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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
This camp was originally started up in Vancouver for the unemployed, and I was made Manager in Trust, and believe me I had some time. Each man had to take up one unemployed. They were paid at the rate of one dollar and a quarter a cord. With regard to Sam Nomeland, this is a settlement with the lawyer in Vancouver signed and showing claims for $148.80 were settled, that is with the lawyers, for $50.00. Sam was there for a long time; he should have earned that money and didn't. This has just driven me crazy. Sam says, too, that there was no food. I have a notice here. Mind you there were only four of them. There was Sam and two more men and a man by the name of Lloyd, and October 9th forwarded, sent down this food (list of groceries read) That was the time Dunbar was there. This food went down. November 8th, sent this - $24.54. Sam left on the 6th. Shows we were still supplying him with food. There was never a serious shortage of food. It was quite true when Dunbar was there there was a shortage, but several shipments on the way. Took it up with the Chinese Consul in the office. Satisfied with them at Vancouver. In regard to this work of ours, all on contract. Our interest is to see that the contractors carry out their work and get something done. Immediately made arrangements to send food; all kinds of equipment went down; no question of money; it was a question of my principles and a question of trying to keep the contracts. We got rid of the white men and substituted Chinamen. ..... I could talk all night. I don't know if you want me to go on with this. I wired Corporal Dunbar immediately; Corporal Dunbar sent this wire to us and I got busy on the thing and he informed me (Telegram read) When I was at the Camp I wired "Have investigated shortage etc." have now evidence that food was taken out. We have the details here of all the food we have given to the Camp and it works out quite a few dollars per man. While they were there this food was traced to Vancouver and some of it found. King Faun told me some of the food sold. My shoes were stolen and some other stuff. There is a wire from Victoria. This trouble with the men got so bad that I couldn't handle it any more unless they made some other arrangements with the people who pay the money,
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