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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Q Well, who was in the room ? A One name Si Quann and another man named Fun- Ah Fun and Si Quann. He say he not remember, but he says he thinks another two or three were there; he is not able to say who it was. Q Yes go on and tell us all that occurred ? A In about a quarter of an hour Quann came up to the room after he got through his work he came back to his room. First he saw me, he speak to me,and said You are not going to leave, and he says Stay for supper. MR TAYLOR: I object to that. MR.MORESBY: That is not evidence. Tell him we don't want anything that took place between him and Mann Quann unless the accused were present. Now, in consequence of that what took place ? A He s«y he was just going to tell you they had just commenced to set for the table— Q The table just ready for supper ? A While the table was setting one stranger comes in—- Q Yes, wait a minute; first how was this table set for supper; tell him to explain how this table was set for supper; what sort of a table it was; what sort of a cover was on it. A He says the table was a square table, but had a rough top, a cover to put over it, a cover that they put on top of the square one. Q Now he says a stranger came in ? A Yea a stranger came in. Q Now,just go on . A He asked Which is Quannn. Q I beg your pardon ? A He asked Which is Quann ? MR. TAYLOR: I object to that. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.