1912/24 Rex vs. Ah Tom – keeping a disorderly house
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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In the Supreme Court of British Columbia
Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery.
CANADA
Province of British Columbia.
County of Yale,
City of Kamloops.
The Jurors of our Lord the King present that Ah Tom at the City of Kamloops in the County of Yale in the Province of British Columbia on the eighth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand nine hundred and twelve unlawfully did keep a disorderly house to wit, an opium joint on the premises known as 262 Main Street in the said City of Kamloops, against the forms of the Statute in such case made and provided and against the peace of our Lord the King His Crown and Dignity.
I hereby direct that Counsel acting for the Crown at the Kamloops Spring Assizes, 1912, prefer the above Bill of Indictment to the Grand Jury.
Attorney-General
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 155 File 1912/24 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.