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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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H He says , indicating on the plan here, that he jumped or top of the chair and ran passed the table to the bed. MR TAYLOR: He does not say that; I did not hear the witness say that. C0URT: I think he did. MR. TAYLOR: That is not Wong On, that is Wong Hung. COURT: No, Wong Hung. Q Who else did you see when he went to the bed and grabbed him by the cue ? A Lots of men come in here; some scare away you see, they scared you know. Q Scared? A And Wong Hung say"Come on Come on" Just like that. Q Yes. A Then let us see— 7 or 8 men come In together you know. Q Did you see them ? A Yes, I see them. {^ You know any of them ? A I know On and Wong Sun. Q You know Wong On and Wong Sun? A And Wong Hung had his cue; I know a few men. If I saw them would know their face. tj Did you recognize Wong On ? A Yes.. Q You know him ? A Yes. Q Where you see him ? A I see him here ( indicating on plan). Q Pointing to the plan, that is a position in close proximity to the table inside Quann's room; now what you see him do— did you see him do anything? A I cannot tell what I mean.
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.