1914/195 Rex vs. Lem How – attempted 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
19
COURT That is towards False Creek.
203 Q And away from Pender Street? A. Yes, I cannot talk very little English.
COURT: What Mr. Cowan is asking is this, when you saw these two Chinamen Lem How and Lem Ho – you know where Pender Street is? A. Yes.
4 Q When they going from Pender Street towards the water or were they going from the water towards Pender Street – I mean False Creek? A. I saw Lem How, he came downstairs, then he went to nine Canton and then he came back.
MR. RUSSELL: How does your Worship follow that.
5 Q Now when you saw Lem How first, Lem How and his brother first, where were they?
COURT: What street were they on when you first saw them? A. I saw Lem How and Lem Ho.
6 Q. Where? A. When they came down from 556 ½.
7 Q A moment ago, you said he came from Pender Street
MR. RUSSELL No, he did not.
A I did not say he came from Pender Street.
8 Q In the examination in chief you told Mr. Russell that you saw Lem How and Lem Ho come along Shanghis alley from Pender Street. A. No I said he came downstairs from 556 ½ and the nwent to nine Canton alley.
9 Q Where were you all this time? A. In the crowd at his store. If you get a photograph I can show you where the street is. I saw standing on the sidewalk.
10 Q Near which sidewalk? A. Quen Yick Chung’s store.
1 Q That is 552 Shanghis alley? A. Yes.
2 Q And can you see nine Canton street from there? A. Oh yes.
3 Q Then you say that Lem How went to nine Canton Street? A. Yes.
4 Q You saw him do that? A. Yes.
5 Q And a bunch of fellows with him? A. Yes.
6 Q Going to Canton Street, nine Canton Street? A. No not a bunch of men came down, just Lem How and Lem Ho just went
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 193 File 1914/195 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.