Inquests Taken Into Suspicious Or Unexplained Deaths

For the County of Devon

Articles taken from the Western Morning News and Western Evening Herald

[printed in Plymouth.]

1930

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: Ackrell; Adderson; Alford(3); Andrews(2); Arscott; Arteaga; Ashby; Austin; Avery; Back; Baird; Balcomb; Ball; Barnes; Behenna; Bennett(2); Berry; Bond; Bridgman; Brockedon; Brooks; Brown; Buchan; Buckingham; Bunter; Burley; Burnett; Butler-Cole; Castle; Cavell; Chambers; Chapman; Coles; Collings; Cooch; Cook; Coyle; Craven; Crocker(2); Cross; Crossman; Cure; Curtis; Dart; Davis; Dewar; Down; Drapkin; Driscoll; Dymond; Earl; Facey; Finn; Foster; Gay; Gear; German; Gerrard; Giddy; Gilbert; Gill; Glanfield; Gloyne; Godfrey; Gove; Grady; Greenaway; Hannaford; Harley; Harris; Hayward; Haywood; Heard; Helyer; Hext; Hine; Hole; Hooper; Hosking; Hunt; Hutchinson; Ivey; James(3); Jarman; Jean; Johnson(2); Jope; Jordan; Kain; Kemp; Lambell; Langley(2); Latham; Leaman; Lee; Lindsay; Lock; Lord; Lovell; Mackenzie; Maddock; Madge; Martin; Mason; Matheson; Mathew; McAnliffe; McCleary; McKay; McLeod; Mitchell; Morris; Mortimore; Mumford; Murray; Newman; Nicholson; Norman; Northcott; Nuttle; O'Brien; Old; Overd; Oxenham; Partridge; Peat; Pedrick; Pengelly; Phillips(2); Piper; Pook; Prater; Priter; Puckey(2); Quick; Rawlings; Rendell; Richards; Rickeard; Robinson; Rogers; Rowe(2); Rundle; Russell; Secker; Short; Slater; Smith(3); Spry; Stephens(3); Stumbles; Swinnerton; Tapley; Taylor; Thomas(2); Thorgersen; Thorne; Trezona; Tribble; Triplett; Tucker; Turner; Twyford; Tyrer; Underhill; Unsworth; Veale; Vickery; Waldron; Warren; Watt; Watts(2); Webber; Weeks; West; Wiblin; Williams(2); Witheridge; Wright; Yabsley

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 January 1930
BRIXHAM - Killed By A Huge Sea. Tragedy Of Gale Told At Brixham. - "This case shows the danger to which those who go down to the sea in ships are exposed. We thought we experienced bad gales inland, but the inland gales have been nothing compared with what the sailors have had to endure in the Channel." - This statement was made by Mr J. Windeatt, Deputy County Coroner, in recording a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest at Brixham Townhall yesterday on JAMES CAMERON MCKAY, 19, of Hull, who was killed on board the steamship Atlantic, in which he was a seaman, during a gale in the early hours of Sunday morning. - John Burgess Cox, of Edinburgh-street, Hull, chief mate of the Atlantic, said the ship left Immingham on Christmas-eve, loaded with coal. From the start they had a boisterous voyage, and when off Ushant at 4 a.m. on Sunday the captain hove-to, so terrific was the gale. - At Duty On The Bridge. - Witness, who was on the bridge from midnight until 4 a.m. said MCKAY was there with him from one o'clock. The last time witness saw him was at four o'clock, when he was due to go off duty. About that time there was a shift of wind, and the sea was very confused. - As MCKAY was descending the bridge ladder the boat shipped a particularly heavy sea, and it was quite likely this threw him down. As soon as the weather permitted the vessel was taken into Brixham. This was about 9.30 a.m. - The Coroner: I believe it was one of the worse gales you have experienced for 30 years? - Witness: Yes. - Witness added that MCKAY had been at sea two years, but this was his first voyage in the Atlantic. - Dr R. B. Thompson, of Brixham, told the Coroner that he was taken aboard the Atlantic in Torbay on Monday morning, and found MCKAY'S skull was smashed and a large portion was missing, and his neck was broken. Fracture of the skull was the cause of death. - The Coroner: He was evidently thrown against something. - Dr Thompson: Yes, with great force. - Body Covered By Debris. - William Alexander Morrison, of Plantation-drive, Analby Park, Hull, chief engineer in the Atlantic, stated that about 6 a.m. on Monday he was looking about the bridge deck with the aid of an electric torch and discovered MCKAY lying lifeless on the port side of the bridge deck. - William Fordham, of Windsor-gardens, Brunswick-avenue, Hull, second officer of the Atlantic, who was called by the chief engineer to see MCKAY, said the latter was mixed up with a lot of timber His body was covered by debris. MCKAY was probably caught by a big sea shipped on the port side of the vessel at 4 a.m. on Monday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 1 January 1930
IDDESLEIGH - Not Due To Fall. Iddesleigh Woman's Death From Senile Decay. - Mr H. C. Brown, Coroner for Devon, held an Inquest at Iddesleigh yesterday on the body of MRS HARRIET MATHEW, of Nethercott, Iddesleigh, and late of Rydon, Talaton. - Mrs C. J. M. Arnold, who had lived with MRS MATHEW for some years, said deceased was aged 93. She had been attended by Dr Mitchell for a weak heart. On December 3 she went to witness's bedroom and slipped off the bed, but only had a slight bruise as a result. - Dr W. F. Mitchell, of Hatherleigh, said he had attended MRS MATHEW for several years for a weak heart. He was sent for on December 3 and found she had a bruise, but no fracture. She was sinking long before the accident, and died from senile decay. The accident had nothing to do with her death. - A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes (senile decay)" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Police Hunt For Car. Boy's Attempt To Stop Motorist. Story Of A Plymouth Woman's Death. - All the efforts of Plymouth City Police to trace a motor car believed to have been concerned in the death of MRS MARY ETHEL GOVE, aged 46, during Christmas have so far been unavailing, and the Inquest was yesterday adjourned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, until next Thursday, in the hope that further light may be thrown on the tragic circumstances. - At the Inquiry MRS GOVE was stated to be the wife of GEORGE EDWARD WILLIAMS GOVE, a joiner at Devonport Dockyard, of 15a. Seaton-place, Ford. - The Coroner said that up to the present inquiries made by the Coroner's officer, Sergt. T. Byrnes, and the Police had not established which motor car caused the death of MRS GOVE or who was the driver. - Apparently after the accident the car proceeded on its way, and no trace of it had been discovered. There was the possibility that the driver did not know of the collision with the woman. In the hope that publicity given to the case would result in the motorist coming forward, he proposed to adjourn the Inquest for a week. It was very desirable that the driver should come forward. - Giving evidence of identification, MR GOVE said his wife's sight and hearing were quite good. - After Leaving Tramcar.- ELIZA LOYE STRONG, wife of Frederick John Strong, a wireman at the Dockyard, residing at Wadham-terrace, Ford, said at 9.10 p.m. on Christmas-eve she and her sister (MRS GOVE), after visiting their mother at Meredith-road, Peverell, caught a tram to Ford-hill. They left the tram together and went around the back of it. Witness looked down the road and saw a motor car coming towards Milehouse. She warned her sister, who was in front of her. - When next witness saw her sister she was lying on the opposite pavement, having been knocked across the road. The motor car did not stop. Witness heard men shout, "Stop that car!" MRS GOVE was conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital. - Replying to questions, witness said the car was going fast. Rain fell heavily at the time. The horn was not sounded. She did not know if the driver was a man or woman. The night was very bad. - Body Carried On Front Of Car. - William Thomas Whitehead, grocer's assistant, Balmoral-avenue, Stoke, said the motor car was a small one, with two rather dull sidelights. Witness thought the car was travelling rather fast. The night was very dark, and the weather bad. He did not see the impact, but heard shouts. Twice the car zig-zagged across the road. - At the same time the witness saw the body of a woman, which appeared to have been carried on the front of the car, fall to the pavement. The car was on its wrong side of the road, and near the kerb. Then it went back to its proper side of the road, slowed down, then accelerated and went on. He did not hear the horn of the car sounded. - A broken piece of the car, witness added, was picked up near the scene of the collision and handed to the Police. - Attempt To Stop Car. - George Emmanuel Harris, a boy in H.M.S. Ganges, living at Alexandra-road, Ford, said he saw the car swerve across the road, and heard a woman scream as the motor passed the tram. People shouted, "Stop that car!" Getting into the middle of the road, witness tried to stop the car by raising his hand, but the driver took no notice. He had to jump back to avoid being knocked down. He attempted to take the number of the car, and thought it was CO 309. - The Coroner interposed that the Police had ascertained that this number belonged to a motor cycle. - Witness added that he heard no horn sounded. The driver must have seen him, because witness was right in front of the car. - Multiple Injuries. - Constable Henwood explained that the piece of the car broken off and afterwards found at the scene of the collision was a round disc fixed at the top of the radiator. The Police had made the fullest inquiries with the object of tracing the car, but so far unsuccessfully. - The Coroner pointed out to the Jury that the broken disc found was of a general pattern used on cars. - Dr E. Aslett, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, stated that four ribs on the right side of MRS GOVE'S body were fractured and three on the left side. At the back of the head was a scalp wound 1 ½ inches long, and on the left thigh and right leg were abrasions and bruises. He attributed death to cardiac failure, caused by shock. - Mr Whitehead, recalled, said he estimated that MRS GOVE was carried by the car about 30 yards along the road. - The Court expressing surprise at the distance, witness stated that he had paced the ground. MRS GOVE appeared to have been carried by the bonnet of the car and then dropped. - MRS STRONG, also recalled, agreed that the motor carried her sister a considerable distance. - The Coroner the adjourned the Inquest until January 9.

Western Morning News, Thursday 2 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Gas Tragedy. Open Verdict At Inquest On Naval Stoker's Wife. - An Open Verdict was returned yesterday by the Jury at the Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner for Plymouth, Mr W. E. J. Major, on CLARA BROCKEDON, aged 42, wife of CECIL STANLEY BROCKEDON, stoker, H.M.S. Vivid, who lived at Sussex-street, Plymouth. - The husband stated that he last saw his wife alive at 5.45 a.m. on December 31, when he returned to barracks after spending a week's leave at home. At 7.10 p.m. he heard that she was dead. His wife had a comfortable home, and was usually quite cheerful, and witness had no reason to think she would take her life. There was no disagreement between them, and no financial trouble. - In the bedroom, said witness, was an open grate, with a gas tap and nozzle at the side. Attached to the nozzle was a flexible tube about 3 ft. long. - Miss Farley, a friend, deposed to getting a man to open the locked door of the house and finding MRS BROCKEDON lying on the bed apparently dead about 4.30 p.m. - Dr H. G. Ludolf said death was due to coal gas poisoning. - Constable Screech said when he entered the bedroom it was full of gas, escaping from the flexible tube. The meter was a quarterly one. - In the opinion of the Jury there was not sufficient evidence to show whether the poisoning was accidental or otherwise.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Road Fatality At Plymouth. Victim Says "It Was My Fault." Admission To Traffic Policeman. - "It was my fault. I did not see the van." This statement, according to Constable Miller, was made by MR FRANK MATHESON of 1 Diamond-avenue, Plymouth, who died as the result of injuries received when he came into collision with a motor lorry at Drake-circus. - MR MATHESON, who was aged 71, was for many years a member of Lloyds Bank staff at Plymouth, and was widely known throughout the Westcountry. - At the Inquest held by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, yesterday the Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver of the lorry from blame. - Albert Ernest Meager, of Oxford-place, Plymouth, the driver of the lorry, said he saw MR MATHESON about one foot in front of the lorry. He applied his brakes at once, but MR MATHESON struck the lorry near the lamp bracket. At the time of the accident witness was travelling at a walking place. - Police Constable Miller, who was on traffic duty at Drake-circus, said he signalled Meager to proceed. Witness saw deceased on the footpath with a parcel under his arm. He "trotted off" the edge of the kerb. Witness did not actually see the accident as his view was obscured by the bonnet of the lorry. - Witness saw MR MATHESON in the Casualty Ward of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and he said "It was my fault. I did not see the van. I am deaf and my eyesight is bad." - Dr Ray Parsloe said death was due to bruising and laceration of the brain.

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Verdict. Man Found With Head Inside Gas Oven. - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on JOHN SECKER, aged 49, a pensioner, of Tavistock-place, who was found with his head in a gas oven, the Jury returned a verdict of "Suicide," but stated that there was no evidence to show the state of the deceased's mind. - Vera Gertrude Johns, of Tavistock-place, Plymouth, said SECKER had been lodging at her address for two years. He was in the habit of drinking heavily, and on December 30 was brought home in the St John Ambulance, and in consequence of his condition was not admitted. - Witness was not aware that SECKER had entered the house surreptitiously on Wednesday night. When she went down to the scullery on Thursday morning she was unable to open the door. She heard a hissing noise and smelt gas. She called Mr O'Callaghan, who also lodged in the house. - James O'Callaghan said he entered the scullery by another door. He turned off the gas in the darkness, and felt the head and shoulders of deceased inside the oven. Witness went for the Police. - Police Constable Sullivan said he removed the man to the back yard and tried artificial respiration until Dr McKee came and pronounced life extinct. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 4 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - At an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ROY BACK, son of MR and MRS G. H. BACK, of Southern-terrace, Plymouth, who died within 5 minutes of birth, a verdict of "Death from Asphyxia, due to want of Attention," was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 January 1930
TORQUAY - Christmas-Eve Tragedy. Torquay Woman's Death From Tetanus. - Returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence at the Inquest at Torbay Hospital yesterday afternoon on MRS EMMA JANE KELLAND HOLE, wife of a bricklayer residing at Woodlands Cottage, Lawes Bridge, Torquay, who fell in her kitchen on Christmas-eve and sustained a compound fracture of the left leg, the Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, said it was "a terribly sordid story." - MRS HOLE died on the evening of January 3 from tetanus. - Douglas G. Young, House Surgeon, Torbay Hospital, said MRS HOLE was admitted to the Institution early on Christmas morning suffering from a compound fracture of the lower part of her left leg. She stated that she had fallen in the kitchen of her house the previous night, and had been unable to get any help. She was operated upon later in the morning and progressed moderately well until the morning of January 2, when the initial symptoms of tetanus became apparent. Treatment was at once given, but she died on the evening of the 3rd. Death was due to tetanus following the infection of the injury received. - Tetanus from injuries received indoors was unusual. It generally arose from germs from the earth or decaying matter. - Husband's Admission. - WILLIAM ROBERT HOLE, bricklayer, of Woodlands Cottage, Lawes Bridge, identified the body as that of his wife. He said he did not sleep in the house, but in a hut in the garden. On Christmas-eve he arrived home at about 10 p.m., and went direct to the hut. - The Coroner: A witness says he saw you lying in the lane drunk, picked you up and took you to the hut. Is that correct?- Witness: Probably it is. - He remembered being awakened by the barking of a dog about 4 a.m. and hearing groans. He went to the house and on entering saw his wife lying at the bottom of the stairs with the dog by her side. - On asking her what had occurred, she replied: "I slipped coming in from the back. and I think I have broken my ankle." He saw that his wife's left ankle was bleeding. Witness called a neighbour and his wife, and they rendered first-aid whilst he fetched the ambulance from Torre Station, and saw his wife removed to the Torbay Hospital.- Neighbour's Evidence. - William James Dowman, checker in the employ of the Great Western Railway, residing at Elm Tree, Lawes Bridge, Torquay, said he saw HOLE lying in the lane drunk about 10.15 p.m. Witness picked him up and took him to the hut. About 4.20 on Christmas morning he was aroused by HOLE, who was then sober. He asked witness and his wife to come up to see his wife, as he believed she had broken her ankle. When witness arrived he saw MRS HOLE lying at the bottom of the stairs. He examined her leg, and found a compound fracture. He administered first-aid and did what he could to make her comfortable. - Mary A. Gale, of Factory-road, said in Castle-circus about 10.15 on Christmas-eve she saw a crowd, and ascertained that a woman had fallen down. Later she saw two sailors carrying a woman, whose mouth was bleeding. Witness recognised her as MRS HOLE. She was intoxicated. - The sailors called a taxi, and witness got in with deceased, while two civilians rode outside. - At Lawes Bridge the whole of the occupants got out, and walked down the lane to the house. On the way they met a man helping MR HOLE home. Witness took deceased into the house and placed her in an armchair in the kitchen. She would not go to bed. - The Coroner: Did you think of going and fetching MR HOLE? - Witness: I knew he was too drunk. - Pillows were placed against the wall, and deceased was laid on them. On the following morning witness heard of what had happened and saw MRS HOLE, who said that too much was being made of the matter. She did not want her husband to know, as he would accuse her of being drunk. - The Coroner returned a verdict as stated.

Western Morning News, Friday 10 January 1930
YELVERTON -Dartmeet Fatality. A.A. Patrol Pinned Under Motor Cycle. - Mr G. G. Atkinson, Okehampton, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dartmeet yesterday on WILLIAM STEPHENS, a Sergeant, employed by the Automobile Association, who was found dead pinned under a motor cycle at Dartmeet hill on Wednesday morning by a postman. CHARLES STEPHENS, a motor mechanic, of Bovey Tracey, identified the body as that of his brother, who was 33 years of age, and unmarried. - George E. T. White, a postman driver, said that on Wednesday morning he was driving the mail van from Princetown to Dartmeet. He noticed a motor cycle driving chain on the road just below The Chalet. He picked it up and put it in the van. On going down the hill he saw a motor cycle and sidecar on the bank. He stopped and saw a man pinned underneath the cycle, lying stretched out on his stomach, with his left cheek uppermost. The man was dead. He telephoned to the Police, leaving a Mr Turner with the body. - James Henry Gammon, a roadman, said he heard a motor cycle stop outside his hut about 7.50 a.m. on Wednesday, and then pass down the hill. The next vehicle to pass was the mail cart. - Dr E. G. Battiscombe, Medical Officer of H.M. Prison, at Princetown, said he was called to Dartmeet and found the man lying on the bank. He had apparently been dead two hours. There was no sign of a fracture, and, in his opinion, cause of death was suffocation following unconsciousness. - Constable Tucker said that apparently the cycle went into the bank and struck a tree. The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Friday 10 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Unknown Car. Police Fail To Trace The Driver. - The Plymouth Jury which Inquired into the death of MRS MARY ETHEL GOVE, aged 46, of Seaton-place, Ford, who was knocked down by a motor car in St Levan-road, Devonport, on Christmas-eve, yesterday returned a verdict that MRS GOVE died as the result of being knocked down by a motor car, which was driven in a negligent manner by a person unknown. Det.-Sergt. Cloke stated that the Police had done everything possible to trace the driver, but could not find anything that might afford a clue. - William Seymour, motorman in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation Tramways, living at 2 Seymour-street, said on December 24 at 9.30 p.m. a motor car driven in an erratic manner and very rapidly nearly hit the tram. He heard some shouting and there was a squeak of brakes, but the car did not stop. - Chas. Stewart, living at 63 Royal Navy-avenue, conductor of a car travelling in the opposite direction, which arrived on the scene of the accident about a minute after it occurred, said that a passenger who boarded the car at the scene of the accident told him that if he heard any more of the affair to tell the Coroner it was a small saloon car, Morris type, driven by a long-faced man about 35, and wearing a grey trilby hat. He was accompanied by a boy wearing a Johnston-terrace School cap, and that he believed he had seen a similar car standing in the grounds of the Royal Naval College. The passenger added, "I am positive this was the car that did it." - Detective-Sergt. Cloke said he had been to the R.N.E. College and the Dockyard, but could not find anything which might afford a clue. The Police had gone to Johnston-terrace School, and had seen all the masters and boys, without result. It was quite likely that the passenger in the tramcar was mistaken regarding the school cap. - The Coroner and Jury complimented Sergt. Cloke on the way in which he had carried out his investigations, and thanked the Police as a whole for their work.- It was decided to write a letter of commendation to George E. Harris, of 129 Alexandra-road, and H.M.S. Ganges, for his action in trying to stop the car by jumping in front of it at the risk of being run down. - Mr W. E. J. Major conducted the Inquiry.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 14 January 1930
TORQUAY - Poisoning By Disinfectant. Torquay Innkeeper's Depression. - Evidence given at the Inquest at Torbay Hospital yesterday on WILLIAM AVERY, 45, licensee of the New Inn, Fore-street, St Marychurch, indicated that he had been depressed through the death of his daughter, and this had led him to take his own life. MR AVERY was found to have taken disinfectant on Saturday, and later died at the Hospital from shock caused by carbolic acid poisoning. The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane." - Gertrude E. Savill, a widow, of the New Inn, said at 9 a.m. on Saturday MRS AVERY called witness to a store on the premises, where MR AVERY lay on the floor unconscious. She noticed a smell of disinfectant and a mark of burning around his mouth. She had noticed that of late he was very depressed, morbid and reserved. - He had attempted to take his life before, and that was why witness went to stay with MRS AVERY. She knew of no reason why MR AVERY should want to take his life. She attributed his depression to the death of his daughter. - Mr Lee Barber explained that a charge against deceased for attempting to take his life was heard on October 21, and three days later his daughter died. - Antidotes To Carbolic. - Dr S. Bridgman, House Physician, said when deceased was admitted to the Institution he was suffering from acute acid poisoning. Witness gave stimulants for the shock, and attempted to use a stomach pump unsuccessfully. A post-mortem examination revealed that death was due to shock, caused by carbolic acid poisoning.- In reply to the Coroner, witness said antidotes to carbolic acid were fat or carbonate of soda. - LILY AVERY, widow, stated that her daughter called her to the store on Saturday morning and she found her husband lying on the floor, apparently unconscious. She (witness) searched the store, and found a bottle which smelt strongly of carbolic acid. It was similar to a bottle containing disinfectant which had been obtained from the Townhall. Her husband had been very depressed of late and the only reason she could assign for this was the death of her daughter. - Constables L. Newman and F. J. Huxtable also gave evidence.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - A Fall At Torquay. Octogenarian Plymouth Business Man's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest conducted yesterday by Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MR CHARLES WATT of 28 Thornhill-road, Mannamead, who had a fall while at Torquay recently and died at Plymouth on Sunday. - MR WATT, who was 85 years of age, had been in business as a brush manufacturer and general warehouseman at Courtenay-street. He was also connected with the religious life of the city as a Baptist and his brother, MR EDWARD WATT, is still connected with the Church at Mutley. - MR WATT had gone to Torquay on business last week, and whilst there fell, sustaining injuries which developed into hypostatic pneumonia. - MR CHARLES HALLETT WATT described his father as a very active man for his age, although he had failed considerably during the last four months. - His father left to go to Torquay a week previously and appeared quite well. Two days later witness received a 'phone message stating that MR WATT was not very well and seemed very tired. Subsequently witness was informed that his father had had a fall. Deceased was removed to Plymouth by ambulance. - Dr James Walker spoke to seeing MR WATT at Plymouth last Thursday evening. Witness found no indication of cranial injury, but that he was numbed downwards. He contracted bronchitis which later developed into hypostatic pneumonia, from which he died.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Suicide. Tobacconist's Action Unexplained. - No explanations of the suicide of CHARLES HENRY RICKEARD, aged 56, naval pensioner, who carried on business as a tobacconist and confectioner at 51 Flora-street, and whose home was at 23 Ryder-road, Ford, was forthcoming at the Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, Plymouth Coroner, yesterday. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned. - CHARLES HENRY LESLIE RICKEARD, a son, said he went to the shop during Sunday evening, but found the premises secure, and assumed his father had gone home. Returning home about 10 o'clock witness found his father was not there, and with a friend went back to the shop after having inquired of the Police if there had been an accident. Later witness accompanied Police Officers to the shop, and an entry was gained to the premises by the side door. Deceased was lying on the floor in an upstair room. - "Bad With Nerves." - "My father was rather bad last week with his nerves," said witness, who did not think deceased had been worrying about the business. There was no money trouble, and deceased seemed very happy when he left home. - Sergeant Short, of Plymouth City Police, said on Monday morning about 12.30 he accompanied the last witness and a Constable to the shop in Flora-street and forced an entry. They made a search of the house, and in a tenement room found RICKEARD lying on his side with his head in the gas oven. Around the stove was an overall and a mackintosh, while deceased had a raincoat wrapped around his head. There was a very strong smell of gas in the room. - Dr W. H. Waterfield said death was due to coal-gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 15 January 1930
TEIGNMOUTH - Life Sacrificed. Killed By Falling Tree At Teignmouth. - The tragic death during the gale on Sunday of MR FREDERICK CHARLES CROSS, aged 68, a retired builder, of Bitton-street, Teignmouth, who was struck by a falling tree and impaled on railings, one of which pierced his heart, was described at the Inquest conducted by Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, at Teignmouth last night. - Mr Hutchings said everyone in the town would like to express sympathy with the family, because MR CROSS, as a result of trying to protect other people, sacrificed his own life. - "Death by Misadventure" was recorded. - CHARLES THOMAS CROSS, Haldon-avenue, Teignmouth, son, said about 6.15 p.m. he went to see a tree that had been blown down at Higher Brimley-terrace. His father, who was with a Mr Cox, a builder, was also there and was about to fetch a cross-saw for use on the tree that was down. Witness's brother had already commenced to saw off the branches and his father, when he returned, commenced to pile up the sawn-off parts. - Impaled On Gate. - Suddenly there was a shout, "Look out, here is another one coming." Witness repeated the warning, looked up and saw a tree falling right on him. He dashed to the right and just escaped it. His brother got through the branches and found his father impaled on the gate of No. 16 Higher Brimley-terrace. - The Coroner: Were you able to release your father? - Witness: No, not for some time, although we struggled hard. We were given assistance, and my father was released after a bough had been cut off. He was quite dead. There was a terrific gale blowing, although there was a lull just before the second tree came down. If my father had stood where he was he would probably have been safe. - MR G. CROSS, the other son, explained that his father was originally sent for because wires had been blown down, and it was thought that they might constitute a danger to the public and that it was advisable for them to be removed. It was found, however, that the electric current had been cut off. - Dr Arthur de Vine said MR CROSS had a wound penetrating through the lung and the heart, and there were two other abdominal wounds. The cause of death, which was instantaneous, was shock. MR CROSS could not have suffered.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death Caused By Umbrella. Unusual 'Bus Fatality At Plymouth. - How a woman was killed through her umbrella, which was attached to her wrist by a cord from the handle, becoming hitched in some portion of the 'bus as she alighted on Monday evening, was explained by a witness at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on MRS LAVINIA SMITH, aged 66, a widow, of 3 Chestnut-road, Plymouth. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded and the driver exonerated from blame. - LEONARD AUNGER SMITH said he saw his mother at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Monday. She was conscious, and told him that her umbrella caught in the 'bus when she alighted and as the 'bus moved off she fell. - Mrs Irene Myra Carney, 119 Park-avenue, Renown-street, Keyham, said she was a passenger in a "K" Corporation 'bus which stopped in Chestnut-road for MRS SMITH to leave it. - She had alighted and the driver had restarted, when witness saw MRS SMITH running beside the 'bus for about three or four yards, and as the vehicle drew out from the kerb she fell. - Witness shouted to the driver to stop and he did so. She (witness) got off the 'bus and went to assist MRS SMITH, who was lying with her head on the kerb and her legs under the 'bus. The driver also alighted, and finding that one of the wheels was resting on deceased's leg, he backed the 'bus. - Felt The 'Bus Lift. - William Henry Perring, the driver, said that the passenger alighted and was clear of the 'bus so far as he could see. He had just got under way when someone shouted to him to stop and he felt the 'bus lift as if it had gone over something. He stopped the 'bus and got down, and when he saw that MRS SMITH was injured sent for St John Ambulance. - Mr Robert Brian Pringle, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that when MRS SMITH was admitted she was in a state of extreme shock. The cause of death was shock due to a very severe laceration of her right leg. She died on Tuesday. - Mrs Carney was thanked by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, and the Jury, and also by Mr B. H. Whiteford, on behalf of the relatives, for the assistance she rendered. - Sympathy with the relatives was expressed by the Coroner and Jury, and by Mr Ernest Vosper, Assistant Town Clerk, on behalf of the Corporation.

Western Morning News, Thursday 16 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - A Dangerous Corner. Ermington Carpenter Cyclist's Death. - A verdict of "Death by Accidental Collision with a Motor Car" was recorded by Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on PHILLIP HENRY WITHERIDGE, who was injured near Yealmpton on Saturday and died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday. - ARTHUR JOHN WITHERIDGE, journeyman carpenter, Church-street, Ermington, said his father was also a journeyman carpenter. He was employed by Devon County Council and his age was 56. When he saw his father at 12.45 p.m. on Saturday in a shed near Yealm Bridge, where he had been taken after meeting with the accident, he was unconscious. His father had been working in the quarries near Yealm Bridge that morning. He had ridden a bicycle for years. His hearing and sight were good. - William Walker Wright, naval pensioner, Cecil-avenue, Plymouth, the driver of the car, said he was driving to Plymouth from Dartmouth and travelling at about 20 miles an hour. Just before he reached the quarries he sounded his horn twice. Suddenly a cyclist appeared from a side road on the left side. He appeared to be going straight across the road, and seemed to be looking towards his feet. - No Chance Of Escape. - Witness applied both brakes and declutched the engine immediately, but he saw there was no chance whatever of missing the man, as he was too close. The impact occurred immediately after he had applied his brakes, and the force of it threw his car to the other side of the road. The car skidded some distance when he applied the brakes. - When he (witness) got out of the car he found WITHERIDGE was unconscious. He had travelled that road practically every day since February. He had had his car since last May, and had passed as a driver before leaving the Navy in 1924. - George Philp, quarryman, of Council Houses, Yealmpton, and John Spencer, labourer at the quarries, both said WITHERIDGE cycled across the main road. - Dr Pringle, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when he saw MR WITHERIDGE he was suffering from extreme shock and bleeding from the left ear. He died on Tuesday from cerebral meningitis and laceration of the brain, caused by a fractured skull. - Sergeant Holmes, Devon Constabulary, said the corner was dangerous. The road leading from the quarry was slightly downhill and dipped just before entering the main road. - The Jury added a rider that a board of warning should be placed at that spot on the road and the Police Sergeant said he would make a representation to that effect.

Western Morning News, Friday 17 January 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Fell From A Swingboat. Unusual Accident At Plymouth. Young Sailor Fatally Injured. - A fatal accident to a sailor at the Millbay Rinkeries, Plymouth, resulting from a swingboat breaking in two on Monday, was described at the Inquest held yesterday at the R.N. Hospital, Stonehouse, by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Plymouth Coroner. - The verdict of the Jury was that the man - THOMAS MITCHELL, 20, of H.M.S. Glorious, whose home was at 43 Glasgow-street, Belfast, - died from cerebral haemorrhage due to an injury to the skull caused by falling out of a defective swingboat, combined with the improper use of the boat by the deceased. - There was some discrepancy in the evidence as to whether a warning notice about standing in the swings was displayed, and the Jury in recording their verdict, said, "We think the notice may have been up." - Mr F. E. Bowden (Messrs. Foot, Bowden, and Blight) watched the proceedings on behalf of the Admiralty. - Evidence of identification was given by the father, SAMUEL JOHN MITCHELL, who said his son was very steady. - William Clarke, able seaman, who had occupied the same room as MITCHELL at the Naval Barracks, Devonport, stated that he met MITCHELL at the Rinkeries on Monday evening. Deceased was transferred to H.M.S. Glorious about a fortnight ago. Witness had taken nothing to drink before meeting deceased. It was proposed they should go up in the swingboats. They stood up and started off, but did not go very high. The next thing witness remembered was hanging on to a cross-bar between two pieces of the boat. When the swing stopped he climbed down by one of the bars. He saw two men pick MITCHELL up and carry him over by a caravan. Witness accompanied deceased to the Hospital in the Ambulance. MITCHELL had not been drinking and had no money. - The Notice To Users. - The boats were different to those they had been in before. There was no notice stating that standing in the boats was not permitted. - A notice was produced by the Coroner with a warning against people standing up in the boats, but witness declared he had not noticed it. - Alfred Jones, amusement caterer, of Plymouth, said he was in charge of the swingboats, which belonged to his brother-in-law, T. Whitelegg. About 8.30 on Monday evening the last witness and deceased hired a boat. Witness saw them enter the boat and "shoved them off." He did not caution them at first about standing. After they had swung for a while, witness told them it was high enough.- The Coroner: Were they in your opinion too high? - Witness: About half the height, or about 8 ft. 3 in. - Have you witnessed anybody as high as they were? - Higher. - What made you think they were high enough? - We always caution people so as to be on the safe side, and prevent them going too high. - Witness went away to stop another boat and on turning around saw Clarke clinging to the side rods. The other man was on the ground and the boat was in halves, hanging on to the rods. Witness asked Clarke if he was hurt, and he replied, "No." - The boats, witness stated, were erected at the Rinkeries last Friday, having previously been used at Bampton Fair last October. Since then they had been kept under cover at Newton Abbot. Before erection the boats were examined and it was considered they were fit for anyone to ride in. - The Coroner: Would you consider from the examination of the boat it was in good condition? - Witness said he thought it was. - Questioned as to a warning, witness said the notice was fixed on the legs of the boats and had been there since Friday. People read the warning, but witness rarely cautioned people about standing because they challenged them to fight. - The Coroner: Well, you have means of protection. - Warnings Disregarded. - Alfred Henry Ball, showman, residing at High-street, Stonehouse, said something suddenly dropped at his feet, and, looking down, he saw it was a sailor. Witness picked him up and carried him to a caravan. He was unconscious and seemed seriously injured. - Thomas Whitelegg, of Newton Abbot, show proprietor, said the boats at Millbay were his property. They were left in charge of his brother-in-law. They were five or six years old, but were renewed and repaired each winter, when they were painted. - The Coroner: You would not call this particular boat in good condition, would you, from what you see now? - Witness: No, not from what I see now. - In reply to further questions, witness stated that people would not sit down, although they were asked to do so. - Answering a Juryman, witness said he had never seen a boat break in two before, although he had seen the bottoms fall out. - James Mayor Duncan Lees, able seaman, gave an account of the accident, and, with regard to the warnings, said: "I have never seen those notices before, and I have been going down there for four years." - Surg.-Lieut.-Com. A. McDonnell stated that MITCHELL was admitted to the Hospital at 9 p.m. on Monday. He was unconscious and in a state of cerebral irritation. There was a bruise on the left side of the face, and a lacerated wound on a joint of one of the fingers. His condition became worse and he died on Tuesday night, death being due to intracranial haemorrhage. 

Western Morning News, Friday 17 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Banana Skin Fatality. Dockyardman's Death At Plymouth. - The danger of throwing banana and other fruit skins indiscriminately on the streets was brought vividly to light at an Inquest on THOMAS MCANLIFFE, aged 54, skilled labourer in Devonport Dockyard, of Lockyer-lane Cottages, Plymouth, yesterday. In returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, commented on the lack of evidence respecting the accident and that no record of the case having been dealt with had been kept at the local headquarters of St John Ambulance. - Evidence by a son was to the effect that when MR MCANLIFFE returned home on December 21 he stated that he had fallen on a banana skin in Frankfort-street. He was taken to St John Ambulance Station in Notte-street, and after resting some time walked home. At first he refused to see a doctor, but later Dr Deery was called in and attended him until his death on Tuesday. - Medical evidence showed that deceased had fractured several ribs on the left side and there was haemorrhage consequent on the lungs having been punctured. Death was attributable to those injuries.

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Young Woman's Suicide. Tragedy Of Broken Engagement. Dramatic Discovery By Roadside. Plymouth Inquest Story. - The story of a broken engagement and its tragic sequel was related to the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday at the Inquest on BEATRICE MAY CHAPMAN, 23, of Larch Grove, Boringdon, Plympton, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Monday from the effects of acute arsenical poisoning. - The evidence disclosed a sad story of a girl's hopeless love, and of depression caused, it seemed, by the broken engagement and a nervous illness which had necessitated medical attention. - Twice the engagement with her fiancé was broken off, it having been renewed at the girl's request. But it was not lasting, and on Monday, January 13, she made a vain appeal for it to be renewed. A week later she called on her former fiancé, obtained from him her photograph and the loan of some money. - That evening she was found in a state of collapse by the roadside at Fountain Corner, near Eggbuckland, and was just able to gasp out, "Weed killer - hospital." With all speed she was rushed to Hospital, but died from the effects of poison about half an hour later. - Subsequently a packet of weed killer was discovered near the spot where the girl was found. In a letter to her former fiancé the girl enclosed the change of the money borrowed and wrote, "Good luck. Fed up. Your little sweetheart, BEATTY." In a letter to the Coroner the girl said she had been run down and was causing her people a lot of expense, and finished the epistle with the dramatic sentence: "I can stick it no longer; blame no one." - Fed Up And Depressed. Girl's Letters To Fiancé And Coroner. - Giving evidence of identification, ROBERT HENRY CHAPMAN said deceased was his daughter, she was 23 years of age last June, and lived at home with her mother and father at Larch Grove, Boringdon, Plympton. She had been in poor health for some time, and had been medically treated by Dr Stamp, of Plympton. She was engaged to be married, but had told him that the engagement was broken off. She had fits of deep depression frequently, and often said she was "fed up." - Last Monday his daughter left home about 9.30 a.m. to visit Dr Stamp. She seemed much better and brighter than usual. He and his wife expected her to return home about noon, but as she did not do so they concluded she had gone to see her fiancé's mother, Mrs Looney. At 7.30 p.m. he was informed by Police Constable Jarman that his daughter was in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. He accompanied the Constable to the Hospital in a car, but on his arrival was informed that his daughter had died about five minutes before. - On Tuesday morning he received a letter by post from his daughter. He had since learned that Miss Smythe of Plympton, also had received a letter from her. - Why The Engagement Was Broken. - Edward Thomas Looney, a fibrous plasterer, of Miradon-place, Mount Gold, said he was engaged to MISS CHAPMAN for about eighteen months. Last summer, although she was unwilling, they agreed to break off the engagement, because they disagreed several times on various matters. They still remained friends. - On Monday, January 15, she came to his house and asked him to renew the engagement, but he did not see his way clear to do so, one reason being that he was out of work. After they had agreed to break the engagement in the summer, she had written to him and asked him to renew it. He did so, and the same thing happened again. She seemed rather cut up when he said that he could not become engaged again. - She called at his house last Sunday, but he was not at home. She called again on Monday, and when he arrived home at 12.15 p.m. she asked him for a photograph of herself which she had given him. She also asked him to lend her some money. He gave her the photograph and the money, and accompanied her to the tram. they parted on good terms, and that was the last he saw of her alive. - She appeared better and brighter than he had previously seen her, and made no reference to their engagement. He had never heard her threaten to take her life, but when she was visiting his house on Boxing-day she had a kind of fit. He knew she was having medical treatment. - The Coroner produced a letter and witness identified the writing as that of deceased. The Coroner then read the letter, which was addressed to Mr Looney, and was as follows:- "Dear Ted, - Enclosed change from the ten shillings I borrowed from you this morning. Good luck. Fed up. Your little sweetheart, - BEATTY." - Mrs Beatrice Emily Looney, the last witness's mother, said she had known MISS CHAPMAN for about 18 months. She had told MISS CHAPMAN that she was always welcome, and MISS CHAPMAN visited her frequently. She had never confided in her that she felt the broken engagement so keenly. When MISS CHAPMAN visited her on Monday she invited her to have some dinner, but she would not. She knew that MISS CHAPMAN was not very well, and that she suffered from severe headaches. - Dramatic Cry For Help. - William James Trudgeon, of Albert-cottages, Crabtree, Eggbuckland, said that about 6.55 p.m. last Monday he was returning to his home from the shop at Crabtree, and had reached Fountain Corner when he saw a girl come out of the gate leading to Efford Colony and walk about three paces into the road. She then put her hands above her head and said "Help me," and fell backwards into the road. A motor car was approaching from Plymouth, so he ran to her, and, picking her up, carried her on to the pavement on the opposite side of the road. - He asked her what was the matter, and she replied, "I have taken a weed-killer." The car stopped and the occupants got out. Mr George Haynes, of Crabtree House, came up at the same time and he sent for Constable Jarman, who arrived with five minutes. MISS CHAPMAN was then placed in the car and taken away. When he spoke to her she seemed in great pain and asked to be taken to Hospital. - Constable Albert Edward Jarman, of Crabtree, said he found MISS CHAPMAN being supported by Mr Trudgeon and Mr B. Knapman, of Boringdon Farm, Plympton. She was very limp and cold. He asked her what she had taken, and she replied, "Weed-killer - Hospital," and dropped her head again. He at once put her in Mr Knapman's car and she was driven to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. As she was very light and small he carried her from the car in his arms into the Hospital, where she was seen by the House Surgeon. - "Bury The Ring With Me." - He returned to Fountain Corner, but was unable to find any trace of poison. He then returned to the Hospital and had her clothing searched. In her pocket was a packet of rat poison, which had not been opened. There was also a brown paper parcel in her jacket in which there was a photograph of herself on which was written: "To dad and mum, from BEATTY," also an envelope on which was written: "I am BEATRICE CHAPMAN, Larch Grove, Plympton, where we first loved. Please bury the ring with me." - Mr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the Hospital, said that when the girl was admitted on Monday evening she was extremely cold and collapsed. In spite of all their efforts she died about half an hour after admission. A post-mortem examination showed no signs of any external injuries, and her mouth and throat were perfectly normal, there being no indication of corrosive poison. There was a large quantity of arsenic present in the organs. Both the contents of the tin and the bag which had since been found contained an enormous amount of arsenic. Death was due to acute arsenical poisoning, causing heart failure. - Finding The Poison. - Dramatic evidence of finding the bag and tin containing the poison was given by Mrs Clara May Hore, of West Hill-road, Mutley, who said that she and her husband were out for a walk on Tuesday afternoon and went through Efford Colony. When they had almost reached the gate on to the main road they mounted the bank and walked along the grass, they saw a tin of weed-killer, and a white paper bag open and half filled with some white substance. A pair of lady's grey gloves were by the tin, the lid of which was partly filled with a blue liquid, the tin itself being full of what looked like silver sand. - About three yards farther away they saw a brown hat. Having no suspicions they continued their walk. In the evening they saw a report in the paper that a young woman had been found poisoning near the spot. They both thought there was a connection between the two incidents and she reported the incident to the Police, afterwards accompanying the Constable to the spot where the articles were found. - In summing up the Coroner said that fortunately the evidence was very clear, and showed that deceased had taken her own life by taking weed-killer which contained a large quantity of arsenic. Her greatest trouble apparently was her love affair. He thought she had the deliberate intention of taking her life when she set out that morning. Taking into consideration all the circumstances, there was no doubt that she was of unsound mind at the time she took her life and he recorded a verdict accordingly. - The Coroner then read the following letter, which was addressed to him:- "Have been run down for a few months, and am causing a lot of expense to my people. I am at times quite blank, and do not know where I am, or what I am doing. My young man cannot marry me. He is one of the best. I can stick it no longer. Blame no one.

