to the house between ten and eleven o'clock. She appeared as if she had been drinking, but she denied it, and said she had been taken with giddiness. Witness put her to bed in a room where there were two or three other women, deceased having her ordinary food. She remained in bed on Sunday and Monday and on Tuesday morning her sister, Mrs Williams, visited her. Deceased had a fit and in the afternoon Mrs Williams came again, when witness believed deceased was seen by a doctor, but she did not know his name, nor had she been able to ascertain who he was. No medicine was sent or any instructions given. Deceased's sister said she did not want a prescription; all she wanted was to have the deceased removed. On Wednesday witness sent to Dr Corbett, and asked if he had any medicine for deceased, but he said he had not been called. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday deceased remained in bed without any medical aid, but on Saturday afternoon Dr Corbett came at witness's request, told her that deceased was exceedingly ill and advised her removal to the Workhouse. Another sister communicated with the relieving officer, and deceased was taken to the Workhouse in a cab in the evening. - The Coroner: As a matter of fact, from Saturday to Saturday deceased had no medical treatment whatever? - Witness: That was the sister's fault, not mine. A doctor came in on the Tuesday. - The Corner: As he left no instructions and sent no medicine, I should presume there was no doctor at all. - Continuing, witness said on the Wednesday evening deceased partially dressed and went out into the street, from which she was fetched back. Witness attributed her going out as derangement. - The Coroner: I think you ought to have seen that the woman was properly treated. - I sent for her relatives, and I thought they were the ones to look after her. - A Juror: I can't understand the woman being ill for a whole week and not having a doctor. If they sent for a doctor and he didn't come why didn't they send for another? - Caroline Fitzpatrick, widow, stated that whilst she was visiting deceased in the lodging-house on the Tuesday a gentleman, with dark hair and moustache, whom she took to be a doctor, came in and felt her pulse, and said she was very weak and ought to be removed. Deceased's sister, Mrs Williams, was there at the time. She did not know who the doctor was. - Anne Macnamara, sister of deceased, said when she visited her on Saturday she found her in a very low condition and delirious. As there appeared to be no nourishing food in the room witness wanted to send out for port wine, but Mrs Lang said she must not do so until the doctor came. (Mrs Lang denied this.) Dr Corbett was sent for and came immediately and ordered deceased's removal. She had previously told Mrs Lang she ought to send for a doctor, and that, if the deceased died in her house, the responsibility would lie upon her. - Mrs Lang denied this. - The Coroner: Can you satisfy the Jury that you, as landlady of the house, sent for a doctor before the Saturday evening? - Mrs Lang: I sent for Dr Pearse; and in fact three or four doctors were sent for; it was a regular muddling affair. - The Coroner: But they didn't come. - Mr T. Leah, surgeon, said at 8 p.m. on Saturday he saw deceased at the Workhouse. She was semi-conscious, had very little pulse, and was dying. He ordered whisky, but she never rallied and died on Monday morning. Had she been properly attended to at the commencement of her illness he believed she would have recovered. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquiry to this afternoon for the attendance of Mrs Williams (deceased's sister) and also of Mr Colin Reep, relieving officer. A Juror asked if there was any means of procuring the attendance of the missing doctor. The Coroner said he did not know of any, but probably Mrs Williams would be able to throw some light on the matter.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 April 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - Sad Death At Stonehouse. Women Severely Censured. - Mr R. R. Rodd resumed the Inquiry at Stonehouse Workhouse yesterday into the death of MARGARET GALE, 32, who was admitted to the House on Saturday evening and died from bronchitis on Monday. - Mary Ann Williams said she found deceased, her sister, on Tuesday morning, 18th inst., at 10 High-street, very ill in bed. Another woman was in the same bed, and two others were in the same room. Deceased complained of pains in the head, and witness tied a handkerchief damped with vinegar round her head. She suggested that a doctor should be sent for, but Mrs Lang replied, "She'll be all right. get up, you lazy things." - The Coroner: I have not heard you speak of your own responsibility. You were her sister. - Witness said Mrs Lang stated that Dr Pearse was her doctor, and witness understood she was going to send for him, but he did not arrive. Between three and four in the afternoon she sent for Dr Pearse and he came at once and said deceased ought to be removed. She did not say she would go to the relieving officer; she had to go to her children. - The Coroner: Why did not you see that your sister was removed? - I had to go back to Plymouth. - did not you think it was your duty? - She was in Mrs Lang's care. - Surely a sister should take sufficient interest in a dying sister? - I did. - Did you see the relieving officer? - No. Mrs Lang said, "It's only the drink. she will be all right tomorrow. She shall not go out tonight." - Dr W. H. Pearse said when he ordered the woman's removal to the Workhouse he understood Mrs Williams was going to call at the relieving officer's in the evening to see about her removal. - Mrs Williams: I said I would tell Mrs Lang. - Dr Pearse said if the woman had been removed that evening and cared for there was no reason why she should not have lived. He did not see Mrs Lang, and did not leave any medicine, because he understood the woman would be removed to the Workhouse that evening. - A Juryman: Did not you think it would be wise to see the proprietor? - No, because the person who came to see me made a strong point that it would be best to remove her to the Workhouse. - The Coroner: And she was her sister. - Mr Colin Reep, relieving officer, said the first application he received in the case was on Saturday, when a woman brought a letter from Dr Corbett. Deceased was brought into the House within twenty minutes. - The Foreman: the relieving officer could not have been more prompt. - Mrs Lang said she had witnesses who sent for doctors on Tuesday and Wednesday. - The Coroner: No doctor saw her. - Mrs Lang: On Thursday I sent for her mother, and she said she would not come because her daughter was such a drunken, disagreeable person. - The Coroner: No doctor saw her until Dr Corbett came on Saturday night. It was only on the 14th of this month I cautioned you. Dr Corbett said he knew nothing about the case. You ought not to have been satisfied until that woman was treated. - Mrs Lang: I didn't know there was anything serious attached to it. - The Coroner, summing up, said Dr Leah believed if the deceased had been properly treated from the first she would have recovered. That was a very cruel revelation. Upon Mrs Lang a very grave reflection rested, and also upon Mrs Williams for not having carried out Dr Pearse's instructions to have her removed on Tuesday night to the Workhouse, where she would have had every care and attention. During the last twelve months medical relief had been granted to seven persons in Mrs Lang's house, so that she knew medical relief would be at once granted if she applied to the relieving officer. On the 14th inst. he had to investigate the sudden death of a pensioner found dead in Mrs Lang's house and it transpired that the man had been ill in bed several days without medical treatment, and the Jury then cautioned Mrs Lang to see that her lodgers were properly cared for. She had not even displayed common humanity, and if she could not give her lodgers ordinary attention the sooner she gave up the house the better. Both Mrs Williams and Mrs Lang were deserving of very severe censure. - The Jury found that death was due to Natural Causes, and severely censured Mrs Williams and Mrs Lang. - A Juryman considered it was a disgrace that there should exist in the town such a place, where bad characters could congregate and spread disease. - The Foreman suggested that something should be done with regard to the registration of these dens of infamy, and several Jurymen expressed the opinion that the attention of the District Council, who licensed the houses, should be called to the case. - The Coroner, replying to a Juryman, said he did not think Mrs Lang's conduct amounted to culpable neglect. He would hardly think she would repeat such carelessness.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 May 1899
PLYMOUTH - Death From Poisoning At Plymouth. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry concerning the death of HESTER ANN SMITH, a single woman, 46 years of age, who was found dead in bed at her residence, 31 New-street, the previous morning with some bottles containing poison in the room. EDWARD SMITH, fisherman, brother of the deceased, stated that she had been strange in her conduct for some days and declined his offer to obtain medical assistance for her. He, however, went to the relieving officer, and Dr Cuming saw her and found there was very little the matter with her. He knew nothing of her death until his return from sea that morning. - Mrs Harford, living at 31 New-street, deposed to going to deceased's room to call her about eight o'clock on Wednesday morning and finding her in bed apparently asleep. She tried to rouse her, and then found she was dead. Had never heard deceased threaten to take her life. - P.C. Roach, who was called to the house by the last witness, and removed to the body to the mortuary, produced some bottles which he found in the room. - Dr C. J. Cooke, as the result of a post-mortem examination, testified that death was due to poisoning. Two bottles produced were labelled laudanum. One was empty, but the other contained about half an ounce of laudanum. There were also in the room a bottle of rat poison, which was opened, and an unopened packet labelled poison. These poisons were such as would cause the appearances he found in the body. - The evidence of these witnesses had been reduced to writing before the opening of the Inquest, and the Coroner simply read it over after swearing each of them. - Deceased's brother informed the Coroner that another witness, who was the last to see his sister alive, was present, and could give additional evidence, and a young woman rose and said she saw HESTER SMITH about eight o'clock on the previous evening and noticed that her manner was strange. Mr Johns, however, said it was unnecessary to take her evidence. Summing up very briefly, the Coroner said deceased undoubtedly died from poisoning. there was no evidence to show how she took the poison, but she must have taken it herself. He suggested a verdict of "Found Dead." - Acting on the Coroner's suggestion the Jury returned a verdict of "Found Dead," and the Inquiry terminated, having lasted only a few minutes.

Western Morning News, Thursday 11 May 1899
BLACKAWTON - At Blackawton on Tuesday evening Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest touching the death of the twin children of RICHARD HENRY JERROLD, farm labourer. Dr J. H. Harris, Dartmouth, who made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to the children having been prematurely born.

TOTNES - Sad Fatality At Totnes. - At the Sewage Disposal Works, Totnes, yesterday morning, ERNEST WEST, aged 21, and Albert Foot, 18, of tones, were driving the shaft of the tunnel under a wood at World's End, close to the River Dart, and about a mile from Totnes, when they were buried beneath a very heavy fall of rock and earth. Mr Ball, agent for the contractor, Mr Bell, of Manchester, and Mr Stainthorpe, resident engineer, promptly set a score of men at work to rescue their comrades. In a very short time a ventilation shaft was sunk in the tunnel, while men working at the other end soon discovered Foot who was still conscious, almost wholly buried. He was given brandy, and after about an hour was brought out in a very exhausted state and removed to the Cottage Hospital. Dr Hains, who was at the scene of the accident within fifteen minutes of its occurrence, accompanied him. Foot had been lying on his face with a large rock on both his legs, but they were not fractured. He had, however, sustained internal injuries. Just before he was got out the body of WEST was found immediately behind him, lying on his face quite dead, having been suffocated. His brother was one of the party who found him. He was very much affected, but helped to take the body out of the tunnel. - The Inquest was opened last evening by Mr S. Hacker, who said it would be for the Jury to say whether the collapse of the shaft could have been avoided by proper care. - Mr E Windeatt, town clerk, appeared for the Town Council, who are carrying out the sewage work, and expressed its great regret at the sad occurrence. - The Coroner thought it would be advisable for the Jury to view the place, and the Town Clerk suggested the clerk of the works, employed by the Town Council, and had nothing to do with the contractor, should accompany them to give information or assistance. - This course was agreed to. - The brother of the deceased was then called, but gave very incoherent answers. He was not sure whether he was called JACK WEST, or JIM WEST, but ultimately thought JACK WEST was his proper name. Deceased had been engaged on the work about three months. On attempting to describe the accident and the work that was going on at the time no intelligible answer could be got from him and at last the Coroner said he would not take any further evidence from him that day, and adjourned the Inquiry until Friday. The Coroner told WEST if on Friday he came before him in the same state as he was that evening he would send him to prison.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 May 1899
TOTNES - The Fatality At Totnes. Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquest relative to the death of ERNEST WEST, 32, miner, of Midhurst, Sussex, employed by the contractor of the new sewage works at Totnes, who was killed on Wednesday, was resumed last evening. Mr Windeatt, town clerk, watched the case for the Town Council. - Mr T. W. Stainthorpe, C.E., the Corporation's resident engineer and clerk of the works, said he examined the tunnel after the accident. As far as he could see, the deceased was a skilled miner by the way he had put his timbers up. The ground was very treacherous by reason of many fissures. He had seen many accidents and must say he never met a more willing or braver set of men to work, and every credit was due to them. - The Coroner: I am very glad to hear that. - Albert Foot, who was brought from the Cottage Hospital, and wheeled into the court in a Bath chair, said he and deceased were in the tunnel fixing another set of supports, when the fall occurred. Deceased was completely covered. Witness put his hands up and raked some of the earth from his head and shouted for help. There ought to have been timber at the sides, but deceased could not get it. They had to find the timber where they could. They had to "sneak" it sometimes. - Ambrose Rail, manager for Mr Bell, contractor, Manchester, said the tunnel was properly constructed and timbered. Side timber was not at all necessary. There was plenty of timber available. In reply to Mr Windeatt, witness said Mr Bell insured his work men. Dr L. Hains said death was due to suffocation. Deceased was not at all crushed. - John C. Willcocks, who entered the tunnel and searched for the buried men stated there was timber on the works, and they got supplied by asking for it. - JACK WEST, brother of the deceased, said he had applied for timber, and had not been able to get it. In the yard sometimes there was enough timber to make a kettle boil. The foreman had told him he would let him have some when it came. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressing deep sympathy with the relatives of deceased and their admiration of the prompt measures taken by Mr Stainthorpe and Mr Ball and the men for the rescue of the two men, and their special commendation of the men who went into the tunnel in the dark in the first instance.

BERE FERRERS - Mr R. R. Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Wotton's Farm, Bere Ferrers, last evening relative to the death of AMELIA JANE BURROWS, 78 years of age, the widow of RICHARD BURROWS, pensioner, R.N. Deceased, who was residing with her niece, Amelia Elizabeth Whitting, partook of a hearty supper on Wednesday night and went to bed at nine o'clock. At five o'clock the next morning she complained of being ill and died before medical assistance arrived. Dr Hill, Bere Alston, stated that death was due to syncope and a verdict accordingly was returned.

LYDFORD - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison yesterday relative to the death of THOMAS CORDERY, aged 68. Deceased, who died on 10th inst. was a native of Warbleton, Sussex, a labourer, and was at Maidstone in 1897, for stealing a jacket and other articles, sentenced to five years' penal servitude. Many previous convictions had been recorded against him for stealing; in fact deceased had been in prison more or less since June 1884. During his incarceration this time his conduct had been good. The medical evidence shewed that deceased died from apoplexy. Convict Griffiths deposed that he helped to wait on deceased, who had received every care and attention. The Jury (Mr D. Scoble, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 15 May 1899
KINGSWEAR - Suicide At Kingswear. "On The Drink" For Years. - At Kingswear on Saturday an Inquest was held by Mr S. Hacker touching the death of JOHN JAMES TUCKER, mason, aged 53. WM. TUCKER, son of the deceased, deposed that his father had been "on the drink" for years. He had not been at work since Easter, until Thursday last, and had been fuddled every day. On Friday, at ten minutes past six a.m. witness called his father to go to work, but it was raining, and deceased laid on. Deceased had often threatened to make a hole in the water. MAY TUCKER, deceased's daughter, went to call deceased at a quarter past eight, and found him hanging. - Wm. Kelland, mariner, was passing, and with the help of a man named Mitchell, cut the deceased down. He was hanging by a piece of ordinary tape, to a hook attached to a beam running along the ceiling. The tape was used in a running knot. Deceased was in a kneeling attitude upon the bed, though witness could not say whether his knees were touching the bed or were drawn up. - Dr W. B. Kendall, Surgeon, said deceased had been dead for some time. There were no signs of a struggle and no clenching of the hands. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." The Coroner: It would be better if you stated the cause of the insanity, the effect of drink. - A Juryman: We have nothing to add. - The Coroner: It is quite clear it was due to indulgence in drink. However, that is for you to say.

STOKE DAMEREL - Collapse Of A Trench At Devonport. - Whilst excavating a trench at Renown-street, Devonport, on April 28th, JOHN COLEMAN, aged 60, of 3 Kensington-terrace, Keyham, received a compound fracture of the left leg by some earth giving way. He was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where two days afterwards it was found necessary to amputate the leg. After this the deceased gradually sank and died on Friday. At the Inquest on Saturday, deceased's employer, Mr J. E. Heard, builder, stated that the excavation was about 8 feet deep and 2 feet wide. It was properly boarded up at each end, but not at the sides, where strutting was not required as the cutting was across the grain. The accident was caused by the strut of a house drain which was connected with the excavation giving way and falling into the pit. Between three and four hundredweight of ballast was then displaced and part of it fell on the deceased. COLEMAN being an experienced excavator, was left to board up the trench. Witness was told by deceased that no blame attached to anyone. - Further evidence having been given that the excavation was properly shored with struts, Mr D. Brough, House Surgeon, stated that the amputation was skilfully performed. The fracture had been properly attended to by P.C. J[?] before the deceased was admitted to the Hospital. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed condolence with the relatives. The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) referred to the value of the Police being able to render first aid to the injured, and P.C. J[?] was thanked for his assistance.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 May 1899
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Carriage Accident At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, relative to the death of WILLIAM GORDON S. SIEVEWRIGHT, aged 32, a labourer, of 20 King-street, Plymouth, who was knocked down by Dr Kelly's carriage in Treville-street on Saturday evening. William Lidstone, the coachman, said when opposite the Co-operative Stores deceased was walking in the centre of the road. Witness called to him, but he seemed to get confused and lurched towards the horse, and catching his arm in the shaft was knocked down and both wheels went over him. William John Shaw, of 4 Anson-place, Plymouth, who was looking out of the Co-operative Dairy, gave corroborative evidence. Lidstone, he said, was driving at a very moderate pace. Mr J. G. F. Hoskin, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased had several ribs fractured, and internal haemorrhage. He died on Sunday morning. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 20 May 1899
PLYMOUTH - SARAH WALTERS, a widow, aged 68, of 3 Moon-street, Plymouth, was taken suddenly ill during Thursday night, and before medical aid could be summoned died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Wilkinson said death was due to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Monday 29 May 1899
PLYMOUTH - When MRS JOHNS, wife of a mason, who lives at 16 Florence-terrace, Plymouth, awoke on Friday morning she found her three months old boy dead by her side. Dr Dutton was summoned and his investigation shewed that thrush was the cause of death. The Coroner's Jury which met at the Laira Inn on Saturday, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 31 May 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that the infant son of WALTER BACON, 15 Clarence-place, died from syncope, due to slight convulsions. Mr J. E. C. Wilson gave medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 3 June 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Accident To A Devonport Boy. - An Inquest was held at the Clarence Hotel, Morice Town, by Mr J. A. Pearce, Devonport Borough Coroner, yesterday afternoon, on the body of JAMES HENRY HARVEY DAVIES, 14, found in the Tamar Canal on Wednesday evening. From the evidence, it appeared that deceased, who was the son of JAMES HENRY DAVIES, 13 Townshend-avenue, Keyham Barton, a shipwright in the Dockyard, was a plumber's apprentice. His father, who had had a lot of trouble with him, last saw him alive on Monday morning, and MRS DAVIES found on Thursday that the boy had not been to work since May 23rd. Deceased was engaged on Monday by the manager of the Plymouth Co-operative Society's Tamar Wharf coal stores to pick up coal on the wharf. That afternoon he was seen to leave the quay and get into a lighter. To get to the Co-operative Society's wharf he would have had to climb over an old barge and drop a distance of eight feet. Deceased's boy was found between the old barge and the wall of the quay by a waterman. A wound on the face indicated that in falling it came in contact with some sharp object, but the injury, said Dr Row, was not sufficient to kill the lad; probably it stunned him, and the tide subsequently coming up drowned him. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned, and the Coroner undertook, at the Jury's request to write to Mr Peters, the owner of the old barge, calling his attention to the danger of allowing such a useless vessel to lie where it was.

Western Morning News, Monday 12 June 1899
PLYMOUTH - A Cattewater Fatality. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth on Saturday relative to the death of JOHN JEFFORD, a merchant seaman, aged 31 years, whose body was found off Queen Anne's Battery, Cattewater, on Friday, by Robert Humphries, fisherman, Castle-street, Plymouth. - Frank Leach, a merchant seaman, of Lyme Regis, said he was drinking with deceased on the 29th ultimo, and later in the evening he rowed witness on board his (witness's) ship and subsequently put off to return to his, the Itchen. that was the last witness saw of deceased. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 June 1899
PLYMOUTH - Bathing Facilities. A Sailor Boy Drowned. - Mr J. Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of ROBERT PERCY HARVEY, a boy attached to the training-brig Nautilus, whose body was picked up in the Sound on Saturday by Chief Petty Officer John Ward, of H.M.S. Vivid. Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the case on behalf of the Admiralty. - Emmanuel R. Grant, boatswain, H.M.S. Nautilus, said on the afternoon of the 6th inst., boys were bathing from the ship. After they had been in the water about five minutes the topping-lift snapped and the boom, to which several boys were clinging, swung alongside the ship. Orders were given for the boys to swim to two of the ship's boats close at hand. Deceased was not missed until about an hour after all were aboard. The topping-lift, which supports the boom, was fitted in December last, before witness joined the ship. Similar ropes to the one which snapped had been in use since 1896, although just recently a warrant had been issued compelling the use of stronger ones. - Cross-examined by the Foreman: The boys were allowed ten minutes in the water, and not quite knowing the order of procedure on such occasions, being the first of the season, he did not count those who bathed. The rope was a new one last March, and seemed sufficiently strong to support the boom. It was not compulsory bathing, and only those who were efficient swimmers entered the water. The breaking of the rope was not caused by friction. When the boys are bathing the head of the boom is lowered level with the water, for the boys to cling to if they wish. The boom went down gently and there were no boys underneath it when the rope broke. - Frank Gale, first class boy, attached to the Nautilus, said he was among the boys bathing on the 5th inst., and when the topping-lift gave way deceased was resting on the boom; he (deceased) then swam towards one of the boats. He did not see deceased again, but understood that he had got on board the boat. Two other bys who were in danger were held up by their comrades until picked up. Witness picked up a lifebuoy which was thrown to him. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned."

ILFRACOMBE - An Ilfracombe Fatality. - An Inquest was held last evening at Ilfracombe Hospital, by Dr Slade King, relative to the death of GEORGE HOPKINS, an aged seaman, who on Friday, fell over the quay, the tide being out at the time. Deceased, whilst sitting on a mooring post, was seized with a fit and fell over, breaking three ribs and his collar-bone. Dr Toller stated that deceased never recovered from the shock, and died that morning. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury recommended that the quay should e protected by railings.

PLYMOUTH - HENRY PITHER, a labourer, aged 52, of 2 Higher-street, Plymouth, was repairing a window in Brunswick-road on Monday when he had a fit, and fell about 2 feet on to the pavement and soon afterwards died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Dutton attributed death to a broken neck and the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 June 1899
DAWLISH - Dawlish Bathing Fatality. Alleged Dangerous Current. - At Dawlish last night, Mr S. Hacker, County Coroner, conducted an Inquiry relative to the death of HENRY BROWN, a London carman, who was drowned while bathing on Tuesday morning. H. A. Michelson, a goods porter in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company at Paddington, stated that deceased was a railway carman, and resided at Guildford-street, Kingsland-road, Hoston. Deceased came to Dawlish last Saturday with his wife for his annual holiday, and witness came down on Monday About half-past eight o'clock on Tuesday morning , he met deceased who said he was going to bathe. Witness went with him, and sat on the wall while deceased went into the water. The tide was low and the sea very rough. Deceased walked out about 150 yards. then he held up his hand and witness thought he was waving. He did not apprehend that there was anything wrong until the bathing machine attendant shouted to witness to hurry down and help with the boat as deceased was going down. They got the boat out, but it was half filled with water and they had to return. Two gentlemen were then swimming out to the deceased. The bathing machine men did all they could. - The Coroner: What! took the boat out and took it back again? - Witness said deceased was afterwards washed in. Deceased was a strong swimmer. He had visited Dawlish every summer for 16 years. - Cuthbert Jones of East Cliff, who was bathing with Mr Beachcroft when the fatality occurred, stated that deceased swam out over 100 yards. Hearing deceased shout, they thought something was wrong, and they swam towards him. They got to within about three yards of deceased, and then he (witness) went under thoroughly played out. Beachcroft caught witness and returned with him to the beach. There was a choppy sea, and a strong undercurrent, making it impossible for a man to stand. Deceased went under almost at the same moment that witness sank. As they were coming in, they saw the boat being brought down, but it was swamped as soon as launched. The men were as quick as they could be considering the length of the beach. - William Westcott, bathing superintendent, said when deceased entered the water he ran right out to get beyond the surf and had a swim. Within two or three minutes he saw deceased wave, and asked Nicholson if he was waving to him. Directly after he saw deceased was in trouble. Both his hands were thrown up. Then witness ran along the beach and shouted to Messrs. Beachcroft and Jones to go to his assistance, after which he returned to get out the boat. There was a boat and lifebuoy near the machines. The boat was kept above high water mark. It was hard work for two men to drag the boat down to the water, but it did not take long. They could not easily launch a boat at the time, as the wind was fresh from the south-east and the tide was rising rapidly. The boat was swamped, and before they could empty it the man had disappeared. The body was afterwards washed in. Witness did not know there was such a strong under-current. When the wind was strong it was not safe for persons to bathe outside the groyne. There was no water inside the groyne at that time. Consequently those who bathed had to bathe where it was dangerous. Deceased was out 200 yards beyond the groyne. - Mr Beachcroft: Anyone could have bathed with perfect safety, but he must not go out of his depth. No swimmer, however, good, could safely bathe in that tide. - Westcott, replying to Mr Gamlin, said he always cautioned non-swimmers. It was not a dangerous beach. The under-current that morning was exceptionally strong owing to the wind that had prevailed overnight. He did not know until the accident that the under-current was unusually strong. Deceased must have had the cramp. - The Coroner: When the surf is bad you cannot launch a boat? - Not very well. So you cannot save life? - Not very easily. And if people get into difficulties while bathing there is no chance of saving them? - If they are not too far out. You can't save them if you can't launch a boat: A tall man could walk out and save another. - Do you know that in most watering laces they keep a man in a boat all the time rowing up and down ready to give assistance? - I am afraid that man would have an unpleasant experience here. - Why? - he would have to keep pulling against the tide all the time, or would drift ashore. - Would you not think it your duty to prevent people bathing that morning? - Not if the bather was a good swimmer. - Although a boat could not be launched? - A good swimmer would be all right. - A Juryman stated that if the bathing boxes were closed people would bathe from the beach. - Witness: We don't let them bathe if the sea is very rough. - Mark Cornelius, another bathing superintendent, said a hundred thousand persons had bathed during the seven years he had been there, but he had never before known a case of drowning there. It was the safest beach in Devon, if the water was smooth. In rough weather people had no business to bathe. But if they told bathers not to go out, they would go out at once. - Mr G. F. Webb, M.R.C.S., attributed death to drowning. Nobody with deceased when he arrived appeared to know what to do. The people on the beach should be instructed in the means of restoring the apparently drowned. Instructions should be posted up. Both bathing-machine attendants said they had books on the subject but had received no instructions. - R. Coombstock, boatman, thought if his attention had been called to deceased he could have got to him in a boat. He did not think the bathing-machine boat was large enough. Mr Gamlin thought the bat should always be kept afloat. If it was not fit for the boat to be out, bathing should not be permitted. The Coroner agreed. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Keyham Fatality. An Unaccountable Error. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday respecting the death of JOHN JOSEPH THEODORE HONEY, aged 58, of 45 Alexandra-road, a retired warrant officer R.N. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented Sir John Jackson, contractor for Keyham Extension Works. - Walter Chapman, foreman carpenter at the Extension Works, said deceased worked under him as a carpenter. On Monday he was sharpening the end of a pile, the work being carried out between the dam and the outer wall. Above the spot was a steam crane placed there on Monday morning to lift timber. A baulk of timber was made secure to the chain, and the banksman shouted out, "Look up, below" which was intended as a warning to the men chopping the piles. Instead of the deceased walking away from the pale or standing still, either of which would have been safe, he stepped forward in a dangerous direction and his adze was struck by the pile, causing the wound in the throat. The deceased walked 30 feet, and could not have failed to see the pile coming towards him. Witness noticed that deceased was in a dangerous position and shouted to him to get out of the way, and also signalled for the crane-driver to stop. If deceased had had the presence of mind to stoop down when witness called out the pile would have cleared him. the crane was stopped immediately witness called out, but there was an impetus on the pile caused by it being slewed round. When the signal was given everyone was expected to get out of the way, but in this instance deceased need not have moved an inch. Another man who was nearer the end of the pile than the deceased stood still, and the timber cleared him. - Edward Davis, carpenter, said he called to the deceased when the crane commenced to move, but instead of walking out of the way, he proceeded towards the pile and put up his hand as if to steady it. Deceased worked from seven o'clock until one o'clock on Sunday (which counted as ten hours) and commenced again at four o'clock on Monday morning, the work being of a special character which could not be done during the ordinary hours. By the Jury: There was no guy attached to the pile to steady it. - William Jones, banksman, said after the chain was attached to the pile he shouted to everyone to stand still. The man who [?] the chain also gave the signal "All clear, hoist away," and the crane driver was then given orders to start. At this time the deceased was clear of danger but directly the crane began to work he walked towards the end of the pile which was swinging, the other end resting on the ground. - John Jones, carpenter, said the deceased was working three feet on the left of witness. The order was given for men to keep clear, but witness stood still and the pile cleared him. If the deceased had remained where he was there would have been no danger of the timber striking him. - Surgeon H. W. Finlayson, of Keyham Factory, said there was a wound about three inches long across the front of the throat. The head was probably forced back, causing dislocation or fracture of the neck and crushing the spinal cord. Death was instantaneous. - The Jury (Foreman, Mr J. Ledley) returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame attached to anyone. the Jury expressed sympathy with the widow and family, it being stated that there were eight children unprovided for. - Rev. A. T. Head, of Ford, acknowledged the vote of condolence on behalf of the widow.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 27 June 1899
READING, BERKSHIRE - A Plymouth Engine Driver's Death. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Reading on the bodies of the three men - WILLIAMS, engine driver, Whitchelo, fireman and Perry, shunter, who were killed while shunting at the Great Western Station, Reading, early on Saturday morning. WILLIAMS, who was 32 years of age, was a native of Plymouth, from which town he was transferred to Reading two years ago. His wife is a Plymouth woman, and the family, who were well known in local railway circles, resided for some years in King-gardens. the evidence shewed that the engine on which the three men were riding collided with four trucks while shunting, the vehicles having been placed in the engine's way by another shunter, who had been told by Perry that he (Perry) should not use that particular line of rails on the journey which ended so disastrously. As a result of the impact Perry and Whichelo were killed on the spot and WILLIAMS, who was severely scalded, died next day in the Hospital. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the blame attaching to the occurrence being impugned to Perry.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 June 1899
BRIXHAM - Sad Fatality At Brixham. A Death Trap. - Mr Sidney Hacker, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Brixham last evening, relative to the death of WINNIE WOTTON, age nine years. - JASPER WOTTON, the father of the child, said she told him she jumped on the rails at the Maritime Steps to slide down and fell over. He took her to the doctor, who set her arm which was broken. On the way back deceased became unconscious and died next morning. - In reply to the Coroner, he said the rails fixed in the steps were perfect death-traps. A child was killed in Decent's steps last September and many children had fallen off these rails. There was one flight of steps almost perpendicular for 100 feet. There certainly ought to be spikes or knobs fixed into these rails. Mrs Venn said she saw three children on the top of the steps and spoke to them in passing. She shortly afterwards heard a thud and a child cry. She returned and found WINNIE WOTTON lying on her face. She took the child home. - Dr Elliott, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to a slight fracture at the base of the skull. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the Jury (Mr W. Brewer, Foreman) added a rider that the attention of the District Council be called to the dangerous condition of the many handrails to steps in Brixham, and that measures be taken to prevent children sliding down them.

