Wong Kong Ying 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.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
Sergeant F. Markland opened Proceedings in the name of the King.
Jurymen and Foreman sworn in.
Constable M. J. CONDON CALLED & SWORN:
Q. 1 What is your full name?
A. Michael John Condon. I am a Provincial Constable stationed at Alberni, in the County of Nanaimo. On Thursday, January 18th, I proceeded to Canoe Pass, on instructions from Sergeant Markland, to investigate the death of one Chinese at a Shingle Bolt Mill at that place. On the 19th of January I went to Camp #2. Incidentally there are two Chinese camps at this place; one camp at the beach, which you call Camp #1, and one camp in the woods, approximately one and a half miles away. I went to Camp #2, accompanied by Constable Frost. Upon arrival there I found the body of one, Lung Yuen Hung, dead. He was outside the building, covered with some clothes. Upon questioning some of the Chinese and going into the building I saw a man on a bench in there. I asked him who was there. He said another man was dead — Wong Ying. Upon getting this information I despatched Constable Frost to get Corporal Dunbar, who immediately came up to investigate the matter, and after some consultation Corporal Dunbar and Constable Frost left. I remained and carried on the investigation. As a result of this I looked over the other men, found there were three others limping around — not much life in them; asked them how they were; said they were sick. After going into that, I decided, in view of the sickness of these men, the only thing possible to do was to provide proper medical aid and attention. I then got the two dead bodies and prepared them for transportation and also had the other men taken down to the beach and also put them aboard the "Victory #5" and took them to Port Alberni, where Dr. Thomas came down and made an examination of all the men concerned. He later died at the Hospital on the 20th. The other Chinese were interviewed concerning
BC Archives GR-0431/Box 13 File 6/BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL./Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.