Western Morning News, Friday 24 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Suicide Verdict. Former Devonport Stoker's Death. - At the City Coroner's Office yesterday an Inquest on CHARLES WEST, chimney-sweet, of Ker-street, Devonport, who was found in Stonehouse Creek on Tuesday afternoon, a verdict of "Suicide while Insane" was returned. - The evidence showed that the man left home on Tuesday to go to the Raglan Barracks chimneys and at about 9 o'clock that evening his wife received a note saying that he was going to do away with himself. - Alfred B. Barnett, general labourer, High-street, Stonehouse, gave evidence of finding the body and Dr H. G. Ludolf said death was due to drowning. - Further evidence showed that deceased had been a stoker in the Royal Navy, but was invalided out in 1918 with bad nerve trouble, and was treated at the Royal Naval Hospital for some months.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 January 1930
MODBURY - Chemist's Suicide. Modbury Man Who Took Virulent Poison. - When Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, Coroner for Devon, held an Inquest at Modbury yesterday afternoon on GEORGE SWINNERTON, 49, a Modbury chemist, ISABEL JANIE SWINNERTON said that just before 8.15 on Tuesday evening her husband went into the shop. Shortly afterwards she and her daughter went into the kitchen and found him sitting in a basket chair, gasping and unconscious. When he left the dining-room he said: "I feel so bad." - Dr T. T. Parkinson Murphy, Modbury, said he saw deceased about 8.20 on Tuesday evening in the kitchen. There was an empty bottle and a chemist's measuring glass there which had contained fluid, and had a strong odour like bitter almonds. He tried artificial respiration, and gave an injection, but the man did not recover consciousness, and died in about a minute. Witness thought he lived about five to seven minutes after taking the poison. The effect of the poison caused complete paralysis of the heart and nerves. There was no doubt that the poison was self-administered. He had known deceased for about 2 ½ years, and had attended him professionally. He had a slight accident about the middle of December, which kept him in the house about five weeks. - A verdict of "Suicide by taking Acid Hydrocyan whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 January 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Fatal Burns. Coroner's Praise Of St John Ambulance. - In returning a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence at an Inquest on HILDA FLORENCE BEHENNA (30) of 20 St Leonard's-road, Plymouth, yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, stated that he had no doubt the burns were caused whilst deceased was reading a newspaper in front of the fire. - At the same time Mr Pearce took the opportunity of referring to the services rendered by the St John Ambulance, who were very quickly on the scene. At an Inquest he conducted on January 16 on Thomas McAnliffe, the Coroner said it was alleged the man was taken to the Ambulance Depot and no record of the case kept. He was sorry if any words of his should have been taken as criticism on any portion of their duties. - "I do not want it thought there was any suggestion of any criticism at all. I appreciate their work most highly and have frequently expressed such appreciation during my career as Coroner," remarked Mr Pearce, who added that since that Inquest the Director of the Ambulance Service had taken great pains to have inquiries made respecting the case. No records whatever could be found, and Mr Miller was quite certain, and the Coroner was now satisfied, that deceased did not visit the Depot, and there must have been some mistake in the matter. - Burnt About Chest. - MRS FLORENCE EMMA BEHENNA, the mother, said on Sunday last about 8.30 p.m. witness left the house to change some money, and her daughter promised to get a cup of coffee while witness was away. Witness was absent about ten minutes, and on her return noticed there was smoke in the front room and smelt something burning. She called and deceased answered from the kitchen, stating, "Mam, I have burnt my hand." - On lighting the gas the mother found the woman had removed some of her clothing and was burnt about the chest. After endeavouring to get a doctor the Ambulance was called and the woman removed to the Hospital, where she died the following morning. - Witness could not say how the accident happened, but suggested the paper her daughter was reading slipped and caught fire. - Mrs Beatrice Cox described being called to MRS BEHENNA'S house on Sunday and seeing deceased in bed. She was unable to tell witness how she received the burns. - Dr Hugh Dyer Pyke, Resident Surgical Officer, said deceased was severely burned and shocked when brought to the Institution. Deceased was placed in a ward and complained of her hands. Death was due to shock following burns. There was no hope of her recovery.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 February 1930
ASHBURTON - Murder And Suicide. Farm Tragedy In Mid-Devon. Unhappiness Between Husband And Wife. - The Jury at the Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on the victims of the double tragedy which shocked mid-Devon on Thursday found that ELIZABETH JANE HEXT, 44, of Bremridge Farm, Torbryan, was murdered by her husband, HENRY HERMAN HEXT, aged 44, of the same address, and that MR HEXT committed suicide. - The Jury were of opinion that MR HEXT was of Unsound Mind when both deeds were committed. - MR HEXT'S body was found on Thursday hanging in a copse and that of his wife was discovered the day before in a stable with terrible gunshot injuries to the head. - Mr E. Hutchings was the Coroner. - Evidence was given of domestic unhappiness, and it was stated that on Tuesday evening MRS HEXT said she was going to start a business, as the business at Bremridge Farm was going down. - The father of the dead man was given permission to submit questions in writing to the Coroner, who, however, declined to ask them. The Coroner said if anyone wished to make any charge against anybody else, it should be done openly. - "I am not going to set curious people agog to know what certain questions mean," he said. - Inquest Story. Coroner Refused To Permit A Written Question. - The first witness called was Henry Badcock, Holbrook Farm, Liverton, a brother-in-law of MR HEXT, who gave evidence of identification in the case of MRS HEXT. - Mr Hutchings: To your knowledge has there been at times unpleasantness between MRS HEXT and her husband? - Yes, as far as I know. - Herbert Bradley Paramore, single, and living at Bremridge Farm, farm labourer, said he had been in the service of MR HEXT for the past seven or eight years, and lived in the house. - Mr Hutchings: During the past seven or eight years, you have left once or twice, haven't you? - Yes. - Can you tell us whether they have been living happily together or not recently? - They haven't been living happily, but there has not been any bad quarrel to my knowledge. - Have you ever left them because of an upset?- Yes, about two years ago. I returned to them later, and have been with them ever since. - Witness added that he left the farm for Newton Abbot Market about nine o'clock with some sheep, MR HEXT accompanying him for about a mile and a half. When he turned back he said he might be in Newton Abbot Market later with some pigs. Witness returned to the farm just after three o'clock. He went into the stable and saw the body of MRS HEXT. After going to a neighbour he went to Ashburton for a doctor, and upon his return to the farm there was a Policeman there. He did not see MR HEXT from the time he left him in the morning. - Business Declining. - Witness was shown a gun, which he said was kept in the front kitchen on the mantelpiece. - The Coroner: Was anything said to you the previous day about any alteration in the business? - MRS HEXT said she was going to start a business. - Why should she do that?- Because the business was going down, and she ought to do so. - Do you know any reason that there should be any trouble?- No, nothing more than the business. - Not any other reason?- No. - Witness added that he was once asked to fetch a Policeman after a row which took place when he was out to work. - Superintendent Martin: Was it not an understanding that you should receive your instructions from MRS HEXT when you returned to work on the farm? - Yes. They asked me to come back, as they could get no one else for the harvesting, and I went back, on that condition, so that MR HEXT should not give me the sack at any moment, because he was liable to do that at any time. - On the morning MR HEXT helped you to take the sheep up the hill did he make any observation respecting trouble with MRS HEXT? - He remarked that she objected to him doing something, and that the "missus" was pigheaded. - The Coroner: Did you make any observation to Miss Pearce after you had found MRS HEXT to the effect that MR HEXT had often threatened to do something, but that you did not think he had nerve enough? - If I said it I said it. I don't know what I was saying at the time. - The Coroner: Did you ever hear him threaten to shoot his wife at any time? - I have once. - Supt. Martin: Did you on one occasion prevent MR HEXT from assaulting his wife? - On two occasions. - Then there was more trouble than you said?- There was trouble enough. - Samuel Campion said he was hedging on the farm adjoining Bremridge when he saw MR HEXT walking quickly across the field. He had no hat on. It was his usual method to walk quickly. - No Sign Of Struggle. - Constable Manning said he went to the farm with Dr Ellis inconsequence of information he had received, and saw the body of MRS HEXT. She was lying on her back. The right side of her face was badly shattered. Near the body was a man's cap, and 3 ft. away was a woman's cap. There were no signs of a struggle. After a search of the barn above the stable he found the gun produced. It was double-barrelled, and the right barrel was loaded with the trigger cocked. The left barrel was empty, and there was no sign of a spent cartridge. Witness was unable to find the woman's husband. - Sergt. Hall described the finding of MR HEXT'S body in a wood on the farm. - WILLIAM HENRY HEXT, Bank House, Ashburton, identified the body of the man as his son. He was 44 years of age. Mr Hutchings informed the witness that if he so wished he could ask any questions. - Witness asked if a man who accompanied him could ask questions on his behalf. The Coroner would not permit this, but gave permission to witness to ask questions in writing. One question was handed to the Coroner, who remarked that he could not let any extraneous matter be introduced at the Inquiry. The object of the Court was to ascertain the cause of death, and he did not allow questions to be put to a witness which might be an injustice to anyone. If he were told why it was desired that a question should be put he might do so, but would not allow any injustice to anyone. - Dr E. A. Ellis said he saw MRS HEXT at 4 p.m., and formed the opinion that she had been dead five hours. The cause of death was a gunshot wound in the head. The shot had entered the back of the neck, slightly towards the left side, where the head joins the neck. This wound was a round one, about half an inch across. The skin around the wound was scorched and blackened. The right side of the head and face were blown away, and the bones of the base of the skull were shattered. Death must have been instantaneous. - Question Not Permitted. - There were no other marks of violence on the body, but there were mud-stains on both knees and thighs. The gun was fired at close range and she was probably shot in the back, and never saw it coming, fell to her knees on to the ground, and she was dead when she fell. On Thursday, continued Dr Ellis, he saw the body of MR HEXT at Ashburton Mortuary. His neck was broken. There were signs of constriction around the neck. The cause of death was due to hanging.- When the doctor had completed his evidence the Coroner said he could not put the question which had been requested. He did not understand the object of it. If anybody had anything to say against anybody else it should be spoken out, and not made up of innuendo. - "I will not allow this Court to be used for any purpose that might be unjust," repeated the Coroner. "I have given MR HEXT an opportunity of asking questions, but not any questions submitted by him. I would not allow any that I did not consider a fair question. I am not going to set curious people agog to know what certain questions mean. If there is any charge against anybody, let it be fair and straight." - The Jury, after a short retirement ,announced that they found that MRS HEXT was Murdered by her husband, and that MR HEXT Committed Suicide. The Jury were of opinion that MR HEXT was not of sound mind when the deed was done. - The Coroner: I take it that you mean that MR HEXT was of Unsound Mind when both deeds were committed? - The Jury intimated that that was so.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 February 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - A City Character. Eccentric Who Kept Cold And Saved Half-Crowns.- Dr W. H. Waterfield, Medical Officer of Stonehouse Institution, giving evidence at the Inquest yesterday on JAMES CHARLES WATTS, 85, of Wellington-cottages, Peel-street, Stonehouse, who, he said, died from apoplexy accelerated by a broken thigh, caused by a fall, said WATTS was a character in the city, and was known as "Shoppie WATTS." He was very eccentric and wandered about the streets with a bag. He had lived in one room at Stonehouse for over 20 years. - Although it was possible for the old man to have had every comfort he never spent anything, and several pounds were found in his house saved in half-crowns. - WATTS never had a fire, although there were wood and coal available. He was formerly a bootmaker and was regarded as an extremely good workman, particularly in the days when top-boots were worn by footmen and other people. - Constable Mitchell said when on January 2 on point duty at the corner of Manor-street he signalled a cyclist to enter Union-street from Manor-street, an old man stepped off the pavement and the cyclist passed close to him, but did not touch him. The shock appeared to cause the old man to faint and fall down. WATTS was subsequently conveyed to the Central Hospital, and he was later removed to the Stonehouse infirmary.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death By Coal Gas Poisoning. Plymouth Man Who Was Left For 15 Minutes.- It was stated at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on GEORGE HARLEY (75), formerly a gas stove fitter of 10 Cattedown-road, that his wife left him for about a quarter of an hour and on her return found him with his head in a gas oven. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, asked Dr H. H. Cohen if he thought deceased would have been dead in that time, and the doctor replied that carbon-monoxide was a very powerful poison indeed. - No Troubles. - The widow, MARY KEZIA HARLEY, said she left her husband in bed on Friday afternoon while she went to draw his pension. She was absent about a quarter of an hour and on her return found him with his head in a gas oven. - She had never heard deceased threaten to take his life, and there were no troubles. He had been rather depressed, however, since an operation a few months ago. - Constable Redman said he was called to the house early on Friday evening and found HARLEY apparently dead. Witness did not apply artificial respiration because it appeared to be of no avail. - Dr H. H. Cohen said he visited the house about 6.15 p.m. on Friday and saw HARLEY, who was dead. There was a slight smell of gas, and witness was of the opinion coal gas poisoning was the cause of death. - The Coroner: MRS HARLEY has stated she was absent for only a quarter of an hour. Do you think he would have been dead in that time? - Witness stated that carbon-monoxide was a very powerful poison indeed and a concentration of one and a half per cent. in the air would have been sufficient to kill HARLEY, who was in a very weakened state. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 February 1930
PLYMPTON -"I'm No Use." Plympton Woman's Last Note To Husband. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, District Coroner, held an Inquest at Plympton yesterday on LAURA EMMIE PARTRIDGE, aged 41, of 23 Moorland-view, Plympton. - MR RICHARD LINDON PARTRIDGE, the husband, said when on Saturday at 8 a.m. he left home to go to business, MRS PARTRIDGE was cheerful. His wife suffered from a nervous breakdown for from two to 2 ½ years, and she had been under the car of Dr Stamp. - As she was unable to do things for herself witness engaged a companion. MRS PARTRIDGE had never given any indication that she was likely to take her life. - When witness returned home at 6.30 p.m. he found the front door closed and the house reeking with gas. The place was in darkness. Having opened the downstair doors and windows, witness found in the kitchen a pencilled note in his wife's writing. - He went to a bedroom upstairs and found the door shut and the room full of gas. By means of the light from the street lamp shining into the room witness saw his wife, evidently dead, lying on the bed. A gas tube was attached to a gas bracket on the wall of the room. The tube belonged to the gas-heater in the kitchen. - Dr W. D. Stamp said MRS PARTRIDGE had suffered from neurasthenia.- The Coroner read the note left by MRS PARTRIDGE. It contained the sentence, "I'm no use. So can't go on." - The Coroner recorded a verdict of "Suicide by Coal Gas Poisoning while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 February 1930
DARTMOUTH - A Pathetic Note. Dartmouth Suicide Who "Blamed No One." - A pathetic note from a naval pensioner who committed suicide was read at the Inquest at Dartmouth Guildhall yesterday, conducted by Mr A. M. Davson, Coroner, on ARTHUR MILLS LANGLEY, aged 40, a labourer at Naval Yard, Sandquay, who was found dead in his bedroom at 48 Victoria-road, Dartmouth, on Sunday night.- MR H. M. LANGLEY, the father, said on Sunday evening he found his son's bedroom door was closed, and on forcing it open they found deceased lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Deceased had no worries. He had been invalided out of the Navy with a small pension. - Constable Roper said he found a note on LANGLEY'S dressing-table, which the Coroner read as follows:- "My dear mother and father, sister, and brothers, - Don't worry. There is no one to blame for this. I feel my nerves are going. It is my ill-health that has made me do this, and I have taken it to heart. No one has worried me at all. Your loving son." - Dr Max Tylor said death was due to haemorrhage, caused by a deep cut in the neck, which had severed all the arteries. The wound was self-inflicted and could have been caused by the razor (produced.) Deceased was discharged from the Navy for neurasthenia and was a great sufferer from that complaint. LANGLEY told him he was worried but could give no explanation why he was worried. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 February 1930
KINGSWEAR - Railway Line Death. Kingswear Inquest. Evidence Of Boy's Fits. - Evidence of finding a boy beside the line, with his head resting on the stones near the sleepers, and dead, was given by Dorothy Alice Warren, of Brixham-road, Kingswear, at Kingswear Hall yesterday, when Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, sat with a Jury to Inquire into the death of LIONEL FRANK TRIBBLE, aged 12, grandson of MR THOMAS JAMES TRIBBLE, of College-view, Kingswear, who was killed on the railway last Sunday. - MR T. J. TRIBBLE said the boy was subject to fits. He last saw him at 3.30 on Sunday. - Dorothy Warren added that people were accustomed to walk on that part of the line where they saw the boy. - Constable Osgood gave evidence of having examined the engine of 5.3 down train on Sunday, but saw no marks of the lad having been struck by the engine. In reply to the Coroner, the Constable said the lad had previously had a fit on the line, and had he not been removed he would then have been killed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, no blame being attached to anyone.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Wharf Tragedy. Plymouth Inquest Story Of Fatal Fall. - That death was caused by an Accidental Fall into the hold of a ship was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on HUGH GILBERT, aged 61, a dock labourer, of Oakfield-terrace, Cattedown, Plymouth, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Monday evening five hours after falling 20 ft. into the hold of the s.s. Ciscar. - The Jury added a rider that there was neglect on the part of some person in not seeing that the carline was properly secured. - Evidence of identification was given by WILLIAM GILBERT, son of deceased. - Thomas Richard Nicholson, a dock labourer, of Goad's-avenue, Price Rock, Plymouth, said that he was engaged with GILBERT in tipping tubs of china clay into the hold of the s.s. Ciscar at Cattedown Wharf when the accident occurred. - The tub was lowered into the hold by a crane. It was slippery with wet china clay, and when they were tipping it slipped off the edge of the hatches and in swinging back it caught between two carlines, knocking one of them out of its socket, causing the hatches which it supported to fall into the hold. Deceased was standing on the hatches, and fell into the hold with them. - The signals to lower or higher were given by GILBERT. Witness examined all the carlines on the following day and found that the one on which they had been standing had no bolts. - Ernest William Ellis said he had been employed as a crane driver for 38 years and had never had an accident before. GILBERT gave the order to lower. It was a very bad cargo on account of the wet. - Replying to a question put to him by his Majesty's Inspector of Factories, Mr H. Clarke, Ellis said that since the accident they had worked on a different method. - Thomas Anthony Lavelle, Beach House, Cattedown, in charge of the Cattedown Wharves, said he had known GILBERT for about five years; he was a very reliable and a good workman. - In reply to a question by the Coroner as to whose duty it was to see that everything on the ship was in order, Mr Lavelle said that, strictly speaking, that was the ship's duty, but that in the case of men working under his directions he invariably saw they were working under safe conditions. At the time of the accident he considered they were working under normal conditions. Such an accident might not occur again for 20 years. - The Coroner: If the beam had been properly secured in its socket the accident might not have occurred at all. - Mr Clarke: " I put it to you, Mr Lavelle, is it not the duty of the stevedores to examine these hatches?" - Mr Lavelle: It is not the duty of the stevedores to examine the beams to see that they are secured by bolts. - Mr Lavelle said that when he was informed of the accident he went to the hold and saw GILBERT lying on his right side. He gave orders for the ambulance and the doctor to be sent for, and made arrangements for lifting GILBERT out of the hold. - Dr Robert Brian Pringle, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to a fractured skull and shock.- Mr J. Richards was present on behalf of the Dockers' Union, Mr Elliot Square for the relatives and Mr Woollcombe for Cattedown Wharves Ltd.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 February 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE -"No Last Rites Stunt." Pathetic Letter By Marine. Determined Suicide In H.M.S. Erebus. - Remarkable letters written by a marine before he took his own life on board H.M.S. Erebus, Devonport, were read at the Inquest held at the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, yesterday, on Marine FRANCIS HUNT (41), a native of Belfast. - No reason could be assigned for his action by any of the witnesses, who testified to his good character, and one described him as "the finest principled man I have ever met." - In a letter to a colleague, Mne. HUNT asked that there should be no last rites and no prayers at the grave, and added that if any parson carried out the last rites he would "comeback and haunt him." - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - A.B. Anthony Herbert Nicks Jeffery said he was in charge of the storeroom in which HUNT worked. "I left him at 11.45 a.m. yesterday in the storeroom while I had my dinner. I came back at 12.25 and found him still there. There was a note on my bench and I was just going to read it when he came over and put his hand over it. I thought it was his and apologized. I went out again and returned about 1.20, when I found the door of the storeroom fastened. I opened it and went inside. I noticed a strong smell of powder and then saw again the note on my bench, which I had been about to read previously. I then saw HUNT lying on the deck with a rifle between his legs. I left him there and reported the matter." - "He was the finest principled man I have ever met in my life," added witness. "He had no financial worries, and he never had anything to do with any women. I don't think he cared much for the military part of his duties." - The note referred to by this witness was read by the Coroner later. It ran: - "The fact of my being in possession of ammunition is not due to any connivance or negligence of anyone in the ship. I have carried it round with me for years, contemplating this. Don't go round the corner too quickly. Prepare yourself for a shock. Good-bye old friend. God bless you." - Henry Toms, chief joiner in the Erebus, said he was called by the previous witness and found deceased lying on his right side, with his head in a pool of blood and a service rifle between his legs. - "He always seemed to be all right," added witness when questioned as to HUNT'S character. "He was a very good man at his work. I have never had any cause for complaint. I have never noticed him depressed." - Surg.-Lieut. Bingham related how he arrived on the scene and found the man dead. There was a bullet wound in the head, the bullet having entered the forehead, just above the left eye. It had caused a severe fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain. The back and top of his head was completely blown away. Death must have been instantaneous. - Captain Gerald Stanley Hayman said deceased's home address was 6 Fountain [?] avenue, Belfast. He had been serving in the Erebus about a year and had always borne a very good character. He was a very good worker, had never given any trouble and witness had never had any reason to criticize him. - The Coroner: Do you think anything in connection with his duties caused him to do this? - No, sir.- Witness proceeded to explain that the cartridge which had caused death was of a type issued for firing practice. Although a close check was kept on all ammunition, it would be possible for deceased to have hidden one or two live cartridges while firing. Another live cartridge was found on the bench near deceased. - "No Last Rites." - This concluded the evidence, and the Coroner then read three letters which had been left by deceased. One was addressed to Sergt. Clayton and ran: - "I am extremely sorry for what is going to happen in a few minutes' time. I wish I could get rid of myself ashore somewhere so as to cause no trouble. But I cannot wait. I have been contemplating this now for a considerable time and I shall assuredly be a good riddance." - "Now, Sergeant, I want you to do a couple of things for me if you will be good enough. Whatever money is owing to me, have it paid over to Marine Partridge. As regards sale of dead man's effects and all that stuff, you need not trouble about it. Give it also to Frank Partridge. As regards my next-of-kind, I have only got a father living and I wish to express my sorrow for what I have in mind." - "One more item. No funeral service, no praying over the grave, and no parson. Chuck me in a hole and finish with me. If any parson comes to do the last rite stunt, I swear by all the devils in hell if there is to be a hereafter I will come back and haunt him. To hell with all parsons!" - "The usual verdict in a case like mine, is 'while of unsound mind.' I am as sane as any man, but when a fellow can see nothing in life worth while then it is time to shuffle off. Good-bye sergeant. Very best wishes. I liked you very much in life. My thoughts of you as I step out of the world are of the kindest." - Another letter was addressed to Marine F. Partridge. It read:- "Dear old pal. It grieves me sadly to have to write these lines to you, but what I am about to do is for my own good and for the good of those who come in contact with him. Now, old friend, don't fret or think about me at all, but put me entirely out of your thoughts after you have done what I now ask you." - (Here followed details as to the disposal of the money due to deceased). - The third letter was to Marine Grey. It ran: - "Kindest regards to yourself particularly, and to all messmates and comrades. I include them all." - Summing up, the Coroner said the character of the letters and the expressions used in regard to burial showed that deceased could not have been in his right mind. He must have been in an unsound state of mind, notwithstanding the fact that he wrote that he was perfectly sane. - "He has been contemplating this for years, and a man who does that cannot be in a normal state of mind," he added, returning a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind." - Mr F. Edgar Bowden represented the Admiralty and offered sympathy to the deceased's father. - Detective-Inspector E Pittaway was present on behalf of the Metropolitan Police.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Boy's Mysterious Illness. Cause Unrevealed At Plymouth Inquest. - Dr John Mason, giving evidence at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday, conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, on CHARLES LEONARD AUSTIN, aged 10, of King-street, who was found dead in bed on Sunday morning, said it was difficult to ascertain the cause of death, but he carried out a post-mortem examination, and had come to the conclusion that death was due to toxaemia, through some unknown cause. - SUSANNA AUSTIN, mother of the boy, and a widow, said the boy was in good health up to Saturday last. Following dinner the deceased and his brother, went to Victoria Park to play. They returned about five o'clock. She gave them some money to go and buy some fish from a near-by shop. They bought the fish back, and had some bread and butter and a cup of tea with it. Between six and seven o'clock she put them to bed. She slept in the room with a daughter. Early in the morning deceased was ill. At eight o'clock both boys were asleep. Later, she saw that LEONARD was still asleep, and went to waken him. She got no response, so she turned him over. She then saw that his lips were black and that there were red marks on his legs. He was apparently dead, but she sent for the doctor. - Fresh Fish Bought. - Charlestino Damella, residing at King-street, owner of the fish shop, said he only bought fresh fish, and, in reply to the Coroner, said he had never bought dog-fish. In the two years he had been in the business he had never had a complaint. - Kathleen Damella, sister of the last witness, and assistant in the shop, said that the two boys asked for some cold chips, but they only had cold fish. These were a couple of pieces that were left over from the previous night's cooking. - Asked by the Coroner how the fish was kept, witness replied that if the fish had been cooked it was placed in a basket and covered down; if it had not been cooked it was kept in a trough. They very rarely had any fish left over. - Dr John Mason said he found the boy dead, and made a superficial examination of the body. There were red marks on the groin and on the back of the legs. The body was organically healthy. It was difficult to ascertain the cause of death, but he carried out a post-mortem and had come to the conclusion that death was due to toxaemia, through some unknown cause. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, adding that he had made every possible inquiry into the case, and he was glad to say that he found Mr Damella had a good reputation for cleanliness and care in the conduct of his business.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Dazed Owing To Drink." Plymouth Coroner On A "Very Sordid Story." - "I am quite satisfied that the fall which caused deceased's death was accidental, but I am certainly of the opinion that at the time this occurred, although he was not actually drunk, he was dazed owing to the drink he had taken during the day, and that caused him to miss his footing," said the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM LEY BUCKINGHAM, who resided at 12 Willow-street, Plymouth, and who was killed on Tuesday night through falling down the stairs at that address. - MRS ALICE LAVINIA BUCKINGHAM said deceased, her husband, aged 59, was a dock labourer. He had been unemployed for two months and had been in receipt of unemployment benefit. - On Tuesday evening he went to see if he could get a job in the Great Western Railway stables or at the Docks and at about half-past eight she saw him in the Cornish Inn. They both remained there until closing time, and went home at 10 o'clock. - There was no light on the landing. She heard a thump on the stairs, and saw her husband lying at the foot of the stairs, his head against the front door, and his legs on the stairs. He was unconscious and was taken to the Central Hospital by the St John Ambulance. - In the afternoon her husband had struck her and her daughter (MRS ARMSTRONG), who was present at the time. He tried to throw MRS ARMSTRONG and her baby down the stairs. - ERNEST BUCKINGHAM, aged 15, son of deceased, Frederick William Bence, general labourer, living at 12 Willow-street, Plymouth, John Charles Williams, landlord of the Cornish Inn, Police witnesses and Miss Mabel Joan Cooke, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, also gave evidence, the last named stating that death was due to a fractured base of the skull. - The Coroner returned a verdict that death was caused by a fractured skull, due to Accidentally falling downstairs. He commented that it was a very sordid story.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Delusions. Inquest Story Of Fear Of Arrest. - "Good-bye - darling - pray - God" were the only legible words in a farewell note left by MRS EMILY DAVIS, aged 75, of 1 Tavy-place, Mutley, Plymouth, who was found dead in a gas-filled room on Tuesday afternoon by her husband, ALFRED DAVIS, a naval pensioner. - An Inquest was held yesterday afternoon and the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict that "While of Unsound Mind deceased had Killed Herself by inhaling Coal Gas." - Giving evidence, ALFRED DAVIS, said deceased, his wife, was aged 75. On August 4,1925 she had a seizure. Dr Reed was sent for, and said it was due to blood pressure. She had another attack last April. She suffered from delusions. - If she heard a motor car come down the street, witness continued, she imagined it was coming to take her away, and she also had an idea that the Police were coming to arrest both herself and him, and that people were listening to her. - Sometimes, witness said, he was able to pacify her. She slept very badly; on some nights he had known her never to close her eyes. She was always listening, and asking him if he heard anything. - Husband's Discovery. - On Tuesday afternoon, at about 2.45 he left home to go to Old Town-street to purchase some pills for his wife. He left her sitting in a chair before the kitchen fire, an ordinary coal fire. - As he was going out, his wife said to him, "You won't be long?" and he replied that he would rush down and rush home again. He got back home about twenty past three, and when he opened the front door he smelt gas. - He opened the kitchen door, but, seeing that his wife was not there, went into the scullery, where he saw her lying on the floor, with her head in the gas oven The smell of gas was much stronger there - the taps of the gas oven were turned on full. - He turned them off and pulled her out, then called to Mrs Jury, a neighbour, to come in. Mr Jury came and assisted him in carrying his wife into the sitting-room. She was unconscious and he thought she was dead. - He sent Mr Jury for Dr Reed, but as the latter was unable to come, Dr Price arrived. The Police were also sent for. - Witness had never heard his wife threaten to take her life; in fact, she had a horror of suicide. He had found a note after the doctor and the Police had been and gone, but was unable to read all of it. - George Henry Jury of 2 Penlee-place, Mutley, said he was at home when he heard MR DAVIS shouting and he jumped over the garden wall and went to his assistance. He helped to carry MRS DAVIS into the sitting-room and place her on a couch. She appeared to be dead. He went at once for the doctor. - He did not know MR and MRS DAVIS very well, but knew that MRS DAVIS was a little abnormal. - Dr Francis Price, Medical Practitioner, said when he saw MRS DAVIS she was dead, and he was quite satisfied that she had died from gas poisoning. - The Coroner recorded the above verdict, and expressed his sympathy with MR DAVIS.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 18 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Dying Man's Reply. Plymouth Coroner's Verdict At Inquest. - "Oh, fed up!" replied FRANK MCCLEARY, aged 34, a naval steward of 12 Evelyn-street, St Budeaux, Plymouth, when asked by Constable Boaden why he attempted to take his life. - This was revealed to the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, when he found that MCCLEARY died of bronchial pneumonia accelerated by a self-inflicted throat wound (committed when in an unsound frame of mind) and coal-gas poisoning. - MRS MCCLEARY said her husband suffered from consumption, but she had never heard him threaten to take his life. - Sidney Dennis, 11 Evelyn-street, St Budeaux, said he found deceased lying in bed with his throat cut and the gas bracket full on.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 February 1930
TORQUAY - Death Mystery Unsolved. Male Nurse Drowned At Paignton. - The mystery surrounding the death of PERCY COOCH, aged 29, a male nurse, whose body was found in a crevice in the rocks off Preston Sands, Paignton, on Sunday, was unsolved at the Inquest conducted at Torquay yesterday by Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, who returned a verdict of "Found Drowned." - Janie Alice Nash, Seaway-Arcade, Seaway-road, Preston, identified the body by a shirt and tie COOCH wore, which she purchased for him. He resided with her from 1912 to January 1929. - Dr H. C. Adams said he examined the body on the rocks at Preston. He considered the man had been dead a month. He could see no signs of violence. The probable cause of death was drowning. - Out Of Work.- William Henry Pinsent said COOCH had been living with him for some time at Totnes He remained with him until Friday, January 10. He left the house about 6.30 p.m. on that day to have supper with friends at Bridgetown. He did not return and on January 12 witness reported him missing to the Totnes Police. He was out of work most of the time he was with witness. - Charles Wills, of the Manor Inn, Preston, Paignton, said about 8.30 p.m. on January 10, COOCH came into the bar and was served with refreshment. He played a game of crib with a customer, and left again shortly after 9 p.m., telling witness he had to catch a 'bus. - Edwin Milner, of Le Bon Fish Cafe, Preston, said COOCH came into his cafe about 9.45 p.m. on January 10 and had supper. He left about 10.15 p.m. saying he was going to catch the 'bus for Totnes. Witness saw him later, but he did not say why he had missed the 'bus. - He appeared to be quite capable of looking after himself. - When he left witness on the last occasion, he went down Seaway-road in the direction of the sea front. Witness knew deceased well, and he appeared to be in his usual good health when he last saw him. - The Deputy Coroner, in returning a verdict of "Found Drowned, "said there was no evidence to show how COOCH got into the water. Mr Windeatt expressed his deep sympathy with Mrs Nash, who had had "considerable trouble with this young man."

Western Morning News, Thursday 20 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - More Gas Suicides. Plymouth Coroner On Effect Of Publicity. - "This is the seventh fatal case of gas poisoning we have had since Christmas. Whether this is due to the publicity which is given to such cases it is difficult to say, but undoubtedly it shows a very marked increase in suicide from this cause," declared the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on JOSEPH JOHNSON, 73, a former insurance agent, of Headland-park, who was found on the hearthrug dead from gas poisoning with the gas tube in his hand and head covered with an overcoat. - Evidence showed that deceased was found dead in his room. The tap of the gas was turned on, but there was a slot meter, and it had evidently exhausted itself. - VINCENT CLIFFORD THOMPSON, son-in-law of deceased, said deceased had been suffering from cancer for about 4 months. He had often said he wished he were dead because of the severe pain. Deceased had been very depressed and for weeks had suffered agonies. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Suicide After A Summons. St Budeaux Man's Note To "Darling Wife." - How a naval pensioner became so depressed after he had been bound over by the Crownhill Magistrates on charge of stealing a cabbage that he hanged himself, was described at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on HARRY ALFRED NUTTLE, aged 67, of 7 Ernesettle-road, Higher St Budeaux. - CAROLINE JANE NUTTLE of 7 Ernesettle-road, Higher St Budeaux, the wife, said on Saturday her husband said he was going to the outhouse to chop wood. About half an hour later she went to look for him and found his body hanging from a beam. - Altered His Nature. - On the previous Wednesday her husband had appeared before the Magistrates on a charge of stealing a cabbage He was bound over, but felt it very much, and afterwards became very depressed. He had never threatened to take his life before, and had, indeed, always been cheerful.- The Coroner: This incident last Wednesday altered the whole of his nature? - Yes. - The note addressed to MRS NUTTLE read:- "My dear CARRIE, my darling wife for 40 years. - You have been so kind to me, and I am very sorry I have done this. - From your husband HARRY." - Constable Lavers stated that when he was called he tried artificial respiration without success. The note was found in NUTTLE'S trousers pocket. - Medical evidence was to the effect that death was caused by suffocation through hanging. - The Coroner, Mr J. H. Pearce, said NUTTLE made up his mind to put an end to life because he could not stand the strain of having been summoned for so small an offence.- "He took his life," continued the Coroner, "on Saturday morning, but the note he left might have been written at any time. Nevertheless, I feel I am quite justified in saying that he was of an Unsound Mind at the time when he committed the act." - The Coroner returned a verdict to that effect.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 February 1930
LAMERTON - A Baby's Body Exhumed. Inquest At Lamerton Adjourned. - An Inquest was opened at Lamerton yesterday and adjourned until next Monday on the body of the infant of ELSIE JAMES, 23, single, of Venn Cottage, Lamerton. - The birth was on February 17 last and yesterday the body was exhumed by order. - After the exhumation Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone and a Jury held the inquest. - Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, of Tavistock, appeared for MISS JAMES, who was unable to be present. - Supt. H. H. Champton represented the Police. - Ivy Curney, District Nurse, of Milton Abbot, said she received a message from the postmistress at Milton Abbot on Monday, February 17, asking her to go to the JAMESES, at Venn Cross, Lamerton, for a maternity case. She went to Lamerton by motor car, arrived there at 8.10-, and returned to Milton Abbot about 8.30, and telephoned to Dr Nockolds. -Story Of Baby's Fall. - ANNIE JAMES, the mother of ELSIE JAMES, stated that her daughter lived with her. Witness was in the kitchen washing, and her daughter had gone into the garden to feed fowls. Witness shouted to her to come in, but she replied that she was not able to come. Witness then went to her daughter in the garden, and found that a baby had been born. Witness saw the baby lying in the path and her daughter was by the baby's side. The baby was alive. - Witness wrapped both in a blanket to carry them indoors, but the baby slipped from her arms on to the stones. She picked up the child and taking it indoors wrapped it in a cotton wool coat and put it to bed, and then she put her daughter to bed. That was between 12.30 and 1 p.m. - She left her daughter and the baby with her other daughter, and went into Tavistock to fetch Dr Anderson, who, however, was not at home. She left a message asking that Dr Brodrick might come out. She walked back about 5 p.m., and then her other daughter 'phoned to Dr Brodrick, who advised her to get the District Nurse. She then telephoned to the District Nurse at Milton Abbot, and she came within half an hour. Witness saw that the child was injured on the head. It was bleeding all the time and died about 10 p.m. on Monday. - Visit to Vicar And Sexton. - Witness put the child in a box. She went and saw the Vicar on Tuesday afternoon, and told him that the child was dead. She did not tell him that the child was stillborn. The Vicar told her to see the Sexton and arrange about the burial. The Sexton told her to bring the body at 7 p.m., which she did and left it with him to bury. - In reply to Mr Wivell, witness said that nobody had ever asked her if the baby was stillborn. - John Frederick Clampitt, Sexton at Lamerton, said MRS JAMES said: "My ELSIE has had a child. It was not matured and it did not live. I have seen the Vicar and he has told me to come to see you, as he would like to say a prayer over it when you bury it." Witness replied that that was an unusual occurrence. He buried the child on Wednesday morning. He did not inform the Vicar, as he never did for a stillborn child. - Rev. George Lionel Edwards, Vicar of Lamerton, said MRS JAMES told him that her daughter had given birth to a child. He thought she said it was born dead, and wished to have the child buried, and would he see about it. He told her to see the Sexton herself and that he was willing to say a prayer if she desired. He told her to let him know what the Sexton had arranged. He was quite under the impression that the child was stillborn. He did not dispute MRS JAMES'S evidence. - The Inquest was adjourned until Monday next.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 February 1930
NEWTON ABBOT - Octogenarian's Fate At Newton. - The tragic death of an octogenarian whose clothing caught alight whilst she was sitting before the fire was described at an Inquest at Newton Abbot last evening on MRS MARY CAMILLA BROWN, aged 81, widow, of Southernhay, Newton Abbot. - MISS JESSIE CAMILLA BROWN said on February 15 she heard a faint moaning from her mother, who was sitting in front of the fire, and found that the clothing around her mother's legs was on fire. The old lady had been unable to talk for sometime as she was too weak. She died on Saturday. - Dr J. J. Brown said MRS BROWN was in a low state before the occurrence. Shock probably accelerated death. - "I am sure she received every possible attention," said the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, recording a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 February 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Joiner's Two Falls. Death After Mishaps In H.M.S. Glorious. - A fall from a ladder whilst at work in H.M.S. Glorious was described to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital on HARRY HUGH DE GREY SMITH, aged 25 years, a joiner, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, who resided at 26 Tavistock-road, Stoke, Devonport. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden attended on behalf of the Admiralty and Mr H. Clarke, H.M. Inspector of Factories, on behalf of the Home Office. - Sidney Warden, a joiner in the Dockyard, of 108 Albert-road, Morice Town, said he with the deceased, his mate, were working in the Glorious on August 26. SMITH was working on a four-rung ladder, which slipped and he fell, striking his right knee on a bracket. He was in great pain, and the next morning reported to the surgery, continuing to do so until the second mishap. On September 16, whilst working in the sick-berth of the Glorious, SMITH caught his foot in some air pipes, fell, and again struck his knee. He was later admitted to Hospital. - Surg.-Com. Elliot, pathologist at the Naval Hospital, said the right leg had been amputated for a tumour of the bone situated near the knee joint and death was due to a malignant tumour. "It is," said the witness, "quite impossible to say definitely that the tumour was caused by the knocks, though it is quite possible that the condition arose because of that." - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to the malignant tumour and was aggravated by the mishaps in the Dockyard. They, the Coroner, and Mr F. Edgar Bowden, on behalf of the Admiralty, expressed sympathy with the relations of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 February 1930
PLYMOUTH - Suicide At 85. Plymouth Coroner And An Unusual Case. - The Inquest on ELIZABETH ANN BUCHAN, aged 85, who was found dead hanging in Lanyon Almshouses, Plymouth, last Monday, was concluded at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, a verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" being returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce. - MRS BUCHAN was the wife of the late MR J. BUCHAN, who died in Bristol in 1899, a well-known Plymouth clerk. - "It is, in my experience, very unusual for a person of the age of 85 years to commit suicide, and there must have been some reason for this old person doing so," declared the Coroner. The old lady must have been once in fairly good circumstances, for her husband was well known in Plymouth. Her husband left her, and since then she must have led a lonely life." - Mr Thomas Colwill, a Relieving Officer for the Poor Law District in which MRS BUCHAN lived, said she was found hanging from a nail behind the door, suspended by a piece of tape. One foot was resting on a chair. P.C. Gerretty was called and the old lady was released from the tape, but was dead. Dr Wilkinson came and declared that she had been dead for some hours. - Dr Wilkinson said MRS BUCHAN was dead when found. He estimated that she had been dead at least ten hours. He believed that death was due to constriction of the neck, and not by any fall from the near-by chair.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1930
OKEHAMPTON - Worried By Finances. Plymouth Agent's Pathetic Letter. Suicide On Line Near Okehampton. - Distressing circumstances surrounding the death on Thursday on the railway line near Okehampton of ALFRED JOSEPH MORRIS, of 23 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, were described at the Inquest yesterday, conducted at Okehampton by Mr H. C. Brown. A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - Waiting For Darkness. - A letter, stained with blood, and enclosed in a sealed envelope, found in the clothes of the dead man, was read by the Coroner. It was addressed to MRS A. E. MORRIS, 23 Wolsdon-street, Plymouth, and read:- "ANNA, curse my memory once, and do not forget it. I am deeper in the mire than even you can imagine. I am waiting for darkness to end it all. I beg of God to help you, for, even if I did not do this, I could be no help to you. You deserve, and I hope you will get, someone more of a man than I can ever be." - "Let them give me a pauper burial, for you will have no insurance or anything else. I should not do this if I had faith enough in myself to eradicate the past, but I have not. Broken-hearted......" - The letter was unsigned. Added to it was the following postscript:- "I do not know why I thought of Okehampton as the place to end it all, except perhaps that my military experience gave me knowledge of the railway bridges." - Financial Worries. - Staff Sergt. Norman Huppler, R.A.M.C., stationed at Plymouth, said MORRIS had served with him in the R.A.M.C., both abroad and at home. Deceased left a widow and three young children. - Witness stated that when he saw MORRIS last about three weeks ago at Devonport he (MORRIS) was very worried about money matters, and observed, "I feel as if I could go and put my head on the line." Witness regarded the remark seriously to some extent as MORRIS had told him that he had been so worried that he could not sleep at night. Witness helped MORRIS with his affairs. There were no domestic difficulties. - Invalided During The War. - Deceased was invalided from the West Coast of Africa during the war, and service probably had some effect on his health. Witness considered the man was unsuited, through his ill-health, for the work of an insurance agent. - Samuel Ruby, quarryman, North-street, Okehampton, gave evidence of finding the body on the railway line, and Reginald Barton, Southern Railway Inspector, said all engines which had passed over the point of the fatality around that time had been examined, but with no result. That was not surprising, for it was a wet night and there would hardly be any marks of the impact. - Police Sergt. Morris, Okehampton, produced the letter found on the body, and said that inquiries had revealed that MORRIS arrived at Okehampton by omnibus, which he joined near Roborough.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fell From Ladder. Accidental Death Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - The Inquest was held at Plymouth yesterday on PERCY JOHN NORTHCOTT, aged 22, of Moon-street, Plymouth, who fell from a ladder whilst working at Coxside, Plymouth, on Wednesday last. - William Henry Pooley, of Stenlake-terrace, Plymouth, said he passed out half a bucket of mortar to NORTHCOTT, who was on a ladder. He saw him mount four bars of the ladder, but before reaching the edge of the roof he swung the bucket, overbalanced, and fell 45 feet to the ground. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death."

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1930
PLYMOUTH -Inquest In Hospital. Plymouth Woman Who Died Under Anaesthetic. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, conducted an Inquest on MRS ESTHER CATHERINE TURNER, aged 29, of St Leonard's-road, Plymouth, who died at the Hospital under an anaesthetic on Wednesday last. - Dr Bawdree, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said MRS TURNER was put under an anaesthetic consisting of ether and oxygen. When the operation reached the final stages it was noticed that her pulse was getting weak, and a little later the beating of the heart could not be heard. Oxygen was administered, but the patient did not recover. Witness was of opinion that the anaesthetic was properly administered. - Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the Hospital, said he had made a post-mortem examination. He thought death was due to heart failure, caused by atrophy of the heart and fatty degeneration of the liver. He considered that the anaesthetic had been properly administered. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 March 1930
PLYMOUTH -Dead Man's Letter. Suicide Verdict Returned At Plymouth Inquest. - "Dear Mary, - I have written to you for the last time. I think so, I hope not yet. Everywhere I go they are after me." - Such were phrases in a letter written to his daughter by JOHN CROSSMAN, aged 71, who was found with his head over a gas ring at his lodgings in Cecil-street, Plymouth, on Thursday last. The letter was produced at the Inquest conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. - GEORGE CROSSMAN, of Claremont-street, Plymouth, said his brother had met him a few days ago in Union-street and told him that there were two women following to murder him. Witness said MR J. CROSSMAN always took a rolling pin to bed with him, ass he said "ghosts were tickling his feet." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 March 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Blow With Pickaxe. Medical Views On Plymouth Workman's Death. - That death was due to a diseased kidney which might have been caused by an accidental blow received whilst working in a trench at North Prospect, was the verdict returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest on ISAAC HENRY PHILLIPS, labourer, aged 65, 17 Marlborough-row. Devonport, who had been employed by Plymouth Corporation Electricity Department and who died on February 21. - MRS ANNIE COLE, of Prospect-row, sister, said last May her brother met with an accident whilst at work, and from that time gradually failed in health. - Replying to Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, witness said her brother had not complained of any pain prior to the accident. - Cecil J. Hocking, 3 Beaumont-place, district mains assistant, said PHILLIPS told him that when standing in a trench using a pick, the pick-point slipped off the stone, causing the shaft to hit him between the legs. Witness advised him to see a doctor, and PHILLIPS returned to work about three weeks later. He continued working until July 4, then went home and did not return again. He was not a robust man. - Dr G. C. Sandford said when he saw PHILLIPS in May he was not in a good state of health. Witness treated him for inflammation of the injured part and he seemed to improve, but when witness examined him about July, he found a large swelling in the abdomen. Witness advised him to go to Hospital, but it was not until September 12 that he went into the Royal Albert Hospital and stayed there two months. - He gradually wasted, and died of exhaustion. Witness did not think the blow accelerated death. - Dr P. B. Powell, Assistant Medical Officer of Health, Plymouth, said he had made a post-mortem examination, and, in his opinion, death was not due to the accident. - Dr E. Wordley, pathologist, South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, was of the opinion that the growth on the kidney had no relation to the blow received.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 4 March 1930
LAMERTON - Jury Censures Grandmother. Inquest Story Of Infant's Death. Coroner & Anonymous Postcard. - When he resumed the Inquest at Lamerton yesterday on the body of the infant male child of ELSIE JAMES, 23, of Venn Cottage, Lamerton, the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. .Johnstone, said he had that morning received an anonymous postcard asking him to adopt a certain course in regard to the Inquiry. - It was grossly improper, he said, for anyone to write such a card to him. All they were concerned about was the cause of death, and not with the birth of the child.- The Inquest was opened on February 24, after the body had been exhumed at Lamerton Cemetery, where it had been buried. The evidence on that occasion was to the effect that MRS JAMES found her daughter lying in the garden about noon on Monday, February 17, with the newly-born child beside her. She carried both indoors in a blanket, but the child fell from the blanket on to some stones. The child's head was injured and it died the same night. - The girl's mother declared that when she saw the vicar the next day he told her to see the Sexton and arrange about the burial, and the Sexton told her to bring the body for burial at 7 p.m., which she did. She said she did not say that it was still-born. The Vicar, in his evidence, said he was quite under the impression that the child was stillborn. - After hearing further evidence yesterday a verdict of "Death from Injuries Accidentally Received" was recorded, and the Jury held that the mother of the girl should be severely censured for neglecting to get medical attention. - 'Suspicions Aroused' Coroner& "Extraordinary Stupidity." - Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell, of Tavistock, appeared for MRS and MISS JAMES, both of whom were present, and Supt. H. H. Champion represented the Police at the resumed Inquest yesterday. - After the Coroner had referred to the anonymous communication, Miss Ivy Gurney, the District Nurse, of Milton Abbot, who was called to the cottage, gave evidence, and said she arrived about 8 p.m. She saw the child, which was then alive, in bed with the mother. There was a wound on the left side of the head. The wound was bleeding, and witness bandaged it with a piece of rag. It was not a surgical bandage. - The Coroner: Were there any other marks on the child? - There were a lot of scratches and bruises on the face. - Witness added that she returned to Milton Abbot at 8.30 and telephoned for the doctor. She saw MISS JAMES again on Tuesday and MRS JAMES told her the child was dead. - The Coroner: Was there any conversation with MRS JAMES about burying the child? - Nothing at all. MRS JAMES asked me about going to the expense of having to pay for a coffin, and I said, "No, an ordinary box would do." - "Were you under the impression that the child had been registered?" - That had nothing to do with me. It was the doctor's case. - But there was nothing to stop you from advising that that should be done? - It had nothing to do with me. I first had a conversation with MRS JAMES, and asked her on Wednesday what had happened to the baby, and she said it was buried. - Did you ask whether the doctor had given her a certificate? - Yes.- What did she say? - She told me the Vicar said one was not needed, as the child had not lived long enough. I made no reply. - Replying to a further question by the Coroner, witness said it was only a wee piece of rag that was put on the baby's head. When she first went on Monday evening the child had not been bandaged. It was not bandaged at all on that night. - Supt. Champion: Are you perfectly certain about the statement you made to the Coroner with reference to the Vicar saying to MRS JAMES that the baby had not lived long enough and that no certificate was needed?- Yes. - The Baby's Injuries. - Dr Stephen Nockolds, of Lifton, said he saw the child about 9 o'clock in the evening on Monday, February 17. It was lying in bed with the head bandaged and the bandage was soaked in blood. He took it off and found two cuts on the left side of the head. One was a large cut about an inch long and very gaping, and was just behind the ear. Above that was a smaller cut. The large one was bleeding, so he drew the two edges together with sticking plaster, which stopped the bleeding. He did not see the child again alive. - He made a post-mortem examination after the body had been exhumed, and found two cuts on the left side of the head and extensive fractures of the left parietal bone - part of the skull. The fractures radiated from underneath a smaller cut. He found a blood-clot on the brain. The cause of death was the fracture of the skull and haemorrhage of the brain. - The Coroner: Supposing a medical man had seen the child in the earlier part of the day, would it have saved its life?- No, nothing could have been done to save its life. - "Not even if the child had received medical attention almost immediately after it received the injury to the head? - "No, I do not think anything could have been done to have saved its life," replied the doctor. - The Question Of Negligence. - The Coroner said that at the last Inquest MRS JAMES stated that she went to her daughter in the garden, and found that a baby had been born. She went indoors and fetched a blanket, and caught both her daughter and the child up in her arms in the blanket, and the child slipped down from her arms on to the stones. The injuries were consistent with the evidence given by MRS JAMES in regard to the child falling on the stones in the garden path. - The only point they wanted to arrive at was to find whether anyone had been guilty of negligence which might make them in regard to the death criminally liable for it. What struck him very forcibly was that MRS JAMES, first of all, when the child was born, did not proceed in the quickest way to get assistance. She left the child and her daughter in the care of another daughter, 15 years of age, and then walked into Tavistock. One would have thought that the quickest way for her to obtain assistance would have been to telephone to Tavistock for a doctor.- When she got to Tavistock she found that Dr Anderson was not at home, he being in London. She then left a message asking Dr Brodrick to visit her daughter. - MRS JAMES said she left her daughter and the baby with her younger daughter, and ran into Tavistock for Dr Anderson, who was not at home. - The Foreman, Mr F. W. Brown: What the Jury want to know is what message was left with Dr Brodrick. - MRS JAMES said she first asked for Dr Anderson and was told that he was away. She then asked for Dr Brodrick, and when told by the servant that he was not in she (MRS JAMES) asked her if she would ask Dr Brodrick to come to Lamerton to see her daughter as soon as he could when he returned, and she said "Yes." - The Verdict And Censure. - Proceeding, the Coroner said that MRS JAMES took no further steps until five o'clock, and then she was advised to fetch the District Nurse. That took them up to five o'clock, and nothing further was done until just before eight, when a telephone message was received at Milton Abbot for the District Nurse. The only thing that happened then was that the District Nurse arrived at MRS JAMES'S house almost immediately at 8.10 and was back again at Milton Abbot at 8.30. A tremendous amount of time must have elapsed before any attention was given to the child or its mother. - Then there was another point which arose in their minds, and that was whether MRS JAMES, when she picked up her daughter and the child in the blanket, exercised at the time the care she ought to have exercised. - The Coroner spoke of a certain amount of suspicion which had been aroused because of the way in which the body of the child was disposed of, and said it was a most unusual thing to bury it like they did. - Therefore, if anything in the nature of suspicion had been aroused on MRS JAMES and her family, they had nobody but themselves to blame for the extraordinary stupidity they had shown in the case. Dr Nickolds had told them that whatever might have been done for the child it was bound to have died, and MRS JAMES had also said that she had dropped the child from the blanket. - It was an extraordinary method of bringing the child into the world, and it was for the Jury to say whether there had been any negligence. - Mr Wivell: They must prove that negligence had caused the death of the child. - The Jury deliberated in private for some time, and then the Foreman announced the verdict that the child had died from injuries Accidentally received. He added that they were of the opinion that MRS JAMES should be severely censured for neglecting to get medical attention for the mother and the child with greater despatch.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 5 March 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Woman's Suicide. - A verdict of "Suicide while in an Unsound State of Mind," was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, at an Inquest on MRS MARY ELIZABETH PUCKEY, of Portland-road, Stoke, who, it was stated, died on Saturday after drinking lysol. - The dead woman's husband and daughter and Dr Edward Aslett, Assistant House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, gave evidence.

