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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Q: It is not against the Rules of the Coal Mines Regulation act to have those lamps down the mines unlocked? A: No, not along the shaft- except where gas is expected. It is all open lamps used along there. Q: Can these lamps be unlocked with a nail and a piece of wood? A: Yes. I think so; two nails if you press them lightly. By Mr. Hall: About that open lamp. Mr. Matthews, to whom do you suppose that would belong? A: I couldn't tell Q: The driver couldn't have an open lamp? A: Oh, yes, the open lamp belonged to the driver Q: I suppose you know the driver? A: No. I didn't know him. Q: I suppose you know that he died between two and three-o-clock that morning after leaving the mine? A: He died next day. I think Q: Are you aware that his face and hands were burnt? A: No. Saw them come up, but didn't know one from the other Q: if his hands and face were burnt; which I think can be proven, how do you account for his being out of the area in which the law says a person must not be with a naked light? A: That is easily explained Q: Of course I am a [?] how, and I would like to know. I am simply seeking for information and these things may be easily explained? A: Well, I'll tell you and I think you will be satisfied. The flame travels some distance, for half a mile in some mines. Now, that [mule?] was standing evidently at the bottom of no. 6 or no. 5, and the level is say five and a half feet high. No. 5 & no. 6 are about three and a half feet high, leading off from the level. The [mule?] was standing there just as I say, I examined him next day, and I found that he is burnt a certain height, which is the
BC Archives GR-0431 Box 6 File 3 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.