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.
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2: Did you find anything around there that would ignite the gas? A: No, but ? from that lamp "a" there, it burns ? very strongly as if something there had done it. 2: That is Camp, Exhibit-a. a: Yes. 2: So that the one that you found? a: I didn't find any. 2: There is no question but that a light ignited the gas? a: Not a question, it must have been a match or a light; or an accident to a lamp. 2: Did you strike-through examine any lamps around there? a: I don't think I did. I might have, one or two, but I hardly remember now whether I did or not. 2: Did you find any matches? a: No. 2. Did you find anything there that was dangerous? a: Nothing more than the gas 2. Did you find anything there that was contrary to the Rules to be there? a: No. 2: You are not able to give an opinion as to what was the cause of the explosion? a: No 2. What was the ventilation like? a: Good, expect the part where the cave interfered with the ventilation in its proper cause. 2: Was there much of a cave when you were there? a: Just a cave 2: Continuing all the time? a: No, it was through when I was there. 2. What would you infer from the report of the fireman finding gas in the mine? a: From the report of the first fireman there, it was such a small amount that I would consider it was ignite safe to go on with the work, especially seeing they were working with safety lamps and giant powder, every precaution was taken that could be taken. Of course if they were firing gun powder and working with naked lights it would be a different thing altogether.
B.C Archives GR-0431 Box 6 File 3 BRITISH COLUMBIA ATTORNEY GENERAL Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia