Thursday, September 8, 2022

SUN TONG LEE

Sun Tong Lee Sydney Branch Store, Gulgong
Source: Mitchell Library, SLNSW

The following information comes from an article titled "Chinese in Gulgong" from the Mudgee District History website and is reproduced here with the permission of Diane Simmonds. Where not otherwise credited, the information was written by Barbara Hickson.
In 1851 the geologist named Stutchbury found gold in the neighbourhood of Gulgong. However it was the discovery of a rich gold seam called the “Canadian Lead” in August 1871 that led to a population explosion. By December of 1872 the population of Gulgong and district reached approximately 20,000. This brought with it commercial dealers of all kinds who set up shop initially in rough slab buildings, typically with sign-written pine board façades and parapets.

The centre of town was the intersection of Herbert Street (which led down to the Black Lead gold mine) and Mayne Street. Here a multicultural society of Greeks, Italians, Americans, English, Irish, Bulgarians, Scottish, Australians and Chinese vied for services and stores.

After the Lambing Flat race riots of 1860, Chinese were generally banned from mining, so they turned instead to the supporting activities of supplying stores and vegetables

Sun Tong Lee, along with other Chinese storekeepers and market gardeners, quickly set up business.

On 17 June 1871, it was noted in Issue 18 of the Gulgong Advertiser (a local paper) that “A celestial storekeeper is opening an unusually large store next to Langdon’s Emporium in Herbert Street.” Mr. Lee had bought two lots of land in Herbert Street: Lots 3 and 4 in section 5. Further up Herbert Street N. Langdon owned Lot 3b.

In Issue 22: on July 15 1871 Sun Tong Lee made the following announcement:

SUN TONG LEE General Store Keeper begs to inform the housekeepers, hotelkeepers, miners and others, that he has opened a branch of his Sydney store in Herbert Street, with a choice lots of choices.

On 10 August Mr. Lee opened another branch store at Home Rule. In the advertisement for this new store Sun Tong promised “Strict attention to the wants of his customers, To merit a share of the business there as has been so liberally afforded here.”

Henry Lawson, in his poem Christmas in the Goldfields, reminisced about those days in Gulgong. He referred to Sun Tong Lee as “Santa Claus as a Chinaman with strange and delicious sweets that melted in our mouths and rum toys and Chinese dolls for the children”. He also named Sun Tong Lee in his article titled "The Ghosts of Many Christmases".

There were other newspaper issues that told of brushes with the law on the goldfield:

In Issue 150, 22nd January 1873 Sun Tong is named as the bailer for Ah Young, who was charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be half-sovereign to another Chinese man, one Dunn Hoo. Just 3 days later a man R. J. Robinson was charged with obtaining monies under false pretenses including twice from Sun Tong Lee.

In Issue 166, 19th March 1873, a “lad named Richard Rossiter was charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 5/6, from the store of Sun Tong Lee at the Home Rule. It appeared that a number of boys entered the store at once to make purchases, one of them ran off with a pair of boots, Sun Ton Lee identified the lad. During the examination, the prisoner wept bitterly. The lad stated he went to purchase a melon and saw another boy run away with the boots but he did not know him, if he did, he would give his name, said he never touched the boots. Mr. Clarke made an appeal to the Bench, who discharged the boy with a caution.”

Finally in September 1875, at the end of 4 years of business, Mr. Lee, the manager of the Sun Tong Lee store left Gulgong and returned to Sydney. The premises became the store of Mr. Ah Lum. The departure was noted with regret by the local paper which stated that

“since his arrival in Gulgong—now some four or five years ago—he has earned the respect of all classes of the community and we feel sure that many will regret his departure, especially those who have in their time of need received many acts of kindness from him."
Source: Barbara Hickson

Location of Sun Tong Lee's store in Gulgong 1872
Click here for zoomable image

Sun Tong Lee's general store, which was situated in Herbert Street, about half way down the hill. This photograph is of particular interest in view of the fact that Sun Tong Lee’s Store was one of the very few establishments to which [Henry] Lawson referred by its correct name [in his poem "Christmas on the Goldfields"].

