1884/16 Ah Keong, attempted murder, big scrap in Victoria’s Chinatown
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
time the row commenced at a house on Government street, while we were there a Chinaman came running in and said there was a row in Fisgard Street. I went down but the row was over, Fong Wy was in custody then
To Mr WIlson: I went down directly I heard there was a row, it was up stairs room of On Hing's building where I spoke to Wah Shue I spoke to at the door of the house as I was going in, about 10 or 12 minutes before the Chinaman came running in to say there was a row. there was time for Pown Shuk to get down there about 300 yards away.
To the Court: It was not possible for Wah Shue to be at the row as he was talking to me when we were informed about the row. It was possible for Pown Shuk to have been at the row
Jno. Flewin
[illegible] C.P.C.
A.F. Pemberton P.M.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 26 File 1884/16 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.