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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
25:
Mr. Taylor: I am entitled to have the answer as it was said. What did he say to your question?
Interpreter: He say No. He says Mann Quann asked him to go up and bring Nam Yuen and get some actors that belonged to the theatre -
Mr. Powell: We will not go into that.
Mr. Taylor: I object to any statement as to what anyone said.
Court: Oh yes.
Q After that episode that he has just told us about, did anyone else come into the room?
Mr. Taylor: I object to that; he was asked if anyone came in, and he said No.
Mr. Powell: He is telling it in his own style, and he gives one answer which is ahead of the one I am getting at.
Mr. Taylor: My objection is being put forward at present. My learned friend asked a question did anyone come into the room, and I took an objection on the ground it was a leading question, and your Honor ruled it was a proper question and not his answer and my learned friend he asked him the question and "No" got his answer, and he now wants to cross-examine on that answer, and now the next question he is asking is did anyone else come into the room. That is a false suggestion, and it is cross-examination on his own question, and he is not entitled to ask this question.
Mr. Powell: Of course you will understand my learned friend is trying to suppress this evidence as to what did take place. I asked my witness a question, and then he begins to tell of another incident. Now, I am going to conduct this examination in my own way and I am not going to be stopped. I think
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.