1903/18 Rex vs. D.L. Ray and Wing Wo – murder (Trail)
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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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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Q. Why was'nt he working ' A. He could'nt get any place to work. Q. Was he strong? A. He not very strong. Q. What was the matter with him ? A. He was sick. Q. How long was he sick ? A. Quite a few months, long time. Q. When did he go to bed with sickness-when Sing went to bed? A. He say he don't know. Q. Ask him if he can venture an opinion how long he thinks it was ? A. He could'nt tell; could'nt say. Q. Did he ever see him in bed ? A. No he did'nt; he work most of the time . Q. When does he work ? A. Works at Mrs. Gibb's. Q. When does he work ? A? He go to work four o'clock in the morning. Q What time does he come off work? A. Between eight o'clock in the evening . Q Where does he sleep ? A He sleeps in Wing Wo's. Q (Producing plan of rooms) Where is his room, supposing this to be the street and this the entrance; this the stairs leading up here/ Where would his room be? A. He in front room up stairs. Q. How many doors from Sing's room was that ? A. Two doors in one room. 3. Q Well, here's one door, here's the other door (indicating), where is Sing's room ? A. This Sing's room (indicating). Q Then there were two doors from his room. Sing's room was on what side of the house? BC Archives GR-0419 Box 95 File 1903/18 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Attorney General documents.