WONG Felix

Description

Biographical informationWong Felix (aka Jack Young Wong) was born on 2 January 1882 in Singapore. He migrated to Western Australia in June 1898. He was five feet six inches in height.

He worked as a shop assistant at 355 Wellington Street, Perth, in 1908 (Sam Lung Laundry). He moved to Broome and worked as a shop keeper from around 1911, living at Shiba (or Sheba) Lane, Broome.

He 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 his return trips to China.

In May 1921, his wife, son Peter and daughter arrived in Western Australia under exemption. His 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.

He 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 and was buried in Karrakatta Cemetery (Wesleyan Section, FC, Plot 531). In June 1977 his remains were exhumed & sent to Sydney, New South Wales. In November 1977 he was reburied at Rookwood General Cemetery, Zone F, Methodist Lawn, Section C, Grave 6.

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)Jack Young Wong (also known as)Date of birth2nd January 1882Date of death3rd December 1935