PLYMOUTH - Disgraceful Cowardice At Plymouth. Boy Drowned. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of PERCY THOMAS, aged 11, of 62 Cambridge-street, drowned under the Plymouth Hoe on Wednesday evening. John James Jewell, aged 7 years, of King-street, said he was on the rocks by Sh[?]ay Pool with deceased. In trying to get his )witness's) boat deceased fell into deep water. There were some men close by who saw deceased fall into the water but made no attempt at rescue. Ernest Connibear, a boy residing at 9 Melbourne-cottages, said he saw Jewell crying. On questioning him he said he "wanted his mamma." Just then two men told witness a boy had fallen overboard. He dived several times and searched all round the rocks but could not find him. At length a man with a grapnel found deceased between two rocks. The two men said they saw deceased fall overboard, and when asked why they had not rendered him any assistance walked away. - Dr Cooke said when he saw deceased on the West Hoe Pier after the accident, life was extinct. - The Coroner said the two men who witnessed the occurrence behaved in a most scandalous and disgraceful manner. If they were unable to swim they might at least have shouted. He remembered about two years ago a similar case. - The Foreman, in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," expressed, on behalf of the Jury, their surprise and condemnation of the conduct of the two men, and also wished to express their high appreciation of Connibear's bravery, and the intelligent and straightforward manner in which both the boys had given their evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 July 1899
PLYMOUTH - Whilst RICHARD M. P. BOUNTY, aged 50 years, of 17 Lambhay-hill, Plymouth, was fishing from his boat with his son off Penlee Point on Monday he suddenly fell back and expired. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Lucy attributed death to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 July 1899
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death Of A Plymouth Tradesman. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of MR WILLIAM HENRY TUCKETT, aged 69, wholesale confectioner, of Millbay-road, Plymouth. MR ERNEST F. TUCKETT, of 4 Montrose-terrace, Plymouth, said he left his father in the office at half-past six on Thursday evening, apparently in his usual health, but when he returned about an hour later he found him dead on the floor. Dr Parsloe attributed death to syncope, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 17 July 1899
TORMOHAM - Sudden Death On The Howe. Heart Disease In The Navy. - The battleship Howe, which arrived from Devonport late on Friday night, brought in the body of DANIEL FINN, a stoker, who had died on board during the passage up Channel. On Saturday afternoon the body was removed to the shore in a coffin covered with the Union Jack and taken to the mortuary in a hearse. Half a dozen sailors marched by the side of the conveyance and a couple of petty officers behind. - Mr Coroner Hacker held an Inquest at Upton Parish Rooms on Saturday evening. Frederick Kingdon, leading stoker on the Howe, whose home is at 4 Pentamar-terrace, Devonport, was called to give evidence of identification. He said he had only known deceased a week. The Coroner asked if anyone present had known him longer. - Thomas Cooper, master-at-arms on the Howe, replied that he had the gangway victualling book shewing that deceased joined the Howe on July 6th. He did not know his age. - The Foreman (Mr Shopland) said the age on the coffin breastplate was 24. - Fleet-Surgeon McKinlay stated that deceased's papers had not arrived from the depot at Queenstown. He did not think particulars had arrived about any of the men on board, probably because they had been so hurried at the depot. - The Coroner: So there is nothing else known about him except that he is DANIEL FINN? - Mr McKinlay: That is all we know. It is known he has friends and they have been communicated with. - The Foreman: You cannot tell whether he is married or single? - No. - The Coroner: I see the statement on the coffin that he was 24. How did that statement get there? - P.C. Fishwick, who had charge of the case, said he did not know. He was told on the ship that deceased was 26. - The Coroner said he must take what he could get and see if that would suffice. Was it known how long deceased had been in the navy? - Mr Cooper: No. All we know is that he was sent to the ship as supernumerary for the manoeuvres from Queenstown. - Inspector Bond said he had seen the carpenter who made the coffin and he said the age was casually given to him on the ship as 24. That was how the age came on the coffin. - The Coroner: I should like to know who is responsible for fixing the age. - Fleet-Surgeon McKinlay thought it was probably put down by guess. - The Foreman: It seems to me that there is a good deal of guess work about it. - Mr McKinlay added that deceased had been in the navy only about eighteen months. - The Coroner said they would take the age as about 24. That was near enough. - Leading Stoker Kingdon said deceased complained to him on Friday morning about having a bad heart. Witness asked him why he did not keep his fires up better, and he said he could not, as his heart was bad. He continued his duties and a little while after was found insensible in the stokehold. He was carried to the sick bay about 1.30 a.m. and died at 7 p.m. - Dr McKinlay said deceased was shifted from the fire to the coal cellars, where it was cooler. - Kingdon added that deceased had not previously complained, although fault had been found with him for not doing his work properly. The heart in the stokehold when deceased fainted was 109 degrees. - The Coroner: That is rather ----. - Kingdon: Cool! - The Coroner: Oh! cook is it? - Kingdon: Yes, not very warm that. - Patrick Callaghan, chief stoker on the Howe said he had occasion to find fault with deceased for not keeping up his fires on Thursday. He was taken before the engineer. On Friday morning deceased went on duty again at eight o'clock. Witness again had to find fault with him and then deceased said he had heart disease. The engineer told him he had better see a doctor, otherwise he must do his work as any other man. Shortly after deceased's fires went back again and a leading stoker, named Peard, was put on to help him. Both men worked at the same boiler until ten o'clock, then, the fires being all right, deceased was told to "carry on" by himself. He went on for about a quarter of an hour and then witness's attention was called to him by Peard. Deceased was inside the bunker door insensible. He had crawled into the bunker after falling. Deceased was at once taken to the sick bay. The highest temperature in the stokehold was about 137 degrees. Frederick Peard, leading stoker, who went to the assistance of deceased, gave similar evidence. Deceased complained to him of his heart. - Fleet-Surgeon McKinlay said deceased never regained consciousness and died about seven o'clock on Friday evening. His temperature was 108.5 degrees. A post-mortem examination shewed that deceased's heart was diseased. Death was due to heat apoplexy. - The Foreman: How would he get into the navy with a heart like that? - Mr McKinlay: I should not find fault with any surgeon for failing to detect that. it is almost impossible with the noise and constant hum on board to detect anything the matter with a man's heart. Witness gave an instance of a man certified as sound and fit by a surgeon at Talbot, but who as soon as he joined the ship was found to be suffering from marked heart disease. That shewed that it was not only doctors afloat who made mistakes. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - After the Inquest the body was taken to the Cemetery, where it was allowed to rest in the chapel until yesterday afternoon when the funeral took place. Deceased having been a Roman Catholic, the service was conducted by the Rev. Canon Poole. It was attended by the band from H.M.S. Howe, about seventy of the crew, including a firing party and the following officers, Commander Tizard; Lieut. Drummond, Murgeon Headshaw, Engineer Block, Assistant Engineers Sparrow and Hocken. From the chapel to the grave the procession was headed by the band playing the Dead March, and subsequently the band played the crew back to the harbour.

HONITON - Bathing Fatality At Honiton. - On Saturday morning about eight o'clock William Harris, a labourer, passing by Honiton bathing-place, noticed first a heap of clothes on the bank and then a body lying in the bed of the river, where the water was about eight feet deep. There being no appliances with which to recover the body he ran for help and P.S. Cridland and P.C. Tucker, with assistance, got the body out. It was found to be that of GEORGE WESTERN, of London. At the Inquest it was stated that the deceased, who was the landlord of the Ticket Porter Inn, Arthur-street, London, was a native of Honiton and had been staying for a short holiday with Mr Holway of New-street, his first cousin. He left the house about twenty past seven for a bathe. On his way he passed Mr Capron who was the last to see him alive. Deceased wished him "Good Morning" and seemed in good health and spirits. When the Police arrived, owing to a lack of any appliances, they had great difficulty in bringing the body to surface and at last got it out with a hayrake. The evidence of Dr Shortridge pointed to an Accidental death by Drowning and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly adding that the medical officer should advise the Council to provide suitable appliances at the bathing ground. MR WESTERN, prior to going to London, was a clerk in the office of Mr G. T. Tweed, the Town Clerk.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 July 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Burning Fatality. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday relative to the death of AMELIA KNIGHT, widow, aged about 64, who died at 4 Mount-street. About half-past ten on Sunday morning Mrs Loye took up a cup of tea for deceased. On opening the door smoke poured out. She called her husband, a stoker, R.N., and he, on calling the deceased, heard a faint groan, and found her lying on the floor with her clothes burning. He quickly removed the burning garments, and with assistance placed the deceased on the bed, whilst the burns were bathed with linseed oil by a neighbour. Mr J. E. C. Wilson, called in, found the poor woman dead, death being due to the shock produced by severe burns about the lower extremities and chest. On the mantelpiece was a candle and on the table a closed box of matches. There was a fire in the grate, and it was suggested by the Police-Sergeant that deceased caught her dress alight by the fire, though she was found at the other end of the room. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Sympathy was expressed with the deceased's family, and Stoker Loye thanked for the prompt manner in which he went to the rescue of the deceased, and for the efforts he made to save her life.

TIVERTON - Sad Suicide At Tiverton. - Tiverton Borough Coroner (Mr L. Mackenzie) held an Inquest last night touching the death of MRS ELLEN LOUISA ARTHURS, wife of MR PETER ARTHURS, coachbuilder, Tiverton, who was on Sunday morning found in her bedroom strangled. The husband said they had been married 31 years and deceased was 49 years of age. Two years ago she had typhoid fever and had since suffered from deep melancholia and insomnia, and complained of great pain in her head. Asked whether she had ever attempted her life, witness said she had tied things round her neck, but only loosely, possibly because he was there, and once she took some Scrubb's ammonia, but did not swallow it. - MR H. ARTHURS, deceased's son, said he found his mother on Sunday morning on the floor. Her face was livid, and an ordinary washing tie was round her neck in a slip knot. He slipped it loose with his finger, but she was dead. - The Coroner explained that after deceased's illness she suffered great depression and melancholia. A consultation was held on her medical condition, and MR ARTHURS accepted the responsibility of looking after her. That he had done ever since most kindly and watchfully, and her condition had so far improved that she was able to do certain kinds of work. Last Saturday, however, when her husband went away, she took the opportunity, which she had perhaps waited for, for a long time, to take her life. - The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane," and sympathised with the family.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 July 1899
PLYMOUTH - Death Through The Excessive Heat At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, relative to the death of THOMAS P. ASHTON, plasterer, aged 48, of 5 Yonne-terrace, Higher Compton, who died suddenly on Monday whilst visiting with his wife, a friend, at 16 Melbourne-street. Deceased's wife stated that several years ago her husband suffered from a weak heart, but had not complained lately. Dr Burke attributed death to syncope, brought on by the excessive heat and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BERE FERRERS - Bere Ferrers Railway Tragedy. A Stationmaster Killed. - Mr Rodd, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bere Ferrers Station yesterday on the body of a man found on the railway between Bere Ferrers and Bere Alston on Monday evening. Rev. F. Wintle was Foreman of the Jury. The Coroner said no witnesses were present to identify the body, but it was suggested that it was that of WALTER HENRY GALE, Stationmaster of Castle Cary. He had wired to Castle Cary Station and Mr Martin, in charge of the Station, had replied that WALTER HENRY GALE, Stationmaster of Castle Cary, had been missing from the place since Friday without leave, and it was believed that he had come to Plymouth. - Mr Kinterbury, traffic superintendent of the Great Western Railway Company, Bristol, had also telegraphed that a chief inspector should be sent down to ascertain whether the body was that of GALE. It had within the last few minutes come to his knowledge that WALTER HENRY GALE had a sister, Mrs Easterbrook, living in Cambridge-street, Plymouth, and on the previous afternoon her brother, from Castle Cary, visited her, and left the house at four p.m. There was also a brother of WALTER HENRY GALE, residing at Tavistock, now present; but as the brothers had not seen one another for over four years, and the body was so mutilated, he could not give evidence of identification. It would, therefore, be necessary to have an adjournment. - Inspectors Percival and Shute were present on behalf of the London and South Western Railway Company. - James Arscott, platelayer, London and South Western, residing at Tavistock, stated that on Monday he was travelling by the 5.35 p.m. train from Bere Ferrers to Tavistock and about half a mile on the Plymouth side of Bere Alston he noticed a man near the level crossing gate, on the outside, in a field. He believed it was WALTER GALE, whom he knew about six or seven years ago at Tavistock, and remarked to his fellow-workman at the time that he believed it was the brother of MR GALE, of Tavistock. The man was standing still, looking across the fields. - John Albert Hawkings, engine driver, London and South Western Railway Company, said on Monday he was driving the 5.15 p.m. express from Exeter to Friary. A mile and a quarter this side of Bere Alston, when the train was running 50 miles an hour, he noticed a man walking in the four-feet way, with his back to the engine, proceeding towards Plymouth. Deceased must have been 160 yards from the engine when witness blew the whistle. No notice was taken of it and the whistle was sounded again. Deceased looked round and a third time the whistle was blown. The man then made a half-turn towards the engine, apparently to get out of the way, but he fell in front of the engine. When the whistle was sounded the first time deceased made no effort to get out of the way. Witness pulled the train up as quickly as possible and informed the guard that a man had been run over. The guard thought it advisable to proceed to Bere Ferrers, where information was given to the Stationmaster, and the body brought to the Station. Deceased was wearing a dark suit and a hard bowler hat. The man seemed quite unconcerned when the first and second whistles went. - P.C Banbury, Bere Ferrers, said he found deceased lying in the centre of the down four-feet way quite dead, and very much mutilated. The hat was on the outside of the up line, close to the deceased, and contained in gilt letters, "W.H.G." In the pockets were 8s. 6d. in silver, tobacco pouch full of tobacco, a smashed pipe and a private railway carriage key. That morning a 2s. piece was picked up near where the body was found. - The Coroner said the Inspector of the Great Western Railway would not be able to get to Bere Ferrers until late, and it was necessary that Mrs Easterbrook, sister of GALE, and who saw him on Monday afternoon, should be present to give evidence. - The Inquest was adjourned until 10.20 this morning. - Mr Easterbrook, of Cambridge-street, Plymouth, visited Bere Ferrers last evening after the Inquest and identified deceased as WALTER HENRY GALE, his brother-in-law, and Stationmaster of Castle Cary. Deceased came to see his sister last Friday. He told her he was on holiday and did not intend to return to Castle Cary until the following Wednesday. Deceased was at the house on Monday afternoon at 4 p.m., and promised to return to tea. He was a married man with a wife and family; one of his daughters being at present in Plymouth spending holiday with her aunt. GALE'S father was for 18 years Great Western Railway Stationmaster at Tavistock and he for many years acted as booking-clerk there before going to Castle Cary. Deceased had promised his daughter to go back to Castle Cary with her today.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Shocking Case At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse yesterday touching the death of JANE HEATH, aged 60, widow of Private WM. HEATH, R.M.L.I. - JOHN HEATH, labourer, said the deceased, his mother, lived with him at 4 Chapel-lane. She had been ailing for the past two months and on Friday was considerably worse and declined to have a doctor or a nurse. On the previous day he called in Dr Corbett, who found his mother dying. Stimulants were administered but she died within an hour. - The Coroner: Why did you neglect calling in a doctor? - Witness: She always declined to see one. - The Coroner: But you knew your mother was in a very dirty state? - Witness: Yes. At night when I came home I got her hot water to bathe and also made her toast and oatmeal. - Elizabeth Neale of 4 Chapel-lane, said the last witness had done all he possibly could for his mother. The son and witness had often strongly advised deceased to have a doctor, but she refused and used most profane language. She was a most eccentric woman. for the past six weeks she had made for deceased mutton broth, beef tea and porridge. When she asked deceased to allow her to wash her linen she used bad language. - Dr Corbett said when called in he found deceased in a state of collapse. Stimulants were administered. However, she died within an hour. A post-mortem examination shewed that the body was badly nourished and so filthy that he had to have the body and clothes swamped with water and disinfectants before he could touch it. Deceased suffered from a weak heart and the cause of death was syncope. The woman ought to have had a medical man to see her a month or more ago. Never in his experience had he examined a body so filthy. It was certainly due to the woman not receiving sufficient attendance. - A Juryman: There must be neglect on the son's part. - Dr Corbett: I had not been in the bedroom of deceased more than a couple of minutes before I was sick from the stench. - The Foreman (Mr Porter) said he knew deceased was averse to receiving medical attention. Some time ago he heard of her case and offered to pay for a doctor to see her. - The Coroner said it must be clearly understood that if a person was living in a house with other persons and was very ill, and even refused to see a doctor, it was absolutely incumbent upon the head of the family, or whoever else was in the house to call in a medical man. A verdict of "Death from Natural causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 July 1899
BERE FERRERS - Bere Ferrers Railway Tragedy. Verdict Of Suicide. - Mr Rodd, County Coroner, held an adjourned Inquest at Bere Ferrers Railway Station yesterday on the body of WALTER HENRY GALE, aged 45, Station Master, of Castle Carey, on the Wilts and Somerset branch, Great Western Railway, who was found killed between the line at Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers on Monday evening last. - Rev. F. Wintle was Foreman of the Jury and Detective-Inspector Percival was present on behalf of the London and South Western Railway Company. - Andrew Easterbrook, 65, Cambridge-street, Plymouth, master mariner, said deceased was his brother-in-law, aged about 45 years, and was the Station Master of Castle Carey. Deceased's daughter had been staying with witness and his wife for the past fortnight and he came to Plymouth on Friday last for a holiday, intending to return to Castle Carey that day (Wednesday), with his daughter. On Monday afternoon last deceased left home at four o'clock saying he was going to visit Bere Alston, but expressed no reason for doing so. Witness could identify deceased by his hat (produced) containing the initials "W. H. G." on the inside, his shirt and necktie. Deceased did not appear anxious or worried about anything, but on the contrary had been cheerful. GALE was a temperate man. In answer to the Foreman of the Jury, witness said he knew of no reason why deceased got on the line. GALE said nothing about his business, but for years had stated that he did not like being stationed at Castle Carey. - William Thos. Forrister, Chief Inspector Bristol Division G.W.R., said deceased was the Stationmaster of Castle Carey, which was in his district. Last Friday morning GALE left his duties without permission and serious notice would no doubt have been taken of this on his return, probably resulting in suspension. On Wednesday last deceased was reprimanded by an official of the company for allowing his work to be in arrears. The following day GALE sent an urgent train message to Bristol, stating he was unwell and asking for relief. Before any reply could be communicated to him the head office was advised that deceased had left the Station. GALE had been Stationmaster at Castle Carey for nearly eight years. - The Coroner said there was absolutely nothing to account for the deceased being on the line or to justify his presence there. That being so, he was a trespasser. Deceased left his relatives at Plymouth, and gave no reason for going to Bere Alston. The engine-driver had stated that when he saw GALE on the down line he blew the whistle of the engine three times, but the man did not, or would not, take any notice of the warning. To his (the Coroner's) mind, deceased's conduct pointed to his being of unsound mind, and that he had intended to commit suicide. GALE left his work on the previous Thursday without permission, and no doubt very serious notice would have been taken of it by the Great Western Railway Company. This breach of conduct, coupled with his having been previously reprimanded, perhaps preyed upon the mind of deceased. Having regard to the way in which GALE exposed himself to danger and ignoring the warnings of the driver, there were clear indications in his (the Coroner's) mind that he intended to commit suicide. - The Jury, after twenty minutes private deliberation, returned a verdict that deceased committed Suicide whilst in a fit of Temporary Insanity.

PLYMOUTH - Sad Drowning Case At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of EDGAR WILFRED HOOPEL, aged six years, of 41 Beaumont-road, Plymouth. - Charles J. Collins, aged five years, said he was playing in a field by Desborough-road, Plymouth, on Tuesday with deceased, when the latter fell into a pond. Deceased was running down a hill towards the pond, and, being unable to stop himself, fell in. - Frederick Wedlake, a labourer, 63 Cotehele-avenue, said he arrived just in time to see deceased sink. He partly undressed and waded into the water up to neck, and made many attempts to rescue deceased with a garden rake. The Police recovered the body with a grapnel. - P.S. Tucker said he recovered the body in about six or eight feet of water. He fished out a dozen dead cats and dogs. The water was in a disgraceful condition. Anyone could enter the field; numberless children played there every day. The pond was about 120ft. long and about 70ft. wide. - The Coroner said it was a very sad case, but the owner of the property was not responsible, as the poor boy was trespassing; nor could the Corporation take any steps in the matter. He was sure, however, if he laid the case, as he would do, before Sir Michael Culme Seymour, the proprietor, it would receive his attention. A Juryman thought the pond a "death trap" and remarked that it could be filled in for £5. The Jury returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," sympathised with the relatives of deceased and commended Wedlake for his efforts at rescue.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 July 1899
OTTERY ST. MARY - Suicide At Newton Poppleford. - WILLIAM HARDING, a labourer, residing at Newton Poppleford, on Wednesday morning had his breakfast and made preparation for going to work, but his landlady found him lying in the back kitchen with his throat badly cut and a razor by his side. He was removed to Ottery St. Mary Cottage Hospital, where he died yesterday afternoon. Deceased, 48 years of age, was unmarried. - At the Inquest yesterday Elizabeth Rowe said deceased lodged at her house for several years and did no work for a fortnight until Monday last. On Tuesday night he said he had suffered enough during the day to kill a horse. He had eaten scarcely anything for some time. He retired to bed about nine o'clock quite sober. he had been drinking heavily during the previous fortnight. He got his breakfast on Wednesday morning and took her up a cup of tea. He said "Good-bye" to her three times, and waived his hands to and fro. A few minutes after she heard groans and went down and found deceased in the linhay. She called William Howe, who found deceased with his throat cut and a razor by his side. Dr Annerley, in reply to the Jury, said the fact of the man doing a hard day's work on an empty stomach in exceedingly hot weather would have a tendency to unhinge his mind if he had been drinking hard for a fortnight previous. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while temporarily Insane."

ROCKBEARE - Shocking Fatality Near Exeter. - On Thursday night a shocking fatality occurred at a house adjoining the Crown and Sceptre Inn, Rockbeare, about six miles from Exeter. MR ROBERT GIBBONS, butcher and dealer and brother of the landlord of the inn, went into a shed to work and it is supposed that he kicked against a loaded gun which had been placed against the wall. the weapon went off and the charge entered GIBBONS'S hip and penetrated some of the internal organs. Death must have been almost instantaneous. Deceased was about 50 years of age, and leaves a widow and family. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 July 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday relative to the death of WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, bookseller, aged 39, Saltash-street. - A. GRIFFITHS, nephew of and assistant to deceased, said when he went to work yesterday morning he found his uncle hanging in the store-room. He immediately cut deceased down, the rope being attached to a beam. Had never heard deceased threaten to take his life, nor had he heard of his having passed such a remark to anyone else. GRIFFITHS had been depressed of late. - Philip Steer, confectioner, Saltash-street, deposed to being called to the storeroom by the last witness. Deceased was then on the floor and apparently dead. To witness GRIFFITHS had mentioned in a neighbourly chat that he had some trouble, but did not state what about. - Dr Cash Reed, who was sent for, said deceased was probably dead before he was cut down. When he arrived life was extinct. Death was due to hanging. The Jury returned a verdict of Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane.

TOTNES - Bathing Fatality At Totnes. The Inquest. - At Totnes Grammar School yesterday an Inquest was held by Mr E Hacker relative to FREDERICK OUSDILLE BELATES BARBES, a boarder. the governors of the school present were Messrs. C. Barran, T. C. Kellock, J. R. L. Lloyd and T. W. Windeatt. Mr c. F. Rea (headmaster), Dr L. Hains (school medical officer) were also present and Mr E. Windeatt (clerk) watched the case on behalf of the endowed school governors. - MR CALVIN JACOB BELATES BARBES, residing at Perranporth, Cornwall, identified the deceased as his nephew and eldest son of MICHAEL BELATUS-BARBES, of Matthew Town, Inagua, chief magistrate and Deputy Governor of the island and Consul for Germany. Deceased was 17 years of age last March and had been a pupil at the Grammar School for about two years. - Vincent J. L. Hains, a pupil at the school, said on SAturday morning he and other boys went to bathe. Deceased went into the leat, which was the Grammar School's bathing place, and only three or four feet deep. Witness and others were going to bathe at the Weir. Deceased got out of the water and said he was going up to the Weir to bathe with them. Witness told him he was not to bathe up there, because Mr Rea's rules were not to allow any boy to go into deep water above the Weir unless he could swim 100 yards. Deceased was not a good swimmer and the rule applied to him. Witness, his brother, Whidborne Doran, and others got into the water, BARBES said he would go in also, and did so. - The Coroner: Was there any master to see the rule was carried out? - No. When deceased got into the water four of the boys swam across with him. BARBES swam across all right. It was nearly 20 yards across. There was no water running over the weir. Witness told deceased not to cross the river to go back again unless some of the boys were with him. They all went up to the salmon pass, deceased being with them. He must have left them and tried to cross the river again. Some of them were playing polo, when he heard a shout and saw Gibson and Doran swimming towards deceased. If it had not been for Whidborne, Doran would have been drowned by deceased clutching him. He saw Doran go under water and then he heard that deceased was drowned, and he rode to the police-station for assistance. - By Mr Windeatt: The water which adjoins the Grammar School field is the mill leat, which is perfectly safe? - Yes. - By the Coroner: Are the boys taught swimming? - The boys teach themselves. - Joseph Packenham Doran, a pupil, said he accompanied deceased when he swam across the first time. Then BARBES just got across without help. Witness did not see him start to swim back, and did not notice him until he saw him throw up his arms. Deceased appeared to try to shout, but the water prevented him. His head then went under and witness swam to his assistance. Deceased was then in the middle of the stream. - Witness shouted to the others and Hains, Gibson and Whidborne swam towards deceased. Witness on reaching the spot put his arm down to deceased, and he caught witness by the wrist and pulled him under. Another boy got witness away from deceased, and BARBES then sank. - P.C. Sandercock proved recovering the body by a boathook. Deceased had then been in the water about an hour. - Dr K. R. Smith said he was present when the body was recovered and life was extinct. - Harold Gibson gave evidence as to going to Doran's assistance with Hains. - Mr C. F. Rea. headmaster, asked by the coroner the rule of the school as to bathing, said it was that boys might bathe in the leat, which he considered perfectly safe for the smallest boy in the school, but that no boy should bathe in the dead water until he had received his permission. He required that they should all be able to swim 100 yards and get their parents' permission, as he would not incur the responsibility. The deceased had not got witness's permission. - The Coroner said the boys did all they could, and were entitled to commendation for the efforts they made to save their schoolfellow. It had been clearly explained to them by Mr. Rea what the rule of the school was, for it was a well-understood and a very proper rule to make. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added rider that a stated time should be given to the boys for bathing, and that they should be accompanied by a master or someone in authority. The Jury also expressed sympathy with deceased's relatives.

