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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q Apart from the lung trouble, you could'nt tell whether he was in a healthy condition at the time you examined him ? A. Well, there is just this about it: a man is guided and governed by symptoms in a way. It's not every day that a man complains of his chest. Q, Did you examine his scrotum and his bowels? A. Not at that time. Q Well is it not necessary, when one is in that advanced stage of consumption, for a physician to visit him once in a while ? A Which ? Q Only about six months of life-isn't it necessary for the physician to see to him ? A Not always necessary- it was'nt in this case. Q It was'nt in this case ? A. No. There's this about it: I left it discretionary with the boys; if they wanted me I was most delighted to have gone. Q Doctors always are in such cases ? A Yes. Q Now the next time you saw him was when you were called to perform the autopsy on his body? A Yes. Q When did you see him then ? A It was midday about twelve o'clock, perhaps a little before twelve, on the seventeenth. Q. Where did you see him then ? A. Saw him in bed. Q In the house where he died . : A I presume he died there. Q. How did you come to go in there that day ? A. On request of his Worship, the Mayor. I met Mr. Schofield going up the street, and he said In your capacity as health officer, take a run over there and disinfect that BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 95 File 1903/18 Attorney General documents.