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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Q Where did you see him ? A I saw him out-side there.
Q At the morgue ? A And lot other people go to see him too. Witness aside. MR. TAYLOR: I ask leave to reserve my cross-examination of this witness until after the other witnesses are examined. We might possibly finish with the other side by one o'clock, COURT: Till when do you want to reserve your
cross-examination ? A Until the other Chinese
witnesses are examined. COURT: All right, I see no objection to that. I would advise that you give him to understand you will want to cross-examine him later on, and he is not to go out of the room. ——- WONG WING FOOK, a witness on behalf of the prosecution having been duly called and questioned by the Interpreter stated that the form of oath which him was most binding on him was the Bible, Mr. Taylor objects to this form of oath being administered on the ground that owing to the witness not having proven to his satisfaction that he was a follower of the Christian religion he was not entitled to this form of oath being administered, as he did not consider it would be the most binding. The court held that it would be bound to swear witness by the oath as mentioned above. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.