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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Wong Gow. Q Behind him ? A Behind I see Wong Sum standing here (indicating Wong Sum standing at Wong On's back. Man he come in Wong Hung , look all round this way (indicating) and he said Where Quann ? Q Who ? A This strange man he say Where Quann, and Quann answer and said I am Quann. Q What he say then ? A He said Quann you come out, I ask you come out. Quann says I don't want to go out now. I go out after supper. I not go out now, and Mann Quann asked him What your name ? Q He said what is your name to the stranger ? A Yes MR TAYLOR: (interrupting) I understand that that is one of the witnesses who has been in here. INTERPRETER: (B. LEE) He is a man unknown to this side at all. MR TAYLOR: How do you know ? INTERPRETER: I had a good look at him. MR TAYLOR: As long as my friend will assure me that he is not a witness, but he is someone who came in and will probably take it out to the rest of them. COURT: I did not notice him. MR. TAYLOR: Here is a witness giving evidence; my complaint is this a witness testifies and a chinaman he hears him, well then he goes out and tells the others. This man scooted out like a criminal. MR POWELL: How long was he in ? He was here about ten seconds . MR TAYLOR: As I said before, the point I
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.