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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
28:
Q He has already told us that two or three times; after that time tell us what took place after that? A Mann Quann say Nam Yuen accused him of telling a lie. He asked him If that was true what he tell or not - do you understand the question?
Q Yes, that is alright. Now after that ask him what took place? A Mann Quann told him I did not tell a lie, you are the one that is lying.
Mr. Taylor: I object to this; it cannot be used as evidence against the accused. Court: He is only describing the events that took place in the room at this particular time.
Mr. Taylor: That is not evidence against the accused, I take that objection at any rate.
Q You say Nam Yuen he had some talk with Mann Quann? A Yes.
Q Tell him to go on and tell us what took place? A Mann Yuen say he did not say so, and Mann Quann asked him to take an oath before the Joss.
Q Where was the Joss? A It is outside of Mann Quann's room.
Q Well, what happened then? A Mann Quann asked Nam Yuen to take an oath before the Joss, and said you must do it.
Mr. Taylor: I suppose the one objection I have made applies to the whole of this evidence.
Court: I understand this is simply leading up; it has no bearing so far on the subject; it is simply leading up to the subject of what did occur -
Q What happened then? A Nam Yuen cursed Mann Quann and all at once struck him a blow.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.