WONG Felix

Description

Biographical informationBorn in Singapore on 2 January 1882. Arrived in WA in June 1898.

Shop assistant at 355 Wellington Street, Perth, in 1908 (Sam Lung Laundry). Moved to Broome and worked as a shop keeper from around 1911. Lived in Shieba Lane, Broome.

Travelled overseas three times: February to October 1909, January 1914 to June 1915 and January 1918 to June 1919. It is believed he married his first and second wives on return trips to China.

In May 1921, his wife, son Peter and daughter arrived in WA under exemption. Daughter Quey Hay was from a previous marriage. Several annual extensions were granted allowing the family to live together in Broome. Two further sons, Fred and Charlie were born in Broome in 1922 and 1924.

By the mid-1920s, further extensions for his wife and two eldest children were being refused. Felix could apply for Certificates of Exemption for his two youngest children born in Broome which would allow them to visit China and then return to Australia within the period of exemption. His daughter returned to China in January 1924. His wife returned to China with Fred and Charlie in February 1926. Both Fred and Charlie were granted Certificates of Exemption allowing them the right to return to Australia at a future date.

Moved from Broome to Perth in May 1927 with his son, Peter Kam Yen Wong.

In the late 1920s he was managing the Cafe Canton at 197 William Street, Perth and employing 2 Chinese and 2 European staff. His attempts to employ further Chinese cooks were unsuccessful (National Archives, A1, 1929/10740).

Felix died in Perth on 3 December 1935.

Felix left debts for his sons Peter and Fred to deal with. Peter described it 'as a large debt which I am endeavouring to pay off'. Other nameWong, Felix (differentiated name)Wong Wing (also known as)