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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. 

BC Archives GR-0431

*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.

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Q: Matches? A: No

Q: Did you see anything there that was a source of danger? A: I seen that cave, about five yards from the bottom of the stall

Q: Did you see anything else? A: No.

Q: Are you able to form an opinion as to the cause of the explosion? A: I guess it had been caused by some open light coming in contact with gas

Q: It would not be coal dust? A: No.

Q: How was the ventilation? A: Good. Lots of air.

Q: Can you give an opinion as to whether the explosion occurred before or after the cave in? A: No, I couldn't. I wasn't right up to the face. I went in the switch that goes into the branch off No 6; got four Chinaman + took them outside. Dick Hodson + I packed them down to where we put them in the car.

By Mr. Hall: Did you find the body of the driver? A: The driver went home; took his mule to the stable and went home

Q: Of the four men that you found, did you know Chung Chi? A: No; I didn't know any of the Chinamen

James Scobre Black

Taken upon oath and acknowledged this 14 day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three before me

James Abrams, Coroner

BC Archives GR-0431, Box 6 File 3 BRITISH COLOMBIA, ATTORNEY GENERAL. Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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