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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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MOCK CHEE, merchant, cor. Government and Cormorant Streets:- I know defendant, have known him ten years; I recognize the book produced (ex. 'C'); I saw it and examined it carefully in my capacity of Secretary at a meeting of the Chinese Benevolent Society in April last; it contains the accounts of a vegetable garden worked by five partners; their names are given in another book produced, exhibit 'D;' namely Mon Kee, i.e. Foung Due, Fun Que, Sine Sing, Chin Hong and Fun Quie; (this last not on the books); Foung Due told me at the Society meeting that he was Mon Kee in the book; the pages of exhibit 'C' now produced to me were admitted at the Society meeting by Foung Due to have been written by him. (First two pages)
FOUNG DUE, recalled: I say now that I was a partner in the garden at Fairfield with Chin Hong, Fun Que, Suie Sing, Fun Quie; 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.
Certified correct copy of notes of evidence taken on 3rd and 11th October instant, on the hearing of a case on judgement summons in the Small Depts Court of Victoria, in which defendant Foung Due was the judgement debtor.
F. Macrae, Magistrate.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 60 File 1895/82 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General Documents.