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.
*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
Harry King, fireman, sworn :-
By Mr. Potts:- Were you fireman at No 6 mine on the day of the explosion, July 15th? A: Yes.
J: What time did you go on? A: Five o clock in the morning
J: What time did you come off? A: About 3:20
J: You made those first two reports entered these in the Report book? A: Yes
J: How long have you been engaged as fireman?
A: About 18 months
J: Get a certificate? A: Yes
J: How many shifts were working on July 15th?
A: Two.
J: In these two reports of yours no time is given. When would the first report be made? A: About seven o clock in the morning, before seven
J: And the last? A: About half past 3.
J: That was when you came out? A: Yes
J: Did you take the air pressure that day?
A: Yes, I took the barometer
J: Would that be any indication of the air pressure? A: Yes
J: What was the barometer? A: 29.80
J: What does that indicate as regards air pressure? A: It indicates a pretty good pressure.
J: In each of these reports, Mr King, you stated that you found gas in Second South level?
A: Yes
J: You didn't state any quantity? A: No.
J: Why not? What do you mean to be inferred from that report? A: It means that I found a certain quantity of gas
J: What quantity? A: A very small quantity. A matter of a few inches.
J: Why wouldn't you put a very small quantity of gas was found? A: Well, you would have considerable trouble in measuring gas, and then you might make a mistake in the exact dimensions.
BC Archives GR-0431 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Box 6 File 3 / Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.