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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Thursday August 13, 1903.
The jury having been called and answered to their names:
Jung Haw was sworn:- (By Interpreter)
By Mr. Potts: What stall he work in? A: No 5 stall; No 12 we call it.
Q: Suppose boss talk to him, do he understand him? A: I understand him.
Q: Suppose fire boss tell him to put up stringer? A: Yes, I understand him that all right.
Q: Does he [?] "[?]"? A: Yes, I understand [?].
Q: Whereabouts was he when the explosion took place? A: Before that I shovel coal, before the explosion in No 5 stall
Q: Did he see anything of the explosion? A: I didn't see anything. I heard the winds blow pretty hard, and after that the flames come.
Q: Which direction did the flames come? A: I don't know what side they come.
Q: From No 6 stall? A: I couldn't tell where they come from.
Q: Was he in No 6 stall at all? A: No, I stay in my own stall.
Q: What kind of a lamp het got? A I use a safety lamp always.
Q: What did he do with it after the explosion? A: As soon as the winds blow, the explosion, the lamp fall down. I don't know where they go.
Q: Did he see a lamp like this, "B"? A: Yes, I saw that lamp.
Q: Was it as it is now? A: Yes.
Q: What became of the top of it? A Yes, we have the top of it, but my boss, he take that oil
Q: Who unlocked it? A: I don't know who unlocked it.
Q: What became of the top of it? A: He had the top too before the explosion. I see my
BC Archives GR-0431 Box 6 File 3 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.