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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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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Q You say that again, we don't understand you— A After men drag Quann out— fighting in front of the Joss Hall— Q Fighting in front of Joss Hall ? A Somebody say pull him out and Kill him and after they say Run away quick Policeman come—-

MR TAYLOR:    Somebody said Policeman come— WITNESS:    Mann Quann say Help my life— MR TAYLORt:      He got past that stage; he got down to  the point where someone said policeman Come.

WITNESS: I say this first— and short time after that I heard something drop from the top to the bottom- heard the noise. I went to go and see and all men run away and someone say Quick run away, Policeman come. Q What did you go to see ? A I went to see what they fall down for. q What did you see  ? A When the men go that way I go downstairs to find out what the matter was. Q What was the matter ? A Quann lay down on the floor,

 You saw Mann  Quann laying on  the  floor    ?

A Yes , and one or two men were— some here and some here, some couple of Chinamen up here, and we say Quann hurt very much, and then I ran to the Doctor and policeman, Q Now, did you get the policeman  ? A I Just ran to get the policeman and policeman come in the room. Q You know the name of the policeman ? A Policeman stout man. Q What did they do with Quann ? A I go put Quann on a chair, and then went with the policeman BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.

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