Sun Tong Lee, along with other Chinese storekeepers, had set up business in Gulgong in June 1871. His store was considered exceptional for a goldfield town and was described in the Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 25, August 5th, 1871, as follows:

“Gulgong differs in a business way from any goldfield we have seen opened in this Colony since 1861, by reason of the enterprise exhibited by the Chinese Traders in competing with the Europeans. In Herbert Street there are 2 Chinese stores owned respectively by Sun Tong Lee and Co. and On Lee & Co, which in size and stock compares very favorably with their European rivals. The site of the latter is the largest store under one roof on the goldfield, being 70ft long x 30ft wide. It has plate glass windows and is neatly fitted inside with counters and shelves.”

Mr. Lee sold this business four years later in September 1875 to Ah Lum.

The above information comes from an article titled "Chinese in Gulgong" from the Mudgee District History website and is reproduced here with the permission of Diane Simmonds. Where not otherwise credited, the information was written by Barbara Hickson.

NEWS ITEMS

1871_____________

1871 - SUN TONG LEE.
A celestial storekeeper is opening an unusually large store next to Langdon’s Emporium in Herbert Street.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 18, 17th June 1871

1871 - Advert
SUN TONG LEE General Store Keeper Begs to inform the Housekeepers, Hotelkeepers, miners and others, that he has opened a BRANCH of his Sydney store in Herbert Street, with a choice lots of ‘choices’.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 22, July 15 1871

1871 - CELESTIAL ENTERPRISE.
Gulgong differs in a business way from any goldfield we have seen opened in this Colony since 1861, by reason of the enterprise exhibited by the Chinese Traders in competing with the European’s. In Herbert Street there are 2 Chinese stores owned respectively by Sun Tong Lee and Co. and On Lee & Co., which in size and stock compares very favourably with their European rivals. The site of the latter is the largest store under one roof on the goldfield, being 70ft long x 30ft wide. It has plate glass windows and is neatly fitted inside with counters and shelves.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No 25 August 5th, 1871

1871 - GLORIOUS NEWS - 
SUN TONG LEE, General Storekeeper, Begs to inform the Housekeepers, Hotelkeepers, Miners and others that he has opened a Branch of his Sydney Store in Herbert Street, with a choice and well-assorted Stock of Groceries, Drapery, Ironmongery, Hardware, Boots, Rope Tinware at such LOW PRICES as will enable everybody to patronise him and get full value for their money. His goods are ALL NEW and of the best description. Remember—–SUN TONG LEE —Herbert Street
Source: Mercantile Advertiser, August 24 1871

1872_____________

1872 - FOUND
Two purses containing money during February and if not claimed within 14 days will be given to the Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital signed Sun Tong Lee.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 88 19th June 1872

1872 - SUN TONG LEE
SUN TONG LEE Reports that he has two purses containing money left in his store in February.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 89 22nd June, 1872

1872 – [SUN TONG LEE – HOME RULE STORE]
SUN TONG LEE reports that he has established a branch of the store at Home Rule.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No. 103 10th August, 1872

Important Notice

SUN TONG LEE
IN RETURNING HIS BEST THANKS FOR THE
EXTENSIVE PATRONAGE HE
HAS RECEIVED FROM THE
INHABITANTS OF
GULGONG
AND
THE SURROUNDING DISTRICTS,
SINCE HIS ESTABLISHMENT
IN BUSINESS,

BEGS TO INFORM
Such of his CUSTOMERS as have shifted to the HOME RULE,
or intend to do so, that he proposes

OPENING
A BRANCH STORE
AT THE
HOME RULE

And trusts by maintaining the same
LOW PRICES,
Keeping a First Class Article,

AND
Strict attention to the wants of his Customers,
To merit a share of the business there as has been so liberally afforded him here.

