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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

-

says- man he  say Mann Quann,  lot more hit  and beat.

Q Lot more hit and beat, where was Mann Quann? A (indicating on plan) Here. Q Here; now anybody you see there ? A Mann Quann's head on the floor. Q Anyone have hold of him ? A Wong On and Wong Hung-, and Wong Sam and Wong Gow. Q Can you tell me where Mann Quann's head was, whether it was here or here ? A I cannot tell you. Q Did Wong On have hold of him, or anyone else have hold 7 A Some men have hold. Q Where you stand when you see this ? A I was standing at the door. Q And could you see anybody hit Mann Quann where you were ? A Yes, I see them hit. Q What did they hit him with ? A Wong On hit him. Q Wong On hit him ? A And Wong Gow hit and Wong Sam and Wong Hung. I savee four names, not any more. Q What did they do then ? A They say Mann Quann finish, nearly dead, throw him down and finish him. Q Did you see anybody throw him down ? A Yes I see- Q Who did you see ? A I tell you all those four. Q When they throw him down, what did they do after that ? A After that somebody says Hurry up and let us go, the police come. Q Hurry up, let us go, the police come; what did they do then. Well, where did they throw him down when you saw them throw him ? A That place (indicating) I not see downstairs— I not look; I see all people gone BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 51 of 111