Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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30:

A He say he did not see it I heard the voice of only one person.

Q Yes, I see; well Wong On came in alone, is that what means? A He say he did not see it, only heard one voice outside, that is Wong On -

Q Did he come into the room? A Yes, he came into the room.

Q Well, what took place after Wong On got in the room? A He came in - the very first place he come in there and he cursed Mann Quann.

Q What did he say to Mann Quann? A He say Mann Quann you are a good fighter, and he cursed him; used curse words to him, and he said you are the very best fighter; and he said that you had written all Wong On's account - I don't know what that means -

Court: Are you giving the witness words, or did he tell you what language he used.

Interpreter: Yes.

Court: You are to interpret just exactly as the witness gives it.

Interpreter: I would not like to say what curse he used.

Court: He is telling what took place.

Interpreter: Just cursed, used bad language.

Q Now, when Wong On was talking to Mann Quann, was there anybody else at the hall? A Yes, he said there must two or three outside, a good many, several more outside.

Q Was there anybody he recognized at the door?

Q Wait a minute. A Wong Sun; the others he did not know; he mean he did not know their name.

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

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