STOKE DAMEREL - Saltash Bathing Fatality. - The Borough Coroner of Devonport (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry yesterday relating to the death of PRIVATE BROWNING, aged 19, of 1st Worcester Regiment, who was drowned in the Hamoaze just below Saltash on Sunday, July 16th, and whose body was found on Sunday by the chief stoker H.M.S. Indus. Private A. H. Brooks said deceased, himself and another soldier (Private Goulding) walked to Saltash and after spending some time there took a boat from Saltash, intending to take the steamer from Northcorner. After passing Bull Point he (witness) saw deceased in the water about four yards from the boat, and he at once dived in after him. Deceased struggled violently and he (witness) was obliged to let him go to save his own life. Deceased could not swim. - Private W. Goulding, 1st Worcester Regiment, corroborated, adding that when deceased fell over he was steering, and witness threw him an oar, but for some unaccountable reason he did not catch hold of it. - Private Doust, R.M.L.I., on H.M.S. Triumph, said he saw the boat containing deceased and two others pass the ship and they did not seem to be thoroughly capable of managing the boat. He attributed the accident to the wash of the Saltash steamer Albert, which had just passed. A boat from H.M.S. Triumph was at once put off, but deceased had sunk before it could reach him. - The Coroner said it seemed strange that a man sitting in the stern should be thrown out by the wash of the water, yet the evidence left no room for doubt that that was what happened. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 July 1899
KINGSWEAR - SUSAN CRUTE, aged 70, wife of a gardener at Kingswear, was on Tuesday found by her husband dead on the sofa. About four hours before he left her apparently well except for a slight pain. At the Inquest last evening, Dr W. B. Kendall attributed death to heart disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 July 1899
PLYMOUTH - WILLIAM DAVIS, labourer, aged 63, residing at 6 Lower Batter-street, Plymouth, was on Tuesday morning sitting in a chair when he suddenly fell forward and died within a few minutes. Dr Cook, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to failure of the heart's action, and at the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

ST BUDEAUX - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at St. Budeaux yesterday concerning LOUISA BRYANT, 51, wife of THOMAS ABRAHAM BRYANT, naval pensioner, living at 5 Ernesettle-cottages. Between five and six o'clock on Wednesday morning, deceased was found dead in bed by her husband. He sent for Dr Smith, who found the woman had been dead several hours. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to failure of the heart's action, the result, probably, of an epileptic fit. A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 July 1899
DARTMOUTH - A Fatality Off Dartmouth. - Half a mile south-east of the Eastern Blackstone, off Dartmouth Harbour, yesterday morning, the body of JOHN JONES wine and spirit merchant, of Leicester, was found floating by William Stone and Robert Nunn, fishermen, who brought it to Dartmouth. At the Inquest, held in the afternoon by Mr R. W. Prideaux, Elizabeth Willcocks, sister of the deceased, said on July 11th she accompanied him from Torquay to Dartmouth in the excursion steamer Duchess of Devonshire. On the way back she was sitting by him in the stern. Near Berry Head attention was drawn to the fleet entering Torbay. Just previously deceased had been conversing with her. She felt a movement and, turning, missed him. He had gone overboard. She screamed "Man overboard." She saw him divest himself of his overcoat and swim for the ship. When he could swim no longer, he turned on his back and floated. A boat was launched, though this took a long time and a man jumped overboard, but they failed to reach the deceased before he sank. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said her brother had been in ill-health, but was recovering. - The Coroner: Was there anything to lead you to suppose he contemplated suicide? - Nothing whatever. He was recommended by the doctor to take a sea trip. - The Coroner said it rested with the Jury to say whether they should adjourn for further evidence. For his part, he thought if Mrs Willcocks, who was sitting by the side of deceased, did not know how he went over, no one else was likely to. The fact that deceased tried to get back to the steamer, and took off his overcoat when in the waster, entirely negatived the idea of suicide. Everything pointed to its being a lamentable accident. Probably deceased stood up with the intention of better observing the fleet, and over-balancing himself, fell overboard. A verdict of "Accidental Drowning" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, Plymouth, held an Inquest on Wednesday at Compton Inn relative to the death of ELLEN WADEBROOK ABEL, aged 48, wife of WILLIAM ABEL, plumber. Deceased visited a neighbour, Mary Ann Eddis and complained of being ill and almost immediately fell down unconscious. Dr Aldous was called, and made a post-mortem examination. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" (apoplexy) was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 August 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest yesterday at Stonehouse respecting the death of IRIS IRENE SMITH, aged seven months, daughter of THOMAS JAMES SMITH, Sergeant Royal Marines, living at 25 Market-street. The mother said the child had been delicate from birth and was fed on Neave's food and milk. She was seized with sickness and diarrhoea on Wednesday afternoon and died on the following morning. Mr w. E. Corbett, Surgeon, attributed death to acute inflammation of the bowels and diarrhoea, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Death From Lockjaw At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport Workhouse yesterday concerning the death of ELIZABETH EMMA CHAILL, (23) wife of a naval stoker but living apart from her husband. A fortnight ago the deceased it was stated knocked her knee against a cab wheel. the bruise festered and last Saturday as lockjaw supervened she was removed to the Workhouse Infirmary and died on Thursday. Lucy Stephenson, nurse at the Workhouse said when the deceased was admitted on Monday she was able to speak a little. The wound in the knee was very dirty. Mr F. F. Rowe, House Surgeon, stated that the lockjaw arose from a large ulcerated, foul wound on the knee joint about the size of half a crown, and penetrating to the bone, which was practically exposed. The Jury returned a verdict according to the medical evidence, adding that there was not sufficient evidence to shew how the wound was caused.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth Mr R. B. Johns held an Inquest, relative to the death of the fifteen months' old son of MR J. H. HOSKINS, 59 Union-street. The child was taken with slight sickness and feverishness in the morning, there appearing no cause for alarm. The child, however, died suddenly in the evening. Dr J. Steele Pearse attributed death to enteritis, due to the prevailing hot weather. The Jury, of whom Mr. T. H. Creber was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

BRIXHAM - MR JOHN HARRIS, a carpenter, of Brixham, died suddenly on Friday morning. HARRIS rose about six o'clock and complained to his wife of a pain in the side. She advised him to lie down on the sofa, and in attempting to do so he fell down and died. Dr R. N. Weekes, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope, due to heart disease and abscesses in the kidneys. At the Inquest on Saturday a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Fight At Devonport. - Formal proceedings only were taken at Devonport on Saturday in connection with the death of JOSEPH HORN, of 23 Sussex-road, Ford, who was killed during a fight with Private Arthur Giddings, R.M.L.I, at Charlotte-street, Morice Town. The Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) opened the Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, and after evidence of identification had been given by MINNIE HORN, the deceased's widow, the Inquiry was adjourned until Thursday morning at the Guildhall. Private Giddings was charged on remand with causing the death of HORN, and the further hearing was adjourned until Friday morning, upon the application of Mr J. P. Goldsmith, who appeared for the accused.

BIDEFORD - Fatal Fall At Bideford. - WILLIAM MOORE, a labourer, living at Orchard-hill, was on Wednesday last found at the foot of the stairs in the Castle Inn, Bideford, with a bad cut on his head. He died the next night and at the Inquest on Saturday, it was proved that death was due to a fracture of the skull. It was stated that deceased had had no drink at the Inn.

TEIGNMOUTH - Suicide Of A Teignmouth Tradesman. "An Awful Warning." - At Teignmouth on Saturday, Mr Kellock, Deputy coroner, held an Inquest relative to the death of FRANCIS KINGDON, a tradesman of the town. - The widow stated that deceased, 50 years of age, had been drinking heavily, and was worried over money matters. He took no food for days together, but would drink port wine by the half-pint, as much as four half-pints in one day, which he sent for on the sly. He got at the methylated spirit, which they sold and drank that. She tried all she could to keep him from the drink. Some time ago, he was sent away to Exminster Asylum as a wandering lunatic, and came home in June last. Between 10 and 11 o'clock on Thursday last he got very violent, and she told him if he was going on again she should leave him. He begged her not to have him put away; he dreaded it. He went to bed and chained the door, and then dragged the furniture against the door. He frequently did that as he had a fear that someone was coming into his room at night. She was worn out with watching him and she slept in another room. Next morning, hearing no sound of him moving, she looked in as far as she could open the door, and saw her husband kneeling by the side of the bed in a very peculiar position. She called a next door neighbour. - Mr William Robert Gilpin, jeweller, said deceased was a hard drinker, and at times was "off his head," though perfectly sensible when out of drink and quite capable of managing his business. When witness looked through the partly open door on Friday morning, he saw that deceased had hung himself and he sent for the Police. - P.C. Martin, who burst open the door, said deceased had torn a piece of the bed-sheet into a strip and made a noose for his neck, then threw the end over the knob of the rail at the foot of the bed. He placed himself in a kneeling position and suffocated himself. Witness tried artificial respiration after he cut deceased down. - Dr Alfred Hayward stated that he signed the certificate for his removal to the County Asylum in April last. He had delirium tremens, and was unmanageable. Early in June deceased was allowed home on probation. When he was out of drink he was a shrewd and business man. Witness and others persuaded deceased to give up the drink, but all to no purpose. When found deceased must have been dead at least six hours, mortis had set in. In his opinion deceased had been drinking the night before, and after he hanged himself he put out his hands to save himself, but could not do so. His arms were out-stretched towards the bed as if he had tried to lift himself. - The Coroner said no doubt the dread of his being put away to an Asylum preyed on deceased's mind. It was a "Frightful and Awful" warning, that a man who when sober was a good business tradesman, would through drink go so far as to take methylated spirit. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 August 1899
REVELSTOKE - At the Inquest at Noss Mayor yesterday touching the death of GEORGE AXWORTHY, 37, which occurred on Monday, a verdict was returned in accordance with the evidence of Dr Southmead, of Yelverton, who, having made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope, due to shock caused by deceased's head coming into contact with the ground whilst he was diving. The water was only 2 ½ feet deep at the spot where the accident occurred and deceased dived from a quay about six feet high, the first time successfully and the second with the sad result mentioned. A vote of sympathy with the widow and friends was passed and the Jury handed their fees to the family.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 August 1899
NEWTON ABBOT - Mr Coroner S. Hacker yesterday held an Inquest on SAMUEL SOLOMON FICE, who was found dead in bed at his lodgings, at 34 Beaumont, Newton, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatal Quarrel At Devonport. Inquest And Verdict. - At Devonport yesterday Mr J. A. Pearce, (Borough Coroner) held an adjourned Inquest into the circumstances attending the death of JOSEPH HORNE, 45 years, of 23 Sussex-road, Ford, rivetter in the Devonport Dockyard. Chief Constable Matters represented the Police, and Mr Goldsmith (instructed by the Admiralty) appeared on behalf of Private Arthur Giddings, Royal Marines, who has been charged with the manslaughter of deceased, and who attended the Inquest in the charge of two warders. Mr Harmand Graves was Foreman of the Jury. - Miss E. Rockey, barmaid at the Beehive Inn, Morice Town, said that about 8.30 on Thursday evening deceased came to the public house and was sober. About 10 o'clock two Marines, one of whom was Giddings came in and half an hour later Giddings and deceased exchanged some words, one calling the other a rogue, and the other replying "You are a rascal." She did not know which used these expressions, nor did she hear what led to them. Deceased took Giddings by the wrist, asked him to go outside and opened the door. There was no blow struck in the house, and she did not hear either of the men speak about fighting. Neither of the men was drunk. - By Mr Ledley: Do not remember the men playing any game that evening. - By the Foreman: HORNE was a very quiet man, and that was the first fight I remember him having. - John Pike, timberman, employed at the Keyham extension works, who went to the Beehive while the men were there, said he heard no discussion between them until the words "rogue" and "rascal" were used. HORNE then asked Giddings to go outside. Witness followed almost immediately and saw the two men closed and falling. Giddings falling under and HORNE on the top of him. Witness heard HORNE say, "I am on the top," and with the assistance of a lance-corporal of Marines witness tried to pull HORNE off, but he would not let go. Giddings said, "Make him loose; he has me by the throat." With a sudden jerk at HORNE'S arm witness made him let go, and then assisted Giddings to his feet and stood between them. HORNE put himself in a fighting attitude, walked around Giddings, and threatened he would finish him. Having got on high ground, HORNE made a run at Giddings and struck at him, but missed him. Giddings closed with HORNE, and the two fell again, HORNE being underneath. Witness assisted to pull the Marine off, and the lance-corporal assisted HORNE to his feet. A crowd had gathered by this time and witness next saw HORNE holding Giddings by the two arms and Giddings holding him. Giddings said, "Loose my arms," to which HORNE replied, "You loose mine." Giddings let go, but HORNE still hung on to the Marine. Giddings repeatedly asked HORNE to let go his arms, but HORNE shook him, called him bad names and threatened to finish him. Giddings wriggled himself from HORNE'S grip, but they closed again and both fell, with the marine on top and HORNE'S head struck the ground violently. Giddings was pulled off by the corporal and another marine and taken away. Witness went to HORNE'S assistance and putting his hand to his head found he had a nasty blow. HORNE, who was unconscious, was removed to the footpath and soon afterwards removed by the Police. Witness did not see a proper blow struck by the men: their encounter was more like wrestling. HORNE was a very powerful man, and too big for the marine. He struck a terrific blow at the marine, but missed him. Witness could not say who was the aggressor. As far as he could see, it was a fair fight and he saw no foul play. When the men last fell he saw no blow struck by either of the men. He did not think Giddings knew, when taken away, that HORNE was unconscious. There were no loose stones on the road. He believed the two men were sober. - Henry Batten, Albert-road, gave similar evidence, and described the encounter as a "spar and close match." He did not hear the Marine use threatening language. - James Kennard, blacksmith's mate in the Royal Navy, lodging at the Beehive, heard HORNE asked Giddings to go outside. He could not say that HORNE was properly sober, but he thought Giddings was. - Lance-Corporal E. C. Sanderson, R.M.L.I., who went to the Beehive with Giddings said that while they were in the house HORNE and Giddings had an argument about a game of "rings," which they had been playing. HORNE called Giddings "a rascal," and the latter called HORNE "a rogue." Then HORNE called Giddings "a cur," and Giddings replied that HORNE was "a cur." At HORNE'S invitation they then went out and began to fight. After the two had been twice separated Giddings struck HORNE a blow in the face and the two fell, HORNE, who was bottom, striking his head against a stone. Witness then took Giddings away, having no idea that HORNE was more than stunned. - P.C. Williams had HORNE removed on a stretcher after the fight and next morning went to the Royal Naval Barracks, where Miss Rockey and Kennard identified Giddings. When charged with causing the death of HORNE he made no reply. In HORNE'S pocket witness found papers relating to betting. - P.C. Irish said that when removed on a stretcher HORNE moved his arms and legs a little. He was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where a nurse said he was dead. - Dr F. E. Row, Police Surgeon, who made a post-mortem examination, said the body was that of a man tall, well-developed and muscular. There was a bruise on the lower part of the left leg, and several scars of old wounds on different parts of the body. Over the knuckles of the ring and little fingers of the left hand there were a large bruise and damaged skin. There were also an abrasion and bruise at the back of the left wrist, a slight recent bruise in the left groin. At the right side of the back of the head was a contused wound about an inch in length, going almost to the bone, but not exposing the bone. There was a slight scratch over the left eyebrow, but no other external wounds. The lining of the skull was much bruised and there was some haemorrhage between the scalp and the bone. There was no fracture of the skull itself. On the under surface of the brain was an extensive haemorrhage. Round the left kidney was also haemorrhage, and from the size and appearance of the kidneys he thought the deceased was suffering from some slow form of Bright's disease. The heart was also slightly enlarged. There were no broken ribs or other bones. In his opinion death was due to pressure on the brain, caused by haemorrhage at the base, due to an injury on the outside of the skull. This injury might have been caused by a heavy fall on a stone or kerb or other hard surface. The Bright's disease would not account for death. - Dr W. H. Davis, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, corroborated. - The Coroner asked Giddings whether he wished to give evidence. - Mr Goldsmith said that on the whole he would advise him not to give evidence, simply because of subsequent proceedings, but he could do what he liked. - Giddings said he did not wish to give evidence. - The Coroner, in summing up, said that if the Jury were fully satisfied that an argument arose, that the men went outside to fight and did fight, that during the course of that fight the deceased received a blow and fell or was knocked down ,he had to tell them that their duty would be to return a verdict of manslaughter because the rules on the point were very clear that if two men quarrelled and fought, and in the fight one was killed, it was a clear case of manslaughter. If the Jury thought the men were not fighting but were having a bit of fun, and that deceased was pushed down accidentally and received injury from which he died, they could bring in a verdict of "Death from Misadventure, " but in this case there was the undoubted fact that the men were fighting. - The Jury, after deliberating in private for a quarter of an hour, found that Giddings, by misfortune, and against his will, killed the deceased. - The Coroner explained that this was the formal way of recording a verdict of "Death by Misadventure."

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 August 1899
SYDENHAM DAMEREL - GEORGE ROWE, 64, miner, was the subject of an Inquest yesterday at the village of Townlake, in the parish of Sydenham Damerel, near Tavistock. It appeared that deceased came home from work at the Devon Great Consols Mine on Thursday to dinner, ate a hearty meal and subsequently slept for half an hour. Between three and four o'clock he commenced spitting blood and died shortly afterwards before a medical man could be called. Dr Snowdon Smith, of Tavistock, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to the rupture of a blood vessel. Verdict accordingly.

NEWTON ABBOT - Seaman Killed At Newton Abbot. - An Inquest was opened yesterday evening at the Newton Abbot Hospital, on the body of HENRY LEONARD DREW, aged 24, a seaman in the Royal Navy, who was found on the railway at Aller, as reported yesterday. Deceased was on leave of absence after serving three years on board the cruiser Pallas, and was to have returned to the Cambridge at Devonport on Thursday. The father, JAMES DREW, 2 Fair-cottages, Upton, Torquay, jeweller, identified the body and said his son had tea at home on Wednesday and left with the intention of going to Newton. He knew nothing further of his movements until he received a telegram from Newton Hospital, saying his son had met with an accident. Deceased was quite unconscious when he arrived, and unable to give him any account of the occurrence. He was not alarmed by his son not returning home, because he said before leaving home "I may stay at Newton tonight, but I shall be home in the morning." - A small piece of serge was found on an engine and a Juryman thought it was similar to one of the garments worn by the deceased. - The witness was unable to throw any light upon the cause of the death of his son. The Inquest was adjourned until Monday.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - Death From Gas Poisoning At Plymouth. Alleged Defective Workmanship. - Mr J. C. Graves, Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, opened an Inquiry on Saturday at 7 Crescent-avenue concerning the death from an escape of gas, of HENRY ADYE BUCHAN, aged two-and-a-half years, youngest son of MRS BEATRICE CAROLINE BUCHAN, widow of the late DR BUCHAN. Mr Eric Ward attended on behalf of the relatives of the deceased, and Mr T. H. Geake for Messrs. Pethick, owners of the house and the Plymouth Gas company. Mr Wm. Hearder was Foreman of the Jury. - Lena Richards, servant to MRS BUCHAN, stated that on Thursday afternoon she took the deceased child to see his mother at the Pears Convalescent Home, where MRS BUCHAN has been engaged day and night in the absence of the matron on her holidays. Witness returned in the evening and put the child to bed about 7.30. The bedroom was the largest in the house and both the door and window were left open. At 9.15 she went to the room, when she found the deceased lying over the side rail of his cot, as though in the act of climbing into the adjoining bed. On lifting the child up she saw he was insensible, and she thought he was dead. She did not notice a smell of gas in the room. She went for the assistance of Mr Clarke, livery stable keeper, and Drs. Woollcombe and Turner were sent for. On the Wednesday, when she went to light the gas stove, she found there was no supply of gas, although the meter tap was turned on. A smell of gas in the house had been discovered by MRS BUCHAN on Monday. Witness communicated on Wednesday with the gas company, and also with Messrs. Pethick's foreman, and at five o'clock in the afternoon the foreman and a plumber, and a man from the gas company, visited the house. They attended to the meter and the gas flowed again. The smell of gas was very bad on the Monday all over the house. On Thursday morning Messrs. Pethick's plumber was in the house and at her request he went upstairs into the bedroom to see to a smell of gas, about which she consulted him. He found that the tap of the incandescent light was turned on, and he struck a match and lit the gas. He also went into the drawing-room and the back room and made similar discoveries there. - Dr Walter Ley Woollcombe said he found the deceased child apparently lifeless. Dr Turner had then just arrived. Artificial respiration was commenced and in about forty minutes there was a slight restoration of animation. At the end of an hour the child was breathing naturally, although still unconscious. He remained in this condition up to about midnight. He then became worse and developed symptoms of a clot of blood in the brain. Dr turner having retired, at MRS BUCHAN'S request, witness called in Dr Swain to see the child, and he agreed with witness as to his condition. At 3.30 a.m. on Friday the child died. he had made a post-mortem examination that morning, and in his opinion the deceased died from asphyxia, due to gas-poisoning, following by thrombosis (or clot) of one of the vessels in the brain. - In reply to the Deputy Coroner, Dr Woollcombe said when he entered the house on Thursday evening he perceived a strong smell of gas, and he also found a similarly strong smell when he went into the child's bedroom at two o'clock, although the meter had been turned off two or three hours. - Replying to Mr Ward, witness said he understood that the door of the bedroom was closed. Assuming, however, that both the door and the window were open, it was certainly unusual for suffocation by gas to take place in such a short time. He did not know sufficient about the nature of the gas to express an opinion as to what effect it might have under the circumstances. - Thomas Winter, plumber, in the employ of Messrs. Bruford, said he was sent to MRS BUCHAN'S house on Friday to examine all the gas fittings and find a leakage. At the request of MRS BUCHAN, he went into the child's bedroom. He had the gas turned on at the meter, and within three minutes the stench was so bad that one could not stop in the room. He took up the carpet and flooring, but found no leak, either in the room or on the landing. In the next room, however, underneath the floor he found a piece of lead pipe, which was the branch supply pipe for the gas pendant below. In this piece of pipe there was a fracture, the opening being sufficient to supply three ordinary lights. - At this stage the Foreman and several other Jurors visited the room in which the leakage was discovered, and the Foreman said in his opinion, as a practical man, the iron pipe was very badly fixed, and should have been supported by a couple of blocks. - Witness, proceeding, also said that in his opinion the pipe to which the branch was connected was very improperly fixed; when a junction was made for the pendant this pipe should have been lifted and permanently supported. - Percy Hicks Lean, plumber, in the employ of S. Hawken and Son, contractors to Messrs. Pethick for their houses in Crescent-avenue, said he and another workman named Rowe, laid all the main iron pipes through the house for the gas supply, leaving the connection holes open. Having examined the gas pipe in the bedroom floor, witness said it was practically as he left it and considered it was laid in a workmanlike manner, all ready for connection. The fracture was not in his work. On Wednesday afternoon he was called to the house about the gas, and on opening the meter found it was at fault and this was corrected. - The Deputy Coroner: No doubt those in the house mistook the meter as the cause of the smell? - Witness: Yes. Continuing, he said on Thursday, at the request of the servant, he went into the upstairs bedroom and two rooms downstairs, where he perceived a strong smell of gas, which he attributed to escapes from the taps being turned on and not lit. In the front room the taps were on fully and on discovering this he struck a match and lit the gas. Replying to a question, witness said the junction, consisting partly of the piece of lead pipe containing the fracture which caused the leakage, was put in by a man in the employ of Mr Ford. - The Foreman said he considered that the junction was not properly fixed and that the man who put it in should be called and asked why he did not provide proper supports. - The Jury agreed and the Inquest was adjourned for this purpose until Thursday week, the 24th inst. - The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon, the first half of the service being conducted at St. Peter's Church by the Rev. B. Kingsley. Four members of the G.W.R. Ambulance Brigade were the bearers.

KINGSBRIDGE - Suicide Near Kingsbridge. A Butler Blows Out His Brains. - An Inquest was held on Saturday at Buckland House near Kingsbridge, on the body of JOHN WILSON, butler, in the employ of Mr H. F. Brunskill, who resides there. Deceased was found dead in his bedroom on Friday afternoon; a gun was by his side, and part of his face and head was blown away. The evidence of deceased's wife shewed that about noon on Friday, when she last saw him alive, he seemed in his usual health. His mother died last October, and there had been a good deal of unpleasantness in the family on money matters which worried him. He was about to leave at the end of the month and was afraid he could not get another place, and considered Mr and Mrs Brunskill had turned against him. He fancied his master was cool to him and if he did not leave he would be turned off, although there had been no unpleasantness. Mrs Brunskill last saw deceased at 1.45 on Friday, when he seemed peculiar, not speaking as usual. They were perfectly satisfied with him, and he had no reason to think they were going to dismiss him. - Emily Burton, nurse, heard a gun fired at 2.15, which she thought was in the house, another servant also having heard it from the kitchen. - Lydia Damarell, charwoman, working in the house, heard a gun and went to see where the sound came from. Looking through the keyhole of deceased's bedroom, saw his body on the floor, and a policeman was sent for. - P.C. Squires, East Allington, went to Buckland House at 3 o'clock on Friday and deceased's bedroom being locked, procured a ladder and entered by the window. Deceased was lying on his back upon the floor, quite dead, the gun lying between his legs with a pair of scissors by the stock. The left side of his face was blown away, the brain and part of the skull lying on the floor. - Mr Brunskill said deceased had been in his service about three years, was quiet and had been a faithful servant. There was no foundation for his fear of being dismissed. He never had a better servant, and was absolutely certain he would not have shot himself if he had been in his right mind. A verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 August 1899
NEWTON ABBOT - The Railway Mystery At Newton Abbot. - An adjourned Inquest was held at the Newton Abbot Hospital last evening by Mr Coroner Hacker on HENRY LEONARD DREW, 24, seaman R.N., who died in that Institution on Thursday last. On the previous occasion on which the Jury met, JAMES DREW, 2 Fair-cottages, jeweller, identified deceased as his son, who left home on Wednesday with the intention of going to Newton Abbot, telling his father he might stay there the night, but would return home on Thursday morning. - Harry Jones, 29 Penrose-street, Plymouth, goods guard on the G.W.R., said he was working the goods train from Plymouth to Newton Abbot, at about 4.30 a.m., his attention was called by the driver to a man lying on the four footway on the down line of the Torquay branch. Both went to the man's assistance, and found he was wounded in the head, and that one of his feet was injured. They put the man on a plank and brought him to the station, whence he was taken to the Hospital on the station ambulance. On the way he asked to have his head raised. He said nothing about the accident. - J. Davey, driver of engine No. 1148, on whose engine a small piece of serge was found similar to that of which the deceased's clothes were made, said he felt no jerk of the engine on working the 10.10 p.m. train on Wednesday, but could not say whether he went over a man or not. - Edwin Chandler, engine driver, proved finding the serge referred to on the engine No. 1148. It was on a rod under the engine. There were no marks of blood. - Louisa King searched the clothes of the deceased and found a watch, a box of matches, and 5s. 8d. in money. There was no railway ticket. - Dr Margraves said deceased had three severe wounds in the head, the left arm was fractured and one of the feet crushed. Deceased was able to give his name and address, but unable to answer other questions as to the cause of his injuries. He died at nine o'clock the same evening. - Inspector Thomas Tonkins said there was evidence that the body was dragged 21 yards on the Torquay down line. - The coroner said there was no evidence of any person seeing the deceased after he left Torquay until he was found on the line, but there was nothing to suggest that violence had been used to deceased by any person or any suspicion of foul play. - The Jury returned an Open Verdict.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 August 1899
TAWSTOCK - MRS MARIA HILL, aged 73, of Tawstock, was walking on the highway when an ulcer in her leg burst with the result that she died in a few minutes. At the Inquest Dr Ware said death was due to syncope, caused by loss of blood.

Western Morning News, Thursday 17 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - At the Forester's Hall, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest relative to the sudden death of NANNY EDDY, 75, of 21 Bath-street. Dr J. Steele Pearse attributed death to syncope. the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 August 1899
TORQUAY - Killed By A Runaway Horse. The Danger Of Unsecured Horses At Torquay. - At Torquay last night Mr Coroner Hacker conducted an Inquiry relative to the death of MR C. HEAWOOD, of the Brake, Teignmouth-road, who was knocked down by a runaway horse on Wednesday morning near Tor Station, and killed, MR J. HEAWOOD, of Wedmore, Somerset, brother of deceased, said deceased was 65 years of age and was a bachelor. J. A. Inch, cab-driver, of Braddon's-hill, stated that about 12.30 as he was driving from Tor Station, he saw deceased walking in the middle of the road towards the town. As deceased was passing the end of St. Michael's-road a runaway pony dashed down the hill at a great pace. Witness just managed to get out of the way with his cab and he shouted to deceased to "look out." Turning round witness saw either the horse's head or the shaft strike deceased on the left side and knock him with great force against the wall of the Clarence Hotel. The horse also dashed into the wall and broke its neck. There was no-one in the cart and the reins were dragging on the ground. W. H. Head, carter in the employ of Farrant and Co. gave corroborative evidence. - Ethel [?] aged 11, who lives with her parents at Tor Mount stated that whilst standing in the drive she saw a horse attached to a butcher's cart come down St Michael's-road. She ran up the drive and told the butcher's lad, who was just leaving the Mount. She had previously seen the butcher arrive and leave his trap. He did not tie the horse up. [Note: Rest of the article very faint and unreadable - but verdict just about legible as " Accidental Death."]

PLYMOUTH - The Fatal Tramcar Accident At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest on Wednesday at Harvest Home Inn, Tavistock-road, Plymouth, concerning the death of EDITH MAY URRY, aged 2 ½ years, daughter of JAMES UREY, bookbinder of 42 Clarence-street. The child was knocked down and run over by a Corporation tramcar on the previous evening. - John Jordan, carpenter of 32 Clarence-street, who witnessed the accident said the child ran right in under the horses and P.C. Woodfin stated that the car was going at a walking pace at the time. - Charles Gilbert, driver of the car, said he did not see the child and stopped the horses as quickly as possible. It was stated that after the child had been knocked down by the horses one wheel passed partly over her, whereby she sustained terrible internal injuries, including crushing of the ribs, chest and neck. In the opinion of Dr Brenton, who saw the child a few minutes after the occurrence, death was instantaneous. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the Jury exonerated the driver from blame.