SUN TONG LEE
HERBERT STREET
GULGONG

Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 106 21st August 1872

1872 - NOTICE
SUN TONG LEE Begs to inform the Inhabitants of this and surrounding districts that he has no connection in any way with a person of the name of CHOEY GUY AH FUNG, at present Storekeeper at Merrendie and will not be held at all accountable for any transaction the said CHOEY GUY may choose to enter into October 9th, 1872.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 121 12th October 1872

1873_____________

1873 - COUNTERFEIT COIN
Ah Young charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be a half-sovereign to one Dunn Hoo at the Home Rule. Constable Fitzpatrick stated that on Saturday evening Dunn Hoo gave the prisoner into custody and prosecutor said that the prisoner had given him it in change of a one pound note; there was one good and one bad half sovereign, prisoner said ‘It no belong to me, me never had it’ the word sixpence was scratched off, so other similar coins were found but he had £11/17/10, a gold nugget and a watch and chain, here Mr. Cory produced a counterfeit similar to the other one which he had in his possession for nine months, Sun Tong Lee and On Hing becoming bailees.

1873 - SUN TONG LEE
Bailee for Ah Young when he was charged with passing a gilt sixpence purporting to be half-sovereign to one Dunn Hoo.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 150 22nd January 1873

1873 - FALSE PRETENCES
R. J. Robinson charged that he did obtain certain monies under false pretences – 1st, £3 on the 23rd December from William Leahy and on the 2nd and 28th, obtained £3 from Sun Tong Lee. Sergeant made arrest, read charges, Robinson said it was correct, the two cheques were produced, drawn upon the Commercial Bank, Sydney. Senior Sergeant O’Donnell asked for a remand to obtain witnesses from Sydney, granted with sureties of £400.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 151 25th January 1873

1873 - CHARGE OF OBTAINING MONEY UNDER FALSE PRETENCES.
A solicitor, named Robert Joseph Robinson, on remand, surrendered to his bail, at Gulgong, on Wednesday last, charged with obtaining the sum of £5 from Sun Tong Lee and Co. by false pretences. The evidence of the prosecutor (the Western Post states) was to the effect that he gave prisoner £6 in cash for two cheques of his (prisoner's) for £3 each on his representations that they were good. C. W. Russell, junior clerk in the Oriental Bank, Gulgong, gave evidence as to the cheques produced being sent in by Sun Tong Lee and Co. for collection, and, being forwarded down to the Commercial Bank in Sydney, were returned to the bank here marked N. S. F.
C. Faronce, cashbook-keeper at the Commercial Bank, Sydney, deposed to the cheques produced being presented at that bank and returned, as there was not sufficient funds. R. J. Robinson had 3d. to his credit at the time the cheques were presented. Committed for trial at the next Quarter Sessions to be held at Mudgee, bail allowed, himself in £400, and two sureties of £200 each. 

1873 - LARCENY
A mere lad named Richard Rossiter charged with stealing a pair of boots, value 5/6, from the store of Sun Tong Lee at the Home Rule. It appeared that a number of boys entered the store at once to make purchases, one of them ran off with a pair of boots, Sun Ton Lee identified the lad. During the examination the prisoner wept bitterly. The lad stated he went to purchase a melon and saw another boy run away with the boots but he did not know him, if he did he would give his name, said he never touched the boots. Mr. Clarke made an appeal to the Bench, who discharged the boy with a caution.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue 166 19th March 1873

1873 - ALLUVIAL MINING
On Friday last the shareholders in No. 6 claim, sold Sun Tong Lee and Co., over four lbs weight of coarse nuggety gold, but what the yield was per load I have not had time to ascertain. 
Source:  Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 14 Jun 1873 Page 7

