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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
29:
Q Who is Nam Yuen? A He is a musician, play the banjo - banjo player at Chinese Theatre.
Q Well, what happened after that? A Mann Quann returned the blow to Nam Yuen.
Q Well, what took place then - go on? A Nam Yuen he chased Mann Quann - and so Mann Quann chase - he run downstairs, that is, run away from him.
Q Tell him to go on and tell us what next took place? A So the people they separated them - several of them held - that is held Nam Yuen so that he must not go down and chase Mann Quann.
Mr. Taylor: That is all objected to.
Q After that, ask him what took place-- do you remember ? A And he say those people- a few of those people took Nam Yuen up to his room. Q Well, what happened after that down in Quann's room? A So he say himself and some others asked Mann Quann to go back to his own room, so he went back to his own room.
Q Well, after he got back in his own room what took place? A After that Mann Quann got back to his room, Nam Yuen came back from his room, and as he was passing downstairs he cursed Mann Quann, and he say you are a good fighter, you come out and I fight you.
Mr. Taylor: I object to that.
Interpreter: He say we heard by the noise of walking he went outside.
Q After that what took place? A He went away and about half an hour or so Wong On came in.
Q Who came in? A Wong On.
Q Was Wong On alone, or anyone with him?
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.