The Accusation of Lee, 1904

In the early 20th century, Wellington was a bustling port city where the fear of disease mingled with racial prejudices. In 1904, a Chinese grocer named Lee found himself at the centre of a storm when he was falsely accused of having leprosy. This accusation would not only change his life dramatically but also expose the deep-seated racial hysteria of the time.

A Journey to New Zealand

Lee, whose full name was Lee Young, arrived in New Zealand in the late 1880s, drawn by the promise of gold and new opportunities. Initially, he worked as a market gardener in the Hutt Valley, where he cultivated vegetables for the burgeoning city. By 1904, Lee had established a small grocery in Wellington, catering to both Chinese and European residents. His shop was a modest success, symbolising his integration into the community.

The Rise of Racial Fear

The turn of the century was marked by xenophobia, with the Chinese community often scapegoated for various societal ills, including health scares. Leprosy, a disease shrouded in fear and misunderstanding, became a focal point for racial hysteria. Public health officials and the press propagated the notion that Chinese immigrants were carriers of this dreaded disease.

The False Diagnosis and Exile

One day, a customer noticed a skin lesion on Lee’s hand, which led to his immediate examination by local health authorities. Despite no conclusive evidence, Lee was diagnosed with leprosy based on superficial observations. This misdiagnosis led to his abrupt exile to Mokopuna Island, a small, desolate islet off Wellington’s coast used for isolating those with leprosy.

Life on Mokopuna Island

Lee’s life on the island was one of profound isolation. He lived in primitive conditions, with minimal shelter and sustenance, far from any medical help or human contact. Today, we understand leprosy (now known as Hansen’s disease) can be managed with medication, and the stigma surrounding it has largely dissipated. However, in Lee’s time, the disease was a death sentence of solitude, based on fear rather than science.

Public and Media Reaction

The Wellington media played a significant role, often sensationalising stories about Chinese immigrants. Newspapers like The Evening Post reported on Lee’s case with headlines that stoked public fear. Yet, some voices, albeit faint, questioned the ethics and accuracy of such draconian measures. Public opinion was split, reflecting the broader societal attitudes towards race, health, and humanity.

Legacy and Commemoration

For nearly a century, Lee’s story was a footnote in history until 2004, when Wellington’s Chinese community, led by historian Lynette Shum, commemorated him. They unveiled a plaque on Mokopuna Island, acknowledging the injustices he faced. Shum highlighted how Lee’s ordeal is a stark reminder of the excesses of racial prejudice and public health hysteria.

Lessons from History

Lee’s story is not just a narrative of personal tragedy but a lens through which we can examine ongoing issues of racial profiling and public health responses. It underscores the dangers of misinformation and the ease with which society can vilify minorities based on unfounded fears.

As we reflect on this piece of Wellington’s history, we are reminded of the necessity for empathy, accurate information, and justice in our responses to health crises and social integration. Lee’s legacy teaches us to question, to learn, and most importantly, to ensure that no one is again condemned by the colour of their skin or the fear of the unknown.

Engagement and Thoughts

What are your thoughts on how historical events like Lee’s reflect on today’s society? How can we apply these lessons to prevent similar injustices? Let’s continue this conversation. Click on the HOTLINE Letters to the Editor to share your views or to learn more about this significant part of our history.

HOTLINE Letters to the Editor