1904-10 Rex vs. Wong On and Wong Gow – murder (at the Chinese theatre)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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son. Dr. Robertson came twenty minutes after that, and I found when I returned from phoning that In the meantime the Chinamen had carried the deceased upstairs.
Q Do you know Mr. Carson whether the deceased was in the same position, or did he appear to be in the same position as when he was thrown down, or when you first arrived on the scene we will say had he been moved? A I don't know how he could have from the fall he received; he seemed to have been laying in the some position.
Q Now have you seen that Chinaman since - do you know what became of that Chinaman? A I understand that he died at 6 o'clock in the morning.
Q Did you see the body afterwards? A No, I did not.
Q Did any conversation take place between the Chinamen so far as you could tell and the man you saw on the stage while you were there?
MR. TAYLOR: (Interrupting) What is that?
Q I want, to see whether he was unconscious or conscious.
MR TAYLOR: Ask him. if he was unconscious.
WITNESS: The deceased and the other Chinamen were speaking it seemed to me apparently rational.
Q They were speaking in Chinese ? A Yes.
Q And while you were there - let me understand you - when you telephoned for the Doctor was it then they moved him upstairs? A During; the time.
Q And then you came back? A Yes.
Q And did you go upstairs? A When I arrived back with the Doctor Sargent Walker was there.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.