Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

BC Archives G-0419

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A. Wo and Ray.

Q. The two defendants came and borrowed the stove and took it away?

A. Yes.

Q. What did they do with the stove ?

A. Sing said it was cold .

Q. Ray and Wo borrowed the stove from from him-Joe. What called their attention to the fact that--how did they know-did they sit up to--- Mr. Gillan (Interrupting) Well, I object-that's entirely out of the way. Mr Devitt:- to Interpreter: Ask the witness why they came up there and what they said. Give the conversation; what did they say when they came into the room ?

A. That's all he know-just two of the boys borrowed stove from him. He said it was very cold.

Q. Did he object to it ?

A. He did'nt object. He say he was sleepy and tired.

Q. Did he hear any more noise that night ?

A. No.

Q. Does he still stop there at this man's house ?

A. Yes, he stay there yet, but he was to move out last night. He could not stay. He go back tonight, he say. There's sulphur; he could not stay.

Q. Does he want to go back there ? Mr. Gillan objects.

Q. Did he ever hear any more noise in this room ?

A. He says no, he did not hear amything at all.

Q. Just knew about the stove ?

A. That's all.

Q. Did he ever see Sing afterwards?

A. No/ he did not see Sing afterwards.

Q. Never went into his room ?


BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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