Western Morning News, Saturday 19 August 1899
ST BUDEAUX - An Inquest was held last evening by Mr Rodd at Honicknowle relative to the death of THIRZA TRACE, aged eight months, daughter of JOHN TRACE, labourer, 6 Butt Park-terrace. The child was taken with fits at midnight on Wednesday, and died before the arrival of a medical man. Mr A. Rendle, Surgeon, Devonport, attributed death to convulsions and a verdict to that effect was returned.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Death From Excessive Drinking At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Workhouse yesterday afternoon concerning the death of JOHN ELLIOTT, 36, who died the previous day. Robert sitters, bootmaker, 28 Hobart-street, stated that the deceased had been a tenant in his house for twelve years. his wife left him about ten months ago, and since then he had given away to drink, more especially during the last month, when he had no work to do. He was a boot and shoemaker by trade, but had worked principally in the docks. He had got stupid lately through drink, and was "quite off his head" on Friday, when, on the recommendation of Mr T. Leah, Medical Officer, he was removed to the Workhouse. - Mr Leah said when he saw deceased at 28 Hobart-street, eight or ten days since he was suffering from delirium tremens. He was removed to the Workhouse in an unconscious state and died on Thursday afternoon from inflammation of the brain, due to excessive drinking. A verdict to this effect was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Street Accident In Plymouth. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of CORNELIUS WILLIAMS, aged 78, who died from injuries received on Wednesday. The deceased, who had been an inmate of Plymouth Workhouse since 1880, was out on leave on Wednesday. He was crossing Union-street, near the Railway Arch, when a pony attached to a fish cart shied and bolted, pulling the driver, a youth named Charles Gale, of Hoe-street, from his seat. The shaft of the cart struck deceased in the side, knocking him down. At the Hospital it was found that some of his ribs had been fractured and that he had concussion of the brain. He died the same evening. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, and the driver of the cart exonerated from blame, as the pony was only proceeding at a walking pace before it shied.

Western Morning News, Monday 21 August 1899
TORQUAY - Suspicious Death At Torquay. Alleged Neglect In Newton Workhouse. - At Torquay on Saturday, Mr S. Hacker commenced an Inquest relative to the death of a baby girl, aged 12 months, the child of a woman named UGLOW, residing in George-street. MRS UGLOW, the mother, stated that she was recently sent to prison for fourteen days. The child was taken from her at Newton Abbot Station and carried to the Workhouse. She was then quite well and strong and was able to pull herself up on her feet. That was on August 4th. On August 18th when she left the prison, she called at Newton Workhouse for the baby on her way home. On seeing the baby, which was brought to her in a blanket by the porter's wife, she said "That is not my baby." The child's eyes were sunk in her head and she looked very ill. She told the nurse it had apparently been starved to death and was dying. the nurse replied that she had taken her milk and was quite well. When dressing the baby she (the mother) saw bruises on her back and arms. She called the attention of the nurse and portress to them. Neither of them could give any explanation. When witness reached Torquay on Thursday she took the child to Inspector Brown of the N.S.P.C.C. and he said the child was dying, and told her to take her to a doctor. She saw Dr Cook's assistant, who told her to give the child milk and he would send a prescription in the morning. When witness fed the child she was unable to retain the milk. The baby got weaker and died on Friday morning. - Miss Haydon Pyke, who has charge of the infants in Newton Abbot Workhouse, said when admitted the child appeared in good health, although she was small. The baby grieved a good deal on the first two days, but after that she appeared contented and happy. She had a pint of milk each day, and another pint at night. When the mother came for the child, she said, "My baby doesn't look half so well," and added that she gave the baby sops and fish. If a child had been used to sops she would feel the want of them. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said she did not notice that the child was getting worse than when she was brought to the Workhouse. Dr Culross, the Workhouse Medical Officer, visited the ward to see two other children, and asked if all the others were well, and she told him they were. There were ten infants in the nursery, but only five "bottle babies." Deceased took her milk and digested it. Witness was in the nursery from 6.30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Was the child as well when you delivered her to her mother as when she was brought to the Workhouse? - Yes. Did the mother tell you the child was dying? - She said it did not look so big as when she last saw it; but the baby was in good health. - The Coroner: You have heard there were bruises on the child? - Witness replied that she undressed the baby on Tuesday night. there were no bruises on her then. The mother did not complain of any bruises. - The Coroner said the night nurse ought to be present. They must have some explanation of the bruises. - MRS UGLOW, recalled, said she drew the nurse's attention to the bruises. "She is a bad young woman to stand there and tell such stories." - The Coroner told MRS UGLOW she could have complained to the Workhouse Master or Matron. - MRS UGLOW did not know anything about that. - The nurse again denied that her attention was called to any bruises. The baby was taking the bottle as she left the Workhouse. - Mr O'Donaghue, one of the Jury, stated that he was at Newton Station when the child was taken from the mother on August 4th. As he passed MRS UGLOW he heard her say the child was dying. - Inspector Brown, N.S.P.C.C. had his attention first called to the child when she was four months old. The mother was then sent to prison for neglecting the baby and keeping her out late at night. MRS UGLOW had since conducted herself better, and the child had grown strong. On Wednesday last, when MRS UGLOW brought the baby to him, he saw that she was dying. - A Juryman: That was the day the nurse says it was in good health. - Witness said the baby was moaning. He examined the child and found a bruise on each arm and another on the right temple. - The Coroner: That must have been apparent to anyone. - Witness: Yes. There were two bruises on the child's back, apparently two or three days old. - A Juryman: could they have been inflicted that day? - Witness: No. - Dr Cook said he saw the baby on Thursday evening. She was then greatly emaciated and was suffering from gastric catarrh. She could not digest anything. The disease was caused either by bad ventilation or bad feeding. The child was on the border line between life and death, and must have shewn signs of illness for a week or ten days. It appeared to him that the child had not been properly cared for. Anybody would have noticed the child's emaciation. The mother called his attention to five bruises, which were three or four days old. They were turning yellow. The bruise on the temple was the only serious one. On Friday convulsions set in and death was caused by convulsions produced by gastric catarrh. - The Coroner said it was necessary to get further evidence from the Workhouse, and he adjourned the Inquest until today. - The nurse applied for permission to see the bruises on the child's body and this was granted. The proceedings lasted several hours.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - Shunting Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr John Graves (Deputy Coroner) held an Inquest yesterday on the body of JOHN LANGDON, 20, shunter in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, who was killed while at work at North-road Station, Plymouth, on Sunday morning. - Inspector W. J. Millman represented the railway company. The body was identified by WILLIAM LANGDON, shunter, North-road, brother of the deceased. - Samuel Gill, foreman shunter, said at 10.30 on Sunday morning he sent deceased with a coach attached to a shunting engine along the up main line to the long siding. Deceased was sitting on the carriage step, as was usual, and was still sitting there when the coach returned. Witness coupled the coaches and then came out and signalled the driver to start, deceased being still on the step. witness got into the sixth coach from deceased and crossed through to the window on the other side and signalled the driver when necessary. he then returned through the carriage and after closing the door saw deceased's cap on the ground and afterwards his dead body. The train had run over his neck and a carriage wheel was against the neck. Witness could not account for the occurrence. Deceased was an experienced shunter and was on the carriage step in the performance of his duty before the accident. - By the Jury: There was nothing to knock him off the step, and he could not strike the bridge unless he leaned from the carriage. Shunters could get into the carriages if they wished, but there were no instructions to do so, and it was customary for them to ride on the steps. - The Jury returned a verdict to the effect that "Deceased met with his death Accidentally," but as to the manner in which the accident was caused there was no evidence to shew.

STOKE DAMEREL - Burned To Death At Devonport. A Dangerous Toy. - Mr J. A Pearce held an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, respecting the death of VERA ROSINA SMITH, 7, daughter of MR W. ELLIOT SMITH, carpenter, 8 Somerset-cottages, Stoke, who died from burns. - Nicholas Williams, a youth, of 17 Godolphin-terrace, said that on Friday morning he was getting up steam in a toy engine and had filled the lamp with methylated spirit and the boiler with water. The deceased and her brother were standing by. Finding the engine would not move when steam was up, he gave it a slight kick to start it, as was usual. The engine went off, leaving the lamp behind, as the kick had detached it from the locomotive. Deceased was bending over the engine, and the jet of flame caught her muslin pinafore. Witness tired to take the burning pinafore off, but could not do so, and the girl's screams attracted attention. The lamp became detached owing to the loss of a staple, and had frequently dropped out of position. When the engine was about to start, he told deceased to get out of the way. The wind blew her pinafore on to the flame. He had learnt how to work the engine from his father, a torpedo gunner. - Mrs Williams deposed to hearing screams and finding the deceased in flames near the back door. The flames were put out. The occasion of the accident was the first time her boy had taken the engine out of doors. She did not know that it was defective, or he would not have been allowed to use it. - Mrs Matthews deposed to seeing the lad Williams trying to extinguish the flames. - Thomas Richards, harnessmaker, who assisted in wrapping things round the child, and Samuel Perkins, who conveyed the deceased to the Royal Albert Hospital, also gave evidence. The latter stated that when he reached the back of Godolphin-terrace, as a result of hearing screams, he thought a bundle of wood was blazing, but found it was a girl's clothes on fire. - Mr W. H. Davis, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, described the injuries and said the case was hopeless from the first. - The Coroner referred to the satisfactory manner in which the lad Williams had given his evidence, and said he appeared to thoroughly understand the mechanism of the engine. - Some of the Jurors expressed a desire to be assured that the engine should not be used any further in its defective condition. - The Coroner said no doubt any reasonable suggestion would be complied with by Mrs Williams. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed their sympathy with the parents, and in this the Coroner concurred. Mrs Williams promised that the engine should not be used any more.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Drowning Case. A Dangerous Resort. - At Devonport Guildhall last evening an Inquest was held by Mr J. A. Pearce concerning the death of ALBERT EDGAR MEDHURST, 11, son of MR CLAUDE MEDHURST, 4 Clowance-street, who was drowned on Saturday evening. - The father stated that he had repeatedly cautioned his lads against going near the water. On Saturday evening before leaving home with his wife he told FREDERICK that he could go out with his brother (the deceased) until seven o'clock. - FREDK. MEDHURST stated that on leaving home they went to Stonehouse Pool and got on the timbers to play. They passed from one baulk to another until they ultimately reached two big ones. The one on which the deceased was floating commenced to shake, and he tried to return to the one on which witness was standing. He had his hands on one baulk and his feet on another and in trying to jump he slipped, caught hold of witness and pulled him into the water. After witness had sunk twice someone came to his assistance. By this time his brother had disappeared. The timbers on which they were floating were close to the boom which kept the baulks within the boundary. They had been on the timbers before. - William Marshall, 10 Queen-street, Devonport and George Honey, 9 High-street, Stonehouse, deposed to hearing cries for help and going to the assistance of the boys. The last-named, who was in a boat in the Creek, jumped into the water and caught hold of ALBERT, whilst Mr Marshall, who witnessed the occurrence from the Station-yard, said he reached the spot with great difficulty owing to the timber being dangerous to walk upon. - The witness Honey expressed the opinion that if Mr Marshall had jumped into the water the other lad might have been saved. - Asked by the father who got the deceased from under the timbers, witness said it was Mr Winnian of the Rectory Estate. He did not know if Marshall could swim. - Mr Winnian said he arrived at the scene of the accident soon after Marshall. If Marshall could have swum the boy's life might have been saved, and he expressed the opinion at the time. Marshall reached the body with a paddle. The water was from nine to ten feet deep and the deceased was about thirty yards from the shore. Mr Winnian complained of the timbers being used by young men for bathing from on Sunday afternoons, and of the ease with which children were able to reach the place. - P.C. Spry deposed to the efforts which were made to restore animation. Boys thought they had a right to use the place for bathing, fishing and playing on the timbers. - Mr Floyd Collings, surgeon, said when he arrived on the scene life was extinct. - Mr Marshall, recalled, complained of the allegation lodged against him. The place was very dangerous and it was quicker to use a boat which was handy than to attempt to swim with clothes on from twenty-five to thirty yards. - Mr Winnian, questioned by Mr Marshall, said it was a Mr Pearce of the Rectory Estate, who actually got the deceased out of the water, with the assistance of Mr Marshall and himself (Winnian.) - The father of the deceased then said he was satisfied that everyone did the best to save the lad and he was deeply indebted to all who assisted. The Jury thought that both Marshall and Winnian did their utmost. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" and directed the Coroner to make a representation to the proper quarter to prevent the place being used for bathing and other purposes. Acknowledging a vote of sympathy, MR MEDHURST thanked the Police and others who assisted in the efforts to restore animation.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Fatal Accident On The Battleship Ocean. - Mr Rodd held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, respecting the death of ROBERT JOHN BINMORE, labourer, who met with an accident on board the battleship Ocean on July 29th, at Devonport. Mr K. E. Peek (Messrs. Venning and Goldsmith) was present on behalf of the Admiralty. - James Gallagher, pensioner, High-street, Stonehouse, employed on board the Ocean, said deceased was carrying cooking utensils from the galley to the gunroom. Whilst descending the hatchway his foot slipped and he fell ten feet across an iron bar, striking his right side. Having both hands full, deceased was unable to catch hold of the iron railing. There was no one else on the ladder at the time. The ladder was a temporary one and a little rough. Deceased had used the ladder several times previously on the same day, and was very active for his age. - By the Foreman (Mr Barnes): The ladder was a wooden one and a little oil had got on it. Deceased could have carried the utensils in a basket if he had so desired. Dr William Hackett, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on July 29th suffering from shock and collapse. The fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh ribs on the right side were fractured, and the lungs and kidneys had also been injured. BINMORE told witness that he slipped whilst on board the Ocean, and that no one was to blame. Deceased got on very well until haemorrhage of the kidneys set in. Death occurred on Saturday, at 8.15 a.m. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

EAST STONEHOUSE - Death Of A Child In Stonehouse Workhouse. Alleged Callous Treatment By A Mother. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Stonehouse Workhouse yesterday relative to the death of WILLIAM HARRISON, aged 14 months. EMILY HARRISON, the mother, said her husband deserted her in December last, when they were living at ford. She and deceased were admitted to the Workhouse on the 12th inst., the baby suffering from diarrhoea. Mr Leah, the Medical Officer, told her the child was not to leave the Workhouse, but she took her discharge on Thursday morning, the 17th, carrying deceased with her. The matron gave witness a pint of new milk for the baby. Whilst out she met Mr Leah, who advised her to return to the Workhouse, and she did so. She had only been away two hours, having visited a friend in Newport-street. The nurse cautioned witness against taking the child out, but she persisted in doing so, having a desire to get among friends. - Nurse Stephens stated that deceased died at 6 a.m. on Saturday. On Thursday the mother persisted in taking the child out of the Workhouse against the instructions of Mr Leah and witness. When the mother returned, two hours afterwards, the child appeared very exhausted. Witness told HARRISON that if she insisted on taking the child out she would be responsible. - The Coroner: The child ought not to have been allowed to leave the Workhouse. - The Nurse: I was of opinion that I had no power to detain the mother of the child. - The Coroner: Seeing the doctor's orders, the child should not have been allowed to go. The mother acted in a callous manner and you, no doubt in ignorance, allowed the child to leave the Workhouse. - Mr Leah said he gave strict orders to the mother that the child, being so ill, was not to leave the Workhouse. As soon as he saw the mother with the child in Stonehouse streets he ordered her to return to the Workhouse. The child died of diarrhoea. In any event deceased would have died, but taking the child out might have accelerated death. He thought that parents, by giving proper notice, had power to remove children from the Workhouse. - The Coroner: If the removal of a person from the Workhouse Infirmary is likely to cause death, I should think any official who would not allow the patient to be removed would be upheld. - Mr Leah: In Hospital parents will remove children rather than have an operation carried out, although the operation might save life. - The Foreman: The nurse does not appear to know what her powers are. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes," and cautioned the mother for disregarding the advice of the doctor and the nurse. - The Coroner, addressing the mother, said she had acted in a callous manner, and not exercised the care and attention expected of a mother. - Addressing the nurse, the Coroner said the Jury felt that she ought not to have allowed the child to leave the Workhouse Infirmary, considering how seriously ill it was. In any similar case she should consult the Master. - The Nurse: None of the officials here were aware that the mother could leave without taking the child. If mothers were allowed to leave without their children, the mothers might never return for them. - The Coroner: I feel sure that in any similar case if you refuse to allow a child seriously ill to leave the Workhouse, the Board of Guardians will support you. - The Nurse: I will bear in mind your expression of opinion.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 August 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that the infant daughter of MR J. LUCAS of 36 Levan-road, Ford, died from convulsions a few hours after birth on Sunday. It was stated that the mother had had ten children, five of whom died when young.

Western Morning News, Thursday 24 August 1899
SLAPTON - Shocking Fatality At Slapton. A Dangerous Lamp. - An Inquest was held on Tuesday at Slapton by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, relative to the death of MABEL ANNIE HEAD, aged 18, who died on Sunday morning from shock, the result of burns caused by the ignition of the bedclothes the previous night by her dropping asleep and letting fall a small lamp which she had been holding in her hand, to enable her to read from a prayer book. - Annie Orford, of Churshstow, wife of F. Orford, cutler, said deceased was her daughter, who had been living as domestic servant with Mrs Wyatt, of ivy Cottage, Slapton. Last Sunday morning at three o'clock she was informed of the accident and went to Ivy Cottage and saw deceased in bed. She told witness she had her book in one hand and the lamp in the other and fell back asleep. She remained with deceased until she died at 9.30 that morning. She also told witness she woke up all on fire and ran from her bedroom into Mrs Wyatt's and also that she was learning her Sunday lessons. - Mary Ann Wyatt, widow, said deceased was in her service as domestic servant. About ten o'clock on Saturday night, deceased went to bed having the lamp as a light. witness bought the lamp for 1 ½d. About half-past ten, she heard piercing screams and deceased came into her room in flames. She wrapped her head and body with a rug and succeeded in extinguishing the flames. She also found the bedclothes burnt. She got deceased back to bed and ran for assistance. The deceased's prayer-book was much burnt. William Jury, publican, Slapton, said on Saturday night he was called to Mrs Wyatt's and found the deceased sitting on the side of the bed in her room. Her arms, breast and chin were burnt very badly. He noticed the lamp and book produced lying on the bed and that the bed was burnt. - Edgar Swindell, Medical Practitioner, of Torrecross, said he was called to the deceased about 11 o'clock on Saturday night. Her arms were very much brunt; also the chin, the neck and lower part of the body. He dressed the burns and treated her. She was in a state of great collapse. He saw her again between one and two o'clock, when she was delirious and in great pain. He called about half-past nine on Sunday morning and found she was just dead. She died from shock, the result of the burns. - The Deputy Coroner commented strongly on the danger attending the use of such lamps as the poor girl was using. - The Jury, of whom Major-General Stokes was Foreman, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added the following rider:- The Jury wish to caution the public against the use of such lamps as the one produced. It is simply a glass bottle with a tin cup through which the wick runs. It has no globe or chimney to protect the flame, and if it is upset there is nothing to prevent the oil running out. They wee of opinion that the use of such lamps should be absolutely prohibited."

Western Morning News, Friday 25 August 1899
PLYMOUTH - Gas Poisoning At Plymouth. A Highly Dangerous Mixture. - At Plymouth yesterday Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, conducted the adjourned Inquiry respecting the death by gas poisoning of HENRY ADYE BUCHAN, aged 2 ½ years, son of MRS BEATRICE CAROLINE BUCHAN at 7 Crescent-avenue. Mr Eric Ward attended on behalf of the relatives of the deceased. Mr Elliot Square (for Mr T. H. Geake) represented Messrs. Pethick, owners of the house and also the Plymouth Gas Company; and Mr P. S. Snell appeared for Mr Ford, plumber. - The Deputy Coroner explained that the Inquiry was adjourned for the attendance of the man who made the connection with the iron pipe which played such an important part in the unfortunate affair. The point was whether the iron pipe was properly secured when the connection was made. Another question had been suggested by the newspapers, namely, the quality and composition of the gas supplied in Plymouth. At a previous Inquest that question was fully gone into and a Parliamentary Blue-book had since been published on the subject. He need hardly add that MRS BUCHAN had the fullest sympathy of the public in her trouble. - Edward Hockin, 13 Rosebury-avenue, said about eight weeks ago, whilst in the employ of Mr Ford, plumber, he attended to the gas fittings at 7 Crescent-avenue. It was his duty to fix brackets and pendants. He knew the room where the deceased child inhaled the gas, the pendant being below it. He found an iron pipe, such as is sometimes left by builders' plumbers. He made a connection with this by a composition pipe to supply the back parlour pendant. The iron pipe appeared to be sufficiently firm and taut, and without adding any further support he made the connection. - Do you say the iron pipe was properly fixed? - I could not say it was properly fixed, but it appeared to me to be firm. Witness added that he could only see a portion of the pipe when he was doing the work. - The Deputy Coroner warned witness that he was not bound to answer any question from which damaging inferences might be made. - The fractured lead pipe was produced, and witness having previously been informed that the evidence on the last occasion shewed that the iron pipe had "sagged" and that the pressure on the joint had caused the fracture, was asked how he accounted for it. He replied that it must have been caused by the pressure of the iron pipe, but at the time he did not see any necessity for providing further support for the connection. - By Mr Ward: He knew that shortly after he had done this work a leakage of gas occurred at the house, and one of Mr Ford's men attended to it. He added that he (witness) was not now in Mr Ford's employ. - By Mr Snell: When he had finished the job there was a space of two-and-a-half inches between the block and the main. He had had 23 years' experience in gas calling. - The Deputy Coroner asked witness whether it was not usual to block up the pipe; and the reply was that it was, in his judgment, not far enough from the ceiling of the room below to require this. - By Mr Square: With a view of making it clear that Messrs. Pethick had nothing to do with the work, elicited from witness that the order was given by MRS BUCHAN. - Mr Square also explained that when Messrs. Pethick's foreman went to the house it was merely because he happened to be near at the time. He was not sent by his employers, and in no way represented them there. - The Deputy Coroner said the suggestion had been made that if the gas had been ordinary coal gas instead of the highly-poisonous mixture which water gas undoubtedly was, the fatality might not have happened. Would the Jury want any evidence on that matter? - The Foreman (Mr W. Hearder) said that as Parliament was giving attention to the matter he did not see the necessity for dealing with it on that occasion. - The Deputy Coroner said there was no doubt that the water-gas mixture was highly poisonous as compared with coal gas, but it was a legitimate thing to supply it; and it must be remembered that if it had been coal gas the escape was quite sufficient to kill. Dealing with Hockin's evidence, he reminded the Jury that he was a man of experience, and that he admittedly only saw very small portion of the iron pipe, which he perceived no reason to interfere with. Death had occurred because the pipe was not fixed as it should have been fixed, and whether Hockin's explanation was a reasonable one or otherwise was for the Jury to decide. The occupants of the house were on more than one occasion warned that there was an escape of gas, and they sent for a plumber, who unfortunately was misled by the fact that he found some of the by-passes turned on and not alight. Another man, whilst attending to the meter, necessarily caused some escape and this, again, was confounded with the escape from the fracture. But for the fact that the occupants of the house turned the gas off at the meter every night all the family might have been poisoned. considering the nature of the gas at present supplied in Plymouth, that seemed a very wise precaution to take. Comment had been passed on the fact that death was caused notwithstanding that both the window and door of the room were open, and presumably a draft created. The evidence shewed that the gas accumulated in the next room and was kept down by a thick carpet until it burst through the floor where the child was. The facts of the case shewed the desirability of plumbing work being efficiently inspected. - After deliberating, the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added that they thought it highly necessary that the heads of firms, or some other responsible person should always inspect what is done by workmen. - In reply to the Deputy Coroner, Mr Hoyte, deputy manager of the Gasworks, said about 33 per cent of the mixture supplied was water gas, and that contained from 14 to 14 ½ per cent of carbon-monoxide.

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 August 1899
MORTHOE - The Morthoe Cliff Fatality. - All the evidence given at the Inquest yesterday afternoon as to the finding of the body of MR HUGH LIONEL BROAD on the beach near Bull Point Lighthouse, pointed to a distressing accident. MR BROAD, who was only 22 years of age, was a chartered accountant at Croydon. He had stayed at Morthoe for the past two or three seasons. On Monday afternoon he went for a walk and as he did not return a search of the beach was made. On Thursday Commissioned Boatman Miller found the body in a gulley, the head having been washed by the tide under a stone, the feet being seaward. MR BROAD'S watch was in two pieces and his belt was broken. There were abrasions all over the head and body, evidently through deceased rolling over the shaly rock. The cliff, nearly three hundred feet high, was out of the way of the beaten track to the lighthouse and was described as of a most treacherous character. It is surmised that MR BROAD stumbled near the edge and went over. After a verdict that deceased had Accidentally Fallen down the cliff, Dr Slade King, the County Coroner, remarked that MR BROAD had made his way to one of the most dangerous cliffs in the neighbourhood. There was really no right of way to these places. Mr Eliot Reed, a friend of the family, pointed out that the public generally took these cliff walks. There were no notices that the grounds were not public. - Dr Slade King replied that while they all deeply regretted the accident, the Jury wished to impress upon the public the risk of walking over these dangerous cliffs. - MR HERBERT BROAD, solicitor, a brother of deceased, was on the premises during the holding of the Inquiry.

CARDIFF, WALES - A Plymothian's Suicide At Cardiff. Inquest And Verdict. - An Inquest was held at Cardiff, yesterday, touching the death of ROBERT HENRY SHILLABEER, of 8 Grenville-road, Plymouth, who threw himself under a train at Cardiff Great Western Railway Station, on Wednesday last. - ELIZABETH SHILLABEER, of Plymouth, deceased's mother, said her son was a volunteer, and had recently been to camp. While there he had a sunstroke, and Dr Burke, of Plymouth, attended him for three weeks. He eventually got better and went to work. After a week's work he had to leave again and was ill about a fortnight. Dr Burke had since gone away, and deceased had had another doctor. Physically deceased had seemed hearty and strong, but he suffered from delusions and said he wanted to go on the Continent. He also said that if he could only come to Cardiff and see his brother, GEORGE, he would be all right. Accordingly witness and deceased came from Plymouth on Tuesday morning. Before starting he said, "I feel as if something dreadful was going to happen." At Bristol deceased told witness he did not care which train they got into. Deceased hardly slept that night and in the morning was screaming and seemed very frightened. They sent for a doctor, who advised taking him home again with as little excitement as possible. Accordingly that afternoon they went to the Great Western Station in a cab, and sat in the booking-office while waiting for the train. When the other son, GEORGE, had gone to get the tickets a coal train came along and deceased jumped up, ran across the platform, and put his head down on the line beneath the coal trucks. - WILLIAM GEORGE SHILLABEER, brother of the deceased, said deceased seemed to him very strange in manner. Witness saw him rush on to the platform and tried to stop him. - Thomas Henry Jones, porter, described the way in which deceased threw himself under the train. - The Coroner expressed great sympathy with deceased's mother and relatives, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind." - MR SHILLABEER had been in the employ of Edward James and Son, of the Starch Works, Plymouth, for several years as foreman of the printing office and fancy cardboard box department; and the firm held him in much esteem as a thoroughly reliable and a very able craftsman. In his trade he shewed great talent, and was a winner of a first prize in a "British Printer" making-up competition, his effort receiving very high commendation. He had, therefore, before his attack of sunstroke during the volunteer camp on Roughtor, in July last, a very promising career in prospect. From that attack he recovered sufficiently to return to his work, but at the end of a week he felt too unwell and depressed to continue; and it was by the advice of a representative of his employers that he visited his brother at Cardiff, in the hope of a thorough restoration to health. The widow has since the sad occurrence given birth to a girl; her only other child is a boy about 3 years of age. With her the greatest sympathy is felt. In this week's orders of the 2nd Devon (Prince of Wales's) Rifle volunteers the colonel commanding makes an appreciative reference to the deceased, who was a sergeant in the Plymouth detachment.

ASHBURTON - At Ashburton the three-weeks old son of ROBERT LASKEY, farm labourer, was found dead by its mother's side early on Thursday morning. At the Inquest yesterday Mr G. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, the Jury (Mr J. T. Lamason, Foreman) after hearing the evidence of Dr Wilcox, who said the child was very fine and healthy, returned a verdict of "Accidentally Suffocated."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 August 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that ALICE MAUD SHORT, aged six months, daughter of a domestic servant, staying at Rose cottage, Sw[?]lley, died from inflammation of the bowels and congestion of the lungs. The child had been fed partly on biscuits, soaked in boiled water.

PLYMOUTH - Mr Graves, the Deputy Borough Coroner held an Inquest yesterday at the Laira Hotel, Plymouth, relative to the death of EMMA S. BIRD, aged 67, residing at 9 South Devon-place. Mr K. Coal, residing in the same house, said deceased was taken suddenly ill on Saturday morning and died before assistance could be obtained. Dr John Gardiner, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to the rupture of the aorta. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 September 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - Whilst MARIA CORAM, aged 67 years, of 32 Wilton-street, Stoke, was on a visit to her daughter at 37 Cremyll-street, Stonehouse on Wednesday evening she was taken suddenly ill and died before medical aid could be summoned. At the Inquest yesterday Dr T. N. Leah attributed death to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - At Devonport yesterday a Coroner's Jury found that DENNIS LYNCH, 63, army pensioner, died suddenly at 7 Park-street, Stoke, from fatty degeneration of the heart.

