Chung Chi
As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, we’ve digitized a small selection of inquests and inquiries from 1872 to 1934, found in series GR-0431. These were chosen to reflect the experiences of early Chinese immigrants to B.C. – their living and working conditions, and their unfortunate accidental or unusual deaths. They range from a woman working in a brothel in Barkerville who died of natural causes to three sawmill workers who died from malnutrition. Learn more.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
A: Just at the entrance to No 2 South level
J: How far would that be from where the explosion occurred? A: I couldn't tell you
Mr. Morgan: How far were you in the level at the time? A: Just at the entrance to the level.
Mr. Morgan: That is about 100 yards away from the explosion
Mr. [Potts?]: Did you know of the explosion immediately it happened? A: Yes sir.
J: What steps did you take in consequence?
A: The first thing I done - I didn't think it [near?] as bad as it turned out to be - I ran on to see what was the matter
J: Could you get in all the way? A: I just got [?] the [?] & after I got on my feet I started back to go in when I met the driver coming out with his [mule?].
J: Was the driver a Chinaman? A: Yes
J: Had he a light with him? A: No, he was in the dark
J: Was he provided with a safety lamp?
A: No, he had an open lamp.
J: He came out from the direction of where the explosion occurred? A: He came right up the level
J: You acted as [shot lighter?] as well? A: Yes
J: How long before the explosion had you fired a shot in that locality? A: About an hour and three-quarters prior to the explosion
J: Have you made any examination since the explosion? A: Yes
J: Have you found anything in the mines which is contrary to the rules to be there, of a dangerous nature, in the Second South level?
A: No, sir, I seen that lamp "B"
J: Whereabouts was that? A: In No 5 stall.
J: In what condition was it? A: Just as it is now.
J: There was no [top?] to it? A: No. The [top?] was there.
J: What date was that? A: I couldn't be
BC Archives GR-0431 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Box 6 File 3 / Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.