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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
MR TAYLOR: My learned friend is unfair to
suggest that he came in the room; he says he did not come in the room. MR MORESBY: I want to know whether it was hearsay, or whether he knew of his own knowledge that Nam Yuen did not come in. INTERPRETER: No Nam Yuen did not come in the room, but Wong On did, Q Well, where was Nam Yuen ? A He only heard Nam Yuen was outside; he say he did not see Nam Yuen, he just look and see Wong On, he did not see Nam Yuen. Q Yes, go on. A On asked Mann Quannn What you beat Nam Yuen for. $ Yes. A The reply was from Mann Quann, he say he was going to swear before the Joss, and because he accused him of telling a lie, and he wanted this Nam Yuen to go before the Joss and take an oath there, and he refused to do it and Mann Quann he struck me a blow first, and Wong On, he say no matter; he said that Mann Quann is not right, and don't make no difference to him-- that means he not right to beat him. I don't understand— he say "If you don't believe what I say you ask some others— COURT: He what ? INTERPRETER: He say if you don't believe what I say, ask the others. Q Who were the others ? A He did not mention which one, but he say some other ones in the room. Q What happened after that then ? A So he cursed Mann Quann; he say You such good fighter you-come out and have another fight. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.