Western Morning News, Friday 7 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Dockyardman Dies Of Lockjaw. Delayed Treatment Of Finger Injury. - That death was due to Tetanus following an injury received in Devonport Dockyard was the verdict returned at an Inquest conducted by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital yesterday on RICHARD CHARLES HOOPER, 56, skilled labourer of Mount Gold-road, Plymouth. - Mr Edgar F. Bowden watched the case for the Admiralty, and Mr Elliot Square represented the widow. Mr H. Clarke, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was present. - The widow said when her husband returned home on February 21 she noticed he had a finger bandaged on his right hand. He said he had knocked the finger while at work, and had it dressed immediately in the surgery. - Stiffness In The Jaw. - Last Sunday he complained of stiffness in the jaw, and the following day felt too unwell to go to work, and complained of pains in his jaw, throat and back. - Dr Cohen was summoned, and advised his immediate removal to Hospital. Early on Tuesday witness was sent for and her husband died the same day. - Albert Napier Stroud, Senior Chargeman of fitters, Engineering Department, stated that HOOPER was employed driving a winch. On February 26 he reported to witness that he had injured his finger, and asked permission to attend the surgery to have it dressed. HOOPER returned to his work afterwards, and continued until March 1. He did not tell witness how or when he injured the finger. - John Joseph Harris, surgery assistant, said HOOPER first attended the surgery on February 26 and asked to have his finger dressed. There was a bandage on the finger. - On examining the finger witness suspected suppuration. HOOPER said he thought he might have knocked the finger the previous afternoon but did not take much notice until at home in the evening, when the finger got painful. He said he had attended to it himself. - Witness treated the injury, and told HOOPER to return later in the morning so that the Medical Officer could see him. He did not return as instructed, nor at any other time. - Sure Of The Date. - Pressed by the Coroner as to the date of HOOPER'S visit to the surgery, witness declared he was sure it was on Wednesday, February 26. He kept no record of the case because deceased could not state how the injury occurred. - David William Bawstill, House Surgeon at the Hospital, stated that when HOOPER was admitted on Monday his condition showed the case was one of early tetanus and anti-tetanus serum was administered to counteract it. Later the same night a further injection was given, but the next morning he was worse, and had a convulsion, from which he nearly succumbed. - He improved slightly during the morning, but was worse in the afternoon, with a further convulsion, from which he died. - Death was due to tetanus, following the injury to the finger, which was septic and had had suppuration in it for some days. Witness could not say that the injury was caused by a blow, but it might have originated in that way. - By the Jury: It was impossible to state if deceased's life might have been saved if he had had proper attention at the time the injury occurred.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 March 1930
HOLBETON - Holbeton Farm Tragedy. Inquest On Elderly Worker. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned on the victim of the farm tragedy at Holbeton, WILLIAM JOHN ANDREWS, aged 77, of Vicarage-hill, Holbeton, at an Inquiry at Holbeton yesterday by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone. ANDREWS fell from a hedge on which he was cutting wood.- Robert Sherrell, of Brownswall Farm, said he had employed deceased for 25 years, but recently witness's son had accompanied ANDREWS in his work because of his age. - Witness gave instructions to him to cut wood from a hedge, telling him not to climb on the hedge, as his son would do that when he arrived later. He next saw ANDREWS sitting in the road and could obtain no reply from him. - A doctor was summoned, and the injured man meanwhile conveyed to his home. There was blood on his nose, and what appeared to be a wound on the back of his head. - William Sherrell, son of the last witness, said that when he came to help deceased, he found him on his hands and knees in the middle of the road. Witness moved him near to the hedge before going for assistance. - Medical evidence was given by Dr Andrews, of Modbury, who said he had known the deceased for forty years. Generally he had been in good health, strong, and not unsteady on his feet. Death was due to haemorrhage of the brain, due to a fractured skull. - Deceased's son, JOHN ANDREWS, of Mothecombe, gave evidence of identification.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 March 1930
OKEHAMPTON - Pond Tragedy. Suicide Verdict At Okehampton.- "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was the verdict returned by Mr H. C. Brown at Okehampton yesterday, at the Inquest on GEORGE PEDRICK, 72, retired bookseller, who had been missing since February 3, and whose body was found in a pond at Meldon on Sunday. - Eva Doris Pope, of Castle-cottages, Okehampton, said MR PEDRICK lodged at Castleford, where she was in service. On February 3 MR PEDRICK went out, as she supposed, for his usual walk, but she noticed that he was looking strange, and was mumbling to himself. He was always peculiar in his manner and very reserved. Going to his room later she noticed a note on the dressing table. The mackintosh, hat and stick she recognised as belonging to PEDRICK.- Dr Woollcombe said death was caused by drowning. - Sergt. Morrish, Okehampton, stated that when Miss Pope took the note left by PEDRICK to the Police, he and a Constable made a search and on the following morning found on the bank at Meldon Pond deceased's mackintosh, cap and walking stick. - The articles were found at a very dangerous spot. Grappling irons were tried, but owing to the state of the pond, without avail. On Sunday the body was found floating in the pond.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death From Burns. Brixton Woman Who Poured Oil On Fire. - The danger of using paraffin oil to revive a dying fire was emphasized by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on MRS MABEL JAMES, aged 42, wife of HAROLD FREDERICK JAMES, of Sunnyside, Brixton. - MRS JAMES died at the Hospital on Saturday as the result of burns received by her on Tuesday, February 25. - MR JAMES, whose left hand was bandaged, said about midday on the Tuesday, as the fire was low, his wife poured some paraffin oil on it. The fire flared up, and catching the oil in the can blew the bottom out of the can. The oil ran over her, and she was in flames in a second. He immediately seized a coat and flung it over her head. Mr Chadder helped him to put out the flames. - Mr Hugh Dyer Pyke, Surgical Officer at the Hospital, said he saw MRS JAMES when she was admitted. She was severely burnt and suffered from shock. She progressed unusually well and had quite got over the shock, but toxaemia set in, and that, in his opinion, was the cause of death. - The Coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. MRS JAMES leaves five children, the eldest being 14 years of age and the youngest, two.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Baby. Plymouth Story Of Mother's Search For Rooms. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, and a Jury held an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FRANCES GREENAWAY, aged seven months, who died on Tuesday morning. A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence, which showed that death was due to pneumonia, was returned. - WINIFRED MAY GREENAWAY, wife of BERNARD LEWIS GREENAWAY, a gunner in the Royal Artillery, stationed at Fareham, said she had been residing at 4 Barrack-place, Stonehouse, with her five children, aged 10 years, 5 years, 4 years, 2 years and 7 months. - The deceased child contracted a nasty cough, which witness attributed to the fact that she had to take it out with her when she went to look for rooms, as she had no one to look after it. The child received attention at the Infant Welfare Centre. On Monday night she took up her residence at Stonehouse and stayed up with the baby all night. - Witness said she had an Army allowance of 8s. 2d., and she received 30s. per week from the man she was living with. Her rent was 14s. per week.- The Coroner: "That does not leave very much for food for the six of you." - Chief Inspector W. G. Warwick asked whether or not it was a fact that MRS GREENAWAY had been driven from Cecil-street (her previous address) on the Monday night. - Witness replied that the landlord had given her notice to quit six weeks before. She had been looking for rooms ever since, but they were very hard to get because of the children. - Thomas Payne, general dealer, 21 Cecil-street, said the couple were twelve guineas in arrears with rent and altogether owed him £17 13s. 5d. - Dr Marion Smellie, Assistant Medical Officer for Maternity and Child Welfare under Plymouth Corporation, also gave evidence. - Dr Thomas Leah said death was due to pneumonia.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Baby's Fatal Scalds. "Accidental Death" Returned At Plymouth Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on FREDERICK RUSSELL DART, aged 2, son of STANLEY THOMAS DART, meter-fixer, of Plymouth Electricity Department, residing at Beaumont-road, Plymouth. - ALBERT T. NYTTON, of Longfield-terrace, Mutley, said on Monday his sister, who was washing, took a bucket of boiling water from the copper and placed it on the floor. The child slipped on the wet floor, and fell backwards, upsetting the bucket, the water flowing over his back. - Dr G. Kay, House Physician at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said when admitted the boy was suffering from severe shock and severely scalded on the back of his body, head, legs and arms. Death was due to shock and bronchial pneumonia following severe scalding.

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 March 1930
PLYMPTON - Found With Gas Tube In Her Mouth At Plympton. - An Inquest was held at Plympton on Tuesday on MRS EMMA VEALE, of Colebrook Cottage, who was found dead in her home in the morning with a length of gas tubing in her mouth. Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, conducted the Inquest and returned a verdict of "Suicide by Coal-Gas Poisoning during Temporary Insanity." - THOMAS J. VEALE, husband of the deceased, said his wife had been in ill-health for sometime and during the past four or five weeks had been confined to bed. She had been attended by Dr Davidson of Plympton, for heart trouble, but she had a fixed impression that she had an internal growth, and he thought this must have preyed on her mind. On Tuesday he left for work at 6.30 a.m. as usual, and there was nothing in his wife's conduct to suggest that she had any intention of taking her life.- Vera Collins, aged 17, a girl who had been looking after the deceased for some time, arrived at the house about ten minutes past eight, and on going into the kitchen saw MRS VEALE lying on the floor with a gas tube in her mouth. She was dead.

Western Morning News, Friday 14 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Workman's Death. Follows Fracture Of Leg At Plymouth. - An Inquest was conducted at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on THOMAS GEORGE BURNETT, aged 69, of 1 Plym-street, Plymouth, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Tuesday following an injury alleged to have been received whilst at work. - BURNETT had been employed by the water department of the Plymouth Corporation for about 30 years. He leaves a widow and seven children. - Samuel Rowling, of 32 Furzehill-road, Plymouth, employed as a foreman by the Plymouth Corporation Water Department, said he was unaware that BURNETT had received any injury, until he visited him in the Hospital on February 13 last. He then told witness that he was washing out a hydrant at the end of Salisbury-road on January 13, when he slipped and fell on the hydrant frame. He thought he would have been able to resume work on the following day. - Dr R. B. Pringle, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said he saw deceased on February 5 and subsequently every day until the time of his death. He had a fracture of the right femur. - Dr Eric Wordley, who made a post-mortem examination, attributed death to heart failure as a result of sepsis and bronchitis, and added that death was accelerated by the fracture of the left femur. If deceased had had both kidneys and been in good health he would have survived the injury. - The Coroner remarked on the importance of workmen reporting to their superiors immediately they sustained any injury. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and stated that they were of the opinion that BURNETT sustained the injury whilst at work on or about January 13. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 19 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death Follows Fall. Plymouth Coroner's Comment At Inquest. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence of death from an Accidental Fall was recorded by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on MINNIE THOMAS, a woman of 66 years, who fell from the stairs in her home at 38 Harwell-street, Plymouth, several months ago and died there recently. - Dr J. V. Curtain said that he was called to see MRS THOMAS in December 1929, and ascertained that she had fractured her left thigh after a fall. She would not consent to be taken to Hospital, and so he attended her from time to time. - She died from congestion of the lungs following the fracture. - The Coroner said it was one of the many cases which came before him during the year, in which elderly persons and more often women, fell downstairs or in the courtyard, and died in bed as the result of a broken thigh.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Woman's Fatal Burns. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict recorded by the Plymouth Coroner at an Inquest yesterday on EMILY FLORENCE OVERD, aged 53, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on Thursday afternoon, following severe burns sustained at her home in York-street early on Thursday morning. - Constable Woodfin said he was summoned to the house about 2.30 a.m. on Thursday, and saw deceased lying on a bed. She was wrapped in a blanket, and was badly burned. Witness was told what had happened by deceased's step-sister, FANNY WHITING, who was an invalid, and was sleeping in the same room. On account of her health she was unable to attend the Inquest. - According to her statement, deceased was taken ill about 2 a.m. She got out of bed, and, lighting a candle, picked it up and went out of the room to the landing, where she allowed the light too near her night apparel, which ignited. MISS WHITING pulled the burning clothes from deceased's body and deceased then went upstairs for assistance. - Mrs Annie Winter, of the same address, said deceased came up the stairs and knocked at her door, and said, "Quick, come, Mrs Winter." Witness went downstairs and saw that deceased appeared to be very badly burned. Witness put a blanket around her and went for further assistance. Deceased was subsequently taken away in an ambulance. - Dr David William Bawtree, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said deceased was admitted to the Hospital at 3.30 a.m. She was very badly burned and died in the late afternoon. Witness said the cause of death was shock, following severe burns.

Western Morning News, Saturday 22 March 1930
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. - Stoker Drowned. Woodleigh Man's Death In New Zealand. - News has been received at Kingsbridge of the death by drowning of Stoker SYLVANUS JOHN PENGELLY, H.M.S. Laburnum, at Auckland, New Zealand. Deceased was well known in the Kingsbridge district, having resided for several years at Woodleigh. His parents, MR and MRS C. PENGELLY, reside at Blackwalls, Strete. Deceased who was aged 29, was shortly due for promotion to the rank of petty officer. - The accident occurred on January 31, and at the Inquest it was stated that PENGELLY fell overboard from the ferry steamer Makora, near the Devonport Wharf. He was a single man. - Lawrence Clark, mate of the Makora, said he had seen PENGELLY mount to the upper deck when the vessel was approaching the wharf on the 8 p.m. trip from the city. He heard a splash and saw a man in naval uniform in the water. For twenty minutes a lifeboat searched vainly. Possibly the man had struck the side of the vessel in his fall. - A verdict of "Accidentally Drowned" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Baby Accidentally Suffocated. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on the two-days-old infant son of FREDERICK LANGLEY, of Gascoyne-place. - Miss Dora Weeks, of Eton-place, midwife, said that on Friday at 8.20 she prepared the water for the child's bath, but on lifting him from the bed found him dead. - Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to asphyxiation.- A verdict of "Death from Accidental Suffocation" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Bathing Pool Tragedy. Suicide Of Unemployed Plymouth Man. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR FACEY, aged 57, of Woolster-street, Plymouth, whose body was found floating in the men's bathing pool under the Hoe. - JOHN THOMAS HARCOM, of Woolster-street, said FACEY, his brother-in-law, had been unemployed for 21 months and had seemed very depressed, but had never threatened to take his life. - GEORGE WILLIAM SYMONS, 1st class petty officer, said deceased was his father-in-law. He had had serious trouble in the head some years ago.- William Henry Trask, of Chapel-street, Stonehouse, foreshore cleaner in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation, said at 7 a.m. on Sun day he saw FACEY'S body lying face downwards in the bathing pool. - Constable Backaller said he helped Trask to haul the body out of the water. He and two other Constables considered artificial respiration, but decided it would be useless. - Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to drowning. - The Coroner read two letters which FACEY had written very disjointedly, and which, the Coroner remarked, gave some idea of the Unsound state of his mind.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 March 1930
PLYMOUTH - Road-Crossing Fatality. Plymouth Inquest On Elderly Man. - A passer-by who tried unsuccessfully to stop HENRY HAYWARD, a pensioner from the Metropolitan Police, aged 85, of 28 Connaught-avenue, Plymouth, from being knocked down and killed by a 'bus on Mutley-plain, Plymouth, last Monday, was complimented on his action at the Inquest conducted by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and the driver of the 'bus was exonerated from blame. - Mr Ernest Vosper, the Deputy Town Clerk, attended to represent the Plymouth City Corporation and the Tramways Committee, and Mr F. Ford, Traffic Superintendent of the Plymouth Transport Department, was also present. - Broke From Grasp. - Frederick William Harris, a commercial traveller of 27 Connaught-avenue, said he had just alighted from a tramcar and was going to cross the road when he saw MR HAYWARD in the road. Just as he was crossing the thoroughfare a 'bus came along from the direction of Plymouth and MR HAYWARD did not appear to notice it. He ran forward and caught him by the arm, shouting to him to stop. The deceased then noticed the vehicle and endeavoured to cross before the 'bus came up. He broke away from his grasp and hastened to cross on to the other side of the road. The 'bus came up and he himself thought it had cleared him. He went around the 'bus, which had stopped almost immediately and found the old man had been knocked down, and was lying unconscious in the road on his back. He was doubtful if the accident could have been averted, despite the fact that the 'bus was going at the usual speed. The 'bus driver did his best to avoid the tragedy. - The driver of the 'bus, Francis Hugh Wonnacott, of 1 Myrtleville, Dingle-road, North Prospect, employed by the City Corporation, said he had slowed down just before the scene of the accident, and had nearly approached Hyde Park Corner, when he saw an old gentleman standing at the side of the road, apparently waiting for him to pass. - "Made A Sudden Dash." - When he was eight or ten yards away the deceased made a sudden dash to cross the road in front of him, and simultaneously a man grabbed at him and unsuccessfully tried to stop him. He applied both his brakes as fiercely as he could, and swerved to the right. When the 'bus was about a yard from him the deceased seemed to stop and turn back, and at the same time the 'bus, just as it stopped, touched MR HAYWARD, who fell in the road, striking his head on the stone setts. He was then lying in front of the off wheel of the 'bus. The bus was not over him. - He had sounded his horn when near the dead man. He was going 10 to 12 miles per hour at the time, and could not have avoided the accident. He had been driving for just over three years in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation. His 'bus was well braked and could pull up within its own length.- Alfred Edward Marshall of 17 Beatrice-avenue, Plymouth, employed by the Plymouth Gas Company, also gave evidence. He added that he 'phoned for the ambulance from a nearby shop. The 'bus was not travelling at an excessive speed, and if the man had stayed where he was at the side of the road there would, in his opinion, have been no accident. - Wheel On Clothing. - P.C. Pleasants, on point duty at Hyde Park Corner, said he heard a shout, and turning around saw a Corporation omnibus knock down an old man, its off wing striking him in the chest. When he ran to the man's assistance he saw that the wheel of the 'bus was resting on his clothing. - Dr D. Bawtree, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said he tended the deceased, who on admittance to the Hospital was unconscious. There were bruises on his side, his thigh was fractured and lacerated, and the right leg fractured above and below the knee. A post-mortem examination revealed that death was due to haemorrhage of the brain and shock from multiple injuries. - The Coroner said it must be realized that in these days pedestrians had to be very careful when attempting to cross the street where traffic was heavy. The fact that the 'bus stopped at the same time, with its wheels resting on the clothing of the man, showed that the vehicle was immediately stopped.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 March 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Man's Fatal Slip. Devonport Inquest Verdict Of Syncope From Shock. - An Inquest was held yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MICHAEL KAIN, aged 79, of Healy-place, Albert-road, Devonport. - KAIN had slipped and fallen on the wet pavement while on his way to church on February 16. He was detained at the Royal Albert Hospital suffering from a broken thigh. MR KAIN was removed from the Hospital on March 1, and taken to Ford House, where he died on Wednesday. - Dr Sandford stated that death was from syncope due to shock, and a verdict was recorded accordingly.

Western Morning News, Friday 28 March 1930
PLYMOUTH -Tragedy Of Play At Plymouth. Boy's Death Caused By Swinging On Gate. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on JOHN JAMES ROWE, the four-years-old son of MR and MRS E. ROWE, of Brunswick-place, Plymouth, who died almost immediately after being crushed against a wall by a heavy gate in the Southern Railway's Friary Goods Yard, on which a number of children were swinging. - Representing the Southern Railway were Detective Main and Mr Charles Bevis (goods agent). - The Coroner, commenting on the unusual fatality, said the only question was whether blame attached to anyone. The children could not be blamed. it was unfortunate that the gate, which was usually kept padlocked, was at the time left open, but if children would insist on playing on gates they must do so at their own risk. He extended his sympathy with the parents on the loss of their only child. - MRS WINIFRED BESSIE ROWE, of Brunswick-place, the mother, said on Tuesday her son was out playing, when a little boy came to her and said, "JOHN'S nose is bleeding. He has knocked it against the gate." She ran out and found her boy in the arms of a young man, who took him into a doctor's surgery. She was sent home, where soon after she was told by her husband that her son was dead. - Struck In The Back By Wall. - John William Cadywould said he saw several small children swinging on the big gate. A little boy who was on the end of the gate was struck in the back by the wall, and he fell to the ground, bleeding from the nose, mouth and ears. The boy was taken into a neighbouring house. - Mrs Edith Blanche Beable, of Salem-street, said that, finding no room on one side of the gate, the little boy climbed on the gate near the wall, and was crushed by the latter. She took him into her house. The large gates were usually fastened back by chains. - Detective Main said the gates were usually kept locked after 5 p.m., but a driver for a private firm had unlocked the gates when he entered, and left them open for another driver who was following.- Dr Stuttaford said the boy was brought to his surgery, but he immediately telephoned for him to be taken to the Hospital, but the child died before the arrival of the ambulance. A post-mortem examination showed that the base of the skull was fractured from ear to ear.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 March 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Machinist's Suicide. Dockyard Employee's Work "Too Much For Him." - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at an Inquest on RICHARD EDWARD WARREN, aged 27 years, of 125 Alexandra-road, Ford, who was found dead at his residence on Thursday morning following the inhalation of coal gas, by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - Deceased was employed as a machinist in H.M. Dockyard, Devonport. - George Ernest Tucker, chargeman of shipwrights, No. 3 Machine Shop, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, and Walter Burrans, of 129 Alexandra-road, Ford, said he had complained of pains in the head, and said the work was too much for him. - Dr James Wilson said on Tuesday March 25, deceased came to witness's surgery complaining of nerve trouble. - It was stated that deceased's father had died 12 months ago, and it was intimated that this might have affected deceased. - MRS SARAH WARREN, the mother of deceased, who made the discovery, was too ill to attend the Inquest, but sent a written statement.- Mr F. E. Brown represented the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 April 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Gas Poisoning. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Tragedy. - A verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held yesterday on JACK PEAT, 35, labourer ,of no fixed address, who was found dead on Sunday in the kitchen of a house in Cornwall-street, Devonport. - LILIAN PEAT, residing at 6 Morice-street, Devonport, said she last saw her husband about six weeks ago, when they separated. He suffered for years from his nerves, and was wounded in the head during the war. He was very irritable and violent on occasions. He had got into trouble recently through breaking a shop window and was out of work. - Percy Melhuish, skilled labourer, H.M. Dockyard, Devonport, of Cornwall-street, Devonport, said he had known deceased for about four years. On Friday night last he came to him and asked him if he could sleep in witness's kitchen, saying he would probably be able to return to his own home the following day. He slept in the kitchen on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday morning about 8.30 witness found the kitchen door fastened on the inside. Thrusting the door open, witness noticed a strong smell of gas, and saw deceased lying on the floor, with his head in the gas oven, and apparently dead. The tap in the oven was full on, and the meter, a penny in the slot, had run out. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 1 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - At Plymouth yesterday the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an inquest on MARTHA UNSWORTH, 83, residing at 46 George-street, Plymouth, who died from coal gas poisoning on Saturday. - ARCHIBALD MULLIN identified the body as that of his wife's aunt. On Saturday morning at 9.45 his wife found deceased sitting in a chair, apparently dead and at once called witness, who went to the room and first noticed a strong smell of gas. A gas ring had the tap half turned on. Deceased seemed to be ready for bed from her attire. - There was a hot-water bottle on the bed and deceased might have been filling the bottle and sat down without turning off the gas. - Dr H. Ludolf said that death was due to coal gas poisoning.- A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 April 1930
NEWTON ABBOT - Cyclist's Fatal Fall. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Newton Inquest. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Newton Abbot yesterday on WILLIAM FRANCIS RICHARDS, aged 50, of Churchill Cottage, Ringmore, Shaldon, a painter, who died following a fall from his bicycle when he collided with a pedestrian at Newton Abbot. - Miss Olive Stone, of Combeinteignhead, said she saw Mrs and Miss Pedrick walking close to their left-hand hedge, and then heard Miss Pedrick crying for help. Witness found Mrs Pedrick, a man and his bicycle lying in the road. The lamp on the bicycle was lit. - Betty Pedrick, Hellier Cottage, Netherton, said she was walking arm in arm with her mother, who was the nearer to the left-hand hedge. Suddenly her mother was knocked down. - The Coroner: Did you hear any bell or see any light? - No.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Killed By Fall Of Timber. Plymouth Inquest On Norwegian Seaman. - The Jury at the Inquest held yesterday by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, on BIRGER THORGERSEN, 20, a Norwegian able seaman, who died as the result of injuries received from a load of timber striking him whilst the ship in which he was working was unloading at a wharf at Pomphlett on Tuesday, found "That deceased died from injuries caused by a load of timber falling on him, there being insufficient evidence to show what caused the timber to fall." - Mr H. E. Turner appeared for the owners of the vessel, and Mr E. Bowden for Messrs. Cole Bros., at whose wharf the vessel was unloading. Mr W. E. Pride, H.M. Inspector of Factories, was also present. - Crane Load's Fall. - Peter Johenson (through an interpreter, Mr A. E. Monson) said that crane hoisted the timber to a height of about ten feet, when suddenly the load fell. The chain did not break. - Charles Crowl, dock labourer, said THORGERSEN was attending to some timber on the deck at the time, and the wood, he should judge, hit him in the back., - John Betell, Plymstock, who was driving the crane at the time, said he lifted the set of wood intending to drop it on a wagon on the quayside. Owing to the fact that the water was at high tide, he had only to raise the load to a height of about eight feet to clear it to the wagon. When he had the load to about this height he had his hand on the lever to throw the crane out of gear, when the wheel came back and the brake slipped. It should not have done, because there was a good ratchet on it. He could not say what happened, but the brake slipped somehow and the load dropped.- It was his first year at driving a crane, and in all he had driven the crane in question about eight times. - Mr Pride asked Betell whether or not he might have brushed very slightly a foot brake which was easily operated, and Betell replied that he might have done. - Mr Major: As Inspector, have you any fault to find with the apparatus? - Mr Pride: There is nothing I can give in a case like this in that respect. I do not know what the Home Office might do in the matter. There may be an action, and I cannot prejudge. - The Jury Foreman, Mr T. W. Geach: Then we as a Jury are working in the dark. If it is the case of a faulty brake that is the whole crux of the matter. If we cannot get an expert opinion on this brake now, we must see it for ourselves. - Brake Not Faulty. - Mr Pride: This brake is not faulty, but I should urge the firm to have a wee bit of alteration in the design of the stop, which, incidentally, is merely for an additional safeguard. It is simply a case of an accidental circumstance and a slip occurring - The Foreman: I understand that the lever is very easily worked, but surely such a lever should not be such that it could be moved by someone just brushing against it. - Alfred J. Hutchings, 3 Longfield-place, Mutley, a foreman employed by Messrs. Cole Bros., said the particular load of timber weighed approximately half a ton. He had warned foreign sailors hundreds of times to keep clear when timber was being swung, but they took no notice whatever. Nine times out of ten they would ignore the advice. - Mr Turner: Did you warn the men on this particular morning? - No. - Dr H. D. Pyke, Resident House Surgeon, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said THORGERSEN died about ten minutes after admittance. Death was due to abdominal haemorrhage and shock consequent on multiple injuries. - It was brought to the notice of the Jury that Betell had had many years of experience with engines and machinery of all kinds in the Navy.

Western Morning News, Friday 4 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Fall At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at Plymouth yesterday on JOSEPH E. GILL, aged 77, 4 St Hilary-terrace, Plymouth, who died on Tuesday as the result of injuries received through a fall. - EMILY GILL said on March 20 her husband was on a pair of steps cleaning a fanlight. She heard a noise of a fall, and found her husband on the ground. - Dr D. W. Bawtree, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said GILL died from cerebral haemorrhage, resulting from a fractured skull.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 April 1930
LYDFORD - Convicts Act As Bearers. Dartmoor Prisoner's Funeral. - Eight convicts acted as bearers at the funeral at Princetown on Saturday of ALBERT RAWLINGS, a convict, who died at Dartmoor Prison on Thursday from jaundice. The Governor (Capt. Clayton) and the Assistant Chaplain attended, and also a large number of the inhabitants. Rev. John Cawley, the newly-appointed Chaplain at the Prison, officiated and a wreath was sent by the Prison staff. - An Inquest on RAWLINGS was held at the Prison by Mr J. G. Atkinson. The convict was aged 55, a painter, and was sentenced at Manchester Assizes about three years ago for burglary. He was undergoing his fourth sentence of penal servitude. - No Relatives. - The Governor said RAWLINGS had never written a letter nor received one. He apparently had no relatives. He was, however, in the habit of giving fictitious names of brothers and relatives on entering Prison. The authorities had communicated with a William Rawlings at a London address, but the letter had been returned through the Dead Letter Office. - On the whole he was a well-behaved prisoner. He was admitted to Hospital in February suffering apparently from jaundice. His condition became worse, and the Senior Medical Officer, Dr Battiscomb, called in a specialist, Dr Vellacott, of Plymouth, who pronounced the case as hopeless. - A verdict was returned of "Death from Natural Causes."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fell Between Shafts. Inquest Story Of Plymouth Van Driver's Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, yesterday on HARRY WILLIAM ASHBY, aged 65, of 46 Embankment-road, Plymouth, who died on Friday as the result of an accident while driving a horse and van. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared for Messrs. Luxton Bros., of 41 Notte-street, fruit merchants, employers of ASHBY, and Mr H. E. Turner for the widow. - William George White, of Sussex-street, identified the body, and Albert Edward Luxton stated the horse was quiet. - John Sambells, fisherman of 25 Cromwell-road, said he saw the horse come galloping out of the Station yard into Exeter-street. The driver was hanging head downwards between the shafts and the horse's feet. The driver fell across the front of the van chassis, and the left wheel went up against his head. The horse did not fall and did not kick the man. - The Jury examined the brake. - Mrs L. Pearse, 102 Exeter-street, said she saw the horse bolt, jerking the man from the step and his head came into contact with the wall. In trying to rise the horse kicked the man on the left temple. - William John Hobbs, 6 Claremont-court, Plymouth, and Constable Bickell also gave evidence. - Dr H. D. Pyke said death was due to concussion due to a blow to the head.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Gas Accident. Plymouth Labourer Found Dead In Bed. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Plymouth Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at an Inquest held yesterday on THOMAS E. JOPE, labourer, aged 63, lodging at 14 Brunswick-road, Plymouth, who was found dead in bed yesterday morning in a gas-filled room. - Alfred A. Dicks, 10 Castle-street, Plymouth, said he went to 14 Brunswick-road, his sister's house, and took a letter that had come for JOPE up to him. He could get no answer to his knock at the door, so he pushed it open. He saw JOPE partly sitting up in bed, and could get no answer from him. He then went for the Police. JOPE was quite all right the night before. He was reading with the gas stove turned on at nine o'clock. In the morning the taps of the stove and gas ring were turned on and the window was shut. - Ethel E. Hodge, wife of F. J. Hodge, naval pensioner, said about a quarter-past ten the previous evening, finding that there was no gas, she put a penny in the slot. The next morning her husband wanted to use the gas, and informed her that there was no gas. She presumed that as the gas supply was controlled from downstairs, JOPE had left his gas stove with the taps turned on, thinking to turn them off in the morning before the downstair people put any money in the slot to give a supply. But after the supply which had lighted the gas stove in the first place was used the gas was still escaping. - Dr H. Cohen said death was due to coal gas poisoning, and the man had been dead for at least three hours.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 9 April 1930
HOUNSLOW, MIDDLESEX - Devon Airman's Fatal Crash. "Not Long Enough Tuition." Rider To Inquest. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest held at Hounslow yesterday by Dr Crone, the Deputy Coroner for West Middlesex, on GEORGE EDWARD WATTS, twenty-eight, of St Maur, Totnes, who lost his life in an air crash at Feltham, Middlesex on Saturday, the Jury added a rider to the effect that they considered pupils should have longer tuition before being allowed to fly solo. They did not think that the time spent in the air by MR WATTS was long enough tuition. - It had been stated that MR WATTS had flown 17 ½ hours dual flight, and four hours solo. MR WATTS was the only occupant of an aeroplane which crashed in an orchard, burst into flames and was destroyed. He died before reaching Hospital. The 'plane belonged to the National Flying Services, of Hanworth Air Park, Hanworth. - Story Of Rescue. - Evidence of identification was given by Major-General David Harvey, of Queen's-gardens, Ealing, a lifelong friend of MR WATTS, who was, he said, a Colonial Civil Servant, home on leave from Nigeria. - John Halls, a lorry driver, of Park-cottages, Feltham, described how he and other men dragged WATTS from the wreckage. "The aeroplane," he said, "was flying very low, as if the pilot was going to land. It caught the trees in an orchard, and the next thing I saw was a cloud of smoke and a sheet of flame. I ran to the wreckage, but could not see the pilot because of the flames. - "We could not do anything for a few minutes. Then myself and two or three others pulled the 'plane away from the pilot. He was terribly burned." - A pilot instructor at the air park said that before the flight MR WATTS'S machine was in perfect condition., - Captain E. Harry Methuen Schofield, a pilot instructor, told how he watched MR WATTS flying on the day of the accident. "He was mastering the machine quite well," he said, "but I thought he was not taking a particularly safe take off - rather foolish. He had the whole aerodrome to get off, but before reaching the buildings he was cutting it rather fine. He was not giving himself quite as much room as he might have done." - Capt. Maxwell Findlay, of the National Flying Services, said MR WATTS was an average pilot, having flown seventeen and a half hours dual flight and four hours solo. Giving his opinion of the cause of the crash, Capt. Findlay said that most probably WATTS stalled his engine and lost his speed, catching the trees before he regained it. - The Coroner: The same thing too often happens. 

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 April 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Plymouth Woman's Death. - A verdict of "Natural Causes" was returned by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, at an Inquest yesterday on REBECCA ANN HINE, aged 74, widow of RICHARD JOHN HINE, marine pensioner, 6 Wellington-cottages, Peel-street, Stonehouse. - MRS ADA ADELAIDE ROSE DADDS said her mother complained of feeling ill, and fell off the chair on which she had been sitting. Within a few minutes she died. - Dr Ludolf said the cause of death had no relation to a fall which MRS HINE sustained several weeks ago.

