Biographical informationSing Yee may have been an alias for Genn Shing who was thought to have arrived in Australia in 1897 or 1898. In later statements, Sing Yee admitted to arriving around 1908.
He was working as a market gardener in South Perth around 1915.
Sing Yee was granted a Certificate of Exemption from the Dictation Test (No. 161/70) on 15 September 1915 (copy not yet found). He left Fremantle for overseas on 14 December 1915. Soon after, Customs were informed that his entry to Australia was illegal. When Sing Yee returned to Melbourne on 16 July 1917 aboard the SS Tango Maru his Certificate was revoked.
Sing Yee admitted to providing a false Naturalisation Certificate but the Crown Solicitor advised that, given he had entered many years prior, it was too late to prosecute Sing Yee. He was permitted to remain in Australia but was fined £3 with £7.7.0 in costs.
Sing Yee remained in Melbourne after 1917 and worked as a cabinet maker. On receiving news that his mother in China was ill, he applied for a Certificate in 1923 but was refused.
In 1935, Sing Yee’s whereabouts were unknown. Based on advice from the Crown Solicitor’s office, prosecution was again considered did not proceed as the case did not have a high chance of success. Sing Yee’s application for the Certificate for Exemption for the Dictation Test was refused.
Please note: Sing Lee (1)'s travel dates are similar to those of Sing Yee who was regarded as an illegal immigrant. A new entry has been created for Sing Yee as he did not appear in the 'Asian Immigrants' Dictionary of Western Australians. Other nameSing YouGenn Shing