1873 - A GENEROUS CHINAMAN
A few days ago, during the heavy rain and piercing winds, a poor woman might have been observed passing up Herbert Street, with an infant in her arms and another unfortunate child clinging to her skirt. Heavens knows where she was straying but her appearance was that of object poverty. A few person were looking on with pity when a Celestial was observed to hurry from his place of business with a large parcel which he gave to the woman, and at once returned to his store. The parcel proved to be a pair of superior blankets. The gift was made in a quiet manner without the slightest ostentation, that it took those who witnessed it by surprise. The donor was Sun Tong Lee, a Chinese merchant in this town, and this generous action is in the highest degree creditable to his humanity.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser, Issue No.194 Wednesday, June 25, 1873

1873 - COMMERCIAL.
Business up to Friday during the past week, was exceeding dull, and scarcely anyone was to be seen in the streets, but on Saturday afternoon and evening, our principal street was lined with miners, who came in from the outlying rushes to obtain the ensuing week's supplies, and I am satisfied that, nearly the whole of the population was centred in Main-street. It is astonishing to many how low prices are in the drapery and grocery lines, as many articles are sold only a shade over Sydney prices, and this can only be accounted for by the large stocks kept by the two Chinese firms, On Hing and Company, and Sun Tong, Lee, and Company, as well as the large supply of goods kept by Booth und Co., who import themselves, and who all appear contented with small cash profits. From the central position of Home Rule there is little doubt that all the rushes surrounding it are supplied with staple articles of consumption, and if gold is struck in some of the new ground now being tested, our commercial prospects will considerably increase.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 26 Jul 1873 Page 7

1874_____________

1874 – [SUN TONG LEE – PURSE FOUND]
FOUND in our STORES a purse containing money, can be claimed by giving a description, after paying the expense of this advertisement, after 14 days the purse will be handed over to the Treasurer of the Gulgong Hospital. SUN TONG LEE CHINESE STOREKEEPER HERBERT STREET Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus July 9 1874

1874 – [PURSE FOUND BY SUN TONG LEE]
Notice I wish to advise that I have received from Sun Tong Lee, the amount of 36 pounds 5 shillings being the amount in the purse he found, which belonged to me. It is much appreciated for the trouble he went to Signed G. R. BROWNE, Gulgong
Source: Unknown newspaper, July 11 1874

1875_____________

1875 - SEE TYE - MURDER
The coroner, T A Browne, held an inquest on the 10th and 11th instant on the body of See Tye, the unfortunate Chinaman who was cut and wounded with a tomahawk by James Gatsos. The jury, Coroner, several police and the prisoner Gatsos proceeded to the house of Ah Yin, Reedy Creek, on Wednesday evening, when it was found that certain important witnesses were not in attendance. The day being advanced the jury sworn in and proceeded to view the body, after the inquisition was adjourned till Thursday at 2 pm, at the Court House, Gulgong. On Thursday the jury Messrs John Hunter, William Selff, James F Plunkett, Henry Harrris and C L Morris having answered their names.

The following evidence was taken:-

Robert Forster, police constable stationed at Gulgong; Opposite Sun Tong Lee, in Herbert Street, I saw a Chinaman in a spring cart covered in blood from a head wound, he was removed to Hospital. I proceeded to Happy Valley in company of Constable Parker and near Trounce’s puddling machine where I saw the prisoner James Gatsos, a Greek; he stated that he had chopped down the Chinaman with a tomahawk, he said he did not know the man, we then arrested him and Senior Constable Parker took him to the lock-up. Yesterday I saw the Chinaman from the cart lying dead in a hut at Reedy Creek.

George Hopkins, sworn: I saw the prisoner hit the Chinaman of the back of head three times, he was in a spring cart, he jumped out of the cart and ran towards me, with the prisoner after him. I disarmed the prisoner and sent for the police. The Chinaman was in the habit of hawking vegetables daily, prisoner worked near the place.

Bridget Adams sworn: The Chinaman came to my house at the Happy Valley in a cart, he was talking to me when a man jumped up on the wheel of the cart and struck the Chinaman three times. I saw Mr Hopkins take the tomahawk away from the prisoner.

