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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q What condition as regards his health would you say this man was in ? A I would say he was a healthy man. Q No other ? A No, Q And there were no other assisting causes of any kind ? A Not that I can discover, MR TAYLOR: I don't wont to cross-examine at all. Court binds Dr. Robertson over to appear in another Court and give evidence herein. MR. POWELL I ask that we adjourn until this afternoon, I may say that completes the Chinese witnesses for the prosecution. We have but one other witness Seargent Walkerr, and outside of Seargent Walker we have no evidence. We will have the other witnesses here for the purpose of cross-examination.. MR MORESBY I might add, we would have had the Seargent here, if we had known which constable it was- that is on the point of these three iron bars. Court adjourned till 2:00 p.m. Police Court, Victoria, B. C., 18th February, 1904. 2:00P.M. PURSUANT to adjournment the Court met at 2:00 P.MM, all parties being present as before.
MR POWELL: That completes the list of our evidence Your Honor. We have decided not to call anymore. Our three witnesses are here for cross-examination. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.