George Shom's Shop, Perth

Description

DescriptionGeorge Shom was the manager of Ah Ling & Co., 127 Barrack Street, Perth, from 1897 for at least twenty years. He lived at 815 Hay Street, Perth and may also have traded from this address. His shop sold fruit and vegetables. The first year that George Shom - fruiter and greengrocer at 815 Hay Street, Perth appeared in Post Office Directories was 1918 (PO Directory 1918, p. 213).

Shun Chong & Co., also a fruiterer and greengrocers, previously occupied the shop at 815 Hay Street. Bankruptcy proceedings were taken against Ah Shong - trading as C. P. Shun Chong & Co.- around February 1916 (Sunday Times, 6 February 1916, p. 2).

Up until January 1918, George Shom and Ah Young (his father?) had a market garden and orchard in Kalamunda on land leased from Mr Burt of South Perth. This land was taken on by Wong Hin Toong and Oh Shee under the trading name of Jack Lee, Kalamunda. (West Australian, 30 January 1918, p. 1 and 1 February 1918, p.9).

This account of an incident in Shom's shop in July 1919 is an example of the sort of behaviours many Chinese workers were subjected to:
"Wilful Damage.-"I don't remember anything about it," said Frederick Stingmore, in answer to a charge of having, on the previous evening, wilfully damaged a cash register, set of scales, 3 shelf fixtures, and electric light fittings, the property of George L. Shom. P.C. Carmody deposed to having, at about 8.30 p.m, on the previous day, arrested accused at the request of complainant. Witness was shown the extent of the damage, and questioned accused, who replied: "That -- said that in three years' time his countrymen would have possession of Australia. I couldn't stand that." George L. Shom (complainant) stated that accused, accompanied by another man, entered his shop, at 815 Hay-street, at about 8.15 p.m., and purchased some celery. The other man offered to pay, but accused said: "No --- fear; don't pay a Chow." Witness made repeated requests for the money, but accused assaulted him; and then threw the cash register to the floor. He then "punched" the scale scoop; and threw it at the lamp shade and smashed it. Accused then pulled the shelf fixtures down. Witness estimated the damage to the shelves, fittings, and scales at £2. He could not say to what extent the register had been damaged. A fine of £2, with damages amounting to £2, was imposed on the charge of having damaged the scales, lights and shelves, while the charge of having damaged the cash register was adjourned to the following day. Bail was allowed in a personal bond and one surety of £5 each." (West Australian, 23 July 1919, p. 6).

Address815 ,Hay Street,PerthLocation^[1]

Person