Transcription Page

1897/6 Regina vs. Song Mun – attempted rape (New Westminster)

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Reg. v. SONG

Information and Complaint for an Indictable Offence

Canada, &c.

City of New Westminster.

The Information and complaint of Thomas Lee Sing, Westr. taken this 27th day of February, in the year, &c., before the undersigned, T.C. Atkinson, Police Magistrate one of her Majesty's Justices of the Peace, within and for said City of New Westr., who saith that Song Mun on the 1 day of February, 1897, at the City of New Westminster upon one Lee Sing, a woman, lawfully and violently did attempt to make an assault and ... the said Lee Sing violent and without her consent unlawfully did attempt to ravish carnally know.

(sg) Thomas Lee Sing. Sworn before me, &c.,

(sgd) T. C. Atkinson, P. M.

Deposition of Witnesses.

Taken at New Westminster on March 1st, 1897 before

T. Atkinson, P. M.

MARTHA LEE SING, upon her oath saith as follows:

I am a married woman; Lee Loy Sing is my husband; I am 22 years of age; I live on Sixth street; I keep a store; I sleep in a house near the Chinese mission; it belongs to myself and my husband; he has a store on Agnes street; he sells tea during the day; remember the 15th of February last; it was a Monday; I was home washing; Song Mun came to my house; my husband Lee Sing was not there; he came in by the front door; I was in the kitchen; he had European clothes on;

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 68 File 1897/6 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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