Western Morning News, Thursday 10 April 1930
PAIGNTON- Crash Into Stones. Paignton Story Of Devonport Naval Steward's Death. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at Paignton yesterday, with a Jury, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" on JOHN WILFRED GERRARD, aged 21, an officers' steward, attached to H.M.S. Vivid, Devonport, who died in Paignton Hospital on Monday. On Sunday, while riding a motor cycle with John Endacott, also a steward, attached to the Vivid, as pillion rider, he came into collision with a heap of stone chippings by the side of the road. - THOMAS MARSON, a farm bailiff, of Sezincote, near Moreton-in-the-Marsh, Gloucester, said deceased was his step-son. - Endacott said that he and deceased left Paignton to return to Devonport at 10.45 p.m. They were travelling at 15 miles per hour and expected to reach Devonport in three hours. - They went around a bend and ran into a pile of stones by the hedge on the left side of the road; both were thrown off. Witness rose in a dazed condition and found deceased lying in the middle of the road, unconscious and seriously injured. They were taken later to Paignton Hospital. They had been in a Hotel, and each had had four small glasses of beer. Deceased was a very careful driver. - The Coroner told witness that the heap of stones was on the right hand side of the road, and added that no doubt the latter was dazed and did not remember. - Albert Edward Rowe, of High-street, Exeter, a motorist, said he saw the motor cycle swerve across the road and hit the pile of stones. Being a member of the Red Cross Society, witness rendered first-aid, while his friends went for assistance. Paignton St John Ambulance men arrived quickly. - Police-Sergt. Taylor said the cycle probably turned a somersault. - Dr Kerby said deceased received a fracture at the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Friday 11 April 1930 PLYMOUTH - Jury & "Negligent Driving." Inquest On Victim Of Ivybridge Collision. - After an all-day sitting the Jury at the Inquest held at Plymouth yesterday by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on ERNEST JACK ACKRELL, 20, motor engineer, 5 Quarry-terrace, Paignton, who died as the result of injuries sustained in a motor cycle collision at David's Moor Cross, near Ivybridge, on March 26, in which William Robert Jeffery, 22, of 22a, Pym-street, Devonport, was concerned, found "That deceased died from injuries received in a motor cycle accident due to the negligent driving of Jeffery, but which negligence was not culpable." - Dr H. D. Pyke, Resident Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said ACKRELL died three-quarters of an hour after admission, from a fracture of the base of the skull and multiple injuries. - Sergt. W. Burrows, South Brent, said the road where the accident happened was 22 ft. wide. It was on a left-hand bend to ACKRELL. At the apparent point of impact a cyclist looking in the opposite direction would have a visibility of 180 ft., and from the same point a visibility of 266 ft. to his own side of the cross roads. Both cycles were damaged on the near side. - Pillion Riders' Stories. - Appearing for Jeffery, Mr R. McDonald asked the Sergeant what was the distance at which ACKRELL could have first known that there was an approaching vehicle by the rays of the headlight and was informed that it would be approximately 266 ft. from the cross roads. - Constable Barnacott, Ivybridge, said the only mark in the road was 7 ft. 5 in. from ACKRELL'S near side. There were no signs that the brakes had been applied. - Queenie Irene Turner, of Willicombe-road, Paignton, who was riding pillion with ACKRELL, said they went to Plymouth during the afternoon, and left again about seven. She was certain they kept to the proper side of the road, and they travelled at quite a moderate speed. She had ridden with ACKRELL many times, and he was a careful driver. The oncoming light was stronger than theirs, and they could not see where they were going. - Mr McDonald: When the crash occurred, how far were you thrown? - Not very far. - Muriel M. Hamlyn, of Peverell Park-road, Plymouth, who was riding pillion with Jeffery, said they went to Newton on the afternoon in question ,leaving that place at 6.45. At the Carew Arms they switched on the lights. When they turned the corner, where the accident occurred the other cycle came out of the darkness. Witness did not see any lights. - William R. Jeffery said he purchased the motor cycle about two months ago, but had formerly ridden another machine. He drove at a moderate speed. He did not remember what happened at the bend. - The Coroner asked if witness could account for the fact that his cycle was on the off side of the road, and Jeffery said he could not. - The Coroner: When did you take out your licence?- I have not got one.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Woman's Death Accelerated By Fall. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday on SARAH RUNDLE, 76, widow of EDWIN RUNDLE, 2 Ryder-road, Ford. A verdict of "Death from Natural Causes, accelerated by an injury," was returned. - LILIAN MILLMAN, daughter of deceased, said on September 23,1928, her mother had a fall and broke her thigh. She had been bed-ridden ever since. - Dr J. Ingram said three weeks ago deceased had an attack of influenza and later developed bronchitis. This was the cause of death, accelerated by the injury.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 April 1930
PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE - Devon Girl's Death. Inquest Adjourned Until July. - The Inquest on MISS AUDREY F. BENNETT, of Southsea, and formerly of Wembury, Devon, in connection with whose death, following a motor cycle collision, a commercial traveller, named George White, has been committed for trial on a charge of manslaughter, was opened at Portsmouth yesterday and adjourned until July 14. - Medical evidence of MISS BENNETT'S death after an operation in Hospital, to which she had been admitted with both thighs broken, was given, and Herbert Edward Eyre, of Southsea, with whom MISS BENNETT was walking on Portsdown Hill on the night of March 16, described how his companion was knocked down. - The Coroner said it would be impossible to proceed with the Inquest until after the Hampshire Assizes had been held in July, and adjourned the proceedings accordingly. - MISS BENNETT was employed in the Admiralty-Superintendent's Office, Portsmouth Dockyard.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Gas Oven Tragedy. Ex-Policeman's Suicide At Plymouth. - SAMUEL COLLINGS, aged 72, of 21 Cambridge-lane West, Plymouth, an ex-Policeman of 23 years' service and later employed as a labourer in the City Transport Department, but who had been out of work for 15 months, was found dead by his wife on Sunday with his head in a gas oven, the gas turned full on, and the oven covered with a sheet. - At the Inquest which was held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday, the widow stated that her husband had had a nervous breakdown. Last July he tried to take his life in a similar way, but was found by a neighbour, who carried him into the air and revived him. - Dr V. H. L. MacSwiney said death was due to coal gas poisoning, and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide during Temporary Insanity."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 April 1930
ST MARYCHURCH - Torquay Motor Smash. Coroner Asks Eye-Witnesses To Come Forward. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, sitting with a Jury at St Marychurch, Torquay, last night ,adjourned an Inquest on DENIS ARCHIBALD TWYFORD, aged 17, of Seaway-road, Preston, Paignton, who was killed in a motor car smash near Torre Station on Saturday afternoon, in order to allow sufficient time for a lady who was in the car which TWYFORD was driving to recover from her injures. The next hearing was fixed for Monday, May 5. - The Coroner said that if any members of the public had happened to see anything of the occurrence it would be of great assistance if they would communicate with the Police. - Evidence of identify was given by a brother, HERBERT VINCENT TWYFORD, of Seaway-road, Preston, who said his brother was going for a motor ride when witness last saw him early on Saturday afternoon.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 April 1930
TORQUAY - Labourer's Death. Inquest On Torquay Youth Adjourned. - At Torbay Hospital yesterday Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, opened an Inquest relative to the death of OLIVER ROBINSON, farm labourer, of Dipwell Farm, Woodland, near Ashburton, who was admitted to the Institution on Saturday apparently suffering from an illness and died there on Saturday. - Deceased became suddenly ill at Ashburton, and after attention from a doctor there, he was sent to the Torbay Hospital, in an unconscious condition. As the cause of death could not be ascertained, certain organs of the body are to be examined. - After evidence of identification had been given, the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until April 24. - Gilbert Merchant, farmer, of Dipwell, stated that he knew deceased. As far as he knew, deceased was aged 18, and came from St Vincent's Home, Torquay. He was employed by witness's uncle for about two years, and lived in the house. When witness took over the farm about six weeks ago he took over ROBINSON with it.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 April 1930
PLYMOUTH - Danger On The Roads. Women Drivers Who Lose Their Nerve. Coroner's Comment On Ivybridge Fatality.- "I think it is a matter for consideration whether young people, especially young women, apt to lose their nerve in moments of danger, ought to be allowed to drive cars." - "If a young woman is going to lose control in moments of danger, then my opinion is that that young woman is not capable enough to drive a car. She is only a danger to other people. In this case and in a previous case I had last week the innocent parties, if I may use the term - that is, the persons who were not negligent or in the wrong - met with their deaths." - This statement was made by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, after he had conducted an Inquest yesterday on FREDERICK WILLIAM WEEKS, aged 18 of Bridge Park, Ivybridge, a butcher employed by Mr Long, of Buckfastleigh. - WEEKS, when riding a motor cycle, between Brent and Ivybridge, sustained fatal injuries in a collision with a motor car driven by Miss Marie Jones, of Wolsdon-street, Plymouth. - After a hearing lasting about six hours, the Jury expressed the opinion that the collision was due to the nervous state of Miss Jones, who lost control of the car. - Mr D. F. Nash represented the relatives of deceased and Mr W. Haydon (Messrs. Shelly and Johns) appeared for Miss Jones. - Cause Of Death. - Dr R. B. Pringle, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said WEEKS died about a quarter of an hour after being admitted to the Institution. He suffered from concussion, a fracture of the left forearm, a broken nose, a bruised chin, and abrasions. Death was due to concussion and shock. Witness came to the conclusion that the deceased struck his head on something. - The father, a papermaker at Ivybridge, explained that his son was in the habit of going to and from Ivybridge and Buckfastleigh on a motor cycle since about the middle of March. He had driven a motor cycle for two years. He was a splendid driver and had had 12 months' experience of driving a car. - Lionel F. Vanstone, chartered architect and surveyor, produced a plan of the spot where the accident occurred. It showed that after the impact between the car and the cycle the car travelled 52 feet and that the distance between the point where Miss Jones told him she first saw the cyclist and the spot where the cyclist actually was, was approximately 236 feet. The road where the accident took place had a highly-polished surface with very little camber. On the cyclist's correct side of the road, where the collision occurred, was a sunken ditch or gutter containing running water. It occupied about two feet of the road, which at that spot was 25 feet wide. - Constable Barnicott, stationed at Ivybridge, said he was told of the accident about 4.40 p.m. on Saturday, April 5. It had occurred at a place known as Cross and Hands, where he found WEEKS lying in the road. Within a minute a London doctor, who was motoring past, stopped and rendered first-aid. Witness telephoned for the St John Ambulance, and WEEKS was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. The motor cycle was lying in the hedge. - Police Measurements. - The road was 23 ½ ft. wide at the point of impact, and other measurements showed that the tracks of the motor car when they could first be traced were 16 ft. 6 in. and 17 ft. 2 in. from the car's near side, and that they went on until they narrowed down to 13 ft. 6 in., and 14 ft. 4 in. respectively. The motor cycle was carried a distance of 43 ft. 7 in. into the hedge on the motor car driver's off side. Tracks of the motor cycle indicated that the driver was about 10 ft. from his near side. That part of the road generally used by traffic was from 16 ft. to 18 ft. - Witness described the damage to the car driven by Miss Jones and to the cycle. - John Samuel Coker, quarryman, of Ugborough, declared that as the motor car rounded the bend it kept to the centre of the road. In his judgment the speed was reasonable. The motor cycle was on the quarter of the road and proceeding steadily. Witness saw the car "skid" and, after a turn, dash ahead again. Going to the spot, he saw the cyclist in front of the car, which was close to the hedge. - The Coroner: Was there any reason why the motor car should not have avoided the cyclist? - I do not see there was any reason at all. There was plenty of road and nothing else in the way. - Sidney Geo. Leslie Coker, son of the last witness, said the motor car had been driven along the centre of the road and that the collision took place more on the motor cyclist's portion of the road. In his opinion the motor car should have been closer to the hedge on its near side. - Woman Driver's Story. - Miss Jones, who was formally cautioned by the Coroner, expressed her willingness to give evidence. She explained that Mr Horace Spencer Pearn, to whom she was engaged, took her for a ride in his car. They were accompanied by Mr and Mrs Hopkins. Mr Pearn drove from Plymouth through Plympton and then witness took the wheel. When approaching the bend where the accident occurred, she sounded the horn. She remembered passing the Cokers. When she saw the motor cyclist approaching a long way ahead she was on the crown of the road, travelling at approximately 15 miles an hour. - Proceeding, witness said the motor cyclist was going very quickly and as he got close to them, she saw his wheel wobble, and Mr Pearn said, "Look out; he is going to hit you." Witness dropped into second gear and immediately after that put her foot on the clutch and put it out and her other foot on the brake. Mr Pearn putting on the hand-brake. The motor cyclist dashed into them. By putting on the brakes and putting the clutch out the car came to a standstill. - "When I saw what happened," continued Miss Jones, "I was so terribly shocked that I went limp, took my feet off the clutch and brake, and as I did so my foot must have rested on the accelerator, which caused us to go forward. The car went across the road into the hedge on the right-hand side." - Witness proceeded to say that when she got out of the car the cyclist was still on his machine. She asked the occupant of the first car to pass to fetch a doctor and later a woman took her away. - Coroner's Questions. - The Coroner: The evidence given this morning shows that you could have seen the cyclist a good way ahead; in fact, your own statement admits that. Why didn't you pull in when you saw him advancing? - There was no need. - Why not? - There was no traffic on the road. - There was this cyclist coming. You had room to draw in? - Yes. - Would it not be the first duty of a motorist when seeing an oncoming vehicle to draw in as near as possible in order to give it a wide berth? - If he had taken his course he would have passed me all right. - The Coroner: When you were going along and saw the cyclist approaching did you lose your head and did not know what to do? - No. - Then if you did not do that why didn't you keep well on your near side? - When I first saw him? - Yes. - Because as everything was it was quite all right. - It was not quite all right in the end. Here is a man killed, so that was not all right. If you had turned in on your near side this would not have happened, and the poor boy would have been alive now. I suggest that at the moment you saw the boy coming along and you were well on the off side you lost your head, and instead of keeping to your near side you went straight on. - I did everything I could to avoid it. - You did not do everything. There was room for you to get in on your near side. - Yes. - Driving For Two Years. - Replying to the Foreman of the Jury (ex-Supt. Davies, Plymouth Constabulary), Miss Jones said she had been driving a car for 2 years. - Mr Nash: I suggest that you were going round the corner too fast, and that when you saw the motor cyclist coming you did the wrong thing to get out of his way. You say you dropped into second gear. Is that right?- When Mr Pearn said: "He is going to hit us." - He had not hit you then. He was still some distance away. - Not very far. - You changed gear when the proper thing would have been to turn your car out of danger. Changing gear could not help the situation at all. - I did what I thought was the best. - Mr Haydon: The truth is you really thought if the cyclist continued on his course he would have passed you safely? - Yes. - You did not see any danger nor anticipate any danger? - No. - The cyclist seemed to come straight into you? - Yes. - Horace S. Pearn, of Elburton House, Elburton, considered the car was on its proper side of the road. He was certain the cyclist had no control over his machine after the wheel began to wobble. - The Coroner: If you had been driving the car the accident would not have happened? - Yes, in my opinion, it would. - Do you consider Miss Jones is a competent driver? - I do.- If she is a competent driver, why did you wait until you got outside Plympton for her to take the wheel? - For the simple reason I always liked her to take her turn. - That is not my question. Why did you wait until you got outside Plympton before Miss Jones took the wheel? - I only just thought of it then. I thought it would be a change for me for her to take on, as she has often done. - Questioned by Mr Haydon, witness said Miss Jones had frequently driven in Plymouth. She had also driven from Plymouth to London, and had never been involved in an accident before. - Geo. A. Hopkins, of Pentamar-terrace, Stoke, an officers' steward in the Navy, who was riding in the dickey of the car, also gave evidence. - The Verdict. - The Coroner, in his summing up, thought the crux of the matter was whether the motor car was on its wrong side, and was the cyclist as much as he possibly could be on his proper side? - If the car were on its wrong side, why was it there? Was it there because it had to pass other traffic, or was it there because of the negligent driving of the driver? - "We are all negligent at some time of our lives in some way or other, but, of course, where other persons' lives are concerned we have to be very careful, and particularly motorists in these present days, when traffic is overwhelming on the road." - Personally, he thought Miss Jones lost her head before the accident, when Mr Pearn said: "Look out!" to her, as well as afterwards. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to injuries sustained in the collision, and expressed the opinion that the cause of the collision was the nervous state of the driver of the motor car, who lost control of it at the time.- The Coroner, the Jury and Mr Haydon on behalf of Miss Jones and Mr Pearn, expressed sympathy with the bereaved relatives.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 April 1930
TAVISTOCK - Cyclist's Death. Coroner's Jury And Devil's Bridge.- The accident to a Plymouth boy while cycling along Devil's Bridge, Dartmoor, on Good Friday had its sequel in a Coroner's Inquiry, conducted by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, yesterday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - The Foreman of the Jury, Mr H. Mathews, said the Jury were unanimously of the opinion that the attention of the Local Authority should be called to such a dangerous spot on the main road. The fact, he said, that another boy, a companion of the deceased, had fallen from his machine at the same spot, suggested that the Council's attention should be called to the matter. In spite of the warning notices placed on the road by the motor associations, the Council should do something to straighten the road and make it safer. - This observation was incorporated as a rider in the Coroner's verdict, and will be presented to the Devon County Council. - Dr Allison, who attended the deceased boy, EDGAR BOND, of 27 Buckwell-street, Plymouth, said the lad died from fracture of the spine. - THOMAS BOND, the father of the dead lad, said his son left home on Good Friday morning with some of his friends for a cycle ride on the moor. His cycle was in good condition, with two brakes in order. Hearing later of the accident he went to the Tavistock Hospital, where he saw his son, who told him that he had lost control of the machine coming down the hill at Devil's Bridge, and remembered turning two or three somersaults in the air. - Ernest Pearn, of 1 High-street, Plymouth, a member of the cycling party, also gave evidence and in reply to the Foreman, Pearn said they had not been racing home, but he had had difficulty in steadying his machine on the hill. One of their companions who was ahead of them had, he learned afterwards, fallen off at the same place.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 April 1930
PLYMOUTH -Delabole Quarry Fatality. Man's Death Follows Explosion. - The recent explosion at Delabole slate quarries was described at the Inquest on PERCY HARRIS, aged 42, of Lower Medrose, Delabole, who died on April 10 last at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday. - Deceased was employed by Penbethy Delabole Slate Quarries Ltd. Mr Elliot Square appeared for the Company and Mr Mayburne Pearce for the widow. Mr R. King, H.M. Inspector of Mines, St Austell, was present. - The Jury returned a verdict "That deceased met his death from injuries received by an Accidental Explosion, the cause of which, on account of there being insufficient evidence, could not be determined." - JOHN HARRIS, 3 Bridge-terrace, Delabole, said his brother, the deceased, was engaged charging a hole for blasting purposes. Something, he alleged, caused a spark, which exploded the powder, and deceased caught the full force of the explosion. Witness asked his brother if he had been tamping it and deceased said no. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said his brother smoked cigarettes, but not heavily. - Major Warwick Grenfell, managing director, said that after the explosion he saw deceased on his left knee holding a fuse in his right hand, and he appeared to be sweeping tamping material into the hole with his left. Witness later found some unused tamping material lying over the hole Witness produced the butt end of a cigarette, which had been found some two feet from the hole, and stated that it was against all regulations to smoke when charging a hole. - The Coroner pointed out that it did not necessarily follow that this was the end of deceased's cigarette.- John Arnold, of Belmont, Tintagel, foreman at the quarries and Stephen Henry Hocking, a splitter employed at the quarry, also gave evidence. - Dr David Bawtree, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said HARRIS suffered badly from shock and burns and it was necessary to amputate three fingers of the left hand. Fragments of slate had penetrated the right lung. Death was due to toxaemia, consequent upon the lung injuries.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 April 1930
TORQUAY - Death Predicted. Torquay Inquest: Story Of Fortune Teller's Prophecy. - During an Inquest on a youth at Torquay yesterday it was stated that he had been told by a fortune teller at Newton Abbot fair that he would die when he was aged 18. - The Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, returned a verdict of "Death by Misadventure through Phosphorus Poisoning," on JAMES OLIVER ROBINSON, a farm labourer, of Dipwell Farm, Woodlands, near Ashburton, who was admitted to the Torbay Hospital on April 13, and died the following day. - Dr Ernest Alfred Ellis said he saw deceased on April 7, when he complained that he was unable to keep his food down. On April 10 witness found deceased to be jaundiced and on April 12 his transfer to Torbay Hospital was arranged. On witness's first visit he was dull, but not depressed. - Deceased's employer, Mr Gilbert Marchant, said ROBINSON was on good terms with everyone at the farm. "When I searched among his belongings I found this," said Mr Marchant, producing a tin of rat poison. "This was in the dead lad's suitcase. At no time had he threatened to do himself harm." - The Coroner: Did he say anything about a fortune teller? - Some months ago he said that at Newton fair a fortune teller told him he would die when he was 18. By his birth certificate he was 19. - He did not say it in a joking way? - I could not tell whether he regarded it as a joke or not. - Do you know what he read? - He read murders and things like that. - At most times, added Mr Marchant, deceased was very dull.- Dr S. Bridgman, House Physician at the Torbay Hospital, said ROBINSON died the day after admission from heart failure owing to a disease sometimes associated with phosphorus poisoning. The rat poison produced contained 2 per cent, of phosphorus. - Sergt. Hall said that in the pockets of ROBINSON'S coat he discovered a spoon and a leaflet which was enclosed with a tin of rat poison. - The Coroner said that most careful investigation had been made by the Police. The lad might have had some motive for taking poison, but that would not be known. He was perfectly satisfied that the lad had administered poison to himself, but he felt that the proper verdict to return was "Death by Misadventure through Phosphorus Poisoning."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 6 May 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - A Plymouth Tragedy. Inquest On Schoolboy Motor Cyclist. - How a 15-years-old schoolboy met his death while riding a motor cycle presented to him two months previously as a recognition of an educational success, was related to the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, and a Jury yesterday. - The deceased was ROY FRANCIS TRIPLETT, of The Mount, St Budeaux, and he died on April 7, two days after colliding with a pedestrian. - His injuries were described by Mr R. Rendall, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, who said the lad was admitted on April 5 suffering from shock. He was unconscious, and had a fracture of the vault of the skull, with a large scalp wound. He died from shock without completely recovering consciousness. - WILLIAM HENRY TRIPLETT, the boy's father, said the lad left home about 6 p.m. on April 5 to go to a concert at Devonport High School. He had given him the bicycle in recognition with having passed an examination with honours. His son was a competent driver, and had been driving for about two months., His mother went to the same concert and passed a crowd around the accident without knowing the cause. - Samuel Hancock, of Bridwell-road, Weston Mill, deposed to being knocked down when walking on the edge of the footpath on the Camel's Head road. He did not know what struck him. - Henry Arthur Rowe, of Beresford-street, Stoke, said he was driving a tramcar, when he saw Mr Hancock step off the pavement in the Camel's Head road. The road was clear except for a motor bicycle, with two young men, which was going fairly slow, and approaching him on its proper side. Witness looked away for a moment, and then heard a crash. - Mrs Ann Snowden, of Wordsworth-crescent, said she saw the motor bicycle approaching on its right side, going rather slowly. A man crossed the road and started to run to avoid the cyclist, who swerved. The pillion rider fell off, and the driver went completely over the handle-bars, striking a lamp-post. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and the Coroner explained that the Inquest had been postponed awaiting the recovery of the pillion rider.

Western Morning News, Thursday 8 May 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Doctors' Evidence. Devonport Dockyardman Who Died Under Anaesthetic. - At the Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY MCLEOD, a skilled harbourman at H.M. Dockyard, of 11 Edgcumbe-avenue, yesterday, at the Royal Albert Hospital. Devonport, CECIL STANLEY MCLEOD of 3 Edgcumbe-avenue, Millbridge, gave evidence that his father had been ill for about 12 months. - He had been under the care of Drs. Corbet and Hacker, and had then obtained advice from Dr Lander, who suspected gastric ulcers and recommended patient to go into the Royal Albert Hospital without delay.- Dr R. Reynolds, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said after two X-ray examinations it was decided to operate and every precaution was taken to see deceased was able to take an anaesthetic, but he died before the operation had commenced. The cause of death was heart failure. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said he was quite satisfied with the reports of the doctors, and returned a verdict in accordance with medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 10 May 1930
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Death. Inquest Story Of Keyham Accident. - At the Inquest on JAMES ALFRED THORNE, a naval pensioner, aged 69, of Renown-street, Keyham, MARGARET THORNE (widow) said she returned home to find her husband lying in the hall unconscious and bleeding from the nose. She was told by her son that deceased had fallen downstairs. Dr Stauffer was called and found him dead. Her husband had never complained of giddiness. - MRS AMELIA JANE ASHTON (daughter), of Swilly-road, said deceased seemed quite well when she saw him on the same afternoon as his death. Her brother was deaf and dumb and did not see what happened. - Dr Stauffer said a post-mortem examination showed that deceased had been in good health. There was dislocation of the spinal column. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said he was satisfied that death was Accidental.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 May 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Fatality. Inquest Opened On Launceston Motor Cyclist. - The Inquest was opened yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on NORMAN BENNETT, 17, motor engineer's apprentice, of West Gate-street, Launceston, who died from injuries received in a collision between his motor cycle and a motor car near Hartley on Thursday night last. - BENNETT was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a fractured skull and thigh and died on Friday without recovering consciousness. - MRS FLORENCE MARY BENNETT, widow of THOMAS BENNETT, printer, identified the body as that of her son NORMAN. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until May 29, as one of the principal witnesses (John Jury, 16 of Ivydale, Launceston, who was riding pillion at the time of the accident, is still seriously ill.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 13 May 1930
OKEHAMPTON - Brickworks Fatality. Coroner's Inquiry Opened At Okehampton. - Mr H. C. Brown opened an Inquest at Okehampton last night on WILLIAM COLES, aged 49, quarryman, of Northtawton, who died at Okehampton Cottage Hospital, on Sunday, following an accident at Okehampton Brick and Stone works on Saturday. - Dr C. J. L. Sharpe said he was called to Okehampton Cottage Hospital on Saturday and saw COLES, who had just been taken there, and was suffering from severe internal injuries consistent with his having received a heavy blow on the chest. He made no reference to the accident in witness's hearing. The cause of death was haemorrhage and shock. - The Coroner adjourned the Inquest until Thursday evening in order that a Home Office Inspector might be present.

Western Morning News, Friday 16 May 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Aged Plymothian's Death.- "Death from Heart Failure, due to shock and accelerated by a fracture of the left femur," was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held at Devonport on HENRY COOK, aged 81, a retired engineer, Royal Navy. - Deceased slipped in his dining-room at his residence, at 13 Mount Edgcumbe-terrace, Devonport, on Saturday last, and died on Wednesday.

Western Morning News, Saturday 17 May 1930 PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Inquest Verdict. - A verdict in accordance with medical evidence, which showed that death was due to hypostatic pneumonia following a fracture of the left femur, caused by an accidental fall, was returned on ELIZABETH BURLEY, 81, of 13 Staddon-terrace, North-road, Plymouth, when an Inquest was held at Greenbank Infirmary, Plymouth, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 May 1930
TORQUAY - "Heart Failure." Torquay Woman's Death Under Anaesthetic. - Verdict "That she died from heart failure while undergoing an operation" was returned at the Inquest at Torquay yesterday on MISS WINIFRED ROWE, aged 47, music teacher, of Sea Croft, Wheatridge-lane, Torquay. - Mr E. Hutchings, County Coroner, sat with a Jury. - MRS F. WILSON, sister, said MISS ROWE had suffered from heart trouble for years. - Dr G. T. Allerton, of Torquay, said he administered the anaesthetic. MISS ROWE was weak and anaemic, there being signs of valvular disease of the heart. An operation was vital, although the risk was much greater than usual. The anaesthetic was alcohol, chloroform and ether. In spite of heart massage and injections, life became extinct. The cause of death was heart failure. - This was the first case in which a patient had died under an anaesthetic administered by him and he had administered it in 2,000 cases during the past two years. - The Coroner expressed the opinion that every possible precaution was taken by the doctor. An operation was vitally necessary. - The Jury expressed their belief that the medical men exercised every possible care and skill.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 21 May 1930
ST MARYCHURCH - Fall Over Cliff. Pathetic Note In Torquay Tragedy. - On Monday evening the body of MISS MARY JANE MORTIMORE. aged 64, of Happaway Farm, St Marychurch, Torquay, was found at the base of the cliff at Watcombe Down, Torquay, and last evening Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, held an Inquiry at St Marychurch Townhall into the circumstances of the death. - GEORGE M. STRAWBRIDGE, of Happaway Farm, said that deceased was his sister-in-law, and had stayed at his place a few nights. On Monday morning she was in bed asleep when he went downstairs and half an hour later he found that the bed was empty. She had let the following note:- "Dear ELLEN, - My will power is gone. I feel not responsible at times, so if anything happens it is for the best, and don't worry. I must make room for the young ones, - POLLY." - W. Douglas Clegg of Finchley, London, a visitor to Babbacombe, said he was walking along Watcombe Down and found a woman's cloak. Making a search at the bottom of the cliff a woman's body was found. - The Coroner said that at first sight this looked like suicide, but he was not sure about it. It was not his business to jump to conclusions, and unless he had definite evidence that a person had taken his or her life he was not justified in saying it was suicide. - This was a dangerous place, and the facts were consistent with an accident. - He recorded a verdict that death was due to fracture of the skull through falling over a cliff, but that there was no evidence to show the cause of the fall.

Western Morning News, Thursday 22 May 1930
DIPTFORD - Diptford Tragedy. Suicide Of Well-Known Agriculturist. - Last evening Mr G. E. Windeatt,. the Deputy Coroner, held an Inquiry into the death of MR E. NEWMAN, a retired colonel and well-known agriculturist, who was found shot in the head in an outhouse at his residence, The Strand, Diptford, near Totnes, on Tuesday morning. - The widow, who stated that deceased was 61 years of age, said he went downstairs about 8.30 a.m. on Tuesday. She noticed nothing unusual, except that he had not slept well lately, and had worried about a law case which was settled in his favour, and that he was in rather low spirits. While dressing she heard a noise as if something hard had been thrown on a galvanized roof, and when she came down, on looking in the linhay, she saw her husband lying on the ground with a gun beside him. - Mr J. Hocking, farmer, of Saltash, who was staying at Bittaford said that on Monday deceased seemed to be worrying, and he came to the conclusion that he was ill. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide while Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Saturday 24 May 1930
PLYMOUTH - Aged Woman's Death. Gas Poisoning Case At Plymouth. - The Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned an Open Verdict yesterday, after an Inquiry into the death of MARY PRITER, aged 76, who was found dead in bed at 11 Knowle-avenue, North Prospect, on Wednesday. - The Coroner said it was quite definite that death was due to coal gas poisoning, but there was not sufficient evidence to show whether it was accidental or otherwise. - MRS ANNIE HAYNES, widow, sister of the deceased, said they had resided together for about five years. On Wednesday morning she was called to her sister's bedroom by her daughter. There was a smell of gas, and her sister was unconscious. A gas ring on a table at the side of her sister's bed was attached to a pipe in the fireplace. Her daughter told her that she had turned the tap off, for the ring was unlit and the gas turned on. - BEATRICE ANNIE HAYNES gave evidence of finding the gas on in her aunt's bedroom. Her aunt was in the habit of making her own tea every morning. - Dr Bertram Hooper Stribling said he had previously attending MISS PRITER, who was suffering from valvular disease of the heart. A post-mortem examination showed that death was due to gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 28 May 1930
STOKE DAMEREL -Widower's Suicide. Plymouth Man's Depression Over Loss Of Wife. - "It is an extremely sad case; one of the saddest I have had to deal with for sometime," commented the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on ERNEST EDWIN PUCKEY, aged 56, blacksmith, H.M. Dockyard, who resided at 70 Alcester-street, Stoke. - The Coroner mentioned that about three months ago he held an Inquest on MRS PUCKEY, who took her life by drinking Lysol and there was no doubt that her husband had been very depressed since. - Evidence was given by CHARLES STUART MCHARDY, brother-in-law, that on Monday evening PUCKEY returned home from work at 5 o'clock and prepared his own tea, as his daughter was paying a visit to her doctor. On getting back to the house about 7 o'clock she found the door bolted and informed the witness, who found deceased lying on the floor with a coat over his head and a flexible tube, which was attached to a gas-pipe, underneath it. - Dr E. M. Mayhew said death was due to gas poisoning. - The Coroner read a letter which was found in the house and written by PUCKEY to his cousin living at Torpoint. Deceased wrote: "This is Monday, and another week has started and my life seems gone, and to live with LILY we are unable. Now, do care for DORIS and settle up things for her. I tried to fight against this, but it is more than I can do." - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence and that at the time he committed the act PUCKEY was of Unsound Mind.

Western Morning News, Friday 30 May 1930
PLYMOUTH - Hartley Fatality. Inquest Adjourned Until July. - The adjourned Inquest on NORMAN BENNETT, 17, a motor apprentice, of Westgate-street, Launceston, who was killed when a motor cycle which he was riding came into collision with a motor car driven by Mr D. Cooper, a commercial traveller, at Hartley, on Thursday, May 8, was held by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday and further adjourned until July 4. - Mr Cooper has been remanded by the Magistrates on a charge of manslaughter.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 3 June 1930
TEIGNMOUTH - Woman Drowned At Teignmouth. Coroner's Comment At Inquest. - The conduct of a man who, it was alleged, pulled the body from the sea, and then went away, leaving the body on the shore, was strongly commented upon by the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, at the Inquest at Teignmouth last evening on MISS EFFIE LAURA HEARD, 38, of Osborne-grove, Taunton. - "In the absence of any explanation, I am bound to say that the conduct of this man - I don't know who he is - is extraordinary," remarked the Coroner. "The least he could have done was to have made some communication to the Police and given some explanation." - "It might be that in such circumstances immediate attention may be of great value in restoring life. It would be a lamentable state of affairs if when people saw a body in the water they pulled it out and then walked away as if it were a bit of timber." - He added that the attitude of Mrs Stannard, a witness, was in striking contrast, and he commended her on her promptitude. - The Coroner also commended the Police for their promptitude. - WINIFRED MARY HEARD, of Powderham-terrace, Teignmouth, said her sister lived at Taunton with her brother. She arrived at Teignmouth on Thursday on a short visit and was then in her usual state of health. At midday on Saturday she left to go for a walk along the sea front, taking with her witness's terrier dog. As she had not returned by 1.15 p.m., she went to look for her, and discovered the dog alone outside the door. Witness walked towards Spray Point, and on nearing the spot saw a Policeman performing artificial respiration on someone whom she found was her sister. - Body In The Sea. - Mrs G. Stannard, of the Spray Point Tea Gardens, said about 1 o'clock two girls rushed up and said there was somebody in the water. Witness went to the spot. It was practically low tide, and as a train was just passing she attracted the attention of the driver or fireman, and tried to indicate that something had happened, and that assistance was required. Just then a man and woman came along. The man pulled the body from the edge of the water, rinsed his hands and with the girls who had given the alarm, walked away. - Constable Setter said when he was on his way to Spray Point a man told him of the occurrence. They hurried back and found deceased on the beach with no one near. He tried artificial respiration until the arrival of Inspector Willcocks and Constable Phillips, who also assisted, but without success. Subsequently witness found the dog's lead on a seat about 7 yards from the edge of Spray Point. - In reply to the Coroner, witness said the man who returned with him was not the one who pulled the body from the water. A lady had told him that the other man was just recovering from a serious operation and his wife would not allow him to stay. - Dr D. Ross Kilpatrick said death was due to drowning. - Returning a verdict of "Found Drowned," the Coroner said there was no suspicion of foul play or suicide. He thought it was purely accidental. What probably happened was that deceased got too near the edge, and owing to ankle weakness, fell into the sea.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 4 June 1930
ERMINGTON - "Perfect Dread Of Doctors." Inquest On Ermington Farmer. - How a farmer was extremely reluctant ever to seek medical advice, and, in the words of his son, had a perfect dread of doctors, was related at an Inquest yesterday near Ermington. - Deceased was GEORGE FREDERICK HELYER, 68, of East Worthele Farm, near Ermington, who was found early on Monday morning by his son lying dead in a field with a gun between his knees. It was stated at the Inquest held on the farm, that he had had a fall twelve months ago, had refused to have a doctor, and had suffered from periodical fits of dizziness. - The Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, returned a verdict that "Deceased died from a gunshot wound, self-inflicted while Temporarily Insane." - Giving evidence yesterday, FREDERICK GEORGE HELYER, deceased's son, said his father had been at East Worthele Farm for four years. He had been in failing health for some time. About 12 months ago he fell down and cut his head, but would not have a doctor. "My wife and I tried to persuade him to call in a doctor, but he would not hear of it," said witness. "He seemed to have a perfect dread of doctors." Since then he had suffered from attacks of dizziness. - So far as witness could say, deceased had no financial worries. He had lost a lot of money in cattle dealing and in farming, and for some years nothing would go right. "On one occasion he bought a cow for £28 and the next day he as condemned as unfit and he lost the £28," said witness. - He was reticent about his affairs, but since the birth of his grandson 14 months ago he had brightened up, and on Sunday night he was in his usual spirits when he went to bed. - "I got up about 6.30 on Monday morning," added witness, "and walked across to a field opposite the farm to fetch a cow. I saw an object lying on the ground and found it was my father. He was dead. He was lying on his back with his double-barrelled gun between his knees. There was a wound in his throat. - Witness added that a month ago he bought 25 cartridges for his father, who wanted to shoot some rooks that were damaging his crops.- Constable Milford, of Holbeton, said both barrels of the gun had been loaded, and one had been fired. - In reply to Sergt. Holmes, witness said he was satisfied from the position of the body and of the gun that the wound was self-inflicted. - After the Coroner had announced his verdict, the dead man's son expressed thanks to Constables Milford and Pollard for the assistance they had given him.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 June 1930
PLYMOUTH - Crushed Between Trucks. Verdict In Millbay Docks Mishap.- At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS JOHN FRANCIS TREZONA, aged 52, formerly a stoker on the Great Western Railway tenders, at Millbay, who lodged at 5 Flora-street, Plymouth, and who was killed at the Docks on Saturday. - FRANCIS T. TREZONA, driver-salesman, of Kingsbridge, identified the body as that of his father, who had been unemployed for 12 months. - Harriet Taylor, of 5 Flora-street, said TREZONA had lodged with her since the death of his wife 11 years ago. He was very deaf, but always cheerful and steady. - Albert Thomas, licensee of the Washington Hotel, Millbay, said on Saturday afternoon he had been fishing, and when at the Docks he noticed a man lying with his feet towards the water and his head close to a railway truck. The railway trucks were stationary at the time and there was no other person near the spot. - Not Seen On Line. - Richard Herbert Gumb, head shunter, said he was in charge of shunting operations at the Docks and saw no one on the line. Previously he had spoken to TREZONA, who was then sitting on a plank near the railway, but well away from the line. It was evidence that TREZONA had been crushed between the buffers of two trucks during the shunting. TREZONA was well acquainted with the Docks and shunting operations there. - Constable Bailey, of the Great Western Police, was complimented by the Coroner on the plan of the place which he had made. Witness agreed that the injuries were caused by the buffers of two trucks. No one witnessed the mishap,. There was no indication of anything but an accident.- Dr F. Stuttaford attributed death to fracture of the skull. - The Jury returned the verdict that TREZONA died from fracture of the skull due to being Accidentally Crushed between the buffers of two trucks that were being shunted at Millbay Docks. In their opinion the evidence given on behalf of the Railway Company was perfectly clear and straightforward. - The Coroner: The verdict, in my opinion, is quite the proper one. - As his father was so deaf, TREZONA'S son also thought the verdict was justified. - Inspector Heal, for the Great Western Railway Co., and Inspector Woodcock, on behalf of the Docks, joined the Coroner and the Jury in an expression of sympathy with TREZONA'S relatives.

Western Morning News, Thursday 5 June 1930
PLYMOUTH - Electrician's Fatal Fall. - At Plymouth Mortuary Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on THOMAS WINN HAYWOOD, aged 70, electrician, of 9 Caroline-placer, Stonehouse. - ANNIE LILIAN HAYWOOD said deceased, who was partially blind, left home on May 26 to go for a walk to Devil's Point. He missed his way and fell over nine steps leading to the beach, cutting his head. - Dr Waterfield said the cut on the head was slight, but a seizure followed. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, accelerated by the fall. - Constable Thompson said MR HAYWOOD told him that he was tapping his way along when some women with perambulators caused him to go over the steps and he fell. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 6 June 1930
PLYMOUTH - Inquest On Plymouth Pensioner. - At the Plymouth Mortuary on Wednesday Mr W. E. J. Major, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest on EDWARD WILLIAM BRIDGMAN, aged 70, naval pensioner, of 139 North-road, Plymouth. The widow stated that on May 31 her husband fell on his side on the scraper outside the door. - Dr Gurrie said MR BRIDGMAN'S heart had been rapidly failing and the fall, which caused a fracture of two ribs, accelerated death. - A verdict to that effect was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 7 June 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Chilean Naval Man's Death. Plymouth Inquiry Into Motoring Accident. - A verdict of "Death from Fracture of the skull and laceration of the brain due to an Accidental Fall from a motor cycle after a collision with a dog near Westover Farm, Ivybridge," was returned by the Deputy Coroner at an Inquest on LORENZO GOMEZ ARTEAGA, a 2nd gunnery sergeant, serving in the Chilean battleship Almirante Latorre, held at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday morning. - ARTEAGA was aged 31, and his home was at Santiago, Chilli. - Rene Jara Sandoval, a petty officer electrician, also of the same ship, and living at 136 Alexandra-road, Ford, said he owned a motor cycle and that he and ARTEAGA, who also had a motor cycle, used to go out together. On May 25 about 2 o'clock, they went out on their motorcycles, both having riders on their pillions. Just before they reached Ivybridge they saw some cows, which were all over the road, and a dog was lying down on the right-hand side of the road. - He was travelling about 15 miles an hour, and ARTEAGA and his friend on their motor cycle were behind him. He had got past the dog and the cows when he heard a noise of a dog howling and his pillion passenger, who was looking back, told him that ARTEAGA had fallen off his motor cycle. ARTEAGA was on his correct side at the time. He stopped and went back; both ARTEAGA and his passenger were unconscious. They were taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - Mr David William Bawtree, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the cause of death was a fracture of the right side of the skull and laceration of the brain. - With full naval honours the funeral of ARTEAGA took place at Plymouth Old Cemetery yesterday. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 14 June 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fall From Window. Inquest On Plymouth Woman. - At an Inquest held at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, on the body of MINNIE STELLA DYMOND, (52), who was found with her head badly injured in the backyard of her residence on Wednesday last, and who died the following day in Hospital, FLORENCE BEATRICE MAUD DYMOND, of St Michael's-terrace, Plymouth, said that on Wednesday morning she left her mother-in-law dusting the back kitchen of the second floor. The window was open wide at the top and raised about 18 inches at the bottom. About five minutes later her mother-in-law was found in a fainting condition, with her head badly injured, in the backyard, lying as though fallen from the window. Deceased had lived with witness for 2 ½ years, and had suffered from giddiness. She was, on the whole, of a cheerful disposition. - There was a box inside the window, and it was customary to kneel on this box when shaking dusters out of the window. Witness thought deceased must have been doing this when she lost her balance. - The Coroner came to the conclusion that deceased died from shock and laceration of the brain, and said there was no evidence to show how the accident happened.

Western Morning News, Monday 16 June 1930
TAVISTOCK - Fatal Fall From Roof. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Tavistock Inquest. - Mr E. W. Chilcott, Deputy Coroner, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" on JAMES ALFRED BALL, aged 62, master mason, of Blackdown, Marytavy, who died on Thursday evening at Tavistock Hospital as a result of injuries received through falling from a roof. - ALFRED REGINALD BALL, son of the deceased, said he and his father were repairing a chimney at South Brentor Farm, Brentor. Witness heard a thump and saw his father slide off the roof. He called for help and Dr Postlethwaite was called. Deceased was removed to Tavistock Hospital. - Dr L. O. Lindsey said the cause of death was severe injuries to the brain, following the fracture of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 17 June 1930
REVELSTOKE -Dead On Favourite Cliff Walk. Revelstoke Inquest On Ex-Major. - How an Army Officer was found dead on his favourite cliff walk was told at the Inquest yesterday on DAVID ALEXANDER MACKENZIE, aged 69, of Endsleigh-place, Portland-square, Plymouth, conducted at Revelstoke by the Devon Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone. - MR MACKENZIE was at one time a major in the Royal Garrison Artillery. - MRS WINIFRED MACKENZIE, of Bolham-road, Brixton (daughter), said she received a letter on Friday last in her father's handwriting, as a result of which she went to search for him. He had been missing for three days. He had suffered from internal pains and palpitations, with frequent attacks of dizziness. - MACKENZIE was found dead on the cliffs by Clifford Edward Pike, of Herbert-street, Devonport, who had noticed him lying on the bank some hours previously, but thought him asleep. When found, MR MACKENZIE had a handkerchief around his jaw, and his walking stick was stuck in the ground near by. - Medical Evidence. - Dr Benstead Smith of Newton Ferrers, who conducted a post-mortem examination, said the heart of the deceased man was in a very debilitated condition, and he concluded that death was due to exposure and gastritis. - Constable Pearce reported that a search of the body revealed a bottle of lysol in one pocket, which was not, however, unsealed. Accompanying it was an enamel mug which, being quite clean, afforded evidence that the lysol had not been drunk by the deceased. - In accordance with the medical evidence the Coroner returned a verdict of "Death due to Gastritis and Exposure."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 June 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Baby's Death. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, sat with a Jury at Plymouth yesterday to Inquire into the death of the newly-born female child of BEATRICE LINDSAY, single, of Albert-terrace, Morley-street, Plymouth. - The proceedings were watched for the Police by Detective-Sergt. Cloke. - BEATRICE LINDSAY, mother of the child, said that any injuries the child received were entirely accidental. - Dr Millicent Fox, Medical Officer at Plymouth City Hospital, said death was due to cerebral haemorrhage caused by an injury to the skull. The injuries were consistent with a fall on the head. There was nothing to suggest that the child's death had been deliberately caused. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 24 June 1930
TOTNES - Totnes Inquest On Infant. - The County Coroner, Mr Ernest Hutchings, opened an Inquest at Totnes on the newly-born female child of ELIZABETH DEWAR a cook at Lutton House, South Brent. - After evidence of identification by the District Nurse, the Inquest was adjourned until July 11 for the attendance of the mother.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 July 1930
ASHBURTON - Ashburton Inquest. Railway Companies' Care Of Roads Criticized By Coroner. - When the Inquest on ARTHUR HARDING LATHAM, aged 27, a stoker in the Royal Navy, stationed at R.N. Barracks, Devonport, who was found unconscious in the roadway beside his motorcycle between Tor Dean and Dean Church, near Buckfastleigh, on June 23, was resumed at Ashburton yesterday, a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - There was no direct evidence to show how LATHAM met his death, and the Coroner, Mr E. Hutchings, observed that it might have been that he was going down hill, and in going over two dips, got into a wobble which caused him to lose control of his machine. - Mr Hutchings added that they could not help these depressions in the road, but if anyone had travelled over any of the bridges spanning the railways, they would have observed they were ten times worse than any road. - "It seems," he said, "to be out of fashion to repair these roads, and I suppose the Acts of Parliament are regarded as obsolete. - "If you drive from Ashburton to Plymouth, or Plymouth to Exeter on any main road, you will not have any difficulty in discovering which parts are managed by the railway companies. They seemed to think, I suppose that it doesn't matter, and had the accident happened on one of these bridges, one could easily have accounted for it." - In this case, the accident happened in a main road, which, as roads went, was in good condition.- Dr S. R. Williams, of Buckfastleigh, said death was due to a fractured skull. There were no signs of deceased having been struck by any other vehicle. - Constable Gould said another cyclist came off at the same spot on Monday, but was uninjured, and there had been an upset at the spot on Whit-Monday.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 2 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Suicide. Plymouth Man Who Had Been Doing Cross-Words. - A verdict that "He killed himself by drinking liniment containing camphor while of Unsound Mind," was recorded at the Inquest held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on HARRY RICHARD ANDREWS, aged 65, an Army pensioner, of Desborough-road, Plymouth, who died in the Hospital after having been found at home lying half-conscious on his bed. - MRS T. J. W. R. PEASE told the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, that her father had seemed in his usual health on Sunday evening, when she took him some tea. He had been suffering from rheumatism, and worried at having to attend the Hospital for treatment for a dislocated shoulder and a fractured thumb, caused by slipping off the kerb last November. - When her son took him up some supper he called that his grandfather was ill and she found her father lying on the bed half-dressed and semi-conscious. There was a strong smell of liniment, with which her father had apparently been rubbing his shoulder. There had been no family friction, and her father had been working out a cross-word puzzle during the evening. - Mr Robert Phillips stated that he saw ANDREWS in the courtyard on Sunday evening when he seemed as cheerful as usual, and passed a remark about the weather and discussed the crossword puzzle. - Mr Hugh Dyer Pyke, Resident Surgical Officer, said that ANDREWS when admitted to the Hospital was in a collapsed condition and quite unconscious. Both his breath and his shoulder smelt strongly of camphor. He never regained consciousness. In his opinion death was due to collapse from camphor poisoning.

Western Morning News, Saturday 5 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fatal Collision. Inquest On Launceston Apprentice. - A verdict that death was caused by shock due to fracture of the skull and multiple injuries following a collision between the motor cycle which he was riding and a motor car on Vinstone-hill, Hartley, on May 8, was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest concerning the death of NORMAN BENNETT, an engineer apprentice, aged 17, of 12 Westgate-street, Launceston, who died in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth on May 9. - The Coroner explained that the Inquest had previously been opened, but he had been unable to proceed with it as a certain person was charged with a criminal offence in connection with the accident. At the Devon Assizes on June 19, the person concerned, Mr Donald Robert Cooper, was acquitted of the charge of manslaughter, and the closing of the Inquest was purely a formal matter for the purpose of registration. - Mr Hugh Dyer Pyke, the Resident Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that deceased was unconscious when admitted to the Hospital about 11 o'clock on May 8. He died on the following day.

Western Morning News, Monday 7 July 1930
NEWTON ABBOT - Hanging From Tree. Suicide Verdict At Newton Abbot Inquest. - "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was recorded by the Deputy Coroner, Mr Geo. Windeatt, at an Inquest at Newton Abbot on Saturday on WILLIAM HENRY JOHN GERMAN, aged 49, a labourer, who was found hanging from a tree on Friday. - John Henry Vine, of Wain-lane, Newton Abbot, with whom GERMAN lodged for 25 years, said he last saw him at about 11 p.m. the previous Sunday, when he seemed his usual self. On Monday GERMAN did not go to his work. Recently he had been depressed, but had never said he would take his life. - Death was due to strangulation, said Dr Colin King, who added that he had attended GERMAN for many years. In 1923 he had a severe illness which left him with a stiff knee, but despite his disability he made a good fight to stick to his work. - William Harold Page, a postman, said he was passing through Foxhole-lane, Newton Abbot, on Friday, when he saw a man hanging from a tree growing in the hedge. - Caleb Bulley, of Wain-lane, and Constable Bradford also gave evidence, and Mr Harry Bartlett, haulier, the employer, described GERMAN as a quiet and hard workingman.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1930
MILLBROOK, CORNWALL - Echo Of Plymouth Prosecution. Stokes Case Witness "Found Drowned." - The case at Plymouth against Mr H. P. Stokes, former manager of the Plymouth Corporation Tramways, which ended dramatically on Saturday, when the City justices dismissed all the charges against defendant without hearing the defence, was mentioned at an Inquest at Millbrook yesterday on one of the witnesses in the case. - The deceased was WILLIAM JOHN LOVELL, aged 50, foreman coach painter, in the employ of the Plymouth Corporation Transport Department, of Glendower-road, Peverell. A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned. - "Evidently this case had worried him a good deal, but there is not sufficient evidence to warrant any Court to come to the conclusion that he was suffering even from temporary insanity," remarked the Deputy Coroner for East Cornwall, Col. F. S. Toogood, after hearing the evidence. - The Coroner added that there seemed to be very little evidence of any mental aberration, but there were a few circumstances which pointed to some slight disturbance. Deceased appeared to have been upset at having received a summons to appear in the case. - Case On His Mind. - At this juncture Det.-Inspector W. T. Hutchings, who watched the proceedings on behalf of Plymouth City Police, explained that LOVELL appeared in the case and gave evidence on Friday afternoon in quite a proper manner.- The Coroner: Deceased was not inculpated? - Mr Hutchings: Not at all. There was no suggestion of anything wrong in his conduct. - In evidence THOMAS JAMES JORDAN, a brother-in-law of Plymouth, stated that he last saw deceased on June 29, when he seemed normal. Since the case had been pending deceased had frequently come to him and stated that Inspector Hutchings had been at the depot again. The case seemed to have got on his mind and worried him. - Witness stated that after coming from the Court on Friday deceased complained to his wife of the numbers of women who had been present. On Saturday he left home at about 6 o'clock. - Body Found On Sands. - Martin Farley, unemployed labourer, of Millbrook, stated that at about 4.30 on Sunday morning he saw the body on the sands, the water just lapping against it. He reported his discovery to the Police. - Constable Mayne said he went to Freathy Beach and saw the body about 10 or 12 yards from the cliff, with the face buried in the sand. - There were a few slight abrasions on the face and forehead, apparently caused through coming into contact with the rocks, but no serious injuries. - Deceased was fully dressed, but no cap could be found. In his pocket witness found a spectacle case, bunch of keys, a witness subpoena and 3 ½d. in cash. - Witness could find no footmarks to indicate that deceased had walked into the water, the only other marks being those of the witness Farley.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Insomnia Victim. Sequel To Plymouth Man's Prolonged Ill-Health. - An Inquest on a victim of insomnia who ultimately committed suicide, GEORGE STEPHEN ARSCOTT, aged 52, plasterer, West Hill-road, Plymouth, was held yesterday at Plymouth Mortuary by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who returned a verdict of "Death from Asphyxia, due to Self-strangulation, while of Unsound Mind." - The widow said her husband had been in very poor health for at least four years, suffering from insomnia and depression. She last saw him alive on Friday afternoon, when he went upstairs to sleep, but later she found him lying face downward on the floor apparently dead, with a cord around his neck, fastened to the rail of the bed. - Dr C. F. Hacker declared that he had been attending the deceased in a convalescent home for several months. MR ARSCOTT suffered a great deal from insomnia, depression and lack of confidence. When he returned from the convalescent home he was not much better.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 8 July 1930 STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Woman's Death. - At the Inquest yesterday on MRS MARY TYRER, aged 82, widow of MR WILLIAM HENRY TYRER of 32 Carlton-terrace, Devonport, Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, returned a verdict of "Death from Heart Failure, in accordance with medical evidence." MRS FLORENCE A. CHURCH, of 9 Montrose-terrace, Plymouth, daughter of deceased, said her mother went to open the window and fell to the floor. She was in agony when picked up., Dr Gladys Kay, locum tenens for Dr Millicent Fox, said deceased had a fracture of the right femur. Her leg was placed in plaster and progressed satisfactorily, but her condition became weaker and weaker and she died on Sunday from heart failure.

