1895/82 Regina vs. Foung Due, alias Mon Kee – perjury (a market gardener, sending money home)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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]
(2) Depositions of Witnesses. Canada, &e.
The examination of Farquhar Macrae, of the City of Victoria aforesaid, S.M., of Mock Chee, of Ah Duck, of Ah Low, taken on oath this 21st day of October, in the year, &c., 1895.
This deponent FARQUHAR MACRAE, upon his oath says as follows:- I am P.M. for the City of Victoria and a S.M. for the County of Victoria; I preside at the sitting of the Small Depts Court held at Victoria; I held a sitting of that Court on the 3rd October instant; I recognize the defendant Foung Due; he was there on a judgement summons as judgement debtor; he was examined on oath, the oath having been administered by me; I took notes of the evidence given by him and the other witnesses; these notes taken at the time are now before me; they are the only notes taken of the evidence by any officer of the Court; accused said he never kept any accounts or books of accounts for any person or persons working on the land belonging to Mrs. D.R. Harris at Fairfield; he said one Fun Que was boss there; he said he did not know whether Fun Que had or had not a partner in working these lands; he did not know whether or no Ah Duck was a partner; he knew he had worked there 3 or 4 months; he said he never kept books for anybody but himself; he said since he went to Mrs. Harris' he never kept an account for any person; he was recalled on the 11th October and reminded that he was still on oath; the words he said were:- "I say now that I was a partner in the garden at Fairfield with Chin Hong, Foung Que, Suie Sing and Fun Que; I kept the books at first; I told a story last week when I said I was not a partner and did not keep books;" the examination of the defendant was in English, though I thought it prudent frequently
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 60 File 1895/82 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General Documents.