James Burton 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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14
Lonnie James Brooks, Fireman of No. 1 Dept Timberley Bay Bowen Island B.C.
Being sworn, said: I was there at the scene of the explosion about fifteen minutes to twelve noon on Saturday, March 12, 1910. The natives were working there and the five Chinamen and the white man were in the shed.
I went to number one pack house, a building where cartridges are filled, and then walked towards the wash house. As I reached the cut the explosion took place.
I came back and I found that number two house had blown up. I should think I was about 200 yards away when the explosion occurred. I felt a concussion but it was not severe.
I should judge there was 2,000 lbs (two thousand) of dynamite in the shed. There was a shipment of 25 cases and the balance in bags, a case contains fifty pounds.