Wilson Ramsay sworn: I am a legally qualified medical practitioner residing at Gulgong, I saw the deceased at Reedy Creek in a hut, he was suffering from wounds to the head and arm, when I saw the deceased he was a live; the wound to the head would be likely to cause death.

Reginald Henry Kemp Bennett sworn: I am a duly qualified medical practitioner; the deceased, See Tye, was brought to the hospital on the 6th instant, suffering from wounds to the head and arm, I saw the deceased shortly before he died, he was suffering from traumatic erysipelas caused by the wounds, when I saw the deceased last there was very little hope of his recovery.

Ah Yin sworn: I am the brother of See Tye, who lived with me at Reedy Creek, I saw the deceased at 5 am and he was quite well; the next time I saw him he was wounded. Then he died in the hut. I do not know the prisoner.

Committed for trial at the next Mudgee Circuit Court, April 12.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 13 1875

1875 - NOTICE
WIN TOW and QUIE CHING are no longer Partners in Sun Tong Lee’s Business at Gulgong or Home Rule. Business will be continued by SUN KUM TIY, Sydney, March 13, 1875
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus March 16 1875

1875 - DEPARTURE
We understand that Mr Lee, the manager of Messrs Sun Tong Lee’s Gulgong business, leaves here for Sydney during the week and that he will not again return to Gulgong. Since his arrival in Gulgong—now some four or five years ago—he has earned the respect of all classes of the community and we feel sure that many will regret his departure, especially those who have in their time of need received many act of kindness from him.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus September 18 1875

1876_____________

1876 - [GULGONG RATEPAYERS]
Listed among ratepayers in Gulgong in 1876:
  • Sun Tong Lee
Sun Tong Lee
Wholesale and Retail Grocers, Draper, Ironmonger and General
Storekeepers Herbert Street, Gulgong and at Home Rule
Source: Listing in 1876 January Almanac

1877_____________

1877 - HOME RULE
Although recording the fact of one of the big stores known as Sun Tong Lee's being jostled out in the cold, and in winter too, may not be of special interest to your readers, yet it denotes pretty well the actual state of things in this once bustling town. On Hing, another Mongolian firm, is at present master of the situation. I almost forgot to mention that the White Horse claim has come to the front once more. The last two or three washings yielded, I am informed, between 9 and 10 dwts to the load. There is nothing more at present to relate as to mining on this gold field. Nothing fresh having turned up since my last report.
Source: Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1932) Sat 26 May 1877 Page 9

1878_____________

1878 - GULGONG. Thursday.
A terrible storm broke over this town at half -past 2 o'clock yesterday. The gale of wind was accompanied with rain, thunder, and lightning. Jackson's tannery was wrecked; Wood's store, the west side was torn out; the front part of Sun Tong Lee's store was blown down; the post-office was partially flooded. Scarcely a house has escaped damage. In the western suburbs many telegraph posts were blown down, and fences were carried yards away. The damage was considerable. It has 'rained heavily all night, and there is every appearance of more.
There is a heavy flood at Biragamble and Guntawang, and Reedy Creek is a banker. Five hundred sheep were drowned, and sheds and houses dismantled. The approaches to culverts and roads were washed away, and the mail was detained several hours. Permission was then obtained from Mr. Richard Rouse to pass through his grounds and proceed on the journey. The weather to-day is overcast.

In Herbert-street the storm did considerable damage, demolishing several small buildings. The lightning struck the front of the large and substantial store of Sun Tong Lee, literally smashing it into thousands of pieces and tearing the verandah and verandah posts from their foundations.

1883_____________

NOTICE—We have this day sold to SUN YING TIY and CO. the business hitherto carried on by us, under the style of Sun Tong Lee, Storekeepers, Gulgong, who will continue the business on their own account.
SUN KUM TIY and CO.
Sydney, 20th March, 1883.
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