Transcription Page

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. 

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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24.

Thomas Bickle, miner. Sworn :-

By Mr. Potts :- You assisted at the rescue of the miners on the 15th of July?

A: Yes.

Q: What time,

A: Between 7 and 8 sometime.

Q: Did you go into the Second South Level?

A: Yes I was there.

Q: Did you make any search of that level?

A: I made no search at all, I simply helped to take out the dead bodies.

Q: Did you see any pit lamps or open safety lamps there?

A: I didn't see any pit lamps. I saw a safety lamp but it was locked, I think it was in No.3, but I am not acquainted with the mine; it was the first time I ever went into it, and I didn't ask the number of the stalls.

Q: Was it out?

A: Certainly, it was out.

Q: Do you know whom it belonged to?

A: I couldn't tell you that, sir.

Q: It was in No.3 stall?

A: I wouldn't be certain as to the number.

Q: Did you form any opinion as to the cause of the explosion?

A: I couldn't tell you; I couldnot form any opinion at all as I didn't go inside the places. I kept outside, taking the dead bodies up. I might have been at the bottom of the places, relieving some of the men carrying up the stretcher, but I never went into the faces of the places.

Thomas Bickle.

Taken upon oath and acknowledged this 14 day of August in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and three James Abrams, Coroner.

BC Archives GR-0431 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 6 File 3 Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.

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