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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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3.
Q. On the accused’s ranch ?
A. Yes, Sir.
Q. What work did you do ?
A. Picked strawberries, finished cutting woods, and hoed potatoes.
Q. Did anything happen whilst you were hoeing potatoes?
A. Yes.
Q. What did happen ? Were you hoeing potatoes alone ?
A. No, with Celia Lang.
Q. Anyone else there?
A. No.
Q. Did you see the accused when hoeing potatoes?
A. Abut 5-o’clock.
Q. Where ?
A. He came to the ranch when where we were working.
Q. How close to you did he come ?
A. About a foot away from us .
Q. What did he do ?
A. He knocked us over.
Q. Who do you mean by us ?
A. Me and Celia.
Q. How did he knock you over ?
A. Gave us a push.
Q. What did you do ?
A. Got up again.
Q. Did he strike you a blow ?
A. No he pushed us.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 184 File 1914/40 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.