1914/40 Rex vs. Chong Ching – carnal knowledge
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
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Q. You understand what you have to do ? You take the Book in your hand and kiss it.
A. Yes Sir.
His Worship then administered the oath to May Redcliffe.
C. R. Hamilton continued his examination.
Q. Where do you live ?
A. On the Hall Mines Road.
Q. Do you know the accused ?
A. Yes.
Q. When did you first know him ?
A. Last year.
Q. Did you work for him last year ?
A. Yes, on his ranch near the Pioneer Dairy.
Q. Whereabouts is that ?
A. On the Hall Mines Road.
Q. How far out.?
A. About half a mile from my place.
Q. Do you live in the City limits? And is his place in the City limits or not ?
A. Don’t know.
Q. What month was it you worked for him ?
A. In July last year.
Q. Do you remember the date? Was it the beginning, the end or the middle of the month?
A. Not quite the middle of July.
Q. Was it near the first or the middle?
A. About the 12th of July.
Q. What did you go there to do ?
A. To pick strawberries.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 184 File 1914/40 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.