1895/82 Regina vs. Foung Due, alias Mon Kee – perjury (a market gardener, sending money home)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Mrs. D. R. Harris, Fairfield estate; I was a partner with him between one and two months; Foung Due kept the books; I put in $100.00 and got out $70.00; Foung Due, the accused, kept the money; I sold vegetables and turned over the money to Foung Due. (sgd) Ah Duck. (in Chinese.) Ah Wing, Interpreter
Thomas R. Smith, J.P. E. Pearson, J.P.
AH LOW, on his oath says as follows:- I live on Pandora Street, No. 9; I know the accused, Foung Due; I was present on the 3rd October at the Small Debts Court, Victoria, when he was examined by Magistrate Macrae; I heard him say he had no partner and kept no accounts in a China vegetable garden; I heard him say it was on Cook Street and owned by Mrs. D. R. Harris; on October 11th I heard him say in the Small Debts Court that he told a story on October 3rd when he said "he had no partner;" (Foung Due said.) "he kept the "books;" "he told a story when he said he did not." Ah Low. Ah Wing, Interpreter
Thomas R. Smith, J.P. E. Pearson, J.P.
Certified copy of notes of evidence taken on the 3rd day of October instant in the hearing of a case on judgement summons in the Small Debts Court of Victoria in which defendant, Foung Due, was the judgement debtor, put in as evidence and marked exhibit "D." Book marked "C" also put in Statement of the Accused.
I reserve my defence.
For Magistrates' certificate authenticating depositions, and Recognizances to Give Evidence and Recognizance of Bail, see original depositions.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 60 File 1895/82 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General Documents.