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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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room from the Joss room as shown on the plan. MR TAYLOR I would like the witness to answer that question, and not have the Counsel put words into his mouth. COURT: He pointed with his finger on the plan it would be much more satisfactory Mr. Taylor if you were here watching that plan. MR TAYLOR: I submit my learned friend should not do that, as I would call to your mind that that was not the witness answer. Q Now, what happened after this strange man came into the room. After he came in the room the second time— t think you said he came back the second time. MR. TAYLOR: Who came back the second time ? INTERPRETER: He say strange man he come back the second time, between twenty minutes and half an hour. Q Now, put that again Wing-- go back a little bit. INTERPRETER: Go back when this strange man come back?
Q Yes, after this strange man went away what happened ? A He say he come back. He came back in the room, he look very bad— he means mad. In a very few seconds-- he means shortly after— this fellow all at once he stepped on seat and jumped over on Quann's bed and took him by the cue— Q You say he came book, who is he ? A Wong Hung. Q How how long was it between this first time Wong Hung was there and this second time? BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.