1893/26 Regina vs. Ghee Gow, Lee Quong, and Wong Ping – burglary and entering, River’s Inlet
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Depositions of Witnesses.
Canada, Province of British Columbia, District or County of Westminster.
The examination of Sing Kee, late of Rivers Inlet, taken this twenty-ninth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and ninety two, at New Westminster, in the District or County aforesaid, before the undersigned, one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said District, in the presence and hearing of Chee Cow, Lee Quong and Wong Ping, who are charged this day before me, for that they the said Chee Cow, Lee Quong and Wong Ping at Rivers Inlet, on or about the 16th day of June last past, feloniously break open a safe and steal and take and carry away therefrom a quantity of money.
This Deponent, SING KEE, upon his oath saith as follows: I was living at Rivers Inlet on or about the 16th day of June last past; I was working at Findlay, Durham, and Brodie's Cannery: I was living in the Chinese House and the three prisoners were living with me; I had a conversation with them on that day in the presence of four men, this includes myself, and the three prisoners; Wong Ping, one of the prisoners, said that on the arrival of the Steamer the book or store keeper had brought up a lot of money in a sack, and Wong Ping suggested that the four should join together and take the money; this was in the night; we all went to the store; I watched outside; the other one, Lee Quong, went in first and open the door,
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BC Archives GR-0419 Box 49 File 1893/26 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.