Wellington Coal Mine
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.
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13th Witness
33
G.G. Prior having been duly sworn states I am the Govt. Inspector of Mines, I have had considerable ex- -perience I have inspected the Wellington Mine since Sept. 1877. there was a good deal of explosive gass in No. 10 level I have many times warned Mr. Sawes Dunsmuir of this. i con- -sider that the No 3 Curtain was a right & proper precaution under the Circumstances. The fireman should visit every place wherever a man is likely to go, into besides the air comes[?]. The Wellington Mine is not what is called a firing Mine. When gas is found an inspection should be constantly made by the fireman & the ventilation attended to I have never known a Mine better ventilated for the number of men. I inspect the Wellington Mine at least once in three months in fact inspection was on the 14th. March, I found the ventilation generally in good order except firv or six places brattice.
Gow.r Gawlsr. Prior
Taken before me at Wellington this 24th day of April 1879
Warner R Spalding
Coroner
BC Archives GR-0431 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 2 File 6 Inquisitions/inquests conducted by coroners in British Columbia.