ASHPRINGTON - At Ashprington yesterday an Inquest was held touching the death of a six-year-old lad named WILLIAM CHARLES HARVEY, son of JOHN HARVEY, living at Coombe Farm. It appeared that on Monday evening the boy was running after the horses in his father's field with a stick, when one of them kicked him in the mouth and knocked him down. Dr Hains said the lad had all his front teeth knocked out and the gums lacerated. The lower lip was cut through, there being an incised cut an inch long. On Tuesday lockjaw set in, from which he succumbed the same night. Verdict accordingly. A vote of sympathy with the relatives was passed.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 September 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - The Suicide At Devonport Cemetery. - Mr J. A. Pearce held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday respecting the death of JOHN FREEMAN RICH, aged 39, of 9 Stuart-road, Stoke, monument's mason at Devonport Cemetery. PRIVATE W. RICH, R.M.L.I. said the deceased, his brother, had been strange in his manner for about two years and at times did not seem to know what he was about. he had been in an asylum twice. Samuel Ash, who went to the cemetery with the deceased on Thursday morning to do some work, deposed to finding him lying on the ground suffering from the effects of poison. The bottle produced containing spirits of salts originally contained half a pint. The acid was used in the business of a marble mason. - P.C. Holberton said the deceased admitted to him that he had taken some of the contents of the bottle. By direction of Dr G. Thom, olive oil was given the deceased who expired soon after being admitted to the Royal Albert Hospital. A post-mortem examination by Mr D. Brough shewed that the throat and stomach were very much corroded with acid. Death was due to shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

LONDON - Death Of MR S. BRADBURY, of Devonport. Sad End Of A Holiday. - Sincere regret was occasioned at Devonport yesterday particularly in Church and musical circles on receipt of the news that MR SAMUEL BRADBURY, organist of Stoke Parish Church had died suddenly in London. MR BRADBURY left Devonport on Monday week for a holiday which he had anticipated with much pleasure after a very busy twelve months and his intention was to have returned home yesterday to attend the choir practice at Stoke Church last night. He had spent part of the holiday out of England and on arriving in London a few days ago went to his brother at 28 Finchley-road, Kennington Park. MRS BRADBURY, who had not accompanied her husband, received a telegram late on Thursday at Albert-villas, Stoke, intimating that MR BRADBURY was suffering from an affection of the heart and this was followed by another, which caused MRS BRADBURY to leave for London early yesterday morning. The news of MR BRADBURY'S death came as a painful surprise to his many friends at Devonport, where he was held in high esteem. Few men in similar spheres enjoyed more popularity. After acting as organist at Plympton and St. Paul's, Devonport, MR BRADBURY, who was a native of Penzance, succeeded the late Mr John Hele as organist and musical conductor at Stoke Parish Church at Easter 1889. Although the acoustic properties of that building do not lend themselves to music being heard to the best advantage, MR BRADBURY did much to raise the musical portion of the services to a high standard of excellence and was looking forward to the time when the building of a new parish church would conduce to still greater efficiency. In addition to attaching great value to good Church music, the late MR BRADBURY was prominently associated with musical performances in the Three Towns. Since 1892 he had held the position of conductor of the Three Towns Deanery Choral Association and was recently prevailed upon to accent the directorship of the Amateur Operatic Society, the formation of which resulted from the successful performances of H.M.S. Pinafore, at the Royal Naval Barracks and the Public Hall, Devonport. His abilities as a teacher of music were recognised by the appointments he held in connection with schools in the Three Towns and he was warmly complimented upon the prominent part he took in the musical performances during the conference of musicians at Plymouth, and the success which attended his work as secretary. For some time past the deceased had suffered from a weak heart. - At the choir practice at Stoke Church last evening there was unmistakable evidence of grief at the death of MR BRADBURY, and the general feeling was that the church and congregation had sustained a great loss. All who knew the deceased will extend their sympathy to his widow and family in their sudden bereavement. A Painfully Sudden Occurrence. - Inquiries made by our representative in London shew that MR SAMUEL BRADBURY died very suddenly. he went to London for a holiday about a fortnight ago and after staying a few days with his brother took the South Western boat from Southampton for a trip to the Channel Islands and St. Malo, spending about a week in visiting these places. He returned apparently in good health to Southampton, where he decided to while away a few days before returning to town. He eventually reached Kennington last Monday and proceeded to agreeably spend the remainder of his available time with his relatives. Nothing whatever unusual was noticed in his appearance and Thursday afternoon he spent at the Oval watching the progress of the Surrey and Hampshire cricket match. He returned to Finchley-road at about half past six, but had only been in the house a very few minutes when he was taken ill and expired almost immediately. The suddenness of the occurrence may be judged from the fact that MR BRADBURY was beyond human aid by a quarter to seven at about which time a neighbouring doctor was called in to perform the sad office of informing his alarmed relatives that life had departed. - The Inquest was held at the Coroner's Court, Manor-place, West Newington, yesterday morning when evidence to the above effect was adduced, the Jury bringing in a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, which was that death was due to an affection of the heart. According to present arrangements the funeral of the deceased gentleman will take place at Nunhead Cemetery next Wednesday.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 September 1899
TOTNES - Death of ALDERMAN SYMONS. Twice Mayor Of Totnes. - We regret to announce the death, which took place on Saturday morning with painful suddenness, of ALDERMAN PHILIP SYMONS, J.P. for Totnes and a member of the firm of RENDELL AND SYMONS, auctioneers and estate agents, Newton Abbot and Totnes. Deceased, who was about 64 years of age, had apparently been in his usual health and on Friday went for a long drive on business, returning in the evening to dinner in good spirits. On Saturday morning he breakfasted between eight and nine o'clock with MRS SYMONS and a guest, and left for his office about a quarter past nine. Just as he reached Totnes Bridge, some 20 or 30 yards from his residence, he appeared, to a young man named Fletcher, to trip and fall forward on his face. Several persons were near the spot, and with Fletcher ran to him, raised him, and conveyed him to his residence. Drs. Gibson and Hains were soon in attendance, but pronounced life to be extinct. The melancholy occurrence cast quite a gloom over the town, and many coming into the market could scarcely realise that the sad intelligence could be true. - At the Inquest the same evening, evidence was given by Mr. F. B. Tucker, clerk in the firm's Totnes office; Mr Edwin J. B. Fletcher, marble mason; Miss Florence Sparkes, a young lady on a visit to MR and MRS SYMONS; a servant of the deceased; and Dr L. Hains, who was of opinion that death was caused by a rupture of an aneurism of the aorta. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Foreman, Mr W. Adams, on behalf of the Jury, proposed, and the Coroner seconded, a vote of condolence with MRS SYMONS. - Mr T. C. Kellock, who attended on behalf of MRS SYMONS, said he was sure she would appreciate very much the sympathetic remarks made by the Foreman and Coroner. - News of the death of MR SYMONS was received in Newton with sincere regret. He was one of the oldest members of the Devon Lodge of Freemasons, having been mitigated in 1873. He was also a member of the H.R.A. Chapter. - The deceased was the eldest son of the late MR PHILIP SYMONS, Washbourne, Harberton. He had been an auctioneer and estate agent for 33 years. Having chosen the profession he became a pupil to the late Mr John Widdicombe, of Ivybridge. For two years he carried on business for himself at Totnes, and then entered into a partnership with the late Mr J. Rendell, of Newton Abbot. On the latter's death, his son, Mr A. S. Rendell entered into the partnership. MR SYMONS had been a member of the Totnes Town Council for many years. He was first elected in 1876, but in 1879 did not seek re-election. He was induced, however, to offer himself again in 1881, when he was elected. He was re-elected in 1884, and again in 1887. He was made an alderman in 1888, and the following year was elected Mayor, an honour that was again conferred on him in November 1880. About this time he was presented with a very handsome silver salver and tea and coffee service, subscribed for by agriculturists and others in South Devon in recognition of his efforts in the promotion of agricultural interests. MRS SYMONS was at the same time presented by the subscribers with a silver card[?]. Deceased was a member of the Committee of the Devon County Agricultural Association, also of the Totnes Union Agricultural Society, and the Totnes Fat Stock Show Society. He was vice-president of the Blackawton and other agricultural shows. He was most popular in Totnes and neighbourhood and will be greatly missed.

EXETER - Sudden Death At Exeter. - MRS MARIA BEESLEY, aged 78, the widow of DR BEESLEY, London, has been residing for a month in Exeter. She had suffered from an affection of the heart. On Thursday morning, about five o'clock, she called at the residence of Dr Moon, Queen-street. When her knock at the door was answered, she said "I am bad." She also said she was choking and the maid sat her on a chair in the hall. Dr Bremner was sent for as Dr Moon was not at home. MRS BEESLEY expired shortly after his arrival. At the Inquest on Saturday the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 September 1899
PLYMOUTH - Sudden Death At Plymouth. - RICHARD JAMES, hawker, aged 51, of 62 King-street, Plymouth, died suddenly in bed yesterday morning. At the Inquest in the afternoon the widow said deceased had a cup of tea and a little toast about 7.30. He complained of a pain in his side, but, knowing he had recently been drinking somewhat heavily, she took no particular notice of it. He seemed to get worse, but, still thinking he would soon get over it, she went out to work. About an hour afterwards she was fetched and on her returning to the house deceased suddenly expired. Mr Hamilton, Surgeon, attributed death to heart disease and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatality At Keyham Extension Works. - An Inquest was held yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, respecting the death of SAMPSON W. FIELD, (48) of 111 King-street, Plymouth, labourer at Keyham Extension Works, and an army pensioner. Deceased's duty was to look after the two back jacks of a steam navvy. On August 29th he was putting some boards under the rail to keep the machine level and whilst so engaged a heap of muck came in from the opposite end, knocking the machine round and pinning the deceased down. He was clear of the machine except his left leg, but it took more than twenty minutes to release him. The slipping of the muck was attributed to the rain. He was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital, where it was necessary to amputate the leg. The operation was skilfully performed by Mr Leah, one of the senior surgeons. Death ensued from shock. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the case on behalf of Sir John Jackson.

PLYMOUTH - The Sudden Death Of A Delegate. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of ANDREW HARE, a West Hartlepool delegate to the Trades Union Congress, and who died suddenly early on Sunday morning, soon after his arrival in the town after his long railway journey. - Joseph N. Bell, a trades union secretary, Newcastle, said deceased was about 55 years of age and a plater's helper. Owing, however, to ill-health, he had been unable to follow his employment for the last three or four years. - Charles Wright, policeman at Millbay Railway Station, stated that on the arrival of the train at 1.15 on Sunday morning the inspector asked him to get lodgings for the deceased, and he took him to Veale's lodging-house in Millbay-road. Whilst witness was ringing the front door bell deceased, who had been leaning against the side of the door, swayed and witness caught him when he was half-way to the ground. He died almost immediately. In reply to the Foreman (Mr George White) witness said deceased had complained of being unwell as he was going up over the hill. He said he suffered from chronic asthma, and if he could get into bed quickly he would be all right again. - Dr Henry Parsloe, who had made a post-mortem examination, said death was due to syncope, he having had very extensive heart disease, from which he must have suffered for some time. The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 6 September 1899
ST BUDEAUX - At St. Budeaux yesterday, a Coroner's Jury found that the infant daughter of J. FRYER of 17 Edith-terrace, died from syncope, due to inanition.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Improper Feeding At Stonehouse. - An Inquest was held at Stonehouse yesterday relative to the death of HUBERT GEORGE PERKINS, a month old, son of WILLIAM CHARLES PERKINS, labourer, High-street. The child was taken ill on Friday and on Saturday afternoon Dr T. N. Leah prescribed for it. The mother had fed the baby on milk, cornflour and given it a biscuit. The child gradually got worse. Death took place on Monday morning. Deceased was not insured. - A Juror: The infant is very much wasted. - Dr Leah said he gave witness directions with reference to the diet of the child. The mother told him she could not pay for any medicines, and he recommended her to get a relieving officer's order, that the child might be medically treated. She did not do so. The child died of improper feeding. Cornflour ought never to have been given to a child of such tender age. - The mother said she told the doctor that if he let her have some medicine she would pay on Monday, and in reply he said if the husband came with the money (2s.) he could have the medicine. - Dr Leah: I prescribed for the child, and referred you to the relieving officer. - MRS PERKINS: You never said anything about the relieving officer. - Dr Lear: I distinctly told you about the relieving officer, and impressed upon you that the child was being improperly fed. - The father of the infant said a doctor in Wales told him to use cornflour for his children. The baby had not been improperly fed, and he wished for a post-mortem examination. - The Coroner did not think a post-mortem necessary. The child had been improperly fed, due to ignorance. - The Foreman: Whether the mother had the money or not, the doctor should have let her have a bottle of medicine. - The Coroner: The doctor is not compelled to let persons have medicine without a fee. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Improper Feeding," but that there was no culpable negligence on the part of the mother. - The Coroner: The cases are numerous of improper feeding of children, and it is to be hoped that mothers will look upon this case as a caution.

EAST STONEHOUSE - Drowned At Stonehouse. - Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Stonehouse Townhall yesterday, respecting the death of ANNIE ELLIOTT, aged six years, daughter of PRIVATE ELLIOTT, R.M.L.I., of 70 George-street. The father said on Sunday afternoon deceased went out for a walk with another child, Alice Wotton. - Alfred Bowers, machinist, Queen-street, Plymouth, near the Hard, heard that a girl was in the water. He immediately ran to the spot and jumped into the water. Deceased had sunk, but he brought her to the Hard. She was unconscious. Previous to Dr t. N. Leah's arrival, efforts were made to restore animation. Dr Leah had deceased removed home and did his utmost for several hours to restore animation. At 5.30 the girl appeared to be recovering, but shortly afterwards became worse, and died at 8.30 p.m. Dr Shaw, of the Marine Barracks, also saw the child and both medical gentlemen did their utmost to restore animation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and commended Bowers for his pluck.

Western Morning News, Thursday 7 September 1899
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the MARGARET BARTLETT, widow, aged 75, of 4 Victoria-lane, found dead on the floor of her bedroom on Tuesday night, death was shewn to be due to heart disease and chronic pleurisy.

PLYMOUTH - Drowned Off Plymouth Breakwater. - An Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday by Mr Graves (Deputy Coroner) relative to the death of WILLIAM BROWN, aged 25. - Andrew Easterbrook, master of the steam lighter Recovery, stated that about 6.50 a.m. on August 23rd deceased was in the boat which was being swung off the davits. The bow of the boat was lowered slightly quicker than the stern, and reaching the water first the boat rocked and deceased was pitched out. - William Tope, deck hand, said the painter of the boat was not secured to the ship, which it should have been. When the boat touched the water, deceased was standing in the bow of the boat. Failing to keep his balance, he walked to the stern and caught hold of the middle thwart of the boat to steady himself. Unluckily this thwart was moveable and in lurching forward he carried it with him and fell over. Deceased swam for a short time and then managed to get hold of an oar, but dropping that, he sank, and was not seen again. There was only one boat on the ship, the one deceased was in. A life-buoy was not obtained until deceased had disappeared. The Jury in returning a verdict of "Accidental Death," added that there was a mistake on the part of someone in not securing the painter. If it had been secured the boat would not have swung round and pitched the deceased out.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 September 1899
TEIGNMOUTH - Drowning Case At Teignmouth. - Mr G. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at McBryde's London Hotel, Teignmouth, last evening, touching the death of FRANK CORNELIUS, aged 16. - Frank Wyatt, a lad, said he accompanied deceased to the Horse Shoe Pond, at the Point. Deceased got off the bank into deep water and sank. Witness went to his assistance, but was too late. John Mole, a yachtsman, saw the lad sink and swam out to him with his clothes on, but did not reach the lad in time. - W. Hook, a fisherman, said they recovered the body by shooting a sprat seine in the pond. - The Coroner and the Jury expressed praise of Mole's efforts to save the lad. The greatest praise is due Dr Heyward for his efforts to restore animation. Sympathy was expressed with deceased's mother who is left with a large family, and only buried her husband last Saturday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury and the witnesses gave their fees to the widow.

Western Morning News, Saturday 16 September 1899
HARTLAND - Fatal Accident At Hartland. - An Inquest was held by Mr J. F. Bromham, at Hartland, on Thursday, relative to the death of MR SAMUEL DAYMAN, of Fattacott Farm, as already reported. MR DAYMAN, aged 73, was returning from Hartland about ten on Tuesday when it is supposed he slipped on a footbridge about a quarter of a mile from his home, and was found face downwards with a small quantity of water underneath. Death had evidently taken place immediately. Comment was made as to the dangerous condition of the bridge, and to a verdict of "Accidental Death" was appended a rider calling upon the lord of the manor to repair the bridge.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 September 1899
DARTMOUTH - At the Inquest yesterday relative to JAMES WILLS, 83, who died suddenly at Dartmouth Primitive Methodist Chapel on Sunday, Dr Soper attributed death to failure of the heart's action, and the Deputy Coroner, Mr P. R. Hocken, said doubtless that was brought on by deceased having to go up a steep hill to get to the chapel

LYDFORD - Sudden Death At Princetown. - MRS JULIA DOUGLAS STEWART, aged 66, a widow, of 19 Tulworth-square, London, who had been staying with her children at Eleanor Cottage, Princetown, for the past three weeks, went to the Wesleyan Chapel on Sunday night in her usual health. On returning home she complained of pains in her chest. She would not be put to bed, but remained lying on the sofa. Medical aid immediately sent for, soon arrived, artificial respiration was tried and restoratives applied, but Dr Mander pronounced life extinct. - At the Inquest yesterday LIEUTENANT P. MAXWELL STEWART, R.N., said he knew his mother suffered from a weak heart, but was unaware she had heart disease. Dr Mander said from an external examination he considered death was due to syncope, arising from failure of the heart's action. He had no reason to suspect any other cause of death. The Jury (Mr Rowe, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" and expressed sympathy with the relatives.

LYDFORD - Sudden Death Of A Dartmoor Convict. - FRED R. GURLING, aged 30 years, who died suddenly on Saturday in his cell at Dartmoor Prison, Princetown, was sentenced at Clerkenwell Sessions, in June 1898 to three years' penal servitude for larceny and receiving stolen property. He had previously served three years for fraud, and five summary convictions were recorded against him. He was a fishmonger by trade. Whilst in prison his conduct had been "very good." At the Inquest yesterday Dr Mander, Deputy Medical officer, deposed that deceased on his reception at Dartmoor was in fairly good health, but possessed a defective heart. He was employed at light agricultural work. In August he complained of pains in chest and was sent to the Infirmary. The following day he was allowed to join his party, as he said he felt all right. A post-mortem examination shewed that one of the valves of the heart was much affected. Warder Robinson stated that after serving deceased with his dinner he went towards the end of the corridor. Hearing a knocking he went back. Convict Parker reported that he had heard a noise in the next cell as of someone falling. On entering GURLING'S cell he was found kneeling under the hammock. With the assistance of Parker and other neighbouring convicts deceased was removed to the Infirmary and the doctors sent for. They arrived immediately, but life was extinct. - Convict Parker deposed that soon after taking in their dinners he heard a rumpus in the next cell and someone cry "Oh! Oh!" Was quite sure everything possible was done for him. - Convict W. Collins, working with deceased in the same party, stated that about six of them had been employed in the fields removing tools and a light iron structure, weighing about 130lbs. They were allowed to rest at will. Deceased never made any complaints to him respecting his work. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 26 September 1899
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Of A Plymouth Tradesman. - Mr John Graves, Deputy Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of MR WILLIAM LILLICRAP, of 10 Bellevue-place, Plymouth, a member of the firm of LILLICRAP AND SON, furriers, George-street, who committed suicide on Sunday afternoon by shooting himself. - MRS MAUD LILLICRAP said her husband (deceased) was lying down in his room on Sunday afternoon, and whilst downstairs she heard a report of a pistol. On going to her husband's room she found him almost unconscious. He did not speak to her, but pulled down the bed clothes and disclosed a wound in his chest. She sent for assistance, but he died in a few minutes. She did not notice any weapon. - Mrs Caroline H. L[?]combe, of 49 Cobourg-street, who was called to assist, said the revolver, which was found under the bedtie, was a six-chambered one. All the barrels had been loaded, and only one discharged. She could not explain deceased's action in any way. - Dr E. B. Thomson, who arrived shortly after the occurrence said he saw blood on the clothes and found a wound in the abdomen of deceased, just below the chest, which had apparently been caused by a bullet. Deceased must have lifted up his vest and having shot himself, replaced it, hid the revolver between the mattresses and drawn the bed clothes over himself again. In reply to one of deceased's relatives, Dr Thomson said he could not think the wound was accidental, as the vest had not been penetrated. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 30 September 1899
TOTNES -Strange Death At Totnes. A Stoke Gabriel Incident. - An Inquest was held yesterday at Totnes relative to IRENA HANNAFORD HILL, aged 72, lately residing at Stoke Gabriel, but who died at her daughter's residence, Windsor Cottage, Bridgetown, on 27th inst., she having fractured her hip at Stoke Gabriel in May last, through a fall. - Mary Jane Soper of Stoke Gabriel, said on May 20th she saw deceased in the road talking to George Bastard, a young man, and they all entered into a friendly conversation. Bastard held out his arm, deceased stepped back on her dress and fell. Bastard did not hold out his arm as if to strike deceased. Witness aid to Bastard he had better pick her up, but she would not let him touch her. Witness also attempted to get her up, but she would not allow her to touch her, as she was in pain. She said she thought she had broken her leg. Her grandson came, and, with assistance, they got her into her cottage. ARTHUR HANNAFORD HILL, of Stoke Gabriel, said hearing that his grandmother had fallen, he went to her. She said she stepped on her dress and fell. She said nothing about Bastard. - Martha Collins, Stoke Gabriel, daughter of deceased, said the accident happened on the Saturday. On Monday Dr Cuppaidge ordered her to the Hospital. She remained there until removed to the house of witness's sister at Bridgetown on September 11th. - Elizabeth Rhymes, of Totnes, said deceased was removed from the Hospital by the direction of the committee. She did not consider she was in a dying state. She was very weak and in pain when removed. No doctor attended her until last Monday. On the evening of that day she saw a great change in her and sent for Dr Hains. Her two sons maintained her. She was sent to the Hospital as a paying patient. - JOHN HANNAFORD HILL, recalled, said deceased's life had been insured for 20 years and he should take up £10, just enough to bury her. His brother and himself kept her: they each paid 1s. 9d. a week to the Hospital. - Mrs Mary Ann Tucker, matron and nurse at the Cottage Hospital, said deceased was admitted on May 23rd. She had a fractured hip and two large wounds on her back, as if she had been dragged. The wounds were quite fresh. She told witness four women dragged her up the stairs after the accident, and knocked her back. When she left the wounds had healed to the size of a shilling. She could not walk, but she was in good health when taken from the Hospital on September 11th. Deceased was discharged from the Hospital as Dr Cuppaidge thought her quite fit to be removed. She helped to dress her and did not notice she was in any pain. Deceased made a noise as she was carried down, but that was not pain, but fright at being carried downstairs. The payments of 1s. 6d. a week were regularly made. Six weeks was the time for keeping a patient, but, if necessary, the medical man made an application to the committee for an extension of time. Dr Cuppaidge did so in this case and she was kept there altogether for 16 weeks. - Dr L. Hains said about a week after deceased's admission to the Hospital she had an immense wound on the back, almost as large as two fists. It was in the ordinary term a bed sore from want of vitality, probably brought on by the skin being excoriated first. The fracture of the hip joint had united, and the wound was healing well when he last saw her in the Hospital. Deceased had been a long time there and would not be any better, and the committee had asked to have her removed before, but Dr Cuppaidge would not consent until her health would allow of it. When called to see the deceased on Monday she was in a sinking condition. She wound in her back was in a fearful state, not having been attended to as it ought. She died from the result of the accident accelerated by age. Undoubtedly the fearful wound killed her, but that was part of the accident. It was the old wound broken open again. The wound was the size of a shilling when she left the Hospital. If he had been in attendance on her, he did not think she would have had the large wound. It was part of the same accident, but nothing to do with the hip. - The Coroner said deceased was comparatively well when she left the Hospital. What caused the wound? - Dr Hains said there was the small wound when she left the Hospital which had not been properly looked after, because the wound increased to such an enormous size. - Mrs Collins said she rubbed her mother's back before she left home and the wounds were caused in the hospital. - The Coroner asked if it was the duty of Dr Cuppaidge to see deceased after she left the Hospital. Dr Hains: Not unless her friends expressed a wish for him to do so. - Louisa Horsham, widow, a daughter of the deceased, said deceased wasted away in the Hospital and was nothing but a bag of bones when she left. She saw the wounds the day after, and they were as large as half crown and very deep. She dressed them every day with vaseline and ointment. As the bed rubbed the sores an air pillow was obtained. On it deceased lay for eight days. - The Coroner: How is it you did not have medical attendance before? - As soon as I saw the wounds getting worse I sent for a doctor. The wounds got bad all at once. I thought my brother would pay for a doctor, and that Dr Cuppaidge would call without being sent for. - A son of the deceased said Dr Cuppaidge called at his house and he asked him to see his mother and he would pay him. He did not know the reason he had not. - Mrs Collins, recalled, said she helped her sisters-in-law and Mrs Luscombe in carrying deceased upstairs. She was not dragged up. - The Coroner said it was unfortuante that Dr Cuppaidge was not present, but the Jury could presume that as Dr Cuppaidge ordered deceased's removal she was in a fit condition to be moved to Mrs Horsham's. If a person took charge of another she was responsible. The question was whether Mrs Horsham did her duty when she found deceased suffering from the bed sore in not having medical attendance. Deceased was at the house sixteen days and no doctor saw her until Monday last. If she had been medically attended the bed sore would not have extended to such a frightful condition, and she would not have died from exhaustion from it. If it was proved that deceased died from the bed sore, and that if medical attendance had been obtained it would in all probability have been cured, strictly speaking, Mrs Horsham would e responsible for her death. In this case it would be difficult to say that she was actually responsible. The Jury, after consulting some time in private, said they were unanimously of opinion that they should hear Dr Cuppaidge's evidence. The Inquiry was then adjourned until next Thursday.

Western Morning News, Monday 2 October 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Scalding At Keyham Extension Works. - Mr J. A. Pearce (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest at Devonport on Saturday into the circumstances attending the death of NATHANIEL CASLDEN, 34 years, of 6 Avondale-terrace, Keyham, an engine driver at Keyham Extension Works, who died at the Royal Albert Hospital on Thursday evening from scalds sustained at the works on the previous Tuesday. Mr J. P. Goldsmith represented Sir John Jackson. - Emma Phillips, widow, 42 George-street, Devonport, identified the body as that of her nephew. She saw him in the Hospital and asked him who was to blame, to which he replied "The boy." - Charles Henry Verran, 16 years, of Camel's Head, said he was a fireman at the Keyham Extension Works, and was employed on No. 4 winding engine, of which the deceased was the driver. Witness had been a fireman six months and had been on this engine about three months, during which time deceased was the driver. About three o'clock on Tuesday afternoon steam was got up. Witness's duty was to see to the fire and see that the boiler was half full of water. There was a gauge glass by which witness could see when the boiler was half full, but on Tuesday afternoon the boiler got full through witness putting the injector on. After turning on the injector witness went to boil a can of tea for the driver at the latter's request and forgot to look at the gauge glass and to torn off the injector as he ought to have done. The driver, seeing that there was something wrong, went to let some water out of the boiler but before he did this he had to go into the cabin for a spanner. Immediately deceased opened the cock the pipe blew off and deceased was scalded. Deceased fell on his back and witness called the driver and fireman of another engine to help. - By the Jury: The pipe blew off suddenly; there was no previous escape of steam. It would take about a quarter of an hour to fill the boiler. It was through going to boil the tea that I forgot to look at the gauge. We were about to have tea when the driver noticed that the boiler was full. It was my duty to work the injector. I have had no previous experience. - By Mr Goldsmith: I work the injector under the direction of the driver, who watches the gauge. I was out of the cabin at the time of the accident and heard a shout. I think deceased was struck with the pipe otherwise I believe he could have got away. - By the Coroner: The driver sees to the filling of the boiler as well as myself. - John Fry, engine driver at the Extension Works, said he drove a winding engine. On Tuesday afternoon he was called by the last witness who said Caslden was blown to pieces. Witness went at once but at first could not see deceased. On finding him in front of the boiler, witness pulled him out, took him to his, witnesses, cabin, and sent for the ambulance. Deceased asked witness twice to go and shut the water off. Witness shut off the steam and noticed the blow off pipe, a portion of which was disconnected and the upper part blown upward. witness had had fifteen years experience as a driver. The fireman, as a rule, was a youth of sixteen and upwards and was entirely under the [?] the driver who was responsible and had to see that the fireman did the work he was [?] . It was the driver's duty to watch the boiler. - The Foreman, Mr Lamble, was of opinion that the end pipe, which came away when the accident occurred was not properly screwed to the next pipe. There was no thread of the screw left. - Witness, in reply to Mr Goldsmith, said that when he turned off the steam he noticed that it was turned on to the full. Witness would have turned it on gradually. - By the Jury: The pressure was 100lb to the square inch. - The Coroner: The thread is very much worn. If it had not been so much worn would it have been likely to have been blown out even if the cock had been turned on at the full? - Witness: Possibly not. - Several Jurymen said they believed it would not. - Mr John Emmerson, foreman engineer at the Keyham Extension Works, said he was in charge of the whole of the machinery, described the position of the engine, and, in reply to the Coroner, said the joint of the blow-pipe was corroded, but this would not be seen when it was in its place. It was not a good joint now and was sadly worn. The pipe was very seldom used . If the joint had been better, the water rushing through might not have disconnected the joint. It was part of the driver's duty to look after this. It was an open-ended pipe, and one would never have expected such a thing to happen. That it had now happened tended to support the theory that the pipe was not in good condition. It was the driver's duty to see that the boiler was properly filled. The boiler was tested every six months for insurance purposes, but the inspector would not look at this pipe. It was not necessary to have such a pipe, but it was placed there for the convenience of the driver, for washing out the boiler. - By Mr Goldsmith: If the pipe had not been there the same thing could have been done and the man would not have been hurt. There would have been no danger if the boiler had been full. - Francis Anderson, labourer at the extension works, said deceased was immediately removed to the surgery and, after being treated by the dispenser, was removed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Dr D. Brough, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted about 5 p.m. on 28th ult, suffering from extensive scalds. He was in a condition of collapse from the shock from which he died at 5.30 p.m. on Thursday. Deceased had a small wound in the forehead. He told witness that the pipe burst and that he was knocked down and unable to get away from the steam. The blow on the forehead may have stunned deceased, but had nothing to do with his death. - The Coroner summed up and thought there could be no doubt the fireboy was under the control of the driver. The Jury might call the attention of the authorities to the fact that the pipe was somewhat out of order, and suggest that a better examination of the pipes should take place. - Mr E. W. Sheel, civil engineer at the extension works, called at the request of Mr Goldsmith, believed this pipe was never intended to blow off water with steam behind it. When it was used on Sunday s to blow out there was no steam in the boiler at all. - Mr Emmerson recalled, said they never blew off boilers with full pressure of steam on, and the driver did wrong in blowing off with the pipe. He had not seen the necessity for warning the drivers, as he did not think there was any danger. If the cock had been opened gently this would not have happened. - The Coroner: The main point is that if there had been a proper joint this would not have happened. - The Jury returned the following verdict:- "The deceased died from shock, due to Scalds Accidentally received on the 28th ult at the Keyham Extension Works through a defective blow-off pipe attached to a boiler of a portable winding engine becoming disconnected and allowing the escape of steam that the Jurors are of opinion that all the parts of the machinery at the works should be periodically thoroughly examined and tested.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 October 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to PAULINE A SMITH, aged five weeks. NORAH E. SMITH, the mother, residing at 7 Vauxhall-street, said deceased appeared quite well on Friday night when put to bed and on Saturday morning at six o'clock she found her dead by her side. Mr C. E. Bean, Surgeon, found that death was due to pneumonia, the whole of the right lung being solid. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - At a second Inquest, touching the death of JOHN WILLIAM C. CALLAWAY, retired engineer, aged 89, residing at 14 Clarence-street, Lavinia Roberts, deceased's daughter, said about 10.40 p.m. on Saturday last deceased was eating his supper, and appeared in his usual spirits, when he suddenly gasped for breath and fell back dead in her arms. Dr Cash Reed, who was called, found that death was due to failure of the heart's action. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 October 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Coroner, held an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth on JOHN A. DRAKE, 74, of 12 Castle-street, a Dockyard pensioner, who was taken ill on Wednesday morning and died before a doctor arrived. Dr Cuming found that death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart. Verdict accordingly.

