1903/18 Rex vs. D.L. Ray and Wing Wo – murder (Trail)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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A He was then at the same place he was at the time of his death. He was downstairs when I saw him; when he died he was up. Q What condition was he in when you visited him first ? A I made an examination of the lungs; he was in that condition that so convinced me at the time that he was on the downhill road in the direction of consumption. Q He had consumption pretty bad, did'nt he ? The lungs were pretty well gone at that time, when you examined him first? A No I detected consumption; that's as far as I can go. Q Was it very well developed at that time ? A No, Q It was not? A No. Q You say that you approximated the time he would live at six months ? A Six months, more or less. Q But approximately, six months was the time he would live ? A Yes. Q Did you ever go to see him since that time ? A No. Q Was he well nourished at that time ? A Well, I don't think he was missed very much at that time , Q What physical condition was he in apart from consumption ? A Pretty fair physical condition. Q Was he not considerably emaciated at that time ? A Not to any extent. Apart from the condition of his lungs at the time I made the diagnosis I might have passed him on the street and not noticed he was sick. Q Did you make any other examination than the lungs ? A No. Q. You could'nt tell, then, whether or not, apart from that,that he was in a healthy condition at that time A . how is that ? BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 95 File 1903/18 Attorney General documents.