Western Morning News, Saturday 12 July 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Fell Out Of Window. Devonport Fatality Believed Due To Giddiness. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest yesterday on EDWARD EMMANUEL CURE, aged 76, of James-street, Devonport, who on Thursday was found lying on the pavement outside his residence, having apparently fallen from a window. He was taken to the Royal Albert Hospital, where he died the same day. - ELSIE MAY WEST, of James-street, said deceased was her father, formerly a skilled labourer in the Dockyard. He had been very frail of late, his eyesight had been bad, and he had suffered from giddiness. She went to his room at 8.15 a.m. and just after leaving she heard a scream. Rushing downstairs, she found her father lying on the pavement. He was a man of deep religious convictions and had never threatened to take his life. - Rev. Albert George Kirk, Wesleyan Army chaplain at Devonport, said he had known deceased for 19 years. He had been complaining of having felt hot and giddy recently. - Constable F. J. Baldwin gave evidence of CURE being conveyed to the Royal Albert Hospital, and Dr Robert Reynolds, House Surgeon, attributed death to a fracture of the base of the skull and laceration of the brain.

Western Morning News, Monday 14 July 1930
DARTMOUTH - Man's Death In Hospital. Dartmouth Inquest Adjourned. - Doctor's Evidence Of Fatal Disease. - After Mr A. Davson, Coroner for Dartmouth, had taken evidence at the Inquest at Dartmouth on Saturday on MR ARTHUR FREDERICK POOK, farmer, of West Coombe Farm, Stokfleming, he adjourned proceedings until Tuesday next. - MR POOK died in the Dartmouth Cottage Hospital on Friday morning last, aged 53, following an accident while returning from haymaking. - The Coroner commented: "It seems to me that suggestions are made of negligence on the part of the Hospital authorities. Statements are suggested against the Hospital, but they are entirely unsupported." - Addressing the Jury, Mr Davson said: "What view do you take of this? Shall I adjourn the Inquiry? The suggestions made are ex parte, and it is only fair to the other side that they should be given an opportunity of answering." - The Jury agreed. - MISS KATHLEEN POOK said on July 5 her father left the house shortly after 2 p.m. for the haymaking field. At 4 p.m. a horse came from the road into the farmyard drawing a wagon. No one was in charge. Later her father came through the orchard. He said he was driving the cart horse and was sitting on the near side shaft. A ladder on the cart fell off, and he believed this frightened the horse, which ran away. He was unable to pull up the horse, and jumped, injuring his left elbow. - Dr W. R. White Cooper said at 8 p.m. on July 5 POOK came to his surgery with a severe laceration at the elbow, the skin and muscles being crushed to the bone and badly contaminated with dirt from the road. There was a bruise on the left thigh. Witness took him to the Hospital for treatment. Considerable time was spent in cleaning the wound with antiseptics. The following Thursday he saw POOK in company with Dr Tylor, who had noticed a swelling during the afternoon. They both diagnosed acute gas gangrene of a terrible and fatal type. An operation was necessary and they communicated with Dr Griffiths of Torquay, who came over and operated immediately. - "Sudden Collapse." - Witness administered the anaesthetic, which POOK took very well. When deceased regained consciousness he spoke to witness and said he was comfortable. The operation was followed by a sudden collapse. - Dr White Cooper told Mr T. G. New (for POOK'S relatives) that he left full instructions with the Hospital staff for frequent dressings of the wound. - Mr New: Is it a fact that deceased was in pain on Monday at 4.30 p.m. and went to the Hospital to have the wound dressed and was told that as he was an out-patient he could not be attended to until the following morning? - Dr White Cooper said he was not aware of this. - Mr T. G. New: Wee your instructions as to frequent dressings carried out? - Dr White Cooper said it was usual for the Hospital staff to carry out the medical instructions. - Dr M. Tylor said the cause of death was heart failure, produced by the poisonous effects of the germs which caused the gas gangrene. It was probable that the shock of the operation may have accelerated death to some extent, but death was inevitable. - The Coroner: Are you satisfied that everything was done in the Hospital which could be done? - Yes.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - At Request Of Police. Plymouth Inquest Adjourned Pending Inquiries. - In response to a request by the Police, the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, adjourned the Inquest on ERNEST WILLIAM OLD, 37, leading seaman, of H.M.S. Comus, North-street, Plymouth, for a week. - The mother, MRS MARY ANN OLD, wife of a linotype operator, living at North-street, Plymouth, gave evidence of identification at the Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday. When this formal evidence had been given, Det.-Inspector Hutchings said: "The circumstances in this case are so grave that very careful inquiries will have to be made by the Police. It is probable that a criminal charge may result from those inquiries. Under those circumstances I ask that the Inquest be adjourned until such time as we are in a position thoroughly to deal with it."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Suicide. Plymothian's Disappointment Over Lost Work. - At Plymouth Mortuary yesterday the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on WILLIAM HENRY CURTIS, single, 44, naval pensioner, of 47 King-street, Plymouth, who was found dead in his room on Saturday with his head in a gas oven. - MRS WINIFRED LOUISE WATSON, sister, living at Walworth, said she had not seen deceased since May of last year, but they corresponded regularly, and a fortnight ago he wrote very cheerfully saying a position had been promised him. - The Coroner read the following letter which deceased left addressed to his sister:- "No doubt you will be surprised, but I am just fed up with life, and I expect to be finished by the time you receive this. So, dear, take it in good spirit and love, as I hope to see you again some day." - Witness said her brother had been depressed every since the war, and would sit for hours without speaking. - Wallace Charles Northcott, 47 King-street, said he saw deceased on Thursday and asked him if he had got the job he was after. He said he had not got it, but that he had been offered another at 30s. a week. Witness thought he seemed a little disappointed. On Saturday morning he found deceased dead. - Dr S. K. McKee said there was every evidence that deceased died from gas poisoning. - Mrs Edith Mary Johns, Tavistock-place, with whom deceased had lodged off and on for two years, also gave evidence. - The Coroner returned a verdict that deceased "Committed Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 15 July 1930
MALBOROUGH - Bathing Fatality. Inquest On Victim At Salcombe. - An Inquest was held at Salcombe yesterday on the body of WILLIAM ERNEST GLOYNS, aged 20, whose body was recovered from the harbour at Millbay, near Salcombe, on Sunday. - WILLIAM GLOYNS, father, said he last saw his son in bed at 6.30 a.m. He knew he left at 8 o'clock for his usual bathe, and was then in his usual good state of health. - Mr Brooks, Metropolitan Policeman, a visitor to Salcombe, stated that at 10.20 he went to Millbay in a boat and saw clothing on the rocks at Agar Point. He took no particular notice at the time, but at 11.20 he began to look around and a few minutes later was called to assist in helping to get the body ashore. - Mr E. A. Hill, of Southall, Middlesex, staying at Salcombe, gave evidence that on Sunday he went to the sands to bathe and saw a body floating about ten yards from the shore. With assistance he got the body to the sands, and artificial respiration was tried. The body was floating face downwards. - Dr D. O. Twining, who examined the body on the beach, thought it had been in the water for a considerable time. There were no marks of violence and in his opinion death was due to drowning. - The Deputy Coroner, Mr George Windeatt, expressed his deep regret at the sad occurrence, and his sympathy with the parents. He also thanked those who had rendered assistance. - A verdict of "Accidental Death due to Drowning" was returned.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 July 1930
DARTMOUTH - "No Negligence." Dartmouth Verdict On Death In Hospital. - "Death is in accordance with the medical evidence, and is Accidental. No negligence has been proved." - Such was the verdict returned after 125 minutes' absence by the Jury at the Dartmouth Inquest yesterday on ARTHUR FREDERICK POOK, farmer, of West Coombe Farm, Stokefleming, who died in Dartmouth Cottage Hospital on July 11, after an accident while returning from the haymaking field on July 5. - Opening on Saturday, the Inquest was adjourned to enable Dartmouth Cottage Hospital staff to give evidence. - Miss Violet Ethel Sennett, matron of the Hospital, said on July 5, POOK was taken by herself to the out-patients' department. She left him with the nurse. On Monday the arm was dressed, which occupied about 2 hours. When, at 4.30 he had another dressing, she suggested that he came into the Hospital. On Tuesday he had three dressings, and on Wednesday entered as an in-patient. - Replying to Mr Templeman, Miss Agnes May Sweet, nurse at the Hospital, said there was no truth in the suggestion that POOK was refused a dressing at any time. - Dr W. R. White Cooper detailed the treatment and said he was satisfied the Hospital staff did everything they could. Gas gangrene was rare.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 16 July 1930
TAVISTOCK - Inquest Adjourned. Jury And Bere Alston Fatality. - The Jury having stated that they were unable to come to a decision until they had visited the scene of the accident, when they would also like to see the van concerned, the Inquest on EDWARD ALEXANDER TUCKER, 21, employed as a farm labourer at Elston Farm, Bere Alston, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Monday from injuries received in a road accident at Bere Alston on Sunday night, which was opened before Mr A. K. G. Johnstone and a jury at Tavistock yesterday, was adjourned until this afternoon. - Mr W. J. Martyn Wivell appeared for Messrs. Evans and Hall, Plymouth, and Mr W. J. Major, of Devonport, represented the dead man's family. - Dr C. F. Anderson said the cause of death was fracture of the skull. - WILLIAM NEWMAN TUCKER, the father, of 9 Morice-street, Devonport, said his son, who was a very careful rider, had ridden a bicycle since a small boy and had not been involved in an accident before. - Constable Trigger, of Bere Alston, said on visiting the scene of the collision he found that the wheel marks had been washed out by rain. The driver informed him exactly where the accident had happened. - There was a quantity of broken glass and a pool of blood in the road. The road at the spot was 10 ft. 6in. wide, but the growth of the hedge reduced this to about 8 ft. The surface of the road was rather loose, and an accident occurred there about a fortnight ago. - Van Driver's Story. - George William Larson, van driver, in the employ of Evans and Hall, and living at Tamar View, Tavistock, said he did not see the cyclist coming down the hill until he was right on top of him at the bend, witness being slightly on his proper side. He pulled up within a van's length of the collision. The light was fairly good and the surface of the road was not "skiddy." Witness took the injured man to Dr Milner's surgery. The van's lights were not on. Two cars could not pass at the bend. Witness sounded his horn, but did not hear any signal from the cyclist. - Mr Major: There was no chance of your cutting a corner? - No, sir; I never cut any corner. It was not a misty night. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said the cycle passed the van after the impact and was not brought to an immediate standstill.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 July 1930
TAVISTOCK - Trimming Of Hedges. Farmers Protest Against New Order. - Mr A. Kenneth Johnstone and a Jury resumed the Inquest at Tavistock on Wednesday on EDWARD ALEXANDER TUCKER, aged 21, farm labourer, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Monday morning from injuries received at Bere Alston on Sunday night as the result of an accident while cycling to Helston Farm, Bere Ferrers, where he had been employed. - The Foreman, Mr H. Matthews, said the Jury had considered the matter, and were unanimous in their opinion that it was Accidental Death. They would, however, like to add to their verdict that far greater attention should be given to the trimming of the hedges, especially in such a narrow road as the one in which the accident had occurred. - The Coroner: Would you like me to convey that opinion to the Local Authority? - The Foreman: Yes. - Sympathy was expressed with deceased's relatives, who live at Morice-street, Devonport.

Western Morning News, Friday 18 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Inquest. Evidence Of Lead Poisoning At Dockyard. - Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, conducted the Inquest at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday on DANIEL FINN, aged 64. - Mr W. E. Pride held a watching brief for the Home Office, and Mr F. E. Bowden appeared for the Admiralty. - MISS M. FINN said her father was a skilled labourer in the Dockyard and had first shown signs of pain about 6 ½ years ago. It was impossible for him to work, and he received £1 15s. a week from the Dockyard as injury allowance. - Mr H. J. Bowden, Senior Surgery Assistant, North Yard, Devonport, said that from January 1, 1923 to January, 1924 FINN had been before the doctor for neuritis and on January 26 1924, he had been certified by Dr McElwaine as suffering from lead poisoning. The lead poisoning was contracted while at work in the boiler-rooms of H.M.S. Hermes. - Dr E. Wardley said from a post-mortem examination he had found a small ulcer in the abdomen, which had broken. FINN was suffering also from chronic kidney disease. In his opinion, cause of death was the breaking of the ulcer, in association with the deceased's condition of the abdomen, in consequence of the lead poisoning. - The Jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 July 1930
TAVISTOCK - Trimming Of Hedges. Farmers Protest Against New Order. - Mr A. Kenneth G. Johnstone and a Jury resumed the Inquest at Tavistock on Wednesday on EDWARD ALEXANDER TUCKER, aged 21, farm labourer, who died at Tavistock Hospital on Monday morning from injuries received at Bere Alston on Sunday night as the result of an accident while cycling to Helston Farm, Bere Ferrers, where he had been employed. - The Foreman, Mr H. Matthews, said the Jury had considered the matter, and were unanimous in their opinion that it was Accidental Death. They would, however, like to add to their verdict that far greater attention should be given to the trimming of the hedges, especially in such a narrow road as the one in which the accident had occurred. - The Coroner: Would you like me to convey that opinion to the Local Authority? - The Foreman: Yes. - Sympathy was expressed with deceased's relatives, who live at Morice-street, Devonport.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 22 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - Inquest Adjourned. Alleged Manslaughter At Plymouth. - The Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, attended at the Mortuary yesterday and adjourned until November 24 the Inquest on ERNEST WILLIAM OLD, which he had previously opened at the Naval Hospital. - Mr Pearce explained that he had received official intimation from the clerk to the Justices that Albert Edward Horne had been charged with the manslaughter of OLD and had been committed for trial at the Assizes. - "In consequence of that," the Coroner remarked, "I have to adjourn the inquest until a day after the Assizes. I propose to adjourn till Monday, November 24, when the proceedings will probably be purely formal."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 23 July 1930
TAVISTOCK - Rope Severed. Tavistock Railway Worker's Death. - "Accidental Death" was the verdict returned at the Inquest at Tavistock yesterday by Mr A. Kenneth Johnstone and a Jury on WILLIAM JAMES, 64, married, Fitzford-cottages, Tavistock, foreman platelayer in the employ of the Southern Railway Company, who died at the Tavistock Hospital on Saturday from injuries caused by falling from the side of a cutting on the Bere Alston side of the Shillamill Tunnel the previous Monday. - Dr C. F. Anderson said death was due to a fractured spine. - Frederick Charles Gregory of 61 Bannawell-street, Tavistock, platelayer, stated that JAMES was trimming brambles and ferns on the side of the cutting with a hook. Witness was standing on the top holding on to the rope (produced) when he felt a strain and heard JAMES drop to the ground. - He found him lying between the metals and the cutting, and had him conveyed to Hospital. The rope might have been cut by a sharp stone or by the hook. - Arthur John Oliver, of Tavistock, permanent way inspector, said the company had two special ropes which might be required for any cuttings. The men generally asked for the ropes they wanted and they were tested by the gangers before being used. The rope produced, in his Opinion, was in quite a sound condition. He thought it was cut by a sharp stone or the hook, as it showed signs of having a clear cut. JAMES might have slipped and in attempting to save himself accidentally cut the rope with the hook. - In returning the verdict stated above, the Jury intimated that there was not sufficient evidence to show how the rope was severed.

Western Morning News, Friday 25 July 1930
TOTNES - Totnes Corner Tragedy. How Farmer's Wife Was Killed. No Blame Attached To Driver. - Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, conducted an Inquest at Totnes Guildhall yesterday on the body of MRS MALINDA HOSKING, aged 53, wife of MR V. HOSKING, of Galmpton Mill Farm, who was fatally injured by a motor 'bus at Station-road Corner, Totnes, on Tuesday evening. - Mr Fabyan Windeatt (Plymouth) represented the omnibus company, while Mr G. W. Brown (secretary, South West District) appeared for the National Union of Railwaymen. - Dr S. C. Jellicoe said MRS HOSKING died from internal haemorrhage. - Louisa Wyatt, of High-street, Totnes, deposed that she accompanied MRS HOSKING to Station-road corner to catch a 'bus. They saw one coming in the Ashburton road, and MRS HOSKING went forward to cross the road, and as she did so held up her hand for the 'bus to stop. It came around the corner, and witness lost sight of her companion, but heard a scream, and the 'bus stopped. Witness then found that MRS HOSKING had been trapped and jammed between the back of the 'bus and the King William Hotel. MRS HOSKING knew the corner well. - Reply to Supt. Hannaford, witness said MRS HOSKING had got on the 'bus further out the road on former occasions, and would have done so that evening had she not been trapped. - Samuel John Salter, Fore-street, Totnes, said he saw a large 'bus proceeding towards Fore-street at a very slow pace tight on its proper side. He heard a horn sounded. Witness walked immediately behind the vehicle, and saw instinctively that its back wheels would go on the pavement. The near rear wheel did so and the woman was caught between the 'bus and the hotel. - In reply to a Juryman, witness said that when a large 'bus had to keep very close to the near side he had frequently seen it mount the pavement, and for that reason he knew this 'bus would go over the footpath. - By Mr F. Windeatt: There would not have been an accident if MRS HOSKING had remained at the lower side of the pavement. - Arnold Nuttall, Fore-street, Totnes, said that as there was no traffic in Fore-street he signalled the 'bus on. - Constable R. Sanders stated that the width of the road at the scene of the accident was 22 ft., and the pavement where the woman was jammed was 35 inches. There was a clearance of 23 inches between the wall and the back tyre of the 'bus and the near front wheel was 28 inches outside the kerb. - In reply to Mr Windeatt, witness said 'buses had to swing out at the corner to clear the footpath. - Henry S. E. Hooper, Preston, Paignton, driver of the 'bus, said that on approaching the corner he saw there was no one on point duty, and he changed down to second gear. He kept to the left side, and saw someone wave him on. He was going about 5 miles an hour and sounded his horn. He saw a woman cross the road as he was about to negotiate the corner, but did not see her put up her hand. The people in Fore-street shouted to him to stop, which he did. It was his fifth journey on the road that day. - In reply to Supt. Hulland, witness said they had no instructions about stopping on the corner, but they usually stopped before they came to it. He intended to stop down the street to take up MRS HOSKING. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death", and exonerated the driver from blame. They added a rider that the attention of the authorities should be called to what they described as a particularly dangerous corner. 

Western Morning News, Saturday 26 July 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Accidental Death". Plymouth Inquest On Young Seaman. - "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on PHILIP JAMES BLACKLER CROCKER, aged 19, a seaman in H.M.S. Resolution, who died after a motor cycle accident. - A rider exonerated the driver of the Corporation omnibus concerned from all blame. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said it appeared that the lad was unused to riding a motor cycle and wobbled into the 'bus. The medical evidence contradicted the statement made by witnesses that the 'bus passed over the deceased. - Stewart Robinson, a Royal Marine, stationed in H.M.S. Rodney, said he saw the cyclist come out from behind the 'bus, which was travelling slowly, as if to pass it. Another private motor car was coming down the hill and the motor cyclist seemed to be too far towards his right and drew in towards the 'bus a trifle. In doing so he appeared to skid, and was thrown from the cycle and the 'bus apparently passed over his head.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 July 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Naval Officer's Death Follows Operation. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the Royal Naval Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, on LIEUT. (E) THOMAS BUTLER BUTLER-COLE, R.N., of Beaumont Cole, Carnforth, Lancs, who died at the Hospital on Sunday night following an operation performed four days previously. - Evidence of identification was given by Surg.-Lieut. Robert Cowan Foster, R.N., serving at the Royal Naval Hospital, who said deceased was 25 years of age. - Surg.-Capt. Norman Sinclair Meiklejohn, also serving at the Royal Naval Hospital, said that the deceased officer was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital on Tuesday last from the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, for the purpose of undergoing an operation for hernia, from which he was suffering. Witness operated upon him on the following day. The anaesthetic was administered by the Hospital Anaesthetist, Surg.-Lieut.-Com. Mcdonnell and consisted of one part chloroform and three parts ether. It was administered on an open mask. The operation took an hour and was quite successful. LIEUT. BUTLER-COLE, however, did not progress very well after it; on Saturday he became worse; and in spite of treatment died at 9.5 p.m. on Sunday. - Witness was satisfied that the anaesthetic was properly given, the anaesthetist being of great experience. The clinical signs and symptoms were consistent with delayed chloroform poisoning. - Surg.-Com. James Gordon Danson said a post-mortem examination revealed a condition consistent with delayed chloroform poisoning. The Coroner recorded a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. - Sympathy with the family of the deceased officer was expressed by the Coroner, and by Mr Edgar Bowden on behalf of the Admiralty.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 29 July 1930
TAVISTOCK - Van Boy's Death. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Lad. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded at an Inquest held at Tavistock yesterday on JAMES ALFRED NICHOLSON, (16), of Carfrae-terrace, Plymouth, who was knocked down by a car driven by Mr D. M. May, garage proprietor, of Perranporth, at Lamerton on Friday, and died shortly afterwards. - Mr A. K. G. Johnstone outlined the details of the accident, and Mr Mayburne Pearce, of Plymouth, represented the Plymouth Co-operative Society, with whom the lad had been employed as a van boy. - Dr C. C. Brodrick, of Tavistock, said the cause of death was a fracture of the base of the skull. There were other injuries. - Ernest James Harcourt Hill, of Hillside-avenue, Mutley, in the employ of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, said NICHOLSON worked with him. On Friday morning witness was delivering goods at Lamerton, and the van boy took three loaves from the back of the van to deliver. - He saw a car approaching at about 20 miles an hour on its proper side of the road. - After the car had passed he heard a slight knock and a shout like a yelp. He ran behind the van and saw NICHOLSON lying in the road in front of the car, which was then stationary. - George Elthee Fletcher of Cromwell-road, Beckhampton, said that when the driver of the car in which he was travelling saw the 'bus was going to pass the lorry first he slackened speed. As the car got half-way past the lorry he saw a young man suddenly appear from behind it; he seemed to be looking with his eyes on the ground. Both witness and the driver shouted and the latter put on the brakes, but the boy was struck by the radiator. - Digby Matin May, driver of the car, said there was nothing in front of him until he had half passed the lorry, but suddenly he saw the lad come from behind the van. He was carrying some parcels and was looking on to the ground. - The Jury exonerated the driver.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 30 July 1930
ASHBURTON - When Mr G. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, opened the Inquest at Ashburton yesterday on WILLIAM JOHN KEMP, aged 35, a steam wagon driver, of Mill-street, Crediton, who died following a motor cycle collision, the only evidence taken was that of identification. - The Inquiry will be resumed at Buckfastleigh on Friday.

Western Morning News, Friday 1 August 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Pensioner's Fall. Plymouth Coroner Returns "Accidental Death." - "Accidental Death" from shock brought on by the fracture, was returned at the Inquest yesterday at Devonport by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on WILLIAM SHORT, aged 87, of George-street, Devonport, a pensioned Dockyard shipwright. - ANNIE LILLIAN ELIZABETH BURT, of George-street, Devonport, daughter, said on July 12 her father was placing a small ladder against a wall when he fell, fracturing his left hip. - Dr R. Reynolds, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said that SHORT was admitted to the Hospital suffering from a fracture of the left femur and shock. He died from the effects of the latter. - The Coroner mentioned it was the first cremation order after an Inquest that he had ever given.

Western Morning News, Saturday 2 August 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Plymouth Suicide. Inquest On Unemployed Waiter. - "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" was returned at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, on WILLIAM JOHN EARL, an unemployed waiter, aged 45, of Tavistock-road, Stoke. - LOUISA ROSA EARL said her husband had been a waiter at the Royal Sailors' Rest for 26 years, but gave up the position through ill-health. She discovered the body lying on the floor with his head in the gas oven and with the tap turned on fully. Her husband had made an attempt on his life last year, and had often expressed a desire to take his life.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 August 1930
PLYMOUTH - Pensioner's Death. Plymouth Story Of Heart Failure Under Anaesthetic. - Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital into the death of THOMAS TAPPER QUICK, (61) of 19 Kinross-avenue, a pensioner telegraphist from the Post Office. - It was stated that deceased was taken ill on the previous Monday. On Friday night he was removed to Hospital, where an operation for strangulated hernia was commenced by Dr H. D. Pyke, the Resident Surgical Officer. While under the anaesthetic deceased's heart failed. - In reply to the Coroner, Dr Pyke said deceased was desperately ill, but he took the anaesthetic quite normally. After the operation started his heart failed and the pulse gave out. The operation was stopped, and the patient given a stimulant, but he died almost immediately from heart failure. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 5 August 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Natural Causes" was the verdict returned at the Inquest on ELIZABETH LAMBELL (74), widow, of 20 St George-avenue, Peverell, who was found dead on Saturday morning. - Dr W. E. Lishman, who had attended her in March, attributed death to inflammation of the heart muscle.

Western Morning News, Friday 8 August 1930
WORTHING, SUSSEX - "Found Drowned." Sussex Inquest Verdict On Fremington Man. - Verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Deputy Coroner for West Sussex at the Inquest at Worthing yesterday on WALLACE JOHN WILLIAM GEAR, aged 25, of Lichardson Farm, Fremington, whose body was found on the sea front at Worthing. - CALEB THOMAS GEAR, the father, said on Monday evening he and his son went to the pictures. During the performance he missed his son, and, failing to find him, notified the Police. His son had no worry. - Samuel Richard Cousins, of Maidstone, who sat next to WALLACE GEAR during the show, said that GEAR was very quiet. Later witness asked him if he was all right and he replied "Yes." - Edward Holland, Worthing, said on Tuesday morning he saw the body floating in the water. - Constable Mason stated a watch in GEAR'S pocket had stopped at 9.30 p.m. Medical evidence was that deceased died from suffocation due to drowning.

Western Morning News, Saturday 9 August 1930
MALBOROUGH - Lead Poisoning. Salcombe Man Who Would Continue To Paint. - Mr G. Windeatt, Coroner, continued the Inquiry at Salcombe Council Hall on Thursday into the circumstances of the death of ARTHUR JAMES TAYLOR, of Coronation-road, Salcombe. He was 40 years of age, and died on July 30. - Mr Mayburne Pearce, of Plymouth, watched the proceedings on behalf of the man's employers, Messrs. Cook and Sture, of Salcombe and Mr Challenger, H.M. Inspector of factories, was also present. - Dr D. O. Twining, of Salcombe, who had attended the man since 1923 said he had advised him on several occasions to give up painting as he was suffering from lead poisoning. TAYLOR had replied that it was the only trade he knew, and he must continue. - The Jury returned a verdict that death was due to Lead Poisoning, and said they were satisfied there was no question of responsibility on the employers.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 August 1930
BUCKFASTLEIGH - Buckfastleigh Stoic. Scalded Boy Who Continued To Play. - The circumstances under which FERNLEY LOCK, aged ten, son of MR F. LOCK, Station-road, Buckfastleigh, died were investigated by Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, on Monday. - The father stated that he ascertained on August 6 that the boy scalded his foot the previous day, but said nothing about it. - Dr C. A. H. Gee deposed that when he saw the boy on the evening of August 7 he found an extensive scald on the right leg. The following day septicaemia had extended throughout his system and he died from heart failure. - William Henry Marsh (8) related how on August 5 he wanted to wash his feet. He and LOCK got a kettle of water and boiled it. The dead boy brought it into the kitchen, where he poured some of the boiling water on his leg instead of into the pail. Witness wanted to tell LOCK'S mother, but he would not let him, and locked the door to keep him in the house. In the evening they went to the pictures, and played "horses" next day, when LOCK said there was nothing the matter with his foot. - A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical testimony.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 13 August 1930
PLYMOUTH - Killed In The Fog. - At the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, opened an Inquest on ADELAIDE MATILDA MARTIN, aged 18 ½ of 4 Stoke Cottages, Tamerton Foliot. The girl died from injuries received when the motor cycle on which she was riding pillion collided with a motor car on Roborough Down in the dense fog on Sunday night. - The driver of the motor cycle, Harry Faulkner, of Crapstone, Yelverton, lies in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, and is progressing favourably. He is suffering from fractures of the right collar-bone and leg. - JOHN MARTIN, a skilled labourer in the Dockyard, father of the girl, identified the body, and stated his daughter was a domestic servant, employed at Yelverton. - The Coroner said that he opened the Inquest yesterday for the purpose of identification and would resume the Inquest next Tuesday, so as to enable Faulkner to recover. He was informed that the patient would probably be able to give evidence on that date. He expressed sympathy with the father and relatives of the dead girl.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 20 August 1930
PLYMOUTH - Pillion Rider's Injuries. Fatal Collision In A Fog. Inquest Story Of Roborough Accident. - The resumed Inquest on the recent accident at Roborough was held yesterday at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on ADELAIDE MATILDA MARTIN, aged 18, of Stoke Cottage, Tamerton Foliot, who died from injuries received when the motor cycle, on which she was riding pillion, collided with a motor car on the night of August 10. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr J. W. Woolland appeared for the driver of the motor car, Reginald James Bomyer, Tudor House, Bainbridge-avenue, Hartley, Plymouth, and Mr H. Lawrence Spear for the driver of the motor cycle, James Henry Faulkner, Crapstone, near Yelverton. - Blinded By Car Lights. - Faulkner, who is still a patient at the Hospital, gave evidence seated in an invalid chair. He stated that about 9 p.m. he left a farm at Roborough on a motor cycle, with MISS MARTIN on the pillion seat. The night was very foggy, and it was impossible to see more than 15 feet ahead. He had a powerful headlight and the usual tail light. When proceeding along the main Tavistock road he saw four bright lights ahead. They were the side and headlights of an approaching car. Behind these lights there appeared the dimmer lights of another car. As the first car passed him he was dazzled by its lights and was temporarily blinded. As far as he knew he kept straight, but a collision occurred with the other car, and he knew nothing more until he found himself in the Hospital. - In answer to the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, witness said he had been driving for five years. MISS MARTIN had ridden with him on several occasions. He was at the time of the accident travelling between 10 and 15 miles per hour, which he considered a safe speed on the moor in a fog. He was well acquainted with the road, and he considered he was about three to four feet from his proper side at the time of the collision. - Reginald J. Bomyer, motor engineer, driver of the car, said he left Walreddon Farm about 9.15 p.m. When at about the sixth milestone from Plymouth, driving two or three feet from the left-hand side of the road, he suddenly saw lights coming almost side-ways towards him. They were travelling about 12 miles per hour. Witness felt a slight scraping alongside the car, and r Wakeling, one of his passengers, exclaimed, "There's something in the road." - Witness at once pulled up and went back. He found a girl lying on her back and a man sitting in the gutter. The motor cycle was lying on its side about four paces out in the road. - The Coroner: There was considerable damage done to the motor car and the cycle, was there not? - Yes. - The Coroner: It seems rather curious that there should have been but a slight impact. - Asked by the Coroner how long he had been driving a car, witness said since 1906. In answer to Mr Spear, witness said he had been following the car in front of him for three parts of an hour, adding "I was very glad to have a car in front of me to guide me." - Coroner's Comment. - Frederick Wakeling, Sherwell-arcade, Plymouth, who was a passenger in the motor car, said the car was travelling slowly. He saw the tail light of a car in front and they followed this for quite a long way. Suddenly he heard a grinding noise on the right-hand side. The car stopped and the driver went back, and later returned to witness and said, "There's been an accident. Some people are rather badly hurt. You had better go on in a 'bus, as they will have to be taken to Hospital." Witness said he did not dream it was so serious or else he would have gone back with Bomyer. - The Coroner: It is rather strange to me that you did not go back. It was serious enough to stop the car at any rate. It is inexplicable to me that you did not render such assistance as you might have given. - Witness: The lady I was with was very nervous. myself did not like the idea of travelling in the fog. - Constable Harold Lee said there was a blood spot about 6 ft. from the left-hand side of the road. The car was about 20 yards further on. There was a skid mark 8 ft. from the right bank and 10 ft. from the left bank, but he could not testify that the car had made this. The mark was five yards long. The front side light of the motor car was displaced, the front mudguard and the running board were damaged, the front door handle was broken off and the rear door handle bent. - Dr Geoffrey Alleyne Cook, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said the girl was unconscious when admitted to the Hospital. There was a compound fracture of the skull and the right arm, and abrasions to the leg. She died on the Monday. - The Coroner: Did not the wounds suggest a tremendous impact? - Yes. There was no sign of any dirt in the wound, and the blow was probably received before she fell to the ground.

Western Morning News, Friday 22 August 1930
PLYMOUTH - Son's Tragic Find. Inquest On Naval Pensioner At Plymouth. - At an Inquest yesterday at Plymouth Mortuary the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of Unsound Mind" on JAMES SPRY, aged 73, a naval old-age pensioner of 3 Amity-place, Plymouth. - Dr W. P. Hardwicke said he had been called to SPRY'S residence and found him lying on a bed. He found life extinct, apparently due to coal-gas poisoning., He had attended deceased previously, but had seen no suicidal tendencies. - HAROLD JAMES CECIL SPRY (son), a labourer, of 3 Amity-place, said that his father had been ill, but had seemed quite cheerful of late, and was recovering from his illness. - Witness returned home on Wednesday about 3.30 and found the door of the living room fastened on the inside. On looking through the key-hole he saw his father lying on the floor in front of the oven. He burst open the door and turned off the gas, opening the window. He then called the Police. - Police Constable L. M. Cheffers said that in front of the oven was a folded rug. Inside the oven was a baking dish upturned, with a wad of paper on it, on which deceased had evidently been resting his head.

Western Morning News, Thursday 28 August 1930
READING, BERKSHIRE - Plymouth Pilot's Fatal Crash. "Old 'Plane Flown At Too High A Speed." - The suggestion that the fatal air crash at Burrow Woodley was due to an old machine being flown at too great a speed was made at the Inquest at Reading yesterday on SAMUEL WILFRED GIDDY, aged 27, of Burrow Woodley, who was killed while testing a single-seater aeroplane at Woodley Aerodrome on Sunday. Deceased, who was an instructor at the aerodrome, was a son of MR SAMUEL GIDDY, a chargeman in the Superintending Civil Engineer's Department at Devonport Dockyard. - Charles Owen Powis, managing director of the company controlling the aerodrome, said GIDDY was flying an obsolete type of war machine - a Martinsyde single seater. It had no certificate of air worthiness, and could only be flown within three miles of the aerodrome. - GIDDY was flying it at a great speed, perhaps more than 200 miles per hour, and was nose diving. He had dived to within thirty feet of the ground when witness saw the 'plane develop ailerons, or wing flutter, and the pilot had not enough altitude to recover. - Looped The Loop. - "I think the accident was due to an old machine being flown at too high a speed" said witness. - Maj. Cooper, an Air Ministry inspector, explained that wing flutter was a violent oscillation of the ailerons, and only developed at high speed. It was a fault peculiar to old machines, and had been eliminated from modern 'planes. It would jerk the control column out of the pilot's hand, and he would lose control over the machine. - Edward Dennis Bigg, of The Grange, Woodley, the owner of the aeroplane, said he thought that the crash was due to GIDDY'S tremendous speed. Before he dived to his death GIDDY had looped the loop and had performed several high-speed dives. He had used the 'plane before and had pronounced it satisfactory. He had asked witness if he could take the machine up on Sunday. - Accidental Death. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, the Foreman saying that the high speed at which the machine was travelling was an important contributory factor to the accident, taking into consideration the type of machine used. - MR GIDDY, whose funeral will take place at Plymouth, was a stand-by pilot for the R.A.F. Crazy Squadron at Hendon. - MR GIDDY, who was a son-in-law of the late Lieut.-Com. W. G. Curtain, of Torpoint, learnt his flying in the Royal Air Force, in which he was flight-sergeant when he resigned to join the Imperial Airways Flying Station at Reading. He had been there for twelve months and had been flying for seven years. The fatal accident was his first mishap.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Aged Woman's Death. Plymouth Widow Who Slipped On The Kerb. - How SARAH ANN COYLE, aged 85, widow of HENRY COYLE, residing at 6 Penlee-place, Mutley, fell when going to a shop opposite her home, receiving injuries which subsequently led to her death, were detailed at Plymouth Coroner's Court yesterday afternoon, when an Inquest was conducted by Mr J. A. Pearce. - A verdict in accordance with the medical evidence was returned. - JOHN HENRY COYLE, a son, stated that on August 7 his mother was crossing the road to a shop to purchase a paper when she slipped on the kerb, cutting her left eye and face. She was carried indoors, put to bed and medical assistance sought. - Witness added that his mother was fairly active for her age, and had good eyesight and hearing. - Dr Mabel Ramsay said MR COYLE was suffering a good deal from shock at the time, but recovered. She was always restless after and later developed symptoms of cerebral haemorrhage. She remained unconscious until Saturday, when she died. Death was due to cerebral haemorrhage consequent on shock due to the fall. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 3 September 1930
STOKENHAM - Inquest On Shaldon Woman Who Disappeared. - A verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by Mr G. E. Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, at the Inquest at Torcross yesterday on MRS JESSIE SLATER, who had been missing from her home in Albion-street, Shaldon, since August 22. - Mr A. J. Fogwell identified the body as that of his aunt, MRS SLATER - Mr F. J. Guest, a 'bus driver, of Stokenham, said that he was driving his 'bus about 1.30 p.m. on Monday when he saw what appeared to be a body near the shore at Torcross. He stopped his 'bus and brought the body in.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 September 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Devonport Child's Death. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday held an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, on FRANK WILLIAM REGINALD OXENHAM, aged 4 ½, only son of MR and MS F. OXENHAM, Cannon-street, Devonport. After evidence by the father and by Mr W. L. McCracken, who administered the anaesthetic, the Coroner returned the verdict that the child had died while under chloroform and ether, after an operation for acute peritonitis. It was stated that everything possible had been done to save the life of the child.

Western Morning News, Thursday 4 September 1930
YELVERTON - Fell Dead On Moor. Inquest On Plymouth Army Pensioner At Dousland - Comment that death was accelerated by undue exertion on a hot day was made by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. Johnstone, at the Inquest at Dousland yesterday on ALBERT RICHARD FOSTER, aged 68, an Army pensioner, of Lisson-grove, Mutley, who died while walking on the Moor near Burrator on the previous day. - Mrs Lilian Waters, saying at Chudleigh-road, Lipson Vale, Plymouth, said she, FOSTER, and others had visited Burrator Lake and FOSTER and witness walked up a steep embankment. Near the top he said he would like to reset. Then without a word he fell. - Dr Francis Ward said he was informed that FOSTER had been under treatment for blood pressure recently. In the circumstances he ought not to have climbed the hill on such a hot day. Death was due to sudden heart failure.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Tramcar Incident. "Accidental Death" Verdict At Plymouth Inquest. - Verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest at Plymouth yesterday on ELLEN ELIZABETH GAY, of Old Park-road, Plymouth. - MRS ELSIE RYDER, of Hyfield-terrace, Laira, Plymouth, said her mother, in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital on August 26, the night of the accident, told her that she had attempted to get off a tramcar at the corner of Treville-street. - Henry Stanley Tailor, of Honicknowle, conductor, said the tramcar stopped for traffic signs at the corner of Treville-street. When MRS GAY attempted to get out he and a passenger tried to dissuade her. She persisted, however, and fell into the road. - Constable Colman said he saw MRS GAY after the accident and she stated that she had seen two young women jump off the tramcar and tried to get off herself, adding, "it was very silly of me, as I was very careful."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 9 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Aroused By Dog. Inquest Story Of Fatal Stonehouse Accident. - How the barking of a dog led to the discovery of an accident was revealed yesterday, when the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest on FANNIE EMILY WRIGHT, a nurse at the Stonehouse Poor-Law Institution. - Mrs K. C. Dobson, Matron at the Institution, said that on September 1, at about 11.20 p.m., she was aroused by the continual barking of her dog. She went upstairs and, hearing groans, she switched on the lights and called the porter. - They discovered MRS WRIGHT lying at the bottom of some concrete steps covered in blood and still bleeding from the nose. MRS WRIGHT asked witness what was the matter with her wrists. Dr Waterfield was called and advised her removal to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - MRS MABEL WALTERS of 2 Alvington-place, Plymouth, said that at 10.40 p.m. on September 1 she saw her mother board a tramcar to the Institution. She last saw deceased alive in Hospital. - Dr M. Fox said deceased was admitted suffering from fractures of both wrists and bruises. She also had bronchitis. She died from pneumonia and shock, caused by the fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Friday 12 September 1930
CHIVELSTONE - The Inquest on ALFRED WILLIAM STUMBLES, of Ford Village, Chivelstone, was adjourned yesterday. - Aged 45, MR STUMBLES was employed at Gullet Farm, South Pool, and while driving a horse and cart dropped to the ground, dying almost immediately.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Motor Fatality. Exeter Officer's Car Involved. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at an Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, to Inquire into the death of MRS BESSIE DOWN, of 21 Manor-street, Stonehouse, who died on Monday at the Hospital, where she was conveyed after having been knocked down by a motor car in Manor-street, Stonehouse, on August 28. - Mr Geoffrey Alleyne Cook, House Surgeon, said MRS DOWN, who had a broken collar-bone, progressed quite well for some days, but a clot of blood, occasioned by the injury, lodged in the brain, causing death. - Evidence of identification was given by Thomas Penrose, 21 Manor-street, storeman, in the employ of the Plymouth Transport Co., who said the dead woman, aged 58, was the widow of ARTHUR JOHN DOWN, an iron riveter in the Dockyard, and lived with witness at 21 Manor-street. About 8.30 on the night of the accident he asked MRS DOWN to fetch some fish and chips for supper and while she was engaged on this errand she was knocked down. On witness's arrival at the Central Garage, where she had been taken, she said, "That is my husband," and made no further statement. He frequently visited her at the Hospital, where she was progressing very well, and expected to leave on Tuesday. About 2 o'clock on Monday, however, he was informed that she was seriously ill. He went to the Hospital, but before his arrival she had died. Her hearing and sight were good. It was not dark when she was knocked down, but the spot was a dangerous one. - Stepped In Front. - Capt. Geoffrey Essington Vosper, 43, Thornton-hill, Exeter, driver of the car, said he was an officer in the Indian Army on leave. He had driven a car in India and the one in question since June. He had crossed Union-street from Phoenix-street with the intention of garaging his car, as he and his friends were going to the Palace Theatre. There was no Police Officer on point duty in Union-street, and he stopped before entering that thoroughfare because of the traffic. When he entered Manor-street he was travelling about ten miles an hour, being still in second gear. As he approached the pillar-box there were a number of people standing on the edge of the pavement and in the street, and from what seemed to be the middle of them a woman stepped out in front of the car. He had his side lights on, but no headlights. As soon as he saw the woman he applied his brakes, and swerved in to the left in an attempt to avoid her. At the same time she tried to avoid him, and stepped back. She was struck by the radiator and fell to the ground. He did not think the front wheel touched her. He stopped the car within half its length. He had a clean licence. - Mr F. G. Tyler, 16 Woodford-villas, Mannamead, a passenger in Capt. Vosper's car, gave corroborative evidence. - Two independent witnesses, Mrs Dorothy Collins, wife of the proprietor of the garage, and William Sydney Huxham, 83 Pembroke-street, Devonport, who both witnessed the accident, gave evidence that the driver of the car was in no way to blame and that the accident was unavoidable. They also corroborated the statement as to the speed the car was travelling. - Mr Elliot Square, who was present on behalf of Capt. Vosper, tendered the latter's sympathy with the family and friends of the deceased. - Capt. Vosper was exonerated from all blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Inquest Adjourned. - Formal evidence of identification was taken at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday from Mr John Keane, of 1 Copper-place, a motor engineer, so that an order for the burial of CHARLES NICHOLAS PHILLIPS of 7 Trelawney-road, Tavistock, a District Superintendent of the Western National Omnibus Company, might be given. The Inquest was adjourned until Monday afternoon, when it will be held at the Coroner's Court, in Vauxhall-street, Plymouth. Deceased was motor cycling on the Ivybridge-Plymouth road when he came into collision with a Post Office van. He was taken to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fatality Near Plympton. Tavistock Cyclist's "Accidental Death." - Following an Inquiry, lasting for three and a half hours, at Plymouth yesterday by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, into the death of CHARLES NICHOLAS PHILLIPS, 30, who died at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth on September 15, following a collision between his motor cycle and a Post Office motor van near Plympton, the Jury returned a verdict of "Death due to an Accidental Collision." - PHILLIPS was a district superintendent in the employ of the Western National Omnibus Company, and resided at 7 Trelawney-road, Tavistock. The motor van was driven by Percy Charles Paul, of 128 Embankment-road, Plymouth. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared on behalf of the Postmaster-General, and Mr A. C. Fabyan Windeatt represented the Western National Omnibus Co. - JOHN KEARN, of 1 Copper-place, Plymouth, said that he and some friends had arranged to meet PHILLIPS (his nephew) at Ivybridge. His nephew arrived from Tavistock on a motor cycle at 9.50 p.m. Shortly after 11 p.m. witness left, after having assisted his nephew to replenish his lamp with carbide. Mrs Sheppard, wife of the licensee of the London Hotel, Ivybridge, said she was speaking to PHILLIPS for about 15 minutes after the others had left. He then left, going in the direction of Plymouth. He was perfectly sober. - Herbert P. Austin, conductor, in the employ of the Southern General Omnibus Company, residing at 23 Park-street, Ivybridge, said that at 11 p.m., when passing Beach Farm, Lee Mill, on the journey to Ivybridge, he saw a motor car coming from the direction of Ivybridge and following the vehicle he also noticed a solo motor cycle, the front light of which was not lit. - William Henry Wall, 'bus driver, of 3 Moor-view, Ivybridge, also stated that the motor cycle was without a front light. - Questions Of Lights And Speed. - Percy Charles Paul said that about 10.50 p.m. he was driving a Post Office van from Plymouth to Ivybridge, when just at the top of Ridgeway-hill, Plympton, his headlights shone on a motor cyclist, who was coming down the road. At the time he had four electric lights and two oil lights alight on the front of the vehicle. When he saw the cyclist he switched off his two headlights and the cyclist instead of continuing on the left-hand side of the road came over to the right. Witness in an attempt to avoid it went over to the right-hand side of the road. :The cyclist, however, came back to the left-hand side and struck the vehicle. Witness stopped the van and lifted the motor cyclist to the side of the road. The cyclist was riding without his lights on. - In reply to the Coroner he said he was absolutely sure that his lights were lit. He had been driving 18 months, and had had no complaints made against him. - Mr Windeatt: When the Police arrived only one light was burning? - Witness: One of the oil lamps was burning and there was a faint glimmer in one of the electric lights. The accident must have caused a disconnection. Witness added that he was travelling between 10 and 15 miles an hour. - Mr Windeatt: Was it brought to your notice that the cyclist's lamp was still burning? - No. - Frank Bassett of Ridgeway, Plympton, said at about 11 p.m. he was standing in Fore-street, Plympton, when he saw a Post Office van come from the direction of Plymouth with only one side light burning and that an oil lamp. As it passed him he noticed that the tail light was not burning. - Questioned by Mr Windeatt concerning the speed of the van, he said he was not disposed to give an estimate in miles per hour, but added that the vehicle was travelling on full throttle. It was the absence of lights and the speed of the van which attracted his attention. - Richard Thomas Trevithick, of Ridgeway, Plympton, said he saw the van pass through Fore-street. It had only one lamp illuminated and the tail light was not lit. He estimated the speed of the vehicle at about 25-30 miles per hour. - William Bowden of Belmont, Ivybridge, who arrived shortly after the accident, said that at that time two side lights on the car were lit. They were, however, showing very poor lights. - Dr Hugh Dyer Pyke, of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the man was admitted on September 12 and died on the 15th. Death was due to haemorrhage and fracture of the base of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 September 1930
PORTSMOUTH, HAMPSHIRE - Petty Officer's Tragic Death At Portsmouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned at the Inquest held at Portsmouth yesterday on the death of Supply Petty Officer RICHARD HENRY VICKERY, 37, son of MR JOHN VICKERY, of 46 Francis-street, Plymouth, who fell out of a bedroom window at the Royal Sailors' Rest on Sunday, September 14. - Paymaster-Commander Paul Heather said VICKERY joined the Navy in 1912. He was a man of superior ability and there was nothing in his service life likely to worry him. - Announcing the verdict, the Foreman of the Jury expressed the opinion that VICKERY was looking out of a window and overbalanced himself.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 24 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Dangerous Corner." Inquest Story Of Plymouth Boy's Death. - The Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, held an Inquest at the Mortuary yesterday afternoon on WALLACE CLAUDE RUSSELL, aged 15, of 25 Briardale-road, Swilly, who was the victim of an accident on Friday. - Mr J. L. Wolferstan represented the parents and Mr Mayburne Pearce the Plymouth Co-operative Society. - Harry Smith, a lorry driver in the employ of the Co-operative Society, explained that he was conveying a quantity of flour on a steam lorry to the society's bakery at Peverell and when proceeding down the hill at Pennycomequick at from five to seven miles an hour noticed the deceased on a pedal cycle proceeding alongside of the lorry on the near side. Suddenly the cyclist swerved right in front of the lorry. Witness put on all the brakes and stopped the lorry in eight feet, and the steersman pulled the lad from the side of the vehicle. - Arthur Ernest Every, consulting motor engineer, who witnessed the fatality, remarked: "Whether the chain of the bicycle broke or the back wheel skidded I don't know, but the wagon was going so slowly that the boy should easily have got away." - The Coroner: You consider that under present conditions that particular corner is dangerous? - Yes, and the whole hill. - Victor Warne, postman, 1 Percy-terrace, said the accident was one which Smith could not have avoided. - Dr Sandford, who arrived just after the accident, said the deceased died within two minutes of his examining him. A post-mortem examination revealed that death was due to fractured ribs and internal injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," exonerating the driver of the lorry from blame. They suggested that a Police Constable be stationed at the bottom of the hill.

