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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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made is that no one can help this—— Q (Continuing) Now tell us Fat— Quong you say he turned to the stranger and said What is your name? A Yes, and he said Wong— he answered Wong Hung. Wong Hung answered back to Mann Quan What is your name so Mann Quann say Sir, Mann Quann, and Mann Quann ask him You sit here and have some supper, Will you have a drink, Will you have a cup of tea, Have a smoke he call him to have dinner, and he no answer at all. Wong Hung he walk and go out. Q, Now, tell us next ? A By and bye two or three minutes he come back. Q Who with ? A Wong Hung. Q Come in alone ? A Come in alone. Q Com e in what ? A Come in the room. He asked---- MR. TAYLOR: I object to that- he is leading. Q When he came in was anyone at the door ? A Yes, when he com in I saw Gow and On and Sam at the door. Q How far away from Wong Hung— how far away was Gow and Wong On ? A About two or three feet. Q What did Wong Hun say ? A He say Mann Quann you come out, and I speak to you, and Mann Quann he say I don't want to go out, and Mann Quann friends say He don't want to go out, and Wong Hung he say You come out, and Mann Quann no answer. Wong Hung was walking around and fighting. Q I will get you down to that point in a minute.--Wong Hung you say he went round somwhere ? A Around BC Archives GR-0419 Box 100 File 1904/10 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.

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