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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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comes to the foot of the stairs which was leading to the third story there was over ten people standing around there, and also he saw Nam Yuen with the keys opening the door. I don't know which door he meant. Q What door was that ? A They just made a door there lately, a new entrance made purposely for the female, protecting fire happen, and if there be a fire they could get out. Q A fire escape; now did he say what Nam Yuen was doing did he say ? A He had the key at the door, opening the door. Q And then he went for the bottle of wine did he? A Yes. Q Did he see anything more ? A He went after the liquors downstairs. Just commence getting around the table-- he means just commence. Q Well, after he got the bottle of wine, did he cone back, or what did he do ? A When he come back with the liquors Mann Quann was already hurt, injured, and the people brought him up to his bed. Q Did he find anything around there ? A No he say he did not see anything on that night, but after he returned from the hospital to see Mann Quann, who he say was injured very seriously--he mean that the doctor enters his room -Mann Quann, and told him he was very seriously injured- he said It was after that he found iron bar along side the box and also on the foot of the stair; one on the foot of the stair and one along side the box . Q Now, just tell him to show us which one he found ? A Both of them (indicating). Q Those two the cold steel and the longer iron bar ? A Yes. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.