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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
83: INTERPRETER: He say he asked Quann to go out there and speak to him, and Quann he say "Anything particular?" and he say No, not particular, and he say "Nothing in particular, you speak it right here— that is what Quann say. Then Quann asked him what his sir name is. He say Wong, He asked him what his given name his Christian name, and he say Hung, so he asked Quann- that is Wong Hung asked Quann Quann say Man Quann. Quann asked him to stay to supper, and he looks very cross, savage -looking, so he say he - "I left the room to go out for a bottle of wine— that is chinese liquor you know. Q Left to go for a bottle of wine ? A So he left the room. Q What happened ? A When I came out from the room- I saw two persons standing outside the room; he did not know them. Q What room ? A What you call that room ? Q Joss room ? A Inside of that— Quann's room I guess— he say just outside Quann's room—— Q Saw two men just outside of Quann's room; did he know them? A No,
Q What were they doing ? A He looks in the room— peeps in the room— looks in the room.
Q What else did he do then ? A He say "I goes out for the bottle of liquor. Q What did he say ? A He goes out for the bottle of liquor. Q, Did he come back ? A He got to next door he saw Gow standing there-— Q He got to where ? A Second door, 14 Which is Gow ? A (pointing to accused) Gow there. Q This man over here ? A Yes. When he
BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.