Western Morning News, Thursday 25 September 1930
PLYMSTOCK - Suffocated By Grass. Turnchapel Inquest Story Of Oreston Man's Death. - The Inquest on HAROLD JAMES DRISCOLL, aged 39, who suddenly collapsed in the orchard to the rear of his brother's residence at Longlands, Oreston, on Monday afternoon, was held at Turnchapel yesterday by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone. - PERCY EVELYN DRISCOLL (Brother) gave evidence of identification. Witness said deceased had been subject to epileptic fits for many years, and had done no work since the age of 18, but to the best of witness's knowledge had had no fits since March 31 last. - "On Monday afternoon," DRISCOLL continued, "I was up a tree in the orchard picking apples, and my brother was on the ground below. I came down the ladder two or three times from the tree..... and each time my brother was standing up. The last time I came down he was putting fallen apples in a mount. I did not speak to him. He was of a very reserved nature. Shortly after I had gone up the tree the last time I heard my wife call out, "Oh! He's on the ground." I came down from the tree and found my brother lying with his face tight up against the ground. I tried artificial respiration." - Witness did not her any cry or hear deceased fall. Not more than four minutes elapsed from the time he had last seen him standing to the time he heard his wife cry out. - WINIFRED MAY DRISCOLL, wife of the last witness, corroborated. - Dr Steuart Noy Scott, Plymstock, said a post-mortem examination showed that death was due to suffocation from falling in long grass whilst unconscious following an epileptic fit. - The Coroner returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 September 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fell Overboard From Boat. Plymouth Inquest On Flight-Sergeant. - "Accidentally Drowned through falling overboard from a motor boat," was the verdict returned at the Inquest held by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Plymouth yesterday on Flight-Sergt. ALEXANDER HUTCHINSON, serving in the R.A.F. at Mount Batten. - The body was recovered near Tinside, Plymouth, on Sunday. - Flight-Sergt. Arthur Edward Townshend stated that he and HUTCHINSON went to Plymouth on September 20, and walked around the streets. They visited four public-houses. About 10.40 p.m. they went to the Barbican to return to Mount Batten. The sea was rough and a strong wind was blowing when they set out, about 11 o'clock to cross. Both witness and deceased were standing at the back of the boat leaning on the canvas hood. - "As we left I said, 'I should get down below or you'll get washed out,'" continued witness. The boat was tossing about a good deal. - After speaking to HUTCHINSON witness did not see him again, and assumed that HUTCHINSON had followed the advice given. Witness remained in the back of the boat until it went alongside the pier and called to tell HUTCHINSON that they were across. There was no reply, and it was found HUTCHINSON was not under the canopy. - Witness called to the boatman and the boat was immediately sent back over the same course to Plymouth, but no trace of the missing man was found. - "No Noise Of Splash." - He understood that HUTCHINSON could swim. No noise of a splash was heard, and witness concluded that HUTCHINSON must have fallen overboard when stepping down to go under the canopy. - The Coroner: Are you quite certain he was sober when on the boat? - Witness: Quite. In my opinion he was not drunk. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that both men were sober and that the accident was entirely due to the rough weather and high sea. HUTCHINSON, he thought, probably fell overboard whilst endeavouring to carry out Sergt. Townshend's advice to go under the canopy. - Sergt. Holmes, Devon Constabulary, watched the proceedings for the Police.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 7 October 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death From Scalds. Plymouth Child Who Pulled Over Jug Of Boiling Water. - How a thirteen-months-old boy pulled a jug of boiling water from a table over himself and died in Hospital from the severe scalds was related at an Inquest held by the Deputy Coroner, Mr W. E. J. Major, at Plymouth yesterday on ERIC JAMES CRAVEN, the son of a naval stoker, living at Caroline-place, Stonehouse. - The mother said that last Thursday afternoon she was in her kitchen with her mother. The baby was playing on the floor. An aunt, Mrs Nellie Cordwell, came in and placed a jug of hot water on the table. They were talking together and whilst their attention was off the baby he must have got his hand in the handle of the jug and pulled the contents over himself. A doctor was sent for and the child was taken to the Central Hospital, where he died the following afternoon. - Dr Mabel Joan Cooke said death was due to shock and congestion of the lungs due to scalds and the Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." - The Coroner expressed sympathy with the parents and said it was to be hoped that such a case would impress upon people that they could never be too careful where children were concerned.

Western Morning News, Thursday 9 October 1930
TOTNES - Reason Unknown. Coroner And Totnes Man Who Committed Suicide. - Returning a verdict of "Suicide" at the Inquest on MARK TAPLEY, aged 29, of Totnes, yesterday, the Coroner, Mr G. E. Windeatt, said there was no evidence to help him as to the state of deceased's mind at the time. - The widow said her husband was a baker and confectioner, and she last saw him alive at 8 p.m. on Monday, when she went to a kinema. When she returned at 9.50 she found her husband crouching on the sitting-room settee with a bag over his head. A gas tube was on the settee and attached to a gas bracket, which was turned on. - TAPLEY'S nerves were bad about 12 months ago, but he had never threatened to kill himself. Witness knew of nothing which could have worried him, excepting, perhaps, overwork. - A man who had lodged in the house since Easter said deceased sometimes seemed to be a bit moody. - Dr Jellicoe said death was due to gas poisoning. 

Western Morning News, Friday 10 October 1930
PLYMPTON - Fatal Play. Child Killed In Roadway At Plympton. - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone yesterday at Plympton Inquired into the death of JEAN IRIS MUMFORD, aged a year and nine months, who was knocked down and killed at Colebrook, Plympton, on Wednesday by a motor car driven by Frederick Littlejohns, of Victoria-place, Plympton. - MRS ENA FLORA MUMFORD, of Stephen's-cottages, Colebrook, the mother, said the child had been accustomed to play in the street and the day prior to her death had been nearly involved in an accident. Hearing a scream at 1.15 on Wednesday, witness rushed into the road and found her daughter lying there. - Frederick Littlejohns said he was driving his car through Colebrook at about eight or nine miles per hour. He was well on his right side of the road, which was quite clear. All of a sudden he heard an "awful scream." At the moment he did not realize that it had anything to do with him. He stopped his car, however, and looking back saw a child in the road. He did not feel any shock as though he had struck anything. - Dr Samuel McGladdery said the child had sustained a fractured skull and other injuries. Death must have been instantaneous. Probably a wheel of the vehicle had passed over the child. - William Henry Full, of Stephen's-cottages, Colebrook, deposed that he saw the car coming slowly around the corner on its correct side. There were two children in a doorway. One of them ran into the road as the car was passing the doorway, and collided with it. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and exonerated the driver from blame. They added that they considered the spot a dangerous place for children to play.

Western Morning News, Monday 13 October 1930
TAVISTOCK - Tavistock Drowning. Mylor Bridge Woman and Missing Husband. - At the adjourned Inquest at Tavistock on Saturday on PATRICK O'BRIEN, whose body was recovered from the River Tavy at the Meadows, near Westbridge, on Thursday of the previous week, a verdict of "Found Drowned" was returned by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone. - A statement was read from Sergt. Hillman of Penryn, Cornwall, which showed that he had interviewed a MRS EMMA O'BRIEN, whom he had found in service at Mylor Bridge. She said that she saw in the papers of an O'BRIEN who was drowned at Tavistock. The name was given as JOHN, but her husband was named PATRICK. - "I am not certain," she said, "but I think the man drowned at Tavistock is my husband. We were married at Redruth on February 20, 1923. I had a bad time with him. He was a heavy drinker, and it was nearly always methylated spirits. He left me in August 1926 and I have not seen him since."

Western Morning News, Friday 17 October 1930
SHEEPSTOR - Accidental Drowning Of Cheshire Man. - Giving evidence at an Inquest held at Burrator Lodge, near Sheepstor, yesterday by the Deputy Coroner for Tavistock, Me E.W. Chilcote, on the body of MR AUBREY DRAPKIN, aged 21, of Wellington House, Wellington-road, Fallowfield, Manchester, Mr G. Shillibeer, water bailiff, of Burrator Cottage, said he found an overcoat on some railings on the banks of Burrator Lake. In it, among other articles, was a copy of Hall Caine's novel "The Deemster," and a letter. - In consequence he communicated with the Police, and the body of a young man was eventually located by the use of grappling irons. - The letter was not read out in court. - MR ALFRED DRAPKIN, of Wellington-road, Fallowfield, gave evidence of identification, and said his son was a B.A. in commerce at Manchester University. - Dr W. H. Waterfield, of Union-street, Plymouth, said that in his opinion the body had been in the water for about four or five days, and that death had undoubtedly taken place through asphyxia by drowning. There were no marks of violence. MR DRAPKIN had come to him previously in Plymouth on Wednesday, October 8, complaining of pains. - Dartmoor Walking Tour. - He had seemed concerned about his heart, which he thought was weak, but witness assured him that it was perfectly sound. He informed witness that he was returning straight to Princetown, where he had been staying while on a walking tour. He had mentioned that he had got no money, but took witness's address in order that he might send it. - Constable H. Willcocks, of Yelverton, said that on Monday, October 13, he and Constable Perring proceeded to the lake on account of a communication received from Mr Shillibeer. It was then too dark to do anything, but they returned the next day with Sergt. W. G. Potter, of Crownhill, and dragged part of the lake from a boat. On October 15 at noon, they found the body. - Sergt. Potter said that deceased had come to Princetown on October 7, and did not know anyone. On October 9 he left the Prince of Wales Hotel, where he had been staying, saying he was going for a long walk, and would like a hot dinner when he returned in the evening. He never returned. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death due to Asphyxia through Drowning."

Western Morning News, Thursday 23 October 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Death from Hypostatic Pneumonia, following a fracture of the right hip as a result of a fall," was the verdict returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, who held an Inquest upon MRS ELIZABETH WILLIAMS, at the Greenbank Infirmary, Plymouth, yesterday. Deceased, aged 62 years, was the wife of the late SERGT. W. WILLIAMS. She had been an inmate of the Infirmary since 1925.

Western Morning News, Saturday 25 October 1930
PLYMOUTH - A verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with medical evidence was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM LEAMAN, an unemployed cab driver, of Sycamore-avenue, Plymouth. MARTHA LEAMAN, the widow, said her husband returned soon after leaving home one morning, saying the wind had knocked him over, and he had cut his knee. Reluctant to send him to Hospital, she treated his leg, but after some days he became drowsy and died. - Dr H. H. Cohen said death was due directly to a septic wound.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 October 1930
YEOVIL, SOMERSET - Fatal Accident To Plymouth Girl. Jury And Dangerous Spot Near Yeovil. - A verdict of "Death from Misadventure" was returned at an Inquest at Lydford, near Yeovil, yesterday, on MISS EMILY MURRAY of 49 Palace-street, Plymouth, who lost her life in a motor cycle accident on the London-Bristol road on Friday morning. - The Jury added a rider to their verdict that the County Council's attention should be drawn to the spot, which they regarded as dangerous, fifty accidents having occurred there in ten years. - Mr Reginald Riggs, the motor cyclist is in Yeovil Hospital, suffering from injuries to his head and shoulder. - PETER MURRAY said his daughter had been employed at Paulton as a bookbinder. She was 22 years of age. He would like to contradict the reports that had appeared that he was not informed by the Police of the death of his daughter until Saturday morning. The Police had notified him of the accident on Friday morning. - Scene Of Accident. - Albert Wilkins, timber feller, of Kinton Mardeville, described the discovery of the body. The motor cycle was close to the grass verge and facing towards Yeovil. The motor cyclist was by the side of the machine, lying across the verge of the grass with his feet on the edge. The girl was five yards from the man. - The Coroner said that Riggs had been interviewed in Hospital and had said that his lights went out and that he did not remember anything except picking himself and the bicycle up.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 28 October 1930
DAWLISH - Teignmouth Tragedy. Woman's Depression Owing to Ill-Health. - Mr Windeatt, Deputy Coroner, held an Inquest at Dawlish Vestry Hall yesterday on ISABEL RENDELL, aged 42, wife of FREDERICK GEORGE RENDELL, dairyman, of Coombe-road, Teignmouth, whose dead body was found on the beach near Smugglers'-lane, Dawlish, on Sunday afternoon. - The widower stated that he last saw his wife alive at 6.20 on Saturday evening when he went out and left her in the kitchen. On his return she had left the house and as she did not come back he inquired of friends without result. He then informed the Police. Deceased had been in ill-health and under a doctor for some years past, and this caused her to be depressed. She had not been any worse lately, nor had she given the slightest hint that she thought of taking her life. She left no letter or message. - Dr Basil L. Thurlow stated that the post-mortem revealed extensive evidence of chronic inflammation of the stomach, and this would bring about acute depression. Death was due to drowning. - The Deputy Coroner returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst Temporarily Insane."

Western Morning News, Wednesday 29 October 1930
PLYMSTOCK - Riddle Of The Sands. Mystery Of Girl Teacher's Death. Found Drowned On Jennycliff Beach. - In spite of a Coroner's Inquiry, mystery still surrounds the death of a Devon school teacher, MISS MARGARET MARY GODFREY, aged 21, who resided at Oreston, and whose body was found on the beach at Jennycliff, near Plymouth, on Sunday. - The girl had seen her mother off by train at Friary Station, for Whimple, on Saturday evening, and afterwards entered the train for Oreston and Turnchapel. After that her movements are a mystery. - The Inquest was held by Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, County Coroner, at Turnchapel yesterday. - MRS LUCY GODFREY, of Lamorna, Whimple, identified the body as that of her daughter, who had been lodging at 1 Endsleigh-road, Oreston. She had been teaching at Oreston School about two months. Witness paid her a visit for the day on Saturday and they had dinner at her lodgings. - Replying to the Coroner, witness said her daughter was quite cheerful, and everything was quite all right. She did not give the impression that anything was troubling her. - Spent Day With Mother. - They spent the afternoon at Plymouth, where they had tea, and in the early evening her daughter went to Friary Station to see her off on the return journey to Whimple. Deceased said she would be spending the following weekend at Whimple. - The Coroner: Did she correspond with you fairly regularly? - Every week; sometimes twice a week, and her letters were always bright. - Had she given any indication of any trouble she might be in? - Nothing whatever. She was very pleased with her job. - Had she any love affair? - Nothing whatever. - She never told you of any? - No, she had not got any, I know. - Assuming she took her life, can you throw any light on the cause? - Nothing whatever. I cannot realise she did it. - Mrs Mary Ellis, with whom MISS GODFREY lodged, said MISS GODFREY liked being at Oreston, and had expressed the hope that she would become a permanent teacher there. There were no indications that anything was troubling her. She was of a cheerful nature. When she did not return at the usual time on Saturday witness came to the conclusion she had gone to the theatre with a friend. - Partly Embedded In Sand. - Wm. Edwin Giles, Jennycliff Tea Gardens, Plymstock, deposed to finding the body on the beach. It was stretched on the sands fully dressed, with hat and gloves in a pocket. - The Coroner: Was she embedded in the sand? - Partially. Her hands were just covered. - The tide had been ebbing about three hours. He thought he recognized her as a visitor to the Jennycliff Tea Gardens on one or two occasions. - Was the body washed up by the tide? - I can hardly form an opinion. I don't think she would have laid so peacefully if she had been washed up by the tide. It seemed as if the body lodged there and the tide had receded. - Dr S. Noy Scott said he examined the body at the Mortuary. He found no marks of violence, and formed the opinion that she had been dead from eight to twelve hours. The external signs were consistent with death from drowning. - "Found Drowned." - The Coroner: Can you definitely say the cause of death was drowning? - No, sir. - Miss Barbara Bessie Mabel Oats, Oreston-road, Plymstock, said she and MISS GODFREY travelled from Plymouth in a train bound for Turnchapel on Saturday evening. MISS GODFREY seemed to be as usual. - Constable Badge said he had been unable to ascertain whether deceased alighted from the train at Oreston or Turnchapel. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Found Drowned," and expressed sympathy with the parents. - Mr Edgar H. Fowler, Inspector of Schools, said MISS GODFREY was an unusually promising young teacher, who had done her work extremely well. A career of an exceptionally gifted teacher had been anticipated for her.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 October 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Travelling Too Fast." Plymouth Coroner And Dead Cyclist. - At a Plymouth Inquest yesterday on LESLIE CHARLES WEBBER, aged 21, of Alexandra-road, Ford, a shipwright in H.M. Dockyard, who was killed in a collision with a Corporation 'bus at the junction of Melville-road and St Levan-road, Ford, whilst cycling to work on Monday morning, the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, said that the man had left his house at a few minutes to seven, and he had to be at work at seven. Undoubtedly he had been travelling too fast. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death." Mr E. Vosper, Deputy Town Clerk, appeared for the Corporation and Det.-Sergt. Cloke for the Police. - MRS M. L. WEBBER said that she last saw her husband about 5 minutes to 7 on Monday morning, when he left for work. He had always been a very careful rider, and she had more than once told him to be careful about the hill at Melville-road. - Fred Joseph Godefroy (16) said that while waiting for a tram at the junction of St Levan-road and Melville-road he noticed a cyclist approaching at a fast rate. He looked down St Levan-road and saw a tram coming with a 'bus jut behind. He then heard a crash and saw the cyclist lying in the middle of the road. He heard the 'bus driver sound his horn. - Sidney Arthur Cornish stated that in his opinion neither the cyclist nor the 'bus driver could see each other, because the tram was in the way. - W. J. Williams, tram driver, said that the cyclist only just cleared the tram, and he (witness) had to put on his emergency brake to stop running into him. The cyclist rebounded from the 'bus, which stopped at once. The distance between the 'bus and the tram was about 6 feet. - The 'bus driver, Mr R. A. J. Northcott, gave corroborative evidence. - The Jury exonerated the drivers of the car and 'bus from blame.

Western Morning News, Thursday 30 October 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fractured Skull. Plymouth Man Who Fell In The Street. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" due to a fractured skull caused by a fall in Manor-street, Plymouth, on Sunday night, was returned at the Inquest held yesterday at the City Mortuary on the body of FRED NORMAN, (63), hawker, of 111 King-street, Plymouth. - Mrs E. F. Seccombe said the man had been a frequent visitor to her house at 75 King-street, during the past 20 years. He was bitten by a dog many years ago and had since suffered from fainting fits. - T. F. Phelan, 'bus driver, spoke to seeing NORMAN fall and finding him unconscious. - Miss M. J. Cook, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said the man was admitted on Sunday night in an unconscious state. He died on Monday. The skull was fractured on both sides, while the heart muscles were very weak and the lungs congested.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 November 1930
CRANWELL, LINCOLNSHIRE - Aeroplane's Nose-Dive. Coroner's Comment At Inquest On Totnes Flight Cadet. - Returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at an Inquest at Cranwell Royal Air Force Camp yesterday into the death of Flight-Cadet PETER BERRY, 19, elder son of DR H. S. BERRY, of Ashridge, Totnes, the Coroner, Dr E. Cragg, said that a Court of Inquiry was being held by the Air Force authorities simultaneously with that Inquest and it was very important that the accident should be thoroughly investigated. - The Coroner added that this was the second occasion within a fortnight that a machine of the Atlas type had nose-dived in an exactly similar way and crashed. - The rigger, Leading-Aircraftman W. H. Scott, said the rigging of the aircraft was satisfactory. - Flight-Sergeant H. T. English gave evidence that he made a test flight of ten minutes on the morning of the accident and found the machine quite satisfactory. There was some wind, which had increased when BERRY made his flight. - Flight-Lieut. S. Sandisford stated that BERRY, who was a flying pupil, was quite competent to fly. It was stated that Flight-Cadet BERRY had been at the Cadet College 18 months.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymouth Octogenarian's "Accidental Death." - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, yesterday at an Inquest on RICHARD PALMER PIPER, aged 81, of 2 Palace-street, Plymouth, who died at the Central Hospital on Thursday after receiving burns when he fell near a fireplace at his home. - MRS JESSIE L. BRIMMACOMBE of 1 Palace-street, daughter of deceased, said that on Wednesday she was informed by a neighbour that groans could be heard coming from her father's room and she found him on the floor near the fireplace with his clothes on fire. She and her son extinguished the flames. - Dr Joan Cooke, House Surgeon at the Central Hospital, said deceased regained consciousness for a little while after admission, but died on Thursday. Death was due to shock and congestion of the lungs due to the burns.

Western Morning News, Saturday 1 November 1930
TORQUAY - Coroner On Road Crossing. Torquay Warning To Motorists. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, conducting an Inquest at the Torbay Hospital, Torquay, last evening, said there was one thing motorists must exercise caution in doing, and that was in crossing from one side of the road to the other. Putting out a hand was not sufficient. They must see that the road was in such a state that they could cross in safety - The Inquest was held relative to the death of CUTHBERT WILLIAM CHAMBERS, aged 28, motor mechanic of 61 Upton-road, Torquay, who died at the Torbay Hospital on October 29, having been admitted 11 days before suffering from injuries received when his motor cycle came into collision with a car driven by Ronald Pooley, of Walnut-road, Chelston, on the Newton road. - Stanley J. Payton, of Furzwell-gardens, Torquay, who was a passenger in the car, said they were travelling about 27 miles an hour as they passed the steam laundry on the Newton-road. The driver put out his hand to signal that he was going to cross the road. He might have turned a very little when witness heard a screech of brakes, and there was a slight bump. The driver pulled over to the off side of the road, stopped and witness and the other occupants got out and saw a man lying on the road. A motor cycle was on top of his legs, upside down. - The driver of the car stated he intended to stop at his brother's house near Shiphay-lane. Passing the laundry he glanced into his mirror and, seeing nothing behind him, started pulling up, put his hand out, and then commenced to cross the road. About the middle he heard a bump, but did not know what it was, and pulled over to the house he intended visiting quite unconscious of the fact that there had been an accident. - The House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, said CHAMBERS had a fracture at the base of the skull and damage to the brain, which caused death. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and expressed the opinion that there was an error of judgment on the part of the driver in not giving sufficient warning at the time that he was going to cross the road.

Western Morning News, Thursday 6 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Car Driver Exonerated. Jury's Comment At A Plymouth Inquest. - Although the Jury exonerated him from all blame in connection with the death of a five-year-old Plymouth boy, they thought that John Stanley Blatchford, of Old Laira-road, Laira, "should exercise a little more observation and care when driving through the main streets of Plymouth, especially when near a school." - This observation was made at the Inquest held by the City Coroner at Vauxhall-street, Plymouth, yesterday, on ALBERT HENRY OWEN STEPHENS, aged five, who lived with his parents at 22 Victoria-street, Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was recorded. - MRS MABEL STEPHENS said her son had crossed the road once or twice lately, although she had cautioned him not to do so. - Mr Albert Thomas White of 139 Glendower-road, Plymouth, a schoolmaster, said that on Monday afternoon, about 4 o'clock, he and his wife were walking along Cobourg-street, towards North-road Station. Their attention was attracted by a child running across the road, leaving two others on the other side. They were attracted because the two children on the other side were so alert and careful, and would not move to cross the road while they saw anything coming. The little boy was looking to the left and as the car was coming along very silently he did not see or hear it. - No Horn Sounded? - The street was fairly clear of vehicles at that moment. He heard no horn sounded. The car was travelling at a fair pace, but was not being driven recklessly fast. He thought the driver of the car might have avoided the child if he had swerved, which he did not. - George Tozer, 43 Southmilton-street, Plymouth, said he saw the children standing on the kerb waiting to cross the road. The little boy made an attempt to cross the road, and the little girl who had hold of his hand tried to pull him back, but he darted across the road and before he could get across the car hit him. - The driver put on his brakes, skidded, and swerved to the right. - Samuel George Hewins, aged 14, of 4 Rowe-street, Plymouth, said the car did not go very far before it stopped, the driver got out and came back. - John Stanley Blatchford, Old Laira-road, Laira, the driver of the car, said he was driving down Cobourg-street, making his way to the General Post Office. He looked up James-street to see if there was anything coming down, and looking to the front after that saw the two children on the pavement. By that time he was almost level with them. - Darted Into Road. - Just as he was about to pass them the little boy darted into the road. The little girl tried to hold him back. He applied his brakes and was slowing down when the boy ran into his near mudguard, and, he thought, went under the front wheel. - He pulled out to the right, trying to avoid the child, which brought the car practically into the middle of the road. He was about 8 ft. or 10 ft. away from the children when he saw them on the pavement. He did not think they were going to cross the road, for they were talking to each other at the time. He did not remember sounding his horn. - Constable John Crocker, of the City Police Force, said the driver of the car must have stopped very quickly. - Dr Geoffrey Alleyne Cook, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said the child was brought to the Hospital in the ambulance. He had him taken straight to the ward, and followed him there. When he examined him he was dead. Death was due to a fractured skull and internal haemorrhage. 

Western Morning News, Friday 7 November 1930
MODBURY - Danger Of Cows On Road At Night. Inquest On Modbury Motor Cyclist. - The danger of driving cows across a main road at night without a light was emphasized by the Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, at an Inquest at Modbury yesterday on ARTHUR NICHOLAS ROGERS, aged 22, of Church-street, Modbury, who died following a collision between his motor cycle and a cow. - The Coroner said deceased's little sister, who was riding pillion had not recovered sufficiently to attend the Inquiry, neither could she give evidence at her home. She was the only witness, he believed, of the actual accident. The Jury, however, elected to proceed with the case. - MR ARTHUR CHARLES PINHALE ROGERS, butcher, of Church-street, Modbury, said his son was going to Aveton Gifford from Modbury to fetch his sister. He had taken his young lady on the pillion of the cycle several times. - Dr H. P. Miles, of Modbury, said death was due to concussion and injuries to the brain, caused by deceased falling on his head. - Farmer's Evidence. - Albert Caunter, of Stoliford Farm, Modbury, said after having milked his cows he turned the animals into a field on the other side of the road between seven and eight o'clock. He drove twelve of the cattle out of the yard, having looked up and down the road first to see if any traffic was coming. He could see, perhaps, one hundred yards along the Aveton Gifford road. While he was driving the cattle out of the gate he was standing in the middle of them, a motor cycle came by, passed the gate and crashed to the ground. - The Coroner: For a short time some of these cows were unattended in the road. - "Yes," replied witness, who added that he found the little girl standing beside the cycle and her brother prostrate on the ground. Witness turned the cows back to the farm and attended to the injured youth as best he could. He was carrying a lantern, but there was nobody else with the cows. He afterwards found one of the animals had a cut on its upper lip, which was possibly caused by collision with the cycle. - Deceased's father: Do you think it was quite in order for only one man to be in charge of twelve cows, some of which were in the main road without a light? - Witness: I did not see any danger. I have turned the cows out scores of times before and I took every precaution I thought necessary. - The father: You ought to have had a man at the head of the cows with a light. - Constable Daniels said he found deceased lying on his back in the road bleeding freely from the forehead and face. - Coroner's Comment. - The Coroner said that there was only one question - whether Mr Caunter did as he ought to have done in driving the cows without being in the road himself. He was fully entitled to use the road for his business just as other people did, but they could not but think that it was hardly a prudent thing to allow so many cattle to get into the road, where there must have been a good deal of traffic, with no light whatever in the road. - The Jury added a rider to the verdict of "Accidental Death" that Mr Caunter should take more precaution in the future, although there was no law compelling him to have a light when driving cattle.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Honicknowle Tragedy. Child's Inquest Story Of Boy's Fatal Fall. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at an Inquest on JAMES WILLIAM IVEY, aged 10, of Woodland-villas, Honicknowle, held by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday. The boy was injured when he fell from a tree on Monday, and he died on the following day. - JOHN ALFRED IVEY, father of deceased, said that on Monday afternoon his son, ALFRED, told him that JAMES had fallen from a tree in Honicknowle Woods, and could not speak. Witness found the boy lying on his back at the foot of a tree. - Deceased was taken home in a motor lorry, and subsequently taken in an ambulance to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, where he died. - Miss Sylvia Jones, aged 12, of Ford cottages, Honicknowle, said she saw deceased almost at the top of a tree. He stood up, but witness could not see whether he was holding anything. Suddenly he fell, knocked his back against a branch and dropped to the ground. She thought he fell face downwards. She took out her handkerchief to wipe away blood which was coming from his lips. - Sergt. William Potter, of Crownhill, said the branch on which the boy was stated to have been standing was approximately 24 feet from the ground. - The Jury complimented Sylvia Jones on the manner in which she had given evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 8 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Naval Officer's Death. Jury's Observation At Plymouth Inquest. - A Plymouth Jury, while returning a verdict of "Accidental Death" at the Inquest yesterday on a cyclist who was killed on Tuesday, added the rider that the driver of the motor lorry concerned should have exercised more care at the cross-roads in regard to his speed. - The Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, remarked that the evidence was a little complicated, but he thought that it had been sufficiently proved that if any negligence on the part of the lorry driver had been committed, it was not of a culpable nature. - The driver referred to was Horace Finch, aged 18 ½ of 16 Agaton-road, St Budeaux, and the man who died as the result of the accident was identified by his widow as Commissioned Gunner, W. JOHNSON, H.M.S. Carysfort, aged 47, of 42 King-gardens, Plymouth. - Alfred Coleman, of Holmleigh, Dean's Cross, Plymstock, a motor driver employed by Plymouth Corporation, said on Tuesday he reached the 'bus stop at Henderson-place, Ford, and as he was about to move off again he put out his right hand to indicate the way his 'bus was to turn. He then saw a cyclist coming from Henderson-place. - Lorry's Approach. - Witness kept his 'bus stationary to allow the cyclist to pass. Looking into his mirror he saw a lorry approaching from behind. He concluded the lorry driver had seen the cyclist, but he saw the mudguard of the lorry hit the bicycle, which was almost stopped in the centre of the road. - The cyclist was riding very cautiously and he did not expect the lorry - which was travelling at 20 miles per hour - to pass him, (witness). - Cecil Vearncombe, of Beacon Park-road, Swilly, and Sidney Wilberham, of Moor View, Ford, who were passengers in the omnibus, gave similar evidence. - Finch told the Coroner he had been driving for about 2 ½ years. On Tuesday he was driving the lorry along Wolseley-road towards Ford House. As he approached the cross-roads there he pulled out to the right to pass an omnibus and sounded his horn. - When half way past the 'bus the driver first extended his right hand and then withdrew it. Witness applied his brakes, but then passed the omnibus. As he did so a cyclist seemed "to dart from the corner." Witness immediately applied his brakes, but a collision occurred. He could not have avoided the accident. - Medical evidence showed that death was due to a fracture of the skull.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 November 1930
LOOE, CORNWALL - Inquest On Plymothian. Fall From Schooner's Rigging At Looe. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Coroner, Dr E. F. Toogood, at an Inquest held at Looe yesterday on ALFRED PRATER, aged 59, of 103 Cattedown-road, Plymouth. PRATER died following a fall from the rigging of a schooner at West Looe on Saturday. - Charles Arthur Brown, Old Foresters' Arms, Oreston, said he was in the rigging at the time of the accident. PRATER came aloft to help another man lower a topsail, but seemed to slip and fall to the deck. The distance was between 40 and 50 feet. Deceased fell because the seizing which attached a foot rope-end to the mast broke. - Mr J. L. Wolferstan, representing the owner of the vessel, Mr Alfred Westcott, Woolster-street, Plymouth, and the Shipowners' Protection and Indemnity Association, Ltd., asked whether the seizing would be affected by the bad weather and witness replied that it would. - John Smith, captain of the schooner, of 6 Alvington-street, Plymouth, said the breaking of the seizing was quite possible, but they always kept a look-out for any defects. - Dr M. Cooper (Looe) said death was due to shock, following multiple injuries.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 11 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Fatally Scalded. Plymouth Child's Fall Into Boiling Water. - A verdict that death was due to shock and toxaemia, consequent upon scalds, Accidentally received through falling into a pan of boiling water, was returned at the Inquest at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, yesterday, by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on DAVID WIBLIN, aged 5. - ANNIE WIBLIN, the mother, and wife of ALBERT ERNEST SELLICK WIBLIN, an unemployed journeyman plumber, of Arnold's Point, The Embankment, Plymouth, said that on Wednesday last at 6 p.m. she was washing clothes, and her son, FREDDIE, aged 14, was sitting by the fire. She said to him "Come along and wash the dishes, but don't touch the saucepan." He placed an enamel basin on the floor and poured boiling water into it. - When he was placing the saucepan on the fender, DAVID, who was playing in the room with cotton tied to the door handle and walking backwards pulling on it, fell into the basin, when the cotton broke. - She pulled off his clothes, applied olive oil, and sent for the ambulance. - Dr Dennis Herbert Le Good, House Surgeon at the Hospital, said that the boy when admitted had one-third of the body surface burned by scalds. In his opinion death was due to shock and toxaemia, consequent upon the scalds.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1930
IVYBRIDGE - The Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone, returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence at an Inquest at Ivybridge yesterday on a child, the son of CYRIL and ELLEN CASTLE of 38 Fore-street, Ivybridge, who was found dead in bed early on Monday morning. - EDITH MAUDE CASTLE, grandmother of the child, said that on Sunday night witness occupied the same bed as the mother, the child sleeping between them.

Western Morning News, Wednesday 12 November 1930
TORQUAY - Torquay Child Killed. Coroner's Third Road Death Inquiry In Ten Days. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, at an Inquest at Torquay yesterday on a child who was killed in collision with a taxi-cab, said there were streets in Torquay where it was safer to drive in the middle of the road. - This was especially the case where children were playing, as they were liable suddenly to rush across the street, giving the motorist who was on his near side no room to manoeuvre. - The Inquest was on EDWARD THOMAS GLYN WALDRON, the three-years-old child of MR WILLIAM WALDRON, of 41a Parkfield-road, Torquay. The child was killed when running across the road to his home on Saturday afternoon in a collision with a taxi-cab, driving by Henry James Cox of 59 South-street, Torre. - The child was taken to Torbay Hospital. It is believed that death was instantaneous, the injuries consisting of a fracture of the right collar-bone and right half of the skull and a broken neck. - The Jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death" and exonerated the driver from all blame. - Norman Edward Brimblecombe, of Empire-road, Torquay, said he heard the horn of the taxi-cab being sounded continually. The vehicle was proceeding slowly, but the child ran straight in front of it. The driver swerved to the right, but the child ran on, and the near front wheel passed over him. Ellen B. Eden, of Parkfield-road, Albert George Tippett, of Parkfield-road and Harold Somerville, a captain in the Indian Army, at present staying in Torquay, a passenger in the taxi, also gave evidence that the accident was unavoidable. - The driver, Henry James Cox, said his speed was 12 miles an hour. - The Coroner said the Jury might come to the conclusion that the little child suddenly rushed across the road, heedless of danger. - He mentioned that this was the third road fatality into which he had inquired within 10 days. - Mr C. H. Taylor represented the driver of the taxi-cab .

Western Morning News, Thursday 13 November 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Fell Off Scaffolding. Council Workman's Death At Plymouth. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned by the Jury at an Inquest conducted yesterday at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, by Mr J. A. Pearce, City Coroner, respecting the death of HENRY ANDREW CROCKER, aged 56, a mason, employed in the Works Department of the Plymouth Corporation, who fell from a scaffolding outside the Devonport Museum and Library on Friday afternoon last and sustained fatal injuries. - Mr E. Vosper represented the Corporation and there were also present Mr J. Chandler, H.M. Inspector of Factories, and Mr W. H. Pawley, of the Amalgamated Union of Building Trade Workers. - MISS CROCKER, 18b. James-street, Devonport, gave evidence that her father never suffered from giddiness. When she asked him in the Hospital how the accident happened his only reply was, "I don't know." - George Redvers Taylor, 39 Monument-street, Devonport, said he was standing at the corner of Duke-street, opposite the Public Library, when he saw CROCKER, who was standing on the top staging of the scaffolding outside the Museum, apparently over-balanced himself and fall to the ground. - Ernest William Shilson, 2 Guelph-place, Higher Compton, said he was engaged with CROCKER in plastering the front of the Museum building. They were on the top staging and witness saw him fall over backwards. The staging consisted of four planks and was 4 ft. 6 in. in width. CROCKER was close to the wall when he fell. The distance from the ground was about 20 ft. Witness said he had never known CROCKER complain of faintness or giddiness. - In answer to Mr Chandler, witness said that before the fall he saw no movement of any part of the staging. - Aaron Hoare, 6 Ladysmith-road, Plymouth, foreman of carpenters, in the Corporation employ, said the scaffolding was erected under his supervision about a month ago. He was satisfied it was all right. CROCKER actually erected the scaffolding and had great experience in the work. Witness spoke to him a few minutes before the accident and he then seemed quite well and in good spirits. - Shilson, recalled, said CROCKER fell off the end of the staging, and not over the front. There was about 1 ft. 6 in. of planking from where he was standing to the end. There was no rail there to prevent anyone falling. - John William Bowley, 43 Wilton-street, Devonport, who also witnessed the fall, gave evidence, and said there appeared to be no cause for the accident. - Dr W. L. McCracken, House Surgeon, Royal Albert Hospital, said that when admitted CROCKER was conscious and suffering from slight concussion and shock. He became worse and died on Monday morning, the cause of death being shock resulting from a fractured pelvis and multiple injuries. - The Jury returned a verdict as stated, and expressed sympathy with the widow and family. Mr Vosper associated the Corporation Works Department with the expression.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Accident In 1911. Stated To Be The Cause Of Dockyard Worker's Death. - That death was Accidental and due to a fall from a ladder in Devonport Dockyard in 1911 was the verdict at an Inquest on HENRY GLANFIELD, skilled labourer, aged 48, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, held by the Coroner, Mr A. J. Pearce. - Deceased's wife, ELLEN GLANFIELD, of Chapel-street, Devonport, stated that while working in the Dockyard her husband met with an accident on June 14, 1911, resulting in a fracture of the skull and concussion. He was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital and was there for four or five months. - On October 17 last he had a fit and on the following Tuesday was conveyed to the City Hospital. He had suffered from pains in the head ever since his accident. - Ernest Harper, of St Jude's-place, labourer, who witnessed the accident in 1911, said deceased fell about 60 ft., when two ladders collapsed owing to an eye-bolt coming out of the wall. - Evidence was given also by Ivor Lewis, Medical Superintendent of the City Hospital, and Richard Louis Gibbon Proctor, Surgeon-Lieutenant at the Royal Naval Hospital.

Western Morning News, Saturday 15 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest on MINNIE BAIRD, aged 40, domestic servant, of no fixed abode, at the Plymouth Mortuary yesterday, the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, returned a verdict that "Death was due to inflammation of the liver arising from toxaemia due to alcohol." Medical evidence showed that the woman was suffering from phlebitis, which would probably have accelerated death.