TOTNES - The Strange Death At Totnes. Adjourned Inquest. - The Inquest relative to ARINA HANNAFORD HILL, aged 72, of Stoke Gabriel, who died at the house of her daughter, Louisa Horsham, of Bridgtown, was resumed yesterday. Dr John Loftus Cuppaidge of Totnes, said he was called to see the deceased on Monday, May 22nd, at Stoke Gabriel. She had a fractured hip joint, and he had her removed to the Cottage Hospital. There he found her back slightly bruised and tender. It gradually got to a sore, caused by want of vitality and lying in the same place. Sores came with every care. she had every attendance, but the sore became very bad. At the end of five weeks the bone had fairly well united. The bed sore healed favourably, and she left the Hospital on Monday, 11th September. - The Coroner: By whose orders? - Dr Cuppaidge: The committee's, and I sanctioned the removal. She had practically got well, except that she was helpless. Twice the committee extended her stay. The bed sore on her removal was healthy and about the size of a shilling. He had had her on a rota for three weeks to prepare her for her removal. - The Coroner: After the removal of a patient from the Hospital, do you consider you have done everything required? - Dr Cuppaidge said it depended upon the case. He had a conversation with Mrs Horsham, deceased's daughter, and understood she was going to have another doctor. He did not remember a son of deceased asking him to go and see his mother. - The son said Dr Cuppaidge called at his house and he asked him to go and see her. - Dr Cuppaidge: That was before she left the Hospital. I understood she would have been removed to Stoke Gabriel. I thought if anything was required Mrs Horsham would send for me. The Coroner, summing up, said the only question was whether deceased was treated with proper care at Mrs Horsham's. She accepted the charge of her mother, and was responsible for properly looking after her. Deceased had a bed-sore in the Hospital, and doctors and nurses could not prevent such wounds. When she left, the wounds were nearly healed, and Dr Cuppaidge did not think it was necessary to see her again. Mrs Horsham said her mother went on all right and when she found the bed sore , she got an air pillow for her and the wound suddenly got worse. She did not send for a doctor until 14 days after deceased had been with her and then Dr Harris described the sore as a very terrible wound. There was no proof that the sore came on through Mrs Horsham's neglect, but if she knew of the state of the sore she was much to blame. They had no evidence to shew when it got into the alarming condition when seen by Dr Harris and it was a great point in Mrs Horsham's favour that these bed sores came with the greatest care. It was for the Jury to say if they considered she was deserving of censure for not sending for Dr Harris before. He did not put to them the more serious point, because he did not think there was any evidence to shew that Mrs Horsham was criminally responsible. The Jury found that death was the result of an accident, and that there was no gross negligence on the part of the person who had charge of deceased.

PLYMPTON - The Alleged Murder At Plympton. A Smart Capture. Accused Before The Magistrates. - The Plympton stabbing affray was the one topic of conversation in the little country town and throughout yesterday in Ridgway and the vicinity throngs of people assembled to discuss the lamentable event. The feature in the case which above all others astonishes those cognisant of the facts is that a second man was not assassinated by the itinerant musician who stands charged with the wilful murder of RICHARD HUTCHINGS. The escape of a young man named Hellings from the deadly violence of the man against whom he tried to protect his friend was little short of miraculous. - The story of the tragedy is simple, and, subject to anything which may be brought out in future inquiries, points to the most reckless use of the knife. RICHARD HUTCHINGS - or "DICK" HUTCHINGS, as he is familiarly known at Plympton - is a native of that place, and the fact that, though under 30 years of age, he was a second class petty officer in her Majesty's Navy, proves that he was smart at his work and of good character. True, he has been found guilty once or twice of freaks which indicates an exuberance of spirits rather than bad intentions, and only twelve months ago, on the occasion of last year's agricultural demonstration at Plympton, he was before the magistrates for a foolish rather than a vicious attempt to obstruct the highway by throwing across it a gate. Taken altogether, HUTCHINGS was a "hail-fellow-well-met" sort of man - a broad-chested, sturdy-limbed, tall Jack Tar, whom his companions always respected, and whose untimely death they very deeply regret. HUTCHINGS had a sister, as well as a wife and child living at Underwood, and it was these whom he went to see on Wednesday, when the place of his birth was on fete on account of the annual ploughing matches there. He is described by those who knew him best as a harmless, quiet sort of man, and one who would not be the first to pick a quarrel. - There were five actors in Wednesday's tragedy - "DICK" HUTCHINGS, Frederick Hellings, another Plympton young man, who follows the occupation of a carpenter; William Trace, 38, of 25 Cambridge-lane, Plymouth, George Trace, 36, of 7 Queen's-cottages, Queen-street, Plymouth and Ernest Hockaday, 22, of 8 Willow-street, Plymouth. The last three are travelling musicians, and on Wednesday visited the show at Plympton, some of them with blackened faces after the manner of mountebanks. In the evening, shortly before the time for the closing of public-houses, the five men met at the Plymouth Inn in Ridgway. A dispute arose between HUTCHINGS and William Trace as to the distance from Plympton to St. Budeaux, but though the argument waxed warm, nothing of an aggressive nature was apparent. About this time - according to authentic information - the Traces and Hockaday tossed for drinks and the bluejacket hearing words between them, and passing over to where they stood, said "You're cheating your own mates." Further words ensued and the person in charge of the bar remonstrated and threatened to clear the premises unless the tossing and quarrelling ceased, with the result that all the parties left the house - the Traces and Hockaday presumably to catch the 11.15 train to Plymouth. The quarrel between HUTCHINGS and William Trace was resumed on the summit of Station-road hill. HUTCHINGS'S stature exceeded six feet. Trace is a short, plump, thick-set fellow. During a fight HUTCHINGS fell to the ground, and appears to have dragged his assailant with him. Trace regained his feet, leaving the bluejacket on the ground, and then it was that Hellings interfered, more with the view of stopping the brawl than of continuing it. A scuffle followed between him and William Trace with the results which though unperceived at the time, might easily have proved fatal to the young carpenter. At this point P.C. Blackmore who lives close by the scene of the struggle, came up and ordered the parties to clear away. George Trace and Hockaday promptly replied that if he would allow them to do so they would see their companion (William Trace) to the Station. This satisfied the constable, who followed them a short way down the hill. Returning, he found HUTCHINS lying on the footway, apparently in a swoon. He tried to rouse him but the injured man only drew a heavy breath. Blackmore went to the house for brandy, but when he returned he judged by the ice-cold hand and the sudden contraction of the features that the man was nearing death. Medical assistance was summoned, but Dr Stephens pronounced life extinct. The body was removed to the Plymouth Inn. It was discovered that the deceased had been stabbed; a wound in the stomach being sufficient to cause death. - A Sickening Discovery . - Up to this time, Hellings though conscious of a stiffness about the arm, was quite unaware of the injuries he has received, and it was not until HUTCHINGS'S body had been removed that he discovered blood running down the sleeve of his coat. It was found that the cause of a slight pain in the arm, which he says he felt after his tussle with William Trace, was a cut there, which was bleeding freely. He went to Dr Stephens's surgery, and it then transpired that Hellings had also been stabbed in the neck in very close proximity to the jugular vein. This, fortunately, was a very slight wound, but the man's linen shirt shows a clean cut there. The young fellow then recollected that he had also been struck in the left side and on examination the waistcoat was found to be slightly torn, as if with a knife, just against an upper watch pocket, and on examination of the watch revealed a dent on the back of the case. There is little doubt in Hellings' mind that an attempt was first made to stab him near the heart and that but for the protection of the watch, he most likely would have shared the unhappy fate of his comrade. Of course, the young man was somewhat unnerved by the experience - it was found necessary to put stitches in the wound on the arm - but he was able to get about yesterday. - The Search and the Arrest. - About midnight, Police-Sergeant Frood, with P.C. Braund drove post-haste to Plymouth and Superintendent Lane was informed of the facts. A search party was then organised. Braund, accompanied by P.C. Palmer, one of the alertest constables in Plymouth Police force, went to a house in Summerland-place. Palmer went to the front, whilst his companion watched the rear of the premises. Braund heard a man and woman in animated conversation and a moment later out rushed William Trace, into the arms of the constable. He was promptly arrested, and taken to the Police-Station, where two knives were found on him - one, a metal-handed combination knife, having marks f blood on its larger blade. Trace was without hat or cap when arrested, and Braund producing a cap found on the scene of the struggle, asked him whether he knew anything about the article. He immediately claimed it as his own. He had evidently been badly handled. Both his eyes were blackened, he had some nasty cuts between the first and second fingers of the left hand and his clothing was thick with mud. These facts are likely to prove important points in the criminal proceedings and it is only fair to the man to mention at once that his version of the affair is that he acted as he did merely in self-defence. Whilst Palmer and Braund were busy in one direction, Sergeant Frood, with Sergeant Osbourne and a Plymouth officer were searching for one or both of William Trace's companions. George Trace was found in Queen-street, and Hockaday was fetched out of bed from 8 Willow-street. the latter, judging from the condition of his face, had evidently had some nasty blows on the face. It is definitely asserted by independent witnesses that though all the men had been drinking, neither was drunk. - Magisterial Proceedings. - Yesterday afternoon, before Admiral Sir Alexander Buller, K.C.B., the three men were charged with the wilful murder of RICHARD HUTCHINGS. Mr Percy T. Pearce appeared for the prosecution, the Deputy-Chief constable of Police (Mr He[?]) and Superintendent Lane being also present. Mr Edgcombe Stevens, solicitor, Plymouth, defended the three prisoners. - At the outset Superintendent Lane asked that George Trace might be discharged. From inquiries he had made he was satisfied there was not sufficient evidence to connect him with the affair. - This was done. - Mr Lane's brief version of the affray was that the five men met in the Plymouth Inn, and words arose amongst them. HUTCHINGS and Hellings left the inn, and were followed by the two Traces and Hockaday. A fight commenced between HUTCHINGS and William Trace, and Hockaday and the last-named was said to have been knocked down. HUTCHINGS continued fighting with Trace, but he fell, face downwards, and never, so far as could be gleaned, moved again. It was found that he had been stabbed. Mr Lane added that he only proposed to call formal evidence then, an adjournment being necessary pending his communications with the Treasury. - P.C. Braund stated that on the previous night, about 11.5, he was returning from Colebrook, and met the Traces and Hockaday who wished him goodnight, and added, "It's all right now, policeman. We are going to try and catch the train." William Trace's face was covered with either blood or mud, but unlike the other men's faces, it was not blackened. Witness proceeded up the hill and found HUTCHINGS lying on the footpath, being attended to by P.C. Blackmore. He was dead. Dr Stephens was sent for. The man was bleeding from a cut on the upper lip and also from a wound in the stomach. Subsequently, witness and Sergeant Frood hired a trap and drove to Plymouth and with P.C. Palmer (Plymouth Borough Police) he went to a house in Summerland-place. Palmer went to the front door and witness remained at the rear. He heard a woman say, "Come on, as quick as you can," and William Trace came out with a woman. He was arrested and cautioned and was then informed that either he or his mates had killed a man at Plympton during the night and prisoner replied "they very nearly killed me." At Stonehouse Police Station he was searched and two pocket-knives (produced) were found on him. The blade of one knife was stained with blood and there was also hair and dirt on it. ? The night was dark and heavy and the roads were muddy. The prisoner had cuts on the first and second fingers of the left hand. - P.S. Frood who examined HUTCHINGS'S body, found the front part of the shirt saturated with blood, and a cut wound in the pit of the stomach. with other Police Officers he that morning went to 8 Willow-street, where, in the top bedroom he found Hockaday in bed asleep. He dressed, and was then searched. When arrested and told of the death of the [?] prisoner said, "How long did the man live after he was knocked down?" Witness replied that he did not appear to have risen after having been knocked down. He was found to have been cut. "Cut?" exclaimed the man; I don't know anything about that, but I know I was knocked down, and I afterwards went away." A bloodstained handkerchief was found on the accused, but no knife. A remand was ordered until Friday next, the 13th inst. The Inquest: - At the Plymouth Inn, immediately after the Police Court proceedings, the Inquest was opened by Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner. Both prisoners were present, as well as their solicitor, Mr Edgcumbe Stevens; and Mr Percy Pearse appeared for the landlady of the Plymouth Inn. - John Duckham, farm labourer, of Winnsford, father-in-law of the deceased, gave evidence of identification and said deceased was about 30 years of age. He was a second-class leading stoker in the navy. The court was adjourned until Tuesday next, at ten.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 11 October 1899
DUNCHIDEOCK - An Inquest was held at Dunchideock yesterday on JOHN BRAGG, shepherd, who died suddenly on Sunday after dinner, having attended to his duties in the morning, though complaining of a cold. Dr Farrant, jun., who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to syncope. Verdict accordingly.

PLYMPTON - The Plympton Tragedy. A Verdict Of Wilful Murder. - At Plympton yesterday Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, resumed the Inquiry, which was formally opened on Thursday, touching the tragic demise of RICHARD HUTCHINS, second c lass petty officer, R.N., who met with his death in the Plympton stabbing affray. Mr J. P. Goldsmith was present on behalf of the Admiralty. Mr Percy Pearse appeared for the police; Mr Edgcombe Stevens for William Trace and Ernest Hockaday, who stand charged with the murder of HUTCHINS, and both of whom were in attendance. Superintendent Lane was also present. - The Coroner explained that the Jury had to Inquire into circumstances by which a fine, healthy young fellow, in the prime of early manhood, had been deprived of life through being stabbed to death, probably, it would be found, with little or no provocation. They must disabuse their minds of anything they might have heard or read respecting the case and give the facts their careful consideration. - Frederick William Hellings, journeyman carpenter, said last Wednesday evening he was in deceased's company in the Plymouth Inn about 10.30. William Trace and Ernest Hockaday entered. An argument arose about the distance between St Budeaux and Plympton, HUTCHINS having remarked that he ought to be leaving as he had to walk there (nine miles, as he said) in the morning. Trace declared that the distance was only six miles. The dispute continued until the landlady told them to stop it. Trace and Hockaday started tossing, apparently for drinks and HUTCHINS accused Trace of cheating his own mate. The landlady said if the tossing were not stopped she would have the place cleared. Upon that witness and HUTCHINS left the bar, others, including the prisoners, remaining. They stood outside about five minutes and then the two prisoners came out. HUTCHINS went over to them and had some words with them, the last remark of the deceased being, "You go your way and I'll go mine." HUTCHINS then returned to him (witness) and asked him to go to the Station with him and he agreed to do so. Trace and Hockaday had already preceded them in that direction. When deceased and he reached P.C. Blackmore's house, on the summit of Station-hill, HUTCHINS went ahead of him, overtook Trace and Hockaday a little further down the hill. Hockaday was knocked to the ground, but by whom he could not see, and Trace and HUTCHINS got to close quarters and had a scuffle HUTCHINS fell and Trace stood over him. Witness told the latter to stand back and give his companion a chance to rise, and thereupon Trace turned on him (witness) and struck him a blow on the left arm, calling him a Russian. They fought until P.C. Blackmore arrived, and witness knocked his assailant down to keep him away from him. All this time HUTCHINS lay motionless on the footpath. Blackmore separated them, and witness explained that it was not his fault. He caught hold of prisoner Trace, whereupon George Trace, a brother, stepped over and said he would take him home. Blackmore was satisfied with this assurance and the parties moved away. The constable and witness went over to HUTCHINS and tried to rouse him. He was unconscious and a doctor was sent for. A quantity of blood came from the man and it was discovered that he had been stabbed in the stomach. Witness then found that he also had been stabbed and was bleeding profusely from a wound in the left arm. It was also found he had been slightly stabbed in the neck. - By the Foreman (Mr Earle): After Hockaday was knocked down he went away, and he did not see him strike anyone. He did not see a knife or any other instrument in the prisoner's hand. He believed Trace was sober, and he (witness) and deceased certainly were. - By Mr Pearce: The first finger of his right hand was also cut slightly, and in his waistcoat, in the region of the watch pocket, there was a cut, apparently the result of another stab. It was a dark night, and if Trace had had a knife in his hand he could not have seen it. - By Mr Edgcombe Stevens: Saw n o knife in Hockaday's hand. When Hockaday got up after having been knocked down he went away and did not return. He did not retaliate. - Mr W. D. Stamp, Surgeon, who had made a post-mortem examination of HUTCHINS'S body, found a cut wound on the right side of the upper lip, just below the outer angle of the nose, half an inch long. He also found a transverse wound immediately below the chest bone, the length of which was nine-sixteenths of an inch. The wound passed through the cartilage of the left seventh rib, and through the pericardium, and passed into the right ventricle of the heart. The point of penetration was 2 ¼ inches from the apex of the heart. The blow, for such a wound must have been severe. The wound in the heart was the immediate cause of death. The injury might certainly have been caused by the knife produced, which was stained with human blood. The wound on the lip might have been caused by the same instrument. - Mr Edgcombe Stevens: Is the wound consistent with the deceased having fallen on the knife? - It is greatly improbable that it was so; and they would most likely have found the knife in the body. The theory might be a possible one, but I cannot see how such an occurrence could take place. - From the nature of the injuries is it possible? - It is highly improbable. - By Mr Pearce: Hellings had a wound on his left arm and also on the left side of the neck, whilst others of a slight character were found on the left forearm and hand. These might have been caused by the same knife. - Harold Besley Walter, servant at Leigham House, Egg Buckland, saw HUTCHINS and William Trace outside the Plymouth Inn arguing. Deceased told Trace, who was using bad language, to go down the hill quietly, and he repeated this several times. They all moved on towards the Station and shortly afterwards Trace and HUTCHINS fought. Someone went up to Trace, and apparently searched in his pockets for something. Trace then went up to HUTCHINS and struck deceased, as if he had something in his hand. A blow was struck by him from over his shoulder, and HUTCHINS staggered and fell and never rose again. Trace then fought with another man until P.C. Blackmore arrived. - By the Foreman: could not swear to the man who searched Trace's pockets whilst the struggles with HUTCHINS was going on. More than one blow was struck by Trace, as if he was stabbing HUTCHINS. - By Mr Stevens: Did not see the man who felt in Trace's pockets take a concertina case from him. - Alfred Paull, market gardener, Plymstock, gave evidence as to the tossing incident, and the subsequent fight. Witness picked up HUTCHINS after he had been knocked down, and said, "Look out, he (Trace) is coming again." Trace seemed to strike deceased in the ribs and he fell back again. Witness remarked "That's a place to knock anyone out - in the ribs!" HUTCHINS exclaimed, "I'm dying!" and when witness tried to raise him again he was unable to do so. Whilst he was attending to the deceased , Hellings and William Trace were fighting on the ground. Later on, at the Railway Station, he saw Trace and Hockaday on the platform. The former's hand was bleeding and witness lent him a handkerchief, whilst Hockaday lent him his hat, Trace being without one. There were five men altogether making up their party. - By the Foreman: Did not see Hockaday there during the fight. - By Mr Stevens: Trace's blow appeared to be a punch, and he could not say whether he had anything in his hand, but deceased "buckled" and fell. Trace had something under his arm after the fight, which might have been a concertina case. - Ida Allnutt, landlady of the Plymouth Inn, corroborated Hellings as to the discussion between the deceased and Trace and the subsequent tossing between Trace and Hockaday. She remonstrated, and the tossing was stopped. Deceased said something to Trace about cheating his mate. - Richard Allnut, who assists his wife at the Inn, said they had a dance on the premises and he believed one of the prisoners had been playing a violin for the gathering. The parties were sober. - Frank Paull swore that he heard deceased say to Trace that he was a fraud for cheating his own mate, and Trace resented this, and told him to mind his own business. Deceased said, "No lies, remember, you are in Plympton tonight; I'll trim the both of you." When the parties left the house, HUTCHINS went towards Trace and said, "What about it?" and Trace replied "That he did not want any row." HUTCHINS said "Let it drop with the same, then; you go your way and I'll go mine." Hockaday wanted to go to the Station via Church-hill, but Trace, who went down Station-hill, called out, "Come along this way, he won't hurt you." Both Hockaday and Trace then went down Station-hill, HUTCHINS and Hellings following. Deceased rushed ahead of Hellings and caught up to the other two, and said to Trace, "Put 'em up" (which was an invitation to fight). Trace put up his right arm to defend himself, having something under his left arm. HUTCHINS knocked Trace down and then went over and struck Hockaday, who said "What have I done?" and ran away. HUTCHINS turned around to hit Trace again, but Trace knocked him down. Believing that the Police were approaching, witness ran up a side lane and when he returned he saw Hellings and Trace fighting. Hellings knocked his assailant down twice and then another man came up and said Trace was his brother. Witness ordered him to stand aside and soon after the Police appeared. - By Mr Pearse: Trace raised his arm and gave Hutchins a back-handed blow. Whilst deceased was on the ground, Trace seemed to be giving him a second "dig," when Hellings interfered. - By Mr Stevens: Saw nothing in Trace's hand whilst he was fighting. - Martin Harvey, of Leigham Lodge, Egg Buckland, said he heard the deceased getting a little warm, and Hellings advised him not to have any bother. HUTCHINS suggested that Hockaday and Trace should go away, and they did so. Witness, describing the subsequent fight, said Trace, whilst facing Hellings after the other man had been knocked down, seemed to be holding something in his hand. Hellings said he did not want to fight, but only to defend his mate, and Trace then made a desperate rush at him. - By Mr Stevens: Did not see Hockaday in the scuffle at all. - P.C. Blackmore said when he arrived Hellings and Trace were fighting. He separated them and Hellings accused the other of having been the aggressor. Trace was lying on the ground and witness, in assisting him up, fell on the footpath with Trace, in consequence of the latter's struggles. Another man, who said he was Trace's brother, took him away. Shortly after, witness found HUTCHINS lying on the footpath. He was not dead, but unconscious and drew some deep breaths. He died shortly afterwards and before medical aid could be summoned. - P.C. Braund proved the arrest of Trace in Plymouth. Prisoner identified a cap picked up on the scene of the struggle as his property; and the knife produced was also found on him. When witness told him what he was wanted for, he replied, "They nearly killed me." - P.S. Frood spoke to the arrest of Hockaday in bed, also in Plymouth. When asked if he had a knife he said "Yes," but after he had dressed it could not be found. Prisoner asked "How long did the man live after he was knocked down," and he replied that he did not seem to have arisen after having been cut. "Cut," exclaimed Hockaday, "I don't know anything about that." - By the leave of the Coroner, Mr Stevens briefly addressed the Jury, and emphasised the fact that not a single witness had spoken a word to implicate Hockaday. - The Coroner told Mr Stevens that if he knew of anyone who would desire to give evidence for the prisoners, he would adjourn the Inquest. - Mr Stevens said though he had witnesses for the defence, he did not propose to offer it to the Jury. - The Coroner, summing up, thought the Jury would not have much hesitation in returning a verdict of wilful murder against Trace. Where two men engaged in a fight, and death ensued, if the killing party used a deadly weapon such as a knife, it was a manifestation of his intention to kill or do some bodily harm. In that case, the law implied malice, and the offence became one of wilful murder. There seemed no evidence whatever against Hockaday. - After deliberating an hour and a half, the Jury unanimously returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder" against Trace. The Coroner undertook, at the request of the Jury, to write to the Commander-in-Chief, asking him to open a subscription in the navy on behalf of the widow. The Jurors fees were handed over for her.

Western Morning News, Friday 20 October 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Sudden Death At Devonport. - JOHN DAVY, aged 66, died suddenly on Wednesday at 38 Cornwall-street. At the Inquest yesterday, Thomas A. Doulton, 8 Hardway-terrace, said deceased, whom he had known for 14 years, had no relatives, except his wife, who left him 12 years ago. Deceased appeared to be in good health on Saturday, but complained of his feet. Kate Bates, 38 Cornwall-street, said for the past two years she had attended to deceased. He seemed unwell on Saturday, but up to that time had been very hearty. He resolutely refused to see a doctor, but on Wednesday she insisted he should have one. She saw the last witness, who went to see the old man, but found he had passed away. Dr Ryan said death was due to fatty degeneration of the heart, and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Monday 23 October 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Reservist's Sudden Death At Devonport. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry at the Military Station Hospital, Stoke, on Saturday concerning the death of DAVID WESTON, 27, a private in the D.C.L.I., who was one of the Reserves called up recently , and a native of Birmingham. - Alfred Frederick Taylor, also a reservist, said he knew deceased at Birmingham, and saw him at 11.30 on Thursday evening when he appeared to be in his ordinary state of health. Witness slept next to the deceased in the barrack-room, and at about six o'clock on Friday morning he heard him groan. He went to his friend, and found him to be dead. - Sergeant Harry Richards said deceased was a very quiet man. He saw him on the Thursday evening sewing on his bed, when he was apparently perfectly well. - Lieutenant Harold H. Norman, R.A.M.C., as the result of a post-mortem examination, testified that deceased died through the bursting of an aneurism in the aorta. The excitement of being called up and the extra exertion in the way of drill probably precipitated his death. The Jury returned a verdict of "Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Plymouth Borough Coroner, held two Inquests on Saturday. The first case was that of GEORGE W. RATTENBURY, 49 years, an army pensioner, of 2 Chapel-court, who has been separated from his wife for the past six weeks. Last Tuesday he complained of being unwell and was found dead in bed on Friday morning. Dr Cooke, who had made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart disease. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - An Inquiry was next held relative to the death of BEATRICE ROWE, aged five days, the illegitimate child of JANE ROWE. Mr Edwin Dyke, Master of the Plymouth Workhouse, said deceased was born in the Workhouse and the Misses Florence Silver and Catherine Skoines, nurses at the Workhouse, proved attending to deceased. Dr Cooke attributed death to convulsions, and a verdict was returned accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - The Fatality At St. John's Lake. - At the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport on Saturday Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquiry concerning the death of JOHN ROUFFIGNAC, aged 32, seaman, in the employ of Sir John Jackson. Mr H. E. Peck appeared for Sir John Jackson and Co., - Edward Gale, watchman of the Gridiron, in St. John's Lake, stated that early on Thursday morning No. 3 hopper came up to the Gridiron to be overhauled and refitted. Witness and deceased were afloat in a boat to convey lines from the hopper to the dolphins on the Gridiron to make the vessel fast. One line was successfully conveyed, and a second line was taken to the eastern dolphin. While this was being done he hopper was driven round by the east wind and closed in upon the eastern dolphin. Witness was sculling the boat, while deceased stood in the bow to make the rope fast to the dolphin head. Seeing the hopper closing in, Gale called out to ROUFFIGNAC to let go the line and come back into the stern. Deceased, however, was over eager to fasten the line, and disregarded the warning. Before the line could be made properly secure the bow of the hopper struck the bow of the boat a glancing blow, and collided with the dolphin. The pressure of the hopper against it forced the boat out by the stern, and deceased was jammed between the hopper's bow and the dolphin. For a moment he was held in that position, and as the hopper with the rebound came away from the dolphin he fell into the water. Within a couple of minutes witness got him into the boat and he was removed as speedily as possible to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Edward Vincent, assistant-foreman, who was on the hopper at the time of the accident, gave corroborative evidence. Both witnesses testified that ROUFFIGNAC was a steady, competent man. - Mr D. Brough, House Surgeon, deposed that deceased, when admitted, was very weak, suffering from internal haemorrhage. During the morning he had an epileptic fit. He died early on Friday morning. A post-mortem examination shewed that the collar-bone was torn away and three ribs were fractured. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death", declared that no blame attached to anyone and passed a vote of sympathy with the relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 25 October 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - ANN JEFFERY, 73 years of age, living with her niece, Miss Annie Hooper, at 105 Union-street, Stonehouse, got up yesterday morning and after partaking of a cup of tea was taken ill and died suddenly. Mr Waterfield, Surgeon, was called in and after hearing his evidence at the Inquest yesterday, held by Mr R. R. Rodd, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident To A Child. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of FREDERICK G. RUNDLE, aged 2 years, of Clare Buildings, Plymouth. - Miss E. Eden said she saw deceased playing in Sutton-road on Monday and on a cart approaching deceased got up and ran underneath the horse and was knocked down. The horse was walking, and the driver, who was on the cart, did not see deceased until after the accident. Richard Warne, driver of the cart in the employ of Mr S. Skinner, of Lipson, said he did not see deceased, but on feeling his cart swerve, looked round and saw the child underneath the wheel. - Dr Jackson, who was passing at the time, examined the child, who was insensible. The child died shortly afterwards. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame.

