Charlie Ah Fai (Fay)

The Queensland Times reported on the death of Charlie Ah Fai at Purga.

FATAL RUNAWAY. - CHINAMAN'S UNHAPPY END. PINNED BENEATH A CART. At the Court House, yesterday, Mr. W. G. Ashton, C.P.S., inquired into the circumstances attending the death of a Chinaman named Charlie Ah Fai, at Purga, on October 13. Senior Sergt. T. Doherty examined the witnesses. -William Knight, superintendent of the Purga Mission, stated t)hat on Friday, October 13, he was at his home, when he saw a Chinaman hawking fruit and vegetables. About 9.30 the celestial called at a house near the mission home. He was then driving a horse and spring cart. The winkers came off his horse and he was about to get out of the cart when the horse started and came up at a gallop past where witness was standing, down the lane and into the Warwick-road. The cart struck the corner post and turned completely over. Witness was then about 50 yards from the deceased, and went to the scene. He secured the horse till assistance came. Then the animal was freed and the cart lifted off deceased, who was unconscious. With assistance he carried the Chinaman to witness's house. Owing to a stoppage they were Unable to get into communication with the ambulance. Witness then despatched a messenger to the Ipswich police, who arrived with the ambulance about 12.30 p.m. The Chinaman's head and thighs were pinned under the vehicle, and he was bleeding from the head. All that deceased said was "Get up!" Evidently he wanted to get up. Witness believed the horse was scratching its head on its legs and this caused the removal of the winkers. Deceased was removed to the Ipswich General Hospital, where he died on the Sunday. Richard Lucas, a farmer, residing at Purga, who assisted the previous witness to right the overturned cart, also gave evidence. Const, C. Armstrong said that a post mortem examination was held by Dr. M. S. Patterson, who issued a certificate showing the cause of death as cerebral hemorrhage and heart failure.