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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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COURT: Mr/ Taylor, do you wish to cross-examine? MR TAYLOR: We will reserve our defence. MR. POWELL: I will call Haw Fat, and I wish to have his refusal to cross-examine as each witness is produced. COURT: The three witnesses are here, you don't propose to cross-examine any of them ? A No. MR. POWELL: I propose putting each witness in the t>ox. Under the Act the counsel has to have a full opportunity given him of examining each witness. COURT: This one is Haw Fat Chung. Court asks interpreter to tell witness he is bound over to appear in another Court to give evidence herein. Witness acknowledges obligation. MR POWELL: Your Honor, I would like it specifically put to my learned friend that he does not intend to cross-examine this witness. I wish to have it exact. COURT: (Addressing Mr. Taylor) You do decline to cross-examine this witness? MR. TAYLOR: I do, your Honor. WONG WING FOOK called. COURT: I suppose you decline to cross-examine this witness, Mr Taylor ? MR TAYLOR: YES, my reason for that is I am not sufficiently well acquainted with the material and I therefore do not deem it wise to plunge before I know what I am doing. COURT: We are not concerned with your reasons you have a perfect right to do as you like. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 100 File 1904/10 Attorney General documents.