Western Morning News, Monday 30 October 1899
TEIGNMOUTH - A Teignmouth Cycle Fatality. A Juror Removed. - An Inquiry was held at Teignmouth Hospital by Mr Kellock, Deputy Coroner, touching the death of ALFRED FRANK TAYLOR, a youth, who died on Saturday from injuries received in an accident whilst cycling down the Dawlish-road, a hill with a gradient of at least one-in-ten in some places, leading into the town for about three quarters of a mile. Mr T. Welsh was elected Foreman. - EDWARD MATTHEW TAYLOR, of 17 West-view-terrace, said deceased, his son, was only 15 years of age, but would be easily taken for a young man of 20. Colonel Charles Halford Thompson, J.P., stated that he saw a man on a cycle ride down the road at a furious rate, with his feet on the rests. he followed to find out who the rider was, so as to take proceedings against him for furious riding, and discovered that the rider had dashed into a pony and cart. There was a "dangerous" notice board at the top of the hill. - Deceased was riding at the rate of 20 miles an hour. - At this point Mr E. R. Martin, one of the Jury, proceeded to question to witness and the Coroner having reminded him that all questions must be put through him, he told the Coroner "he should do as he liked," and made other offensive remarks. - Mr Kellock ordered him to retire, as his behaviour was insulting to the Court and Jury. The rest of the Jury told Mr Martin that he must think himself lucky he had not been fined for contempt of Court. - Martin: All right. I will sit where I am. - The Coroner: You shall not. I discharge you as a Juryman. - Police-Sergeant Richards removed Martin to a seat at the far end of the room. - James Knowles, innkeeper, said when driving his pony and trap up the Dawlish-road, he noticed a cyclist coming down at a terrible rate, and he shouted "Look out," as there was plenty of room for a rider to have passed on either side of the cart. The cyclist went straight against the pony, the machine striking the shaft and breaking the end off about 14 inches. The rider fell off insensible. - George Cox, blacksmith, said deceased afterwards got up and walked across the road. He complained of a blow in the stomach, and witness helped him to the Hospital. A brake on the machine was workable after the accident. - Arthur Allson Bradburne, House Surgeon at Teignmouth Hospital, said death was due to peritonitis, the result of the blow received in the pit of the stomach. - The father recalled, stated that deceased was not an expert rider, and knew very little how to manage a machine. - The Coroner said the case was a serious warning to cyclists, who would persist in riding down hills with their feet off the pedals. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 November 1899
PLYMOUTH - MRS ANN VARCOE, aged 78 years, of 10 Ashley-place, Plymouth, died suddenly at her residence on Sunday morning. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Corbett attributed death to syncope.

PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, relative to the death of JOHN P. VIVIAN, a boilermaker, aged 27, of Morley-lane, Plymouth, who was last Friday night found in a dying condition in Cambridge-street, by P.C. Pooley. VIVIAN, who had ruptured a blood-vessel in his leg, expired before he reached the Hospital, to which he was being conveyed by the constable. Dr Hamilton, assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, attributed death to haemorrhage, caused by a ruptured vein in the leg. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Boating Fatality. Plucky Conduct Of A Seaman. - At Keyham, yesterday, the Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A Pearce) held an Inquiry into the circumstances attending the death of DANIEL HURLEY, 25 and JOHN MCSWEENEY, 23, the two stokers, belonging to H.M. torpedo destroyer Shark who were drowned off Keyham Extension Works on Saturday evening. Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Arthur Horbury, gunner, R.N., H.M.S. Shark, said deceased with four others left the ship to go to the Flagstaff steps at 5.30 on Saturday evening, leading seaman Daly being in charge. They put off in the skiff dinghy, the smallest boat on board, a stiff breeze blowing. The boat was safe enough. Daly was coxswain and Collom and another rowed. The boat is supposed to hold nine to abandon ship and under ordinary circumstances it could safety carry six. It was 15 feet long. - Richard Daly, leading seaman, said the sea was a little choppy when they put off and when they approached the Extension Works canal (where the wind carried them) this being to the north of the landing-place, they found wind and the flood tide too much for them. They then abandoned their intention of landing at the Flagstaff steps, and turned up the canal towards the Camber. They found themselves in difficulties there and Butler jumped out on the "dam" piles, saying he would get a steamboat to tow them round. Collom followed, taking the painter, which he intended to fix to the pile. The weather was getting worse and worse and he told Collom to jump back into the boat and they would go back to the ship, Butler not having returned. Collom jumped in and they got the boat's head to the wind. They then went astern slightly to get to the lee of a barge, when the back-wash from the dam wall swamped the stern of the boat. The two stokers jumped up; he told them to remain still. They boarded another back-wash, and the men got up again and this time jumped for the piles, a distance of 6 feet, capsizing the boat, throwing the five into the water. Neither MCSWEENEY or HURLEY made any attempt to swim, so he got hold of both and tried to reach the piles with them, but as he found it too much for him and was sinking, he was forced to abandon HURLEY. He saw a lifebuoy floating and brought MCSWEENEY to it. He told him to hang on to the buoy while he went to HURLEY'S assistance. When he had got within a yard of the latter, he disappeared. Witness dived after the man but could not bring him to the surface. Going back to MCSWEENEY he found he had also disappeared. He (witness) returned to the piles in the hope of finding him, but could not see him. He got on the piles and thought he saw something afloat in the canal and plunged in again, but could not see anything when he reached the spot but the skiff upside down. He saw Butler with McKimm and Collom hanging on the piles, these being rescued from ashore. - By Mr Goldsmith: Did not think the boat would have capsized if the stokers had kept their heads. HURLEY had been six years in the service. All stokers were obliged to go through a swimming class. On MCSWEENEY'S certificate it was stated that he could swim, whereas on HURLEY'S certificate (six years old) it was stated that he could not swim. - The Coroner remarked that Daly had made a very gallant attempt to save his comrades'' lives and deserved very great credit. (Hear, hear). - Henry Finlayson, Surgeon R.N., stationed at Keyham, said death was due to drowning in each case. - William Butler, signalman, gave corroborative evidence, adding that a night watchman named Glanville was of great assistance with buoys, which he procured as quickly as possible. - Samuel Glanville, living at Morley-place, Plymouth, watchman at the Extension Works, said with the help of a life-buoy he got McKimm out, and assisted with Collom. They were fighting against very heavy odds. The sea was bad enough, but the back-wash from the dam was enough to stun anyone. Before the boat capsized he shouted, telling them to go back to the ship, but they evidently didn't hear him. It was blowing harder just at that time than it had been all day. - William Frederick Revington, an assistant foreman in the employ of Sir John Jackson, gave evidence of recovering the bodies with a grapnel. In his opinion everything that could be done had been done to save the men. He had done his work voluntarily. The Coroner: You deserve thanks for what you did. - In reply to the Foreman, Mr Wedlake, superintendent of Metropolitan Police at Keyham, said the factory launch was taken to the spot with all speed, but was too late to be of any avail. Going up the canal it ran into the upturned boat. The men were single. - In summing up, the Coroner said that every attempt seemed to have been made to save the men's lives and it was to be regretted that Daly's gallant attempts were unsuccessful. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," the Foreman adding that no blame was attached to anyone. - The Jury also passed a vote of thanks to Daly for his very gallant attempt to save the lives of his comrades, the Foreman remarking that he hoped it would be noticed in the right quarter and result in promotion. - Collom was also thanked by the Coroner and Jury for his gallant help in saving McKimm. The watchman Glanville and the foreman Revington were also included in a vote of thanks to those who assisted the drowning men.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, the Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the West [?] Hotel, Plymouth yesterday, relative to the death of MRS ANN ELIZABETH KNAPMAN, aged 69, of 10 Bishop's-place, who died from injuries sustained through falling from a loft. HENRY KNAPMAN, herb beer manufacturer, said on October 30th deceased, his mother, was hanging up clothes in a loft. On going to the door she fell into the lane, about 12 feet below. When he picked her up she was unconscious. Dr P. S. West said deceased had a large scalp wound and was suffering from concussion of the brain. She also had a wound in the right eyeball. Deceased recovered from the concussion, but died from compression of the brain. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 11 November 1899
PLYMOUTH - Sad Fatality At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday relative to the death of VIOLET JAMES, aged 7 years, of 16 Vauxhall-street, Plymouth. - Mrs Ellen Jane Green of 14 Buckwell-street, said deceased, her niece, was at her house on Wednesday evening and whilst playing upset the lamp on the table. The flames spread from the tablecloth and set the little girl's dress on fire. Her husband, attracted by the screams, rushed in and, having extinguished the flames, carried deceased into a shop lower down the street, where oil was applied to the burns. - P.C. Farmer said by the instructions of the Chief Constable (Mr J. D. Sowerby) he conveyed deceased to the Hospital. Dr J. Hosken, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on Wednesday evening suffering from severe burns on the face, the upper part of the body and the thighs. She died on Thursday morning from shock caused by her injuries. The case was a hopeless one from the first. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

PLYMOUTH - A Liskeard Woman's Death. - Plymouth Borough Coroner (Mr R. B. Johns) held an Inquest yesterday touching the death of ELIZABETH ANN PENNY, whose body was found at Pebbleside, under Plymouth Hoe on Thursday afternoon. FRANCIS JOSIAH PENNY, slaughterman, Castle-hill, Liskeard, identified the body as that of his wife. He last saw her alive at home on Wednesday just before 7 o'clock. Three-quarters of an hour later he missed her and at once made inquiries. He learnt that she and left Liskeard by the mail train for Plymouth. He telegraphed to Mrs Hancock, a friend in Plymouth, with whom Deceased had previously stayed. On Wednesday morning he received a message from Mrs Hancock informing him that his wife was not with her. He subsequently received a communication that day that her body had been found under the Hoe. She had gone away previously. He knew of no reason for her committing suicide. In reply to the Foreman, witness said his wife did not appear at all strange in her manner. - The Coroner: Did she drink? - Witness: No. She had been a teetotaler all her life. - John Hooper, fisherman, said he saw the body floating just off the Promenade Pier, and with assistance got deceased ashore. She did not appear to have been long in the water. P.C. Sloman removed the body to the mortuary. Nothing was found on the body. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 November 1899
NORTH TAWTON - Suicide At North Tawton. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Northtawton on Saturday, relative to the death of MRS JANE TAPP. - RICHARD TAPP, the husband, said deceased was 70 years of age. He last saw her alive on Thursday morning when he went to work. He did not notice anything strange with her. When he returned in the evening Mrs Tolley, a neighbour, told him his wife had not been seen since 11 o'clock in the morning. He ate his supper, thinking she had gone to one of his sons. Never had any rat in his house and never noticed anything strange in his wife's manner. - The Foreman: Was there any unpleasantness in the morning? - No. - Mr Knapman, dairyman, said he met MRS TAPP on the Bondleigh-road, about 11.15, on Thursday morning and thought she was a little agitated. - Police-Superintendent Gammons aid he found deceased in a sitting position in a shed in Down Close, quite dead and cold. There was a cup by her side. - Mr W. Skinner, chemist, deposed that deceased about 1.45 p.m. on Thursday purchased a packet of vermin powder which contained strychnine. He did not notice that she was strange in her manner. - Mr M. Cutcliffe, M.R.C.S., said he found strychnine in deceased's stomach. He attended her for several months and never knew anything wrong mentally with her. She had a weak heart. The Jury found a verdict of "Suicide whilst in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 November 1899
PAIGNTON - Sad Case At Paignton. - FLORENCE ROSE MIDDLEWICK, a girl aged 20, living at Compton, was walking with three younger ?] last Thursday near Compton Castle. The youngest, a mere infant, got into a hedge, and the girl, fearing for its safety, climbed on the hedge to release it. In doing so she fell down and her foot catching in a hole in the ground she sustained a compound fracture of the left leg. She was conveyed home by her mother and another, and a neighbour. Mrs Whiteway, who has a certificate of the St John Ambulance Society, splintered the limb very carefully. She was taken to Paignton Cottage Hospital, and attended there by Dr Ward, but lockjaw set in and she died on Saturday night. At the Inquest yesterday, both Dr Ward and the Coroner complimented Mrs Whiteway on the way in which she had bandaged the broken leg. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

ASHBURTON - The Ashburton Suicide. - Mr S. Hacker held an Inquest at Ashburton yesterday relative to the death of JOHN LANGDON, 65, miller, found hanging to his bedstead on Sunday morning. Dr Wilcox said when found deceased had probably been dead six hours. Mr J. F. Baker spoke to deceased's erratic temperament and Miss A. W. Huxham as to his habits, whilst Mrs Sarah M. Gilberts deposed to seeing him pass her house on Sunday morning. A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was recorded.

PLYMOUTH - Death Through Drink At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, relative to the death of ALFRED BENNETT, a billiard table manufacturer, residing at 83 Cambridge-street. Mr William J. Baker, billiards and bagatelle table manufacturer, Frankfort factory, said deceased, who was employed by him in the factory, at Central-street, on Monday afternoon, was taken ill. At first he (witness) took little notice of him, as he thought he was under the influence of drink. After a while medical aid was sought, but before it arrived, death had taken place. Dr W. H. Waterfield of Stonehouse, attributed death to syncope, from liver and heart disease, the result of chronic alcoholism. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 18 November 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner, (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Stoke yesterday relative to the death of HENRY WEBBER, aged 15 months, the son of HENRY C. WEBBER, a Dockyard labourer, living at 16 Dundonald-street. The mother stated that the child was never strong and bronchitis accompanied the cutting of the teeth. He had a cough on Monday and as it had not improved by Wednesday, after giving him cough mixture, she put him to bed at half-past eleven in the morning. Her mother on going upstairs about a quarter to four in the afternoon found the child dead. Dr G. A. Rae said when called to the child it had been dead about three hours. Death was due to syncope, the result of an effusion of serum in the pericardium. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Another Death Through Drink At Plymouth. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to the death of MARY ELIZABETH COLE, aged 47 residing at 80 King-street. ALFRED COLE, a dock labourer, the husband, said he saw deceased in bed on Thursday when he came home at about 12.30 and she was then under the influence of drink. He left her for about half an hour and when he returned her found her dead. She was continually drinking. Dr Waterfield, of Stonehouse, was called to see deceased but found her dead in bed and by her side was a jug full of gin. He had since made a post-mortem and found that death was due to syncope, caused by enlargement of the liver, brought on by drink. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 22 November 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner, Mr J. A Pearce) held an Inquiry yesterday touching the death of CLARA ANN PINCHES , 48, who lived at Clarence-terrace, Keyham. Mrs Evelyn Hester, wife of a foreman of joiners in the Dockyard, living at 1 Brindrett-terrace, said the deceased, her sister, had been living apart from her husband, a butcher, for 16 ½ years. She was in good health until Friday last when she caught a cold. She remained in bed on Saturday and Sunday and on Monday morning about 8 o'clock witness lifted deceased up to give her a drink, and on lying back she died. Dr W. J. Gard said deceased had been suffering from collapse of the left lung and fatty degeneration of the heart and death was due to syncope. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 November 1899
POLTIMORE - The Sad Fatality At Poltimore. - Mr A. Burrow, Coroner, held an Inquest at Bamfylde Lodge, Poltimore, yesterday, relative to the death of MARY ELIZABETH DEAN, a cook, aged 22, daughter of a farm labourer of Parkham. - Miss Isabella Snow, residing at Bamfylde Lodge, said deceased was in her service. On Tuesday morning witness woke at seven o'clock. It was usual for her to be called at that hour by one of the servants. She hard no one about as usual, so she rang her bell and getting no answer, went to the servants room and rapped at the door. She got no reply, so she just opened the door and told them the time. She returned to her bedroom and commenced to dress, but still hearing no sound of their getting up she went to the servants room, and saw the cook lying perfectly still and heard groaning and heavy breathing coming from the other two. She thought the cook had fainted, so she immediately opened the window and ran downstairs and got some brandy. She brought this up and gave some to the two who were groaning, and poured as much down the cook's throat as she could, and bathed her hands and forehead with it. She saw no signs of life in the cook, and as the others appeared to be getting a little better, she roused the boy to fetch the horse and her brother went for the doctor. She was not aware that they had had a fire in the room until she saw the cinders in the grate. The nurse drew her attention to the fact that the damper was closed. There was no smell of smoke in the room when she went in, in the morning. - Henrietta Sleeman, one of the domestic servants who slept in the room with the deceased on Monday night, said in the middle of the night she woke up very ill and tried to light a candle, but could nota s she kept fainting away. Later on she woke again and heard the other servant, Eliza Glidden called out to her and asked her to light a candle. She could not do so. She got up and went across to Eliza Glidden, and she must have got into bed with her, although she did not remember doing so. She felt pains in the back, chest and head. - Eliza Glidden said the cook lighted the fire. They had never had a fire before. - A Juryman: You are sure there was no coke in the fire? - Witness: Yes, quite sure. - Jessie Couldridge, nurse of the district, said when she found the cook was dead she confined her attention to the other two, who were very ill. She noticed that the damper was down and drew Miss Snow's attention to it. - Mr J. W. Sandoe, Surgeon, of Broadclyst, said he made a post-mortem examination of the deceased, and found a large quantity of blood in the brain. The lungs were gorged with blood and solid. The windpipe was full of blood and froth and very inflamed. The right side of the heart was also full of fluid blood and slightly fatty. The left kidney seemed more congested than the right. The other organs were healthy. Where the gullet entered the stomach was slightly inflamed. In the stomach there was nothing visible that would cause death. - The Coroner: Assuming there was a fire in the grate when these persons went to bed and the damper fell, would it not be possible for the fumes from coal and sticks to cause the death of the deceased? - Yes, most decidedly. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 November 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Extension Works Fatalities. - Inquests. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry yesterday afternoon touching the death of ANDREW WHELAN, a labourer employed at the Keyham Extension Works, who was drowned on Tuesday. Mr J. P. Goldsmith watched the case on behalf of the Admiralty. - FANNY WHELAN, the widow, of 28 Townshend-avenue, Keyham Barton, said her husband had been a merchant seaman, but had for some little time past been employed at the Extension Works. She last saw him alive at 5.30 on Tuesday evening when he went to his work. He was on night duty and was due at the works at six o'clock. When he left the house he was not perfectly sober. He had been in bed all day except when he went out for a pint of beer at one o'clock. She had not seen him drink anything. James Ford, labourer at the Extension Works, living in the same house, said he accompanied deceased as far as Avondale Arms, opposite the gates of Keyham Dockyard, where they parted, witness going to his work. Deceased came into the yard a little later on when he was the worse for drink, and made no attempt to commence work, but played about with the other workmen and prevented them from working. The foreman was sent for and told witness to take the deceased home. The man then commenced to fight and struggle, and he had considerable difficulty in getting him along. While crossing the coffer dam, where the path was very narrow, he turned suddenly and fell into the dam. A man named Rivington and others went to his assistance and witness went for a doctor. In reply to questions witness said when he left the deceased outside the Avondale Arms he did not think he could have been admitted to the yard. There was a handrail on only one side of the path across the dam. Charles Harris, manager of the Avondale Arms, said the deceased came into the house just before six o'clock and was very irritable, amusing some men in the bar. Witness refused to serve him. He did not consider he was in a fit condition to go to work. - Samuel Penrose, foreman at the Extension Works, said he was sent for and found the deceased very drunk. He asked him to go away from the men, whose work he was hindering, and as deceased did so he fell. He picked himself up, and, accompanied by the witness and Ford, was with some difficulty led away. He made several attempts to fight and used bad language. While being led over the coffer dam he suddenly released himself from both of them and before they could seize him he fell into the water. He made no attempt to save himself, and sank at once. Grapnels and boat-hooks were quickly at hand and deceased was taken from the water after about twenty minutes labour. Artificial respiration was attempted without success. The distance he fell was about twenty feet. - In reply to the Foreman, witness said the foremen were provided with strict orders which they carried out to the best of their ability - that no man was allowed to work not sober. - James Spurrell, ganger at the Extension Works, gave evidence as to the deceased's state when he came to work. He had never seen him under the influence of drink before. He thought it possible that the man might have got into the yard in a crowd. Inspector John Wedlake of the Metropolitan Police at Keyham, said the Police were instructed not to allow any labourer into the yard if drunk or under the influence of drink. It was possible the deceased might have entered through the Naval Barracks, which the workmen were allowed to do. The constable then on duty had stopped two men on a previous night and had later seen them coming out of the yard, when they informed him that they had entered through the Royal Naval Barracks. On that evening there were 600 men forming the night shift, all of whom entered the north gate about six o'clock. The constable on duty was a most vigilant officer, and would have observed the man's condition if possible. It was dusk at the time. Leonard Hanham, Surgeon, R.N., engaged at the Extension Works, said he was called about seven o'clock and continued artificial respiration without success. - The Coroner, in summing up, said deceased was no doubt very drunk. He considered there was no possible reflection on the Police. The light was bad at the time, and with so many men passing through the gate it was possible and even probable that an intoxicated man could enter. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Drowning," the primary cause of which was drunkenness. They exonerated the Police from blame and considered the officials had taken every precaution.

STOKE DAMEREL - An Inquest was then held on ROBERT DENNIS C. HOCKADAY, 17 Goschen-street, Keyham Barton, also a labourer employed at the Extension Works, who was killed on Wednesday night as the result of a collision between railway trucks at the works. Mr G. P. Goldsmith again represented the Admiralty authorities, and Mr James Jones, Inspector of Factories, was also present. - Alfred Piper, labourer, Pennycross, said he was working with the deceased at 11.20 on the night of the 22nd inst., unloading ballast from some stationary trucks. There were eight trucks and they were both in the seventh. While working they noticed a number of other trucks being shunted towards them, but as they saw the engine stop they proceeded with their work. Suddenly they heard someone shout "Look out" and the collision immediately followed, deceased being thrown out between their truck and the next, and witness over the side. He was not much injured, but HOCKADAY was lying under the sixth truck, which had been thrown off the line owing, no doubt, to the fact that it was nearly empty. One of the wheels was resting against his head. - Richard Warren, foreman, who was in charge of the shunting arrangements, having borne out last witness's statements, said he gave the signal and told the men to hold on before the trucks were moved. It was necessary to get the full trucks as near as possible to those that were being emptied, and this was being done. The accident was due to the impact caused when the trucks ran out the length of their couplings and collided slightly with the trucks that were being emptied. The proper signals, by lights and word of mouth, were given, and the men had plenty of time to hold on, or get out of the trucks as they wished. - Alfred Beasley, foreman over the engines, and William Burman, guard of the trucks, gave corroborative evidence as to the signals used. - Henry W. Finlayson, Surgeon, R.N., stationed at Keyham Dockyard, said the base of deceased's skull was fractured, as were also the facial bones and the lower jaw. He considered death was instantaneous. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," adding that no blame was attached to anyone concerned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 November 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Found Dead At Devonport. - SARAH HODGE, aged 73, the widow of a miner, lived with Sarah Jewell, at 18 Ann's-place, Stoke. Six weeks ago Dr Collins attended her for bronchitis, from which she recovered, but remained in delicate health. On Wednesday last she had a very severe cough for which Mrs Jewell procured medicine. MRS HODGE was last seen alive at one o'clock on Saturday morning. Six hours later Mrs Jewell found her dead in bed. Dr T. McElwaine, at the Inquest yesterday, stated that the cause of death was syncope, due to fatty degeneration of the heart, bronchitis and long-standing pleurisy. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - FREDERICK J. ELLIS, aged 37 of 11 Laira-street, left Norrington's Manure Works, Coxside, on Saturday, and on ascending some steps fell back into the arms of Richard Knott and died. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Dutton said death was due to chronic lung disease.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 December 1899
BRIXHAM - Fatal Fall At Brixham. - LESLIE THOMAS, aged 4 years, has died from injuries sustained in falling over the cliffs, about 100ft. high, at Fishcombe, Brixham, on Saturday last. At the Inquest Arthur Elliott, aged 12, said deceased fell in attempting to reach some ferns, but he (Elliott) was too frightened to tell anybody of the accident. - An intelligent boy named Pine was praised by the Coroner for the manner in which he described how he found the deceased. Dr Elliott said the base of the lad's skull was fractured. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. The Jury gave their fees to "The Western Morning News" War Fund.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 December 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Keyham Extension Works Fatality. The Inquest. - The Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquiry at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday relative to CHARLES GREEN, crane driver, who died on Thursday morning from injuries received at Keyham Extension Works. Mr L. E. Pick (Messrs. Venning and Goldsmith) watched the proceedings on behalf of Sir John Jackson (Limited). ANDREW GREEN, foreman of excavators at the works, father of the deceased, said his son was 19 years of age, and thoroughly experienced in the work. - Frank Friend acting as brakesman to the crane the deceased was driving, said on Thursday morning they were lifting railway trucks into other trucks. Just about 2 a.m. a truck was being lowered rather quickly. To check the speed deceased put his foot suddenly on the brake. The jib of the carne at once leant forward. Witness quickly got out of the way and heard a crash. Looking round he saw the crane had turned over. As quickly as possible two other cranes lifted the overturned crane, releasing the deceased, who was conveyed to the Hospital. There was a good light. He had no idea why the deceased should have let the truck down so quickly. He was a steady man and had told witness that day that he was a teetotaler. In reply to a Juror, witness said before lowering the truck it was about twenty feet off the ground, and he brought it up when about nineteen feet from the ground. Then he noticed the jib slowly bending forward. - Thomas Smith, ganger of deceased's gang, said the sudden jerk caused by the deceased putting his foot on the brake caused the carne to overturn. It took twenty minutes to release the deceased, and when brought out from under the coal-box he was unconscious. The truck which was being lowered weighed two and a half tons. The crane was not ballasted. It never was except in the case of a weight at least a stone heavier than the truck lifted. Deceased was working "double shifts" but quite voluntarily. - MR GREEN, father of the deceased recalled said the [?] bearing the crane should have been attached to the rails by clips. he had considerable experience in working with cranes and never allowed weights to be lifted unless the cranes were so affixed. Asked by a Juror who has responsibility for fixing clips, witness said it was [?] on this occasion eh considered them unnecessary. - Another Juryman: The witness seems greatly to blame for the accident. - Frederick Foster, fire boy, said he was sitting on the coal-box when he suddenly felt himself going up and saw the jib going down. He called to the deceased to "jump off" and jumped down himself just out of danger. He concluded that the deceased did not hear him call. John William Emerson in charge of the machinery at the works, said the crane was supposed to lift a weight of five tons within a 20 feet radius and is always ballasted to lift a weight of 5 tons. It was not necessary, but with a weight of five tons the use of clips would be adequate as a safeguard but he would not consider it necessary in the present case. In about 14 years' experience with cranes witness had known about a dozen cases of capsizing, a few arising from the same cause. - Joseph Baskin, Assistant House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said deceased's thighs were crushed and the bones of the left leg broken. There were also flesh wounds. He had lost much blood and no hopes were entertained of his recovery. On entering the Hospital he was quite conscious for some time and told witness of the accident. Death was due to haemorrhage and shock. The Coroner in summing up said he did not see that any blame could be attached to anyone and that the fatality was purely accidental. It also appeared to him that Sir John Jackson (Limited) provided proper machinery. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and [?] the advisability at some length of recommending that clips be always used. A representative of the firm, Mr Sheel, said this was unnecessary and if carried out they would not finish the work in the next twenty years.

TOTNES - Drowned In The Dart. - JOSHUA LUPPAGE, aged 69, found drowned in the River Dart at Totnes yesterday, had been night watchman at the new sewerage works. At the Inquest held last evening by Mr G. F. Kellock, Deputy Coroner, Mr Ball, representative of Mr G. Ball, the contractor, said deceased would not have any reason to go near the river as the trench he had to watch was 64 feet away. Frederick Rapson, fireman, said about 4.35 that morning deceased was not in his box. At ten minutes to eight he passed again and said the hut was all open, which was unusual. Passing along the quay he saw a lantern identified as deceased's . On coming back for breakfast he heard deceased was missing and thought of the lantern. He got assistance and with a pole, stirred under an object they saw in the water and the body rose. The place was very dangerous in the dark. He (witness) often had to feel his way along by the railings. The proper path was blocked by the sewerage works. The lamps on the quay were out except the one at the Peters Quay. P.C. Goodman stated that deceased was wearing a very heavy coat, two other coats, two jerseys, two flannel shirts, a waistcoat, two mufflers and flannel drawers. His watch stopped at 4.30. There were no marks of violence on the body. The Jury (Mr G. Mitchell, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and recommended that the public lamps be kept lit all night on the quay, at least during the continuance of the sewerage works in the vicinity. The Coroner concurred, and regretted that this was the second fatality at the works. Mr Stainthorpe, resident engineer, joined in the expression of regret and said deceased was a faithful servant.