Western Morning News, Monday 24 November 1930
TORQUAY - Widow's Accidental Death At Torquay. - A seventy-years-old widow, named MRS ELIZABETH SMITH, who lived with her son and daughter-in-law, MR and MRS H. J. SMITH, at Tor Dean, Bampfylde-Road, Torquay, was found dead in bed on Saturday morning. Gas in the room was coming from a jet. At an Inquest later in the day a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 November 1930
SOUTH BRENT - Railway Tragedy. Suicide Verdict At Inquest On South Brent Woman. - "Suicide while Temporarily Insane" was the verdict returned at an Inquest yesterday to ELLEN CHARLOTTE BALCOMB, aged 64, of Vimy, South Brent, who was found dead on the railway on Sunday morning. Evidence of the daughter showed that deceased had been in a mental hospital. She came home at her father's request two months ago. Witness saw her mother at eight o'clock on Saturday, when she went to bed. Later her father told her that her mother was missing, and a neighbour informed the Police, who found the body badly mutilated on the railway.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Cornish Farm Drama. Story Unfolded In City Court. - "I am able to say that there must have been sufficient arsenic in the body to cause death." - This sentence, delivered in quiet, conversational tones, provided one of a succession of dramatic incidents which occurred yesterday during the Investigation by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, into the circumstances surrounding the death of MRS ALICE MAUD THOMAS, the wife of the Lewannick farmer, who died in Plymouth City Hospital after a midnight removal from her home to that Institution. - The Inquest which commenced at 10.15 a.m., continued, with two intervals, until seven o'clock last night, when it was adjourned until tomorrow. It is anticipated that there will be another protracted hearing before the Jury will be in a position to give their verdict. - Farewell Letter. "I am Going Out If I Can." - During the last fortnight the case has aroused interest throughout the country, particularly owing to the mysterious disappearance of one who would have been one of the most important witnesses - Mrs Annie Hearn. - It was after MRS THOMAS had eaten a sandwich while on a trip to Bude that her last illness occurred. - Two days after the funeral Mrs Hearn ordered a motor car, and was driven to Looe and has not been seen since she alighted from the vehicle at that resort. But she left behind a letter, the reading of which caused something of a sensation during yesterday's proceedings. - "Good-bye," she wrote. I am going out if I can. I can't forget that awful man - things he said. I am innocent - innocent [both these words underlined.] But she is dead, and it was my lunch she ate. I can't bear it. - When I am dead they will be sure I am guilty, and you at least will be clear. May your dear wife's presence guard and comfort you still. - Yours. A.H. - My life is not a great thing, anyhow, now dear MINNIE is gone. I shall be glad if you will send my love to Bessie and tell her not to worry about me. I will be all right, my conscience is clear, so I am not afraid of afterwards. I am giving instructions to Wenn about selling things, and hope you will be paid in full. It is all I can do now." - The Widower's Story. - This communication was addressed to MR THOMAS and formed part of his evidence, which occupied the whole of the morning. He was questioned in considerable detail by the Coroner and answered unhesitatingly, although at times he admitted he could not be precise in some of the details. - A typical Cornish farmer, stockily built, with dark hair turning grey on the temples, MR THOMAS answered the questions quietly and clearly, and then, when he had completed a trying ordeal, remained in the Court throughout the rest of the day listening to the witnesses who followed. - In the witness-box he told of the visit to Bude and the tea party at Littlejohn's Cafe, and explained how he himself felt unwell shortly afterwards. He spoke of the friendship between himself, his wife and Mrs Hearn, whom, he said, using a country term, lived only two gunshots distance from Trenhorne Farm. - Then he came to the fatal illness. He described the food his wife ate, and how, during her illness, he had carried her from room to room, and how, on one occasion, he had taken her to his bed because her own, she declared, "was streaming wet and the bedclothes torn." He gave a description of the steady recovery which his wife made, and then of the relapse which followed, and which ended in the summoning of a specialist from Plymouth and the conveyance of his wife, who was by then delirious, to the Plymouth City Hospital by ambulance at midnight. - With the exception of that of Mr Tickle, the analyst, the remainder of the evidence during the day was more or less of a corroborative character , and included that of MR THOMAS'S mother, who, despite her advancing years, gave her testimony clearly and without hesitation. - Once during a reference to the death of her daughter-in-law, to whom it was obvious that she was much attached, she all but broke down, but with marked will power overcame her temporary emotion and resumed her story. - "A Happy Atmosphere." - A young couple entered the box and told a simple story of the happy atmosphere in the THOMAS home. The young fellow had been an employee of MR THOMAS for about 16 years and the greater part of that time had lived in the house with them. He had, indeed, got married whilst working at Trenhorne Farm, and he was followed in the witness-box by his wife, a typical Cornish farm worker, who, in fact, since the passing of MRS THOMAS, has taken upon herself the duties of butter-making at Trenhorne Farm. - This young man also accounted for a supply of sheep-dip which, several years ago, his master had purchased. He recalled, he said, being told to be careful with what remained after the sheep-washing, and buried it in the garden at a spot which he remembered. - There was, however, additional reference to the arsenical problem before the analyst gave his evidence, by a tradesman from Launceston, Mr Claude H. Mathew, who stated that Mrs Hearn was known to him slightly as a customer. He produced books which showed that "A. Hearn" had purchased a supply of weed-killer in August 1926, by letter, which stated that she understood it would be useful to put in order a neglected part of the garden. - Evidence of Arsenic. - It was not until late in the evening that Mr Tickle went into the witness-box to give his evidence. He had, he said, not completed his analysis of all the organs submitted to him, but had fully examined the liver and found therein a quantity of arsenic amounting to two-thirds of a grain. "What is the minimum dose necessary to kill," he was asked, and his reply was that two grains may be fatal. Then quietly came the interrogation: Can you definitely say there must have been more than a fatal dose in the organs that you have examined? - He replied: Of that there can be no question at all. - Sitting easily in the box, only occasionally leaning forward to give emphasis to his replies, the analyst proceeded to tell the Jury something of the qualities of arsenic. If a person dipped a teaspoon into a tub of arsenic, he explained, he would dig out perhaps 200 grains; a pinch between the finger and thumb might contains seventeen grains, or more than eight possibly fatal doses. He had just completed his evidence when the hearing was adjourned. - The interest that had been evoked by the mysterious elements surrounding the death of MRS THOMAS and the disappearance of Mrs Hearn was reflected in the public and national interest in the case. The first found expression in the number of the general public who occupied the seats in the public gallery and the number of people who gathered around the Western Law Courts, where the Inquest was held, to watch the arrival of the principal actors in the drama. The second was exemplified by the presence of a score of Press representatives, who not only filled all the accommodation provided for them, but overflowed into the prisoners' dock of the Court. - A number of well-known business men of Plymouth had been empanelled upon the Jury, the Foreman of which was a retired Admiral of the Fleet. At first the Jury occupied the customary seats, but the acoustic properties of the hall made their task the more difficult, and later in the day they were given seats above the Coroner on the Bench whereon the Recorder of Plymouth customarily takes his seat. - The hearing will be resumed tomorrow at 10.15 a.m. - The Lewannick Mystery. Sensational. - Arsenic Found In Woman's Body. Sufficient To Cause Death, Says Expert. - Mrs Hearn's Dramatic Letter. "Good-bye - I am Innocent - I cannot Bear It." - The Western Law Courts at Plymouth were crowded when the Inquest was opened yesterday morning by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, on MRS ALICE MAUD THOMAS, wife of a Lewannick farmer, who died in a Plymouth Hospital following an illness contracted after a visit to Bude with her husband and her friend and neighbour, Mrs A. Hearn. - At Bude the party ate some sandwiches which Mrs Hearn provided, and MRS THOMAS was taken ill on the return journey. During her illness Mrs Hearn assisted in nursing her. After getting a little better MRS THOMAS had a relapse and died shortly after admission to Hospital on November 4. - Two days after her burial - i.e. on November 10 - Mrs Hearn disappeared and all trace of her has been lost. Before she left she sent the widower a sensational letter, which was produced at the Inquest. - The organs of the dead woman were analysed, and the analyst's evidence as to the finding of arsenic in the body, provided one of the dramatic incidents of the day. - The public galleries were filled yesterday, among those present being a number of people from the Launceston district. - When the Court resumed after the luncheon interval the Coroner stated that the Court would not sit today, but would be resumed on Wednesday, when it was hoped to conclude the Inquest. - Mr Mayburne Pearce appeared for the Chief Constable of Cornwall (Sir Hugh Protheroe-Smith) and Mr G. G. Wilson, of Launceston, represented MR THOMAS, the widower of the deceased. Supt. Pill, of Launceston, was also present. - A Jury of well-known business men was empanelled. They were Admiral Morshead (Foreman), Messrs. E. R. Underhill, A. Manico, G. M. Tyler, E. C. Wilford, E. E. Nicholls, F. W. Hainsselin, A. Webber, and J. M. Rees. - The Hearing Of The Evidence. - When the proceedings opened yesterday, the Coroner, after explaining the mode of procedure to be adopted, stated that in this case the duty of the Jury was first of all to ascertain the actual cause of death and, having satisfied themselves as to this, they would, if the circumstances warranted it, then say whether any person or persons, known or unknown, was or were responsible for such a death. The nature of their verdict might or might not involve certain statutory proceedings. - "In this case," he continued, "you are concerned with an Inquiry into the death of ALICE MAUD THOMAS, wife of WILLIAM HENRY THOMAS of Trenhorne Farm, Lewannick, Launceston, and the salient points of the case are, shortly, as follows:- Sandwiches Eaten At Bude. - "The deceased woman up till Saturday, October 18 last, although not considered a robust woman, was up till 5 p.m. on that day in ordinary good health. At that particular hour, with her husband and a friend of both known as Mrs Hearn, she entered Littlejohns' Cafe at Bude to have tea. - "They had a pot of tea and some cakes were ordered, and Mrs Hearn produced a packet of sandwiches which she said she had brought with her." - "Nothing very definite is remembered by MR THOMAS as to how many sandwiches were eaten or how they were passed around, but he recollected that his wife ate one of them and he ate one himself." - MRS THOMAS'S Illness. Sickness On Return Journey. - "They left Bude at 7 p.m., but just before they left, MRS THOMAS said she had a 'sweety' taste in her mouth and asked if there were any fruit shops in Bude. MR THOMAS went into a shop and obtained some bananas which he handed to his wife." - "The route home took them through Whitstone and Launceston and on reaching the former place MR THOMAS heard a peculiar sound and pulled up the car in which he was taking them home." - "Looking round he saw his wife had been sick. He got out and helped her out of the car and she stood on the grass for some minutes and then vomited again. As she seemed to have recovered after that, they continued their journey to Launceston, where MR THOMAS parked his car for a short period, as he had business to attend to. He arranged to meet his wife again at 9 o'clock." - Doctor Sent For. - "When he returned he found Mrs Hearn sitting in the car alone. He asked where his wife was and Mrs Hearn replied, 'She is ill and has been to the women's lavatory,' and added that MRS THOMAS had been ill two or three times." - "When she returned from the lavatory MR THOMAS suggested getting brandy and a doctor, but his wife replied that she would rather get away home, adding 'I shall be all right.'" - "They proceeded home, and MR THOMAS saw his wife was very weak and with the assistance of Mrs Hearn got her to bed. MR THOMAS went to get some brandy and went for Dr Saunders, although his wife objected." - Death In Hospital. - "Mrs Hearn was asked by both MR and MRS THOMAS to stay to look after MRS THOMAS, and from that day until Monday, November 10, Mrs Hearn remained in the house and apparently did all the cooking. MRS THOMAS'S illness continued with more or less severity until Monday, November 3, when, owing to her serious condition, Dr Saunders called in Dr Lister, from Plymouth, who advised her removal to the Plymouth City Hospital, where she was taken the same evening, and where she died a few hours after admission." - "The death was at once reported to me," continued the Coroner, "and I ordered Dr Eric Wordley, pathologist at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, to make a post-mortem examination, which he did that same afternoon." - "And in consequence of his report to me certain organs were forwarded to Mr Thomas Tickle, the City Analyst. His evidence will be before you today." - "The body was viewed by me in pursuance of my statutory duty and identified by MR THOMAS as his wife. An order for burial was accordingly issued by me." - Press Reports. Coroner's Warning To Jury. - "This is an investigation, not a trial, and, therefore, I am not fettered by any precise rules of evidence, but, notwithstanding this, I shall take care, as far as possible, to admit only such evidence as may directly bear on the facts of this particular case." - "In this connection I think I must refer to the prominence which a certain section of the Press has given to this particular case, and to some of the statements contained in the Press. Such statements might, or might not, have the effect of creating prejudice or suspicion in the minds of those who might have read them." - "Should any of you happen to have read any of the accounts in the Press I must ask you to eliminate from your minds any effect which such reading may have had on you, and apply your consideration solely to the facts that will today be set in evidence before you." - The Evidence. Story Of Visit To Bude. - WILLIAM HENRY THOMAS, farmer, Trenhorne, Lewannick, confirmed the evidence of identification of his wife, aged 43 years, at Plymouth Mortuary. - The Coroner told witness that he need not make any statement, but if he was willing to do so any such evidence would be taken down in writing and might be used at any future proceedings if necessary. He asked witness if he was prepared to give further evidence. - Witness replied in the affirmative and proceeded to say, in reply to the Coroner, that he had been married to MRS THOMAS for 20 years. - Coroner: What sort of health had your wife in the ordinary way? - Very good. Last summer I noticed some red places on her shoulder, very similar to ring-worm. - Cause Of Journey. - Replying to further questions by the Coroner, witness said that his mother had been staying with him, and on October 18, it was arranged for him to take her home to Bude in his car. - Coroner: Was it arranged for you and your wife and a Mrs Hearn to accompany your mother in the car? - That is right. - At whose suggestion was it that Mrs Hearn should accompany you? - My wife's. - Were your wife and Mrs Hearn very good friends? - Yes. - How long had you known her? - Ever since she had been at Trenhorne. - How long? - I should say four or five years. - I believe you, your wife and Mrs Hearn had had trips in the car on several occasions? - Yes. - His Wife's Suggestion. - At your wife's suggestion you went to Mrs Hearn to ask her to go with you? - Yes. - Was anything said about having tea at Bude? - Not before we got to Bude. - You left home about 3 p.m? - Yes. - On arriving at Bude you pulled up outside the Globe Hotel? - Yes. The arrangement was to have a look round and that I should meet them again about five o'clock. - Was there any reason why you separated from them then? - None whatever. If we were away for an outing they would go on their own and I would go on my own. - They arrived at Bude about four o'clock, or a quarter past. He went to a barber's and met them again at five o'clock where he had left the car. - At The Cafe. Sandwiches Produced By Mrs Hearn. - From there you went to Littlejohns Cafe for tea? - Yes. - And you said something to them. What did you say? - I think I said, "What are you going to have for tea?" - And somebody said something in reply. Was it MRS THOMAS or Mrs Hearn? - It was my wife who said, "Just a pot of tea, cakes and bread and butter." - While you were having tea what happened? - Mrs Hearn took out some sandwiches. - Where did she take the sandwiches from? - Whether she took them from her handbag I am not quite sure. - Do you remember whether the sandwiches were packed in paper? - I cannot remember whether they were in paper or whether in a clean serviette. - Each Ate Sandwiches. - What did Mrs Hearn do with them? - She asked us to have some. - Can you remember how they were passed around or what happened? Did MRS THOMAS reach over and take one, or what occurred? - So far as I can mind, I would not be certain, I think I took one and then my wife took one, and then Mrs Hearn. - Did you see after the three sandwiches were taken whether more were left? - I cannot say. - Did you have more than one yourself? - Only one. - And did MRS THOMAS have more than one? - I don't think so, but I cannot be sure. - Are you certain that Mrs Hearn also had a sandwich? - Yes, I am certain. - Can you remember whether there were any other customers in the cafe? - Yes. I remember a lady and a girl there just across from where we were. - Can you describe what the sandwiches consisted of, what they looked like, or what they were made of? - They were fish sandwiches. - How could you tell that? - By the taste. - Did you ask Mrs Hearn what they were made of? - I did afterwards, since my wife was taken bad. - What did she say? - She said it was tinned salmon. - You yourself did not know it was tinned salmon when you ate them? - No, sir, I did not know. - Witness said he had been in the cafe before with his wife, but as far as he knew, Mrs Hearn had not. - When you have been there with your wife have you ever taken any food there? - I don't remember that we did. - When MR THOMAS Felt Ill. - Did you think it was rather extraordinary that Mrs Hearn should bring sandwiches when you were going to a cafe? You arranged to have tea there, of course? - No. I did not think anything of it. We have been there before, and my wife has taken sandwiches to other places. - Then you left the cafe, and they said they were going to look at the shops, and you strolled towards the Globe Hotel? - Yes. - MR THOMAS went on to say that just after he had left the cafe, and on his way to the Hotel, he "felt a bit funny" in his stomach, "a kind of sick feeling." He went into the Hotel and had two small whiskies. That would be about 6 o'clock. After that he felt no more of the sickness. - "A Sweety Taste." - Then you left the Hotel and went to the car, where you found the ladies? - I went to the car, switched on the lights, turned the car around and went for my wife and Mrs Hearn. - Then I believe your wife said something to you? - She came along after ten minutes and said, "We have been to the car before," and asked me if there were any fruit shops in Bude. - Did she give a reason for asking? - Yes. She said, "I have got a sweety taste in my mouth." I said I would go and get her some fruit, and brought her some bananas. - The Drive Home. Witness's Wife Taken Ill. - Then you started to drive home? - Yes. - Do you remember when MRS THOMAS said to you that she had a sweety taste in her mouth if Mrs Hearn made any remark about it? - I do not remember Mrs Hearn saying anything about it. - On your way back to Whitstone you heard a peculiar noise and pulled up your car? - Yes. - It was a touring car and your wife and Mrs Hearn were sitting in the back seats? - Yes. - On looking around you saw your wife had been sick? - That is right, sir. - Can you say roughly what time you arrived at Whitstone? - I should say from between 20 to half-past six. - You got out of the car and MRS THOMAS stood on the grass for several minutes? - Yes. - And was sick again? - Yes. - Mrs Hearn also got out of the car and helped your wife up? - Yes. - How long were you there? - About ten minutes. - Did she vomit more than once? - Yes. Two or three times I should say. - Arrival At Launceston. - "After my wife seemed to recover," continued MR THOMAS, "we proceeded on our way. At Launceston I parked the car in the street market, as I had some business to attend to. I then said I would walk round and meet them again at 9 o'clock." - Coroner: I want you to be careful about the time there. - I am certain it was just about 9 o'clock, as I looked at the time. - When you arrived at the car, where were the ladies? - Mrs Hearn was there in the car alone. - And you asked where your wife was? - Yes. - She said "In there," pointing to the ladies' lavatory? - Yes. - She added, "She is ill, she has been there two or three times"? - Yes. - I believe you went and whistled for her? - Yes, and she came out of the lavatory. - "Get Me Home." - And you asked her how she was? - Yes, and she said, "We will get right home." - You suggested going for a doctor? - Yes, I did, and she said, "I don't want any doctor." - And then you asked her if you should get her brandy? - Yes, and she said, "No, get me home. I shall be better." - You went home and arrived about 9.20? - Yes, about that. - Mrs Hearn and yourself got her to bed? - Yes. - Mrs Hearn got her some hot water bottles and they were placed in her bed? - Yes. - Wife's Request. Asked Mrs Hearn To Stay With Her. - You said to your wife, "I am going to get the doctor"? - "I am going to get some brandy and get the doctor." - What did she say to that? - She said: "No, I don't want any doctor, and I don't want any brandy. I shall be all right tomorrow." - But you did something. What did you do, notwithstanding that? - I jumped in the car and went after the brandy at the club. - And brought it home and gave her some? - Yes. - That would be about what time? - I should say, as near as I can tell - I cannot be certain to five minutes - when I gave her the brandy it was about ten minutes to ten. - Went For Doctor and Brandy. - Then you went for the doctor? - Then I went to Polyphant for the doctor. - In the car? - Yes. - How far is Polyphant? - I should say about two miles. - Did he return with you in your car? - No, sir. - He came soon afterwards in his car? - Yes. - Very soon after, right away? - Yes. - Was there anyone else in the house at the time when this was occurring? - Do you mean living in the house? - Anybody in the house other than Mrs Hearn and your wife? - Not when the doctor came. - Does anyone else sleep there? - Not more than the young man in the house, my man. - Your farm hand? - Yes. - He sleeps in the house? - Yes. - And he would be there on this evening? - Yes. - How long has he been with you? - I am not quite certain; four or five years. - His name is Leslie Wilson? - That is right. - Seeing that your wife was evidently ill it was necessary for someone being there to look after her? - Yes. - What was the arrangement and who suggested it? - My wife suggested that Mrs Hearn stay and look after her and I asked her as well. - Up to this particular time did Mrs Hearn seem to be all right? - Yes, so far as I know. - Did she complain of feeling sick? - Not to me. - You heard her make no complaint at all? - No, sir. - Dr Saunders prescribed for your wife? - Yes, sir. - And were his orders carried out? - Yes. - Wife Got Better. - Can you say the first time your wife got up from bed? How long was she in bed before she got up again? - She came down three days before she was taken to Plymouth, Sunday, Saturday and, I think, Friday. So far as I can say she sat out in the room two afternoons for just a little while. - But she remained in bed several days? - Yes. - And did she appear to be getting better? - Yes, sir. - And in due course she was able to get up and sit out for two days. Do you remember if they were more than two days? - I think it was two days. - That would be practically October 29 and 30? - Yes, sir about that time, but I cannot be sure. - "Not So Well." MRS THOMAS Has A Relapse. - When did you first notice that she was not getting on so well as you anticipated? - I think it was on the Tuesday. - That would be October 28, on which day the doctor suggested your wife should be taken to Launceston Infirmary? - Yes, sir. The Wednesday, I think, I noticed my wife was not so well. - Up to this day, did you think that your wife was getting on nicely and recovering from her illness? - Yes, sir. I thought she was getting on all right. - And of course, the doctor was coming every day? - Yes, except that, I think, he missed one day, the Tuesday. - Mrs Hearn Did Cooking. - During all this time, between October 18 and 29, who did the cooking in the house? - Mrs Hearn. - And would she at times bring tea to your wife? - She would during the day, but first thing mornings I think I got the tea. - But took her her other food? - Yes, sir. - What food was she having during this time? - She had been having white of egg, biscuit, just a light biscuit and Benger's food, light stuff like that. - And would it all be prepared by Mrs Hearn? - Yes, sir. - During this time, had you given any information to her relatives about her being ill? - I did not give any information to my wife's relatives up to the Wednesday. - That was the Wednesday before she was brought to Plymouth? - Yes. - Why was that? - Because my wife did not wish me to. It would worry her mother. - Wife Objected. Why Mother Was Not Informed. - Don't you think it would have been better if you had, notwithstanding what your wife said, gone to her mother and told her your wife was in this condition? I think it right that she should have known. - Is there any friction between you and the PARSONS family? - Not then. There has been before, but not at that time. - You quite see how it would have been better to have gone to her mother and told her? - Perhaps it would have been in one way, but not in another. - Why not in the other? - My wife did not wish her mother to be unduly worried. - What made Mrs Wadge come to the farm? Had she heard about your wife? - I should think so; she lives not a quarter of a mile away. - Had you previously said anything to her about your wife? - No. - Wife's Mother's Arrival. - If you had passed the door would not you have thought "I had better go in and say something to her aunt"? - We were not on good terms. - Did you ask your wife if she would like to see her, and what did she say? - My wife said, "No. I do not feel like seeing anybody." - Mrs Wadge asked if you had said anything to her people? - I said no, because my wife did not want me to. - After this you went and told MRS PARSONS at Egloskerry. Did she return with you in your car? - Yes. - She stayed on at the house? - Yes. - Did she take charge of the house? - She took charge of the looking after my wife. - Did she prepare all your wife's food from that time up to the time she was taken from the house to go to Plymouth? - I cannot say all. Mrs Hearn had cooked, perhaps, the Sunday dinner. - How did your wife seem to be on Saturday, November 1? - She seemed, if anything, better. - Coming to the Sunday morning, who made the tea? - I think MRS PARSONS made the tea, and, I think, took it up to my wife. - Do you know the time she was taken down to the dining-room? - Before dinner, but I cannot remember the hour. - Up to the time she was taken to the dining-room she was in the same condition as on the two previous days? - Yes, if anything, a little better. - Sunday Meal. MRS THOMAS Ate Hearty Dinner. - Who prepared the dinner on the Sunday? - Mrs Hearn cooked the meat and stuff, and I do not know whether MRS PARSONS assisted in anything or not; I can't say. - What did the dinner consist of? - I think it was a roast leg of lamb, with Brussels sprouts or greenstuffs of some kind, and I think it was roast potatoes. - Who carved the joint? - I am almost sure I did, but I cannot be sure whether I cut out for my wife first. - You did not all have your dinner in the dining-room? - No, only the wife; the rest of us had it in the kitchen. - MRS PARSONS took your wife's portion in? - Yes. - Your wife ate her dinner? - Yes, we were rather glad to think that she was able to take solid food. - What tea did you have on that day? - I cannot remember exactly what my wife had. I have had such a lot to remember that I cannot remember everything. - Did you have tea with her? - I am not sure about that. - Carried Up To Bed. - I suppose during the day you had been attending to the farm? - Most of that day I was indoors. I was in the house during my wife's illness a tremendous lot. - You left the house about 8.15 and up to that time your wife was comfortable? - Yes. - Then you went to a Mrs Tucker to let her know how your wife was? - Yes. - You returned to the farm about nine o'clock? - Yes. My wife was still in the dining-room and between 9.30 and 10 I carried her up to bed. She was still unable to walk. - After you had put your wife in bed you sat chatting with her? - Yes. - And you were told that MRS PARSONS had given her one genasprin? - Yes. I gave her one more as I understood she was to have one ten minutes after the first. - Did you take the tabloids from a bottle on the mantelpiece? - Yes. - Bottle Of Tablets. Not In House Before Wife's Illness. - Who brought the bottle of genasprins to the house? - I think from Mrs Hearn's house. - How long ago? - I should say during that same week. - They were not in the house when your wife was first taken ill? - No; I am certain of that. - Do you know whether anyone else in the house had taken these tabloids? - I do not think so. - There were a certain number left in the bottle? - Yes. - All this time you were sleeping in a separate room? - Yes, in the room next to my wife's. - You went to bed about 10.15 or 10.30, and about 11.30 you heard a noise? - I think it must have been just before 11. I heard them talking, but do not know whether they called me or not. I went into the room and found MRS PARSONS and my wife in bed. Mrs Hearn was not there and MRS PARSONS said, "These genasprins have upset ALICE; She is not so well," or something to that effect. - As soon as you found your wife was quiet you went back into your own room? - Yes. - Wife's Delirium. - At 4 a.m. you heard someone calling you? - Yes. - You went into your wife's room? - Yes. My wife asked me to carry her back into my room and said: "This bed is streaming wet and the bedclothes are torn to pieces." I took her up in my arms and took her into my bed. - She remained there fairly quietly until you got up at 8 a.m. - Yes. It was then that I carried her back into her own bed. - Did you remain in the house that morning? - I think I remained in the house part of the time. - Did you notice later in the morning your wife's nose commenced to bleed? - Yes. - Did you then come to the conclusion that her condition was worse? - I thought I had better go and get the doctor. - About what time did you go to the surgery? - I should say I got to the surgery about ten minutes to ten. - And you found Dr Saunders was out? - Just gone. - You left a message for him that your wife was worse? - Yes. - He came later in the day - what time, roughly, do you think? - I should say about two o'clock. - And then did he advise that a specialist should be called in? - Yes. - And did you agree with that? - Yes. - And also that a trained nurse should be in attendance? - Yes, readily agreed to it. - And did Dr Lister come from Plymouth that same evening with a nurse? - Yes, but the nurse came separately. - Did he advise your wife's removal to the Plymouth City Hospital? - Yes. - Removal To Hospital. - What time did she leave the house? - About a quarter to twelve at night. - How was she removed? - By the St John Ambulance, from Plymouth. - Did you accompany her to the Hospital? - Yes. - And you were desirous of remaining with her, but, of course, that could not be allowed? - Yes. - And she died the following morning? - Yes. - Were you with her when she died? - No, sir. - Do you know what time she died? - 9.35. - Was your wife insured? - No, sir. - Had she any money? - Yes, sir. - How much? - Well, I cannot say exactly. I knew she had £100 in Launceston housing scheme and she had some money in War Bonds, but I don't think it was very much. Whether she had drawn that out I don't know. I am not sure about it. She used to manage her own affairs and I managed my affairs, and I do not know what she had. - Could it have been very much? - No, I could not say that. - Rat Poison. Kept Locked In The House. - Have you ever obtained arsenic from any chemist? - Never in my life. - Have you had any sheep-dip on your premises? - Yes, sir. - Cooper's yellow powder? - Yes, sir. - How long ago did you buy it? - Well, I cannot tell exactly when I purchased it. I should say perhaps five or six years ago, or it may have been longer. - When did you use the last lot of it? - I should say somewhere about two years ago. - And had you Lysol in the house? - Not at the time. - There has been Lysol in the house? - Yes, before now, but we have not had any for some months - twelve months. - Had you some rat poison? - Yes, sir, a tin of Harrison's rat poison. - Was it on the premises when your wife died? - Yes, sir. - Where was it kept? - Locked in my desk in the dining-room. - And two tins of Cooper's worm tablets? - They were kept on the shelf in the kitchen with various things used on the farm. - No Cause For Jealousy. - Now, with regard to Mrs Hearn. Did your wife ever object to her going to the house at all? - No, sir, never. - Were they very great friends? - Well, I cannot say very great, but ordinary friends. - Mrs Hearn lived how far away from you? - I should say about two gunshots; not more than three at the outside. - You and MRS THOMAS were friendly with her sister, Miss Everard, when she was living? - Yes. - I believe you used to pass in newspapers for them? - Yes. - And if you were going to town? - I would call and see if they wanted anything. Had you ever given your wife any cause to be jealous of Mrs Hearn? - Never, sir. - Was your association with Mrs Hearn a perfectly friendly one, just as between neighbours? - Yes, sir. - Loan To Mrs Hearn. Why Offer Of Help Was Made. - Did you ever lend Mrs Hearn any money? - Yes, sir. - When? - In 1928; I think on December 17. - Why do you remember it was the 17th? - Because the record of it in my bank-book. - You gave her a cheque for how much? - £38. - Did she ask you for this money? - I cannot say whether she asked me downright or whether I offered. I think I offered. She had mentioned something about wanting money. - A Friend's Loss. - Just carry your mind back. Did not she say something else? - Yes, sir; that she had lost a friend at Harrogate. I think this friend had helped her with money and after the friend had died I think the son sent demanding this money. - She told you this? - Yes, sir. - That is why you offered to lend her the money? - Yes. - Did she then give you an acknowledgment for it? - Not then. - Did you ask her for an acknowledgement? - No, sir, I never asked for an acknowledgment. She offered to give me an acknowledgment at different times, and I have asked for an acknowledgment since my wife's death. - Why did you ask for an acknowledgment then? - Well, we were sitting by the fire and in the course of conversation I said that losing my wife was a big blow, a terrible worry and expense. What my plans would be I could not say, and I gave her to understand I should not require her afterwards. I think then I said I ought to have something to show for the money. - You told her it was not your intention to retain her? - Not at all. - Witness's Health. - Taking your mind back to Bude, did Mrs Hearn complain of feeling sick at all on that day? - No, not to me. - When you saw Dr Saunders first, did you say you yourself had felt rather funny? - I can't be sure. - Have you been in good health yourself? - No. - When did you last have medical attention? - I think the last time was last Christmas. - What were your symptoms then? - Heart trouble - valves of my heart, I understood. - Had you any vomiting then? - A bit sick mornings at times. - Diarrhoea? - Not at that time. - Mrs Hearn remained in the house until Monday, November 10? - Yes. - "I am Innocent." Mrs Hearn's Letter To MR THOMAS. - And at this time your own mother was also in the house? - Yes. I had been to Launceston that afternoon and came home just before tea-time. - Who did you find in the house then? - Only my mother. - Did she tell you that Mrs Hearn had gone up to her own house? - Yes. - You and your mother had tea? - Yes. As Mrs Hearn had not returned, your mother suggested that you should go up to see if she was there? - That is right. - As you wanted her to come back to tea? - Yes. I went to Trenhorne House and rang the door bell, but could get no answer. I then went home and said I could get no answer. - You are quite sure you did not enter the house? - I am positive. - Police Informed. - Having made sure that Mrs Hearn was not there, and after talking it over with your mother, what did you do? - I went to neighbours. It was suggested that somebody should go into the house as Mrs Hearn might be there faint or ill. - Did you think she had probably gone away without any intention of returning, or of committing suicide? - I did not think she had done anything like that, but it looked funny. - So you reported it to Sergt. Trebilcock? - Yes, and he came back with me. We looked through the windows of the house. We entered it through a bedroom window which was not fastened. We got a ladder from Mrs Spear. - You went through the house and found no trace of Mrs Hearn? - Yes. - On the following morning, Tuesday, November 11, did you receive a letter by post addressed to MR W. H. THOMAS, Trenhorne, Congdon's Shop, Launceston? - Yes. - The postmark was "Congdon's Shop, Nov. 10, Launceston" - Yes. - Did you know Mrs Hearn's writing? - Yes. - The Letter. "Good-Bye - I cannot Bear It." - The letter read as follows:- "Dear MR THOMAS, - Good-bye. I am going out if I can. I can't forget that awful man - things he said. I am innocent - innocent [both these words underlined]. But she is dead and it was my lunch she ate. I can't bear it. - When I am dead they will be sure I am guilty and you at least will be clear. May your dear wife's presence guard and comfort you still, - Yours, A.H." - My life is not a great thing anyhow, now dear Minnie is gone. I should be glad if you will send my love to Bessie and tell her not to worry about me. I will be all right, my conscience is clear, so I am not afraid of afterwards. I am giving instructions to Wenn about selling things, and hope you will be paid in full. It is all I can do now. - On the receipt of that letter did you go to Lewannick? - Yes, I took it to Sergt. Trebilcock. - Who is Minnie? - Her sister. - And who is Bessie? - Another of Mrs Hearn's sisters in Doncaster. - Do you think the reference "hope you will be paid in full" refers to the £38? - Yes. - Have you heard from Mrs Hearn or seen her since the receipt of that letter? - No, sir. - This concluded MR THOMAS'S evidence in chief. He had already been in the witness-box for 2 hours and 20 minutes. - The Loan. - He was then questioned by the Foreman of the Jury. - The Foreman: Were you in the habit of having tinned food? - I do not remember my wife ever having things such as these ever since we were married. - When you went to Bude did you arrange to pick up Mrs Hearn? - Yes, before we went. - Was the doctor's arrangements that the genasprin tablets should be given? - The Coroner: We will get that from him. - The Foreman (to witness): In the letter there is a reference to that "awful person." - The Coroner: That will come later. - The Foreman: Did MRS THOMAS know of the loan of £38 to Mrs Hearn? - Witness: I did not tell her, but I thought she knew it. - Did she approve of it? - I did not ask her. - Did MRS THOMAS leave a will? - No, sir, not that I know of. I don't think she ever made a will. - Why did you believe your wife knew of the loan? Did she mention it to you? - She never mentioned it to me. - How did you come to know? - I happened to mention to some people in my wife's presence that I had done someone a kindness and my wife, I think, thought it was Mrs Hearn. - She could only have found out from the person, Mrs Hearn. Nobody else knew? - No one else knew. - The Visit To Bude. - Mr Mayburne Pearce gleaned from the witness that the sandwich he ate at Bude was of ordinary size. - Mr Mayburne Pearce: Did you notice anything peculiar about it when you ate it? - No, I did not. It is not a thing I am in the habit of having. I cannot mind I have ever had it before. - Had you been asked to Mrs Vickery's house to tea that day? - Yes. - Why didn't you go? - It was not tea-time and Mrs Vickery had trades-people and was busy. - Had Mrs Hearn anything to do with your not having tea at Mrs Vickery's? - Nothing at all. - The Coroner: Who is Mrs Vickery? - Mr Mayburne Pearce explained that she was the lady with whom MRS THOMAS, senior, was staying. - No Suspicions. MR THOMAS and Wife's Illness. - After the Saturday, the day your wife was taken ill, did she continue to vomit until her mother came to stay with you? - Well, sir, she did vomit a few days. - Then after MRS PARSONS arrived did it cease? - Well, I cannot say right after she arrived, but after MRS PARSONS was there she did not vomit so much. - Was she given the genasprin in water or did she swallow it like a pill? - She swallowed it like a pill. - Had you been out on the Sunday morning? - I think I was only in the yard. - There is a suggestion that you did not carve the mutton for dinner on that day. - I am almost sure I carved the mutton. - Did your wife have anything to drink with her dinner? - I can't remember about that. - Do you remember whether she had anything to eat in addition to the mutton? - I don't remember. - The Coroner (interposing): Any sweets, cheese, or anything of the kind? - No. - Mr Pearce: Did Mrs Hearn say anything to you after the funeral about her going away? - No. - Was she very upset on the day of the funeral? - She was a bit upset. - Mrs Hearn's Friendship. - Questions were then put to MR THOMAS by Mr Wilson. - With reference to the question of the genasprin, he asked, I believe at the time you understood your wife had only had one? - I have heard since that she had two before. - So yours was actually the third? - Yes. When I came with mine I understood that was the second. - When you went to Bude it was your wife who suggested that Mrs Hearn should go with you? - Yes. - Had you any idea that your wife was suffering from? - I understood it was ptomaine poisoning. - I think that during the three days she was downstairs she was unable to use her legs? - She could not stand. - And on each occasion you carried her downstairs and up? - Yes. - During that period of illness were you sleeping with your wife up to the date that MRS PARSONS came? - Yes. - How long had you and your wife been friendly with Mrs Hearn? - I should say four or five years. - Gifts For Sick Friend. - Did that friendship in any way increase from the time of the illness of Miss Everard (Mrs Hearn's sister), who died some time during the summer? - Did you see more of the family from that time? - Yes. - Did your wife assist in any way during that illness? - No; she inquired for her. - Did she make anything? - Yes, junkets on various occasions, and sent a little glass of cream. - The whole of your friendship with Mrs Hearn and her family was with the approval and acknowledgment of your wife, who was also friendly? - Yes. - Had you any suspicion from the time your wife was taken ill at Bude until the time of Mrs Hearn's disappearance that your wife was suffering from anything but food poisoning? - No. - At The Farm. - MRS ELIZABETH HICK THOMAS, of 3 Falcon-terrace, Bude, said she had been in the habit of visiting her son at Trenhorne Farm, and for a month previous to October 18 she had stayed there. - The Coroner: Did you know your son and daughter-in-law were very friendly with Mrs Hearn? - Yes. - And before her death with her invalid sister, Miss Everard? - Yes. - Did your daughter-in-law at any time show any dislike of Mrs Hearn? - Never to me. - Did you know that at one time she went to Mrs Hearn's house to repair her sewing machine? - Yes, while I was there. - Was Saturday, October 18, the day fixed for your leaving? - Yes. My son was to take me in his car, and it was arranged that MRS THOMAS should go as well. - Did your daughter-in-law show any sign of reluctance at going? - None whatever. Simply said we would finish up and go. - Was there any question of her husband insisting on her going? - No. - Who suggested that Mrs Hearn should go as well? - We three were sitting together at dinner. - Did your daughter-in-law offer any objection? - No; she seemed quite pleased that Mrs Hearn might go. - How was your daughter-in-law in health? - She did not complain at all. - Did she look to be in her ordinary health? - I think so. - You all left the house about three o'clock? - Yes. - And you were dropped at Hele? - Yes, about two miles from Bude. - Was that the last time you saw MRS THOMAS alive? - Yes. - You went to the farm again on the day of the funeral, November 8? - Yes. - After The Funeral. Remark That Upset Mrs Hearn. - On that day did you hear MR PERCY PARSONS talking in the dining-room? - Yes. - Who was with him? - Several people. - Was Mrs Hearn there? - Yes. - Did he say "This is poison. It must be cleared up"? Yes, or something to that effect. - He also said something about the sandwiches coming from the farm? - Yes; I contradicted that, because I knew nothing went from the house. - The Coroner interposed that he mentioned this because there was reference to "this man" in the letter. - He then asked the witness if she would have known if the sandwiches had come from the farm. - MRS THOMAS replied that she would have known, because she was there all the time. - The Coroner: On the day after the funeral Mrs Hearn said something to you. What was it? - She said that she thought life was not worth living for. I think she said that on the Monday. - "Life Not Worth Living." - On the previous day - the Sunday - she had very little to say; she was very quiet. Several times, however, she said she would not forget what "that horrid man" had said. - On the following day she said she thought sometimes life was not worth living for, and seemed depressed and had no appetite for food? - Yes. - About three o'clock that day did she say to you: "Do you mind if I run up home, MRS THOMAS?" - Yes. - And your replied: "Certainly not"? - That is right. - Have you seen her since? - No. - The Fatal Illness. - When did you hear that your daughter-in-law was ill? - I could not tell you the day. My son wrote and told me they had had a worrying time and that ALICE had been taken violently sick. - Did he write to you more than once? - Twice or three times. - Did you gather from the tone of the letters that he was very distressed about his wife's illness? - Yes, I did. - Before you started did Mrs Hearn indicate at all that she had some sandwiches? - No. - Did she show any sign of sandwiches? - No. - What sort of handbag was she carrying? - That I cannot really say. She got in at the back, and I was in front with my son. "Rumours Going About. - The Foreman of the Jury: How long after you got back home was it before you knew of your daughter-in-law's illness? - Two or three days. - Mr Mayburne Pearce: Can you say when you first heard about the sandwiches? - I heard about it on the day of the funeral. - What did you hear? Was the first you heard when MRS PARSONS was talking about them? - I think it was about the sandwiches, but I heard it was poisoning before. Rumours were going about. - Poison in the sandwiches? - Poison in the fish sandwiches. - When did you first hear they were Mrs Hearn's sandwiches? - On the day of the funeral. - Weed Killer. Sent To Order Of "A Hearn." - Mr Claude H. Mathew, of Messrs. Shuker and Reed, Ltd., Church-street, Launceston, said he had known Mrs Hearn and Miss Everard as customers. On July 30, 1926, a letter signed "A. Hearn" was received by his firm stating that she would be glad if they would send up to her at Congdon's Shop by a baker - as the firm would not be delivering goods for another fortnight - McDougall's weed killer, recommended to her to put in order a neglected portion of her garden. If there should be any restriction about sending out the weed killer instead of handing it over, would the firm send a small quantity of another commodity which could be recommended for the purpose. - In pursuance of that order did you supply Cooper's powder weed killer, which you obtained from the makers? - Yes; it was sent on August 4. - Was the account debited to Miss Everard and paid in the usual course? - Yes., - Practically All Arsenic. - What is this weed killer? - Practically all arsenic, coloured with a blue colour. - All arsenic supplied by chemists must be coloured? - Yes, according to the Poisons Act. - Can you get poison without its being coloured? - I do not think you can. - So far as you know have you any record of any other poisonous substance being ordered by Mrs Hearn or her sister? - I do not know of any. - Have the books been carefully searched? - Yes. - Mr Wilson: Your firm is a large grocery business and the chemist's is a separate business supervised by a qualified chemist? - Yes. - A Juryman was informed by witness that he had never known MR THOMAS purchase any weed killer from the firm. - Neighbour's Evidence. What Mrs Hearn Said On A Visit. - Mrs Elizabeth Spear, of Trenhorne House, Lewannick, said she had resided there for the past seven years, having gone there two years before Mrs Hearn came. - The Coroner: You knew her sister, Miss Everard? - Yes. - Have you always been on friendly terms with Mrs Hearn? - Yes. - But not very intimate? - No, sir. - Mr Wilson explained that originally Trenhorne was one house. It had since been divided and was occupied by two sets of tenants. - The Coroner (to witness): I believe you and Mrs Hearn went to MRS THOMAS'S funeral together? - Yes. - Have you seen her since the day of the funeral? - No, sir. - You knew she was staying at Trenhorne Farm while MRS THOMAS was ill? - Yes. - She returned home during the time two or three times only? - I could not say; I only saw her two or three times. - When did you first hear that MRS THOMAS was ill? - The day after she was taken ill. - Did you go and inquire about her at the farm? - Yes, three times. - Did you seen Mrs Hearn there? - Yes, I did. - Witness stated that on the night before MRS THOMAS'S death Mrs Hearn called on her. - The Coroner: Did she ask you to let her have some hot water to wash up some cups? - Yes. - Didn't you think that was extraordinary? - No. - But she had not been home to use the cups? - She gave me to understand they were cups she had used before she went to Bude. - Did you give her some hot water? - Yes. - Do you know if she washed up any cups? - No. - "Can't Stay There." - What did she say during the conversation? - She said: "I cannot stay down there any longer. They seemed to think that I poisoned MRS THOMAS with the sandwiches." - Did she say something else; that "they think down there that all tinned food is poisoned?" - Yes. - Did you make any remark on that at all? - I did not attach much importance to it. - We have heard that Mrs Hearn bought some Cooper's powder weed-killer in 1926. When did Miss Everard die? - Last July. - Was there at any time sufficient weed to require a weed-killer? - Not in the front garden. - Have you ever used weed-killer in the front garden? - No. - Have you ever seen Mrs Hearn use weed-killer in the front garden? - No. - Might she have used weed-killer in the back garden without your knowing it? - She might. - Has she ever said anything to you about using weed-killer in the garden? - No. Three Deaths. People Who Have Died At Trenhorne. - Do you remember Mrs Hearn having an aunt living there before Miss Everard? - Yes. - Do you remember when she died? In September 1926. - Was she very old? - Something over 70. Did Mrs Hearn ever say she was troubled with rats in the garden or the house? - No. - Replying to the Foreman, witness said there was plenty of weed in the back garden. - Mr Mayburne Pearce: How many people have died in Mrs Hearn's house? - There was the old lady, Mrs Aunger, then the aunt and then Miss Everard. - You visited Miss Everard when she was ill? - Yes. - What was the nature of her illness? - She had sickness and diarrhoea. - The Coroner: You have to bear in mind, Mr Pearce, that these deaths were certified by a medical practitioner. - Mr Wilson: Do you remember the day of Miss Everard's funeral? - Yes. - Did you attend and afterwards hear conversation between MRS THOMAS and Mrs Hearn? - Yes. MRS THOMAS asked Mrs Hearn to go with her to tea. - Thomas Pearse, farmer of Tresfettigue, Altarnun, stated that from January 1914 to last Michaelmas he was employed by MR THOMAS at Trenhorne and Tremayne farms with the exception of eight months he was in the Army. - The Coroner: You lived in the house about 12 years? - That is right. - So that you knew them intimately? - Yes. - On what terms were they living? - Very good terms. - Did you ever hear them have a quarrel? - Not a quarrel. They may have had a few words. - "That happens in other families sometimes," commented the Coroner, with a smile. At all events, you would say that on the whole they were a very happy married couple? - Yes, they were. - Did you always consider MR THOMAS a straight-living man? - I did, sir. - Kind disposition? - Yes. - And always ready to help anybody else? - That is right. - About five or six years ago you had some young sheep which had lice? - Yes. - Sheep-Dip Powder. - And MR THOMAS ordered a packet of yellow sheep-dip powder, and you dipped them yourself? - Yes. - The remainder of the powder was taken charge of by MR THOMAS and used two or three years ago, when they mixed it with water and washed the dog with it. - The Coroner: When you finished you were told by MR THOMAS to be careful with it? - Yes, sir, I was. - You have an idea that you buried it? - Yes, I remember the place where I buried it. - Have you ever known MR THOMAS to have any weed killer or rat poison? - I have never heard about nor seen any. - Replying to the Jury, the witness said he had seen Mrs Hearn at the THOMAS'S house. She would be sitting in an armchair by the fire on perfectly friendly terms with both. She never showed any distinction in her attitude to each. - Friendliness All Round. - Emma Pearse, wife of the previous witness, said she had seen Mrs Hearn and Miss Everard at the farm as visitors, and there was friendliness all round. - The Coroner: Was MR THOMAS more friendly than MRS THOMAS? - No. - MRS THOMAS was quite friendly with Mrs Hearn? - Yes. - Have you ever heard MRS THOMAS say anything disrespectful of Mrs Hearn? - No. - Have you ever heard MR and MRS THOMAS having any words or a quarrel about Mrs Hearn? - No. - Did MR and MRS THOMAS live happily together and seem very fond of each other? - They always did. - MRS THOMAS'S Illness. - Witness added that she visited Trenhorne Farm three times during MRS THOMAS'S illness. - The Coroner: She was in bed? - Yes. - Did she say anything to you about the cause of her illness? - No. - Was MR THOMAS there each time you went? - Yes. - How did he appear? - Worried a lot. - What about? - About MRS THOMAS'S condition. - "Quite Usual." Cafe Waitress and Customers Sandwiches. - Ivy Wiltshire, 14 Hollaworthy-view, Bude, an assistant at Littlejohns Cafe at Bude, said that during the time Mr and Mrs Littlejohns were away she was in charge of the cafe with another young woman,, named Cocks. This period was from October 12 to October 28. When there were no customers in the cafe she spent most of her time in the kitchen. - The Coroner: Do you remember a man having the appearance of a farmer entering the cafe? - Yes. - He was accompanied by two women? - Yes. - Can you remember whether one of the women was wearing a black and white check coat? - I cannot remember, but I think they might have been the only people in the cafe. - She remembered the man giving an order for a pot of tea and cakes, but could not remember whether bread and butter also were supplied. - The Packet Of Sandwiches. - Do you remember one of the party bringing out some sandwiches? - I was in the kitchen getting the order and placing the things on the tray and when I came out again there was a packet of sandwiches on the table. I t looked as though the packet had just been opened. - Can you remember whether the sandwiches were white or brown bread? - No. - Did you hear any conversation about the sandwiches? - No. I heard nothing, neither did I take any notice whether they were eating them. - You were not surprised to find these people bringing their own sandwiches? - Oh, no. It is quite a usual thing. - Miss Wiltshire added that the party remained about half an hour and when they had left they left no sandwiches. She had received no complaints, nor had she heard of any other customers at the cafe being ill. - Cakes Freshly Made. - Were the cakes fresh? - Yes; they were only made that morning. - The Coroner asked THOMAS if he recognized the witness as the woman who served him, but he replied: I cannot say I do. - Doctor's Evidence. MRS THOMAS'S Fatal Illness. - Dr Graham Saunders, practising at Polyphant, near Launceston, said October 18 was the first time he had attended MRS THOMAS, whom he found was not particularly collapsed and with no temperature. She was complaining of a certain amount of abdominal pain, and of severe cramp in the legs. - The Coroner: Which is an important item? - Yes. - Did you at that time consider her illness to be serious? - Not materially so; no suggestion that she was going to die. - Did she vomit at all while you were there? - No. - You saw her again the following day? - Yes. - And how did you find her? - A| bit better. There was still some vomiting and diarrhoea. And still some cramp in the legs. - Did you see her daily up to the time she was removed to Plymouth? - I missed out two days. - Which days would they be? - October 28 and November 2. - Her diarrhoea and vomiting got better although they did not entirely stop. She vomited once a day for about a week. The cramp disappeared after a few days. - Numbness Of The Legs. - After her mother arrived at Trenhorne Farm deceased complained of numbness in her legs? - Yes. - She could move them freely, but could not walk properly? - Yes. - In reply to further questions, the doctor said MRS THOMAS was on a light diet. Her tongue got "dirty" for a few days in the middle of the period. She was sleeping badly all the time and was in a very nervous state. Herpes appeared on the upper lip and chest about two days after her mother arrived and there was some numbness of the limbs and tingling of the fingers. After her mother arrived her gastric symptoms were better, and the next morning she was very much better. - Arsenic. What Occurred To The Doctor. - On the Saturday she was in much the same condition? - She was worried. - But otherwise was her condition practically the same? - Yes. - Her condition was not sufficiently serious to warrant your going on the Sunday? - No. - On Monday, November 3, he called at the farm in the ordinary way. - Coroner: Did you find severe bleeding from the nose and that she was very restless and apprehensive? - Yes. - Then you thought the case sufficiently serious to suggest a consultant being called in, to which MR THOMAS agreed? - Yes. - He telephoned for Dr Lister, who came in the evening and saw MRS THOMAS with him. - At that time she was in a state of acute mania? - Yes. - But with no gastric symptoms? - Yes. - She was removed to Plymouth that night? - Yes. - Before that you had suggested that she should be removed to Launceston Infirmary? - Yes. - But she was dead against it? - Yes, and would not go. - During this fortnight what did you diagnose was the matter with her? - Ptomaine poisoning. It flashed across my mind once. - What was the flash across your mind? - I thought of the possibility of arsenic, but I had no definite grounds and by the Monday I thought it again. - Symptoms All Along. - But were there not symptoms all along consistent with arsenical poisoning? - Looking at it now, yes. - Could not they have been diagnosed before as arsenical poisoning? - They could have been the symptoms of ptomaine as well. - Would the symptoms of ptomaine be precisely the same? - No. - Were there any definite symptoms of arsenical poisoning which might have been diagnosed at any earlier date? - There was no audible reply. - What about cramps? - You get cramp with ptomaine as well as arsenic. - Did you see any of the vomit? - Yes, once. - Suspected Ptomaine. Opinion Based On The Sandwiches. - Was it streaked with blood? - I never saw it. - Did you think it was sufficient for you to see the vomit only on one occasion? - I did not ask for it and it was not there. - Would you not in the ordinary way ask to see it? - Not necessarily. - Even in ptomaine it might have been important? - Yes, when a patient's condition becomes serious. - She showed great restlessness? - Yes. - That is a symptom of arsenical poisoning? - Yes. - Herpes is a symptom of arsenical poisoning, is it not? - I believe it is, but there are other things. - Was there any neuritis? - There was on the Monday. - On the first night you saw her was there any nausea? - No. She was not feeling sick at the time. - In arsenical poisoning there is faintness, depression, nausea and sickness with intense burning in the region of the stomach? - Yes. - You cannot say whether there was any burning in the region of the stomach? - Not when I saw her. - Did you think of applying an emetic the first night you saw her? - No. - Would not the application of an emetic be advisable in a case with ptomaine poisoning? - I think not. - If on the first night you had any suspicion of arsenical poisoning the right thing would have been to apply an emetic? - Or wash her stomach out. There was no reason for it then. - You suspected some poisoning? - Ptomaine. - Some Kind Of Stale Fish. - If it had not been ptomaine it would have been some other? - I did not think it was any other. - You based your opinion on the sandwiches? - Yes. - You thought it might have been some kind of stale fish? - Yes. - It is the stomach entirely in arsenical poisoning that is affected? - As far as I can gather you get diarrhoea with it. - Did you notice at any time that there was tenderness in the stomach? - No. - Juror's Questions. Patient's Progress And Relapse. - The Foreman of the Jury put a number of questions to Dr Saunders. - When you were first called in was your attention directed to the sandwiches? - I asked what she had to eat, and was told she had had some sandwiches. - With regard to diet, you prescribed white of egg, Benger's food and milk? - Yes. - Would you not be surprised that vomiting should go on? - It did not go on much. - So far as I can make out the patient did answer to your treatment, and was definitely better on the Thursday, better still on the Friday, and on the Saturday still progressed and you thought that progress was so good that you did not propose to attend on the Sunday? - That was the last Sunday. - You had prescribed that diet and on the Sunday the patient was so well that she was downstairs and had had a hearty meal. - But she had been eating solid food for several days. - Had Heavy Meal. - Was there still vomiting? - No. - You had no objection to that heavy meal on the Sunday? - I had no notion she had that meal. - Were they justified in giving that meal without the doctor's sanction? - I think so. - The effect of that meal seems to have been the cause of the setback? - I don't know it was the meal. - Asked if the genasprin should have been given, Dr Saunders said if they were genuine genasprin they could not have done her any harm. - Another Juror: Your early diagnosis was ptomaine poisoning? - That is right. - Was there any period during the term of sickness or prior to death when you had any question in your mind about your early diagnosis? - I have said it flashed through my mind once, but I did not think about it again, because I had no grounds for it. - When was that? - I think it was on the 27th or 29th. I rather think that it was the day I asked that she should go to Hospital. - You did not ask Mrs Hearn how she made the sandwiches, or where she bought the tin? - No. - Witness explained that he had previously asked MRS THOMAS what they had had to eat. - Confident Of Poisoning. - My Mayburne Pearce: Directly you were called to see MRS THOMAS were quite confident she was suffering from some form of poisoning? - Yes. - And you put it down to ptomaine poisoning. - That is right. - Was that before you inquired what she had been eating? - So far as I remember, MR THOMAS told me when he came for me. - Did you question MR THOMAS whether he felt any bad effects? - Yes, I did. - What did he say? - So far as I remember, he said "No." - MRS THOMAS was pretty bad when you saw her first? - Yes; but never any suggestion of dying. - When did you first come to the suspicion that she might be suffering from arsenical poisoning? - I said just now that I think it was the 27th or 29th. - Doctor Puzzled. When MRS THOMAS Became Worse. - Should I be right in saying that if you had formed an opinion that she was suffering from arsenical poisoning, there were no means by which you could definitely ascertain that such was the case without an analysis of the vomit? - It occurred to me, that is all. - She became worse on the Monday, did she not? Did you form any opinion in regard to that? - No; I could not make it out. The possibility of arsenic was in my mind, because she had got wonderfully better, and then suddenly got so bad on the Monday. - Genasprin Prescribed. - Had you suggested at any time that she should take genasprins? - Yes. - What did you advise them for? - To help her to sleep. - Did you prescribe the dose? - I said two - not more. - Supposing she had taken three on the Sunday, would that be likely to cause the serious condition you found her in on the Monday? - I do not think so. - Mr Wilson: Did a suggestion come to you as to the period between those two genasprins? - There was no question in my mind about that. She could be given two at once. - On the Monday, when you saw her before the specialist came, were there distinct signs of delirium? - Yes. - Constable E. T. Adams, the Plymouth Coroner's Officer, stated that on Thursday, November 6, by the Coroner's instructions, he went to the laboratory of Dr Eric Wordley at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. He received a basket containing jars, and conveyed them to 83 Queen-street, Exeter, the office of Mr Thomas Tickle, the Plymouth City analyst. - Analyst's Evidence. "Sufficient Arsenic To Cause Death." - Mr Thomas Tickle, Public Analyst for the City of Plymouth, stated that on Thursday, November 6, he received from Constable Adams, two baskets containing sealed jars. The jars contained certain organs of a dead body. There was also an envelope containing hair. He analysed these articles. - "As a result of such examination," he continued, "I have found all of them to contain arsenic. I have not yet examined the specimen of hair." - Can you say from such preliminary analysis what the number of grains in the body would be? - I cannot put it in other terms than a minimum. I can safely say that there must have been a substantial quantity in the body, but I cannot safely say how much. - Sufficient To Cause Death. - Can you say also that that substantial quantity would be sufficient to cause death - That is more in the medical province than mine, but I am able to say that. - You have made a complete analysis of the liver and did you find that the quantity of arsenic in the liver amounted to two-thirds of a grain? - Yes, sir. - Having found two-thirds of a grain in the liver, how much would you expect to find in the other organs? - If two weeks elapsed between the taking of the dose, I should expect to find the largest concentration in the liver. - Having found two-thirds of a grain in the liver, what would be the smallest quantity you would expect to find in the intestines &c., taking into consideration the time? - I do not think I ought to answer that question until I have completed the full analysis. - A Fatal Dose. - What is the minimum dose necessary to kill? - The accepted statement is that two grains may be fatal. There have been many instances in which larger doses have been taken without being fatal. - Can you definitely say that in this case there must have been more than a fatal dose in the organs you have examined? - Of that there could be no question at all. - Poison In Body. What Analyst Would Expect To Find. - The witness explained that if a teaspoon were dipped in a barrel of arsenic to take out as much as possible, it would contain from 200 to 250 grains. A pinch between finger and thumb might comprise 17 grains, but it would be a large pinch. - The Coroner: In your opinion, so far as you have made your analysis would there be more than 4 grains in this body? - I should expect to find more than 4 grains. - Asked by the Foreman if the analysis of the four organs more or less substantiated when the dose may have been administered, Mr Tickle replied that that was more precisely a medical question. One aspect would depend on the purging and vomiting that ensued in the last interval. - Effect Of Sickness. - The Coroner: Of course, purging and vomiting would eliminate much of the arsenic taken? - Yes. - The Foreman: The proportions remaining would still be in the same relation with regard to the four organs? - Witness: The time to study that is when the details are completed. - Replying to another Juror, witness said he had know a case where a fatal dose was taken by misadventure about nine days before the death and where the patient, having made a partial recovery, then relapsed and soon died. - A Point Not Yet Settled. - The Coroner, having asked if white arsenic was used in this case, Mr Tickle replied that that question was not yet settled by his analysis. He found arsenic, but could not say whether it was the arsenic of sheep-dip or weed-killer. - The Coroner: Your experiments have not yet determined whether the poison in this case was the ordinary white powder arsenic or the arsenic in weed killer, or the arsenic in sheep-dip? - That is right. - At this stage the Coroner adjourned the Inquest until 1015 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday).

