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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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J: There were no [shots?] fired without your consent that day? A: That day, no.
Mr. [Paoley?]:- You stated that the quantity of gas you found was a very small one? A: Yes.
J: If it had been a large quantity of gas, would you have allowed the men to go down? A: It just depends. Upon certain conditions I would.
J: Was the mine in good working order?
A: Very good. Exceptionally good that day.
J: Now you have not told us your view as to where the explosion started? A: I have no doubt it started in No 6 branch stall
J: [As?] the head of the branch off No 6? A: Yes
J: And on what reasoning do you form that opinion? A: From the appearance of the [cage?], the way they were knocked down on both sides
J: Showing that the force of the explosion there had gone both ways? A: Yes.
J: You left the mine you said about half past three. Was everything in good order then as far as you could judge? A: Everything was in good order then.
A Juror:- Is it customary for Chinamen to smoke while at work? A: Not in that section, it is strictly against [the?] rules.
J: Did they ever do it that you know of?
A: I have heard of them doing it but never seen them myself
J: Do you take any precautions to keep them from taking matches down? A: Sometimes I search them
J: Did you find any? A: No. Haven't found any yet.
J: Did you search them on the 15th? A: No.
Harry King
Taken upon oath and acknowledged this 14 day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and three
[ineligible]
James Strong Coroner
BC Archives GR-0431 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Box 6 File 3 / Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.