Chin Ah Quan store, Cossack
Date Published
: stores
: Indian Ocean Coast (WA)
: Cossack
: 1885
Chin Ah Quan store, Cossack.
Chin Ah Quan store inventory
Ah Quan ran a small store at Cossack and when he died in May 1885 without relatives or a will his estate was assessed by the Government Resident at Roebourne. Legal documents referring to him as “Ah Quan a Chinaman", though his real name was Chin Quan or Chin Ah Quan. When itemised and sold his goods ranged from 1 bed, 2 blankets and three pillows, to 130 lbs for rice, 9 cups and saucers, as well as 2 tins of opium, 3 red silk sashes, 1 kettle, and 16 combs, These appear to be a mixture of personal items and shop stock. The whole amounting to less than £15.
In all, Ah Quan's estate totalled a little over £30, from which over £18 was paid for his coffin, debts owing, and various others, including 12 Chinese men who were paid over 4 shillings each to "assist" in the burial.
Letters written in Chinese and shipping documents show that Ah Quan kept up a correspondence with both Singapore and Hong Kong from where he ordered his goods, often via a Choon Fatt for shipping on the coastal steamer Natal. Jars of salt turnips, bags of rice, vermicelli and potatoes were common imports.
Source: Ah Quan - AU WA S2323- cons5795 1885/15 (WA State Archives)
Chin Ah Quan stock
