1908/7 Rex vs. Ung Wing – shooting with intent to murder
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
ARGUMENT.
46- Q. Well, did you go on a search with Mr. Waddell on a search through the town of Ladner, ---- and if so, -- what occurred? A. Mr. Waddell, came to my barn and gave me information of a certain chinaman, and ask me ----
Mr. J:- I don't want you to say anything about that. 47- Mr. K:- Never mind that, -- never mind the conversation, -- just tell us what happened? A. Well I sent away for the chinaman that has been doing my work, and I asked him to go out and fine ---
Mr. J:- Objected to.
48- Q. Go on, and you took the chinaman? A. Well, about a quarter to two, I seen Mr. Waddell come to my barn, and I said ----
Mr. J:- Objected to
Witness:- Well, I want to ----
49- Court:- Never mind, --- just hwat happened relative to the arrest? A. And I went to Foo Long's house.
50- Q. In company with whom? A. Mr. Waddell
51- Q. And anybody else? A. No. And went upstairs and arrested that chinaman.
52- Q. This chinaman, the accused? A. Yes sir.
53- Q. Now, I want you to describe these premises of Foo Long's that is with reference, to the class of buildings --- that is with reference to where it is in Ladner, -- and where the rest of chinatown is situated? A. Food Long's house is on the bank of Chilock Slough, and he keeps a wash house. And this man when we arrested him was in this house.
54- Q. That is the accused? A. Yes sir.
55- Q. And what is up-stairs? A. It is bed rooms and places where they sleep.
56- Q. What time of the day was this? A. It was close to two o'clock.
7.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 124 File 1908/7 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.