1901/15 Rex vs. Wong Sing et al., 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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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.
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Gum Ling sworn says:
My name is Gum Ling. I know Lee Hong. I saw him last at Ah Mins store. He was eating supper there. There was quite a few men there. I know some of them and some of them I don't know. There was myself, Lee Hung, Lee Pock Hung, Lee Jung ah covey the one I call master, Leung Wah (identified as one of the prisoners in Court) the others I don't remember. I call Sin sang the master to have a drink and all of them at supper after four o'clock. Lee Hung called Skit Sin Sang the one I called master. Leung Ah Wah said, "you had better eat and not say anything (to Lee Hung) after we got through supper we all went out. I don't know anything of the fight. I have not see Lee Hung since. (prosecution have no question to ask) Gum Ling. her X mark.
Signed by the said Gum Ling after first having been read over to her and interpreted to her and who seemed to understand same and made her mark thereto. "J. Lehman." J.P.
Charlee Fook, interpreter.
BC Archives GR-0419 Box 87 File 1901/15 / BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. / Attorney General documents.