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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
23:
into a persecutor for pecuniary purposes.
Mr. Powell: Did -
Court: That question is withdrawn, and if it is on the notes it can be struck off -
Q After they went in to Quann's room that night these four or five fellows, did anyone come in?
Mr. Taylor: I object to that. It is also a leading question - Did anyone come in. My learned friend must have some fairness about this, at least he must be guided by the ordinary principles of law.
Mr. Powell: Is Your Honor going to stand this I merely asked him the question Did anyone come in?
Mr. Taylor: It is a leading question.
Mr. Powell: I would like to have a ruling on that, before we have a long speech.
Mr. Taylor: My learned friend is entitled to ask him what occurred, but not to lead this witness along piecemeal. He is asking a leading question and I submit that my learned friend is not entitled to nurse this witness over the tender spots; he is entitled to ask him where he was on that evening, and what occurred, but he is not entitled to ask him a leading question such as this -
Mr. Powell: Would your Honor give a ruling on that. I asked him if anyone came in after they were there?
Mr. Taylor: That is leading.
Mr. Powell: We have heard your objection; surely, the court is entitled to give an opinion on it.
Court: I do not think it is every question that requires yes or no for an answer that is a leading question. I do not think there is anything
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.