Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

Current Page Transcription [edit] [history]

27

265 Q Do you know a Detective was being engaged and you know this Detective was to shadow the witness Harrison? A. I heard so.

6 Q Who did you hear it from? A. One of the Chinamen for the defence.

7 Q One of the Chinaman who was instruction yourself and Mr. Cowan? A. Who had instructed me on one occasion; I don’t know the man, he was a stranger to me only this matter came up.

8 Q You do not know this Detective yourself? A. No.

9 Q Nor his address? A. No, I don’t know a thing about him.

270 Q You have never seen him? A. No, not that I know of; I have not seen him in connection with this case. If you will tell me who he was, I will tell you whether I know him or not.

1 Q Do you know he resides or claims to reside at the Ansonia Hotel on Dunsmuir Street? A. No.

2 Q When you came to the Police Court to bail out Cum Wing and the accused, do you consider you came here as Counsel? A. Mr. Russell, at that time I did not know the names of the men; I got a telephone message that two men were arrested for fighting on Canton Street and I got hold of the Inspector and Magistrate and the bail was fixed at twenty five dollars, and I telephoned what the bail was and they came and got him out. I didn’t see the man until the next day. The next day I had instructions to appear for Lem How, the Accused, and in the meantime the other three men had been rearrested and were being held pending an Investigation. The charge of murder had not been laid. I applied for bail for Lem How and the Magistrate adjourned both accused.

3 Q You didn’t apply for an adjournment of the case against Cum Wing? A. No, I didn’t I simply said I applied for an adjournment and the Magistrate said “I am going to adjourn the whole thing until the following Friday” that was on Tuesday.

BC Archives GR-0419 Box 193 File 1914/195 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.

Current Page Discussion [edit] [history]

Image 29 of 36