SOONG QUONG Paul

Description

Biographical informationPaul Soong Quong was born in May 1867 in Canton, China. He migrated to Victoria, Australia in 1885 and moved to Western Australia in 1895. He was five feet eight inches in height. He was the husband of Rose Soong Quong.

In 1891 he was in Victoria and served as a catechist for the Wesleyan Methodist Church and worked to expand Sunday schools and night classes. In 1896 he moved to Perth and became a Christian minister and a leader of the Chinese community. He lived at 11 Hutt Street in Mount Lawley.

He applied for a CEDT to leave Western Australia for travel in August 1898 and he asked permission to return to Western Australia with his wife. In his request he stated, "I should also be glad if you will add permission for me to bring a wife if I so desire". Approval was given. He also applied for permission to visit his countrymen throughout the various Western Australian ports on his return journey in 1899. Approval was granted although it was noted that the request may present some difficulty given that his photograph may not be held by Customs Collectors at all ports.

Paul's son Samuel was born in 1900.

On behalf of the Chinese community in Perth, he presented a medal to Liang Qichao 梁启超 / 梁啟超 at Perth Town Hall during Liang's visit to Western Australia in 1900.

May have had a brother/cousin, James Soong Quong, who resided in Fremantle around 1900. Paul Soong Quong applied for a certificate for James's 14-year old son, Yock Lunn, to enter Western Australia. Yock Lunn's mother has been killed by the Boxers and their house burned down and Paul Soong Quong made a case for Yock Lunn needing to come to Australia to be cared for.

In 1901 he appealed to the Prime Minister to reduce the severity of the proposed Immigration Restriction Act, 1901 (Yong. C. F. p 15).

Around 1909, he rented a shop at 80 Brisbane Street, Perth from Margaret Dyson.

Soong Quong was pivotal in establishing the Chung Wah Association, served as Secretary at the time the foundation stone was laid for Chung Wah Hall in 1910 (Daily News, 12 October 1910, p. 8). He was President between 1915 and 1917. He worked tirelessly to enhance the Association's advocacy efforts for Chinese Western Australians.

In 1916 he owned and managed a fruit shop with Rose at 52 Stirling Street, Perth.

He left Western Australia with his wife in July 1920.

Paul Soong Quong's legacy is a poignant reminder of early Chinese immigrants' contributions to Western Australia's history. His dedication as a missionary, community leader and advocate for justice transcends his era, exemplifying the enduring impact of compassion, resilience and unwavering commitment to community.
Other nameSoong Quang, Paul (differentiated name)Soon Quong宋廣宋广Soong QuongDate of birthMay 1867

A profile photo of Paul Soong Quang aged 54 in 1920 from his Certificate for Exemption from Dictation Test form (source: NAA: K1145, 1920/124, page 1)

Employment

Job titleChristian ministerDate employed[date unknown]

Family

SpouseSOONG QUONG Rose (female)ChildSoong Quong Samuel

Connections

Subject (person)MOY LING JamesSubject (organisation)Chung Wah AssociationSubject (place)80 Brisbane Street, Perth52 Stirling Street, Perth11 Hutt Street, Mount LawleySubject (topic)Chinese heritage in Western AustraliaMethodist ChurchShop keeperFruitererRelated collectionAnne Atkinson CollectionRelated linkNAA Travel File 1898NAA CEDT File 1920NAA War Registration File 1916-1920 <Not digitised #4272439>AU WA S675- cons527 1898/1970

Item information

ContributorSchool of Social SciencesSource of informationAsian immigrants to Western Australia, 1829-1901 (Atkinson, 1988)

Significant place

RelationPlace of birthPlaceCantonDate1867

Significant place

RelationImmigrated toPlaceAustraliaDate1885 (Vic)

UWA Collected

SOONG QUONG Paul

THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA