1892/116 Regina vs. Ah Maw – murder, Cassiar
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Regina vs Ah Maw
Murder of Ah Hing
Yip Sin a chinaman being duly sworn upon oath saith: the same night Ah Hing's house burned about six o'clock Ah Hing left my house to go home. He lived about one mile from me he said that he would go home and start a fire for everything would get froze. About eleven o'clock same night Lee Loon came down and halloed to me I sent my partner to the door to ask him what he wanted he asked me if Ah Hing had come down to my house or not. I told him that Ah Hing was not there. I told him to go to Ah Shin's house and see if he was there. About a quarter of an hour Lee Loon came back and halloed me again. I asked him if he find Ah Hing he say no find him. When Lee Loon came back I asked I sent two boys with him to Ah Hing's and about two hours after they come back I asked them if they see Ah Hing or not they no then Ah Shin's partner come up and went up to Ah Hing's house the next morning I went up to Mr Metcalfe and then I went down to Ah Hing's house with Mr. Metcalfe. Mr. Metcalfe showed me the remains of Ah Hing I asked Ah Maw who killed Ah Hing he told me he don't know
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 46 File 1892/116 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.