Western Morning News, Tuesday 25 November 1930
NEWTON ABBOT - Newton Inquest. Totnes Motor Cyclist Who Died In Hospital. - An Inquest was opened at Newton Abbot last night on JAMES FREDERICK ALFORD, aged 22, a Customs officer, who resides at Melrose, Lower Brimley-road, Newton Abbot, whose home was at Totnes. He died in Newton Hospital on Saturday, following a collision in which his motor cycle was involved with another vehicle at Wear Cross, Kingsteignton. - Mr E. Hutchings, Coroner, adjourned the Inquest after taking evidence of identification, until December 2, explaining that he had been obliged to open the Inquiry at 8 in the evening owing to the fact that he had had to conduct five investigations since noon on Saturday.

Western Morning News, Thursday 27 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - MRS THOMAS'S Death Due To Arsenic. - Jury Finds In Favour Of Homicide. The Coroner And The Question Of Motive. - Brother's Suspicions Of Foul Play. - The Inquest on MRS ALICE MAUD THOMAS, the wife of a Lewannick farmer - the circumstances surrounding the death of whom has produced one of the most sensational stories of recent years - concluded at Plymouth yesterday, and after a skilful summing-up by the Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, the Jury returned their verdict in the following form:- The actual cause of death was by Arsenical Poisoning. - Death was homicidal. Deceased died from arsenical poisoning, but there is not sufficient evidence to show by whom, and by what means, the arsenic was administered. - A dramatic story was told yesterday by relatives of the dead woman, and by medical witnesses of her fatal illness, which started after she, with her husband and Mrs Hearn, her friend and neighbour, had paid a visit to Bude, where they ate sandwiches made by Mrs Hearn. - After being ill, MRS THOMAS got better, but had a sudden relapse and was removed to Hospital at Plymouth, where she died a few hours after admission. - Yesterday the Doctors told the Court of the confirmation of the suspicion of arsenical poisoning, and gave opinion on the possibility of two doses having been administered, one about the time of the visit to Bude and another at a later date, about the time of her relapse. - The verdict of the Jury, while it gives a definite finding that MRS THOMAS'S death was due to arsenical poisoning and was homicidal, does not clear up entirely the mystery of her death. - Mrs Hearn, who would have been another important witness, disappeared after the funeral of MRS THOMAS, leaving a letter behind declaring she was innocent and she has not been seen since. Her complete disappearance is another puzzling element in a tragic and painful story. Interviewed after the Inquest, MR THOMAS, the widower, declared his intention of doing all he could to help the Police until the mystery of his wife's death was cleared up. "One day we shall know the truth," he declared. [Note: There were a further two pages of evidence given, before the final verdict of the Jury]

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - "Like A Torch." - Young Plymouth Woman's Tragic Death. - The death of a 23-years-old wife MRS K. M. BROOKS, through burns she sustained in taking her child from near a gas fire, was the subject of an Inquest yesterday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned and a message of sympathy with the husband and father expressed. - The relatives declared their appreciation of the efforts of the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital staff to save MRS BROOKS. - HENRY W. R. BROOKS, of 4 Shaftesbury-cottages, Plymouth, said his wife told him she put the kettle on the gas ring. The baby, crawling about on the floor, got near the fire and she leaned forward to take it away, when her apron caught fire. - The young woman's father, MR WILLIAM HENRY BOYCE, said he heard a scream and found his daughter alight "like a torch." He picked up a rug and wrapped her in it, smothering the flames and beating the fire from her hair with his hands. The flames from her clothing scorched his face and eye-brows. - The Coroner remarked on the pathos of the case and said it illustrated what a weak thread separated life from death. - The Assistant House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital said death was due to the burns. A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 November 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE- A fatal sequel to the collision of a motor cyclist with a motor 'bus at Ford in the early morning during a gale of wind and rain was the subject of an Inquest into the death of CLARENCE J. H. YABSLEY, 39, of Wayside Cottage, Venton, Sparkwell. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned with a rider that the Coroner recommended that the wall be lowered at Ford House to permit easier vision at the corner, and he exonerated the driver of the Corporation motor 'bus from all blame. - Mr John B. Ayers, of 59 Foliot-road, North Prospect, said he was standing at the corner where the accident took place and his attention was drawn to a motor cyclist by a shout, the 'bus stopping at the same moment. He saw the driver of the 'bus get out and heard him say, "He's dead." He had heard the sound of the 'bus horn as it came around the corner, but he gathered that the wind would convey the sound away from the cyclist, who had his head down, apparently because of the violence of the weather. It was extremely dark at the time, but the 'bus had its lights on. - Surg.-Lieut.-Com. F. McDonald, of the Royal Naval Hospital, Stonehouse, said that YABSLEY died two hours after admission.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - At the Inquest into the death of MR JOHN SPEAR STEPHENS, aged 61 years, a well-known Plymouth motor engineer, of 12 Lipson-avenue, Plymouth, who was in collision in James-street, Plymouth, with a telegraph cyclist-messenger and died in Hospital, a verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with the medical evidence, was returned and the three boys mentioned in the case exonerated from all blame. - Dr H. D. Pyke, Resident Surgical Officer at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said death was due to bronchial pneumonia. - A telegraph messenger, W. A. R. Broad, 18 Mount Gold-terrace, aged 16 years, gave evidence which was corroborated by L. G. Full, of 40 Tracey-street, Plymouth, another telegraph messenger, who said he was the last of the trio in their journey. He sounded the horn on his cycle, seeing the man in front of him. As the first boy passed him MR STEPHENS started and without seeing if there was other traffic behind him he started to walk across the road. The boy just in front of witness put on his brakes and swerved to try to avoid the man, but touched him on one side and the man fell to the ground. - The Coroner complimented the Post Office on the intelligence of the boys who had given evidence.

Western Morning News, Saturday 29 November 1930
PLYMOUTH - Invalid's Death. -A verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with the medical evidence was returned yesterday at an Inquest conducted by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, in the Plymouth Mortuary on WILLIAM GEORGE MASON, aged 53, of 47 Mainstone-road, Prince Rock, who died as a result of injuries received when his motor-propelled invalid chair got out of control and capsized.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - An Inquest was held by Mr J. A. Pearce, the Plymouth City Coroner and a verdict returned of "Accidental Death" in the case of FANNY ELIZABETH MADGE, spinster, aged 80, who was the victim of gas poisoning at 13 Alexandra-road, Mutley. Evidence of identification was given by Mrs Charlotte Emma Wilton, 35 Ford Park-road, who said that MISS MADGE, a friend of hers for many years, never showed signs of depression. She was formerly engaged in the secretary's office of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. - Mrs Alice Farrant said the ground floor flat of her house was occupied by MISS MADGE. On Wednesday morning last, after failing to get a reply to her knocking at the doors of her apartment rooms, she entered the bedroom and was met by a cloud of gas. MISS MADGE was lying partly on the bed in her night attire. Witness was of the opinion that MISS MADGE was taken ill some time during the night, and turned on the gas to warm some water, but, feeling an attack coming on again, she just managed to get to the bed, leaving the gas turned on and unlighted. - Dr Austin stated that MISS MADGE remained unconscious until she died the following morning. Death was due to coal gas poisoning.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 2 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Mr J. A. Pearce, Plymouth City Coroner, held an Inquest relating to MRS JANE JORDAN, aged 83, widow of JOHN JORDAN, a carter. - The daughter, MRS AMELIA E. MCCARTY, 79 Moor-view, North Prospect, Devonport, said that on the morning of Friday, November 21, she heard a noise in her mother's room and saw her lying on the floor. Her mother told her that she was tripped up by her petticoat. She complained of having hurt her side, and Dr Stribling found she was suffering from a broken thigh. On the same day she was removed to the City Hospital, where she died a week later. - Dr Ivor Lewis, Medical Superintendent of the Hospital, gave the cause of death as pleurisy of the right lung, accelerated by the fracture of the right femur.

Western Morning News, Friday 5 December 1930
PLYMSTOCK - Mount Batten Fatality. Demonstration In Coroner's Court. - The circumstances attending the death of HUGH PATRICK GRADY, of 33 Cremyll-street, Stonehouse, who fell through the roof of a hangar at the Mount Batten Air Station, on which he was working, and crashed to the ground 50 feet below, were the subject of an Inquest yesterday at the Air Station, conducted by the Tavistock Coroner, Mr A. K. G. Johnstone. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned. - Mr H. Lawrence Spear, of Plymouth, appeared on behalf of the deceased's employers, Messrs. Carkeek and Sons, Ltd., of Plymouth and Truro, the contractors for the work. - William Charles Nicholls said that he was on Wednesday engaged with deceased in painting ventilators on the roof of the hangar. GRADY had finished one ventilator and while walking on the ridge of the roof he passed witness, who heard a splintering sound but no cry. He turned round and saw only the head and shoulders of GRADY. - Mr Percival George Bryan, clerk of works employed by the Air Ministry at Mount Batten Air Station, said he had never known tiles on the ridge of the roof to crack. - A tile measuring about four feet square was brought into the Court and rested upon two beams of wood. It bore without any apparent effect the weight of the clerk of works and five other men. - The Coroner, however, requested Constable Badge, who said he weighed 13 st., to jump from a height of about six inches on to the centre of the tile. There was a report and the tile shattered, the Constable's boots going through and leaving a hole about a foot square.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 December 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Tragedy Of Lorry Ride. Marine Sergeant's Fatal Fall. - The death of a Sergeant in the Royal Marines who had "lorry-jumped" his conveyance to Screaesdon Fort was investigated by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday at the Royal Naval Hospital on ALFRED THOMAS BUNTER, aged 34, of Melville-terrace, Ford. - Tom Moncaster, a motor lorry driver, employed by Messrs. Westlake and Son, of Devonport, stated that on November 12 he was driving a lorry to South Down, and crossed the Hamoaze on the 7.15 a.m. ferry. No one on the ferry asked him for a lift, neither did he see anyone get on the lorry. After having turned the corner near the Government oil tanks he heard someone shout and pulled up. He found a Marine lying on the ground beside the road. - Albert William Hill, of Weston Mill Estate, who was riding behind the lorry, said he saw a Marine sitting behind the cab and noticed that when the vehicle reached the oil tanks it skidded and struck the near kerb. The Marine was jerked to the ground and witness shouted to the driver to stop. - Medical evidence was to the effect that when deceased was admitted on November 12 he was suffering from a fractured skull. Death was due to septic meningitis. - The Coroner said the death was purely accidental. He expressed deep sympathy with the widow. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden, on behalf of the Admiralty, also expressed sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.

Western Morning News, Saturday 6 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Rare Disease. Death Of 15-Years-Old Plymouth Boy. - The death of a 15-years-old Plymouth boy from an obscure and rare complaint known as Pick's Disease, was investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held at the City Hospital yesterday on FRANK EDWARD HANNAFORD, of Prospect-street, Plymouth. - MRS KATE LOUISE HANNAFORD stated that her son had been delicate since he had suffered from pneumonia two years ago. Since that time he had spent six months in the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital and a similar period in the Central Hospital. - Ivor Lewis, Medical Superintendent at the City Hospital, stated that deceased was admitted on October 17 in a condition of extreme distress. His condition became steadily worse and it was decided to attempt temporary relief by "tapping." He had suffered so much when a similar operation had been performed previously that, despite his serious condition, it was decided to give him a few breaths of anaesthetic. He had scarcely become unconscious, however, when heart failure set in, and he died within 15 minutes. - A post-mortem examination had revealed no evidence of tuberculosis and the cause of death was syncope, due to nervous shock arising from an incurable and extremely rare affliction known as Pick's Disease. In any case deceased could not have lived longer than a few weeks. The anaesthetic had been efficiently administered. - The Coroner said he was satisfied that the anaesthetic was properly administered, and that what was done was performed in an effort to relieve the distress of the patient. Deceased's death was caused by a very rare disease known as Pick's Disease, and he had died on December 4 whilst under an Anaesthetic. 

Western Morning News, Wednesday 10 December 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Policeman's Death. Fatal Accident To A Marine. - The death of a Royal Marine Policeman, stationed at Bull Point, formed the subject of an Inquest by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday. - The deceased was WILLIAM LORD, aged 46, a pensioner colour-sergeant, residing at the Police quarters at Bull Point, where he was posted to a beat at 6 a.m. on Wednesday. He failed to report at the main gate just before noon and Sergt. E. Hawkins ordered a search to be made. He was found lying unconscious across the railway lines of the siding. He was taken to the Royal Naval Hospital, where he died on Sunday morning from fracture at the base of the skull. - Marine Constable Wedge stated that there were boot nail marks on the platform above the railway lines, which led to the conclusion that deceased had slipped from the platform to the permanent way. - The Coroner returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and extended sympathy with the widow. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden, on behalf of the Admiralty, added his condolences.

Western Morning News, Saturday 13 December 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Broken Leg Accelerates Invalid's Death. - The City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, conducted an Inquest at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday, on EDWARD WILLIAMS, aged 61, of 2 Astor-cottages, Long Cross, Milton Abbot, who died at the Hospital some days after he fell in his home and broke his leg. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" in accordance with the medical evidence, was returned. - MRS NELLIE WHITE of 29 Alcester-street, Devonport, said her brother had been an invalid for over 20 years. - MISS DOROTHY PATTEN said her uncle could just manage to walk about by holding the furniture. He got up and walked from the dining-room to the sitting-room. He closed the door, after which she heard him fall. He said he was not hurt, declaring that if they left him he would get into bed. Because he did not seem very bad, and had fallen before, they did not take much notice of it. The next morning he looked so ill that a doctor was fetched. - Dr Anderson came from Tavistock, and MR WILLIAMS was taken to the Tavistock Hospital, but sent on to Plymouth, the Matron expressing an opinion that he was well enough for the journey. - Dr O. Watson said deceased was admitted to the Hospital, and it was found he had paralysis of the right side, with fracture of the right thigh, due to the fall. The fracture accelerated death by confining him to his bed.

Western Morning News, Monday 15 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Wadebridge Woman's Fall And Death. - An Inquest into the circumstances of the death of MRS ALICE CAVELL, of Gwendrock, Wadebridge, proprietress of a Wadebridge Hotel, was conducted by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at Plymouth Mortuary on Friday, when a verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned, she having died from shock brought on by a fractured thigh. - MR SAMUEL B. CAVELL WARD, of Molesworth-street, Wadebridge, a tailor, said the dead woman was his aunt, and 71 years of age. She went out to do some shopping, when she slipped on a step and fell. On the advice of Dr Coleridge, she was conveyed to South Devon Hospital for X-ray examination, and subsequently taken to a Nursing Home. Dr Sandford said when admitted to the Nursing Home the woman was suffering from a fractured right femur, and was delirious. The fracture and shock were the cause of death.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 16 December 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Devonport Petty Officer Killed. Brother's Account Of Lorry Collision. - The death of RICHARD CHARLES ALFORD, aged 34, petty officer, serving in H.M.S. Defiance, Devonport, and whose home was at Colston-road, Easton, Bristol, was investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, sitting with a Jury, at the Royal Naval Hospital yesterday. - ALFORD was riding a motor cycle, on which his brother, WILLIAM, a leading signalman, Royal Navy, was pillion passenger, from Paignton to Plymouth on December 4. When by Davidsmoor Cross (between Bittaford and Ivybridge, where the road widening is in progress, they were involved in a collision with a motor lorry. - A verdict that "Death occurred under an anaesthetic during an operation for multiple injuries caused by colliding with a motor lorry" was returned, the Coroner stating that it was "a pure accident," and no one was to blame. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden appeared for the Admiralty, and the owner and driver of the lorry was represented by Mr C. H. Taylor. Sergt. Southwood was present for Devon Constabulary. - WILLIAM ALFORD, leading signalman, Longroom Signal Station, said they left Paignton about 6.50 a.m. on December 4 to return to Devonport. Just after passing Bittaford witness noticed some red lights on the off side, but on glancing to the left, a few seconds before the accident, he saw an object, which proved to be a cart or lorry. - He noticed no lights, and apparently deceased was too close on the lorry to avoid it. - Poor Visibility - At the time visibility was poor. Witness knew little about the accident, and knew nothing until he found himself on the ground. - He could not estimate the speed, but considered they were going "rather slow." - Frederick Thomas White, lorry driver, employed by Mr J. Joy, of Ellacombe, Torquay, stated he had driven the lorry from Buckfastleigh to Davids Moor Cross. On arriving there he pulled into the near side of the road and stopped. He switched off the headlights, leaving the side and rear lights burning. At that time the light was "very deceiving." - While walking to the side of the vehicle he heard a crash at the rear and the lorry lurched forward. On going to the back to see what had happened, witness saw a motor cycle on the ground with the driver by the side of it. - Walter John Eastley, flagman, employed by Devon County Council, engaged on the Davidsmoor Cross road widening scheme, described how the motor cycle came down the road apparently making straight for the lorry and then crashed into it. - William Bennington, labourer, employed by Devon County Council, stated that the driver of the cycle appeared to be avoiding the lorry, but in witness's opinion was too close to the lorry to do so. - Smashed Beyond Repair. - Constable Harris, of South Brent, said examination of the lorry showed that an iron bar used to support a spare wheel was wrenched off and the rear lamp was smashed. The cycle was smashed beyond repair. - Surg.-Com. H. M. Whelan, of the Royal Naval Hospital, said when admitted to Hospital ALFORD was suffering from a compound comminuted fracture of the upper and lower jaws and fracture of the left arm. The patient sufficiently recovered from shock to be fit for an anaesthetic. An operation was performed in order to assist the patient's breathing. That was completed, but the patient suddenly collapsed and died the same evening. - Surg.-Com. J. S. Elliott, who conducted a post-mortem, said externally the body was muscular and well-proportioned and appeared to be that of a healthy, vigorous man, but internally there were several injuries, and death resulted from shock following multiple injuries.

Western Morning News, Thursday 18 December 1930
TORQUAY - Fall Into Washpit. Verdict At Inquest On Torquay Labourer. - Mr Ernest Hutchings, County Coroner, resumed the Inquest at Torbay Hospital yesterday on HARRY ALFORD, aged 65, a labourer, of 50 Lower Union-street, Torquay, who fell into a washpit at premises occupied by the Torquay and Paignton Gas Company, in Swan-street, Torquay, and died in Torbay Hospital. - Mr W. J. K. Cook, H.M. Inspector of Factories, Exeter, was present and Mr W. Turner represented the Gas Company. - George A. E. Martin, of 44 Cavern-road, Ellacombe, employed by the Torquay and Paignton Gas Company, said that on Monday morning, November 24, he saw deceased standing at the top of the washpit. A little later he heard gurgling-in-the-throat noises and turning round saw deceased falling backwards. He dropped on a concrete bottom four or five feet below and witness rushed to his assistance. Witness formed the opinion that he fainted. - Dr Quinlan, House Surgeon at the Torbay Hospital, stated that deceased had a wound 2 ½ inches long over the eye. On December 4 he developed pneumonia and died on December 9. Witness considered that the cause of death was double pneumonia, contributed to by cerebral haemorrhage, which might have been caused by a blow received as the result of the fall into the pit, or which might have been due to natural causes. - Anna Stone of 50 Lower Union-street, said deceased had never stayed away from work during the three years he had lodged with her. Constable Gordon Willey was complimented on a sketch of the scene of the accident. - The Jury found that death was due to double pneumonia, contributed to by cerebral haemorrhage and that there was insufficient evidence to show the cause of same.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 December 1930
EAST STONEHOUSE - Soldier's Death At Plymouth. City Coroner And Absence Of Officer. - Mr J. A. Pearce, the Plymouth Coroner, commented on the absence of any officer of the regiment at an Inquest held at the Royal Naval Hospital, yesterday, on a private who died under an anaesthetic during an operation. In such cases, he said, it was usual for an officer to attend the Inquest in order to give such information about the deceased and such assistance to himself as might be necessary, and he was rather surprised that it was not done on that occasion. - He thought that more interest in the matter should have been shown in that respect than had been the case. - Mr F. Edgar Bowden, who attended on behalf of the Admiralty, said he would make a representation on the subject to the authority concerned. - The verdict of "Death under an Anaesthetic during an operation for intestinal obstruction" was recorded on PRIVATE ERNEST WILLIAM JARMAN, aged 19, 2nd Battn. Norfolk Regt., stationed at Raglan Barracks, whose home address was High-street South, East Ham, Essex. - - Corpl. James C. Shelly, 2nd Batt. Norfolk Regt., said he last saw JARMAN alive on December 4, when he appeared to be in pain. Witness reported his condition and he was examined by the medical officer. On the previous day JARMAN complained to him that he felt unwell, and was sent to the medical orderly. In the evening of that day he appeared normal and was placed on light fatigue duty. He said he did not wish to report sick. - Two Operations. - Surgeon-Com. H. M. Whelan, R.N., said JARMAN was admitted to the Royal Naval Hospital at 8.25 a.m. on December 4, suffering from appendicitis and an operation was performed the same morning. He progressed so well that a week later he was taken off the serious list, but on the 13th he developed symptoms which responded to treatment, but did not entirely disappear. Three days afterwards a further operation was performed, the anaesthetic being given by Surgeon-Lieut. Proctor. - In the opinion of the witness the anaesthetic was properly and skilfully administered. - While the operation was proceeding the patient stopped breathing, but for a short period his heart continued to beat. The operation was immediately stopped and restoratives were applied, but JARMAN did not rally and died at 10.35 p.m. Witness was satisfied that everything possible that could be done was done in the case. He said the father of the deceased was twice communicated with, but there was no reply. - In answer to Mr Bowden, Com. Whelan said that if the man had been admitted to the Hospital earlier his chances of recovery would have been very much better. - "Abnormal Sounds." - Surg.-Lieut. R. L. G. Proctor, R.N., said that JARMAN was in an anaemic condition, his heart sounds wee weak, and there were abnormal sounds over his lungs. An anaesthetic was given, but when the breathing stopped oxygen and cardiac stimulants were administered and artificial respiration was performed for a considerable period. Witness said he was aware that a previous operation had been made on the patient, but he did not know what anaesthetic was then used. - He had given about 150 anaesthetics, and many of chloroform and ether in the same proportion as in the present case. - Surg.-Com. J. S. Elliot, R.N., who made a post-mortem examination, stated that JARMAN'S nutrition was poor and there was a condition of peritonitis in the lower abdomen. Death was due to paralysis of the respiratory centre, and respiratory failure during the administration of the anaesthetic.

Western Morning News, Friday 19 December 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Fatal Fall At Ford. Inquest Sequel To Devonport Youth's Accident. - Sitting with a Jury, the City Coroner held an Inquiry at the Royal Albert Hospital, Devonport, yesterday into the death of ERNEST EMMANUEL MADDOCK, aged 16, of 3 Paradise-place, Devonport, who was employed by Messrs. Newton, Chambers and Co., Ltd., Thorncliffe Ironworks, Sheffield, as a rivet boy on constructional work at Ford Gasworks. - EMMANUEL MADDOCK, in the employ of the Corporation, father of the lad, gave evidence of identification. - Edward John Clarence Wackley, 21 Granby-street, said he was a rivet holder-up and was engaged on the erection of the gasholder at St Levan-road. On December 9 he was working in company with the lad on the balcony of the gasholder tank about 30 feet above the ground. It was necessary to shift the cage into another section, and for that purpose it was lowered to the ground. Witness was bolting a bracket to the balcony and the lad came to help him, but overbalanced and fell outside the holder. They had been employed on similar work together for the past five months. The balcony was 2 ft. 6 in. to 4 ft. 8 in wide, and the accident occurred at its widest part. - Daniel Simon Smith, engine-minder, said he had just come from the engine-house when he heard a shout and saw the boy lying in the yard. Within a few minutes he was removed to the Hospital. - Dr Oliver Watson, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, said death was due to peritonitis. - A verdict of "Accidental Death" was returned.

Western Morning News, Tuesday 23 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Motor Driver Not To Blame. Plymouth Child Killed While Crossing Road. - That death was due to a fractured skull, caused by accidentally coming into collision with a motor vehicle, was the verdict recorded by the Plymouth City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest yesterday on WILLIAM HENRY LEE, aged 7, of 14 Williams-avenue, Prince Rock, who was killed on Thursday last in Laira Bridge-road. The driver of the van, Phillip Ernest Woodley, aged 35, of 8 Gifford-place, Plymouth, was exonerated from blame. - Mrs Elsie Sutton of 72 Laira Bridge-road, who witnessed the accident, said that at half-past one on December 18 she was standing at her front door when she saw a Plymouth Co-operative Society motor van approaching, and a child run out from the safety railings outside Prince Rock School gates across the road in front of the van. The van was travelling at a moderate pace. In her opinion, the driver had no time to pull up, and she did not think he could have avoided the accident. There was no Policeman on duty there. - Driver's Evidence. - Phillip Ernest Woodley, the driver of the motor van, said that he was travelling at about 10 miles an hour, in third gear. He saw some children crossing the road and sounded his hooter. The children then ran on to the pavement. When he got to the entrance of the infant school a lad dashed out from the school entrance into the left wing of the van. He had a little jacket over his head. He (the driver) steered to the right, jammed on his brakes and stopped the van. - It was impossible for him to avoid the collision. He thought that had the child not had his jacket over his head he would have seen the van approaching, and would not have ventured across the road. There was a misty rain at the time. The limit of speed in third gear was from 10 to 12 miles an hour at most. In fact, he doubted if it was that much. - Police Instructions - Reginald Hawkins, of Plymouth City Police, said that he had instructions to be outside the school at 10 minutes to 12 to see the children come out. There were two entrances to the school, and the Policeman on duty went into Embankment-road, where the road was somewhat narrow and there was a good deal of traffic. No Policeman was detailed at the school at 1.30 p.m. - Doctor Stuttaford, of Brunswick-terrace, stated that the child was dead when he saw him. Death was due to a fracture at the base of the skull and in his opinion was instantaneous. He did not think the wheel of a heavily-loaded van had passed over the child's head, but that he had been struck by some part of the van. - In summing up, the Coroner said that he was glad to say they did not have very many cases of children being run over when they were coming out of school, and it showed that the supervision was really quite good. - The Jury, in returning their verdict, expressed their sympathy with MR and MRS LEE and Mr Mayburne Pearce, on behalf of the Plymouth Co-operative Society, and on his own behalf, also extended sympathy to the bereaved parents.

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Dread Of Hospital. Inquest Verdict On Plymouth Man Found Gassed. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned by the City Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the City Mortuary, Plymouth, on Wednesday, at the Inquest on ERNEST UNDERHILL, aged 40, who was found gassed over an oven in a Plymouth Church Army hostel. - Mr B. H. Chowen appeared for the widow. - MRS ELSIE MAY UNDERHILL of 44 Kinross-avenue, Lipson, the widow, said that she had been separated from her husband since November 12, and had not seen him since that date. He had been in Hospital in October last. He had been very depressed, being under the care of Dr Bushnell, suffering from neurasthenia. He had been suffering from delusions, and had said that if he had to go to Hospital again he would commit suicide. - Capt. George Tank, in charge of the Church Army Hostel, Portland-villas, said that deceased came to the Hostel and asked for a bed. He seemed to be rather erratic. Witness said he was informed that a man had gassed himself in one of the rooms. He went down and found the man being attended to by other lodgers. - A letter produced in Court addressed to the Captain of the Hostel declared, "Dear Captain, I am sorry to have to do this. All the papers in my pocket will show you the cause I hope you will have a happy Christmas. Since I have been at this Hostel it has been the best days of my life. I should have gone to the City Hospital yesterday."

Western Morning News, Saturday 27 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Plymothian's Suicide. Coroner On Clerk's Double Trouble. Co-operative Society Employee's Death. - The circumstances surround the tragic death of FRANCIS SAMUEL BARNES, aged 49, a clerk in the accounts department of the Plymouth Co-operative Society Ltd., of 31 Dale-gardens, were investigated by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, Plymouth, on Wednesday afternoon, where the dead man had been taken after he was found bleeding from wounds at the throat and wrists at his home. - A verdict of "Suicide while of Unsound Mind" was returned. - MR BARNES had been in the employ of the Co-operative Society for 35 years, having been there since the age of 14. - Mr F. Mayburne Pearce held a watching brief on behalf of the Plymouth Co-operative Society and Mr R. McDonald appeared on behalf of interested parties. - Dennis Herbert Le Good, House Surgeon at the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital, said that on Tuesday at 9.55 a.m. he saw deceased in the Casualty Department. He had a wound at the neck and cuts across both wrists. The man was dead. The cause of death was haemorrhage from the three wounds. - The Coroner: Is it your opinion that the wounds in the wrists were inflicted first? - I cannot tell. I should imagine on speculation that the wrists would come first and then the neck. - Widow's Evidence. - DORA BARNES, wife of deceased, said that on Tuesday about 8 a.m. she gave her husband a cup of tea in bed and then went downstairs to get the breakfast ready. At 9.15 her son went to the back to fetch some vegetables. He called to her to say he heard groans as he was passing the lavatory. - She went out at once and tried the lavatory door and found it secured on the inside. She called to some men who were working next door. They came immediately and tried to force the door, but could not do so, and they then removed one of the jambs. - While they were doing that her neighbour 'phoned for a doctor and for the ambulance. Dr Hacker and the ambulance were quickly in attendance. She was not allowed to see her husband, who was treated by the doctor and taken in the ambulance to the South Devon and East Cornwall Hospital. - For 17 weeks her husband had been suffering from trouble with his eyes. This had made him terribly depressed. He had already lost the sight of one eye, and he feared he would lose his sight altogether. - The Coroner: On the top of this was there some other trouble? - Not to my knowledge. - No trouble in connection with the Co-operative Society? - I never heard him say. He had been home for several weeks. - Visit To His Office. - Had he been to the office during that time? - He wrote a letter to see if Mr Wonnacott could do something for him, because we had only the insurance coming in. That was about three weeks ago. Mr Wonnacott offered to see him on that particular thing. He asked him if they could see their way clear to let him have a grant or something. Mr Wonnacott said he could not, because if he allowed him the grant it would not be until April. He was hoping to have his sight back by that time. - Had he not been to the office recently? - Mr Wonnacott sent for him to see him on the Monday. He was then told by Mr Wonnacott that they could not see their way clear to make any grant. - The Coroner: Had he ever threatened to take his life? - No, but I have been worried about him because he has been so morbid. - Fernley Wm. Powlesland, 3 Eton-terrace, Plymouth, gave evidence of finding deceased in the lavatory. He found an ordinary razor by his side. He was not dead at the time. - The Coroner: Thank you for the prompt way in which you all went to do what you could in this case. - Solicitor's Statement. - John Oliver Mayor Moriarty, solicitor, of the firm of Messrs. Bond and Pearce, said that his firm acted for the Plymouth Co-operative Society, Ltd. - The Coroner: Has your firm been instructed recently to investigate the accounts of the deceased man? - We have. - And so far as you can say, was he acquainted with that? - He knew the investigation was under way. - Mr Moriarty added: I heard the evidence of MRS BARNES. I understood her to say that her husband attended a meeting of the sub-committee of the Co-operative Society on Monday, the 15th inst., in connection with an application for a grant. I was not present at the meeting, but I know the object for which he was invited. He was told that there were irregularities in connection with his accounts; had he any explanation to offer? He said he knew nothing whatever about it. That is all that transpired. So far as I know, nothing was said about a grant. - The Coroner said: "This is a particularly sad case, especially coming at such a time. - "I think there can be no doubt that the deceased took his own life by cutting his throat and wrists with a razor." - The Summing Up. - "Then as to his state of mind. Well, in this case I am confronted with no difficulty like I am in some cases, because we have here the case of a man who had practically lost the sight of one eye, and had been afflicted recently in the other eye, for which he had been seven weeks in the Plymouth Eye Infirmary and had also been attending on the doctors since he left the Eye Infirmary. This caused him to be very depressed. He was in a very morbid state of mind. - "Added to that we have the evidence that there was to be some inquiry as to the accounts of his department or the department in which he was engaged, although there is no evidence whatever to indicate that the accounts were other than absolutely correct. Yet the fact that there was such an inquiry being made, no doubt added to the worry of his eyesight trouble, caused him to be much more depressed even than usual, and he ultimately decided that he would take his own life." - "That is ample evidence for me to find that at the time he committed the act he was in an Unsound State of Mind."

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 December 1930
STOKE DAMEREL - Shock From Burns. Plymouth Inquest Story Of Young Wife's Death. - A verdict of "Death from Shock due to Severe Burning" was recorded by the Plymouth Coroner, Mr J. A. Pearce, at an Inquest held at the Royal Albert Hospital yesterday on ELIZABETH MARIA ADDERSON, aged 21, married of 17 Princes-street, Devonport. MRS ADDERSON died at the Royal Albert Hospital. - WILFRED ALBERT ADDERSON, corporal of the 2nd Norfolk Regiment, husband of deceased, said that on Sunday, December 21, his wife complained of headaches and witness fetched a medical officer from the Barracks. The officer told him to keep her in bed. - At 9.20 witness went on duty. He left a good fire burning. He thought that his wife had stood near the fire and her nightdress had ignited. They had been married for nearly three years. - Mary Frances Woods, of 10 Victoria-place, Devonport, said that at the time of the accident she was living in rooms over MRS ADDERSON. She heard a scream, and saw MRS ADDERSON in flames. Witness rolled her in the floor rugs. - Mrs Florence Chiswell of 17 Princes-street and Harry Clarke of 58 Princes-street, also spoke of giving assistance to deceased. - Constable Francis said the fire was well protected. - Dr Oliver Watson, House Surgeon at the Royal Albert Hospital, also gave evidence. - Maj. A. J. Shakeshaft represented the regiment. 

Western Morning News, Tuesday 30 December 1930
PLYMOUTH - Death After Accident. Jury's Finding At Plymouth Inquest. - A Jury sat at Plymouth Mortuary yesterday to decide whether SARAH JANE JEAN died from natural causes or whether death was accelerated as a result of an accident in which she was involved on December 8 last, in Frankfort-street, Plymouth, when she came into contact with a pedal cycle ridden by Ernest Henry Wilton of 7 Queen-cottages, Queen-street, Plymouth. MRS JEAN, who was a widow, died at her residence, 60 Harwell-street, Plymouth, on Christmas-day. - After having heard the available evidence of the accident and the medical evidence, the Jury held that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, predisposed by shock following an Accidental collision. - Constable Rendle, who visited the scene of the accident, said that deceased had said, "It was my fault. The boy was not to blame." - Dr Raymond Currie said that he had been attending deceased since April last for high blood pressure. He visited her on the day after the accident, and found that she was suffering from considerable bruising of the left side of the face. After a few days she improved considerably. On Christmas-day, however, she became very ill and died the same day. - He considered that death was due to cerebral haemorrhage, predisposed by shock, as a result of the accident. - The cyclist was exonerated from blame. - Mr J. A. Pearce conducted the Inquest.