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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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After go down to beach get clam; boil up with rice; had seven sacks of rice left.
Q. 145 Is that all?
A. Only little bit of Chinese bean, dry bean.
Q. 146 So that from December 26th to January 17th you had no meat?
A. Yes, that is right.
Q. 147 From January 1st to January 17th you have no groceries?
A. Yes.
Q. 148 And then?
A. We just live on rice and clams and I went to Seehart – the postman give me some herring.
Q. 149 Yes. Did you have any money?
A. No, he just give it to me.
Q. 150 Now Mr. Colquohn, did he give you any money?
A. He promise to send me some money for Christmas. I have been there six months; haven't had one cent.
Q. 151 Any of the rest of the boys have money? Did he pay any of the other boys?
A. No.
Q. 125 Nine boys work from August – no money – no pay?
A. Maybe he pay Hop Sang, I couldn't say, He promise me some money, but he never pay.
Q. 153 You ask Hop Sang why he no send groceries. Hop sang tell you he cannot send?
A. Hop Sang say he cannot send what I want; only send me little bit.
Q. 154 In September you came to Camp #2?
A. August I came Camp #2
Q. 155 Does the policemen come and see you in October?
A. Yes.
Q. 156 Had you lots of food then?
A. No, not very.
Q. 157 Just after Christmas time, after December, then no food?
A. No.
Foreman of Jury suggests a question should be asked concerning hiding of food.
15.
BC Archives GR-0431 BRITISH COLUMBIA ATTORNEY GENERAL
Box 13 File 6 Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia