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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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COURT: Of course as I cannot see what the ground is for your objection I will have to-admit it---- MR TAYLOR: Now, supposing an objection is taken to certain testimony that comes up here, and it becomes apparent at some stage of the proceedings afterwards that it is not testimony which should hove been admitted, it makes a difference when the objection was taken at the time, and the reasons would later come very apparent for that objection— although the court might not see my reason at the time of the objection. MR. MORESBY: How can this Court rule then if this is not shown to the court— COURT: Of course I will have to admit it at the present. So far as it appears to me I cannot see but that the evidence is not strictly admissible. MR TAYLOR: I want my objection put on the record. COURT: The Stenographer has it, Q Now, the last thing you told us was that these people all come past here — he has pointed here on the plan. Now looking at this plan the places he marks is between the table and the wall now what did they do, what did they do with Quann ? A Wong Hung hold his cue, bring him down here, and those men come here four or five, fighting Quann- you know-- fighting him. Q How were they fighting ? A Sticks like that, something like that. I don't know it was this or not (indicating iron bars . Q With iron bar ? BC Archives GR-Q419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.