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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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dead;  Finish him dead,  and throw him down.

Q Was this in the room, or out in the Joss place? A Out in the Joss place. Q Did you see anybody hit Mann Quann in the Joss place ? A Yes, I see. Q Where was Mann Quann in the Joss place; where was he, on the ground, or sitting down, or what? A Mann Quann somebody hold his cue; he pushed his head on the floor this way (indicating). Q He push his head down on the floor; now who did you see in there; did you see men push him on the floor and hit him ? A Yes. Q Did you see in there anybody you knew ? A I see Wong on.

Q     Where was Mann Quann in the room-      do you

which way he was ? A Yes, I remember which way. Q (producing plan) Suppose you know that; Here is table in Mann's room; table and bed (indicating on plan). You not mark; There is the bed, end that out here is Joss place, and here Joss you savee this thing ? A "Yes, I savee. Q (indicating on plan) Here is theatre stage down here. Now you say they drag him out the Joss place; you show us — here is the door coming here . (indicating on plan £x. I). Here is the Joss place here (indicating) You tell us were Mann Quann was in there, this side or whereabouts ? A First time Mann Quann was up here, when he called for people-- Q Mann Quann was just near here (indicating) when Mann Quann called the people to save his life? A When Mann called out, and this place he BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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