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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]
Q Did he say anything else ? MR. TAYLOR: I object to that. INTERPRETER: He say You look out tomorrow and so they went away—- 14 Where was he on Saturday night ? A He say near the supper time I was at Quann's room.
Q Who was present; who was in the room ?
A He name Quann; Ah Fun; Haw Fat, Ah Fook— Q Who Ah Fook A Over there (indicating Wong Wing Fook). Ma Sun— Q Ask him if that is not another name for Lee Sum. A Lim Sing he another man, Lim Sing. Q What was this other name then ? A Lim Sing. Q Anyone one else he remembers? A Gin Duck. Q Gin Duck any other ? A Some other there, but he don't know their name. Q Now, what happened ? A The cook brought in the fish and put on the table; one of the men came in, followed the cook in the room— Q Who was "one of the men" ? A I don't know, that is what he say. Q You ask him ? A He say "Quann you come out I want to ask you— that means I want to speak to him. He say I don't know his name till Quann ask him his name and he say Hung. Q He say he don't know his name ? A Until Quann ask him. He say Hung— Q And then the man say Wong Hung ? A He say he did not know until Quann asked him. He mean that he did not know until Quann asked his name he say Hung. MR. TAYLOR: (To Interpreter): J don't think you said what my learned friend did. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.