1900/40 Regina vs. Tom Lung - assault
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
Alexander Holland, bar tender, Avenue hotel:- I was working on the 8th instant; my hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I know the accused; he was working in the Avenue hotel as a servant; on the 8th instant I saw him there cleaning up in the bar that day; he had been working for the hotel for about six weeks previous to then; on that morning he became saucy in delivering an order, and I told him to go, out from behind the bar and I would give him his money and I would let him go; I pushed him outside the bar and told him to wait there till I got through with an order and I would give him his money; he did not resist me; I turned to Mr. Richardson and asked him if he would deliver the order which I had filled; he said he would; I turned to the register, took out a $5 bill and two silver half dollars, laid it on the corner of the bar near where the accused was standing and told him there was his money. He said no, that he wanted more money; he wanted pay for the work done that Thursday morning; his week was up on Wednesday; he was hired by the week at $5.50, but there was 50¢ due him rom the previous week; I said that sooner than have any trouble I would give him a half dollar; I turned to the registered and opened it and took out a half dollar; just as I was turning around with the money in my hand he struck me with an empty quart bottle, Seagram, 83, he struck me on the left side of my face and the bottle flew to pieces; he split open my forehead and cheek with the blow; all that remained in his hand after the blow was the neck of the bottle (Exhibit "A); we were both behind the bar at
(2)
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 83 File 1900/40
BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL Attorney General documents.