Transcription Page

1893/39 Loo Yet (false pretences, mentions Chinese miners on Protection Island)

As part of the Chinese Historical Wrongs Legacy Initiative, the BC Archives has digitized a selection of documents related to criminal prosecutions against the Chinese community from 1866 to 1914, found in GR-0419. These are mainly records created as part of the preliminary hearing held before a judge in order to determine whether there was sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. There are often lengthy witness statements, and cross examinations by both prosecution and defense lawyers. The eventual verdict is sometimes recorded on the outside of the docket. They offer a fascinating glimpse into 19th and early 20th century criminal activity around the province, and ways in which the Chinese community was stereotyped. The records offered for transcription here are a small selection; for additional digitized material from GR-0419 click here. 

*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum. Some materials may contain content that is racist, sexist or otherwise offensive. In addition, GR-0419 records deal with subjects such as assault, murder and abuse, which may upset some readers. The Royal BC Museum is only the custodian of archival materials; the content does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Royal BC Museum.
*All transcriptions are provided by volunteers, and the accuracy of the transcriptions is not guaranteed. Please be sure to verify the information by viewing the image record, or visiting the BC Archives in person. 

BC Archives G-0419

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3/ Wesley Robinson Bryant being sworn upon his oath saith as follows – I reside in Nanaimo and was so residing in 1891 – when I was Paymaster of the New Vancouver Coal Mining and Land Company Limited – I made up the wages account or Pay sheets and paid the men employed by the said Company – In April and May 1891 we made up the wages of the white men at Protection Island as well as the Chinese twice a month. but only paid the Chinese at their own request once a month. Bray (the last witness) and Richards had a contract with the said Company for sinking the Protection Island shaft – I paid the Contractor workmen the wages certified to be due to them by Bray & Richards – and charged the total amount of their pay sheet to the Contractor as an advance – Bray and Richards had 6 Chinese in their employment in April 1891. I produce the Pay Sheet Book for that period – It shows the Contractors account of footage sunk – with deductions for Cash advanced. Materials supplied and rent and medical account. for every two weeks – It also shows the number of days worked by each man – the rate of wages – amount deducted and the balance of cash paid to them. In April 1891 there were 6 Chinese entered as laborers for the Contractors – the Chinese are designated by numbers 1-2.3.4.5 and 6 – Bray and Richards generally sent me

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