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John Marshall et al

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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109 -105- #18 Q;- These gates were locked and there was defect with the chains? A;-Well, it appears to me they were; they told me the lock was broken and the chain was not. Q;- On October 15th? A;- It would be impossible because the footbrake,- is the the emergency brake you are speaking of? Q;-Emergency? A;- It would be impossible because in the ordinary circumstances it would not hold,- the difference in diameter of a quarter of an inch. Q;- It was done with the object just because it could be done cheap? A;- The rear hind axle is not safe. Q;- Is the rear axle of the Winton stronger? A;-Yes, and I suppose the reason he replaced it was to get a full floating rear axle.

  1. 19 James Robert Robertson, clergyman, 827-34Avenue E.,South Vancouver,B.C. being duly sworn, saith;-

I have no particular evidence of the case. I have been personally and somewhat closely connected with Mr Smith and his family. Mr Ladner;- Just explain to the jury what kind of man Mr Smith was. A;- I have pleasure in testifying as to his extraordinary fine character all the years I have known him. I first heard about him sabbath morning after the morning service. I immediately thought there must be some complaint of carelessness. I began to enquire who the driver of the car was, and as soon as I found out who the driver was, it occurred to me he was a temperance man, and perhaps I could bear testimony on behalf of the man. Q;- Have you ever ridden with mr smith on his jitney trips? A;- No.

BC Archives GR-0431 Box 10 File 4

BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Inquistions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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