Western Morning News, Monday 4 December 1899
COLATON RALEIGH - The Gun Accident At Colaton Raleigh. - MR FRANK PYLE, of Popham Farm, Colaton Raleigh, who sustained injuries through a gunshot wound whilst rabbiting on Monday, died early on Friday morning. MR PILE who was about 44 years of age, was for many years quartermaster sergeant of the Royal 1st Devon Yeomanry Cavalry and was very popular with the regiment. At the Inquest on Saturday a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 December 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Suicide At Devonport. - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Golden Lion Hotel, Devonport, yesterday, relative to the death of FREDERICK JOHN MITCH, aged 33, a dairyman, residing at 32 Cannon-street, Devonport. CAROLINE MITCH, mother of the deceased, said that her son left the house about 6.15 on the Sunday morning to go out to Bladderly-lane, where they kept their cows. He returned at nine, when he had his breakfast. After eating the same he went up to his bedroom. At dinner time as he had not come down, witness went up to his room, and found him in a stooping position by the bed. As he failed to move when she touched him she moved his head and noticed that his throat was cut. Deceased had had two accidents, one two years back, and another a year ago. Since the latter he had seemed greatly depressed. Mary J. Mason, a neighbour, deposed to being called by MRS MITCH at about 1.50 on Sunday, when she saw deceased lying by the bed. - P.C. Bawden said he was called to the house and there found deceased lying upon the bed with a severe gash in his throat and by his side was a blood-stained razor. Dr P. Ryan said he was called to see deceased, but on his arrival found him dead. He had a gash about 2 ½ inches long upon his neck, evidently caused by some sharp instrument. He attributed deceased's despondency to the accident which happened two years ago, and which left him with a nervous affection of the neck. A verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane" was returned.

STOKE DAMEREL - Mr J. A. Pearce, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Devonport yesterday relative to the death of BERTIE POWELL, aged 15 months, son of JAMES W. POWELL, a labourer, 11 Princes-street, Devonport. The baby was taken ill on Wednesday but seemed better on Thursday. On Friday it was worse again and Dr Kirton was sent for, but before he arrived the infant died. A post mortem examination having shewn that the child died from acute bronchitis, a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Monday 11 December 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fit At Morice Town. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at Morice Town on Saturday respecting the death of MARY HILL, aged 61, a spinster, who resided at 89 Gloucester-street. SAMUEL HILL, a shipwright, said the deceased, his sister, for four years had been subject to fits. On Friday morning he heard deceased shriek, and also a guttural noise which usually accompanied a fit. He found the deceased lying in the courtyard with a pool of blood in front of her. He lifted her up and found her mouth full of blood and thought she was dead. Dr Octavius Hall said death was due to a fracture of the base of the skull, together with the shock. She had had an epileptic fit and the fall had caused the injury, which resulted in her death. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Borough Coroner held an Inquiry on Saturday touching the death of WALTER SCHAFER, aged 14 months, the son of PAUL SCHAFER, a bandmaster in the Royal Navy, residing at 14 St Aubyn-street. ROSS SCHAFER, the mother, identified the body and said that the deceased had always been a delicate child. On Friday afternoon she found him very ill at 4.30 and he died in her arms a few minutes later. Dr Richard Patrick Ryan said that the body was well nourished but the child had been delicate from birth. Death was due to convulsions with peritonitis.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 12 December 1899
PLYMOUTH - ADA GILL, aged four weeks of 7 Henry-street, Plymouth, was found dead in bed by her mother on Sunday morning. At the Inquest yesterday, Dr Pearse said death was due to convulsions and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Suicide In Plymouth Gaol. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the Plymouth Prison yesterday relative to the death of RICHARD PAWLEY, aged 40 years, a builder, recently sentenced for assault. Mr James H. Duncan, Governor of the Prison, said deceased, who was undergoing a sentence of three months' hard labour, was well behaved and never gave any trouble whilst in prison. He was admitted to the Prison on November 6th last. Witness had not noticed that deceased had suffered from depression. There was always a warder on duty, who, if he wished, could inspect any cell, but on this occasion he heard no noise to justify any particular precautions. Assistant-Warder James Haydon said he found deceased in his cell on Saturday morning suspended from his bed-board by a towel round his neck quite dead. Previous to that he gave prisoner his breakfast, which he ate. He noticed nothing the matter with prisoner at that time, although he was always a talkative man. In reply to a Juror, witness explained that having seen prisoner at 7.30 he went and had his breakfast and it was not until he returned to connect the prisoners' tins that he found deceased. Dr Wolferstan, Medical Officer at the Prison, who saw deceased about an hour after the occurrence, attributed death to suffocation. The Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Thursday 14 December 1899
PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the mortuary, Plymouth, yesterday, relative to the death of MRS ELIZABETH VENTON, aged 80 years, of 37 Octagon-cottages, who was found dead in her room by Mrs Eccles that morning. Dr Brenton attributed death to bronchitis and a fatty heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

PLYMOUTH - The same Jury Inquired into the circumstances attending the death of ALICE JAGO, aged 44 years, of 3 Raleigh-street. Mrs E. Pritchard, who resided in the same house as deceased, said she last saw her alive on Monday night, when she appeared in her usual health. On going into deceased's room the following day witness found her dead in the chair. Dr Bean attributed death to pericarditis, and the Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Devonport. - At the Inquest yesterday relative to the death of WM. JAMES DOUGGAN, aged 32, a private of the H.L.I., Militia, which occurred on Tuesday morning at the South Raglan Barracks, Colour-Sergeant William Turnbull, 3rd Battalion H.L.I. Militia, said the deceased was a native of Glasgow. He was called by the adjutant at four o'clock on Tuesday morning, and saw deceased lying dead in the guardroom. He examined deceased's room later in A Block and found that his bed had been slept in. On the floor near the bed were a few spots of blood. The window near the bed was shut. The last time he saw deceased alive was at eight o'clock on the previous evening, when he appeared to have been drinking. - Sergeant Henry Kelly, who had charge of the room in which the deceased slept, said when he called the roll at 7.30 he was in bed asleep. He could not say he had been drinking, but as it was the company pay day most of the men had had a drop. Deceased's bed was a few inches off the window. The bed was the nearest to the witness's and he would certainly have heard had there been any disturbance. - Private Andrew MacTier said on Monday evening at 9.25 deceased came in the sleeping-room drunk. He sat on a form and slipped on the floor, cutting his face. He picked him up from the floor and put him in bed. At that time the window near the bed was closed. - Private D. Cairnes said that when he came off picket duty shortly after twelve o'clock on Tuesday morning he saw deceased lying on the bed with his trousers on, asleep. Before witness mounted picket at nine o'clock the previous evening he saw the deceased, who was very drunk. - Private Patrick Burns, on guard on Monday evening, saw the deceased in the guard-room at 7 o'clock, when he asked the sergeant to wake him at four o'clock. He was company cook for the week and to be up early to make the fires. He was not drunk then, but had been drinking. When witness was on guard at 2.30 on Tuesday morning he found deceased on the ground below the window. He thought he was asleep and lifted him up and shook him. As he could not get him to speak he alarmed the guard. The third storey window was open. He thought he heard a thud when about 30 yards away and also heard someone walking, which attracted him to the spot. - Corporal James Flynn said that on the guard being alarmed he went to the deceased with two [?] and found him lying face downwards, a stream of blood running into the gutter from him. He was dead. He ordered one [?] to go up to the room for a blanket, and they found that some of the men were asleep. He had known the deceased three trainings, and he was, in his opinion, one of the best soldiers in barracks. In reply to a Juror, witness said that the deceased had not been out of barracks on Monday evening. Police-Sergeant Pascoe said deceased had a large cut over his left eye, the face being covered with blood. He found two bottles in his pockets, one containing whisky and the other a very small quantity of rum. The height deceased fell was 30 to 40 feet. Dr Ernest G. Saunders said deceased's skull was fractured, both wrists broken, and the liver lacerated in several places. His opinion was that the deceased was vomiting from the window and fell out. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 15 December 1899
ASHPRINGTON - At Ashprington last evening an Inquest was held on HARRIET CRIDGE, widow, 90 years of age. Deceased had been unwell for some time. On the 7th inst. at about 7.30 a.m. she was found on the floor of her bedroom by a Mrs Taylor. She was put back to bed and died on Monday morning. Dr K. R. Smith, Totnes, said deceased had broken her arm, but he attributed death to softening of the brain and influenza, though the fracture might have hastened it. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

EXMINSTER - An Inquest was held at Exminster on Wednesday on JAMES RIDGEWAY, 26, who was found drowned in the Exeter Canal on Tuesday. Emily Bellworthy said she had known the deceased about seven years, and was to have been married to him that day. She saw deceased for the last time on Sunday, when they parted on friendly terms. She never heard him threaten to commit suicide. Frank Baker, farmer, of Exminster, stated that he saw the deceased on Monday, when he was apparently in the best of spirits. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 19 December 1899
HONITON - At an Inquest held yesterday at Honiton by the Coroner (Mr C. E. Cox) on the five weeks old child of MR S. STONE, the medical evidence showed that the child died from convulsions and a verdict was returned accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - IRENE P. FULL, aged 14 years, of 21 Victoria-street, Plymouth, died suddenly on Saturday afternoon, before medical assistance could be summoned. At the Inquest yesterday MRS I. FULL, mother, said deceased was always a delicate child and that on Saturday evening she was taken suddenly ill and whilst she (witness) went to Dr Square, she died. Dr Square attributed death to syncope and the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 December 1899
TAVISTOCK - Sad Death At Tavistock. - Mr R. R. Rodd held an Inquest at Tavistock on Monday relative to the death of WILLIAM SLEEMAN, farmer, Ruby Town Farm, Tavistock, a well-known agriculturist, aged 88. Deceased was born at Ruby Town Farm and was among the oldest of the Duke of Bedford's tenants. Deceased's grandson (WILLIAM JOHN SLEEMAN) visited him in a wood-house, adjoining the farm, at 2.30 p.m. on the 12th inst., and saw him commence to cut some wood. He was then well and cheerful, and witness left the farm. JOHN SLEEMAN, farmer, Wood[?], Tavistock, a son of deceased, went to see his father at 3 p.m. the same day and found him in a sitting position before the fire-place. Deceased asked to be lifted up, and witness then noticed that he was extensively burnt about the head and body. Medical assistance was immediately summoned. His father told him he was lifting a kettle from the fire when he fell down. Deceased died on the 16th inst. Dr Brodrick said he was summoned to see MR SLEEMAN on the 12th inst. He found that deceased was suffering from severe burns on the right arm and hand, left hand, right side and also on the face. There were also several scalds about the body. Death was due to shock, following the injuries. A verdict of "Death from Shock caused by Burns, Accidentally received" was returned.

PLYMOUTH - Fatal Accident Near Yelverton. - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth yesterday, relative to the death of GEORGE TAYLOR, aged 31, a coachman in the employ of Captain Chapell-Hodge, of Goodameavy, near Birkleigh. MRS MARY K. TAYLOR, wife of deceased, said on the morning of the 6th inst., her husband rode to Horrabridge, and, when returning, his pony attempted to jump a gage and threw him. The pony returned home first, followed shortly afterwards by her husband, who was bleeding from the nose and head. Dr Liddell was called in and subsequently another doctor from Plymouth, who advised deceased's removal to the Hospital. Deceased had frequently ridden the horse before. - Dr A. Hamilton, Assistant House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted on the 7th inst. suffering from lacerated wounds on his face and head, and died on Sunday. He attributed death to a clot of blood in the brain. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Thursday 21 December 1899
LYDFORD - Sudden Death In Princetown Prison. - Mr J. D. Prickman, County Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmoor Prison yesterday on WILLIAM WORKMAN, aged 58, who died last Saturday. The Governor (Mr W. Russell) produced records shewing that deceased was sentenced to 7 years' penal servitude for arson, a previous sentence of 5 years being recorded. Whilst in gaol his conduct was very good. Dr Frew stated that deceased returned from work on Saturday and was found lying dead in his cell at 1 p.m. A post-mortem examination shewed that death was due to cerebral apoplexy. The Jury (Mr Aaron Rowe, Foreman) returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." Deceased had no friends with whom the Prison authorities could communicate.

BERE FERRERS - The Late MR MICHAEL WILLIAMS. The Inquest. Expressions Of Sympathy. - At the Passage Inn, Bere Alston, yesterday, Mr R. R. Rodd, County Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of MR MICHAEL WILLIAMS, Unionist candidate for the Tavistock Division, who died suddenly while walking from Bere Alston Station to Calstock Ferry yesterday. Mr Victor Rowe was chosen Foreman of the Jury, and Mr R. R. Ward watched the proceedings on behalf of the family. - The Coroner, in opening the Inquest, said they had met to discharge a very painful duty, and he was sure the Jury would, as indeed everybody in the Two Counties in which deceased was so well known, did deeply sympathise with MRS WILLIAMS in the heavy and sudden loss which had fallen upon her. - Mr Harvey McPherson, Surgeon, Bere Alston, stated that about three weeks ago he walked with the deceased up from the Station to Bere Alston village. MR WILLIAMS complained that he was walking too fast for him, as his breath was short. Witness, however, did not medically examine him. Between eleven and twelve o'clock yesterday he was called to the Passage Inn to see deceased, who was lying in the house. From a superficial examination he found that he was dead. In his judgment the cause of death was syncope. - Mr Arthur Taylor, of Whitchurch, private and political secretary to MR WILLIAMS, deposed that deceased was 42 years of age. Yesterday, witness met MR WILLIAMS at Tavistock Railway Station by the train due at 10.36 a.m. After speaking to him witness entered a smoking apartment adjoining, and proceeded in the same train to Bere Alston, where they both alighted and walked down towards the ferry en route to Calstock, where MR WILLIAMS proposed attending the rent audit. At Bere Alston Station MR WILLIAMS remarked that his lumbago was rather severe, but he walked all right and chatted freely. When they had arrived within a hundred yards of the Passage Inn, opposite the ferry, deceased complained of dizziness, but proceeded with the conversation. When close to the Inn, however, he again complained of dizziness and rested on his umbrella. Witness offered him his arm, and they walked on together until within ten yards of the Inn, when deceased exclaimed, "I am really awfully dizzy," and sank back into his arms. Witness saw he was seriously ill, laid him down, and went to the Inn for assistance. As soon, however, as he got back, deceased expired. On the way down to the ferry from the Station they walked very slowly. Had known MR WILLIAMS since 1885. Had never heard him complain of shortness of breath, but had noticed it. - By the Jury: MR WILLIAMS had suffered from rheumatism. - On this evidence the Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes." - The Foreman desired, on behalf of the Jury, to say that the sad news which reached them yesterday caused a great shock to the people of Bere Alston and gloom rested over the whole parish. Only very recently MR WILLIAMS attended and spoke at a meeting in Bere Alston. He was then in apparent good health and spirits and they had hoped to see him spared for many years. As director of the London and south Western Railway they had looked to him with confidence to watch over the interests of the community in the West, and they felt his sad and sudden death was a great loss. But he wished more particularly to express the deep sympathy of the Jury with the bereaved widow of the deceased gentleman. Her husband's death was necessarily a great loss to her, and the Jury sympathised with her deeply in her bereavement and desired that an expression of their sympathy might be conveyed to her. - Mr Ward undertook to convey the Jury's sympathy to MRS WILLIAMS and thanked the Coroner and the Jury for their kind expressions. - Mr A. Taylor said MRS WILLIAMS desired to acknowledge her great obligation for the kindness shewn her by the people of the Passage Inn. Their kindness had been extremely great, and MRS WILLIAMS appreciated it very much. - At Ponsanooth and Stithians, two villages adjacent to Pengreep, his birthplace, and where the earlier years of his life were spent, nothing was known of MR WILLIAMS'S untimely end until the arrival of yesterday's papers. Unlike his brother, MR J. C. WILLIAMS, MR MICHAEL WILLIAMS was not known locally as a sportsman, but as a man keenly interested in the Church work of the district. As a lay preacher he had often occupied the pulpit at St Piran's Church and his purse was always at the disposal of Church workers at Gwennap, Stithians and Ponsanooth. At Burncoose, the residence of his sister, Mrs Powys-Rogers, the blow was a sad one. Here MR WILLIAMS was a frequent visitor, and his bearing towards the employees on the estate was of so cordial character, that strong men were overwhelmed with grief when the unfortunate news went round. - Much regret and sympathy was expressed at Launceston on Tuesday on receipt of the news of the death of MR WILLIAMS. MR WILLIAMS was at Werrington Park, Launceston, one of the seats of his brother, MR J. C. WILLIAMS, a few weeks ago. - In no town in Cornwall was the deceased gentleman more respected than at St. Blazey. He was a frequent visitor with Mr Taylor, at the meetings of the Conservative Association, and his forcible speeches were always greatly appreciated.

Western Morning News, Saturday 23 December 1899
PLYMOUTH - HARRY TUCKER, aged seven weeks, of 12 Windsor-place, Plymouth, was found dead in bed yesterday morning by his mother. At the Inquest Dr Cooke attributed death to suffocation and thought the child had been accidentally overlain. The Jury returned a verdict accordingly.

PLYMOUTH - Mr R. B. Johns, Borough Coroner, held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday relative to MRS ELIZA STONE, aged 51 years, of 8 Victoria-street. Mrs Jessie Hannaford, who resided in the same house, said deceased had been unwell for a short time, but refused to see a doctor. On Thursday afternoon she became worse and died suddenly. Dr Wagner who saw deceased shortly afterwards, said death was due to chronic bronchitis and fatty heart. The Jury returned a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes."

STOKE DAMEREL - Another Burning Fatality At Devonport. - Devonport Borough Coroner (Mr J. A. Pearce) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday, touching the death of ELIZABETH OLIVER BUCKINGHAM, 47, wife of WILLIAM BUCKINGHAM, stoker, H.M.S. Harrier, living at 27 Edinburgh-road. - Mary Jane Ingram said the deceased had been a tenant of hers. On Tuesday evening at 10.45 she (witness) left the house for an errand and when she returned about half an hour later saw the deceased on the landing enveloped in flames and shouting. She immediately took a cape and wrapped it around her, partly extinguishing the flames. Witness's mother came, and together they undressed deceased and put her to bed. Oil was applied to deceased's back which was badly burnt. Dr Wilson ordered her removal to the Hospital. Witness could not say how it was that the clothes of the deceased became ignited. - Mr Daniel Brough, Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted at about 12.30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, suffering from extensive burns to the trunk and arms. The cause of her death was shock, in consequence of the burns. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 27 December 1899
EAST STONEHOUSE - JOHN BEST, 42, a deaf mute of 12 Adelaide-street, Stonehouse, retired to rest as usual on 23rd inst., but when his mother went to attend him next morning she found him dead. At the Inquest yesterday a verdict of "Death from Natural Causes" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 December 1899
STOKE DAMEREL - A Keyham Fatality. - The Deputy Coroner (Mr A. Gard) held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday touching the death of GEORGE ELSIP, 33, a labourer, who was employee at the Keyham Extension Works. Daniel Brought, House Surgeon, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital on September 26th last suffering from a bad fracture of the left leg. Until October 17th he was under treatment with a view to saving the leg. On that date, however, the leg was amputated below the knee, the operation being successful. A few days after blood poisoning set in, which rendered it necessary to amputate the leg higher up. This was successfully accomplished on October 23rd, but the symptoms of blood poisoning continued. Several minor operations were carried out afterwards to remove abscesses caused by the blood poisoning, the deceased, however, passed away on the 28th inst. at five o'clock in the morning, death being due to blood poisoning following the fractured limb. - Frederick Allen, living at 61 Johnstone-terrace, a foreman of carpenters at the Keyham Extension Works, said on September 26th deceased was employed in pulling down |No. 2 Gantry, a heavy wooden framework. Some timber was thrown down to the ground, one piece of which rebounded, knocking both the deceased and witness down. A piece of wood struck the deceased on the ankle and he was removed to the Hospital, after examination by Dr Ham[?]. The affair was purely an accident and witness, who had been engaged in similar work for forty years, had never known of a similar occurrence. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the firm of Sir John Jackson (Limited) from all blame.

Western Morning News, Friday 29 December 1899
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Poisoning Case. The Inquest. - Mr R. B. Johns, (Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening into the circumstances attending the death of MARY ELIZABETH WRIGHT, who was found dead as the result of gas poisoning at No. 7 Summerland-place, Plymouth, on Saturday morning. Chief Constable Sowerby was present. - JOHN CHARLES WRIGHT, labourer, Dodbrooke, Kingsbridge, identified the body as that of his daughter, who was 18 years of age. He last saw her two months ago. - George Abbot, naval seaman, stationed at the Royal Naval Barracks, said he met the deceased on Friday night, and went with her to No. 7 Summerland-place, about eleven o'clock. As the girl told him, he asked the woman for a bed for himself and his wife. In the bedroom was one gas jet. The gas went out soon after they got into the room, and he got a box of matches to light it again, but deceased took the box out of his hands. He was sitting up in bed and had his hand on the lever of the gas jet when the light went out. He remembered nothing further. - Mrs da Costa, living at 7 Summerland-place, said the gas was lowered at the meter, but never turned off. On Friday night she lowered it about nine o'clock. ? She did not sleep on the same landing as that on which deceased slept. - P.C. Leverton said that at 9.45 on Saturday morning he was called by last witness, and in a room upstairs found Abbot and deceased. The sailor was lying with his face towards the door, and the woman with her face towards the wall. Deceased was quite dead and the sailor was unconscious and frothing at the mouth. Dr Pearse was immediately sent for and in the meantime witness used artificial means of respiration. He examined the gas bracket and found it was quite possible for the sailor to have pulled the lever over with his finger and turn the gas on again. There was nothing defective about it. - Dr Pearse said deceased was quite dead when he arrived. The sailor was breathing lightly and when witness called later in the morning he was able to say a few words. In the afternoon he recognised witness. He had made a post-mortem examination, and found death was due to asphyxiation. - The Coroner said there was no doubt this was a comparatively loose gas tap, and the sailor turned it on again. The door and windows were no doubt closed and it would not take very long to put these two people in the position in which they were found. - Verdict, "Accidental Death." The Foreman thought the constable should be complimented. Mr Sowerby said he would lay the facts before the Watch Committee.

PLYMOUTH - An Old Man's Death At Plymouth. Serious Neglect. - Mr R. B. Johns (Plymouth Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening relative to the death of RICHARD HENRY REED, aged 77, ropemaker. The widow said deceased, who ate heartily, had a meal at midday on Tuesday and ate nothing more till the following morning. The Coroner said Dr Cuming made the suggestion that the deceased had not been properly fed or cared for. - Witness said there was plenty of food if deceased had desired it. Sometimes he would not eat anything. - Dr Cuming said he was called about 1 p.m. on Wednesday, and found deceased practically dying. He gave instructions that he should be given brandy and milk. He thought deceased had been neglected and called again at 8 p.m., and, finding there was very little milk and brandy, mixed some himself. the room was in a miserable, dirty condition. He saw that deceased was bound to die. If he had been called earlier he would have had the patient removed. The body was in a very dirty condition and very emaciated. On making a post-mortem examination he found there was a good deal of inflammation of both lungs. Bronchitis and pleurisy were the cause of death, but it had been contributed to by want of proper care and attention. The Coroner: There is no doubt he was not properly cared for? - Dr Cuming: There was not a particle of food in the stomach. - The Jury found a verdict of "Natural Causes," but were of opinion that there was very great neglect.

EAST STONEHOUSE - The four-month-old male child of JOHN POLLARD, labourer, 19 High-street, Stonehouse, died suddenly on Wednesday morning. At the Inquest yesterday Dr Corbett attributed death to convulsions, due to teething. "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned.

TIVERTON - Fatal Christmas Fare At Tiverton. - GEORGE STUCKEY, aged 9, the son of WILLIAM STUCKEY, mason, Water-lane, Tiverton, on Christmas-day, ate, with the rest of the family, fowl, rabbit and Christmas pudding and in the night was taken sick. He continued ill the next day and in the afternoon a doctor was sent for, but before he arrived the child died whilst vomiting. Mr G. Michelmore found the lungs collapsed and several lumps of undigested food in the stomach. The child's life might have been saved if attended earlier in the day. The Coroner (Mr L. Mackenzie) said convulsions were set up by indigestion caused by improper feeding, a frequent cause of children's death, but seldom under such tragic circumstances.

EXETER - Child Burnt To Death At Exeter. A Parent Censured. - Mr H. W. Gould, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Exeter last evening, relative to ELLEN ESTHER DOBLE. Mr G. Bundy represented the N.S.P.C.C.. ESTHER DOBLE, the mother, said deceased was 13 months old. On Wednesday morning she left her in bed when she went out to work. Her husband and two other children were in the house. - ALFRED DOBLE, the father, said he was in the house with the children until half-past two, when he left them for awhile. After a quarter of an hour he was fetched. The children were left in the shop where there was no fire, although there was one in the kitchen adjoining. He closed the door between the two rooms, but the boy must have opened it. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said he was in a public-house when he was fetched. He had been in a public-house in the morning. He was not the worse for liquor when he left the children, but in the evening he was arrested for drunkenness. The child had been insured for three weeks, and, therefore, should not get anything from that. The other two children were four years and three years old. He had left the children before, but never for long. - By a Juryman: There was no fire-guard. - William Burridge, labourer, said shortly after 3 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon he saw smoke coming from the kitchen window of DOBLE'S house. He ran into the place and saw the little girl on fire. She was standing up, but not screaming. She was burning all over from top to bottom, and had little of her clothes left on her. The other two children were in a passage, and one was holding a piece of paper which was not lighted. He put out the flames with a rug and called for a blanket. P.C Ching, arrived and the child was stripped and taken to the Hospital. P.C. Ching said after taking the child to the Hospital he returned to the house and found the father drunk and excitable. Two men were endeavouring to keep him quiet. He saw nothing in the room to account for the accident and the fire in the grate was very small. Mr W. Ashford, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, said from the first the case was hopeless, and the child died in an hour and a half. - The Deputy Coroner said DOBLE was left in charge of the children, but did not seem to have conducted himself as a father, for instead of looking after the little ones he went out to a public-house. He said he was only absent ten minutes, but the evidence disputed that. If they wished to reflect on DOBLE they would be perfectly justified in doing so; but the wife was not to blame. - DOBLE: I can get two witnesses to shew I was not absent more than ten minutes. - The Deputy Coroner: The constable's evidence proves you were drunk about the time. - DOBLE: It was my favourite child. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," censured the father for his neglect of the children, and thanked Burridge for his praiseworthy behaviour. The Coroner thought the death of the child would be a sufficient reflection for the man for life. - At the Police Court in the morning, ALFRED DOBLE, the father of the child, was summoned for being drunk and disorderly on Wednesday night. Inspector Wootton said whilst the man was out getting drunk his child was so seriously burnt that she died. P.C. Wreford said at quarter past five in the evening he saw defendant outside his house. He was drunk and shouting loudly. Witness advised him to go indoors, but he refused. He took down his barber's pole and attempted to strike the constable over the head with it. William Chamberlain gave corroborative evidence. DOBLE said he was prevented from going to the Hospital to see his child. He went outside the shop to take down the pole and the policeman said "Mind my head." He replied in fun "I would as soon let if fall on your head as anybody else's". Mr Robert Strang said when the man became aware of the accident to his child he was overcome with grief. He did not believe he was drunk. Inspector Wootton said there was not the slightest doubt about DOBLE'S condition. Defendant asked to be given a chance, saying he would never touch the drink again. Fined 5s. and costs.

SHALDON - The Shaldon Fatality. A Distressing End. - At Shaldon yesterday an Inquest was held on MARY ANN CRISPIN, 76, widow of a police-sergeant of the Devon Constabulary, whose charred body was found in her cottage in Middle-street on Boxing-day. FRANCIS CRISPIN, of Paignton, deceased's stepson, said he had not seen her since the death of his father, about 16 months ago. She was supported by the parish and charitable friends. She had no near relatives except a sister, who was in a lunatic asylum. She had often complained of pains in her heart. It appeared that, although crippled and unable to get about properly, deceased lived alone. She had a rope fastened to the top of the banisters to pull herself upstairs. A neighbour (Ms Parker) sent her some dinner on Christmas-day about 5.30 by her little boy who found her groaning in front of the fire. She had advised deceased to have a doctor, but she refused and said if she did they would most likely take her to the Workhouse. - A butcher, calling for orders on Tuesday about nine o'clock, found the kitchen full of smoke. On going into the room to see what was the cause he fell over the dead body. Deceased's head was in the coat scuttle. Her clothing had been burnt off; that about her chest was smouldering. The fire had just gone out and a lamp was burning on the table. A constable passed the house between 11 and 12 o'clock on Christmas night and saw the lamp burning. There was, he stated, plenty of food and furniture in the house and deceased seemed to live comfortably. He found 6s. in her purse. Dr Bell said deceased was severely burnt; he thought death must have been instantaneous from the shock. Deceased was not fit to be left alone. When he saw her, at nine o'clock, she had been dead two or three hours. - The Foreman, Mr Sercombe, said the deceased ought to have been taken into the Union by the Guardians, where she would have been properly looked after and taken care of. It was not safe for herself or others for a crippled old woman like that to reside by herself. Mr C[?], relieving officer, said some time ago the Guardians stopped her relief in the hope of compelling her to go into the House. There was no law to compel her to do so and they had to commence giving her relief again, or she would probably have starved. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and added a rider expressing the opinion that a law should be passed, giving Guardians power to compel all persons suffering from infirmity, and having no one to take care of them, to go into the Union. - The Coroner (Mr Hacker) said he quite agreed with the rider. It was very satisfactory to find that the inhabitants of Shaldon and especially Mrs Parker had been so kind to the deceased, thereby preventing her from being in want of food.

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Workhouse Inmate Drowned - Mr R. B. Johns (Plymouth Borough Coroner) held an Inquest last evening relative to the death of SAMUEL HARCOMBE, aged 39, an inmate of the Workhouse, drowned in Sutton Pool on Tuesday evening. Mr Percy T. Pearse represented the Sutton Harbour Board. On Christmas-day deceased left the Workhouse on the annual holiday. About 7.30 on the following evening P.C. Menhennick was informed by the watchman on a round that the water of Sutton Pool was disturbed and as the result of dragging he recovered the body of deceased. Verdict, "Found Drowned."