Transcription Page

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*Please note that archival source materials are original historical documents that have not been censored, reviewed or otherwise altered by the Royal BC Museum.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. 

BC Archives G-0419

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Hung Won, sworn, saith:Question by Mr. Devitt: He's a partner of Wo, with the prison-Wo ? A. Yes. Q In the laundry business in Trail ? A. Yes. Q And he lives on the Bowery-he lives in the laundry, does he? A. Yes/ Q Ask him if he knows the man who died-Sing ? A. He does not. Q. Ask him if he ever saw him 1 A. Yes; he see Sing downstairs at time you and doctor went down there. Q. He see Sing downstairs when I and the doctor went there ? A. Yes. Q. Ask him if he knows him-tell him what that means, to know a man, to have an acquaintance with him you know what that is Ask him if he knows Sing. A. Yes, he know Sing. Q. He knows Sing-he lives in the laundry ? A. Yes; he lives in the laundry. Q. And was Sing there ? A. Yes. Q. Was he strong ? A. He said he just been sick and weak long time. Q And he just saw him when I was in there with the doctor ? A. That's what he told me. Q Did he never see him again ? A No, he did not. He was busy working, never saw him afterwards. Q. He lives there-this man lives there ? A. Yes. Q. He's a partner of Wo ? A. Yes. BC Archives GR-0419 BRITISH COLUMBIA. ATTORNEY GENERAL. Box 95 File 1903/18 Attorney General documents.

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